TRACK LIST:
1. INWARDS (14:52)
for bass flute and electronics
2. DRANG (9:43)
for accordion
3. TRANSIENT (9:10)
for soprano, piano and electronics
4. TRANSFIGURATION (16:50)
for trombone and electronics
3. FADO (10:57)
for 4-hands piano
all world-premiere recordings

John Palmer 'Inwards'

Genre: electroacoustic

John Palmer presents a series of new compositions exploring the process of breath and breathing. Each instrument, whether bass flute, accordion, voice, trombone (Vinko Globokar), is pushed to the limit of its capabilities, while blending in seamlessly with its electronic counterpart, in order to express the humanity and spirituality of breath. As Simon Emmerson says in his introductory notes: "For the works on this CD Palmer takes his inspiration - in all senses! - from the breath. He has created an extraordinarily varied, colourful and sensitive world which invites and rewards our deep listening."

Recorded in Stuttgart and St Petersbourg, the compositions feature virtuoso instrumentalists Antje Langkafel (bass flute on 'Inwards'), Sergej Tchirkov (accordion on 'Drang'), Lydia Kucht (soprano on 'Transient'), Yseult Jost and Domingos Costa (piano on 'Fado') and Slovenian trombonist extraordinaire Vinko Globokar ('Transfiguration') whose theatrical performances are legendary. Here, Palmer creates the perfect vehicle for Globokar's eccentricity and humour, while tackling the sombre subject of the Balkan conflict. 'Drang' is a unique tour-de-force for Tchirkov's accordion which literally comes alive by emulating human breathing using the air sounds from within the instrument.

Palmer's Zen Buddhist background informs works like 'Inwards' and 'Transient' where the 'physical' acoustic instruments are transcended by their electronic 'spiritual' counterparts. His mastery of both elements makes him one of today's most exciting and adventurous composers.

Credits:
INWARDS (2006): Antje Langkafel (bass flute), John Palmer (electronics). Recorded at the University of Music, Stuttgart. Audio Engineering: John Palmer. Digital Editing and Post Production: John Palmer, vision studio.
DRANG (1999): Sergej Tchirkov (accordion). Recorded at Max Shagaev's studio in St. Petersburg. Audio Engineering: Max Shagaev. Digital Editing and Post Production: John Palmer, vision studio.
TRANSIENT (2008): Lydia Kucht (soprano), John Palmer (prepared piano & electronics). Recorded at the University of Music, Stuttgart and vision studio. Audio Engineering: John Palmer. Digital Editing and Post Production: John Palmer
TRANSFIGURATION (2006): Vinko Globokar (trombone), John Palmer (electronics). Recorded at the Electronic Studio of the Technical University, Berlin. Audio Engineering: Folkmar Hein. Other recordings: John Palmer. Digital Editing and Post Production: John Palmer, vision studio.
FADO (2007): Yseult Jost and Domingos Costa (piano). Recorded at the University of Music of Stuttgart. Audio Engineering: John Palmer. Digital Editing and Post Production: John Palmer, Vision Studio