John White / Gavin Bryars - Machine Music LP

Between 1975 and 1978, Brian Eno's Obscure imprint produced ten LPs to document the work of virtually unknown composers at the time. These records continue to inspire both practitioners and fans of experimental, ambient and modern classical music. Machine Music, Obscure No. 8 and the third title to feature Gavin Bryars, showcases "systems music" pioneer John White. Largely known for his compositions for tuba and piano, White was a stylistically omnivorous artist who felt at home in his position as musical director at the Western Theatre Ballet as well as playing alongside Cornelius Cardew and Bryars in the radical Scratch Orchestra. Performed by the composer, Christopher Hobbs, Michael Nyman and Bryars, the album's first side is comprised of four White pieces. Short, repetitive themes – for brass, woodwinds, strings, piano and jaw harp – share common ground with the minimalist work of Steve Reich and Terry Riley. Splendid timbral variations reveal a trance-inducing listening experience