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Chris Meloche / Impossible Shapes CSA 302 1) Tale of the Brocken Specter (1991) 4:55 2) Not Yet Broken (2002) 10:00 3) Endgame (for Morton Feldman 1926 - 1987) (1989) 13:06 4) Half Arcane (Netherworld Soundscape) (2001) 16:09 5) Electric Interlude (1992) 3:00 6) A Bit of Rat (1982) 9:09
Probably best known for his CD releases on the FAX and Silent record labels in the 1990s, Canadian composer Chris Meloche has had a long and diverse musical career. For nearly 25 years, Meloche has carved out a unique niche for himself in many different areas of sound creation. The relative isolation of London, Ontario, Canada has long proved to be an inspiration for his creative process. Located half-way between Toronto and Detroit, the distractions of either major center can easily be ignored or embraced. In the early 1980s, Meloche composed and performed live electronic music soundtracks to classic silent films such as Nosferatu and Metropolis with M104 musical partner Werner Albert. His subsequent projects led to collaborations with fellow musicians Gerry Collins and Brian Lambert as well as work with sound-poet bill bissett. He has also had a long association creating sound-design for the Governor General Award winning visual artist Jamelie Hassan. In the mid-1980s, Meloche was one of the original group of members of the Canadian Electroacoustic Community - an organisation based in Montreal and a recognised leader in the promotion of electronic music. Over the years, his work has been featured in concert settings and radio broadcasts around the world including the UK, USA, France, Russia and the Netherlands. In 2001, he was commissioned by BBC radio to compose a work for the special radio series "The Alternative: The Shock of the New." Among the three other composers featured in this series was German musical icon Holger Czukay.
While Meloche's CD releases may have been small in numbers, they have managed to gain international attention from such sources as The Wire and the BBC. His two releases on the German FAX and American Silent label both succeeded in elevating Meloche's worldwide profile. "Impossible Shapes" is a (necessarily) brief overview of a long and productive period covering 1982 to 2002. Only one of the works included in the collection has previously been issued. Currently, Meloche is working as half of the duo the Outward Sound Ensemble with Herb Bayley. Their work continues to push the boundaries of musical expression. A comprehensive bio, discography and performance info is available at www.chrismeloche.com The CD is distributed in the UK by Pinnacle. It can also be purchased through this site and stock is available now. The CD has a great review in November 2004 edition of WIRE MAGAZINE, which simply ends by calling the CD "essential." The CD has a four star review in the influential American ALL MUSIC GUIDE in November 2004. "Experimental, eclectic, slightly sinister listening" The CD has had air-play on the important BBC Radio 3 Late Junction programme in November 2004. Sonic Arts Network in London are covering the CD in their subscribers magazine. "Half Arcane (Netherworld Soundscape)" was commissioned by Radek Boschetty of BBC Radio for inclusion on their series "The Alternative: Shock of the New" in 2001. Recordings of the Hans Kennel International Alphorn Orchestra recorded by Swiss Radio were provided by the BBC as the basic raw sound source for this work. "Electric Interlude" originally appeared on the CD entitled "DisContact" issued by Canadian Electroacoustic Community.
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