Markus Reuter - New CD

[Lee Fletcher <lee@waterleat.demon.co.uk>]

Dear Loopers,

I would like to recommend some listening which I'm sure will appeal to
many others on this list...

Markus Reuter & Ian Boddy - Distant Rituals (DiN Records)

This project is somewhat of a departure for Touch guitarist & fellow
list member Markus Reuter, who's previous releases (the excellent Taster
and Containment CD's) were largely based on live improv's.

The tracks on this CD were mostly assembled by Ian in the UK, using pre-
recorded guitar loops (donated by Markus) as the prime ingredient for
the strange brew that unfolds.

The project takes both artists into new territory. The mood is primarily
ambient, with only minimal use of electronic percussion occasionally
piercing the airy space created. It's not all 'softly-softly' however,
as there are a number of powerful solos played by Markus throughout the
journey.

There are shades of Fripp & Eno, and some of David Sylvian's more
ambient material, and on the rhythmic tracks a slight nudge towards Eno
& Wobble's Spinner project? Despite these comparisons, the overall sound
remains fresh.

I had the opportunity to attend a one-off gig held at the Jodrell Bank
planetarium in Cheshire (UK) recently, where the pair expanded on some
of the themes from this album. It was clear from the audience enthusiasm
that we will most likely see further projects in the future...

Although only released in April, this CD (as with all DiN titles) is
limited to only 1000 copies, so if you're interested you'd better be
quick! Copies can be purchased via the DiN website where you can also
check out an mp3 sample of one of the tracks:-

http://www.selse.demon.co.uk/DiN.html

(By the way, I am not connected with DiN in any capacity other than that
of supportive audient!)

Cheers,

Lee Fletcher