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Clearly  (2006)

Reviews

Daily Vault
http://www.dailyvault.com/
Searching for the perfect candlelit dinner music? Michael Mucklow has you covered.

His CD 'Clearly' is a relaxing blend of New Age and acoustic music, the kind of soothing background music that would sound good at dinner, around a campfire or in a documentary about saving the planet. Like most artists of this sort, Mucklow never stakes out a unique guitar voice or encompasses any sort of quirks to set his music apart -- by way of comparison, he sounds like a very low-key Leo Kottke or Tommy Emmanuel.

The songs are inspired by Mucklow's spiritual journey and his physical journey across the western United States. Mucklow is unabashedly Christian, but that fact only is shown on his Web site and not in the lyric-free music. As most of his song descriptions seem reflective, the music is of a peace as well, dwelling in languid acoustic arpeggios, laid-back drum machines and a contemporary jazz feel to much of the music.

This is where the disc works as background music. Listening to it closely doesn't reveal a lot of individual rewards, but that's not the point. It's about the mood, about making the listener slip into a ruminative trance ("In The Temple" pulls this off very nicely) and just forget about the day. The music surges at key times ("Sunlit Mesas") and sighs most of the time; it would be great for car trips when one needs to wind down, or for playing while you are eating a candlelit dinner with your girlfriend, or if you just need to forget everything and de-stress.

Which is the point of New Age music, but some people took it too far into the spiritual realm, and here Mucklow reins in that tendency. "Gone For A Walk," written when the artist was 16, is just solo acoustic folk guitar, a simple and elegant piece, but it accomplishes the same emotive atmosphere as the eight-minute mood piece "In The Temple." The closing "Vibrant Aire" is a highlight, mixing a '90s alternative feel with a slight flamenco backdrop.

Because the music isn't supposed to be taken separately, there are no offensive moments, though a couple spots drag with too-long electric guitar solos -- and not the good kind, but the contemporary jazz kind one hears on Muzak. It's a shame, because "Love's Way" could have been better with an acoustic playing the lead instead of the too-loud electric.

As background and mood music, Clearly is a success, though it rarely goes beyond that. Worth listening to if you come across it for cheap or if you want some great music for that perfect romantic night.
~ Review by Benjamin Ray

Amazings Sounds
http://www.amazings.com
In this work we find a nice collection of melodic themes dominated by the guitar, flowing through Rock Ballad, Contemporary Instrumental music, Jazz, Folk and soft Pop. In many of the tracks the listener can clearly appreciate the personal style of the artist, well polished after years of exploration, collaborations with other musicians and some influences such as that of, for instance, Acoustic Alchemy. In conclusion, this is a beautiful album, intimist and melodic as well.
~ Review by Marcella Cirignola

Rambles.net
http://www.rambles.net
It is rare a CD lives up to its name as well as Michael Mucklow's Clearly.

I first listened to it on a quiet weekend afternoon at home and was immediately drawn to the wonderfully clear and resonant notes of the acoustic guitar that poured out. I turned the volume up, which is always a good sign, and hit repeat when the CD had finished, which is an even better one. Whether played quietly or loudly, on good speakers or mediocre ones, these 12 instrumental guitar tracks, united by Mucklow's supple fingerstyle guitar and attention to melody and mood, are easy to like.

Though not without its shortcomings, Clearly is an unpretentious, expressive and audibly joyful listen that may just be the perfect relaxation CD for people who hate relaxation CDs.

A little over half the tracks are played on acoustic guitar, minimally accompanied by light percussion and occasional piano, and it is on these unornamented pieces that Mucklow's command of the guitar really shines. The opening track, "Canyon Serenade," starts simply and doesn't so much build up as go deeper into its own melody to culminate in a surprising ending. "Cloud Shadows" has an easy, laidback sense of movement that fits its title perfectly. "Universe" is almost a lullaby with a tasteful touch of piano, while "Joy" and "Gone for a Walk" are, appropriately enough, more vivacious, slightly folksy pieces that sing of clean country air. A few of them sound rather similar on initial listens, but when they are all so beautifully evocative, it's hard to mind.

The electric guitar pieces tend to be less effective, and especially after the acoustic tracks they seem a bit cluttered and fussy in comparison. "Sunlit Mesas," a piece to saunter off into the sunset with if ever there was one, is the obvious exception. "Moonlight Sands" is pleasant enough in a mild-mannered, jazzy Latin way, but the synthesizer intro to the seven-minute-long "In the Temple" is an unwanted trip back to the 1980s, as is the beat in "Love's Way." Neither is offensive enough to skip, but it is at these points that Clearly inches towards elevator music and kitschiness.

