A Concert From The Academy of Light

On the surface, The Academy is a sparkling soundtrack suited for all forms of cosmic contemplation. A deeper examination reveals a raw and shapeshifting spectacle, one that invites both musician and listener to become agents in a joint act of exploration and to submit to the living stillness that exists deep within our inner world. Unforeseen harmonies arrive subtly from unexpected places, quietly converging in vibrational agreement. Percussion showers rain over a canvas of dreamy synthesizers and evanescent piano arrangements. Martial drumming punctuates the serenade of humming bells and bowls. Burbling basslines intermingle with transient spells of flute, while timely strings sing the language of stars.

This medley of instrumentation extends into the live setting, where so far the Academy’s performances remain similarly fluid and open-ended. “I think sometimes you go in thinking you'll play one note the whole time, and then surprise yourself by really stretching out and saying something more…