In early December of 2021 a circle of CIMA of PA donors assembled in the church sanctuary of St Mary's Hamilton Village for an intimate "Candle Concert" with noted Electronic Musician Chuck van Zyl.
"The Gatherings 9 December 2021" (72:01) presents the complete continuous set by Chuck van Zyl. Held during a time of great uncertainty, his concert realization "Night Prayer" was made live in the moment before a small yet enthusiastic, informed audience. As these conditions are known to reveal an innovative spirit, we find the musician and listeners experiencing this extraordinary music together in the act of it being made. Energized equally by the pulse of the Berlin-School and the hope of the New Age, the remarkable setting and welcoming company brought out a substantial, expressive and meaningful performance.
Lithe in movement, incisive in diction, finished in tone, vivid in an elemental way, concerts by Chuck van Zyl brood, then celebrate the world. Commensurate with its dark magnificence this live set began with the deeper spatial impressions Spacemusic affords. The furtiveness it encourages bestows a sedate equilibrium - known especially well to this artist. Gleaming in the night, the sound hollows out beneath us, pulling us along - toward strobing power electronics. As soon as one note pattern rises and clarifies another is born, building monumental musical structures in echoing layers of mechanized motifs. Settling into a subtle Berlin-School sequencer dance, the soundspace resounds in a dreamy and reflective glow. Each perfectly paced part blends with the next, generating a galvanic energy of cosmic scale.
Chuck van Zyl believes in the potential of Electronic Music, and the possibilities of live improvisation. Confidence in this pursuit seems to ripple through him - so much so that we can almost see the creative current flowing right out through his fingertips. Continuing to seek the elusive aspects of music and expression unavailable in the studio - he hopes that you will join him at a concert, to uplift and inspire, to listen, and to truly hear his life.
Recorded Live at St Mary's Hamilton Village in Philadelphia
Proceeds from the sale of "The Gatherings 9 December 2021" by Chuck van Zyl go to support the efforts of CIMA of PA, the IRS recognized, non-profit, all-volunteer organization which oversees The Gatherings Concert Series in Philadelphia
The Gatherings Concert Series presents live music for anyone interested in the many genres within the realms of Space,
Ambient, Electronic and Ethereal music. Our events provide a rare opportunity for the members of this diverse community of Innovative Music enthusiasts to mingle with each other and to experience this music performed live....more
supported by 47 fans who also own “The Gatherings 9 December 2021”
This is a wonderfully laid-back release and one that I regularly enjoy as I'm falling asleep. The music gently takes me away from the stresses and strains of the everyday and places me into a state of deep sleep. Highly recommended for inner space voyagers - you won't be disappointed. Chuck created a really great moment in time with this recording. Andy Bloyce
supported by 47 fans who also own “The Gatherings 9 December 2021”
Fans of Chuck van Zyl will instantly recognize his distinctive signature style. “Constellation” is not a short story, not an essay or even a novel, it is a series that takes the listener on a journey through Chuck’s universe, filled with the interplay of sequences that slowly tell their story and play against each other. Each one sounding frantic and insistent, vying for center stage but merging into the whole in an inventive unity that leads one into the vastness of space. Play on repeat. Steve Horne
supported by 46 fans who also own “The Gatherings 9 December 2021”
Classically beautiful Chuck van Zyl at his best. Another indispensable piece to my Chuck forever playlist ♥️
The Face of the Night is sooo delightful, I have trouble finding the words ... ♥️ Bo Stern
A majestic yet delicate album from Berlin school-style synth masters Node, recorded in 1994 but unreleased until now. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 21, 2023
The chilled product of a snowed-in weekend in the Swiss Alps, the debut EP from this ambient duo is a winter wonderland in and of itself. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 6, 2018