K. Leimer - Gisella
Unearthed fragment of mid-'70s electronic serenity from self-taught Seattle-based ambient savant. Hear it now.
A perfect track for the emerging spring sunshine, this gently unfolding splinter of off-kilter ambient simplicity is also the ideal introduction to the off-the-map works of nonconformist electronic composer K. Leimer.
Who is K. Leimer? Well, helpfully, this video also works as a short visual history of his recorded work, an explanation of his musical philosophy, and a showcase for a forthcoming compilation of his work, A Period Of Review (Original Recordings: 1975 – 1983).
Born in Winnipeg, Canada, Leimer was raised in Chicago before his family settled in Seattle in 1967. Devouring '70s copies of the NME and Melody Maker, Leimer became fascinated by descriptions of music by such kosmische outfits as Can, Neu! and Faust. Following exposure to the tape-manipulated serenity of Cluster II Leimer realized that with minimal training he could compose similar sounds from cheap thrift-store equipment. Later, with the addition of a Micromoog and TEAC multi-track tape machine, and under the influence of Robert Fripp and Brian Eno’s (No Pussyfooting) Leimer created a minimal recursive music of looped atmospheric bliss, and with his Palace Of Lights record label attracted a community of like-minded experimental composers.
A Period Of Review focuses on tapes of previously unheard material from this self-taught electronic visionary, ranging from warped space minimalism to melancholy piano melodies, alien club dub and eerily modern cold-wave synth grooves. It will be released on May 13, 2014 as a double LP set, CD and download. You can pre-order your copy here.
Meanwhile, Kerry Leimer still makes music. Check him out.