Search - Terry Riley :: Shri Camel

A spiritually transcendant work

Paul Minot | Waterville, ME United States | 07/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Simply put, this is one for my top ten "desert island" collection. I've had this for about 20 years, first on vinyl and then CD, and have never tired of hearing it. Quite frankly, when I listen to this album I feel the presence of God, no matter how despairing I might otherwise feel. This is due in part to the use of just intonation--the beating of certain intervals on the organ recall the sound of water ripples, or something, and when the dissonances resolve into "true" harmonies it's somewhere between soothing and ecstatic, or both. However the liner notes indicate that Riley performed each of these pieces in real time using an organ and a system of digital delays, which is simply unbelievable given the stunning complexity of the result. I believe it is one of the most spiritually inspired performances ever put to record, clearly reflective of his studies in raga. This CD puts the alleged meditational intent of conventional "New Age" music to shame--this is the real deal, a true "Masterwork" as the previous reviewer stated, and the best work by Riley I've heard. In short, buy this CD."

Beautiful Balance

D. Garcia | Los Angeles | 03/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As suggested this work has a very spiritual feel to it.



If I am correct Mr. Riley plays two Yamaha organs (specially modified by Yamaha for him) using digital delays.



The music is sort of an extension of Rainbow on Curved Air except far more complex and developed. It's very easy to listen to and enjoy despite it's complexity and sophistication. The polyphony and timbre are well integrated with the tunings. The organs are well suited to Mr. Riley's ideas. Some of the instruments on his later works seem less well suited to my ears.



I believe it's one of Riley's best works if not the best. I'd also recommend the Ten voices of the Two Prophets (two Prophet 5 synths have 10 voices - get it?) which is similar.



I've listened to a fair amount of this kind of music that involves alternative tunings, Le Monte Young, Wendy Carlos, Ivor Darreg and I'd say this is one of the most listenable pieces yet it's retained it's deepness over the years. It's certainly one of my desert island disks. Essential."

Just intonation's easiest-to-access work

DAC Crowell | 04/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Terry Riley here continues on his organ + delay explorations which first are heard on "A Rainbow in Curved Air", but adds the extra dimension of just intonation to the fray, to excellent results. The somewhat 'out of tune' sound might take a moment for some listeners to get used to, but once you're acclimatized, these minimal improvisational-based works are very rewarding and satisfying listening. Riley's training with Pandit Pran Nath is here strongly in evidence, as well, as raga-based structures play a strong shaping role in these shorter works. An exotic, wonderful work that never fails to satisfy, even on numerous repeated listenings as one slowly uncovers little details that might've escaped notice previously. Highly recommended, plus (as the topic line says) it's perhaps one of the best introduction to 'non-traditionally' tuned music one can get."