with Janel Leppin, Eyvind Kang, Anthony Pirog, Jessika Kenney, etc
Style: Avant-Chamber Music, Persian Classical Music, Modern Classical
Vibes: Devotional, Mysterious, Ritualistic, Suspenseful, Flowing, Meditative
Susan Alcorn – The Heart Sutra Read More »
Styles: Chamber Music, Abenaki Folk
Moods: Sombre, Elegant, Ritualistic, Reflective, Sentimental, Poetic, Flowing
Themes: , Colonial History, Waban-Aki Folklore, Storytelling, Political
Alanis Obomsawin – Bush Lady Read More »
featuring Julius Eastman, Collin Walcott, and others
Style: Abstract Choral Music, Sound Poetry, Modern Chamber Music, Post-Minimalism
Vibes: Mysterious, Ritualistic, Mystical, Somatic, Impressionistic, Nocturnal, Spiritual
Instrumentation: Experimental Vocals, Percussion, Cello, Piano, Vocal Harmonies, Violin
Meredith Monk – Dolmen Music Read More »
Style: Ecstatic Chamber Rock, Neoclassical New Age, Kosmische Musik
Vibes: Triumphant, Ethereal, Flowing, Pastoral, Bright, Epic, Uplifting, Warm, Spiritual, Peaceful
Instrumentation: Piano, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Drums, Percussion, Spinett, Flute, Vocals
Popol Vuh – Einsjäger & Siebenjäger Read More »
Style: Creative Music, Avant Chamber Music
Vibes: Cryptic, Suspenseful, Mystical, Cerebral, Responsive, Numerological, Angular, Contemplative, Philosophical, Intertwined, Abstract, Intricate, Knotty
Anthony Braxton with Robert Schumann String Quartet Read More »
Style: Chamber Folk, Norse Folk, Scottish Folk
Vibes: Nature, Flowing, Mythic, Animist, Contemplative, Poetic, Rootsy, Warm, Autumnal, Mellow, Mystical, Somber
Alasdair Roberts og Völvur – The Old Fabled River Read More »
Whilst in Istanbul for an artist residency, the adventurous Montreal chamber rock group recorded Dalmak with an ensemble of Turkish musicians, augmenting their core sound of cello, marimba, and drums with the saz, darbuka, bendir and several other instruments used in Turkish and Arabic folk music. Epic, modal themes emerge from watery beds of minimalistic polyrhythms and suspenseful string arrangments. While often sombre, mournful or foreboding, the musi seems driven by a collective sense of spiritual determination and hope.
Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Chamber Jazz
Vibes: Playful, Intertwined, Angular, Colorful, Abstract, Complex, Exploratory, Knotted, Triumphant
Style: Avant-Garde Chamber Jazz
Vibes: Epic, Intense, Cathartic, Passionate, Driving, Energetic, Intertwined, Spiritual, Transcendent, Ominous, Triumphant, Powerful, Fiery, Cerebral
fLuXkit Vancouver (it’s suite but sacred) Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Chamber Music, Free Folk, Neo-Medieval Folk, Dhrupad
Vibes: Mystical, Medieval, Nature, Alchemical, Flowing, Meditative, Ritualistic, Mysterious, Earthy, Occult
Instrumentation: Cello, Oboe, Percussion, Violin/Viola
Style: Spiritual Jazz, Free Jazz
Vibes: Searching, Cathartic, Ominous, Complex, Spiritual, Suspenseful, Cosmic
Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Thematic, Acoustic, Suite, Dissonant, Active Listening
Michael White – Pneumia Read More »
Style: Dream Folk, Experimental Songwriter, Ambient-Folk
Vibes: Ethereal, Melancholy, Hazy, Intimate, Soothing, Haunting, Dreamy, Autumnal, Cryptic, Tender, Mellow, Reflective, Mysterious, Nocturnal, Flowing
Musical Qualities: Soft, Glitchy, Atmospheric, Lyrical, Electro-Acoustic
Maria BC – Spike Field Read More »
Style: Art Pop, Experimental Songwriter
Vibes: Warm, Meditative, Spiritual, Compassionate, Tender, Introspective, Romantic, Hypnotic, Contemplative, Light, Lonely, Longing, Poetic, Buddhist
Musical Qualities: Soft, Home Recording, Melodic, Sparse, Percussive, Rhythmic
Arthur Russell – Another Thought Read More »
Style: Progressive Folk, Symphonic Prog
