Of Mary's Blood -Part One of a Trilogy-

This magnum opus composed by Bowers and performed by him, Peter B. Gallagher and Mark J. Porter encompasses a massive and inspired sonic canvas using electronically treated / processed / enhanced and modulated instrumentation comprising autoharp, hammer dulcimer, piano, violin, saxophones, recorders, electric guitar, bass and percussion in the main. This is highly charged and emotive avant-garde electronic / electroacoustic music of the highest calibre, dark, brooding and disturbing at times, uplifting and lyrical at others. It is a potent and expressive work always demanding of the listeners attention as it conjures up a vast array of powerful (sometimes menacing, sometimes bizarre, sometimes sublime, and sometimes surreal) imagery. Xenakis/Varese meet Nurse With Wound/Lustmord - maybe - but really this innovative music shouldnt (cant) be so flippantly categorised. An extraordinary, fascinating and intriguing experimental composition (perfectly complemented by Grahams paintings reproduced in the booklet) that is a prime and excellent example of contemporary/avant garde music at its very best. A classic and monumental album! Peter Harrison