CD Harold Budd – Jane 1-11

Experience a "triangle of risk, improvisation and joy" with Jane 1-11, a captivating 2013 release from the legendary ambient composer Harold Budd.

Released on Darla Records, this album represents a significant creative departure for Budd. Moving away from his signature piano-dominant sound, Budd returns to his earlier synthesizer roots to explore an electronic palette of digital harps, celestial tones, and unearthly timbres. Recorded under a self-imposed rule of "one take per day" with no prior planning, the 11 tracks captured here possess a raw, unscripted energy—or as Budd describes it, music that "fell off the edge of my brush."

Dedicated to artist Jane Maru, the album is a masterclass in atmospheric contrast. Listeners will journey through:

• Jane 1 & Jane 5: Unexpected, sharp-edged, and teased senses.
• Jane 8: A sublime, deeply moving highlight of hushed keys and serene drones.
• Jane 10: An expansive "reverse overture" that recapitulates the album’s haunting themes.
• Jane 11: A ghostly, ethereal conclusion that brings the journey to a restful close.

Fans of Brian Eno or Roedelius will find much to admire in this collection of "cozy, hushed, and serene" compositions. Jane 1-11 is an essential acquisition for collectors of minimal, contemplative ambient music that remains as interesting as it is tranquil.