Jay Cordes - The Clock
Dance/Electronica
California, United States
Overall Impression: Electronic music composer Jay Cordes, and his daughter Jacqueline Cordes a co-composer, delivers a mesmerizingly haunting listening experience with his release of "The Clock." A delicate ostinato piano figure in the upper register played in three-quarter time provides the framework for this hypnotic piece, with the instrument's lower end adding a pedal tone that serves as a rhythmic counter, creating a compelling 3:2 polyrhythm effect. Deep bowed bass and shimmering glockenspiel provide interesting color, while eerie, distant vocals offer up hints of broken melody. "The Clock" establishes a cerebral, meditative atmosphere that should have strong appeal among New Age music fans, while contemporary and post-classical audiences will marvel at the clever usage of tonal colors and fascinating rhythmic textures.
Strongest Point(s): Outstanding production, excellent mix. Great tonal balance and clarity. Wonderful atmosphere that sits somewhere between wonder and apprehension. Very complementary instrumentation and arrangement, has definite melodic elements of both impressionism and expressionism. I was particularly struck by the 3:2 polyrhythms of the piano; that figure instantly draws the listener in, whether consciously or subconsciously, and immediately establishes a natural trance state. Overall, it's a terrific composition and a tremendous track that should have very little problem resonating with listeners. Brilliant work on this one!
Target Audience Appeal: Fans of Contemporary Instrumental, Post-Classical, New Age, Ambient
Artist target suggestions: Dustin O'Halloran, Ramin Djawadi, Max Richter, Jim Brickman, Liz Story, Laura Sullivan, Goldmund, Nils Frahm, Yanni, John Tesh, Kevin Kern
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About the Reviewer:
Steven Azami is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Both as a touring/session player and as a producer, his career has spanned nearly every genre, from bluegrass to jazz, from rock to reggae. In addition, his work as a music educator has allowed him to cultivate and foster talent among the next generation of musical explorers