Sebastian Plano VERVE Limited Vinyl LP
Overview:
Sebastian Plano ‘Verve’ his first full length record for Mercury KX, on March 1st 2019
Currently based in Berlin, Sebastian Plano is an internationally acclaimed Argentinian composer and musician. Whilst from a classically trained background, his work is hugely varied and informed equally by electronic music, as well as artists as varied as Radiohead, Arvo Pärt, Talk Talk, Jeff Buckley plus folk music and Argentinian Tango and its proponents such as Astor Piazzolla.
Strictly speaking, ‘Verve’ is not Sebastian Plano’s third album. Plano’s third album has no title, and only one copy exists. In fact, it may not even exist any longer. Whether or not it does, however, it’s unlikely that the person who owns it actually knows they have it. On April 19, 2013, outside the San Francisco recording studio where, that evening, Plano had completed recording the ‘Novel’ EP – his collaboration with acclaimed cellist (and former Kronos Quartet member) Jeffrey Zeigler – his computer, and, with it, two hard drives, were stolen from his car. Also stored on the drives was Plano’s recently finished third album.
Despite papering nearby streets over the coming weeks with some 500 posters offering a $5,000 reward, the drives were never returned. It was like the record had never existed. ‘Verve’ is therefore Sebastian Plano’s third album. Initially conceived as a reconstruction of its mythical predecessor, it evolved, over several years, into something else entirely: a reaction to its content, and its loss.
The record was composed, produced and performed entirely by Plano, in his studio in Berlin. As he explains, "Music isn't just about sound; the tone and phrasing are critical when it comes to writing music."
To make ‘Verve’, Plano had to reach an acceptance that an album isn’t always just a collection of music: it’s a document of performances. Though he could still hear the original recordings in his head, he was slowly forced to recognise, as he battled to regain their precious lustre, that he was trying to achieve the impossible. What then emerged was even better: a record that’s here and yet,
somehow, not here at all. Its genesis was lengthy, and its birth laborious, but it delivers what it’s title promises: spirit and vigour in beguiling measures, delivered by a unique voice. ‘Verve’ is Plano’s most ambitious work to date.
Featured Tracks:
1. Abeyance
2. Honesty
3. Verve
4. Last Day Of May
5. Dancing Waters
6. Purples
7. One Step Slower
8. Éxta
9. Extrema
Release Date: 02 July 2021
Format: LP Vinyl
Label: Mercury KX
£24.99
