Maria Falling Away

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With the evocative title 'Maria Falling Away', guitarist and clarinettist Rick Cox's new CD is sure to satisfy anyone's need for quiet music of consummate musicianship. Cox is featured on the better part of Jon Hassell's milestone release 'Fascinoma' and Hassell repays the debt here by appearing on 'Long Distance'. The foot-dragging rhythm sample on that track is the same used on 'Fascinoma''s 'Caravanesque', and Jon's signature breathy trumpet makes this track worth the admission price alone.

But while that may be the highlight, this is an achingly beautiful suite of pieces featuring slowly, oh-so-slowly shifting soundscapes of quiet sound centred on Cox' multi-instrumental meanderings. And on 'Beige 2', a lovely sort of late-night ambient jazz thing happens when Cox' saxophone converses with Thomas Newman's piano. One of a kind and clear candidate for every ambienteer's 'Best of 2001' list.