Michael William Gilbert – I Can See From Here – Gibex Recordings 006, 47:17 ****1/2:
(Michael William Gilbert – synthesizers, loops, percussion; Peter Kaukonen – guitar on “Amerikan Dream”)
There was a time when the image of a “One Man Band” conjured up a street performer holding a bass drum, cymbals on his knees and a blaring kazoo. The explosion of electronic music, largely generated by synthesizers, changed the face of music. The freedom for an individual to create multi-instrumental sound would replace the dependence on band dynamics. A decidedly technical, and occasional, remote feel would permeate the musical format.
Michael William Gilbert seemingly has the pedigree of an electronic practitioner. After studying electrical engineering at MIT, and electronic music at the Boston School of Electronic Music, he would teach at Smith and Hampshire Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts. He continues to this day as a research analyst with U. Mass and Amherst. Gilbert was exposed to music from East Africa and Asia during his youth. Having been raised at times in Brussels, he was influenced by the influential music of Edgar Varese and Pierre Henry. The inclusion of global motifs would infuse his compositions. He has released several albums with Gibex Recordings.
I Can See From Here is a meditative compilation of complex world music. Consisting of fourteen original pieces, each represents a musical sketch or reflection. Arranged in a percussive surrounding, Gilbert offers a variety of exotic melodies and orchestrations. Despite the technological implications of the synthesized tones, the songs have a very organic quality. A distinctly Middle Eastern flavor is detailed on “Eyeless In Gaza”, which captures a spiritual richness, supplemented by altered marimba, woodwind, guitar and choral intonation. “Sometimes I See The Sky” offers an improvisational, moody interpretation with halting tempo shifts. This dynamic is part of “Dark Horizon” perpetuated by sitar tones and world influenced rhythm. With a driving, pulsating rhythm and horn like accompaniment, played against marimba tone, “Dance Myself To Sleep” sparkles with crisp, tempo beaks and halting accents.
Aficionados of spacey, ethereal new age structure will be pleased with the spaceship environment of “Rooftop Meditation”, reminiscent of the groundbreaking work of Malcolm Cecil. “Amerikan Dream" has the album’s sole guest musician, Peter Kaukonen (Black Kangaroo guitarist). He offers a sharp change of pace with reverberating acid-fusion guitar runs.
There is a diverse assortment of musical genres, including jazz, folk, fusion, new age and electronic. The pieces resonate with a natural fullness, avoiding pretense. This album is original and commands the attention of the listener.
TrackList: Dark Horizon; Nick’s Waking Dream; Eyeless in Gaza; Nick Flies Away (Interlude); Sometimes I See The Sky; Origami Riff; Dance Myself To Sleep; Nick’s Sleeping Dream; Over The Next Rise; Rat Race Redux; Rooftop Meditation; Short Ride Home (Interlude); Amerikan Dream; Adele At Sunrise.
— Robbie Gerson
