Recorded live in Berlin in 1975 but not released until 1982, Descending Moonshine Dervishes is a mesmerizing album that showcases Terry Riley’s unique improvisational style. Drawing on his earlier work in Persian Surgery Dervishes, Riley creates a whirlwind of arpeggiated figures and intricate patterns on the Yamaha YC 45D electric organ. The album’s title, inspired by Sufism’s spinning worshippers, perfectly captures the hypnotic quality of Riley’s music.
The Evolution of Riley’s Sound
While both Descending Moonshine Dervishes and Persian Surgery Dervishes feature Riley’s signature improvisations, there are subtle differences that set them apart. The warm, radiant tones of the earlier album give way to a more unsettling, buzzing quality in Descending Moonshine Dervishes. Riley’s chords feel distorted and otherworldly, evoking images of medieval pipers in cobblestoned squares.
Riley’s Innovative Techniques
Despite Riley’s nonchalant attitude towards his music-making process, the complexity of his compositions is undeniable. Using a complex delay chain and just intonation tuning, Riley creates a sonic landscape that is both familiar and alien to Western ears. The Yamaha organ’s multiple registers and tone-control levers allow Riley to shape-shift his timbres, adding layers of depth to his music.
The Journey of the Music
Over the course of the album’s 51-minute runtime, Riley’s music undergoes constant evolution. From contemplative melodies to icy waterfalls of trebly tones, the listener is taken on a sonic journey that defies traditional categorization. Riley’s all-night concerts during this period provided him with ample space to experiment with his psychedelic ideas, resulting in a snapshot of infinity captured in the rapturous tones of Descending Moonshine Dervishes.
The Joy of Exploration
One of the central motifs in Riley’s music is a childlike four-note figure that rises and falls, inviting the listener to join in on the journey. The pleasure lies not in reaching a final destination, but in the process of exploration and discovery that Riley’s music offers. Each chord change, each shift in tone, is a moment of bliss that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish.
Conclusion
Descending Moonshine Dervishes is a testament to Terry Riley’s innovative spirit and boundless creativity. Through his use of unconventional techniques and daring improvisations, Riley creates a musical experience that transcends time and space. Listening to this album is not just a passive activity; it’s a journey of the mind and soul that leaves a lasting impression on all who dare to embark on it.
FAQs
Q: What inspired Terry Riley to create Descending Moonshine Dervishes?
A: Riley’s interest in Sufism and his studies of Indian classical music with Pandit Pran Nath influenced the creation of Descending Moonshine Dervishes.
Q: How does Riley’s use of just intonation impact the album’s sound?
A: Riley’s use of just intonation creates bright, wide-open intervals that sound alien to listeners accustomed to Western music’s equal temperament, adding a unique quality to the music.
Q: What sets Descending Moonshine Dervishes apart from Persian Surgery Dervishes?
A: While both albums feature Riley’s improvisational style, Descending Moonshine Dervishes has a more unsettling and buzzing quality compared to the warm, radiant tones of Persian Surgery Dervishes.
Credit: pitchfork.com
