Gwynedd (61'21"), the concert album by noted Electronic Musician Chuck van Zyl, presents two tracks. The Electric Metric (20'11") and Mesmerism Mechanism (41'10") represent his complete performance of 9 April 2022 as part of the continuing series at Gwynedd Friends Meeting Coffee House in Gwynedd, PA.
Loaded with Berlin-School patterns, drifting chords and spacey melodies this concert was attended by a group completely new to the Spacemusic genre and genuinely open to experiencing a unique performance and light show. Moved by the history of the venue, the clear sound system and welcoming listeners, an inspired performance arose over two sets.
As Chuck's improvisations resolved into a rousing sense of propulsion, decorous creamy synth leads hovered wistfully above the whirling pulse of interlocking, multi-layered sequencer turns - which raced ahead, then diminished into a swirling atonal ether. As energy built out in assemblies of machine precision, ethereal chords and modulated effects lightened the texture and atmosphere of the music.
The occasion provided the opportunity for Chuck to build on a deep list of previous concert experiences and offered a meaningful opportunity to advance his craft, further his artistry, and venture into a new sonic frontier with a receptive, perceptive audience.
From deep space gateways and rising arpeggio runs, to heedless heights of improvisation, on down to its quietly consuming fields, Gwynedd invites the listener to re-experience the wonder of Chuck's live music.
- From the Press Release 1 September 2023
