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PGM 1251 'MUSIC for QUIET MOMENTS' : june 19-26

Despite a career in contemporary music that began in the legendary days of the 1960s, the brilliant English guitarist, composer, bandleader, innovator and collaborator ROBERT FRIPP has never become as famous as his friend BRIAN ENO—another brilliant Englishman Fripp worked with on several influential proto-ambient and pop records in the 1970s, with artists like DAVID BOWIE, BLONDIE, PETER GABRIEL, DAVID SYLVIAN and others.

Fripp co-founded the seminal progressive rock band KING CRIMSON in 1968, and has been its principal guitarist and fearlessly innovative leader through over 50 years of on-again, off-again activity. As a prog rock guitarist, Fripp can fill arenas with massive walls of sound, but he's also a student of the teachings of the Armenian mystic philosopher G.I. GURDJIEFF, and has a more cerebral, contemplative side.

Through his work with Eno, Fripp developed an analog looping system he called Frippertonics. Looping repeats musical phrases with a delay and layers them on top of themselves, turning musical fragments into continuous streams of sound. When combined with Fripp's sophisticated guitar technique, Frippertonics has produced a series of refined electronic soundscapes.

On this transmission of Hearts of Space, the sublime soundscapes of ROBERT FRIPP, on a program called MUSIC FOR QUIET MOMENTS. We'll feature the first four releases in a projected series of 50 weekly installments available online at Fripp's website DGMLIVE.com for exactly 99 cents each.

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PGM 1250 'DIVINE SURRENDER' : june 12-19

It's been over 60 years since western musicians began taking Indian music seriously. And no wonder — it's so completely different from western music, it might as well have come from another planet.

Nevertheless, beginning in the 1950s, Indian classical musicians led by RAVI SHANKAR and ALI AKBAR KHAN, established a dialog with European and American classical artists like violinist YEHUDI MENUIN, and in the 1960s, famously with pop artists like GEORGE HARRISON of the BEATLES.

The last 40 years have seen creative cross-fertilizations in many genres, from film music to rap, folk music to ambient electronic. At the same time, the emotional devotion at the core of Indian music has taken hold in the west with the bhakti tradition of devotional chant, bhajan and kirtan.

On this transmission of Hearts of Space, the slow, sensuous sound of Indian devotional chants and ambient instrumentals, on a program called DIVINE SURRENDER. Music is by AL GROMER KHAN, HANS CHRISTIAN, MARK SEELIG, CRAIG PRUESS, BEN LEINBACH, and RAGANI.

[ view playlist ] [ view Flickr image gallery ] [ play 30 second MP3 promo ]

PGM 1249 'ETHEREAL ELECTRONIC' : may 29-june 5

In the early 20th century, the Theosophists and the Rosicrucians theorized an ethereal plane—a nonmaterial level of reality above the physical plane.

When applied to music, ethereal implies subtle, light and airy, immaterial and weightless. It's a word that's often used to describe electronic music, where sounds are not produced by physical instruments and have an abstract, immaterial quality. This music can take us to virtual spaces and imaginary worlds.

On this transmission of Hearts of Space, synthetic journeys on the subtle planes, on a program called ETHEREAL ELECTRONIC. Music is by NICHOLAS GUNN, DAVID ARKENSTONE, GILES REAVES, KEVIN BRAHENY FORTUNE, PAUL AVGERINOS, BING SATELLITES, IASOS, and ERIK WØLLO.

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PGM 1248 'SIX DEGREES OF AMBIENT' : may 22-29

FOR DECADES, globalization has been a fact of life. And even before Covid-19, it was becoming controversial. Now, with critical supply chains being disrupted by the pandemic, we're having a bit of a rethink. Whatever happens with global trade, one thing is certain: the global exchange of music, film, art and media is a cultural fact of life that will remain as vibrant and creative as ever.

San Francisco is the home of Six Degrees Records, a company that's been dedicated to crossing musical borders since 1996, with the provocative slogan "everything is closer than you think." They live the idea, releasing a wide range of traditional and progressive music from around the planet.

On this transmission of Hearts of Space, an Anglo-American ambient journey, on a program called SIX DEGREES OF AMBIENT. Music is by ANOTHER FINE DAY, TOM MIDDLETON, BOB HOLROYD, TOM GREEN, HALFTRIBE, ANDREW HEATH, DARSHAN AMBIENT, JEFF PEARCE, RICHARD NORRIS, and MARK ISHAM.

