Callisto

Artist: Callisto
P: 2024
David Wright and Stephan Whitlan combine to continue their callisto electronic music collaboration and produce music inspired by Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze and Vangelis. The stunning new album presents 70 minutes of powerful, melodic and sequencer driven electronic music laced with atmospheric ambience. This will have fans of traditional Berlin school em as well as fans of the two musicians and the Callisto project, in raptures. Just as with the first collaboration (The Reflecting Sky), ‘Either Side of Reality’ came from a series of improvised sessions at David Wright’s Suffolk studio between 2020 and 2021. This time however, the duo decided to continue as ‘Callisto’. The music is a combination of powerhouse sequencing, searing leads and atmospheric ambient music.
While the duo clearly pay a passing nod to the more established luminaries of the genre, ‘Either Side of Reality’ is another original and sophisticated slice of powerhouse instrumental music.
It clearly reflects the musical vision and expertise of both artists, but with a clear intent of the collaboration metamorphosing into something completely new.

Artist: Callisto
P: 2009
Callisto played their first Hampshire Jam Festival on October 31st 2009. This album is a record of that performance. David Wright Wright was joined by Neil 'Geigertek' Fellowes (who replaces Dave Massey for live performances - DM doesn't do 'live').
The performance went down a storm with the audience. The Tangerine Dreams style melodic sequencer music comprised extended versions of two tracks from the forthcoming Callisto studio album "NYX" scheduled for February 2010 release, and the extended live performance is an excellent companion to the studio album. Some post production work has been done to the recording, which has been edited from the original room and house recordings and the rehearsal performances.
 

Artist: Callisto
P: 2010
More than three years in the making, Nyx is a technical and musical masterpiece! Full of stunning rhythmic, sequencer style music, it's highly modern and original, yet paradoxically, reminds us of those glorious bygone days of moogs, mellotrons and a sense of electronic music adventure. The two Davids, Wright & Massey, use their Callisto project pseudonym to express a shared teutonic musical vision, so heavily influenced by Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze, Kraftwerk and Jean Michelle Jarre. Yet cleverly, Callisto haven't forgotten that those icons of the genre included a great sense of atmosphere, emotion and musical structure. So "Nyx" contains complex sequences and driving rhythms plus tremendous musical ideas and structure; four epic tracks that weave a magical spell for a colossal 76 minutes. This really is one classy album, utilising the latest computer technology alongside classic analog synths of the past. If you thought the 2004 offering "Signal to the Stars" was good, just wait until you feast on this unbelievable follow-up. Destined to be a genuine electronic music classic!

Artist: Callisto
P: 2004
A beautiful and wonderfully crafted album of inspiring pure synth, electronic music. Full of uplifting melody and depth, rhythms and peace. `Signal to the Stars' was released in September 2004 and it has already been hailed by the music press as "One of the best instrumental albums of 2004." According to the liner notes, their collaboration as "Callisto" began when the two Davids found themselves with some strong leftover material that just didn't fit in with another project they were working on - material that was inspired by their common love of artists like Vangelis, TD, Klaus Schulze, & Jean Michel Jarre.
The music here does indeed show those influences, but it's much, MUCH more than a clone-like "tribute" to any of these artists. Rather, Callisto interprets the influneces of their musical heroes with a more updated, contemporary array of synth & percussion sounds - and there is something in their compositional style that displays a lot of creative ingeninuity all their own.

Artist: Various Artists
P: 2011
"A Little More Night Music" is the 6th volume in the essential "Best of Series" taken from the AD Music catalogue, building on the success of not only the series to date, but in particular the hugely popular volume 5 "Night Music". Therefore, "A Little More Night Music" follows in a similar 'late night listening' mood, with more beautifully evocative music carefully chosen to reflect mysterious journeys of discovery through emotionally inspired soundscapes, destined to become your own personal soundtrack of the mind. This compilation perfectly illustrates the depth and variety found in the AD Music catalogue, presenting contemporary melodic music that crosses the new age, electronic and space music genres with consummate ease.

Artist: Various Artists
P: 2010
Volume 3 of the essential "Best Of" series from AD Music contains melodic and emotive music that will take you on a wonderful journey beyond paradise. This is deeply moving, gently rhythmic and inspirational instrumental music that manages to be vibrant, uplifting and tranquil. Featuring superbly remastered and edited music from some of the most respected and accomplished composers of the genre, this album will have broad appeal and will be of interest to existing fans already familiar with the catalogue. A truly beautiful album of pure quality and class.

Artist: Various Artists
P: 2007
"Sacred Skies" continues our introduction to the artists on AD Music.
The CD is primarily a compilation of previously released tracks, (although there are 2 unreleased pieces) with a coherence defined by the label's vision and style. No ambient doodling here and no sugar sweet, new age wallpaper music either. "Sacred Skies" is an album of real power and emotion, a collection of rhythmic tracks highlighting the collective diversity to be found in the AD Music catalogue.
The album has a slightly darker edge than volume 1, with some ethnic influences. However, the infectious melodies, ambient textures, cinematic tones, dynamic soundscapes and powerful, strident themes remain. If you like music to be creative, to be different enough that it doesn't fall easily into a category, to have depth and purpose, then you should find the music we have to offer just what you're looking for.
Beginning with the previously unreleased 'The Plains' by Bekki Williams, in less symphonic mood, the piece reflects the increasing maturity of her music. One of the finest albums in AD's canon is Catalin Marin's 'First Breath' represented here by 'Nandana-Paradise in Indra', an ethnic tinged gem that would not sound out of place on the 'Bladerunner' soundtrack. The shimmering 'Iceberg', again echoing Vangelis at his most accessible, is equally impressive.
Robert Fox's illustrious backcatalogue is condensed to the superb 'Over Turquoise Seas' taken from his first Ad realease 'Asfafa' and the majestic 'Three Sisters'. Another previously unavailable track 'Sacred Skies' by David Wright is further incentive to buy this compilation. A slow burner, 'Sacred Skies' again reveals the lynchpin of AD Music in great form and bodes very well for his next solo album. The sublime 'Flame Sky' from 'Walking With Ghosts' and 'Taiga', an earlier favourite from 'Between Realities', does not disappoint.
'Jumping Air' from Raviv Gazit's underrated 'Shapeshifter' is the most rhythmic offering here. Code Indigo's, 'Call of the Earth', 'Fallen' and 'Code 11' remind us of the enduring quality of AD Music's supergroup. Callisto's 'Setisphere' has already become a classic from the debut release 'Signal to Stars.
Another AD favourite, Bekki Williams is further represented by 'Under The Same Sky' and 'Nightflier', both high quality offerings. Traditional cosmic synths appear on Enterphase's 'When the Morrow Breaks'. However, there is one AD music act, again criminally undervalued, that impresses here because it offers something different from the other artists. Witchcraft's 'Angel Dust' has ethereal vocals and 'Cathedral' from 'As I Hide' offers a subtley darker ambient vision of subdued menace.
All in all 'Sacred Skies' serves as a fine introduction to AD Music and an essential companion to Volume 1. First time purchasers may find that investigation of many of the source albums may be essential.