Vibes: Spring, Adventure, Warm, Breezy, Bright, Morning, Pastoral, Peaceful, Playful, Rootsy, Sunny, Surreal, Vibrant, Nature, Uplifting
Musical Qualities: Suite, Lush, Progressive, Technical, Acoustic, Melodic, Soft
Harmonium – Les cinq saisons Read More »
with Jake Falby, Alex Somers, Eric Littmann, Marilu Donovan, Jefre Cantu-Ledesma & Nadia Hulett
Style: Chamber-Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Ambient Pop, New Age
Vibes: Heartfelt, Reflective, Loving, Bittersweet, Mournful, Healing, Introspective, Compassionate, Observational, Poetic, Contemplative, Ethereal, Summer
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Soft, Lush, Orchestral
Instrumentation: Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Strings, Piano, Synthesizers, Harp, Modular Synthesizer
Julie Byrne – The Greater Wings Read More »
Style & Influences: Chamber Folk, Post-Rock, Chamber Jazz, Ambient Pop
Vibe: Patient, Winter Mornings, Impressionistic, Peaceful, Soothing, Nature, Meditative, Soft, Slow, Lush
Instrumentation: Fender Rhodes, Piano, Upright Bass, Electric Guitar, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Violin, Drums, Dulcimer, Clarinet, Percussion, Tape Loops
Modern Nature – No Fixed Point in Space Read More »
LP, Vanguard, 1972 featuring Collin Walcott, Ralph Towner, Glen Moore, and Paul McCandless Style: Ecstatic Chamber-Music, Raga-Jazz Vibe: Flowing, Ethereal, Searching, Bright, Airy, Intertwined, Soothing, Spiritual, Spring, Elegant Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Virtuosic, Raga, Lush, Thematic Improvisation, Progressive, Melodic Instrumentation: Classical Guitar, Tabla, Oboe, Sitar, Upright Bass, Piano, English Horn, Mridangam, Violin, Flute, Percussion, 12-String Guitar,
Oregon – Music of Another Present Era Read More »
Style: Klezmer, Chamber-Folk, Balkan Folk Music
Moods: Sombre, Passionate, Mournful, Intertwined, Cathartic, Reflective, Rootsy, Dark, Spiritual
Instrumentation: Clarinet, Violin, Acoustic Guitar, Upright Bass, Mandolin, Saz, Cymbalom, Percussion
Black Ox Orkestar – Nisht Azoy Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Folk, Americana
Moods: Contemplative, Tender, Introspective, Warm, Soothing, Lethargic, Philosophical, Existential
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Violins, Viola, Mandolin, Vocal Harmonies, Keyboards, Saxophone
Bonnie Prince Billy – Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You Read More »
Style: Modern Creative, Avant-Garde Jazz, Chamber Jazz
Moods: Cryptic, Cerebral, Mystical, Suspenseful, Ritualistic, Deconstructed, Responsive, Abstract, Open
Musical Qualities: Poly-Free Improvisation, Acoustic, Dynamic, Thematic, Chamber, Complex
Instrumentation: Saxophones (Sopranino, Alto), Bass Clarinet, Piano, Flute, Trumpet, Upright Bass, Tuba, Drums, Percussion, Fluegelhorn
Anthony Braxton – The Complete Braxton 1971 Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Folk
Moods: Tender, Intimate, Bittersweet, Autumnal, Reflective, Lonely, Poetic, Breakup, Conversational, Lethargic, Loner, Longing, Love, Melancholy, Mellow, Brooding, Pastoral
Musical Qualities: Soft, Sparse, Lyrical, Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Master and Everyone Read More »
Styles: Progressive Pop, Post-Industrial Chamber Music, IDM, Gabber, Deconstructed Club
Moods: Earthy, Knotty, Sensual, Futuristic, Surreal, Romantic, Mystical, Passionate, Messy, Hallucinogenic, Intense, Forest, Eccentric, Epic, Tribal
Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Dense, Dynamic, Complex, Glitchy, Progressive, Uncommon Time Signatures, Electro-Acoustic
Instrumentation: Digital Programming, Woodwinds (Bass Clarinet, Oboe, Clarinet), Strings, Choral Vocals
