Janek Schaefer :: Weather Report (Alluvial Recordings, CD)

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At 21 minutes this project-based recording had Janek Schaefer traveling to
Minnesota to work with local meteorologists and nature types. Most of what
you hear on this neatly packaged affair are field recordings with open mic.
There is the sound of inflation of a weather balloon, winds and birds, and
the people recording the changes in temperature, etc. There is also a great
full color booklet documenting the project including images of snowy, windy
conditions, measuring devices and other charms of local color. Weather
Report
uses soundclips from local news and those reporting the changing
conditions of the Twin Cities area randomly to illustrate the drama of the
skies. The piece opens with these skies mid way through where thunder,
lightning and its voiceover illustrators report to the inevitable hostile
nature to the people. But the quiet after the storm is as balanced and
important to the overall ambience here and Schaefer blends the chaos with
quietude. Towards the very end there are what sound like some type of gun
shots, are they hunters…do they have to shoot down weather balloons…was
this a salute to the completion of the work? This is one of surely other
documentary recordings to expect from this multimedia artist in the future.

  • Alluvial Recordings
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