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review by Dene Bebbington Ron Berry has been involved in electronic music for several decades, both as a creator of synthesizers and as a musician. Besides composing albums he's also worked on video/TV/film soundtracks. His music makes heavy use of analogue equipment which he likes for the warmth of sound, though some digital equipment is also used. He's obviously a very hands-on guy involved with more than just composing and playing the music, having also designed the [CD's] cover. Heavens and Highlands is a previously unreleased album from 1992 - apparently the first of three unreleased albums which are to see the light of day. Its inspiration comes from the highlands of Scotland and the vista of the night sky seen there; judging by the track names, most of the album is about the night sky and thoughts it conjures up. Ron Berry is a fairly new name to me; it was only recently that I first heard one of his albums before this one. After listening to Nightscape, and now Heavens and Highlands, I can say that he's got a distinctive musical style. The warmth of analogue synths coupled with a kind of sparse quality to the music is his hallmark. Unlike a lot of modern synth music, it doesn't have lots of pads and loops which provide a more deeply textured sonic experience. Because of this, it's taken me some time to properly appreciate, being one of those albums that has gotten better after several listens. There's a nice variety of sounds and moods across the nine discrete tracks. This isn't one of those albums which is based around one or two melodies. Each piece comes across as a lovingly created individual that tries to capture a particular impression. The mood varies from easygoing to upbeat rhythmic and melodic pieces, but what is common to all tracks is a unique style with space to make the most of the sounds. I can identify with Ron's appreciation of the highlands and the night sky seen from there. This is one of those albums best appreciated while sitting quietly and imagining scenes that inspired the composer. Heavens and Highlands should be in any synthesizer fan's collection, especially of those who like the more rounded sound of analogue synths. |
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