Browse by Label: FIRE MUSEUM

Artist:	PAING ENSEMBLE, NAI HTAW
Title:	Mon Music of Burma
Label:	FIRE MUSEUM
Format:	CD
Price:	$12.00
Catalog #:	FM 002CD

"The rarely recorded traditional music of the Mon people is vanishing and endangered, highly developed, and barely known even to Asian traditional music connoisseurs. Historically the Mon were a dominant, highly cultured, and influential people in Burma more than a thousand years ago. There are several instruments peculiar to the Mon. Most recognizable is the Kyam (crocodile zither), a 3-string long zither with frets that are shaped like a crocodile. Another is the Batt Kine, a row of 14 or so pitched gongs that is upturned at both ends like a crescent. Also, there is the Mon violin, a 3-string fiddle with a western-like body played upright. This is incredible music with an unique character! Nai Htaw Paing, The leader of this ensemble, currently serves as an assistant lecturer at Yangon Cultural University. He started studying Mon traditional musical instruments, singing, and dance from his father in 1965. He regularly performs on Mon National Days, Mon State Day, Union Day, and other important receptions. He occasionally teaches the new generation of musicians but has difficulty finding time given the economic situation of the profession. He would like more Mon nationals to be aware of their own music, Myanmar traditional music and other world musics. He is passionate about rediscovering and preserving the endangered arts of the Mon culture. Recorded in Yangon, Burma by noted musicologist Rick Heizman (previous collections of his Burmese recordings have been released on Shanachie, Pan and Smithsonian), the Nai Htaw Paing Ensemble are recognized as masters of traditional Mon music. There is currently an effort by concerned Mon people to revive and preserve Mon culture, language, and identity, and this recording will help further this effort."

Artist:	SONDHEIM/RITUAL ALL 770, ALAN
Title:	The Songs
Label:	FIRE MUSEUM
Format:	CD
Price:	$12.00
Catalog #:	FM 004CD

Kind of unbelievable that this has been reissued -- out of nowhere and a very pleasant surprise. Sondheim released 2 of the most-out ESP-Disks (Ritual All 7-70 & T'Other Little Tune and here is his prior Riverboat label album. "First ever reissue of The Songs, the debut recording by Alan Sondheim & Ritual All 770, originally released on Riverboat Records (later recordings appeared on ESP Disk). Recorded in March 1967 and included on the legendary Nurse With Wound list of experimental recordings, on this album Alan Sondheim played Electric Guitar, Violin, Flute, Suling, Xylophone, Alto Saxophone, Classical Guitar, Clarinet, Shenai, Bass Recorder, Mandolin, So-na, Hawaiian Guitar, Koto, Sopranino Recorder, Chimta, Cor Anglais, Sitar and Bansari. Joined by Barry Sugarman (Tabla, Dholak & Naquerra), Chris Mattheson (Bass), Robert Poholek (Trumpet & Cornet), Ruth Ann Hutchinson (Vocals), June Fellows (Vocals) and J.Z. (Jazz Drums); Ritual All 770 were a group of improvisors living in Providence, Rhode Island. (Perhaps they could be considered the sonic forebearers of the Fort Thunder scene...) Rejecting the notion that avant garde music was solely the realm of isolated academia, they delved fearlessly and joyously into their music, creating a work that sounds fresh nearly 40 years later."

Artist:	AMLEE, ERIK
Title:	Afternoon Dream
Label:	FIRE MUSEUM
Format:	CD
Price:	$12.00
Catalog #:	FM 005CD

"Debut solo CD release of Paradise Camp 23 director Erik Amlee. His previous solo sitar CD-R releases have garnered much acclaim in many quarters. Brad Rose of Foxy Digitalis declared 'Amlee's skill is apparent. This piece delicately unfolds like a linear dream about the sun's daily movement in the sky. With little more than a hint of delay to push the movement along, Amlee's playing is like a slow waltz at the moment the last rays of dusk are extinguished. It is simple, beautiful, and timeless.' On this release Amlee adds acoustic guitar to the proceedings, to wonderful effect. Afternoon Dream is a masterful combination of trance-inducing solo sitar work and pellucid acoustic guitar pieces, with a subversive loop or two thrown in to ensure that listeners don't merely drift away completely into a blissful sonic netherworld."

