Soundscapes & Serenades Reviews.
Somewhere Cold:
jesse eubanks: soundscapes and serenades (independently released, 2003)
For the uninitiated, Jesse Eubanks is an independent musician and songwriter based in Philly, USA. And he is also somewherecold's much-deserved Artist of the Year for 2002, earning that accolade with two fine, diverse albums and extensive touring. Completed just in time for his early 2003 tour with Jeremy Quillo, Eubanks offers the homemade 5 song drone ep, "Soundscapes and Serenades" for the masses to devour.
Anyone familiar with the highly creative "Meditation, Contemplation, and Prayer" release from early 2002 knows that Eubanks is well-versed in the art of drone. That album, though, utilized sparse drones and other instruments to create an atmosphere of worship, reverence, and well, meditation, contemplation and prayer. "Soundscapes and Serenades", with its more experimental sound, doesn't attempt such lofty aspirations, and as such, it conveys a different mood than Eubank's previous drone release. As the title of the ep suggests, this release is crafted to provide the listener with an enjoyable, and even accessible, listening experience. While the drones on MC & P were long, drawn-out, and allowed to develop over time, the songs on this ep are relatively short (the whole ep clocks in at just over 20 minutes). The shorter nature of the songs makes for an excellent introduction into the genre of ambient, droning, atmospheric music.
But, even within the confines of drone, "Soundscapes and Serenades" shows a remarkable diversity. Each song sounds different. Track 1 "Of Allegations and the Sea" sounds like a very flattering homage to Monk, who Eubanks lists as an influence and inspiration. A single guitar plays a repetitive, but comforting line over a bed of backwards guitar effects and sounds. Tracks 2 "The Hem" and 6 "Sleep Well", sound similar to a quieter Flying Saucer Attack, with their thick layers of guitar effects and sparse percussion cradling Jesse's soft voice. "Sleep Well", no doubt the serenade that the title of the ep refers to, works especially well, with its sounds and beautiful melody. Track 4 "Bass Ackwards" contains numerous layers of backwards guitars, crashing into each other, but they all come together nicely to form a song. However, the most interesting song of the ep may just well be Track 5 "Jesus Saved My Soul". The longest track on the ep, it starts out with a wavering drone, which is then shortly accompanied by a simple handclap rhythm. Out of nowhere, the soulful voice of a singer listed in the credits simply as "R.J. Shariff" comes in, singing a bold gospel tune. The sound of Shariff's voice alone is worth the money to buy this ep. The combination of drones with spirituals, though used by Charity Empressa and Cush, still sounds fresh and unique with Eubanks' excellent instrumentation and Shariff's authentic voice. One hopes that the rumored collaboration between Shariff and Eubanks, dubbed "The Audio Fashion", will be coming soon. One thing's for sure, anyway...."Soundscapes and Serenades" finds Jesse Eubanks in fine form, expanding his craft, and creating excellent music. Look out for this guy!
(ep was recorded on four track, and comes as a hand-decorated cd-r. contact Jesse Eubanks for a copy.)
By Brent Diaz.
West Coast Politics East Coast Love Listener Comments.
"This collection of bare bones acoustic music sets a high standard for Confessional music. Something that has been sorely lacking in the experience of the Christian mainstream of worship, music, and expressions. It is a deeply personal, at times pain filled, and at times exuberant, collection of songs." - Paul Fife (Pastor, The Port Community Church, Philadelphia)
"Lyrics that give you insight into the artist, but also insight into yourself. They are lyrics that address the constant struggle between rejecting oneself and accepting grace." - Sarah Thompson (Philadelphia, PA)
"A peak in the journal of someone's, all too familiar journey, where words, and subtle sounds have somehow captured the wild animals, the hidden wonders, the tales of troubles, and the sighs of relief, the beauty of the cross -- left them untamed and as close to their natural habitat as possible and smuggled them out for all of us to experience." - Pablo Pauleo (Philadelphia, PA)
Meditation, Contemplation and Prayer Reviews.
The Phantom Tollbooth:
Meditation, Contemplation, and Prayer
Artist: Jesse Eubanks
Label: Independent
Length: 11 tracks, 54:53 minutes
Worship albums are a dime a dozen these days, and they have become a real cash cow for a number of record labels. And unfortunately, if you've heard one worship album, you've heard them all, with their syrupy lyrics and flowery arrangements.
Well, the multi-talented Jesse Eubanks has come up with something truly new and original, which actually reaches back a few centuries. Meditation, Contemplation, and Prayer is a new drone project along the lines of bands like Charity Empressa. The disc turns worship into a personal, inward activity, urging you to crawl into your prayer closet and offer up praises, rather than stand in a large group and sing the same chorus over and over again, creating what amounts to a public spectacle. It helps the listener create a one-on-one dialogue with the Creator.
The disc starts out with "Creation Cries Out," a simple song of devotion and longing:
I come to you
Broken and bruised
I come to you
Wanting to be made new.
Eubanks plays all of the instruments on this track, with his vocals and a variety of percussion instruments layered over his well-crafted drones. This is followed by "Rain," which uses actual recordings of a rainfall to further show how all of God's creation offers up praises.
With influences that include Charity Empressa, Monk, and more ancient liturgical chants, it is no surprise that the lyrics for "In Praise of God" are taken from a prayer written by St. Francis of Assisi. In this song, God's declaration in scripture of "I Am" is redirected back toward the Divine with repeated phrases of "You are." Many of the songs are quiet instrumentals designed to further inspire the listener to follow the scriptural command of, "Be still, and know that I am God."
If you really seek to worship God, this disc creates quite a contemplative mood and rather than being a distraction, can be a real aid in getting closer to God in a meaningful and lasting way.
Ken Mueller 7/28/02 - www.phantomtollbooth.org
Action Attack Helicopter:
Jesse Eubanks
Meditation, Contemplation And Prayer [cd]
independent
This is ambient. I could literally write the title of this CD three times, and leave that as the description of the music. It couldn't be more aptly named. Chimes, cello, organ, shakers, hand drums, a little guitar and a rare snippet of voice, make up Meditation, Contemplation and Prayer and in turn make you want to do just that; be quiet, have an organic juice, sit in a room with candles and close your eyes. Having this music on, even while brushing your teeth, makes you feel like you're exerting entirely too much energy and should probably be thinking about God or doing good deeds. It's quite well done, as I think its message is clear (the bio actually states "written to aid in the spiritual disciplines of meditation, contemplative thought, prayer and private worship." Damn that's brave.). It seems as though Jesse Eubanks has his hands in all sorts of different styles of music, not many of them involving new-agey type sound, which makes this CD's existence and quality even cooler. I haven't heard anything like it in the circles I listen, so it's definitely original. It's also well thought out and various, even though the theme carries steadfastly. I can't think of anything clever to end this review, so uh, yeah, meditation rock.
Italia Pierfederici - www.actionattackhelicopter.com
HM Magazine:
Meditation, Contemplation and Prayer
Jesse Eubanks (indie)
Jesse Eubanks gives us this ambient masterpiece that seems to be influenced where The Prayer Chain left off those not so many years ago. Standing out on this album is the track "A Certain Part of the Soul" which is "The Man of Calvary", hell fire and brimstone, revelation is coming, type sermon that was preached by Sin-Killer Griffin in 1934 at Sandy Point, Texas. In the song Tim Donaldson plays an errie cello over the recorded sermon that would put chills down your spine if you were alone. There is so much to say about this conglomeration of talent that is rivaled by none. This album is recommended for people who like the song of a river rushing down a mountain filled with the melting snow of the spring . The only people who are missing here are Rich Mullins and Keith Green. The project is also available in print, to contact Jesse e-mail him at JessEubanks@juno.com.
By Lonny Hurley
Opus Zine:
I recently attended my first Orthodox Church service a few weeks back, something I'd been meaning to do for quite some time. What immediately struck me was how processional and rigid it was, things completely at odds with the more Evangelical tradition that I've been brought up with. In fact, a few years ago I would've dismissed such a service as staid and old-fashioned, more concerned with tradition and ceremony than any sort of "real" spiritual experience.