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PGM 1247 'DEEP SERENITY' : may 8-15

The relentless pace of the modern world just had a global reboot, and the reason wasn't even human. It's beyond ironic that it took a rogue microbe to force the world to take a time out. Sheltered in place, working from home, reaching out with video and electronic messages, we're moving toward a world that's going to be slower, more limited, and less intense than before. After that, who knows? We might like it better.

For ambient and contemplative musicians, speed—or to use the musical term—tempo, has always been an artistic choice. And for centuries, a select group of them have chosen to make music that's slow, quiet, and heartfelt. If it sounds better than ever these days, it's because we need it.

On this transmission of Hearts of Space, a journey from serene to introspective, on a program called "DEEP SERENITY." Music is by FLOW, PAUL WINTER CONSORT, AUKAI, GINA LENEÉ, KATHRYN KAYE, TOM EATON, PATRICK O'HEARN, and DAVID NORLAND.

[ view playlist ] [ view Flickr image gallery ] [ play 30 second MP3 promo ]

PGM 1246 'DRIFTING IN SILENCE' : may 1-8

Flying.   Drifting.   Floating.
Three kinds of virtual movement we find in ambient music.

Flying...is moving through space with speed, purpose, and destination.
Flying is active.

Drifting...is horizontal. You surrender to prevailing forces and let them move you.
Drifting is passive.

Floating...is vertical. You hang suspended, neutrally buoyant, in equilibrium with gravity.
Like drifting, floating is passive.

On this transmission of Hearts of Space, we drift wide and quiet, on a program called DRIFTING IN SILENCE. Music is by DRIFTING IN SILENCE, MASSERGY, CLIVE WRIGHT, STEVE ROACH, PHILLIP WILKERSON, VIR UNIS, JOHN FOXX + HAROLD BUDD.

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PGM 1245 "ELEGIES FOR THE FALLEN' : apr. 17-25

One of cruel ironies of 2020 is that spring here in Northern California is the loveliest we've seen in years. As we absorb the terrible news about a global pandemic against this lush, verdant background, the "cognitive dissonance" is deafening.

The plants and animals don't know about the virus and are having a wonderful time, while the humans have to fight a ruthless bio-terrorist that can turn our fellow citizens into involuntary assassins, and paralyze our whole society. So in this season of hope and rebirth, we celebrate our steadfast first responders, heroic doctors and dedicated nurses, while we mourn our sick, our suffering and our dead.

On this transmission of Hearts of Space, a program called ELEGIES FOR THE FALLEN.

Music by MICHAEL WHALEN, DAVID HELPLING & JON JENKINS, JON HOPKINS, CHARLES B. KIM, A WINGED VICTORY FOR THE SULLEN, and KEVIN BRAHENY FORTUNE.

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1244 'ESCAPE FROM PANDEMICA' : apr. 10-17

It's a scenario straight out of dystopian fiction: attacked by a killer microbe, disrupted by a changing climate, challenged by economic dysfunction and social inequity, locked down, isolated and afraid — inhabitants of a beleaguered planet leave earth and seek solace in virtual cosmic travel. Who can blame them?

On this transmission of Hearts of Space,we leave earthbound troubles behind for a moment and take a cosmic electronic journey, on a program called 'ESCAPE FROM PANDEMICA.' Music is by CSILLAGKÖD, RAMP w/MARK SHREEVE, STEVE ROACH, HAROLD BUDD, MULM, REMOTE VISION, JARGUNA, and PAUL SAUVANET.

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PGM 1243 'SEVEN DAYS WALKING' : mar. 20-27

Since the mid-1990's Italian composer and pianist LUDOVICO EINAUDI has quietly become the most ubiquitous contemporary classical artist in the world. His music has been heard on hundreds of soundtracks, advertisements, solo albums, and live concerts.

We've programmed his music on Hearts of Space since 2004, with a retrospective show in 2008. His music is often described as minimalist, meditative, and introspective. All true, but his style of minimalism is profoundly lyrical, emotional and sensitive, in the great humanistic tradition of European Romantic music.

In the winter of 2018, Einaudi began to compose music inspired by solitary walks in the Italian Alps, which ultimately became a seven-album box set of impressions, soundscapes, and variations. I'm STEPHEN HILL, and on this transmission of HEARTS of SPACE, a selection of highlights from the set, on a program called SEVEN DAYS WALKING. Einaudi plays a Steinway nine foot concert grand piano, with FEDERICO MECOZZI on violin and viola, and REDI HASA on cello.

