Ashes and Snow is an exhibition of Gregory Colbert's large scale
photography and projected video, which (according to one
reviewer) "evoke[s] a timeless communion between humankind
and the animal kingdom never to be captured outside the realm
of metaphor". Those visiting this nomadic exhibit enter a
cavernous sanctuary, through the middle of which is a narrow
boardwalk atop crushed white stones. Lining the walkway at eye
level are enormous sepia toned photos depicting wild animals
and people together in a state of grace. This lengthy gallery
empties into a space beneath a large screen upon which
expanded video footage of some of the photo subjects is
projected. Heard throughout this dramatic space is music made
in the spirit of the displayed visual art and a soundtrack album
has been released. ASHES AND SNOW (53'40") includes
ambient music from the exhibit and video soundtrack. While
unable to fully replicate the magical exhibition atmosphere, this
compilation does bring into the listening area an element of the
greater work's spirituality. Compositions by David Darling,
Michael Brook, Djivan Gasparian, Lisa Gerrard and Peter
Cassidy among others are presented on this disc. Listening to
this music privately away from the unique presentation space
remains quite moving. A number of these works are elegant
manipulations of harmony and texture by way of overtone
singing, string ensembles and the occasional synthesizer and
seem reassuring and contemplative. A few pieces with overt
percussive elements provide the tension of directed energy and
recall a more tribal spirit. Elsewhere, a track of soulful vocals
with slow piano sits aside a composition for the breathy sound
of the duduk as this soundtrack gently asks the listener of what
meaning may lie in the beautiful melodies. The ASHES AND
SNOW CD presents 13 enigmatic tracks of stunning music
based on non-western styles; and as a soundtrack to
the installation reverentially augments Colbert's dire ecological
premise, "in the next 25 years, the human race will have to
decide whether or not to preserve the bestiary of Nature's living
masterpieces. 'Ashes and Snow' is not meant to tell people to do
some things or not to do other things. It's meant to inspire. I
hope it's not a requiem."

Tune in to STAR'S END this weekend for music from ASHES
AND SNOW

For more on Ashes and Snow, please access:
http://www.ashesandsnow.org

-

STAR'S END broadcasts every Saturday night/Sunday morning
from 1am-6am (EDST) on:

88.5fm WXPN Philadelphia, PA
88.1fm WXPH Harrisburg, PA
90.5fm Worton/Baltimore, MD
104.9fm Allentown, PA

and live on the web...

-

Chuck van Zyl
Host of STAR'S END Ambient Radio
http://www.starsend.org