"Sacred Reverie of History" is a mesmerizing electronic jazz composition that weaves together spoken word excerpts from a diverse array of book titles. Through minimalist ambient electronic textures improvised piano motifs and funky drum grooves, the song embarks on a sonic journey through the tapestry of human history, exploring themes of freedom, revolution, religion, and cultural identity. Each spoken word snippet serves as a portal into a different era or concept, inviting listeners to contemplate the interconnectedness of past and present. As the music unfolds, it evokes a sense of introspection and wonder, inviting listeners to reflect on the enduring quest for meaning, purpose, and transcendence across civilizations and epochs. "Sacred Reverie of History" is  a sonic meditation on the timeless human quest for understanding and enlightenment.

Sacred Reverie Of History

Original music composed for the multimedia stage production for C.K. Chu Tai Chi in the late 1990s.

TAI CHI  EXIT MUSIC

TAI CHI  FIGHTING demonstration

TAI CHI  Sword Form

This track features a slow, heavy funk groove, drawing listeners into a nostalgic synth-laden party. Inspired by a movie with the legendary "Purple one," whose influence still resonates deeply, this composition captures the essence of an unforgettable night out. The synthesizers are given free rein, creating unique, random tones that add an element of spontaneity. Using a forward/backward piano at the end provides a twist. Funky / Nostalgic / Experimental.

I Don't Remember | Angela

Smooth, relaxed, and subtly uplifting. Captures the essence of a breezy warm night in the Caribbean. Special thanks to Ron Jackson on guitar.

BRAZILI

Created during the reflective stillness of the 2024 winter solstice, this composition blends ambient textures, calming tones, and fluid dynamics designed to guide meditative practices. Its serene soundscape transitions seamlessly between quiet stillness and flowing movement, offering a sonic journey for mindfulness, introspection, and gentle motion. Perfect for meditation sessions, yoga flows, and moments of peaceful contemplation, this piece embodies tranquility and renewal. Soothing harmonies and atmospheric resonance inspire a connection to inner calm and the natural cycles of light and dark. Ideal for enhancing focus, relaxation, and spiritual exploration.

MEDITATION_SB_1

Composed during the reflective stillness of the 2024 winter solstice, this piece weaves ambient textures, calming tones, and fluid rhythms designed to complement meditative practices. Shifting gracefully between moments of quiet and flowing movement, it provides a serene backdrop for mindfulness, yoga, or peaceful contemplation. With soothing harmonies and atmospheric resonance, the music evokes a sense of calm and renewal, reflecting the natural balance of light and dark. Perfect for deep relaxation, focus, and spiritual connection.

MEDITATION_SB_2

Original Piano pieces composed on a very unique and beautiful sounding piano. Composed summer 2016.
BFC MUSIC (ASCAP)

Grotrian Steinweg PIANO PRELUDES 15

A Guardian of long distance (w/ Leelah Holmes)

Certainly! Here's the previous version:

"In crafting "I Hope 2 Cure Myself," the aim was to develop a minimalist yet emotionally resonant sonic landscape that would serve as a fitting backdrop for Nora Labancz's poignant recitation of Jaime Sabines' poem. The deliberate choice to employ stark musical arrangements and descriptive electronic textures was made to create a space where the spoken word could take precedence while still amplifying its emotional impact.

Through the selective use of piano and a focus on atmospheric electronic elements, the intention was to evoke a sense of starkness and introspection, mirroring the raw vulnerability inherent in the poem's themes of love and longing. Each electronic texture was thoughtfully chosen to enhance the mood and imagery of Sabines' verses, crafting a haunting yet captivating sonic experience.

The goal in creating "I Hope 2 Cure Myself" was to encapsulate the emotional journey depicted in the poem - the protagonist's relentless pursuit of self-liberation amidst the tumult of love. By incorporating sparse yet evocative musical elements, the aim was to provide listeners with a space to fully immerse themselves in the emotional depth of the poem, fostering a connection with its themes on a deeply personal level.

Ultimately, "I Hope 2 Cure Myself" serves as a testament to the emotive power of music, capable of conveying profound emotions and capturing the essence of the human experience. The composition strives to resonate with listeners long after its final notes fade away."

I Hope 2 cure myself (w/ Nora Labancz)

As the composer, I introduce "Stay Shadow of Contentment," a compelling electronic composition intertwining my recitation of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz's Sonnet 165 with dynamic rhythms and intense textures. Through this collaborative fusion, delve into the depths of emotion, exploring themes of longing and defiance. Join on this evocative journey as we navigate the complexities of desire and rebellion, guided by the interplay of sound and verse.

Stay Shadow Of Contentment (w/Carlton Holmes)

"Iron Stage Curtain" is a captivating sonic journey crafted around Mihai Eminescu's poignant stanza from "Scrisoarea a treia" (Letter III), brought to life by Nora Labancz's evocative recitation. Through a multi-layered musical arrangement, the stanza is reimagined and remixed, with each iteration exploring a different emotional landscape.

The music, composed and arranged over several takes, weaves together elements of ambient, classical, and aggressive heavy interludes, echoing the intensity and complexity of the poem's themes. Labancz's voice serves as a guiding light through the shifting musical terrain, leading listeners through moments of despair, resilience, and existential questioning.

"Iron Stage Curtain" invites listeners to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of sound and verse, where the boundaries between spoken word and music blur, offering a visceral and immersive experience that resonates long after the final note fades away.

Well, sit down on the ground and howl! If you
Feel like it, howl. The moon you're howling to
You can invoke, or scream it's name instead.
It's deader than the flesh on the grinning dead.
Whimper like Job, for what he failed to master
You've understood, standing on broken plaster.
Down on the past, which hellish flame devours,
This firewall now, an iron stage curtain, lowers.

Iron Stage Curtain (w/ Nora Labancz) extended version

Pianist. Composer. Arranger. Improviser of the  Art Form-Jazz in all it's myriad forms. Forever in the Now.
Music.

Carlton Holmes

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks