TORAL, RAFAEL - Space Elements Vol. II

"Space Elements Vol. II is the fourth release in Rafael Torals ongoing project, the Space Program. Following the first Elements release, this volume features a new set of collaborators: Evan Parker (soprano sax), Manuel Mota (guitar), Afonso Sim_ɬµes (drums), Stefano Tedesco (vibraphone), Jo_ɬ£o Paulo Feliciano (Rhodes piano), and Ruben Costa (digital synthesizer), as well as returning guests Sei Miguel (trumpet), C_ɬ©sar Burago (percussion), Fala Mariam (trombone), and Rute Pra_ɬßa (cello). Space Elements Vol. II displays a melodic quality that, along with a refined management of silence, marks a new area and consolidates the Space Programs complex network. Its spaciousness is explained in Torals liner notes: While finding ways to make decisions on sound emission, it became evident to me that such sounds should have a reason to exist, they should be essential and necessary." Dan Warburtons writing in The Wire about Space fits Space Elements Vol. II perfectly: "The melodic logic that drives certain instruments within Space also recalls birdsong, with dense, convoluted runs of twittering melody ending in single piping notes, as spontaneous as Messiaens birdsong transcriptions were painstaking and meticulous." Torals music is a jazz-inspired re-evaluation of live electronics: "Despite working in a sound world that is cosmetically closer to R2D2s vocabulary than Louis Armstrongs or John Coltranes, Toral has claimed a kinship to jazz because it models instant music making within a disciplined framework." (Bill Meyer, Dusted); "Toral is looking for nothing less than a totally fresh language to work in" (The Wire). Space Elements Vol. II was mastered direct to metal from 24-bit files and pressed on clear 200 gram virgin-vinyl. With design by Helder Luis at NOTYPE, the LP features a collage by Jo_ɬ£o Paulo Feliciano. Presented in a limited edition of 500." - Taiga."