But recently, I've come to respect the Orthodox tradition, to see that it offers a side of worship that Evangelicals don't. The "modern" approach states that you can come to church, plop right down, and immediately enter into holy communion. There's usually some token statement about leaving your concerns at the door, about giving them to God upon entering the Church, but precious little application. But, as Philip Yancey puts it, Orthodoxy seems to imply that "you do not approach the Other as you would your own kind." The ritual helps you move "from a spirit of urgency and immediacy... to a place whose rhythms [are] the rhythms of eternity".
I suspect that Jesse Eubanks had that concept in mind while recording "Meditation, Contemplation, And Prayer". Considering the album's worshipful, devotional leanings, it feels quite liturgical, albeit a liturgy of drones and feedback. Musically, Eubanks treads the same territory as Charity Empressa, especially with his forays into ethnic percussion and the like. While I confess that Charity Empressa's music strikes me as richer and more satisfying on a sonic level, Eubanks' efforts result in a far more intimate recording.
Unlike 99% of the worship CDs (which, for all intents and purposes, are watered down love songs), there is no pop appeal, no production sheen. When Eubanks' quietly sings "I come to You/Broken and bruised/Wanting to be made new" against an ominous wall of pulsing guitar, the contrast has far more impact than most of the songs I hear on Sunday mornings these days. While some may find it hard to believe that music as formless as drone and psychedelia can have any sort of emotional affect apart from hallucinagenics, Eubanks' emphasis on haunting atmospherics hints at those "rhythms of eternity" that Yancey mentions.
The sparse, reverbed guitar notes of "Matthew 11:28" are lovely enough, but it's the steady background hum (glacial enough to set the surrounding world in slow motion) that helps the song relate to its scriptural reference. "Obscurity", fittingly enough, takes a more ominous note than the preceding tracks. Similar in tone to Soul Whirling Somewhere's "Eating The Sea", the slowly spiralling synths drip with sadness and regret, while darker, deeper drones threaten to envelope them.
Olga-Maria Cruz' middle-eastern vocals paint "Consolation" with a more alien air, one that imagines ancient lines of pilgrims solemnly marching through sun-baked deserts and hazy mirages. Accompanying the vocals is Eubanks' minimal e-bow work, and at any moment, you expect Dead Can Dance's rhythms (a la "Into The Labyrinth") to spring to life.
For the most part, the album maintains a consistent mood, best suited for more contemplative moments. As such, it sometimes barely registers, but stays quite comfortably in the background. But the mood does get broken in some places. The lyrics and vocals on "Nothing Can Separate Us", as plaintive and inspiring as they are, are a bit abrupt in their appearance, especially since they follow the exotic "Consolation". It doesn't help that some of the lyrics also flow a bit awkwardly within the music's context. And the solemn cello on "A Certain Place Of The Soul" feels very awkward when run against the recording of an old timey fire and brimstone sermon. On nearly any other song, it would fit in quite beautifully, but here, the contrast is a bit too great.
The album ends on a gorgeous note, with the swirling organwork and muted slide guitar of "Even To The End Of The Age". The tone here is one of peace and fulfillment, or possibly the light after a long dark night of the soul. From a drone standpoint, Eubanks never ventures to the extremes that Flying Saucer Attack do, nor is the sound as rough and lo-fi as early AMP. Again, the best comparison might be Charity Empressa. And though Eubanks never quite hits the same amount of sonic depth, his muted approach may lend itself better to more contemplative activities.
- Jason Morehead 08/23/2002
Listener Reviews:
"As a Christian and music lover, I constantly am on the look-out for relevant, thought-inspiring true works of ART that will lead me to a new appreciation of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus. There are precious few groups today that match that description for me: soul junk, the prayer chain, ester drang, u2, pedro the lion, charity empressa, joy electric, and not many others (incl. to a certain extent, radiohead, though their lyrics are not from a Christian worldview). I mean, I love all music, whether Christian or not, and not all of the music I like has to be lyrically intense (such as some of my favorites: cush, lassie foundaiton, melody unit, electro group, etc).
But every once in a while, it's good to come across a cd that will challenge my and inspire me, both musically and in my faith. I can now confidently add Jesse Eubanks new cd to my short list of works that are indeed creative in concept, and meaningful in words, and true to the artistic and conceptual aesthetic the artist strives for. In short, the cd is MORE than just a cd!!!
