Tag: Jozef Van Wissem

Free Albums Galore has dug up a couple of notable recordings.

Jozef Van Wissem – A Priori
Genre: Classical, Modern Composition, Avant-Garde

The lute is not exactly the first instrument I think of when someone says “avant-garde” or “contemporary music”. Yet Jozef Van Wissem uses his lute virtuosity to create exactly that. His compositions are clearly minimalist with the use of musical palindromes or mirror structures rather than precise compositional forms. Hearing a Jozef van Wissem compositions is a hypnotic trip down a rabbit hole. I think it is safe to say that most people have never heard the Renaissance minded lute in such a modern yet beautiful way.

A Priori is freely available through Ubuweb and is an excellent introduction to the the composer and lute virtuoso’s odd and quiet world. Very accessible yet very meditative, these tracks lulls you into a calm. Yet this is not casual listening but the kind that pulls you into the structure and gives rewards with every listen. While Van Wissem does work with electronics on some albums this is a pure acoustic effort and, in my opinion, the best way to experience his music.

Interkosmos – Interkosmos
Genre: Space Rock

The space jam band Interkosmos is an European affair with musicians from Germany, Austria, and Spain. Their brand of space rock goes back to the psychedelic 60s but is also influenced by the experimental electronic artistry of the 21st century. Interkosmos can weave an interesting tapestry of sounds for a trio. Their self-titled album is a good collection of this type of jam rock and is recommended to space jam fans, jaded Deadheads, and sci-fi buffs of all ages.

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