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AeTopus is e-music in the classic style. Composer Bryan Tewell Hughes deftly combines ethereal electronica with organic/acoustic elements, resulting in a progression of lush, complex pieces that expand the imagination and fill the aural palette. As a composer, musician, and audio craftsman, Hughes' skill and attention to detail are astounding. Moreover, Memories of the Elder is not a mere collection of individual songs - rather, it is a flowing, thematic work of art. Universal concepts emerge, albeit gently enough to avoid the "spoon-feeding" dreaded by sophisticated listeners. "This is a huge CD!...this unique hybrid has something for everybody." -Jim Brenholts, Ambient Visions "...what makes the work of AeTopus/Hughes so remarkable is how fresh all this sounds. There is no trace of faux sentimentality and no attempt to play it safe on this CD. While it's nothing if not accessible, it's also an exciting and different take on keyboard music that I never grew tired of, even when I played it back-to-back. I can't offer a stronger endorsement than that." -Bill Binkelman, Wind and Wire Autobiography excerpt from www.aetopus.com: ... My Grandparents introduced me to so-called "New Age" music back in the early 1980's by mailing me a dozen dubbed cassettes. In addition to having invested the time to record the tapes, they had diligently photocopied and cropped each set of original cassette liner notes for my enjoyment. Of course, they didn't realize that their sixteen-year-old grandson was consumed with musical genres from the opposite end of the cultural spectrum. Yet, the cassettes remained in my collection - and somehow avoided being taped over. During college, I would occasionally play one or two of the recorded albums. This would usually occur late at night, that I might avoid scrutiny from friends and roommates. The sounds of Ray Lynch, Tri Atma, and Kitaro began to grow on me. As the years passed, I found myself playing bass guitar in any number of now-defunct funk, blues, and hard rock bands. As enjoyable as this was on a social level, I gradually became frustrated at my dependence on band situations for musical expression. In addition, a noticeable mellowing of my musical tastes was taking place, and I began to seek a more solitary, introspective means of expression. The presence of new tools - keyboards, synthesizers, and ethnic percussion instruments - became commonplace in my personal studio. A fresh sound was emerging, based on a growing introspection and a desire to create colorful sonic textures. A new musical story called AeTopus had begun, filled with dynamic melodies, delicate ambience, and colorful soundscapes. Memories of the Elder is the first chapter in this story. I have long since purchased the albums my Grandparents had taped for me on compact disc. I do, however, still have those tapes... Check out the artist's website: http://www.aetopus.com Track List: 1. The Running Path 2. Campfire Spirit Horizon 3. Elder 4. A Hush 5. Reflecting in the Glass 6. The Child 7. Grand Microscopic 8. Umbrella 9. Psychic Slumber 10. Still Ruin 11. Sol 12. Day Glide Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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