Style: Mystical Chamber Music, Neoclassical New Age, Kosmische
Feeling: Devotional, Flowing, Meditative, Ethereal, Hypnotic, Solemn, Elegant, Exploratory
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Atmospheric, Choral, Chamber
Popol Vuh – Agape-Agape, Love-Love Read More »
Style: Outlaw Country, Singer/Songwriter, Flamenco-Influenced
Vibe: Tender, Breakup, Reflective, Patient, Personal, Lonely, Longing, Peaceful, Romantic, Bittersweet, Heartfelt, Intimate, Melancholy, Mellow, Sentimental, Spiritual
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Lyric-Driven, Chamber Arrangements
Willie Nelson – Spirit Read More »
Style: Free Folk, Organic Music, Progressive Folk, Psychedelic Chamber Music
Moods: Ritualistic, Ancient, Flowing, Tribal, Earthy, Communal, Hypnotic, Intertwined, Medieval, Mysterious, Mystical, Nocturnal
Musical Qualities: Percussive, Collective Improvisation, ?Acoustic, Suite, Thematic, Progressive, Atmospheric, Repetitive
Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Post-Bop, Chamber Jazz, Prog
Moods: Adventurous, Enigmatic, Triumphant, Knotty, Ambitious, Intertwined, Cerebral, Angular, Surreal, Off-Kilter
Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Thematic Improvisation, Progressive Structures, Uncommon Time Signature, Instrumental, Intertwined, Lush. Technical
Mary Halvorson – Amaryllis & Belladonna Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter
HGM Side: Americana, Warm, Contemplative, Sunny, Rural, Passionate, Spiritual, Introspective
Chapman Side: Chamber Folk, Melancholy, Morning, Mellow, Autumnal, Reflective, Storytelling
Hiss Golden Messenger / Michael Chapman – Parallelogram Read More »
Style: Chamber Rock, Slowcore, Post-Rock
Vibe: Aquatic, Melancholy, Flowing, Patient, Soothing, Meditative, Longing, Lonely, Dreamy, Mellow, Lethargic
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Loose, Soft, Instrumental, Loops, Improvisation
Instrumentation: Violin, Drums, Electric Guitar, Loops, Melodica, Piano, Harmonica
Dirty Three – Ocean Songs Read More »
Style: Chamber Jazz, Solo Cello
Vibe: Longing, Contemplative, Elegant, Focused, Introspective, Driving, Passionate, Searching
Musical Qualties: Virtuosic, Acoustic, Sparse, Instrumental, Improvisation, Dynamic, Rhythmic, Melodic
Dave Holland – Life Cycle Read More »
Style: Free Folk, Cosmic Folk, New Weird Americana, Psych Folk
Vibe: Haunting, Rustic, Mysterious, Intertwined, Suspenseful, Communal, Eerie, Ragged, Discomforting, Ritualistic, Raw
Musical Qualities: Lo-Fi, Droney, Loose, Improvisation, Electro-Acoustic, Percussive
Style: Chamber Pop, Post-Rock, Chamber Jazz, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Reflective, Warm, Intertwined, Nature, Breezy, Spiritual, Morning, Apocalyptic, Uplifting
Musical Qualities: Lush, Soft, Suite, Melodic
Instrumentation: Vocals, Soprano Saxophone, Piano, Trumpet, Upright Bass, Electric Guitar, Drums, Cello, Reed Organ, Viola, Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet
Modern Nature – Island of Noise Read More »
Style: Chamber Folk, Slowcore, Dream Country
Vibe: Flowing, Lethargic, Peaceful, Dreamy, Melancholy, Elegant, Airy, Romantic, Bittersweet, Contemplative, Intertwined, Intimate, Mellow, Sentimental, Smooth, Soothing, Twangy
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Slow, Soft, Simple, Chamber Arrangements, Melodic
Damon & Naomi – Within These Walls Read More »
Style: Chamber Folk, British Folk, Acoustic Blues, Jazz-Folk
Vibe: Breezy, Mellow, Contemplative, Autumnal, Uplifting, Melancholy, Warm, Joyful, Love, Intertwined, Reflective, Poetic
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Melodic, Lush, Rootsy, Bluesy, Chamber Arrangements
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Upright Bass, Flute, Saxophone, Harmonica
