Light Is Calling

Album Description

Michael Gordon's 'Light Is Calling' is a poignant and evocative album, born out of the tumultuous days following September 11, 2001. As a founding member of the renowned Bang on a Can ensemble, Gordon's unique blend of minimalism and avant-garde styles shines through in this 8-track masterpiece. Released on April 6, 2004, via Nonesuch, 'Light Is Calling' is a sonic exploration that juxtaposes the beauty of acoustic instrumentation with the warped, electronic pulses of a post-9/11 world.

Featuring collaborations with esteemed musicians Todd Reynolds and Wendy Sutter, the album's 40-minute duration is a testament to Gordon's innovative approach to sound. From the haunting 'Tinge' to the thought-provoking 'My Frig' and 'Imreadywhenyouare' – both commissioned by BAM's Next Wave Festival – each track is a carefully crafted reflection of Gordon's artistic vision.

The album's title track, 'Light Is Calling', is a 7-minute amplified violin and audio playback piece that showcases Gordon's ability to create something beautiful in the face of tragedy. This sentiment is further echoed in the accompanying CD-rom enhancement, which features a QuickTime movie of the same name by Bill Morrison.

With 'Light Is Calling', Michael Gordon has created an album that not only pushes the boundaries of experimental music but also serves as a powerful tribute to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and creativity in the face of adversity.

April 6, 2004

℗ 2004 Nonesuch Records

About Michael Gordon

Michael Gordon is a prominent American composer renowned for his innovative and powerful contributions to the avant-garde music scene. With a career spanning several decades, Gordon is celebrated for his unique blend of dissonance, minimalism, and popular culture, creating a sound that embodies the intensity of punk rock, the brilliance of free jazz, and the rigor of classical modernism. As a co-founder of the Bang on a Can music collective and festival, he has been instrumental in fostering a community of experimental musicians. Gordon's collaborations with esteemed artists such as filmmaker Bill Morrison, the Kronos Quartet, and choreographer Pina Bausch have further expanded his artistic reach. His compositions, often commissioned by prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and Caramoor, are known for their rhythmic invention and emotional depth, making him a staple of New York City's avant-garde music landscape.