The Squid's Ear Magazine


Ravenstine, Allen: The Pharaoh's Bee (Recommended Records)

The original Pere Ubu keyboardist Allen Ravenstine in a limited edition release of analog electronics, an extraordinary album of rich sound taking unexpected twists and turns while showing the power of the EML synthesizer, coupled with a theremin.
 

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Allen Ravenstine-theremin, synthesizer


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Limited edition of 1000 copies.

UPC: 752725035927

Label: Recommended Records
Catalog ID: RER AR1
Squidco Product Code: 21477

Format: CD
Condition: New
Released: 2015
Country: Great Britain
Packaging: diDigipack - 3 panel
Recorded in 2015 by the artist.

Descriptions, Reviews, &c.

"Allen Ravenstine, erstwhile eminence grise of classic-era Pere Ubu, was one of the best-integrated and least predictable pioneers of analogue synthesis in rock before he quit both public and musical arenas to pursue an entirely different career. But he never lost his interest in, or his feel for, analogue electronics; and so we have this, lapidary, limited-edition solo release which reaches back to the glory days of Princeton and Cologne in its acceptance, and celebration, of the almost human, frail, fallible, delicate and mysterious qualities of handmade analogue electronics.

It was an invitation to contribute to I Dream of Wires: The Modular Synthesizer Documentary that led to the recording of an impromptu duo performance on EML-101 and 200 synthesizers, with current Ubu synthesist Robert Wheeler. A pair of albums: City Desk and Farm Report, were released from these sessions in 2013, after which, re-engaged, Ravenstine began to work in earnest on music. By the following June had enough material for a record -- this record, his first solo release, produced by William Blakeney, a Canadian lawyer, studio engineer and associate board member of the Electronic Music Foundation."-ReR Megacorp


Limited edition of 1000 copies.

Artist Biographies

"Allen Ravenstine (born May 9, 1950) is an American keyboard player, most recognized for his work in the experimental rock group Pere Ubu. In 1991, he quit music to become a commercial airline pilot.

Allen Ravenstine was born on May 9, 1950. He had much exposure to music at a young age, his interest derived from his mother playing Sergei Rachmaninoff and other classical music and his father's interest in jazz and percussion records. He played the trombone in grade school but quickly lost interest. Ravenstine's first real experience as an artist came in 1971 after abandoning his college pursuits. He met visual artist Bob Bensick, who was experimenting with sending distortion into oscillators and out to a stereo system. Eventually, they discovered a way to attach lights and have them work in conjunction with the sounds being produced and decided to stage art shows. The act was short lived as Ravenstine moved out of the area and lost contact with Bensick. Soon after, Ravenstine purchased his first synthesizer, an ElectroComp EML 200, and began associating with the garage band Rocket from the Tombs and recording their performances.

Ravenstine owned the apartment building called "The Plaza", which served as home and gathering place for the developing art and music scene in Cleveland in the early 70s.

Ravenstine first worked with Pere Ubu in 1975 after being asked to contribute to the band's recording of "30 Seconds Over Tokyo". However, he was discouraged by the thought of having to perform live shows and opted to discontinue his involvement with the band. After watching Pere Ubu perform at a few venues, Ravenstine changed his mind and returned as a full-time member of the band, replacing keyboardist Dave Taylor. He continued his work with Pere Ubu until 1989 with the release of Cloudland, when he decided to leave the group and pursue his own interests.

Ravenstine obtained a pilot's license after Ubu's initial breakup, and after leaving the band permanently, worked as a flight instructor and charter pilot. He also completed a novel which was never published. Ravenstine largely avoided musical activity of any kind after leaving Pere Ubu, once making a guest appearance at a Red Krayola show in Los Angeles in 2004. In 2012, an invitation to contribute to "I Dream of Wires: The Modular Synthesizer Documentary" led to the recording of an impromptu duo performance on the EML-101 and 200 synthesizers, with current Ubu synthesist Robert Wheeler. Culled from this were a pair of albums and singles, entitled City Desk/Farm Report, which were self-released in 2013. On June 29, 2018, he released a solo album entitled Waiting for the Bomb on Recommended Records.

In reviewing Dub Housing, critic John Dougan writes, "Ravenstine, who may be one of the all-time great synth players colors the sound with ominous whooshes of distortions, blips, and blurbs that sound like a sped-up Pong game." "

-Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Ravenstine)
3/13/2024

Have a better biography or biography source? Please Contact Us so that we can update this biography.


Track Listing:



1. The Pharoah's Bee 3:14

2. Painted Desert 3:35

3. Night In August 4:43

4. Pond 5:33

5. Full Moon 3:04

6. Star Crossed 11:33

7. Dragonfly 3:14

8. High Noon Broad Channel 3:17

9. Bug's Ear 3:33

10. Dry Bones 3:54

11. Turk 4:02

Related Categories of Interest:


Electro-Acoustic
Piano & Keyboards
Electronic Forms
Solo Artist Recordings
Recommended Records
New in Experimental & Electronic Music

Search for other titles on the label:
Recommended Records.


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