Outstanding Creativity from the Father of the Mutantrumpet
Paul S. Remington | Rochester, NY USA | 09/24/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It has been seven years since Ben Neill ported his particular musical style to a commercially recorded release. Neill's latest production, "Night Science", is his first as a solo artist since his 2002 release, "Automotive". This effort differs from past releases in that it explores updates to his Mutantrumpet and his masterful use of the UK-inspired dubstep rhythm.
Neill is to the trumpet what Jimi Hendrix was to the guitar. For those unfamiliar with his artistry, Neill is the inventor of the Mutantrumpet, which is a Frankenstein-like mutation of the traditional trumpet. Neill modified the trumpet by adding three bells, a slide, switches, knobs, and pressure sensitive pads that interface with an electronic processing system designed by Bob Moog (father of the famed Moog synthesizer). Neill works his trumpet in consort with its built-in electronics, which interface with a computer to produce a real-time creative symphonic palette from which he creates music.
Couple this invention with a brilliantly creative mind and Neill becomes, arguably, a genius at his craft, producing music you'll never experience from any other artist, here, there, or anywhere. He's one-of-a-kind.
His sound is uncategorizable. Neill's music consists of a minimalistic approach to melody, harmony, and bass, with a sophisticated use of drums and percussion. Part electronica, part jazz, part hip hop, his sound is predicated on the concept that "less is more." Neill masterfully layers deliciously rich and complex sonic tapestries utilizing textures and sounds that span the entire frequency spectrum. It's unique, infectious, and entirely Ben Neill.
Night Science features a brooding sonic-thematic thread that weaves through each piece, enhanced by a wide array of sequenced sounds and dubstep beats. Bass lines deeply grind underneath swiping sequenced tracks layered around simple melodic lines, harmonies, and complex rhythms. Neill establishes melodies on the Mutantrumpet using both muted and unmuted bells. Fans will notice a distinct maturation between this release and past releases. One can hear a new approach to an already uniquely personal sonic thumbprint.
The best way to appreciate Night Science is to listen to it. Sample the fragments Amazon has provided or simply purchase the CD. Just understand the CD contains impressive sonic quality and frequency response. One needs to listen to the CD on a quality system to truly appreciate the sonic atmosphere and resonant low-end Neill has created.
Ben... Not so long between releases, please."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1