But for all that, the album's virtues are much more memorable than its faults. Clearly is atmospheric enough to serve as soundtrack for quiet times, melodic enough to simply sit back and listen to, and altogether a promising solo guitar debut for Michael Mucklow. Just one question arises: why hasn't Windham Hill signed him up yet?
~ Review by Jennifer Mo

InnerChange.com
http://www.innerchangemag.com
Michael Mucklow plays guitar, bass and piano. He is joined by Jon Gosen, piano, syth, percussion, and Eric Banas on piano on some of the tracks. The guitar-focused Clearly, is one of those albums that is so good that it almost defies description. I could take the easy way out and say “go to www.michaelmucklow.com, and hear the entire CD by clicking on 'listen'”. But, I must write on. It is Clearly obvious (to me) that the music is soothing, vibrant, musically and spiritually inspiring, brilliant, emotionally rich, healing, and joyful. Hopefully these “words” won't distract you from the here and now. Tune in, you'll know whether it's worth a listen.

The songs don't repeat themselves; the style varies; this makes it easy to listen to the entire album again and again. The clear melodic squeaking sound of the fingers moving on the guitar strings brings you into the room with the artist. You hear elements of jazz, folk, classical, and new age music. The more I listen, the more I like it.

On his web site Michael Mucklow shares his inspiration for each song. About the song “Loves Way”, he says: "There are times when God expresses His love for us in a more gentle way...He is comforting and wooing us. When I began writing the lead melody line for this song it began to feel like I myself was being reminded of how gentle God's love has been toward me. I'm very thankful for those times."

And Mucklow's thoughts about track six, “Cloud Shadows”: "Clouds are very distinct entities in the desert because of the clear blue sky. When they are moving slowly and gently above the earth their shadows are cast upon the ground, hills and mountains. It can be mezmerizing to watch those shadows slowly make their way along."

Playing while doing yoga, meditative movement, massage, eating breakfast, or talking with friends, may inspire you to cast your shadows gently upon the earth.
~ Review by Ron Rudin

Foxy Digitalis
http://www.digitalindustries.com
We're not feeling any love. At all. 0/10

"Instrumental guitar stylings that are relaxing, meditative, joyful, sensitive, ethereal and soothing."

Primary genre: New age fingerstyle
Secondary genre: Smooth jazz
Instrumentation: Acoustic and electric guitars

See that, right there, we got a problem. That’s a damned lie. Sure there’s plenty of guitars, there’s guitars for Africa – quite reasonable finger-style guitar playin – and bass too apparently, but there’s also retarded percussion ("real AND programmed") and piano and synth muck all over this, ruining any chance that it might have been remotely listenable*. Mucklow thanks one S.L. in the liner notes "for always saying 'man, you gotta record that "; if only someone along the line had also said "for god's sake have some balls and stop hiding your lamp under the bushel of 'production'." (* ok well track 3 "Moonlight Sands" and subsequent’s crematorium muzak put well paid to that, didn’t it.)
~ Review by Stephen Clover

BuddyHollywood.com
http://www.buddyhollywood.com
Ever had one of those Francis of Assisi moments, when you see a sunrise and your heart goes into your throat and you weep because no other expression can capture your emotions? Perhaps it is the touch of your lover’s hand, or that one special glance that makes you melt. Or maybe it is during those quiet interludes sitting before a fireplace contemplating the vastness of the universe and your infinitesimal place in it that enlightenment takes place. Those are the themes fingerstyle guitarist Michael Mucklow explores in his soothing yet exhilarating instrumental release, Clearly.

“Canyon Serenade,” the project’s opener is a gentle exultation of the glories of nature. There are snatches of melodies in harken back to an old Christmas carol, and the spirit of the song seems to encourage heaven and nature to ‘sing!’ “Joy” is a subtle celebration of that misunderstood state of being that is often attributed as an emotion of sublime happiness. In Mucklow’s world, “Joy” appears to be more about graceful acceptance and contentment mixed with expectation.

“Love’s Way” is flecked with a bosa nova sway; seductive yet demure. “(It Feels) Timeless” builds on the recurrent theme of celebrating our place in the universe first posited in “Uni-Verse,” and the seven and a half minute electrified epic, “In The Temple,” frees Mucklow to ponder the nature of the human and the divine.

