the project
David Parsons has long been fascinated by India and Tibet, two ancient
worlds characterized by potent mythologies, mystical sacred sites, and
sublime musical traditions. Over the years, this respected electronic
composer has made numerous
yatras (journeys, in Sanskrit) to
India, experiencing the sites and sounds of this exotic land.
Yatra
is Parsons' first comprehensive attempt to log the essence of his Far
Eastern adventures.
Unlike his highly successful 1989 release Himalaya (17059),
an artfully austere sonic ascent of the legendary mountain range,
Yatra opens with a more earthy approach. The recording gently
leads you through the Indian countryside, with its busy open air markets
and joyful folk melodies, gradually moving to the ethereal realm of
Tibet, a landscape imbued with secret ceremonies and hidden knowledge.
Tapes recorded during a 1987 trip to the East merge with the Macintoshmanipulated
samples of Indian instruments Parsons has collected over the years,
to create a vivid sonic representation of the land and its people.
the artist
David Parsons fell in love with Indian music when he first heard
Ravi
Shankar play at a recital in New Zealand over two decades ago.
Since then, Parsons has traveled to India many times, collecting instruments
and insights along the way.
Sitar lessons with
Krishna
Chakravarty, one of Shankar's disciples, led to a deeper understanding
of Indian music. At the same time, Parsons began to develop his skills
on synthesizer. He owns a large electronic recording studio in New Zealand
and composes for radio, TV, and film.
tracklist
|
Disk 1: |
|
1 |
Yatra |
3'44" |
2 |
Bengal Village |
7'59" |
3 |
The Himgiri |
5'38" |
4 |
Assi |
5'31" |
5 |
Varuna Ghat |
7'18" |
6 |
Abode of Shiva |
29'39" |
|
Total Time: |
62'23" |
|
Disk 2: |
|
1 |
Ram Bhakta |
4'57" |
2 |
Earth Mother |
8'09" |
3 |
Muha Puja |
21'44" |
4 |
Manasarovar |
28'06" |
|
Total Time: |
62'20" |