Ludovico Einaudi's musical journey in the Italian Alps: SEVEN DAYS WALKING — on this transmission...of Hearts of Space.

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PGM 1242 'ASTRAL TRAVELER 2' : mar. 6-13

In esoteric cosmology, a plane is a region of reality corresponding to a level of being. The concept is found in many religious and esoteric teachings extending back for thousands of years.

The concept of an "astral" plane dates from the Neo-Platonic era in the 3rd century AD, and is said to be occupied by the soul and spirit before birth and after death, as well as all consciousness. In an era where truth and science are under attack, it's hard to dismiss metaphysical ideas about the organization of reality. They provide an important framework for personal spiritual beliefs in an increasingly secular age.

Ambient and electronic musicians have long been drawn to these themes because of the ability of electronic instruments to create subtle vibrations and imaginary worlds of sound. On this transmission of Hearts of Space, a journey in the subtle planes and celestial spheres, on a program called ASTRAL TRAVELER 2. Music is by JONN SERRIE, TELOMERE, CHRONOTOPE PROJECT, JIM OTTOWAY, IMMERSION THEORY, MEG BOWLES, JAJA, and DAVE LUXTON.

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PGM 1241 'SPACEJAZZ 8 : ATMOSPHERES feb. 28-mar. 6

Some of the most dynamic and exciting contemporary music is made by jazz musicians. They combine absolute mastery of traditional acoustic instruments with the unpredictable language of improvisation. But along with this powerful creative music, there's always been a slower, more contemplative side of jazz, which led to a much-loved repertoire of mellow, relaxed jazz with high musical standards. When combined with the spatial sensibility of contemporary ambient, we call it "spacejazz."

On this transmission of Hearts of Space, the space where jazz meets ambient—on a program called SPACEJAZZ 8: ATMOSPHERES. Music by SHAI MAESTRO, JAKOB BRO, GERHARD DAUM, TORD GUSTAVSEN TRIO, MARCIN WASILEWSKI TRIO, TIGRAN HAMASYAN, and EIVIND AARSET.

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PGM 1240 'LIMINAL WORLDS' : feb. 14-21

Liminal Space — the in-between place where dreams and desires are born.
A threshold of consciousness — between dream-inspired sleep and rational wakefulness.
A time of transition — between what was and what will be.
A place where healing and transformation can occur.
The most important liminal space is the present moment: a space of pure possibility.

On this transmission of Hearts of Space, ambient adventures in transition zones, on a program called LIMINAL WORLDS. Music is by KEVIN BRAHENY FORTUNE, JARGUNA, HOWARD GIVENS & CRAIG PADILLA, BRIAN ENO, REMOTE VISION, and PAUL AVGERINOS.

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PGM 1239 'FROZEN TIME 2' : feb. 7-14

There's a complementary relationship between classical string instruments and the extended winters of northern Europe, where the string family evolved. In the chilled, wet, gray winters north of the Mediterranean, the rich harmonies and bright overtones of the string family pierce the cold and dark, and touch our souls.

Whether the music is noble and expansive, somber and melancholy, or quiet and contemplative—it nourishes the spirit and warms the heart. Today, a new breed of classical composer/performers in Europe and the U.S. are combining strings, electronics and studio techniques to create a contemplative ambient music for the 21st century.

On this transmission of Hearts of Space, warm winter strings and cool electronics for the season, on a program called FROZEN TIME 2. Music is by MARTIN TILLMAN, HANS CHRISTIAN, DAVID DARLING, CHRISTOPHER TIGNOR, JOAN JEANRENAUD, and MAX RICHTER.

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PGM 1238 'WINTER : STILL' : jan.31-feb.7

 Winter days bring us extremes of weather—from challenging storms with snow, sleet, and freezing rain—to brilliant clear days with endless vistas.

Winter nights bring us a very different aspect of the season; as the temperature drops, time seems to slow and activity stops. Even the wind rests, while the cosmic panorama wheels slowly overhead—complex patterns of ancient light from a vast universe. For those hearty souls who venture out, it's an experience of contemplative stillness.

On this transmission of Hearts of Space, ambient soundscapes for quiet winter nights, on a program called WINTER : STILL. 

