Parallel Lines



In my early years of classical music study I was quite dismissive of “minimalism” in music. Frankly, I was a snob, but also oblivious to its importance until Brian Eno’s music entered my life. The intersection of popular and classical music always fascinated me and liberated my appreciation for both musical genres. Eno’s Discreet Music Label and his albums Before and After Science, Taking Tiger Mountain by Surprise and his many ambient albums changed my point of view. It enabled me to rediscover Philip Glass, Steve Reich and others and find the common ground my younger self could not imagine.

Parallel Lines is an overlay of all this. Most of the tracks took flight as diatonic “minimalistic” piano pieces. Bob Stark, my engineer and long time collaborator, was tireless in making sure this music was right. We worked together creating arrangements that were both acoustic and electronic in capturing the ambient musical backdrop I wanted for these compositions. Julian ‘J3PO’ Pollack, who I have come to know through a mutual musician friend, Andy Snitzer, was a God-send. His creativity, which came as the last step in the recording process, really added a currency to the sound. There is a peacefulness about this music - a dreaminess drifting one into slumber or thought and reflection. I hope it speaks to you. Christopher James