Artist:	ESPVALL, HELENA
Title:	Nimis & Ark
Label:	FIRE MUSEUM
Format:	CD
Price:	$12.00
Catalog #:	FM 006CD

"The debut solo release from Helena Espvall, cellist of Espers. Her past and present collaborators include such diverse figures as Fursaxa, Oluyemi Thomas, Sharron Kraus, From Quagmire, Lukas Ligeti, Samara Lubelski, Eugene Chadbourne, Pauline Oliveros, Scorces, Katt Hernandez and many others. With production and electronics provided by sonic maverick George Korein of Infidel?/Castro!, Nimis & Arx is a recording of translucid wonder. Utilizing cello, guitar, recorder, voice and electronics, Espvall has delivered a CD which touches on aspects of all the multi-faceted elements of her musical journey to date while creating a vocabulary in a voice which is uniquely hers." Co-release with the Pax Recordings label.

Artist:	SONDHEIM, ALAN
Title:	SKI/NN
Label:	FIRE MUSEUM
Format:	CD
Price:	$12.00
Catalog #:	FM 007CD

"A recording of solo acoustic guitar and alpine zither songs, this release will delight those familiar with his early Riverboat and ESP Disc recordings as well as the audience for experimental solo guitar -- while creating an audience for experimental solo alpine zither! On this release, Alan performs on the 1927 martin tenor guitar, 19th century parlour guitar, 1920s prime alpine zither and 1860s elegie alpine zither. Dan Wharburton of Paris Transatlantic said of the reissue of The Songs: 'an endearingly ramshackle melting pot of free jazz, blues and folk (if Eugene Chadbourne later described his work as 'free improvised country & western bebop' then this is 'free improvised Hawaiian flamenco gospel blues music theatre). Its influence resonates (indirectly, one imagines, unless there are more copies of the original vinyl in circulation than I imagine) in the free folk of today's New Weird America scene.' Now listeners have the opportunity to hear for themselves the present day song form manifestations of this overlooked creative master."

Artist:	WHAT WE LIVE
Title:	Sound Catcher
Label:	FIRE MUSEUM
Format:	CD
Price:	$12.00
Catalog #:	FM 008CD

"What We Live is a San Francisco-based jazz/improvised music group formed by bassist/composer Lisle Ellis in 1994. The three regular members are Lisle Ellis: acoustic bass; Lawrence Ochs, tenor and sopranino saxophones; Don Robinson, drums and percussion. The ensemble's formation was inspired by and a direct result of Ellis' work with Ochs and Robinson within the context of The Glenn Spearman Double Trio, which performed and recorded from 1991 until the leader's death in 1998. Ellis' initial vision was to bring together a small group of musicians to investigate concepts central to the tradition of jazz-based improvisation swing, song form, modalities, etc -- in a less explicit manner than the mainstream but in a more emphatically traditional way than offered by the practice of free jazz. Saadet T�rk�z was born in Istanbul in 1961. As a child, living in Istanbul, Saadet was fascinated by the Arabic language and the melodious texts of the Koran which gave her the first opportunity to deliberately improvise without paying attention to sense and correctness. In her performances of Kazakh and Turkish songs, she is looking to transform memory. She seeks to evoke pictures and atmosphere by means of voice and music, which transcends cultural boundaries. Memory is everywhere and every time the same -- not changeable -- but the expression is different: Individual perception develops a universal impression of the cultural life."

Artist:	NATHAMUNI BROTHERS
Title:	Madras 1974
Label:	FIRE MUSEUM
Format:	CD
Price:	$12.00
Catalog #:	FM 009CD

"Recorded in Madras (Chennai), Tamil Nadu (South India) in 1974 by musicologist Robert Garfias. When we came across these recordings we were astounded by their creative energy and went about to ensure that they had a release on Fire Museum Records. Not at all a South Indian wedding band recording (although we love those as well) the Nathumuni Brothers were a top-notch carnatic (South Indian classical) brass band. To these ears, elements of Albert Ayler's take on gospel, Klezmer and English ceremonial music enter the proceedings as well, although the first two were obviously unknown to the musicians." "I have long had an interest in brass bands. In South India while some of these bands play films songs, others like the Nathamuni band play a kind of repertoire that is on the edge of the South Indian classical tradition. Some Kritis and such are the same as those performed by classical South Indian musicians. In addition however, since the tradition of these brass bands is close to that of the nagaswaram bands, they include some special ragas not often heard in mainstream South Indian music. The nagaswaram ensemble is used primarily but not exclusively as an outdoor ensemble. The nagaswaram itself is a powerful sounding long double reed instrument, more than twice the length of its North Indian counterpart, the shanai. Starting sometime in the late 19th century or perhaps early 20th century, some nagaswaram players began to switch to the Western Albert system clarinet, paralleling the same transition that was happening in Turkey and in Eastern Europe. From this clarinet-based nagaswaram type ensemble seems to have come the idea of amplifying it into a fuller brass band. Such brass bands as this one, the Nathamuni Band also play a special form of South Indian music called a 'note,' or 'English Note,' which are tunes imitating the style of English military bands. For such compositions, quirky and unusual ragas such as 'Kadanakuthuhalam' are played." --Robert Garfias

