Strata

Strata — the title just has a nice sound to it. Like strength or structure, it connotes power. (It is probably the "s-t-r.") Steve Roach and Robert Rich are two of the strongest e-musicians ever — musically, spiritually, and emotionally. But their greatest strengths are their abilities to express themselves musically and to interact cohesively. Rich and Roach approach music from almost completely divergent angles. Roach is always right in the middle of things, searching for answers to his questions. Rich, on the other hand, spends a great deal of time in the setup before diving into the middle. Once there, he begins searching for questions to his answers. Together, these approaches complement each other and they get right down to it. This CD consists of four very personal statements. It is personal to the composers, individually and as a duo, and to deep listeners. It evokes remote feelings and close recollections. Roach and Rich explore the unknown to learn and to ask more about the real and the surreal. This is a great disc, covering many styles and much ground.