L A T E S T N E W S
SUGAR FIRE (the music of Richard Dalby) now includes Andy Wells (synths / mellotrons), Jools Slater (flutes / reed instruments) and Mick West on (trumpet and electric guitar). The newly expanded line up is a dream come true. We're currently recording new material for a major CD.
A short history of SUGAR FIRE, by Richard Dalby;
In 2005, I was invited to take part in an 'Electronica Fest', and this sparked off a new period of writing, working with drummer, poet and great friend Judah Allen. For the first concert, I was honoured to also perform alongside two incredible classical Indian vocalists, Sarvamangala Shankar (Professor of Music at Bangalore University, India) & her daughter, Rashmi Manjunatha. Shantha Rao, a highly respected classical Indian dancer / teacher, also performed to a re-mix track featuring the vocals of David Sylvian.
In April 2006 I performed at the 'Concert for Tibet'. The line up again featured Judah Allen, as well as Mick West (the Ukranians) on trumpet and electric guitar. Their contributions really made the music come alive. Live and studio recordings, along with two stunning re-mixes, culminated in the release of my debut solo CD, 'Concert for Tibet'. The album features live performances from the 'Concert for Tibet', as well as 'Bhajan' with Rashmi & Sarvamangala Shankar's astonishing vocals, studio tracks, and stunning re-mixes by CalderValium & Chemical Monkey.
After playing guitar for, and recording albums with Maghribibeat & Creedy (see my TOP FRIENDS), I returned to the Sugar Fire project in the Winter of 2008, with new material being recorded.
J O Y O U S . H E A V E N - Video by SUGAR FIRE
SUGAR FIRE - CD Reviews
"Wow!!! I'm speechless, what a fantastic album. The music is wonderful - even if I might repeat the words of other reviewers, I think there are no better words to describe the music as; beautiful and comforting, soothing and kind-hearted. I can highly recommend it -- Thank you very much again!"
Gerrit Wessendorf, Baltimore, U.S.A.
"The 'Concert for Tibet' CD really works as an album, challenging conventional musical styles and our approach to different cultures. It makes you think more about life itself and our attitudes to the world and its people. So why not buy a
copy and listen carefully? It may not change the world but it could change you.
And that may have the same effect!"
Ray White, BBC Sound Engineer
The Concert For Tibet, features 'Sugar Fire', fronted by Richard Dalby on synths/keys and laptop computer treatments, guitars and vocals, with guest performers Judah Allen on percussion and vocals, Mick West on trumpet and electric guitar and, on one track only, Dr Sarvamangala Shankar and Rashmi Munjunatha. Now the musical souvenir from the event is on sale and from a musical point of view has much to please fans of world or electronic music.
There are hints in the mix of those who have trodden the musical path before. The opening “Concert For Tibet†has hints of 70s pioneers Jade Warrior. The ambient feel of productions by Brian Eno or David Sylvian is here and in the case of the CalderValium remix of “Paris Mon Amourâ€, a crunchy groove too. But this is Sugar Fire’s project and having given a nod to the hints, it is certainly their show.
“Concert For Tibet†is a joy and paints a vivid sound picture which conjures up images of the country. “Joyous Heaven†appears in both its remastered from the gig original form and a remix undertaken by DJ Wes Pickles, and “Bhajanâ€, which features the two guest vocalists, is very evocative. A real case of East meets West, with ancient sounds meshing with the most modern technology, Sugar Fire have produced a stunning debut.
Halifax Courier review
The
best album I've heard in a long time. All the tunes are beautiful and comforting
Gerrit - davidsylvian.net
Absolutely
World Class. One of the best performances EVER at the Trades Club
Peter Lazenby, Trades Club President
Voice of an Angel
HebdenEye review
The first half of this album is the recording of “Concert for Tibet†held at the Hebden Bridge Trades Club. The second half consists of re-mastered or re-mixed versions of some of the concert tracks, this allowing the listener to play a particular favourite, or to enjoy sitting back, and letting the feel of the “live†gig envelop them.
To try and reproduce this style of music from a studio sound, to a live performance is a monumental task, the quality of Richard Dalby and his fellow performers is obvious to anyone who listens to this album, as they achieve it with style.
This is one of, if not the best “Live†experimental / ambience music CDs I have heard, at times it is almost subliminal in its feel, while percussionists in particular, will enjoy the beats and rhythms throughout. The music is uplifting and inspiring, and mirrors the Tibetan people and their country. The two cultures merging together in the harmony the country richly deserves and continues to strive for.
Review by Paul Abraham, www.leedsmusicpromotions.com