Music is by ROBERT JÜRJENDAL & MIGUEL NOYA, GEORGE WALLACE, DARSHAN AMBIENT (R.I.P.), IGNEOUS FLAME, MAX CORBACHO, JUHA-MATTI RAUTIAINEN, STEVE ROACH, and ROBERT SCOTT THOMPSON.

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PGM 1237 'A MARCONI UNION RETROSPECTIVE' : jan.17-24

These days, ambient music can come from anywhere, and England has been a particularly rich source for significant atmospheric and electronic music. But it was still a bit surprising for one of the most popular and productive electronic bands of the last 20 years to emerge from the 19th century industrial city of Manchester, a former textile center in the English midlands with a checkered history going back to Roman times. Today, it's a growing, cosmopolitan city considered second only to London, and the home of MARCONI UNION.

Starting as the duo of RICHARD TALBOT and JAMIE CROSSLEY in 2002, they became a trio in 2010 with the addition of keyboardist DUNCAN MEADOWS. In 18 years they've produced what they describe (with typical understatement) as "an explorative body of instrumental work that's shifted between electronica, dub, minimalism, avant-jazz and ambient music." It's also subtle, beautiful, melancholy, serene, occasionally dark and sinister, and thoroughly enjoyable music.

With the release of their 10th album in 2019, we thought it was high time to take a look back. On this transmission of Hearts of Space, A MARCONI UNION RETROSPECTIVE.

We'll focus on their ambient, electronic and minimalist work, starting with their second album DISTANCE, from 2005, and continuing with ambient explorations from BEAUTIFULLY FALLING APART, DIFFERENT COLOURS, WEIGHTLESS—rated "the most relaxing music ever" by neuroscientists--and their latest, DEAD AIR, from 2019.

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PGM 1236 'NORTHERN NIGHTS 2' : jan.10-17

The polar night…deep, still, and silent. As our world warms, it's punctuated by sounds of ice melting, cracking and falling. Overhead the auroras paint the sky with ghostly green light, as charged particles from the sun interact with the earth's magnetic field. It's a vast, solemn environment that inspires ambient and electronic musicians to create vast, chilled soundscapes.

On this transmission of HEARTS of SPACE, ambient nocturnes from the Arctic north, on a program called NORTHERN NIGHTS 2.

Music is by JANNE HANHISUANTO, MATHIAS GRASSOW & MICHAEL BRÜCKNER, SEETYCHA, ERIK WØLLO, STORMLOOP, BIOSPHERE, RETINA.IT, and ILUITECH.

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PGM 317R 'TEUTONIC ELECTRONIC' : jan.3-10

It doesn't sound all that unusual today, but this is one of the styles of electronic music created in the late 1970's by German musician KLAUS SCHULZE, a man who literally launched a thousand imitators. Whether they know it or not, just about everyone making popular electronic music today owes a big debt to Klaus Schulze. On this transmission of Hearts of Space, we look back at some great music created by Klaus Schulze at the peak of his early career in 1978, on a program called TEUTONIC ELECTRONIC.

He got an early start as a drummer at the end of the 1960's, when he was one of the founding members of two bands that later became institutions in German spacemusic: ASH RA TEMPEL and TANGERINE DREAM. After a few years he was on his own, with a series of solo albums that advanced and defined the state of the art. For his tenth solo album in 1978, he created his masterpiece: an epic double album of six "musical biographies" of great figures from German history, literature, and music. It was called simply "X" or, if you prefer Roman numerals, "TEN."

On this project Klaus Schulze not only defined several styles of rhythm-based popular electronic music; he also realized a long-standing dream of many electronic musicians—to work with a real symphony orchestra. As you'll hear, the music he created—exciting, brooding, hypnotic, and powerful—has never been exceeded in its seamless integration of electronic sounds and orchestra. We'll be hearing selections from his "biographies" of GEORG TRAKL, LUDWIG II, and HEINRICH VON KLEIST, and related German spacemusic by PROJEKT ERDE from 11:11, and HORIZONT from WHITE CLOUDS.

It's a journey to the historic epicenter of German spacemusic: TEUTONIC ELECTRONIC...on this transmission...of Hearts of Space.

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PGM 1235 'CRADLE SONGS and CHORAL CLASSICS' : dec. 20-27

On any list of the oldest and most widespread musical forms on earth, the lullaby is going to be close to the top. The sound of a mother singing to her child is about as universal as it gets in human culture. Slow, quiet, with gentle swinging or rocking rhythms, lullabies sooth, teach, help cardiac and respiratory problems, aid bonding and neurological development, reduce stress, and yes — promote sleep. Happily, they turn out to be as good for the singer as for the child.

