Today is Tuesday, the traditional day for new Curious Automata albums. It is also the last day of the decade. Given that, I had to release something so here’s Foundry. A solo improvisation on my new Collings Baritone 1 acoustic guitar, it was recorded in a single take at The Foundry in Loveland, Colorado. The track titles are from my dog Charlie’s favorite walks so if you’re in Loveland you can use this as a soundtrack to a jog of a few miles. Thanks for listening.
Unexplained Noises is now available. This collection of improvisations, random noodlings, and unused film scores is sure to befuddle and may delight the listener.
a journey to highlight and celebrate the representation of Bass and Percussion in music.
Available now on all major digital music services. CDs available at Amazon
Petimbro’s new album (produced by yours truly) is out today. Check out Pete Ehrmann and Tim Carmichael’s exploration of the many roles of percussion and bass in music.
When I’m not making weird noises myself, I encourage others to make them. Actually, I “produce” music by annoying people until they give me albums to release. Here’s what that’s led to so far in 2018:
Richard Ellis―Doing Less with Fewer Notes
Solo improvisations on electric guitar from Colorado’s most befuddling guitar player.
3ology―Live in Longmont, Volumes 1 and 2
2 releases that capture 3ology at its finest: live and up-close.
First up is Songs Found Under the Couch. This collection of Richard’s introspective songwriting demos is the first Curious Automata release with vocals on every track. I really dig its dark tone and Richard’s guitar and vocals really shine, despite the somewhat lo-fi quality of the original tapes. It’s definitely music that deserves repeated listening.
Play One Song is an in-depth instrumental exploration of Richard’s song Sixteen Roses, featuring Louis Carrillo on percussion and Kendal Crews on bass along with Richard on electric guitar. Over 72 minutes of continuous music, the trio finds darkness and light in one of Richard’s best compositions. Listen to the original demo with vocals off Songs Found Under the Couch, then check this out to hear how great musicians can bring new depth to songs.
A quick note: as executive producer I shortened Play One Song by 10 minutes so it would fit a single CD. This is the most corporate thing I have ever done. I have become a suit, mea culpa.
