Robert Ashley, "Blue" Gene Tyranny Robert Ashley: Private Parts (the record) Genres:Pop, Classical Centered around the mesmerizing voice of Robert Ashley, this early version (released on LP by Lovely Music in 1979) of The Park and The Backyard is a masterpiece in its simplicity of form and in the purity and intensity of... more » its effect on the listener. These two pieces were later to become the opening and closing segments of the seven part opera for television, Perfect Lives. "When Private Parts first hit the scene, everyone I knew had The Park memorized within a month and quoted from it constantly. Ashley's series of non-sequitur images, fusing into a picture so lifelike that it never quite added up, brought a mystery into music theater that smashed our previous conceptions of the genre." Kyle Gann« less
Centered around the mesmerizing voice of Robert Ashley, this early version (released on LP by Lovely Music in 1979) of The Park and The Backyard is a masterpiece in its simplicity of form and in the purity and intensity of its effect on the listener. These two pieces were later to become the opening and closing segments of the seven part opera for television, Perfect Lives. "When Private Parts first hit the scene, everyone I knew had The Park memorized within a month and quoted from it constantly. Ashley's series of non-sequitur images, fusing into a picture so lifelike that it never quite added up, brought a mystery into music theater that smashed our previous conceptions of the genre." — Kyle Gann
"this is now one of my all-time favorite records. really amazing. it has reassured me that true brilliance does exist. i can't say enough amazing things about this record. i have trouble with much of ashley's other work that i've heard - much of it unfortunately grates on my nerves - but this one has completely won me over."
You need this CD
svf | 02/23/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you somehow made it this far, you should be buying this CD. It is unlike anything you have ever heard and will ever hear. It will take permanent residence in your mind and soul. Yes, it is Robert Ashley's very soft voice telling a story (in two parts) with a steady tabla beat (by "Kris") and very pretty piano and electric piano playing in the background performed by "Blue" Gene Tyrrany. How can this be so amazing? It just is."
Meditative, not Mushy
svf | 12/16/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Robert Ashley speaks softly over the sound of tabla, piano, polymoog and clavinet. This is mediative music of the same quality as Brian Eno or David Behrman. It soothes without stupifying."
An early version of the TV video opera 'Perfect Lives'
svf | 08/06/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"'Private Parts (The Record)' is an earlier version of the opening and closing episodes, 'The Park' and 'The Backyard', from Ashleys' TV video-opera, 'Perfect Lives'. The disc combines the compelling cocktail-piano style of "Blue" Gene Tyranny, the wonderful tabla playing of Kris, and Ashley's yearning narrative. Hear about "R's" f***d-up life on the road of motels and cheap bars; chill with "Isolde's" musings in the twilight of her backyard...[SEE REVIEWS OF 'ATALANTA' AND 'PERFECT LIVES']"