Brain Laughter is the pseudonym under which
Howard Givens, a co-owner and co-founder of Spotted Peccary Music, records. He invites many of his colleagues to participate, so he recorded
Not Far From a Distant Sun as Brain Laughter II. Appearing with
Givens on this disc are Teeto Cheema,
Deborah Martin,
Steve Roach (co-writer of two pieces),
Jon Jenkins,
Paul Lackey, Mark Sterling Levine, Christopher Samu, Steve Schultz, and Myron Wisotsky. This CD features many different styles of electronic ambience. It has deep minimalism, melodic symphonic synths, and rhythmic tribal desert ambience.
Givens flows from style to style smoothly and effortlessly, thus maintaining sonic and musical integrity. The goal of Spotted Peccary Music is to define and create a new Native American music.
Not Far From a Distant Sun gets closer to that goal. This disc will appeal to fans of
Vidna Obmana, Ma Ja Le, Robert Carty, and
Michael Stearns. It is an essential CD. ~ Jim Brenholts