RICHARD BONE
Ascensionism
(p) (c) 2000 Quirkworks Laboratory Discs
9tks/48mins

"Ascensionism" is the final part of the trilogy by Richard Bone, following the brilliant-experimental "Electropica" and "Coxa". And, probably this is the most strong and extraordinary part of the trilogy. Richard Bone, masterly intertwining ethnical melodies and Oriental rhythm in his music, connects all this with an ambient-covering sounding and his numerous 'firm' noises. I need to say, that Richard Bone works with noise masterly, creating the special, a little bit 'pushing aside' atmosphere, helping to ascent to the highs of his trance-ambient-ethnical-jazz experimental music.

"Waters of Assiyah" is an elegantly-smooth beginning of the journey. In the "Sister Samadhi" appear a pulsing rhythm and strict structure with soft little bells sometimes appearing in the background. The ascent begins with a total dance.

Birds singing and the deaf beats of the drum announce the appearance of "Kavvannah". A not fast walk in a beautiful garden, a journey to the clear consciousness. And here we take off with the soft keyboards sounds and weightlessly-transparent noises in "Ariel Dane & The Serphim Swing". It is changed by spyingly-mysterious "Walking' With The Dharma Bums" with jazz sound and 'free' brass section. We are somewhere in a secret place, an inn, hidden in the high mountains. Among the various crowds we are waiting for the meeting with a guide, who will lead us through the hidden gorges and dangerous passes to the sun-lit peaks, which white caps are sparkling above.

We approach the culmination part of our journey. Noisy places and densely inhabited settlements are left behind. We are alone among the silence of mountains. Even the air is vibrating here. The road becomes more dangerous, and ringing little bells together with strict melody in "Ascensionism" lead us on a narrow path between the open gorges, protecting us from falling into an abyss.

The inner solitude becomes especially sharp in "Jhana". There are only sharp peaks and unlimited distance wrapped in a white fog around us. Piercing keyboards underline this endless solitude. And here we are caught up by a sensually-optimistic "Sultry Sally's Meditation Alley". Enjoying the sensitivity is not putting you down, but uplifts you. And there is a non-seriousness of a Divine celebration in all this.

Our ascent to the pulsingly-flowing spaces of the other world is concluded by "The Continuing Adventures of Jet Swami". Jet Swami prepares the listener for the new adventures. And they take place in the hidden final nameless composition. One can feel the piercing tenderness, which flowing with waves, reaches the most intimate depth of the human essence.

Listen to this music. It is difficult to describe it, because it not similar to anything and it can be experienced only with an open heart.

Serge Kozlovsky