Prior to the initial issuing of Numena (51:05) on LP by Multimood Records in 1987, Robert Rich was known primarily for his all-night sleep concerts and slow motiondrone cassettes. Rich took his music a step forward on this vinyl debut by placing an emphasis on the textures, atmospheres and possibilities derived from a wider range of instruments. Announcing a new area of creative expansion we find Numena to be richly imagined. There is something elevated about its quiet reverence for the world around us. While previously Rich's minimal work required a specialized mode of listening, Numena could be understood on other levels, yet still managed to retain many elements of hypnotic energy. With a more melodic and rhythmically complex approach he crafts four distinct journeys through purified realms of experience. Into this wilderness of sound we are welcomed by the side-longThe Other Side of Twilight. A dream of ancient rites, modern omens and extant hope, here Rich puts forth a magical, mystical sequencer run building and receding beneath slowly sweeping synth pads and deep electronic tones. Once through the semi-darkness the remaining three tracks each open up and explore their own mythic sonic space. With it diffuse sustaining notes, primal percussion and reverberant field recordings this album side introduces harmonic structures in Just Intonation. Flutes blown whisper soft, or layered with additional harmonics, the resulting emanation is strange and wonderful - evoking the metaphysical dimensions within the player. Weaving a connection between human cultures both past and present these works feel as if part of some secret ceremony - evoking an ethereal doorway into mind and mood. Numena is a singular act of artistic imagination. It contains light, which illuminates a path, and remains meaningful to all who seek it out - still vibrant and pulsing with quiet energy in any age.
Please tune in to the 03.31.24 broadcast of Star's End Ambient Radio for music from the classic album Numena by Robert Rich
After enjoying WXPN's week-long nostalgic adventure through the musical treasures of the 1980s, culminating in DJ Robert Drake's 24 hour Land of the Lost Marathon(Friday to Saturday 7pm to 7pm), please tune in to the 03.31.24 broadcast of Star's End for a supplemental spacey broadcast focusing on this influential decade of music. Thanks!
Those acquiring the Star's End T-Shirt during WXPN's 2024 Winter Fundraiser(or current Members making a $50 additional gift -entering Member Concert in "Comments" field) will be the first to receive an invitation to register and attend an exclusive studio recital with Star's End host and noted Electronic MusicianChuck van Zyl.
The WXPN/Star's End 2024 Member Concert will take place on Saturday 6 April 2024 in the intimacy of WXPN's Performance Studio,3025 Walnut Street in Philadelphia. This event is free for XPN Members, but a reservation is required as seating is limited to just 40 attendees.
Sincere Thanks!
Chuck van Zyl - Fox 29 Philadelphia Feature
Hank Flynn's FOX 29 Feature on STAR'S END Host Chuck van Zyl for The 215
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