Michael Allison ~ Synths, programming, vocals, bass, guitars
Occasional collaborators:
Chris Pearre - Keyboards, Synths, Vocals Jim Hefter - Drums Michael Farris - Drums, percussion Tom Young - Guitars Jeff Kowal - Guitars, synths, percussion Jourdan Laik - Synths, atmospherics Jon Short - Synths, bass, keyboards
Influences
The Beatles
Genesis
Miles Davis
Brian Eno
Yes
Frank Zappa
Aaron Copland
Jaco Pastorius
Sounds Like
Brian Eno, Blue Nile, David Sylvian, Patrick O'Hearn, Michael Brook
Winner of the 2008 NAR Lifestyle Music Awards ~ Best Ambient Album
From Pale Hands To Weary Skies
Many thanks to everyone who listened and to everyone who voted. Bless you all.
Since the release of 1999's The End Of Days, Michael Allison has been at the forefront of the new ambient/electronic music scene. He began as a singer and bassist in the 70's and 80's, playing in groups that included such diverse talents as former Labelle singer Nona Hendryx, Richard Hell and The Voidoids, China Shop and New York City art-pop group Empty House who disbanded in 1987.
In 1992 Allison made a major decision to quit touring, concentrating instead on setting up his own home studio in order to compose in a stress-free environment with no expectations of "making it big". During the years 1992-1999 his compositions were mostly inspired by his studies in yoga meditation and other spiritual disciplines. The name Darshan Ambient comes from those adventures in self realization: The word Darshan is a Sanskrit Hindu term meaning sight or a glimpse of the divine.
Michael's "Pop & Rock" roots have played an indelible role in shaping the music he would eventually compose as an ambient artist. A lot of so-called 'ambient' music leaves the listener cold but Allison's lush melodies and chordal sensibilities have a powerful emotional impact that stays with you long after the CD fades away.
Albums such as Providence (2002) and The Zen Master's Diary (2003) have garnered praise from many respected critics of the genre including Bill Binkleman who has called Allisons brand of ambient "Pastoral Ambient" inspiring him to write "The music on The Zen Master's Diary is so suffused with calm and patience that it's like bathing in warm water under a starry sky. I have a difficult time describing the emotional reaction I have to Allison's music with any lucidity because, to me, this is intensely personal music, meant to be shared only with those whom one loves."
About his 2004 release Autumn's Apple, electronic musician Ben Fleury-Steiner puts it best: "I can honestly say, no ambient artist out there today has better understood and internalized the most influential ambient record of all time (IMHO), Brian Eno's 1978 release Ambient I: Music for Airports then Michael Allison. This kind of discreet precise approach to note selection and soundscaping cannot be taught. And Allison demonstrates this once again with his simply virtuosic playing and composing on this release; not a single note on it is wasted or excessive".
Progressive Ambient label Lotuspike has recently joined forces with the Spotted Peccary label. This new arrangement between Lotuspike and Spotted Peccary kicked into high gear on August 12th 2008 with the release of From Pale Hands To Weary Skies, the highly anticipated 9th album by Darshan Ambient. Also recently, Michael has reformed his band Empty House with a completely new line-up featuring Tom Young on guitar, Michael Farris on drums and Chris Pearre ..boards. There is a planned new Empty House CD in the works and Michael has several other projects including working with vocalist Jenifer Smith and there is even talk of a Richard Bone/Michael Allison collaboration.
From Pale Hands To Weary Skies
is now available.
EXQUISITE! That's the only way to describe the aural banquet that is "From Pale Hands To Weary Skies." I am literally left teary eyed by it's beauty. - Richard Bone
This is a special release that really hits the sweet spot: chill-based in nature with a crafted elegant and understated sound woven from blissful beats and gentle-emotional melodic forms.- Steve Roach
From Pale Hands To Weary Skies, Darshan Ambient’s third Lotuspike release, is a powerful and uplifting ambient electronic work inspired by abstract art, and enhanced by life-changing experiences.
Michael Allison, the creative force behind Darshan Ambient, found the inspiration for the album’s original concept in the art of French surrealist painter Yves Tanguy, and like the painter's images, Allison’s compositions conjure abstract landscapes, skillfully depicted with a tight sonic palette. However, the album delivers more than just a musical interpretation of Tanguy's alien landscapes and abstract shapes. For Michael Allison, an artist that consistently delivers excellence, this release is clearly coming from a deeper and more meaningful place. During the beginning phases of its creation, Michael became deathly ill and landed in the Intensive Care Unit, comatose for six days. After his release from the hospital, Michael began a slow rehabilitation process which included moments of intense inspiration.
Says Allison, "It was as though the floodgates had been blown wide open and the music became incredibly easy to write. Track after track, song after song, the album just came together as though it were writing itself."
With musical contributions from Daevine's Jourdan Laik and Jon Short of The Deep Sky Divers, From Pale Hands To Weary Skies communicates and delivers on many levels, and is certainly Darshan Ambient's most moving and inspirational release to date.
The entire Darshan Ambient catalog is available at Lotuspike and CafePress.com. Just click on an album cover below to purchase.
Michael, just want to wish you and your family a great Christmas & Happy New Year..my dear DAD died last Sunday, so things here a little grim to say the least. KELVIN.
I loved the new album, it's on my iPod and has been played many times..thank's for taking th trouble to send it to me here in the U.K...love you you and your family!. your pal, KELVIN.
"From Pale Hands" is an awesome record - "The Look Of Amber" gets me every-time. Thanks so much for including me here...it seems I have much to discover in your other works.
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