American percussionist and composer Jon Mueller has released a new album called Family Secret which is out via American Dreams Records. According to the press release, the experimental musician maintains a meticulous, sustained tension, re-engaging with a technique he developed as an adolescent – reframing the environs of creation, and naturally altering his perception, through changes in light and space – while also considering the role of family and divorce.
Listen below and check the 5-track list with artists and songs which have inspired his music.
VALENTIN SILVESTROV. This series of pieces are from Valentin Silvestrov’s ‘Sacred Works‘ CD. For years, this record has haunted and inspired me. Its influence finally became utilized on ‘Family Secret,’ though with less significant results.
FRITZ HAUSER. I’ve been a fan of Fritz Hauser since hearing his ‘solopercussion’ record in the late 90s. Shortly thereafter, I got his ‘Sounding Stones’ CD which woke me up to the possibilities of space and patience in playing, a skill which I thought was beyond my grasp. This video is from neither of those recordings, but is a fine example of how his playing leaves room for elements outside of rhythm. He’s been a huge inspiration to me over the years.
HARRY/VAL BERTOIA. My wife and I were some of the last people to visit the barn before the collection was dispersed. His son Val played Harry’s instruments for us for awhile and the experience was important. What’s really interesting is the contrast between the seemingly thoughtful spacing of the sound (when listening with eyes closed) and the visual reality of Val’s arbitrary walking from instrument to instrument – there are lessons in this contrast.
LAURA CANNELL. I’m a huge fan of Laura Cannell. I can listen to her while mowing the lawn or reading a book and her improvisations create a very consistent mood that feels very pleasant and timeless to me. For this reason, her music is also a regular soundtrack at our shop. Thankfully, I got the chance to meet her and see her give a talk and performance in London in 2018 and her music is a direct reflection of the warm and generous person she is.
JAKOB ULLMANN. In the past two years, I’ve spent a fair amount of time with Jakob Ullmann’s music, experimenting with listening in different situations – in the car and at home. The volume (and often the compositions) are barely there, leaving you to decide to listen closer or let it just become part of the environment however it does. As little as the music does, as barely as it’s there, it creates a real mood and feeling, which is a pretty powerful feat. Inspiring to say the least.
