Jenkins, Mark

Artist: Mark Jenkins & Hannah Chappell
P: 2020
Cellistica is the duo of Mark Jenkins (electronics) and Hannah Chappell (cello). Fusing the finest Elements of classical, experimental, jazz, pop and rock music, Cellistica creates a rich and imaginative sound accompanied by spectacular computer graphic visuals. A typical set presents Cellistica's own unique take on pieces by some of the world's best known and loved classical, pop, jazz and rock composers.

Artist: Mark Jenkins
P: 1995
Eight previously unreleased pieces developed during the early to mid 80's on instruments which "could create rich, powerful textures seldom matched by the later generation of digital keyboards". I certainly wouldn't argue with that, and there aren't many albums around nowadays which have the likes of the Moog Sonic Six and the EDP Wasp & Spider amongst the lineup. 'Where No Shadows Fall' consists of various analog effects and timbres with a short sequenced section near the end of the piece. With 'Ohrwurm' it's sequences all the way and impressive they are too with speaker crunching dynamics. 'Urizen' initially adopts a lilting pace punctuated by rasping synths.The pace then picks up as the collage of sound becomes denser with vocoder joining the fray at one point. Two shorter pieces follow. 'Sun Down' combines an effective melody picked out on flute with a delicate sequence. 'Heart of Darkness' features psychedelic guitar and another pulsing sequence. 'Electric Eden' show-cases some of the most accomplished and effective sequential rhythms on the album, embellished by unmistakable MiniMoog solos. 'Dancing About Architecture' contains many pleasing elements but is unfortunately swamped by crude electronic percussion leaving 'Time's Wingèd Chariot' to close the album with more excellent sequences and lashings of vocoder. Don't expect compositional finesse. Don't expect state of the art sound quality. Do expect a window on a period when synths still sounded and looked like synths and could literally make the foundations shake. The catalogue number perhaps suggests this could be the first of many.

Artist: Mark Jenkins
P: 1995 / 2022
Re-mastered and expanded from its 1995 release, this consistently popular CD presents unreleased archive tracks from 1982-85, an exciting time for synth music featuring pioneering analog instruments like the MiniMoog, Moog Sonic 6 and (kit-built) Transcendent 2000 right alongside early digital and MIDI synths such as the EDP Wasp, Sequential Prophet 600 and Yamaha DX7. The album has a huge range of textures, from looping analog leadlines and sounds to compelling multi-sequences, digital and early beatbox-style fully analog drums, mostly in long tracks of around ten minutes running continuously. Mark's sleeve notes explain the technology of each piece and the use of vocoders, early samplers and the pioneering EDP Spider and Oberheim Mini sequencers. Re-mastered for clearer and louder sound, and with a previously unreleased bonus track "Night Of First Ages Pt. 1" resembling Klaus Schulze's "Wahnfried 1883" and using the exact instrumentation shown on the cover, "Analog Archives" is a must-have for fans of Ashra around "New Age of Earth" and "Blackouts", Michael Hoenig, Cluster and Klaus Schulze, Tangerine Dream around the period of "Sorcerer", or pioneering US synthesists Michael Stearns and Steve Roach.

Artist: Mark Jenkins & Alquimia
P: 2007
Joining British synthesist Jenkins is Alquimia, who provides vocals for three tracks. Bouncy electronics blend with dreamy backdrops to produce invigorating tuneage that floats. Engaging keyboard riffs interweave with hypnotic looping pulsations, establishing a lush panorama that meticulously evokes an alien landscape--but as perceived through human senses. Lacing a strange milieu with familiar aspects can be a tricky process, but Jenkins handles it with suave skill. Although everything (except the guitars and Alquimia’s voice) is generated via computers, the sonic palette is nicely seasoned with traditional sounds. A horn section delightfully bolsters one track.
The guitars function in a sneaky manner, often disguising themselves through treatments so that they are unrecognizable as string instruments. At other times, however, the energetic strumming is distinct and vibrantly familiar.
Percussion is present throughout this release and results in steady propulsion for the electronic melodies. Snappy beats pitter away, supported by more sedate rhythms, eventuating a lively pace that restrains itself from dominating the compositions.
The three songs that feature Alquimia’s lyrical vocals possess a pleasantly organic quality that tends to nudge these tracks in a quasi-commercial direction. Overall, the tuneage exhibits an eerie character that is congenially tempered by a rich sense of humanity. The catchy percussion abets this disposition by appealing to mankind’s inherent toe-tapping predilection

Artist: Mark Jenkins
P: 2005
The CD If The World Were Turned On Its Head, We Would Walk Among The Stars presents three epic peaces of dark ambient electronic rock music. Fusing the driving instrumental styles of the German electronic acts Ash Ra Tempel and Klaus Schulze with ambient world and rock elements from American artists such as Steve Roach and Jan Hammer, the album creates fascinating textures from the classic days of the Moog synthesizer while incorporating the very latest in virtual synthesis technology.

