Unformatted music has always been a major part of Jerome Froese’s life. Born 1970 in West Berlin, as the only child of the founder of the legendary electronic group, Tangerine Dream, musical socialization was kind of unavoidable for the young child. This also put him in the very fortunate position to be able to be in contact with synthesizers and other electronic music equipment before more than half of the world’s population was even aware that such devices existed, let alone that they could be employed for creating anything other than dissonant noises.
In his teens, he thus started to improve his skills on a variety of different instruments and, slowly but surely, turned into a veritable multi-instrumentalist, playing electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards and drums in a variety of different projects. As none of these would be of longevity due to problems arising between the different line-ups, Jerome finally decided that it would be best to take his creativity into his own hands. He, therefore, spent several years learning the secrets of music production, MIDI sequencing, sampling and recording. Recognizing the talent of the young lad, Tangerine Dream asked him to contribute a guitar solo to the album "Lily on the Beach", in 1989, and, one year later, when a member left the band, to join the group as a full-time member.
After 16 years, six Grammy nominations and numerous highly acclaimed album releases and tours later, Jerome Froese was not only one of the longest serving key members of the group, but has also left his distinctive mark on TD’s sound. One could say that the time was more than ripe for him to bring out solo albums as well.
After his debut "Neptunes" (2005) which received a lot of kudos from both press and listeners in the UK and the USA, Froese is taking his musical vision one step further towards the creation of his individual sound called "Guitartronica". Sequences, pads and effects, triggered by guitars, are combined with traditional licks and solos, creating a mixture that is nothing short of unique. The second album called "Shiver Me Timbers" (2007-08) gradually unfolds its hypnotic, almost meditative qualities, evolving into a both very vibrant and extremely laid-back sonic experience of Dream Pop, modern Electronica and Rock guitars.
Selected press quotes:
Very spacy. If you’ve had a heavy session and you want to come down, stick this on. Curl up in a little ball and let the dreamy tones fly you away.
(BBC Radio, UK)
... a hidden gem!
(Birmingham Post, UK)
... his music always manages to retain its form without descending into an elaborate navel-gazing exercise as can happen so easily with ambient music. Gentle, warm and beautiful.
(musicOMH, London, UK)
Neptunes is an interesting affair, and will appeal to those with a keen ear for post rock tapestries and spacey electronica. The album has much in common sonically with the likes of Slowdive and Seefeel, who made similarly experimental use of the old six string on their 90s output. A respectable chill out album.
(Unlimited/CMU Beats, UK)
Neptunes, is the fantastic solo debut album from guitarist Jerome Froese. If you want to calm the most highly strung human being then this album is for you!
(Bent, London, UK)
Selected press quotes with Tangerine Dream:
Tangerine Dream stays vigorously on track and on theme, daring their listeners to follow them into the surreal landscapes of the dreamed and desired.
(New York Times)
The Egyptians, the Aztecs and the ancient Irish all thought that the right combination of notes would cause stones to levitate. Tangerine Dream must have had something like this in mind.
(NME, UK)
The history of Tangerine Dream is the history of electronic music.
(Sound on Sound, UK)