Bert Jansch – Birthday Blues Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Folk
Vibe: Poetic, Bittersweet, Conversational, Sexual, Dry Humor, Brooding, Melancholy, Longing, Tender, Introspective, Breakup
Musical Qualities: Lush, Lyrical, Groovy, Dynamic
Instrumentation: Electric Bass, Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Backup Vocalists, Trombone, Jaw Harp, Woodwinds, Strings, Banjo, Mandolin, Trumpet, Drums, Percussion, Keyboards
Leonard Cohen – New Skin for the Old Ceremony Read More »
Featuring Jim O’Rourke, Josh Abrams, Rob Mazurek, Chad Taylor, John McEntire, Julie Pomerleau, & Archer Prewitt
Style: Chamber Pop, Jazz Pop, Lounge Music
Influences: Bossa Nova, Math Rock, Post-Rock
Vibe: Gentle, Breezy, Intricate, Summer, Intertwined, Mellow, Bright, Smooth
Musical Qualities: Lush, Soft, Polished, Melodic
Sam Prekop – Sam Prekop Read More »
On this self-titled collaboration, acid folk luminaries Helena Espvall (Espers) and Masaki Batoh (Ghost) create mysterious and earthy interpretations of traditional Medieval, Swedish, Japanese, and Finnish folk songs, plus a Son House cover, an original, and a handful of free improvisations.
Helena Espvall & Masaki Batoh Read More »
Style: Psychedelic / Chamber Folk
Vibe: Pastoral, Spiritual, Sentimental, Haunting, Medieval, Spring, Peaceful
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Progressive, Improvisation
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Cello, Flutes (Kaval, Recorder), Hurdy Gurdy, Drums, Piano, Tanpura, Analogue Synthesizers, Electric Guitar, Tympani, Vibes
Ghost – Tune In, Turn On, Free Tibet Read More »
Style: Ecstatic Chamber Music, Kosmische, Neoclassical New Age
Vibe: Spiritual, Ethereal, Mystical, Meditative, Mysterious, Soothing, Peaceful, Mellow, Ritualistic, Sentimental, Religious (Christian), Pastoral
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Chamber Arrangements, Atmospheric, Melodic, Suite
Instrumentation: Harpsichord, Piano, Electric Guitar, Oboe, Tanpura, Hymnal Vocals, Violin
Popol Vuh – Hosianna Mantra Read More »
Style: Post-Rock, Chamber Punk, Experimental Rock
Vibe: Driving, Murky, Cathartic, Ramshackle, Adventurous, Kinetic, Moody, Industrial
Musical Qualities: Percussive, Loops, Rhythmic, Atmospheric, Pulse, Droney, Dynamic
Instrumentation: Viola + Loops, Drums
Hangedup – Kicker in Tow Read More »
Style: Avant-Folk, Progressive Folk
Moods: Ominous, Forest, Surreal, Dark, Theatrical, Disturbing, Hallucinatory, Mysterious, Ritualistic, Aggressive, Complex, Shadowy
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Percussive, Chamber Arrangements, Technical
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar (6 & 12-Strings), Violin, Viola, Oboe, Flute, Percussion, Electric Bass
Comus – First Utterance Read More »
Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Chamber Jazz, Modern Creative Music
Vibe: Intertwined, Open, Patient, Flowing, Noir, Suspenseful, Spiritual, Communal, Abstract
Musical Qualities: Poly-Free Improvisation, Polyphonic, Acoustic, Complex, Instrumental, Dynamic
Instrumentation: Trumpet (muted), Harp, Vibraphone, Upright Bass, Clarinet, Trombone, Wooden Flute, Drums, Saxophone, Flugelhorn
Wadada Leo Smith – Spirit Catcher Read More »
Style: Progressive Rock, Jazz-Rock, Chamber Music
Vibe: Pastoral, Mythical, Mysterious, Epic, Bombastic, Mellow, Aquatic, Dreamy
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Progressive, Complex, Improvisation, Uncommon Time Signatures
Instrumentation: Electric Guitar, Mellotron, Saxophones, Flute, Piano, Drums, Electric Bass, Upright Bass, Cornet, Oboe
King Crimson – Islands Read More »
