Search - Steve Roach, Elmar Schulte :: Solitaire: Ritual Ground

Solitaire: Ritual Ground
Steve Roach, Elmar Schulte
Solitaire: Ritual Ground
Genres: Dance & Electronic, New Age, Pop, Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (7) - Disc #1

Originally released in 1993, this intriguing collaboration between Southwest ambient pioneer Steve Roach and veteran German electronic musician Elmar Schulte takes listeners on a journey through their subconscious. The ele...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Steve Roach, Elmar Schulte
Title: Solitaire: Ritual Ground
Members Wishing: 2
Total Copies: 0
Label: Projekt Records
Original Release Date: 1/1/2000
Re-Release Date: 7/11/2000
Genres: Dance & Electronic, New Age, Pop, Rock
Styles: Ambient, Progressive, Electronic
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 617026201320

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Originally released in 1993, this intriguing collaboration between Southwest ambient pioneer Steve Roach and veteran German electronic musician Elmar Schulte takes listeners on a journey through their subconscious. The elements for introspective exploration are all provided, most notably the deep-breathing synths and somniferous percussion loops which have become a Roach staple throughout his prolific career. Ritual Ground creates a hypnotic effect as the album opens with the mysterious yet gentle "Black Cloud" and gradually descends into deeper terrain. In some ways, the result is akin to an aural simulation of dream states. The most eerie moment occurs when a muted wail cuts through the simmering ether of "Rapt inDarkness," while the most distinct track is "Solid Ground," which recalls the surreal Fourth World compositions of Jon Hassell. Unlike many deep-listening albums, Ritual Ground is a circular journey that ventures back out of its dark regions with an airy and uplifting final track that feels like a refreshing morning after an intense night. --Bryan Reesman

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CD Reviews

Rare, Captivating, Back in Print!
M. D. MCGINLEY | United States | 02/04/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have a new Roach favorite! The note said that this was the first time this album has been available for over nine years. And I must say that the cover is the most beautiful I've ever seen for a Steve Roach album, with its chocolate sundae appeal of a jutting rock and ancient inscriptions in the foreground of a canyon-like Martian background. "Solitaire: Ritual Ground" is a collaborative effort with fellow ambient artist Elmar Schulle, who performs with Roach on the didgeridoo, percussion, and assorted analog and digital synthesizers and drum programming. I was again able to use Steve Roach's ambient and electronic mastery as a modern anti-anxiety, anti-depressant and trance-inducing prescription.For a while, "Quiet Music" was my top Roach favorite, but right from track One, "Black Cloud" (which is reminiscent of "Quiet Music") you are whooshed away with the characteristic, sonic combustion that make Roach and Schulle a wondrous team. "Turning World" on track two sounds exactly the same as "Dreamtime Return" and "Quiet Music" as if they were suddenly infused, syncopated and a little upbeat, and mellow waves of synthetic reverberance filling the back nicely. "North Sky" on track 3 is entirely original and entirely peaceful, floating and uplifting, but the waveform is entirely familiar, 7:25 long. I could not have imagined a better--dare I say it--sequel to "Dreamtime Return," better than Roach's "Origins" (1993) than at this point. Suddenly you are thrust back in time in "Rapt in Darkness" on track 4, with its haunting, deep overtones which contrast nicely with track 5, "Solid Ground." Pleasantly mellow percussion with a gentle, rolling oceanic sonic rush form a delicious mixture of two different worlds, ancient yet modern. "Runes" and "In the Forest of Ancient Light" on tracks 6 and 7 establish a deep and mysterious flashback to "Western Spaces," and again, "Dreamtime Return" that I won't spoil for you. But do not be mistaken. This a not a rehash of previous Roach albums, but an entirely new work, captivating and rare in its auditory appeal. "Solitaire: Solid Ground" is absolutely perfect for continuous, low-volume playback. I think they had this in mind during composure. Once again, Roach and his companions prove that he is the grandmaster of ambience."
It Come from A Forest of Ancient Light
Fabio Pirovano | CIGLIANO, Vercelli ITALY | 12/20/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Cd worth buy not only for BLACK CLOUD,a good track used by MICHAEL MANN for his film HEAT,but also for IN THE FOREST OF ANCIENT LIGHT...absolutely stunning.Close your eyes and fly...."
A cure for what ails you
rbk | Pryor, USA | 09/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This music will move you. This CD has something for whatever you mood you're in---or whatever mood you want to be in. I listen to it while I'm working, while trying to unwind, or when trying to balance myself for meditation, prayer or ritual. A powerful connection between sound and soul."