Artist: Mark Jenkins
P: 2022
With the passing of an electronic music legend comes this lovingly crafted tribute to his music and sonic innovations.
The album pastiches the music of one of the world's leading solo synthesizer composers, presenting his musical styles as they developed from the 1970's to the present day. A debut on drums in the early band improvisation style of Tangerine Dream leads into early keyboard experimentation. Synth rhythms are introduced then bloom into fully-fledged up-tempo sequencer music. Other pieces show how sound sampling, operatic vocals and even techno music were later incorporated.
These recreations of pioneering musical styles through the years use authentic instruments from drums, organ and Mellotron to digital samplers and the PPG Wave. Vocal contributions are included from Arthur Brown and Julia Messenger. Originally intended to accompany the biographical book in the "50 Years" series alongside matching histories of Tangerine Dream and Kraftwerk, this epic tribute album will appeal to fans everywhere.
A tribute album of original pastiche pieces, not cover versions, and not by the original artist. Each sale includes a donation to kidney dialysis services.

Artist: Mark Jenkins
P: 2019
The new CD from synth expert Mark Jenkins channels Jean-Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze, Mike Oldfield, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Kraftwerk and many more in a true synthesizer spectacular by his own interpretation of known tracks by the famous artists.

Artist: Mark Jenkins
P: 2010
Believed to be the world's first album created entirely using software running on a 64GB 3G Apple iPad, the CD forms part of the "MJ50" celebrations of the London-based electronic musician's 50th birthday.

Artist: Mark Jenkins
P: 2010
Here we find very nice compositions all played on the I-Pad by Apple. It sounds unbelievable, that all these different tunes come out of this little computer machine. Mark played famous tracks by Tangerine Dream, Peter Baumann, Christopher Franke, Michael Garrison and Ron Grainer in a new way. So we find for example Flashpoint, Tangram or Vermillion Sands.

Artist: Mark Jenkins
P: 2019
"KRAUTNOISE! 1st" - debut CD - like Neu!, La Dusseldorf, Michael Rother, early Kraftwerk, Cluster, Moebius & Roedelius, Can, Stereolab, Popol Vuh, Mythos, Camera. This is the strictly limited first run on vinyl-style black CD of the debut album by Krautnoise! If you enjoy Neu!, La Dusseldorf, Michael Rother, early Kraftwerk, Cluster, Moebius & Roedelius, Can, Stereolab, Popol Vuh or Camera you will love this exploration of motorik beats, fuzz guitar, synths, voices, backwards tapes, early drum machines and classic keyboards. A Popul Vuh style track features acoustic guitars, Mellotron choirs, flute and congas and the lengthy "Teile Den Hoenig, Michael" mixes ambient sounds, keyboards and orchestral percussion. Recommended for listening LOUD on good quality headphones as there's a LOT going on in the stereo field. Suggested model - Ear Pollution Ronin or similar. Ask to see Krautnoise! live in a venue near you in 2019/2020. Delivered as a hand stamped, double black vinyl style surface digital disk. 1) Trommler Und Blitzen (4:23) 2) Die Städt Die Wir Leben (5:37) 3) Ernsthaft Mbirock (4:48) 4) Holiday Im Stahlwerk (3:57) 5) Hier Spricht Stefan Stein (4:03) 6) Teile Den Hoenig, Michael (9:04) 7) Auf Dem Nürburgring (6:06) 8) Three Gardens of Mahayana (6:21) 9) No Sleep 'Til Düsseldorf (4:.09) Krautnoise thanks - Mark Jenkins: Electric guitars, Bass, keyboards, Electric guitars, Bass, keyboards, Drums, Vocals, Tapes & Effects, Synthesizers, Mbira, Ukelele. Dedicated to the memories of - Klaus and Thomas Dinger Dieter Moebius and Florian Fricke Recorded at Unicorn Studio, London 2019

