Atavachron (album): Difference between revisions

From Allan Holdsworth Information Center
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“Atavachron” introduces the SynthAxe in Allan’s music. Most of the tracks, such as “Non-brewed Condiment” mix SynthAxe and guitar, but “All Our Yesterdays” shows Allan from another side: Orchestral synths and Rowanne Mark’s pristine vocals are juxtaposed with a reedy SynthAxe duet with Chad Wackerman. Jimmy Johnson, Gary Husband, Chad Wackerman, Billy Childs, Alan Pasqua all contribute, with a special appearance by Tony Williams.
Allan Holdsworth: Guitar, SynthAxe<br>
Gary Husband: Drums<br>
Chad Wackerman: Drums<br>
Tony Williams: Drums<br>
Jimmy Johnson: Bass<br>
Alan Pasqua: Keyboards<br>
Billy Childs: Keyboards<br>
Rowanne Mark: Vocals
 
=Allan Holdsworth: Atavachron (1986)
Early in 1985, Allan was introduced to the SynthAxe. The SynthAxe is a guitar-like MIDI controller with fret sensors in the neck, allowing instant detection of pitch, as opposed to earlier guitar synths. Allan fell in love with the instrument, and bought one as soon as it became available. He immediately set about writing new material, and started recording "Atavachron". The album features three drummers, two keyboardists, one bassist and one singer. For most of the tracks, Allan combines SynthAxe and regular guitar. The music is all instrumental, except for one track featuring Rowanne Mark on vocals. The music leans more towards a jazz sensibility than ever, with complex themes that serve as forms to improvise over. The beats and sounds borrow quite heavily from rock music though, and "All Our Yesterdays" in particular highlights the influence classical music had on Allan in his childhood. All in all, the music really sounds like nothing else. In particular, it stands out from most "fusion" albums of the time. Playing the theme to "Non Brewed Condiment" would come to be seen as many guitarist's ultimate challenge. Tunes like "Funnels" and "Looking Glass" would become live staples for the rest of Allans career.


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https://threadoflunacy.blogspot.no/2017/08/18-atavachron-1986.html