Knossos Project - Ambient Oud

When I was first asked to compile a selection of pieces for EMP I was intrigued by the thought, I had been working on a series of musical collages for oud and electronics. The idea of creating something more concrete seemed challenging and almost important. The momentum of the record would be fueled by the oud, however the spirit of the pieces would be inspired by the desire to push acoustic, eastern instruments beyond their traditional limits and into new and interesting territory. I had long been experimenting with the oud and reverberation, multi-tap delays and electronic treatments, (much as I have with guitar) seeking to deconstruct the sound to one more akin to ambient pads. The prospect of bringing this concept to fruition and in this forum was an interesting premise. The work I was currently composing was traditionally based, in the sense that it was built roughly on maqams, however the presentation was quite the opposite, trading conventionality for delineation, manipulating modal structures and underpinning melodic breaks with harmonic shadows. Ultimately, I was entranced with the resonance of long floating notes and a contrast of rhythmic cacophony… and the beauty of silence, an idea that would permeate the recordings that were to follow.

I suppose the first beginnings of the Knossos project took form in the winter of 1998 when I first began to seriously write music with the dancer in mind. I set out to compose a series of strictly near east compositions that would prove interesting if not challenging for the listener and the dancer alike. The first of these compositions was entitled "The Tragedy of Knossos", a complex piece in 13/8 with varied verses in 6/8 and 5/8. This composition was significant, not for simply being the first of a group of ethnic pieces, but for me, the musical content in relation to the idea... the idea of Knossos. I had been studying ancient art at the time, when I first uncovered the mystique and magnetic pull of this historic place. I was haunted by the premise of art, music and culture flourishing in an isolated plane, only to suffer a defeat to humanity and the elements - the image was unforgettable. It all became clear when I was piecing together my demos and musical drafts for the recording process - when the beauty of the concept of Knossos unveiled itself to me once again. It seemed only appropriate that this name would embody the soul of the work. Knossos, would be a testament to the shroud of mystery and loss that exists in all that is unique, and to the piece of music that inspired my venture into the world of Eastern Dance.