DAVE HARTL: Lab Work

Dave Hartl

Lab Work

© 2007 Foaming at the Ear Music (619857010423)

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This is music combining jazz improvisation with computerized textures, storytelling composition and moods with in-the-moment spontaneity; featuring a worldwide cast of friends working to revitalize jazz with an edge of rock, world music, and electricity.

notes

Dave Hartl lives between Philadelphia and New York, working in both cities as a pianist, synthesist, and teacher. He’s been with the University of the Arts in Philadelphia teaching electronic music applications, keyboard, theory, and other courses since 1991, has played over 50 theatrical shows, and has worked with acts such as Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell, Bo Diddley, Mary Wilson & the Supremes, Phil Woods, Joanne Brackeen, Bill Watrous, Anthony Newley, The Three Degrees, LaToya Jackson, Ben Vareen, Annie Haslam’s Renaissance, and many others. He has produced 4 CDs of original instrumental compositions and has appeared on numerous recordings, including the Concord Jazz release Midnight Blue by guitarist Jimmy Bruno.

Dave is trying in his original music to combine the freedom and improvisation of jazz with the sonic textures of electronic music and the structure of story-telling composition. On his latest CD Lab Work he plays piano, 28 different synthesizers, Chapman Stick, MIDI guitar, accordion, theremin, and chromatic harmonica with some extra tracks flown in from friends in Philadelphia, Japan, and Holland. Major musical influences include Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Charles Mingus, Frank Zappa, Soft Machine, Gentle Giant, and King Crimson.

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  • Brilliant and heartfelt masterpiece
    author: Rick Zayas

    In past years, the syntesizer in Jazz music was championed by brilliant musicians such as Jan Hammer, David Sancious and the late Joe Zawinul, just to name a few. I mention these musicians because they were able to use the instrument in a truly musical way. They, along with movie composers such as Jerry Goldsmith were innovators in music sythesizer orchestration; the real stuff not the hyper-industrialized cheese which was subsequently hoisted upon the music consumer. On this project, Hartl has reached the pinnacle of electronic music orchestration. There is NOTHING out there yet, that matches the scope and intensity of the way Hartl utilizes his gear. Not only that, but this project is cinematic in its approach; a treat for those who have ears to hear and the ability to imagine the pictures painted by a truly brilliant composer and keyboardist. Hartl also pays tribute to the early days of synthesis by allowing a quarter of a million dollars worth of gear to occasionally sound like an old Arp Odyssey synth. Then in an instant it becomes as organic sounding as the Philadelphia Orchestra string section or the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Big Band. You have to have truly big ears to appreciate this CD, because like any great work of art, you will find something new every time you listen to it. This CD is absolute genius.

  • Amazing
    author: Travis Mullen

    Dave Hartl's Lab Work is an amazing combination of complex composition and energetic performance spiked with his collection of synthesizers and electronic interments. This advanced production has repeat playability and is sure to impress any knowledgeable musician.

  • another superb cd
    author: Stephen Carl

    This is another magnificent cd from Mad Dog Dave Hartl, and it's the best one yet. The combination of styles will surely please the aficionado and leaves one hungry for more.

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