Padilla, Craig

Artist: Craig Padilla, Zero Ohms & Skip Murphy
P: 2009
Continuing the astral journey they began with Path of Least Resistance, Craig Padilla, Richard Roberts (a.k.a Zero Ohms), and fellow traveler Skip Murphy have created a release that is an excellent fusion of New Age heart with Electronic Spacemusic sensibilities. Although it would seem an unlikely combination for a multi-flutist to join forces with two retro-analog synth masters, the results are suprisingly fresh and skillfully executed, and as one reviewer put it, “Roberts, Padilla and Murphy show they are a trio to be reckoned with as astral musical explorers.” According to Roberts, the new release is a more yin-inclined expolration of an inner space as opposed to the yang-oriented excursion through outer space presented on the earlier Path of Least Resistance. "The Portal represents our own limitations,” states Roberts, “and so to go beyond the portal is to become more than we believe we are." This indeed becomes a fitting metaphor for the project itself. Artists from different ends of the musical spectrum coming together to create something beyond what would be possible as individuals. Throughout the album, Padilla and Murphy at times craft etherial and elegant soundscapes around Robert’s fluid and purposeful flute explorations. At other times slightly more active electronics gently propel the music from one space to the next, carrying listeners through the vast spiral beyond and into the realm of the spirit with music that is simultaneously intimate and interstellar, organic and otherworldly.

Artist: Paul Ellis & Craig Padilla
P: 2004
Two electronic artists from the western US, Craig Padilla and Paul Ellis, join forces to create 72 minutes of enjoyable electronic music. ECHO SYSTEM is clearly inspired by the classic 70's electronic synth masters (Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze, etc.) However, rather than simply imitating the pioneers, Padilla and Ellis draw inspitration from them, infusing their own distinct styles, and adding depth and interest to an all too often two-dimensional musical form. Craig and Paul spent two years fine-tuning ECHO SYSTEM, and it is sure to appeal to long time fans of electronic music. Definitely a must for fans of Padilla or Ellis' previous works, and a great introduction to those discovering either of them for the first time.

Artist:
P: 2006
This release from 2006 offers 80 minutes of analog electronics.
Featured here are exclusive tracks by:
Rogue Element: watery and pensive with dreamy textures laced with chirping birds.
Francois-pol Cornec: energetic melody with bouncy keys and sweeping tonalities. 4m33s: a moody approximation of a sunrise streaming across an alien landscape.
Gert Emmens & Ruud Heij: surging chords flavored with celestial atmospherics that accretes notable vigor of high appeal.
Russell Storey: part one of a spacey excursion with dramatic disposition.
James J. Clent: mounting electronic cycles spiced with astral guitar.
Craig Padilla: an ambient intro plunges into high energy terrain with hyperactive loops and twinkling quasi-rhythms.
Kees Aerts: a determined electronic riff is enlivened with sinuous e-perc and fanciful effects.
Zen Paradox: eastern influences tweak an environment of erratic beats and a rising surf of lush textures.
Stephen Parsick (from 'Ramp): a spooky dose of ricocheting effects amid a nebulous fog of haunting demeanor that escalates into a dense tapestry of rewarding sonics.
Create: a heavenly excursion into moody layers and growling electronics.
Altres: acoustic guitar accompanied by congenial synth riffs and mirthful embellishments.
Russell Storey: part two of the prior piece, in which things take a darker turn with eerie results.
Remotion: lavish keys swim in a sparkling pool agitated by churning non-impact rhythms.
Remy: portentous textures ascend with majesty and are seasoned with pulsing tones and glistening effects.
EM2: carefree cycles become dominated by more resonant riffs with gentle e-perc nibbling at the edges.
Ron Boots: a monumental finale as dense tones fuse with masterful riffs of growing vigor, rising to a coda of shrill eruptions.
Again, the musicians demonstrate inventive applications of analog technology coupled with diversity and satisfying acumen. Standout contributions from Parsick and Boots.