Michael Mucklow’s niche lies somewhere between the Canadian folk sensibilities of Steve Bell, the classical leaning of Christopher Parkening and Muriel Anderson, and the exquisite, populist fingerstyle of Larry Belknap. Clearly is subtle, emotionally rich, textured yet unobtrusive. This is a project that warrants repeated listens.
~ Review by Mike Parker

International Online Magazine
http://www.iommagazine.com
I was thinking about buying a little grey plastic tub containing about 24 of those vitamin B12, vitamin C amalgamations that promise a kinda upwards health thing with the added benefit of 'calming' additives... none of which have ever seen the light of day as far as regulation or quality control is concerned... for all I know I could be swallowing powdered lawn grass at $10 a pop!!! Now... whatever the short or long term effects of these things is marketed to be, I can tell you that you can chuck the entire tub (and any others like it that you may own) in the bin and get a far more beneficial spirit, heart, and soul enriching experience by simply listening to any one (or more) of Michael Mucklow's compositions!

I have, at hand, Michael's most recent recording 'Clearly' and I can tell you that this monumental mood enhancing collage of audio magnificence is one of the best things ever to grace the R Cat CD drawer and the air molecules that float directly in front of these speakers!

The album opens with the delicate and inescapably brilliant Canyon Serenade - our introduction to Michael's world complete with beautifully played solo acoustic work accompanied in just the right places by piano and tabla styled percussion. There isn't anything remotely un-engaging in this piece and the magic is evident in the fact that you just cannot pull your attention away for too long without feeling like you've committed an act of betrayal on your senses!

Joy follows Canyon Serenade and continues to inspire hitherto measures of awe and atmosphere... the kind you'd love to have permanently surrounding anyone who dares pass through your door with the slightest hint of negativity about them. This piece would surely confine that mindset in a heartbeat! It's such a bright, summery, melodic piece with just about every note carefully caressed for the right amount of time and with the right amount of co-ordination that some of the greatest guitar players often take with a pinch of salt. I don't think that happens here... I think Michael knows he's adequately blessed!

Moonlight Sands meanwhile, takes the stage where the guys from the latino appreciation society normally reside and within a few bars, the entire track takes shape to become an accomplishment strewn in every direction with skill and superb stylistics. A beautifully arranged piece worthy of much praise and appreciation. Michael's managed to put personality between the riffs and chords and a very attractive personality it is! Watch out for the lovely piano and acoustic work that surfaces about mid-way through the track!

Love's Way picks up the tempo with some very clever support from the percussion talents of Jon Gosen. The guitar work is whispered and dreamy in places and the approach works exceptionally well. You get the feeling that Michael's guitar is actually as much an extension of his heart and soul as his body is.. whatever way you look at it... Love's Way is a wonderful piece of jazziness with icing!

Uni•Verse (One Song) is one of the most beautiful instrumentals I have heard in a long time. Very ambient and very effective in it's mood enhancing delivery.. excellent guitar work just grabs you at that point where you would rather not be let go for a very long time. Watch out for the equally remarkable piano arrangement that comes in at around the 2.14 mark... lovely!

Cloud Shadows comes to us provoking just about every bright and sparkling memory we've ever had of comfort, contentment, and pure positive creativity all rolled into one. It's difficult for the average composer to achieve that kind of response but for me as a listener, it wasn't difficult at all! Then, we get to (It Feels) Timeless - what a great title for such a timeless piece of music! Again the guitar and percussion work are synchronous to the nth degree.. a superb arrangement with some very fine engineering at the mixer end of the spectrum!

In The Temple is an absolutely brilliant piece of music with guitar, percussion, piano and synth all working so closely together they might as well have been played by an eight armed super musician! There are little hints of blues, contemporary jazz, and little reminiscences of folk here and there... I'll leave it to you to find them before you get to Healer - a rather sad and slightly introspective tune that provokes reflection at a point where you thought you were all out of reflecting! It's a beautifully crafted piece of work is this and it firmly establishes Michael and co as a very accomplished group of musicians who know a thing or two about how much can push the emotions!

Track ten just happens to be Sunlit Mesas - a lovely example of 'borderless' and innovative fingerpicking that's actually prevalent throughout this CD but even more welcome here. The guitar work is so clear and sensibly recorded that you feel like michael is sitting right next to you. I'd love to know what this guitar is... there's barely a hint of poor lutherianship anywhere to be found. (is that the right word Michael??).