Originally unaccompanied, over the centuries lullabies have become beloved popular songs and folk instrumentals. Classical composers even adapted them for sacred, choral and dramatic works. The lullaby seems to charm everyone it touches.

On this transmission of Hearts of Space, timeless folk and choral lullabies on a program from guest producer ELLEN HOLMES called CRADLE SONGS and CHORAL CLASSICS. Folk music is by ENSEMBLE GALILEI, PRISCILLA HERNANDEZ, LIZ MADDEN, CATHIE RYAN, TERESA DOYLE, BARRY PHILLIPS, and ANNBJØRG LIEN, plus choral classics by ARVO PÄRT, RIHARDS DUBRA, ĒRIKS EŠENVALDS, FRANZ SCHUBERT, J.S.BACH, BEYOND, and J. KETCHAHKMADZE.

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PGM 1234 'IMMERSIVE CAROLS' : dec.13-20

Christmas carols. Love 'em or hate 'em, you can't avoid 'em during the holiday season. Christmas music has become part of the advertising industry, dedicated to putting you in the mood to buy. Yet underneath the dreamy materialism is a musical tradition with some of the best-loved, most enduring hymns and songs ever created.

Acoustic musicians have long made instrumental versions of classic carols, ignoring the words and letting the music take center stage. Ambient musicians normally take a different approach — slowing down the tempos, stretching out the melodies, and expanding the virtual space of the recording.

But the most radical approach of all comes from our old friend Ohio composer TIM STORY. Revered for his exquisite ambient chamber music, he's applied his refined tonal sense and electronic power tools to extract the melodic and harmonic essence of recordings of the most popular Christmas carol of all: Silent Night. The result is total transformation, from a familiar hymn to "a slow motion immersive epic."

On this transmission of Hearts of Space, slow-floating, harmon-o-gized, spatially-expanded ambient music for the holiday season, on a program called IMMERSIVE CAROLS. Music is by TIM STORY, MATT BORGHI, SAM BRADY LONG, DANNA CUNNINGHAM, and RICHARD STOLTZMAN.

[ view program page ] [ view Flickr image gallery ] [ play 30 second MP3 promo ]

 

PGM 1233 'CELTIC STARLIGHT 2' : dec. 6-13

Of all the world's folk musics, the songs of the Celtic lands of Western Europe—Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany and Galicia—have captured the hearts of listeners around the world. The combination of aching melancholy, joyous dances, ravishingly beautiful melodies, brilliant musicianship and great singing have charmed generations in Europe, and played a major role in the evolution of American folk music.

The Celtic boomlet at the turn of the century has passed, but great Celtic musicians never stopped performing and recording, and the genre carries on with new innovations. On this early winter transmission of Hearts of Space, warm Celtic ballads to chase away the chill, on a program called CELTIC STARLIGHT 2.

Music is by THE CRANNUA COLLECTIVE, JOHNSON-DUNNING-GOODWIN, JEFF BECK(!), MOYA BRENNAN & CORMAC DE BARRA, MICHAEL ATKINSON, ÁINE MINOGUE, JOHN DOAN, BJ COLE & DAVY SPILLANE, and AO MUSIC featuring MIRIAM STOCKLEY. 

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PGM 1231 'FALLING' : nov.15-22

THE SUN begins its long withdrawal from the northern hemisphere after the summer solstice in June. After the autumn equinox in September, the transition seems to accelerate. The days grow shorter, the nights grow longer, and the temperature cools, while the natural world changes color and prepares for the winter to come.

Since medieval times we've called this season "fall." The word comes from Middle English, with Old English and Old German roots. Falling implies movement downward, and in autumn, declining solar energy brings a feeling of descending or falling into the season. In music it's marked by slowing tempos, descending chord progressions, darkening timbres, and wistful, even melancholy emotions.

On this transmission of Hearts of Space...we descend into the autumn soundscape, a program called FALLING. Music is by DAVID DARLING, JOEP BEVING, CHRISTOPHER TIGNOR, HAMMOCK, LUDOVICO EINAUDI, and TOM EATON.

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PGM 1230 'TRIBUTE to NOTRE-DAME de PARIS' : nov. 8-15

The fire at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris in April 2019 sent shock waves of distress and sadness around the world. You didn't have to be French, Catholic, or even believe in God...to feel a profound sense of cultural loss.