First of all, there's the packaging...the cd comes in a hand-crafted book with a simple black cover. Inside the book is a detailed account of how the project came together, with thoughtful information provided by eubanks as to the creative process. The book also contains lyrics, some stories of people who have inspired and encouraged eubanks in meditation, and contemplative prayer. Also included are several passages of prayers and poetry from artists, as well as traditional sources such as a book of anglican prayers. The book is informative, well written, and achieves its goal in communicating the purpose and spirit behind the project. I was impressed just thumbing through the book, before I ever listened to the cd.
Of course, there's the music. I hope eubanks doesn't mind me saying this, but fans of charity empressa's s/t debut will love this cd. It should not be surprisomg, then, that Eric Campuzano is listes as an influence in the liner notes. Much like charity empressa, "meditations..." is full of droned-out, reverbed guitars, with occasional etheral and passionate vocals floating lightly over the drone. The drones are not as layered and "thick" as charity empresa...giving it a more delicate, almost vulnerable sound. You don't know (in the first track) whether the guitar sound will hang around for a while, or fade out. This effect gives the song a certain type of frailty, and as the singer cries out to God, it all fits.
The other songs are just as sensitive, and beautiful. Eubanks uses the sound of rain as a "drone" in one song, on others a preacher wails in the distance. A key aspect of "meditations..." that makes it all the more effective is the percussion elements eubanks adds. From what I gather on this board and his site, percussion is his main talent and interest, yet he doesn't go overboard with the percussion on "meditations...". Instead, tasteful, light shakers and other percussion instruments permeate the songs, adding dimension to the ever present drone. The vocals are also well recorded and performed: his voice reminds me of doug moss, or tim taber in his quieter moods. Other instruments are used sparingly throughout the cd, adding variety to the whole body of work.
In short, it almost pains me to write this review, because too few people will read this, and even fewer will actually write the guy and get a cd. It is a work of artistic and even spiritual depth, crafted with a broken heart to Jesus, and with the spirit of artistic experimentation. It's the kind of cd you'd expect a label like the now defunct absalom records to put out, or maybe burnt toast vinyl or sounds familyre. Beautiful, adventurous, and oh so sensitive, "meditations..." will be in my player for a long time...and it already is a cd that challenges me to seek God with an added fervency.....
Highly recommended!!
for fans of: charity empressa, yellow 6, the prayer chain, gregorian chants, in a lonely place (in some songs )"
Brent Diaz - Youth Pastor, Canada
When I first pulled this record out of it's beautiful cover and put it into my cd player, I was busy cleaning my room and busy doing three things at a time, with a mind full of recent experiences. I listened to it for a couple of songs and then turned it off, thinking " this music is way to calm and soft for me" and put another hyperactive cd in my player. The day went by and every now and then I would think about the cd and by the time it was evening I decided to give it another shot. Deep down inside, it had awakened something, something I had been looking for, for a long time. Something I couldn't put my finger on.
The second, third and fourth time I listened to MC,P (I just pressed the 'repeat' button) I was touched by it. This is it, this record is not to calm for me, I just need to calm down. I have been running and thinking for months, not being able to get real close to God. And how could I be? Did I really think that I would meet God in the middle of all that hyper activeness of mine? I met God while listening to this cd, we had a wonderful talk where God closed me in His arms once again. Also, this album awakens emotions. I am always a bit scared of deep emotions like this, I mean being a hyperactive, happy girl is way easier. This is my first album so far, which will lead me to God, give Him the attention, praise and worship He deserves and which won't leave me an emotional wreck afterwards, but instead leaves me emotionally renewed. It is not one special aspect, which gives me this experience, it's the combination of beautiful instruments used for smooth compositions and a warm voice once in a while.
Marije van Geldere - The Netherlands, August 21st 2002
Meditation, Contemplation and Prayer Listener Comments.
