[microsound] !Electroambient Space Reviews: Larry Kucharz Blue & Red Washes

[Mediadrome@xxxxxxx]

Larry Kucharz âAmbient Blue Washesâ
(International Audiochrome, 2002)          6 tracks, 72.28 mins

 In the past Iâve found Larry Kucharzâ music very difficult to get into. It 
has always felt quirky and unsettling to me, especially the alternating 
expanses of quiet and sound. So it is with some surprise that I can report enjoying 
Ambient Blue Washes quite a lot. There are still occasional elements that donâ
t work, like a single pulsing note throughout âBlue Wash No. 2â that sounds 
like an oboe softly playing one note on infinite repeat, distracting from an 
otherwise relaxing track. And âNo. 5â has a tone in the higher register that 
sounds a bit more like static than music. But for the most part such 
disturbances are noticeably absent. âNo. 1â and âNo. 3â are both soft floating affairs, 
very nicely done. Shimmering highs and rich lows intertwine in a relaxed 
manner with positive results. âNo. 4â includes choir-like synth sounds, with a 
somewhat brighter character. None of it seems particularly blue to me, just 
appropriately subdued. The muted tones are peaceful throughout. Saving the best 
for last, âNo. 6â is particularly dreamy and delicate. This is easily my 
favorite Larry Kucharz album to date.     
 2004 Phil Derby / Electroambient Space     
http://www.electroambientspace.com/

Larry Kucharz âAmbient Red Washesâ
(International Audiochrome, 2003)          11 tracks, 76.03 mins

This collection of randomly numbered tracks begins with âRed Wash No. 2,â 
and immediately Brian Eno comes to mind. This is wonderful minimal ambience, 
quiet and lovely, without pretense. It is a perfectly relaxing way to start the 
disc. The softness continues with âRed Wash No. 4.â Like Kucharzâ previous 
disc Ambient Blue Washes, this disc is very good at making something out of 
nothing, much like Steve Roach did with classics like Structures From Silence and 
Quiet Music. Drones and synth pads intermingle with subtlety and grace, gently 
floating along without a care. â1993 No. 10â is a typical example. It is 
neither light nor dark; it is tuneless and yet pleasant; it is familiar and yet 
new. âRed Wash No. 3â is a bit sadder as soulful strings dominate. â1993 No. 4,â
 on the other hand, has a somewhat brighter affect, with hints of optimism. â
Red Wash No. 5â shimmers brightly, and âRed Wash No. 7â even more show, 
practically sparkling. Regardless of the tone or mood, each little slice offers 
something of value. The sparse â1993 No. 1â ironically is the last track, though 
it does make a fitting end to a solid Kucharz effort.
 2004 Phil Derby / Electroambient Space     
http://www.electroambientspace.com/


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
For Ambientrance Interview with Larry Kucharz goto:    
http://www.spiderbytes.com/ambientrance/intkucharz.htm 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Armchair DJ Interview   âCLASSICAL TO TECHNO TO CLASSICALâ   Larry Kucharz 
interviewed by Brian J. Dillard     complete interview at: 
http://www.armchairdj.com/features/interviews/larry_kucharz.asp
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------- 
Larry Kucharz Home webpage:  
http://hometown.aol.com/audiochrom/myhomepage/business.html
__________________________________________________________ 
available from BACKROADS MUSIC             toll free (800) 767-4748 
email: backroad@xxxxxxxx                 website: backroadsmusic.com    
also available: all ambient and techno CDâs of Larry Kucharz 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------
 



mediadrome
international audiochrome, inc.