Alinear

“Alinear” was one of the key songs that eventually helped form the concept behind the work “Cameron”.

Unlike the released versions of the songs «Control Looser» «Sign Reader» and «Sun High: Shadow Small» (all from “Cameron”) this version has a totally different direction, and very little in common with the above mentioned songs

Though “Alinear” was composed as an independent song at first (like the other songs mentioned), together in “Cameron”, they were weaved together along with different themes and sequences.

But also “streamlined” and “unpolished” (in a way).

“Alinear” was later brought out of this context again, and rearranged and recorded again (about a year after the “Cameron” recording).

And on that note (and the fact that it’s approaching the holiday season), I’m going to present a bonus release today!

I’m going release the whole “Cameron” work right now! From start to finish!

With unreleased & released parts all in one long track! (which also contains a completely different version of “Alinear”as well).

I hope you enjoy it!

With me on the session:

Geir Arne Ose: Drums

Sun High: Shadow Small

Even though I’m releasing a new song every fortnight, they‘re usually composed with several years between them (and quite often decades).

As with many known bands and artists that’s been around for many decades (also unknown artists), one usually goes through phases, as with life in general.

After dense productions, one might be inclined to do something minimalistic.

One record can have the agenda of “capturing raw live energy” while the next one could be attempting to have “no foot in reality at all”.

«Sun High: Shadow Small» (and the rest of the «Cameron» compilation) was recorded at a time where songs like “I Am A Snake” was frequently performed. And it was natural to aim for something different, in the creative space between shows.

With me on the recording:

Geir Arne Ose: Acoustic Drums

Sign Reader

Sign Reader is the second part of a larger work called “Cameron”

The song has been through extreme changes over the years, and is probably the song that has changed the most (of the songs in the “Cameron” collection).

And many of them have been changed a lot.

Originally it was full of arpeggios (notes) and syncopation (odd rhythms). And it had an entirely different statement and mood.

It had choral soundscapes along with African, and Latin parts.

Now there’s not much left of that, replaced by simple guitar chords and voice.

And I really don’t know how, why or when. Actually I just realized it now, while trying to write something about it, in this blog.

But, I guess there are no final versions of anything in this universe anyway..

With me on the recording:

Geir Arne Ose: Acoustic Drums

Control Looser

Control Looser is the first song in a larger piece called “Cameron”.

Originally this work was composed with strings, horns and piano (in mind). But at the time; the reality of recording an entire orchestra was technologically, practically and economically; impossible.

Instead, I recorded the whole piece live, in one take.

These days, studio production are quite different! After working with orchestral arrangements on a daily basis for years now, I still find this recording to be more interesting as it is (compared to the denser, and polyphonic orchestrated version).

There is something about playing tones intended for a specific instrument, with an entirely different one. It can make it more original and interesting.

So, what once was a technical and financial limitation, now contributes to making these songs more “exotic”.

I also went for a more grounded and old-school kind of approach, with minimal audio processing, and few instruments

On the session with me:

Geir Arne Ose: Drums