Click for a larger image... Artist: Black Sun Ensemble
Release title:
Starlight
Catalogue number:
CAM0
59CD
Format:
CD
Length:
11 audio tracks, 59.51 mins
Release date:
25 Jul 03
(US$15.00 shipped anywhere)

'Starlight' follows up 2002's consolidating release Hymn of the Master with a set of recordings that showcase a band that has found a place for itself in the early 21st Century. The previous paradigm of mixing rearranged old material with new material has been shattered, and replaced by a completely new set of compositions that represent a launching pad for the band to enter an entirely new phase of its existence. It is now more than just a conduit for Acedo's guitar epiphanies. 

'Starlight', like Hymn of the Master, was recorded and mixed at Tucson's SlowBurn recording studio. The release was mastered by John Axtell at Tucson's Cranky Jesus Studio. The album features not only the visionary compositions of Acedo's but also songwriting contributions from Tucson's Sun Zoom Spark leader, Eric Johnson; saxophonist, Brian Maloney and Tucson's Infinite Beauties front-man, Joseph Graves. Starlight also marks the return of long-time BSE collaborator, Duane Norman.

Alchemy is performed everywhere, from the dazzling undulations and North African atmospheres of the opening instrumental 'Jewel of the Seven Stars', to the stygian jazz-metal of 'Loki's Monstrous Brood' and 'The Lycian' to the pyramid moon shadows of the cross-cultural 'Arabic Satori' (added intrigue given via Joseph Graves' stream-of-consciousness intonations over the top of it all), to the exquisite classical guitar piece 'Tralaine'. And for perhaps the first time, really successful vocals are added to the dynamic instrumental work. Eric Johnson's vocals make sure that the pop credentials of 'I Am I Was' are such that in a sane world it should be a hit single and he lists 'Sunbeam Angel' to another realm, and Jesus Acedo gives you a clear idea of some of the places he's been on the stormy 'Angel of Light'. 

Needless to say, there is extraordinary instrumental work everywhere, not just by Acedo, but also by Duane Norman on guitar, clarinet and sax, Brian Maloney on sax and baritone guitar, Eric Johnson on bass, guitar and keys, and the appropriately named Otto Terrorist on drums and percussion.

Other resources:

Check out the free MP3s on this page

Notes on CAM033CD - "Sky Pilot"

Notes on CAM040CD "S/T (First LP Reissue)"

Notes on CAM048CD "Hymn of the Master"
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