Reich: Electric Counterpoint

Bringing together some of the most dynamic young British artists, Powerplant explores hi-octane percussion-led music with an electronic sound and strong visual performance. The collective made its debut in July 2005, with a sell out performance at The Purcell Room, London. Since then Powerplant has performed extensively throughout the UK and was one of the few ensembles to perform at Steve Reich's Barbican birthday celebrations 'Phases', in 2006. As well as Steve Reich's Electric Counterpoint, works by the electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk (which translates as 'Powerplant' in English) are also performed on the disc. At the heart of the Powerplant sound is the percussion and live electronics duo of genre trashing Ensemble Bash virtuoso, Joby Burgess and Liverpool based composer and live sound engineer, Matthew Fairclough. Coupled with specially created film, vintage computer imagery and live visuals from Bristol-based visual artist Kathy Hinde, the trio has created an experimental and challenging repertoire fusing seminal percussion works alongside their own work, improvisations and remixes. Powerplant's set of classic electronica from pioneering dance masters Kraftwerk, was arranged in-conjunction with composer, Ben Foster, and features the Elysian Quartet, the only British string quartet of its generation exclusively dedicated to 20th century and contemporary music. From September 2006 until June 2007, Powerplant worked on a 'Item' research grant from the Arts council of England hosted by FACT - Foundation for Arts & Creative Technology - in Liverpool. As a result of this work Powerplant will premiere major new commissions from British minimalist, Graham Fitkin and composer/producer Gabriel Prokofiev to coincide with the release of this disc. This release is a CD Plus, which will incorporate visuals from Powerplant's live shows, and will be supported by a UK tour during November and December.

Debut recording!

Forestare is an ensemble of 12 young award-winning acoustic guitarists, so named in honour of the trees from which their instruments are made. Founded in 2002, the ensemble is as passionate about environmental issues as it is about its music, which includes a wide range of influences including gamelan and pop. Forestare’s debut recording with ATMA features original works by contemporary composers including Steve Reich, Denis Gougeon and Leo Brouwer . Québec poet/singer-songwriter Richard Desjardins makes a cameo appearance with the ensemble performing two of his own songs.