Gone For A Walk is so seamlessly bright and optimistic it's hard to stop yourself hitting the rewind buttons as your disbelief would have you do time and time again. Michael Mucklow has composed another work of beauty that has the same effect on your audio senses that some of the greatest finger-picked guitar tunes ever composed do.. brilliant!

The final track on this wonderful album is the anthemic Vibrant Aire. What a rather magnificently innovative piece of music this is.. meandering guitar riffs and phrases, attention holding percussion and some very fine engineering make this track stand out like a rose among fuchsias... it's a cleverly arranged piece of music that has more depth and colour than your average Renaissance painting! Very nice music boys!

Michael Mucklow's 'Clearly' is a monumental collection of guitar-focused classics that have the power to lift your spirit and your mood while subtly massaging just about every sense of well being you ever thought you possessed! Buy this album if you like clever guitar playing and stunning production all set with a contemporary edge. Bless you Michael for bringing this one into the world!
~ Review by Colin Lynch

New Artist Radio
http://www.newartistradio.net
I had never heard of a genre called New Age Fingerstyle so when Michael Mucklow sent me his music I was instantly interested. I was about 3 songs in when it dawned on me that there were no lyrics to this music, I was busy chilling out with the absolutely breathtaking guitar work. The guitar sang to you like a it had it's own voice, soft at times yet powerful enough to bring out the goose bumps down your spine. This is mood music to the max!

Refreshing and positive with a slight hint of spanish twang, this music kept my interest with 12 wonderful tracks that were diverse from one another. Something about this music kept giving me goose bumps, hard to explain I think it might have been the soft yet powerful way the guitar was worked. The production of this music was very clear and crisp and easy to listen to but you might find yourself being visited by the goose fairy.

I would recommend this music to everyone that wants to take a break and enjoy your life from a different soundtrack.
~ Review by Bill Messick (Dark)

Midwest Record Recap
http://www.midwestrecord.com
A fingerstyle guitarist that isn't afraid to be an adventurer, Mucklow let's his influences lead the way as he shapes and shifts them along the way. With a pair of like minded pals, this introspective, ambient and easy disc is a sonic oasis for those looking for a way to get away from it all. An interesting player with a bright future.
~ Review by Chris Spector

20th Century Guitar (Print Publication)
http://www.tcguitar.com
Following years of playing hard rock and heavy metal, guitarist Michael Mucklow returned in 2006 with an album that's relaxing, calming and peaceful... even healing. Mucklow adds, "Those styles really opened me to playing with passion and intensity, and I later learned the same can be applied to all forms of music - even very soothing music." With an affinity for Acoustic Alchemy, William Ackerman, Alex De Grassi, and Michael Hedges, Mucklow follows suit with an album bound to be of interest to fans of those New Age favorites. Also featuring support from Jon Gosen, (piano, synth, percussion) Clearly is ethereal fingerstyle acoustic guitar music at it's finest.

Instrumental Observer
http://metalhaven.livejournal.com
Michael Mucklow is an adventurer. His Music speaks volumes for his daring as he has gone about his quest for the unusual settings for solo finger style guitar. Michael is joined by Jon Gosen (Piano, Synth & percussion) and Eric Banas (Piano).

The music on Clearly springs several surprises, but it also has a state of grace in its calmer moments. The members share ideas, interpoling them and then taking them out into articulately giddy terrain.

The musician’s ideas are constantly fertile. Canyon Serenade has a nice early morning sunrise feel. It would be a great track to encourage you to get out of bed on a cold winters day. The guitar is backed by gentle percussion and sparse piano notes.

Moonlight Sands has a more latin jazz feel in which the percussion works really well. It has a downbeat/sinister verse section. There is a slow catchy piano solo towards the end of the track.

Surprise is another driving force, as the album changes pace and direction. After the gentle (It Feels) Timeless, the atmosphere turns to a churning one on In The Temple. A dark sustained electric blues lick opens the track, backed by a somber sounding piano. The most passionate moment comes when the blue licks loop into the track towards the end.

This is the first time I have heard finger style guitar, and am proud to have reviewed this album. In short, the music is not only well crafted, but crafty and it is all delightful.

