MUSIC OF OUR TIMES (WITH MARKUS REUTER)

"Music of our Times", beautiful title, a vivid representation of what Moonjune Records has given to the world in the 20 years, music with no boundaries made by people from all the planet, people with an inherent talent but also, as I have understood, with a deep compromise and connection with art, culture, and colleagues. Nowadays it is not a mistake to say this label is comprised by a family and not just isolated musicians, which is why it has reached its 101st release, dressed up by two big minds such as Gary Husband and Markus Reuter.

As I read, this album was the result of an emergency plan, because Stick Men (one of Markus' projects) would be playing in Japan with Gary Husband as guest, however, the shows were cancelled, so they and Leo Pavkovic moved and decided to do book a studio, and then?voila. "Music of our Times" was unplanned, but maybe this is part of its true beauty, because Husband and Reuter give us a 6-track album full of rich sounds and textures.

When two prolific and veteran musicians gather, normally the result is positive, but when two prolific musicians from the Moonjune family gather, we should be excited and expect the best. Important to say Husband's toy here is a piano and not the drums, I mention this because (me, at least) you may probably link him firstly with drums than with keys, though we know how good and versatile he is. On the other hand, Reuter's touch guitar is naturally present here, as well as the always cool electronic devices he uses.

I invite you to play this record with good headphones, because believe me, if you isolate the noises surrounding you, the experience you'll have will be drastically better. A multi-layered world is open before your ears (and eyes, why not) when "Colour of Sorrow" starts. A 10-minute piece that does not really need to be labelled, but maybe the concepts avant-garde, jazz or even new age might come to your mind. Those piano notes are like drops of clean and fresh water, it is like a healer, but wait a little bit to listen to Reuter's far noises, you'll be trapped in a fantastic and peaceful world. Despite its let's-say long length, the track passes strangely fast. If you ask me, a 20-minute version of this would not harm my soul at all.

But well, I could also say this album is a one long 50-minute track, divided in six beautiful passages. The second of those passages was named "Across the Azure Blue", and yes, despite the very beginning with piano could remind you of the previous track, some minutes later guitar introduces a heartfelt sound that hits you right in the heart. It gives me chills! Of course, the two musicians clearly understood each other, of course their brotherhood turned their connection on, which is why the music is so pure, so evocative.

"Music of Our Times" is quite different, like the entrance to another world. The electronic noises here and there are amazing, producing diverse and even contradictory emotions, such as tension and peace. I speak for myself, of course, I like to write about what the music makes me feel or imagine, a personal experience that changes everytime I re-listen to the music. The intensity of this track increases, it could even work as a original film score, I bet Japanese people would have killed to see not only a Stick Men concert, but a Gary Husband and Markus Reuter one.

We might not know it, but we will be on "A Veiled Path", the only thing we must do is to open our arms and follow our senses. Those two maestros really lead us to somewhere, every second of their music is a spark whose light command us to follow it, so imagine be surrounded by countless sparks, which one to follow? There is not an answer nor a method, it is up to you. "White Horses (for Allan)", as the title suggests, was inspired by the amazing and unique Allan Holdsworth, who made a dimension transition three years ago. The music here is so haunting, so visual, it feels like floating in pastel colors that suddenly turn into a reflection of your soul, so if you grab the idea, you may have a moment of introspection. Stunning!

The album finishes with "Illuminated Heart". You understand now? After the introspection, if you liberate your self- cargo, you'll be rewarded with an illuminated heart. It is impossible not to feel the light of this track, it does make me feel is the end of the journey, but a journey that has been lived with the highest emotions, with complete liberating motifs. Husband and Reuter's union is so solid, so pleasant, and we can tell it until the very last second of this record.

Music is here to help us having a better life, music is here to take our hands and make us feel relieved.

Enjoy it!