Ma Ja Le formed April 1994 and performed their first show at a local Milwaukee coffeehouse. The initial concept and impetus was based on improvisational musical explorations. Structure evolved from doing, being and respectful deep listening. Originality was eschewed for authenticity and integrity. Initially presented as an open format several other musicians were involved in the early stages of the project including; Lannette Newson (drums), Steve Mischovy (ethnic percussion), Jim Lueke (Sax) and others.In the second phase (1995-1996) of it's life Ma Ja Le became a trio with Chris's longtime friend John Stratehootman (aka Vir Unis) they were fellow souls creating similar music. An instant connection and palpable energy arose between the three musicians and Vir Unis became an important collaborator with Ma Ja Le. Vir Unis also went on do several albums with Steve Roach and another Ma Ja Le collaborator James Johnson.Ma Ja Le's first CD "Dreams in the orchards of Saturn" was culled from their first four shows and received notice from local radio host and new age shop owner Stu Daniels. It was felt at the time, that the raw energy and unique voice of the moment far transcended any musical oddities in the performances. It was through Stu that in the next couple years following"Dreams" Ma Ja Le were introduced to some of the most vital musicians of contemporary electronic music. Including Steve Roach, Robert Rich, Dirk Serries (aka Vidna Obmana) and Transmission (who's founder was Kenneth Newby).The mentoring provided by Steve, Robert & Dirk helped the group to find roots in the tribal ambient genre. Later on working with Steve Roach as producer on their 1997 release Imaginarium; this further created a tremendous impact on the band. The Imaginarium release also saw the departure of collaborator Vir Unis and the creation of a new partnership with James Johnson. With James Johnson (an exquisite minimalist who's piano phrasings were reminiscent of Harold Budd), Ma Ja Le created the December 2001 release of Seed through the Hypnos records label. Most of the tracks gained national airplay on the syndicated radio programs "Echoes" & "Hearts of Space" and was heralded by some as the newest sounding ambient work in many years"Many solo & collaborative releases were done by members Paul Vnuk Jr and Christopher Short with various musicians from the electronic music community. Now in it's fourth stage Ma Ja Le nears completion of a new CD due out sometime in 2007.Ma Ja Le is also a sound design team. Working for the Sony Media Software line of products since it was Sonic Foundry. Christopher Short & Paul Vnuk Jr. as Ma Ja Le' have developed several ACID loop libraries for Sony's ACID software including Saturn & Elsewhere which received many excellent reviews including a recent review in Recording Magazine. Loops within the ACID software are an interactive musical experience. Most recently Ma Ja Le were involved in creating Themes for Sony's Cinescore program (a self generating music program) and several loop libraries. Ma Ja Le' have also developed loops for M-Audio and Apple.Along with Paul Vnuk Jr. Tribal Ambient music duo Ma Ja Le have released several albums including April 1995 Dreams In The Orchards Of Saturn, April 1998 Imaginaruim (produced by Steve Roach) and December 2001 the highly acclaimed Seed. Paul & Christopher have also released several solo projects and worked with many artists including Vir Unis, James Johnson, Oophoi, Rodney Cunningham and David James.For more detailed info on the band, CDs and reviews see;www.majale.comwww.hypnos.comhttp://spaceformusic.com/Spa cecraft/festival2001.html
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