Smother Magazine
http://www.smother.net
Mucklow is an ambient musician whose specialty is guitars. He layers ethereal sonic textures over his meditative guitar picking which is done finger style to give it a more natural and warmth tone. The backdrop is laid to bed with alluring soundscapes that intend to calm and succeed very nicely. In fact you can’t help but be relaxed when listening to “Clearly”. Michael Mucklow is a clever songwriter whose natural instincts breathe through the guitar and into your eardrum.

Mish Mash
http://mashmusic.tripod.com/may06.html
Michael Mucklow's album is like a gentle breeze in the warm spring, a surprisingly fresh and laid back acoustic guitar album which is unpretentious and relaxing in its optimism. You can't help but feel good after listening to this one. That's not to say that it is overly happy or forced, as it has an honest joy to it (and wouldn't you know that there's actually a song called Joy on it) which meanders throughout each and every track.

The album centers around Mucklow and his guitar, with accompanying piano and percussion tagging along for the ride, providing a nice embellishment for the guitar centerpiece. The simplicity and the positvite attitude make a wonderful combination, and the result is a highly memorable album.

MISH MASH Mandate: Joyful Noise

Bridge Guitar Reviews
http://www.xs4all.nl/~guitars/
Michael Mucklow is a very promising guitarist.

Testimonials...

"This CD really captures a mood for me...a great listen when I want to chill out! Very expressive music. The acoustic layers of piano and percussion compliment Michael's' tasty guitar work to create a wonderful sonic experience!"
- James F.
Michigan, USA

"Once again I sit at my computer enjoying 'Clearly'. Okay, I said 'In the Temple'was ONE of my favorites...that's because each song has its own beautifully defined essence. Just like the Lord. Everything He does is beautiful. How precious He is in each song. He flows through each song in His many flavors...He paints each plucked string with echos of His love. I so enjoy His Presence here...I feel His love...His passion...His gentleness...His faithfulness. He plucks the strings of my heart as I listen to the Expressions of His Heart in Song...He embraces me with His Joy through Canyon Sunrise...and stills my heart through the Love's Way...I thank the Lord that He has brought you to the other side of this CD."
- Claudia H.
Morongo Valley, USA

"Technically, musically and spiritually inspiring stuff. A most worthwhile purchase. There is something for everyone on this CD. Mucklow doesn't repeat himself from song to song, preferring to delve into many different styles which makes the CD playable again and again. All I can say is bring on the next CD!"
- Rod S.
Barnegat, USA

"A Superbly Assured Inspirational Music. I listened to "clearly" again and again and enjoyed every sound of it. Michael plays the guitar with an understanding, commitment and the touchness of reality. I loved it."
- Saleh G.
Simi Valley, USA

"Fresh, rich tones. Sweet stylings. Clean. Age-defying, pretty stuff. Nice, rich acoustic tones. Beautiful and uplifting music to have floating around in your house. Good for reading on a sunny Sunday with only your cats for company. Good for baking cinnamon apples to. Top with fresh cream. Has a freshness to it, immaculate, clean production, clearly. Would love to see this artist really streeeeetch. Dig deeper. Ask what if...? Glad to own this, look forward to hearing future projects that break a few rules. Lovely...but, what if????"
- Deborah L.
Mayfield Heights, USA

"Awesome! The perfect blend of relaxation and motivation. I really enjoy listening to this CD at work. I love guitar and look forward to possibly collaborating with Mr. Mucklow in the future."
- David S.
Twentynine Palms, USA

"I love this album. Michael Mucklow's "Clearly" cd is one of the most beautiful instrumentals I have heard, not just in long time, but in my whole life. It is one of my favorite cd's to wake up to in the morning on my cd player/alarm clock. What soothing and wonderful sounds to wake up to...and get ready for the day with! I highly recommend this cd to anyone and everyone. This music is not limited by genre. The artist is versatile and smooth. The music is like a breathe of fresh air. And just in time for spring!"
- Amanda R.
Yucca Valley, USA

"It's mellow, it's melodic, it's well played...and it holds up really well to repeated listening -- I've been listening to it repeatedly while driving for over a week now and it's playing right now as I type this. I haven't tired of hearing it a bit, but rather find myself enjoying it even more with repeated hearings -- it just plain feels good. While this original and interesting music rewards concentrated listening, it's also able to blend easily and unobtrusively into the background."
- Sam S.
Joshua Tree, USA

"Mike Mucklow has made a great recording. His new record is a nice collection of tunes, and well played, produced and edited."
- Steven L.
Joshua Tree, USA

About the Music...