Released in 1974 Chrysalis Pressing (US, 1978) Format: LP Style: Psychedelic Chamber Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Progressive Folk Vibe: Romantic, Floating, Heartfelt, Introspective, Psychedelic, Intimate, Contemplative, Dreamy, Elegant, Mellow, Morning, Peaceful, Airy Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic, Sparse, Lush, Progressive, Lyrical, Melodic
Roy Harper – Valentine Read More »
Style: Progressive Songwriter, Jazz-Rock, Prog-Folk, Post-Rock
Vibe: Spring, Introspective, Warm, Intertwoven, Bright, Colorful, Carefree, Reflective, Personal
Musical Qualities: Lush, Progressive, Odd Time Signatures, Intricate, Dynamic, Polished, Improvisation, Lyrical, Riffs, Orchestral Arrangements
Ryley Walker – Course in Fable Read More »
Style: Chamber Rock, Post-Rock
Vibe: Climactic, Triumphant, Epic, Anti-Imperialist, Anthemic, Communal, Apocalyptic, Suspenseful
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Instrumental, Atmospheric, Field Recordings, Progressive, Suite, Droney
Godspeed You! Black Emperor – G_d’s Pee AT STATE’S END! Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Chamber Music, Kosmische Musik, Ritual-Folk, Global Fusion
Vibe: Spiritual, Meditative, Communal, Psychedelic, Earthy, Forest, Ritualistic, Tribal
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Atmospheric, Chamber, Droney, Raga, Percussive, Chants
Instrumentation: Oboe, Keyboards, Conga, Acoustic Guitar, Bamboo Flute
Between – And the Waters Opened Read More »
Style: Chamber Jazz, ECM Jazz
Vibe: Impressionistic, Peaceful, Lush, Triumphant, Climactic, Open, Airy, Bright
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Acoustic, Instrumental, Melodic, Improvisation (Structured, Chordal), Dynamic, Technical
Instrumentation: Upright Bass, Soprano Sax, Piano, Drums
Eberhard Weber’s Colours – Silent Feet Read More »
Style: Avant Chamber-Jazz, Vocal Spiritual Jazz
Vibe: Ritualistic, Poetic, Complex, Hypnotic, Nocturnal, Passionate, Mellow
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Thematic Improvisation, Rhythmic, Chamber, Percussive
Sélène Saint-Aimé – Mare Undarum Read More »
Style: Chamber Rock, Post-Rock
Vibe: Mournful, Lethargic, Contemplative, Exploratory, Melancholy, Moody
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Atmospheric, Chamber, Instrumental, Slow, Murky
Instrumentation: Cello, Mallet Percussion, Drums, Violin, Harmonium, Upright Bass
Esmerine – If Only a Sweet Surrender to the Nights to Come Be True Read More »
Style: Spiritual Folk, Psychedelic Chamber Music, Kosmische, New Age
Vibe: Ritualistic, Religious (Hindu), Hypnotic, Spiritual, Tribal
Musical Attributes Acoustic, Percussive, Raga-Influenced, Chants
Style: New Weird America, Alt-Country, Psychedelic Americana, Chamber Folk
Vibe: Rustic, Rootsy, Bittersweet, Psychedelic
Musical Attributes: Chamber, Percussive, Studio-as-an-instrument, Rhythmic, Electro-Acoustic, Loops
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Vocals, Keyboards, Synthesizer, Fiddle, Mallet Percussion, Horns, Electronic Percussion, Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Piano
Califone – All My Friends Are Funeral Singers Read More »
Psychedelic electro-acoustics and earthy minimalism from long-running avant-folk group Spires that in the Sunset Rise. The multi-instrumentalist duo of Ka Baird and Taralie Peterson ritualistically loop and layer a hypnotic tapestry of pre-verbal vocalizations, upright bass, flute, saxophone, synth, and autoharp, running each instrument through trippy stereo delays, visually represented by the two minute-apart clocks next to each other on the album cover. While not as witchy or jarring as the their early releases, Psychic Oscillations finds the band as entrancing as ever.
Spires that in the Sunset Rise – Psychic Oscillations [Review] Read More »
