Proof of Consciousness
Release Date 01.12.2010

Virtuoso musicians, inventors and visionaries, Mark Deutsch and Jaron Lanier explore new classical improvisation on their new collaborative release, Proof of Consciousness.

The beauty and complexity of the album lies in its simplicity; combining Jaron’s most varied collection of actively played rare musical instruments from around the world and the intricate and complex layers on Mark’s ground breaking new instrument the Bazantar – a five-string acoustic bass fitted with an additional twenty-nine sympathetic strings and four drone strings. The result is a remarkable album that absorbs and resonates the mesmerizing soundscape of resonance, and evokes all the power of Western classical music with the depth and nuance of Eastern traditions.

Jaron and Mark have integrated many diverse elements into this work. They weave sublime melodic contouring with the panoramic architecture of classical music, universal mathematical principles with an imaginative commitment to spontaneous creation, and avant-garde’s visceral convulsions with folk tradition’s graceful simplicity to create a musical expression that defies simplistic categorization.  Label it classical crossover, new classical or classical improvisation, or just music with a conscious, they’re all right.

These recordings, mixed, mastered and recorded live entirely by Jaron and Mark, eliminate the use of overdubbing, looping, or other studio effects (well, almost entirely; you’ll notice a water sample playing during the final phase of “Intimate Grandeur” and there’s an octave effect on a few phrases in “Upper Atmosphere.”  So lets just say it’s almost entirely free of effects.). Rarely attempted in today’s environment of digital manipulation, this method of recording requires substantial skill by both engineer and musician. The result is a Proof of Consciousness that reveals the creative process with a vitality remarkable in character.

Paris to Cuba
Release Date 06.23.09

From the co-creator of Billboard's Classical Crossover chart-topper Aria, comes Paris to Cuba. The ten tracks on Paris To Cuba are the embodiment of summertime. Composed and created by Mario Grigorov, the album’s sound conjures up beautiful complexions, mid-afternoon mojitos, linen garments, and vintage Cadillacs. This is music that immediately evokes an aural landscape, a narrative of striking up a wandering romance with a stranger, a “paseo” through Plaza Vieja or a sunset on the Seine. Lilting, sensual brass sections flirt with gentle vocals on “I See”, “Every Little Movement”, and “Snake Eyes”- the three tracks which feature singer Melissa Newman. Blending hints of Pink Martini, Madeleine Peyroux and Buena Vista Social Club, the percussion section laps as a wave on an empty beach. It is easy for the listener to get lost in the guitar solos, mysterious accordion and nostalgic, sweeping strings.

This is not your typical jazz or world record.