Browse by Artist: TEAGUE, RYAN

Artist:	TEAGUE, RYAN
Title:	Coins & Crosses
Label:	TYPE (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$14.50
Catalog #:	TYPE 015CD

Based in Cambridge, England, Ryan Teague is a composer who actively seeks to fuse the elements of electronic and acoustic music, and this is his debut full-length release. After releasing the critically-acclaimed Six Preludes EP on Type Records in 2005, eyes were looking to see where he would take his sound next. He enlisted the help of a full orchestra; the renowned Cambridge Philharmonic with conductor Tim Redmond, as well as harpist Rhodri Davies who is best known for his work with the Cinematic Orchestra. Working with these key elements, Teague had the chance to compose without the limitations usually set on electronic composers and has ended up producing something truly timeless. Opening with the short introduction piece "Introit," the album quickly moves up a gear with the eponymous "Coins and Crosses," a fabulous representation of Teague's intense production skill and Rhodri Davies' peerless harp-work. The result comes across like Alice Coltrane blended seamlessly with Steve Reich and is one of the high points of the record, perfectly realizing Teague's grand vision. On producing the album, Teague noted that his primary influences were early sacred music and mysticism, but instead of moving towards the obvious dark mystery associated with these subjects he has interpreted them as moving, emotional and affirmative. The entirely orchestral "Fantasia for Strings" is a moving epic which would not sound out of place juxtaposed with the cinematic imagery of Kieslowski or Bergman. Although he is equally at home blending electronic elements with orchestral sounds, "Fantasia" shows he has exactly what it takes to compose competently without the aid of electronics whatsoever. As the album draws to a satisfying close with the rousing harp-led "Rounds," you realize that you have been taken on a grand voyage. Each track tells a different part of an epic story taking you though waves of passionate energy and emotion, and like all the best films, you will want to go through that journey time and time again.

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