Artist:	PULGA
Title:	Pulga Loves You
Label:	FIRE MUSEUM
Format:	CD
Price:	$12.00
Catalog #:	FM 010CD

"Pulga is a collaboration between Valerio Cosi of Taranto, Italy and Vanessa Niwi Rossetto of Austin, Texas. Valerio Cosi seems an unstoppable force in the experimental underground these days, lending his ultra-psychedelic free jazz stylings to Uton, The North Sea and other projects -- as well as compiling a very impressive list of recordings under his own name. The equally creative Vanessa Niwi Rossetto is best known for her project The Mighty Acts of God. She has also performed with Brothers of the Occult Sisterhood at Terrastock 6 and has collaborative projects with Michael Donnelly (Brothers of the Occult Sisterhood), Salvatore Borrelli (Etre) and others. As impressive as their accomplishments are, Pulga Loves You marks a creative peak that will be hard to top in the experimental music realm. Self-described as an otherworldly freakedelia unit influenced by freedom, ethnomusicology, chaos, drugs, horns and strings; these reference points can only begin to give you an idea of the majestic listening experience that awaits one here."

Artist:	KEIJO
Title:	Whose Dream We Live In?
Label:	FIRE MUSEUM
Format:	CD
Price:	$12.00
Catalog #:	FM 011CD

"Finland's master of psychfolkdroneblues music emerges with what may well be his most engaging release yet! Considered by many to be the forefather of the much lauded Finnish musical underground, Whose Dream We Live In? serves as Keijo's sonic calling card -- bringing together many of the diverse elements that his music has been celebrated for into a joyous whole. From blues (by way of Jyv�skyl�) meditations to spaceship lullabies to psychedelic rave ups and beyond, Keijo has opened the door into his musical universe for all to enter. Don't miss your chance, accept his invitation or it's your loss, friend. For the most part a solo outing (although he is assisted by Leila on four of the eleven tracks here) Whose Dream We Live In? assuredly answers the question it poses. For the duration of the disc, enjoy living in the dream that Keijo has conjured up for you. We will not be held liable if, upon awakening, your world never looks the same again."

Artist:	COMET III
Title:	Astral Voyager
Label:	FIRE MUSEUM
Format:	CD
Price:	$12.00
Catalog #:	FM 012CD

"Look, over there! Has the kosmiche spacecraft graced us with its presence and touched down in Siracusa, Italy? Concluding such may be understandable at first, but this recently formed duo has so much more to offer than recalling a yesteryear that never was. Delfo Catania (guitar, percussion, etc.) and Carlo Matanza (synthesizers) have spent their time in ancient Sicily honing their vision while never losing sight of the reverie that is the impetus of this voyage. With brief cameos by Shirin Demma (providing vocals on 'Part 1') and Caetano Firlito (adding some saxophonic shading to 'Part 2'), Comet III are poised to lead you on a journey to the beyond."

Artist:	AXA HOUR OF DORA BLEU
Title:	Clones of Eros
Label:	FIRE MUSEUM
Format:	CD
Price:	$12.00
Catalog #:	FM 013CD

"Axa Hour of Dora Bleu is the re-crystallizing of the sound of Dorothy Geller, formerly of From Quagmire (VHF Records) and Laconic Chamber (Camera Obscura.) Dorothy (voice, guitar and songwriting) is joined here by Brooke Crouser (Jackie-O Motherfucker) on piano, electric guitar and vibes; Alex Ste-Onge (Feu Therese, Et Sans, Shalabi Effect) on upright bass; Justin Evans (Rivers and Mountains, Et Sans, Shalabi Effect) on Rhodes and electronics and Francis Amirault (Le Sentier Lumineeux, Cian Ethrie) on percussion. On Clones of Eros, a sound is forged from the natural evolution of the sonic path of Dorothy Geller, with a strong impression made by her Montreal-based collaborators. This is living, breathing music -- a melding of a singular vision into a collective process resulting in a music with few easy reference points, music that demands to be heard on its own terms outside of any scenes or movements that may be in vogue momentarily. To attempt a more concrete analysis: the music can be considered 'of folk' while not referencing traditional folk forms, anchored in very particularized voice and guitar with accompaniment that is alternatively unified song form or seemingly improvised, depending on what is required in the moment."

