Monday 13 December 2010

I struggle with words for fear that they'll hear

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It's all about the translation, from studio recording to live performance. What is given space to roam and take on new life, what needs to be relegated or lost for technical reasons or timings. In this 1988 television performance, taken from the Italian RAI show 'DOC', the outrageously symbolic extended silence from two minutes and forty five seconds until three minutes and one second, is forgone, but in its place is some of the most sublime flugelhorn playing you are ever likely to hear, from Mark Isham. Also of note in this live version is the beautifully light and floaty piano playing from Richard Barbieri, from Japan days of old, of course. You know, I could be swallowed whole by the earth tomorrow and literally not care, if this was the soundtrack to my last meal and stolen moment of joy. Bliss is not the word, for the word is surely heavenly?
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David Sylvian - 'Orpheus' (live, 1988)
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David is home, here. You should buy 'Sleepwalkers', from here. Mark Isham is here.
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2 comments:

  1. The flugelhorn is nice, but I miss the



    silence.

    Beautiful song.

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  2. I agree. I miss the silence as well. I mean, it makes this song what it is, oddly enough. But, having said that, I do think Isham's playing here is just extraordinary, and it makes up for what isn't present.

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