John Adams
Shaker Loops / Phrygian Gates
1750 Arch Records (US) 1980
S-1784 (LP)
sleeve : VG+(SOC, wear on corner.)
media : EX/EX(some slightly noises.)
An album released in 1980 by American minimalist composer John Adams, who worked from the mid-1970s through the 2000s, creating numerous masterpieces across styles ranging from modern classical to experimental and electronics, and even winning the Pulitzer Prize. Side A features a string septet version of the iconic piece “Shaker Loops,” introduced in the guidebook OBSCURE SOUND REVISED EDITION in its orchestral version performed by the San Francisco Symphony. Here, it is performed by The Ridge Quartet, along with Dan Smiley, Judiyaba, and Gary Lowendusky. Side B includes the piano piece “Phrygian Gates,” composed between 1977 and 1978, performed by Mack McCray. Both pieces are outstanding works, showcasing Adams’ unique approach to minimalism. Highly recommended.