"Your record is really fantastic and I really enjoy it a lot. It is very worshipful, full of honor and integrity." - Eric Campuzano (CUSH, Charity Empressa, the Prayer Chain, the Lassie Foundation)
"... a landmark recording of worship music that is unique, cutting edge, and deeply useful in private worship. This CD blazes a new direction for worship music and makes Jesse Eubanks one of the young leaders of new worship styles and experiences." - Paul Fife (Pastor, The Port Community Church, Philadelphia)
"The record is stunning. The best indie I have (and I have a lot). Well spent cash for anybody into good music. Great packaging. " - Garrett Johnson (The Black and White Magazine)
"You light a candle, put on the album, and you suddenly have an instant retreat without having to go to a monastery. Life gets so crazy, it can be difficult to truly settle yourself down and meditate. This album is a great tool to foster an atmosphere where this can happen in your own home." - Sarah Thompson (Philadelphia, PA)
"It is an encouragement of Hope, Love, and Faith - all in one great CD." - Courtney Hardin (Louisville, KY)
"My schedule can be my worse enemy. My busyness keeps me from growing deeper in my walk with Christ. The album 'Meditation, Contemplation and Prayer' is one tool that I use so that I may forget everything around me, and focus on what's really important - God." - Coury Deeb (Louisville, KY)
"I pursued listening to the music while in a spirit of solace. I was astonished at what I experienced. Instead of finding myself 'going', I found myself 'staying' or even 'waiting'. I was slowing down. I was taking a better look at the scenery. This music is not for fun and entertainment. This music is for that quiet place--that secret place in Him." - Andrew Erickson (Louisville, KY)
"Meditation, Contemplation and Prayer lives out its name. The music is heavenly. The instruments, the voices, and notes all come together to truly give a spirit of meditation." - Lee-Anne Fenwick (Louisville, KY)
"The album is highly creative." - Crystal Gorzel (Mobile, AL)
"Achy, windy, reedy, eclectic, odd -- much like the landscape one discovers in their quest of knowing the Hidden One who makes Himself known." - Pablo Pauleo (Philadelphia, PA)
"'Meditations' is a project that really has broken new ground in the realm of worship music. The ambient droning mixed with psalm-like introspective words brings the listener into an intimate encounter with God." - Jeremy Quillo (Worship Leader, Sojourn Church Community, Louisville, KY)
Libéreme EP Reviews and Comments.
"In the hey-band-good-job department, Ellipsis has very classy artwork for their Libereme EP. The CD-insert looks handmade, quality, by screenprinting/typewriter or something. Black on white, really sweet. The promo pack calls it a reflection of worship and of our lives..., but Ms Van calls it wonderful and playful sunny meadow music. Also, they name drop The Lassie Foundation. This has to be one of the best CD's Ms Van has heard in a looooooong time smooth, meaningful, and real. These guys are doing the kind of mellower Death Cab for Cutie - Black Heart Procession thing that sounds so good. Perfect, patient, and undeniably art. Order this CD today if you're not estatic about it, you're just plain stupid." - Molly Van, Bandoppler.com Magazine
"Mainly I just wanted to tell you that I really love the new EP! I've listened to it several times and have found track 2 and 3 to be my fav. songs. I really love the groove you got going with all your songs in this one, it's one of those albums to listen to on a rainy day... to just sit back and relax... I love it!!!!!!! Thank you for sharing it with me." - Keisha Brown; Spokane, WA
"I'm super impressed with the production and overall sound (on the Libéreme EP). The tones on all the instruments are pretty sweet. The djembe on track 1 is killer. The strings turned out real nice too."
- Eddy Morris, Ear Candy Studio; Louisville, KY
Pull the Stars Reviews and Comments.
"Tell Lauren that I spent some time with her music and was surprised by the depth of the music. Cuts #3 (As Long...) #5 (Pull The Stars) and #10 (We are One) have GREAT potential. I loved her instrumental "Angels", too!" - Kevin, radio station executive; Chicago, IL
"Lead singer for the band, Jesse Eubanks, takes the definition of rock-n-roll lead singer by the throat...The timbre in his voice is very appropriate to the subject matter of his songs. The songs on their first studio release "Pull the Stars" are those of a lover in love, a lover in pain, and a world in pain, the search for Christ in the confusion underlying all. He conveys the emotion that played into his writing the song in the first place, and this is a real insight into his soul.
What I believe to be the crowning jewel of the album is the unrehearsed, do-or-die cut of "We Are One". The only background is two guitars, not dueling, but harmonizing through the turmoil of the emotions of losing your love to someone now gone. I don't care who you are, or how cool you think you might be, this song will bring you to tears - it does every time and it's perfect."
Carl Nettleton - Louisville, KY, April 1999
