Atavachron (album): Difference between revisions
From Allan Holdsworth Information Center
No edit summary |
|||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[File:Atavachron.jpg||200px|right]] | |||
"Atavachron" is a 1986 solo album by Allan Holdsworth. 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. | |||
==Track listing== | |||
{|class='wikitable' | {|class='wikitable' | ||
|+Allan Holdsworth: Atavachron ([[Allan Holdsworth Discography|D]] - [[Allan Holdsworth Solo Albums|S]]) | |+Allan Holdsworth: Atavachron ([[Allan Holdsworth Discography|D]] - [[Allan Holdsworth Solo Albums|S]]) | ||
| Line 51: | Line 54: | ||
'''Billy Childs''': Keyboards (2, 5)<br> | '''Billy Childs''': Keyboards (2, 5)<br> | ||
'''Rowanne Mark''': Vocals on "All Our Yesterdays" | '''Rowanne Mark''': Vocals on "All Our Yesterdays" | ||
==Summary of quotes on Atavachron== | |||
= | On "Atavachron," Allan Holdsworth introduced the revolutionary SynthAxe, an advanced synthesizer controller for guitarists. Unlike traditional guitar synthesizers, this device didn't produce its own sound but enabled Holdsworth to interface with various synthesizers using MIDI technology. This innovation marked a significant departure from his previous work, as he sought a more instrumental sound, and it also led to a shift in his band lineup, including the addition of keyboard players like Billy Childs. | ||
Holdsworth's pursuit of his unique sound and his willingness to embrace cutting-edge technology defined his career. "Atavachron" marked a departure from his earlier keyboard-dominated projects, and his subsequent album, "Sand," showcased his mastery of the SynthAxe after spending more time with it. Holdsworth's dedication to pushing musical boundaries and his deep connection to technology continued to influence his music, allowing him to create compositions that combined guitar and synthesizer elements. | Holdsworth's pursuit of his unique sound and his willingness to embrace cutting-edge technology defined his career. "Atavachron" marked a departure from his earlier keyboard-dominated projects, and his subsequent album, "Sand," showcased his mastery of the SynthAxe after spending more time with it. Holdsworth's dedication to pushing musical boundaries and his deep connection to technology continued to influence his music, allowing him to create compositions that combined guitar and synthesizer elements. | ||