Artist:	UTON & VALERIO COSI
Title:	K��rmeenk��ntopiiri
Label:	FIRE MUSEUM
Format:	CD
Price:	$12.00
Catalog #:	FM 014CD

"Perhaps this collaboration was destined to happen, and we're overjoyed that it is happening here! Tampere, Finland's Uton (Jani Hirvonen) and Taranto, Italy's Valerio Cosi (who is � of Pulga) are two of the most creative and most prolific musicians working in experimental music at the moment, and on K��rmeenk��ntopiiri, Uton and Valerio have mastered a sound that combines elements of psychedelia, free jazz, Krautrock, environmental sounds, drones and more for an ecstatic listening experience. A m�lange of electronic and acoustic instrumentation join together as naturally as the coming of the tides. By turns meditative and forceful, introspective and extroverted, all the while commanding undivided attention from the listener. This is experimentation that remains inviting even in its darker passages. 2007 has been a banner year for both of these musicians, and this release finds them in top form, creating a work that shows exactly why they are in such high demand. K��rmeenk��ntopiiri will leave you hoping this is the beginning of many more collaborations between these two."

Artist:	CURIA
Title:	Curia
Label:	FIRE MUSEUM
Format:	CD
Price:	$12.00
Catalog #:	FM 015CD

"Fire Museum Records presents the eponymous debut release by the Portuguese molten music masters, Curia. Forged in the fertile grounds of the Lisbon music underground, each member an established musician in their own right, what each brings to the new project is a commitment to sonic exploration that builds on their individual histories while creating a collective identity that is uniquely Curia. The alchemy here is stunning, as bowed and wah guitars, Hammond organ and percussion intertwine and fade out to create a soundscape that is not only unique, but a high point for the fascinating Portuguese experimental music scene (Special guest on track 3: Helena Espvall). David Maranha: started his work in music in 1986, both solo and with the group Osso Ex�tico. Manuel Mota: from the late '80s to 1997 studied and experimented with prepared guitar (mainly acoustic) and focused his work on drone music; influenced by Phill Niblock and La Monte Young. Margarida Garcia: Margarida collaborates regularly with Manuel Mota. Afonso Sim�es: he has performed with the likes of Mayo Thompson, Rafael Toral, Helena Espvall, and Mean Motion."

Artist:	WONDROUS HORSE
Title:	Cavallo Meraviglioso
Label:	FIRE MUSEUM
Format:	CD
Price:	$12.00
Catalog #:	FM 016CD

"Welcome one and all to the world of Wondrous Horse! Cavallo Meraviglioso is the debut offering from the transatlantic (Italy/U.S.) duo of Vanessa Rossetto (Pulga, The Mighty Acts of God, etc.) and Salvatore Borrelli (aka (etre) & Harps of Fuchsia Kalmia). These two musicians continue to evolve in fascinating ways, and the sounds to be found on Cavallo Meravigliso may come as a surprise to some, which makes it all the more exciting to hear. An avant folk tour de force combining elements of electroacoustic music, glitch and many other experimental forms, Cavallo Meraviglisio gallops upon the scene assured and ready. Performing with an arsenal of instrumentation at the ready (violin, viola, balalaika, theremin, guitar, dulcetina, concertina, autoharp, bells, xylophone, voice, baritone guitar, tablas, darbukas, Turkish saz, xylophone, esraj, dulcimer, resonant ukulele, celtic 'droned' harp, banjo, kalimba, shruti box, Irish bouzouki, lap steel guitar, toys & drum machine, since you asked) the duo have crafted a recording that successfully combines the myriad of influences of its creators into an organic and unique whole. It takes a wondrous horse such as this to take the intelligent listener on a trip through such a unique and appealing sonic journey, so hop on and ride away today!"

Artist:	ARBOREA
Title:	Arborea
Label:	FIRE MUSEUM
Format:	CD
Price:	$12.00
Catalog #:	FM 017CD

"This self-titled collection is the second release for Arborea. Hailing from Maine, the duo of Buck and Shanti Curran (on vocals, guitars, banjos, percussion) are joined on several numbers by Helena Espvall of Espers on cello. Here they conjure up a musical offering that is equal parts Appalachian music, traditional English folk music, and contemporary psychedelic folk with experimental touches, creating a sound that stands out as unique while touching upon something that feels as ancient as the urge to create music. Rare is the record that takes the listener to fields both verdant and desolate in the same journey as this release does, and it does so in a way that makes both equally powerful and inviting. The duo possess an alchemy that makes their collaboration feel as natural as the trees from which their name comes from. Following upon the success of their debut effort Wayfaring Summer, Arborea have outdone themselves with this release, a recording that establishes them as masters of their craft. This is a group you will be hearing from for years to come."

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