Since the 12th century, Notre-Dame has been both a physical monument and a metaphysical symbol of the deepest aspirations and highest artistic values of humankind, at the center of one of the greatest cities on earth. For it to be destroyed would have been an insult to the global spirit, in a world that's already burdened by unprecedented challenges.

When the fire was out, it was clear that it could have been much worse. The spire and most of the oak and lead roof were destroyed and the exterior was badly burned — while the irreplaceable relics, priceless artwork, rose windows, bell towers, and three pipe organs were not seriously damaged. Over a billion Euros have been pledged to rebuild and restore the cathedral — a job that will take twenty to forty years. Our Lady will rise again in the center of Paris, in all her Gothic magnificence.

On this transmission of Hearts of Space from longtime guest producer for sacred and classical music ELLEN HOLMES...a TRIBUTE to NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS.

Sacred music for chorus, strings and organ is by an all-star cast of French composers from the 16th to the 20th century, including MARC-ANTOINE CHARPENTIER, FRANCOIS COUPERIN, JEAN RICHAFORT, PHILIPPE VERDELOT, JOSQUIN DES PRES, ANTOINE BRUMEL, CAMILLE SAINT-SAENS, CESAR FRANK, CHARLES GOUNOD, LILI BOULANGER, GABRIEL FAURÉ, MAURICE DURUFLÉ, and OLIVIER MESSIAEN.

We celebrate the artistic and spiritual legacy of a great cathedral: a TRIBUTE to NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS...on this transmission...of Hearts of Space.

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PGM 1229 'THE UNEXPLAINED' : oct. 25 - nov.1

Once again, dear spacefans, we arrive at the intersection of cosmos and culture we celebrate at the end of October as Halloween.

The name is a contraction of the 16th century Christian holiday of Hallows' Evening or All Hallow's Eve. In Celtic mythology it was said to be the time when the boundary between This World and the Otherworld was at its thinnest, and the souls of the dead walked the earth. Today it's a time for us to exorcise our ancient limbic emotions of fear and danger.

I'm DR. DARKO and on this transmission of Hearts of Space, a mysterious dark ambient journey for Halloween, on a program from guest producer DAVID J. EGAN called THE UNEXPLAINED.

Much of the music on this show comes to us from the Italian experimental music label UNEXPLAINED SOUNDS GROUP and its sub-label EIGHTH TOWER RECORDS. They were founded by RAFFAELE PEZZELLA to explore dark underground experimental music in regions of the world not generally known for it, like Iran, Lebanon, Portugal, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans.

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PGM 1228 'GAME SCORES' : oct.18-25

Full disclosure, spaceFans: I am not a "gamer." That is, I have never played video games. When I was growing up, they didn't exist. Then the video game world arose, prospered, and passed me by. It's a shame, because over the last 40 years a great deal of high quality ambient, electronic and environmental music has been composed for video games. Today it's a parallel media universe, four times larger than the entire music industry.

In our mission to bring you music from every corner of the ambient musicverse, we've been missing an entire galaxy. Clearly, we needed help, and it arrived recently in the form of JOHN WEDGEWORTH, an expert on video game music who's also a Hearts of Space fan.

John hails from Des Moines, Iowa, where he produces a podcast called NERD NOISE RADIO, that covers the full spectrum of video game music. From this vast repertoire, John selected tracks from the ambient side of the genre, where it overlaps Hearts of Space.

On this transmission of Hearts of Space...ambient, electronic and chamber music from video games, on a program called GAME SCORES.

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PGM 1227 'ALTIPLANO 2' : oct.4-11

The folk music of the high Andes plateau called the altiplano, comes from the western edge of South America, a thousand rocky miles stretching from southern Ecuador through Peru and Bolivia, to Northern Chile. In the transparent mountain air, the brilliant overtones of native stringed instruments like the charango and the ronroco, airy native flutes and panpipes and natural skin drum rhythms, make music that runs the gamut of emotions from joyful to solemn, mystic...to achingly sad. 

It's a sound that calls to both South American expatriate musicians and northern film composers, who've enriched it with strings and electronics. On this transmission of Hearts of Space, New Andean music inspired by the brilliant folk sounds of the high Andes plateau, on a program called ALTIPLANO 2.

[ view program page ] [ view Flickr image gallery ] [ play 30 second MP3 promo ]