Artist: Detlef Keller
P: 1994
"I see the clouds painting pictures in the blue sky-freely and without any restrictions. Pictures develop into stories." Thus writes Detlef Keller in the sleeve notes by way of explanation. I read somewhere that given the vast number of clouds created ,every few days across the globe there is likely to be one resembling Jesus Christ (and Edgar Froese?). Sounds apochryphal but I'm desperate to say something interesting about clouds as a gateway into this review. Detlef continues, 'Everybody will see different things in these pictures, will have different feelings-depending upon his imagination.' Ah we are finally getting to the point, the music on this album depends upon the interpretation and feelings of the listener, "I have created my pictures, my stories, with sounds and harmonies.'" With Keller refraining from the normal convention of naming the tracks, preferring to listing 'Cloud 1' 'Cloud 2' etc., presumably we can add our own interpretations, it is safe to say that we are in the realms of subjectivity, but isn't this always the case? The first track begins promisingly with a repeated melody, chiming sequencers, and percussion, before a key change and a few whispered contributions from 'Dorie'. Keller adds some high register melodic colour and subtle, morphing, improvisations to the mix. The second piece begins with some delicate piano work and strings before a bass synth adds some contrast. Keller's keyboard dexterity impressively established, he slowly and patiently builds the track with skill and precision. Through key changes, improvisation and percussive treatments he shifts through variations in mood within clearly defined parameters.'Cloud 3' starts with sequencer, percussion and pads with additional elements quickly added to generate faster and more insistent beats and backbone, until around the five minute mark Keller slows down the sequencing and starts to build again, this time with more anthemic tones and more muscular percussion. 'Cloud 4' slows down the pace with its quiet, meditative introduction as, once again, Keller sets about adding sequencers, cymbal effects, faster drum beats with the customary Schulzeian key changes. Varying the pace again, Keller slows the proceedings right down and adds new motifs and sequencing, sounding here not unlike Vangelis, particularly when the piano is backed by the sequencer. 'Cloud 5' is a beautifully gentle and poignant piece dedicated to the memory of 'Scorpi' and Keller's talents as a tunesmith and craftsman are clearly exhibited here. Keller's sequencing skills make this track a highlight of the set and, despite the predictability of the way the music is constructed over the 12 minutes 29 seconds, he does it so well you can forgive him. 'Cloud 6' does not deviate from the template and by now you will be revelling in the 'Berlin School' stylings and drifting comfortably in the troposphere and here Keller reminds we very much of classic Schulze from the golden age of the 70's. The final track, 'Cloud 7' has possibly the most memorable and anthemic motif emphasised at first with strings. Then the piece undergoes the customary construction and deconstruction but this theme is too good to dispose of and Keller reprises the melody at the close.'The Story of Clouds' does not break new ground but it is a fine example of well crafted Berlin School electronic music and Keller's skills of composition adds extra quality to the set. All in all an impressive set even if the cloud theme doesn't exactly set the pulses racing. Although people do refer to 'angry clouds', but such personification can..... (that's enough on clouds already).
Here the last copy!
Weight:
0,105
kg per
piece
