“Recollections” : Something from the past that
is remembered.
Composer,
multi-instrumentalist, engineer and producer, Robert Slap returns with a new
album of eclectic music, melodies and rhythms that span a wide spectrum of
styles including jazz, world, rock, new age, electronic and film music.
I offer you this 12 song
collection of my favorite instrumental tunes recorded over the last several
years, along with a couple of gems from earlier recordings. Much of this
material was developed through live performance while others evolved from my
work with film and video soundtracks.
It has been difficult to
describe my musical style since I crossover many genres in my compositions. I
call it “music for creative visualization”. I hope you enjoy this contemporary
set of original tunes featuring some really great musicians I have worked with
over the years.
The Tracks:
Looking Glass
Starting out this
collection is a sweet, jazzy melody utilizing guitar and flute, and anchored
with a solid rhythm track with acoustic guitars and bass. I opened my live set
with this, so it is first up here, featuring Bray Ghiglia on flute.
Zen Morning
Cool jazz meets the Zen
master in this cut. Emotional, smooth and sexy can best describe this track
featuring Bray Ghiglia on sax and flute. Ryuichi Sakamoto and Charles Lloyd
have influenced my work with Eastern, Oriental styles and instrumentation over
the years.
Lateral Movement
This is a dynamic piece we
cut live in the studio. It features Suzanne Arthur on flute, Karl Schaffner on
fretless bass, Marie Matson on marimba/percussion and myself on synth-guitar
and 12 string. There is some great interaction between bass and marimba
throughout the tune while the flute and MIDI guitar exchange introspective melodies. Enjoy this
classic.
Tsunami
A contemporary cool jazz
/funk fusion instrumental. I recorded this short version for the album single,
since the live version was in three movements and much longer. I may save part 2
for another bonus release. I play all the instruments on this including the
guitar synth controller on the solo track. I was one of the few guitarists
using MIDI guitar technology back in the 80's,
along with Alan Holdsworth, Robert Fripp and Pat Methany.
Voyager
This would make a great
main title for a movie. A voyage through space and time in search of new worlds
and life. Will mankind ever make it that far?
This tune conjures up images
of journeying across the desert in a caravan, searching for that hidden oasis
across the vast expanse of the Sahara .
90265
While driving down PCH in
my sports car at 3 AM in the morning and watching lights crisscrossing the sky
over the Pacific, this song popped into my mind. What else can I say?
Top Ramen
Another really fun tune to
record and play live, starting out with the meditative Zen intro and then
breaking into contemporary jazz fusion, featuring Suzanne Arthur on flute, Karl
Schaffner on second guitar, Marie Matson on marimba and percussion and myself on
lead acoustic guitar.
Voodoo
A dark, mysterious, funky,
jazz groove that I have been playing for many years. I like this recording best
because of the subtle guitar solo at the end. The haunting theme is carried out
throughout the three movements.
Carnaval
A festive upbeat song
reflecting the spirit of Carnaval, celebrated all over the world from Rio to New Orleans
Apsara (Angel Dance)
I have always been
attempting to blend eastern and western music styles in much of my work. Here
is my interpretation of one the ancient dances of Siam
Pas de Deux
I imagined a contemporary
modern dance duet when I wrote this music. It is my homage to Tangerine Dream,
a group that deeply influenced me with their original soundscapes and arrangements.