Artist: Mark Jenkins
P: 2008
‘The Sun in Splendour’ is from a concert in 1989 though to me it sounds much more early 80s. There is a fine sequence and nice slightly metallic melody, a good way to start the album. Next up we have ‘Red Light City’. It was taken from the same show as its predecessor again making use of a really good sequence and melodic motifs but is even better in that so much is going on. It crams more interesting twists and turns within its six minute duration than many a sequential epic lasting three times as long. The third track ‘Moon Under Water’ (iffy title department) is another cut from the same gig and continues in a similar style with harp, piano and brass sounds providing the lead lines. ‘Wednesday Evening’ is from 1987 and starts sounding a bit like Steve Jolliffe before it becomes more rhythmic then later on David Vorhaus comes to mind. ‘Dolphin Square’ (another iffy title) is from 1988 and tries to incorporate many styles and layers but was probably a bit ambitious as on my first couple of listenings it sounded a little messy. Who knows though, it could be a grower. ‘Tell Them I Said Something’ is from the same 1988 concert and makes nice use of an overdriven guitar sound but then like its predecessor becomes a little muddled. ‘Souda Bay’ was from a Sheffield Electronica in 1985, the drums and in fact the whole thing sounds very dated. ‘Take a Chance’ follows continuously on and is much better in the melodic department but still sounds dated, wrong choice of drum machine or whatever. The next four tracks comprise of linked pieces taken from the first UK Electronica in 1983. ‘Overture’ is a gentle opener before we move into ‘The Visitor’, starting from spacey beginnings it develops into a sequencer / drum romp but I’m afraid both do sound even more dated than most pieces recorded around this time.
Koyaanisqatsi’ is a Gothic / organ laden piece and is very effective. Really the main things that let Mark’s 83 / 85 pieces down are those dreaded drum sounds he used. The tracks such as this which didn’t have a rhythmic content come over so much better.

Artist: Mark Jenkins
P: 2006
This double CD shows a lot of different styles by Mark Jenkins. With many guest musicians he plays tracks from his older releases, new tracks and also some variations on Michael Garrison tracks.
For all who order this double CD now, we include a third CD "Live with Damo Suzuki at the Royal Festival Hall".

Artist: Mark Jenkins
P:1994
Mexico Rising opens with an epic concept track whipping through ambient, techno, ethnic and trance music and closes with powerful, spacey, sequenced music.  Inspired by a journey around Mexico and starting with an epic, six-section concept piece covering everything from dark ambient to thumping techno music, via melodic synth/sequencer material, all inspired by differing aspects of that majestic country. Joined by several long, sequencer-based tracks under the title "Space Odysseys", and even a synthesized orchestral/traditional music track, and featuring Alquimia (voice), Steve Jolliffe (wind synth and flute) and Richard Pinhas (guitar).

Artist: Mark Jenkins & Others
P: 2022
LTD 100
This latest edition of the monthly limited run CD series sounds as if KRAFTWERK took the best of their techno-pop rhythms and spun them into long improvisations more typical of TANGERINE DREAM!
Multi-layered synths and sequencers join in with vocoders, drums and accompaniment machines and flowing Moog-style lead lines. Add steam engine and snowstorm noises to ‘Robots On The Trans-Siberian Express’, or bizarre deep sea sounds to ‘Underwater Tap-Dancing Robots’, and you have a unique set of rhythmic soundscapes that will keep you endlessly entertained.

The album tells the story of The Little Robots - Sentinel, QwexPlangChiZpzzz, The Spifflicator, Mr. Atomic, Robby and K3T4 - who answer the call to worldwide robot revolution. Their epic journey is pictured electronically using the secret coded language of robots, the rhythms of Cuba, the exotic Eastern scales of Morocco, some guitar rather in the style of Michael Karoli on CAN’s ‘Flow Motion’, and many more pulsating synthesizer textures. Like most of the series, the CD is based on long improvisations (mainly sequenced using the ratcheting multi-channel Zaquencer) with added overdubs and sound effects, including those by talented electro-percussionist Dieter Niemand.

