Opale (kk016) by Level

text by Barry G Nicholas / Level

OPALE was recorded during a period of personal turmoil, and creative turbulence. I wanted to follow the Level | Cycla release with a fresh perspective, and a new formula. Having created Cycla from piano and keyboard sounds generated using software which I then subjected to various treatments and deformations, I wanted to create something less fractured, less manipulated. I called upon my good friends, Linden Hale, and Keith Berry to provide me with original piano samples to use as source material, which I then fed through the sampler, but this time attempted to keep to the original spirit of the source material, adding my own digital touches and textures as I went along.

Opale represents a singular line of thought, and a singular approach, so I suppose in some sense, all of the tracks actually comprise one piece, broken into several parts. The pieces all represent “the Frozen Moment” …as the hands of time are unrelenting, waiting for no man, I am sure many of us have ached for time to stand still during moments that are particularly poignant, perhaps, or maybe, mourning the loss of a loved one, we could hold on to these precious moments with them for just a little longer. I have experienced these moments on several occasions, and having lived a humdrum, and pressurised existence, sometimes I yearn to be able to stand back, relax, and savour precious moments for much longer than they actually last in order to gain a greater appreciation of their beauty and magnificence. Opale represents these precious moments, and simultaneously worships and mourns their passing.

My deepest thanks and love go to my dear wife, Maura Wallace-Nichols, also Linden Hale, and Keith Berry for their contributions, and these recordings benefitted from their contributions and creativity, and deepest thanks also to Nao at Spekk, and Mike at Smallfish for confidence in my works, and undying support. (August 2008)

Tracklist

1.	Opale 1 [jeux]	2:57

2.	Opale 2 [ae ist]	6:31
3.	Opale 3 [braide]	8:14

4.	Opale 4 [mobilus]	5:43
5.	Opale 5 [eastre]	7:18
6.	Opale 6 [oriente]	6:11
7.	Opale 7 [a frozen moment]	7:41
8.	Opale 8 [il alp]	3:00

Credits

released November 18, 2008

[de]constructed March - May 2007
Piano samples provided by Linden Hale, special thenks.
Cover photography / digital enhancements, "Leaf Architecture", BGN | FOURM 2008
Cover design by mondii
*sourced from piano samples provided by Keith Berry,
[with thanks for your beautiful work and inspiration]

dedicated to the memory of Rena Mary Wallace, RIP
with love to my wife, Maura Wallace-Nichols
Special thanks to Nao for giving these recordings a home, and supporting the project.

Complimentary recordings and other projects can be found at:
fourm.wordpress.com

Label SPEKK
Catalogue# kk016

License