Album Review: Wind And Wire

Alan Brown’s name is entrenched in the New Zealand Jazz scene as not only an established Jazz keyboardist, but also from his highly successful Jazz-funk band in the 1990’s, Blue Train. While reputed for his keyboard and Hammond organ skills his recent work, following on from his past solo creations is titled Wind And Wire, an instrumental, atmospheric electronica based album offering up a brooding sonic soundscape.

The combination of piano, synth and low frequency sounds create a flow of rich warm textures and basey backdrops. Each of the tracks a relaxing listening experience of moody ambient audio.

As with previous albums, there is a chill, melodic tone to Wind And Wire. An enticing sea of calm punctuates whirling waves of synth and sound.

The title track Wind And Wire, is an eerie sounding track creating the perfect aural environment to lose yourself in. Track eight, Insufficient Data has an array of hypnotic and interesting sounds added, which adds a futuristic vibe thanks to a self-made sound machine.

Each of the ten tracks is superbly composed. Using iPads from design to end product (apart from a few exceptions) the final creation is a clean sumptuous sound.

Don headphones to truly absorb the twists and turns of sound on each track. The nuances which make this album pop with interest.

Close your eyes, lay back and appreciate what Wind And Wire has to offer.