Inspirations

Canyon Serenade - "My wife and I once took a side trip to Sedona, Arizona, while on our way to New Mexico. Well, just as everyone says...it's a beautiful place...breathtaking! We spent a couple of days there driving around trying to take in everything we could in that short time. As this song took shape I began thinking about Sedona and the near unbelievable beauty. Yes, that canyon serenaded me!"

Joy - "This song is a my musical definition of joy. I think joy is not simply an emotion but actually part of our character, and an aspect of our being that can steadily be relied upon."

Moonlight Sands - "One of my most favorite scenes is a night when the moon is full and it lights up the desert around me in which I live. It's simply beautiful; I can sit under the moonlight for hours just perusing the scenery."

Love's Way - "There are times when God expresses His love for us in a more gentle way...He is comforting and wooing us. When I began writing the lead melody line for this song it began to feel like I myself was being reminded of how gentle God's love has been toward me. I'm very thankful for those times."

Uni•Verse (One Song) - "The word universe is a combination of two other words - uni, defined as "one", and verse, defined as "song". I think that's very interesting because most of us consider planets, stars and space to be the universe when we here the word used in a sentance. I think God considers it to mean everything harmonizing together - that all His creation is as One Song."

Cloud Shadows - "Clouds are very distinct entities in the desert because of the clear blue sky. When they are moving slowly and gently above the earth their shadows are cast upon the ground, hills and mountains. It can be mezmerizing to watch those shadows slowly make their way along."

(It Feels) Timeless - "On one of the yearly trips my wife and I make to New Mexico, we were on the road heading toward Amboy. As one travels North and looks to the West there is a mini dormant volcano, with the ancient lava flow heading East to meet the highway. The sun was setting on this particular trip and the orange, yellow and red horizon made me feel as though I could live in that moment forever."

In The Temple - "This is a worship or meditation song of sorts. This song actually began with a different title, but once it was fully recorded and I listened to it several times while mixing it it took on a different meaning. I found myself closing my eyes and being in a quiet place within - and at times pictured myself being in a temple of God."

Healer - "About Christ as healer. Once in a while healing comes to us in a ostentatious way, but most of the time healing is quiet, gentle, calm and tender. These also being some of the traits of Christ's character."

Sunlit Mesas - "Almost as much as I like a moonlit desert night, I like the desert mesa lit up by the sun with the clear blue sky above. Another scene that I can sit and enjoy for hours on end."

Gone For A Walk - "I wrote this song while I was still in high school...that's quite a while back now! I wrote it in an attempt to better the guitar mentor I had at that time. Don't know if I did, being that I was too nervous or shy to show it to him. It also went untitled until about 1996 when I began performing it on a regular basis."

Vibrant Aire - "Driving down a long stretch of desert road on a wonderfully gorgeous sunny day in a convertible with the top down. That's what this song makes me think of. The air is vibrant...alive. And so am I!"

Instrumentation

Guitars - "On the fingerstyle songs (1, 2, 5, 6, 7 & 11) I used a 1997 Breedlove SC/R model which is made of all solid woods - a Spruce top with Rosewood back and sides. I also used it on the rhythm and lead tracks on Vibrant Aire. The classical guitar played on songs 3, 4, 5, 8 & 9 is a Cort CEC-1 which was recorded direct in. It sounded much better recording it that way than with a mic. I used a Jay Turser big box Jazz style electric guitar to do the solo work on songs 3, 4 & 8. And finally, a Cort M-520 solid body electric was used to lay down the rhythm track on song 8, In The Temple."

Bass - "The only songs that have bass tracks are 3, 4, 10 & 12. I used a Jay Turser, model unknown - it was bought at a NAMM show by the owner of the studio in which I recorded. I liked the sound of it, which I think is due to it having two humbucker style pickups. Originally, I wasn't going to do the bass tracks, but Jon, the albums main producer, encouraged me a lot to be the one to do it. And I'm glad he did."

Piano & Synth - "A Korg Triton was used to create all piano and synth tracks. We used original unmodified patches. I think the piano patch was Grand Piano. The only synth track, used on Uni•Verse, was some sort of fat strings patch - I tend to like that sound quite a lot."

Percussion - "Korg Triton and some real stuff like tamborine, shaker and claves. The percussion tracks were laid down in real time since my music usually moves about in varying time signatures. Vibrant Aire was the only song for which the percussion track was laid down first - because it keeps the same tempo all the way through."

Oboe - "Once again, the Korg Triton."