Artist: Mark Jenkins & Others
P: 2022
LTD 100
“The Spirit of Heldon” is inspired by the 50 years in electronic music of French composer RICHARD PINHAS and his synth group HELDON. Anticipating Jean-Michel Jarre’s “Oxygene” by two years, they drew on the heavy analog sequences of Tangerine Dream but added two distinctive elements - the screaming, looping guitar style of Robert Fripp, and the driving jazz/rock fusion rhythms of a band like Weather Report.
Mark Jenkins writes… “some of the original Modular Sessions recordings were very reminiscent of solo albums by Richard Pinhas like “Rhizosphere” and “Chronolyse”, with slowly developing analog sequences and abstract sounds. Titled “Melodic Simple Transitions”, these flowing ambient pieces have been alternated with tracks more like full Heldon band pieces, using strong almost jazz/rock fusion rhythms”.
The three-part “Don’t Be Afraid…You Will Come Back…As A Beautiful Butterfly” is a highlight with its swirling polyphonic sequencers and authentic sounds, first of the EMS Synthi and later of the Big Moog and E-Mu modulars, Polymoog and Oberheim polyphonic synths all reproduced in glorious detail.
Guests are regular collaborator DIETER NIEMAND on drums, HERVE PICART from the legendary Pinhas collaboration “OSE” (who currently has four new solo albums under Ose Music Factory on YouTube and free on Bandcamp), JEAN-PAUL LE FOU who contributes flowing MiniMoog solos, and on an bonus archive track unrelated to the album concept, RICHARD PINHAS himself who contributes a striking guitar part.

Artist: Mark Jenkins & Others
P: 2022
LTD 100
Mark Jenkins explains, “I’ve divided the original “Live In The USA” double CD into two volumes so they can each be re-mastered and expanded. These are mostly of long, sequencer-filled extremely analog improvisations recorded live in festivals, radio broadcasts like Echoes, and planetarium settings around the USA, featuring many wonderful guests. Here these tracks are sandwiched between two poppy, up-tempo sequencer pieces, one in the style of Ashra on “Blackouts” with sequencers, guitar and electric violin, one newly added from a trip to LA in late 2022 and rather in the style of Paul Haslinger’s compositions for Tangerine Dream.

Artist: Mark Jenkins & Others
P: 2023
LTD 100
‘The Illimitable Time Before’ features Mark Jenkins (synthesizers / piano / guitar / drum machines) alongside guests: Martyn Greenwood (Concept Devices - sequencers), Dave Gate (Hyberus - modular synth sounds), Hannah Chappell (Cellistica - looping cello) and Noam Chomsky (MIT - dialog sample).
Inspired by the Roman philosophy of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the tracks ponder concepts of time, life, death and identity, with multi-layered sequencer sounds, ticking clocks, driving electronic drum rhythms, Fairlight CMI samples and powerful lead guitar.
It’s a must for fans of lengthy TANGERINE DREAM style pieces, Klaus Schulze with Wolfgang Tiepold on cello, the more experimental albums of Vangelis, Robert Fripp’s looping music, Michael Hoenig, Peter Michael Hamel and other creators of rhythmic hypnotic electronic sounds.

Artist: Mark Jenkins, Gert Emmens, O.Briand u.a.
P: 2023
LTD 100
The next in the ‘Modular Sessions’ series of monthly limited run numbered collaborative CD's is second in a trilogy introduced with MS10 ‘Rise Of The Robots’, and features a great list of European guest synthesists - Olivier Briand (France), Arend Westra (aka Eagle Synth from Holland), Gert Emmens (Holland) and Gilda Razani (Germany).
Once again the album picks up some of the more rhythmic, beats-oriented improvised tracks from the original Modular Sessions recordings by Mark Jenkins, overlaying them with sequencers, synth melodies, guitar and vocoders.

The 14 Tracks featured on the album will appeal to lovers of Jean-Michel Jarre, KRAFTWERK, SPACE ART, HELDON, STAR INC and other melodic synth acts - though there's plenty there for lovers of Klaus Schulze, Edgar Froese and TANGERINE DREAM around the ‘Hyperborea’ period, and particularly of Johannes Schmoelling and LOOM in the CD's many long, fluid MiniMoog solos.

‘Battle Of The Robots’ follows the story of seven little robots in the war against humanity, conjuring up the excitement of guarding the secret robot factory, saboteur missions, and night watch in the trenches.
French synthesist Olivier Briand creates short sonic "Robograms" as their encrypted orders arrive, while Arend Westra and Gert Emmens contribute wonderfully developing sequencer layers. Gilda Razani's expressive Theremin conjures up the sound of the giant robot cargo whales tasked with secretly delivering their new and ever more powerful weapons, while eerie digital and vocoder voices further the compelling plot...

All tracks produced at Unicorn Studio London by MARK JENKINS (synthesizers / guitar / vocoder).