released November 6, 2020

The pieces here were composed and recorded using a technique which was an evolution of the techniques I used while recording Rabbit Hole Variations, where I recorded loops of arpeggiated chords using various sounds and various lengths. Then I used the lops as building blocks to construct chord progressions, the implied melodies resulting from the individual notes of the various arpeggios entering out of sync.

With Guitar Constructions, I wanted to restrict the instrumentation only to the guitar to create a sense of aural cohesion, but at the same time expand harmonically into polychords. “Perfect Circle” was the first try step in this direction, the harmonies being structured around circumnavigation of the circle of 5ths. Eventually it ends up where it starts.

I then started varying the structures- moving counterclockwise around the circle of 5th but this time in minor, and not giving each step equal length to create a rising tension, mapping out chord progressions, one key in the lower register, another key in the higher register, replacing the straight arpeggios with short melodic or scalar runs. The construction process in the DAW was painstaking, and for a break I treated myself to several improvisations with the looper recording in perpetuity, building up layer upon layer.

Setting out I had no idea what would result. As I had my first few listens, I was pleasantly surprised by the sedative, harp-like quality of the pieces. I hope you enjoy listening to them as much as I did making them.