Diethelm/Famulari
The Flyer
Philips (Holland) 1984
813 405-1 (LP)
sleeve : EX-(SRW, some wear on edge and corner)
media : EX/EX(some slightly noise)
Featured in the first edition of the guidebook Obscure Sound. A superb 1983 debut album by Diethelm / Famulari, the German duo of guitarist Thomas Diethelm—who also released an album produced by Irmin Schmidt on Can’s Spoon Records—and pianist/keyboardist Santino Famulari. Guest percussionist Trilok Gurtu, known for numerous ethno-jazz recordings and for later joining Oregon after the death of Collin Walcott, also appears on the album. Beautiful guitar tones created through the extensive use of multiple delays and harmonizers blend seamlessly with delicate, light-filled synthesizers and Gurtu’s richly ethnic percussion, resulting in luminous new age music charged with positive energy. A1 is especially outstanding, an extended track running over nine minutes with an almost perfect balance of sound and space. A3 is another highlight, a tropical tune whose contrast between guitar and synthesizer feels wonderfully refreshing. Beautiful music that leaves you feeling completely revitalized. Simply superb. This is the Dutch pressing, released the following year with a different title and redesigned artwork from the original German edition.
A1: The Flyer
A3: Basta!