Information/Write-up
The self-titled debut album from the Canadian Electronic Ensemble (CEE), released in 1977, is a groundbreaking work that captures the pioneering spirit of Canada’s experimental music scene. Released by Music Gallery Editions, the album exemplifies the ensemble’s ethos: blending cutting-edge electronic improvisation with compositional rigor to push the boundaries of what live music could achieve.
The Music
The album features three ambitious compositions, each showcasing the ensemble’s mastery of live electronic performance and their innovative integration of analog synthesizers with acoustic elements:
“Arnold” (26:30): A bold and expansive piece, “Arnold” represents the CEE at their most daring. Layers of sound generated by EMS Synthi A synthesizers, ARP Odysseys, and Roland SH-5 synthesizers create a dynamic, evolving soundscape that is both immersive and thought-provoking. Recorded live at the CBC Saskatoon Festival, the track’s energy and precision highlight the ensemble’s unique approach to improvisation and composition.
“Whale Oil” (9:50): This shorter piece incorporates playful, textural sound design, including unconventional elements like ping-pong balls. It showcases the ensemble’s talent for juxtaposing rhythm and abstraction, resulting in a piece that feels equally exploratory and accessible.
“Piano Quintet” (19:20): A seamless fusion of acoustic piano and electronic instrumentation, this composition captures the CEE’s ability to merge the traditional with the avant-garde. The dialogue between the piano and synthesizers forms a captivating narrative, embodying the group’s core philosophy of integrating diverse sonic elements.
Each composition reflects the ensemble’s dedication to experimentation, as well as their innovative use of custom-built instruments like the Dyna-Soar, designed by David Jaeger and Jim Montgomery. The result is an album that feels timeless, a perfect balance of improvisation and meticulous craftsmanship.
Recording and Production
The album’s recording locations reflect its dynamic nature. Tracks like “Arnold” and “Piano Quintet” were recorded live at the CBC Saskatoon Festival in 1977, capturing the immediacy and raw energy of the group’s performances. “Whale Oil,” meanwhile, was recorded in the controlled environment of Toronto’s Manta Sound Studios, highlighting the group’s versatility. Engineered by David Greene, the recordings are a testament to the high production standards of the era, allowing the intricate textures of the ensemble’s performance to shine.
The Cover Design
The album’s striking cover design by Sharon Grimes complements its sonic innovation. Grimes’s abstract, geometric artwork mirrors the experimental nature of the music, though the design process involved some creative tensions. As noted by John Oswald, who was involved with early typographic drafts, his contribution of a lower-case typeface was ultimately rejected in favor of a more conventional layout. Despite this, the final cover remains iconic, visually reflecting the album’s layered and interconnected soundscapes.
Legacy and Reissue
Formed in 1971, the Canadian Electronic Ensemble stands as one of the longest-running electronic music groups in North America. Their debut album was a landmark in the history of Canadian experimental music, blending analog synthesis, acoustic instrumentation, and improvisation in ways that were both innovative and accessible.
Initially released exclusively on vinyl, the album remained out of print for decades. However, the 2019 reissue by Artoffact Records brought this vital work to a new generation of listeners. Painstakingly restored and remastered by Paul Stillwell, the reissue retained the original cover design and added modern clarity to the album’s timeless sound.
Conclusion
The Canadian Electronic Ensemble’s self-titled debut is an essential work in the history of electronic and experimental music. Its bold use of live electronic improvisation, coupled with its innovative compositional techniques, makes it a vital piece of music history. For both enthusiasts of electronic music and those new to the genre, this album offers a rich, immersive listening experience that continues to inspire and challenge the boundaries of sonic art.
-Robert Williston
David Grimes: EMS Synthi A synthesizer, Roland SH-5 synthesizer
David Jaeger: EMS Synthi A synthesizer, ARP Odyssey synthesizer, trombone
Larry Lake: EMS Synthi A synthesizer, trumpet
Karen Kieser: Piano
Jim Montgomery: EMS Synthi A synthesizer, ARP Odyssey synthesizer, Dyna-Soar, ping-pong balls, piano, French horn
Recording Details:
Arnold and Piano Quintet were recorded live at Convocation Hall, University of Saskatchewan, September 23, 1977, during the CBC Saskatoon Festival for the radio series Two New Hours.
Whale Oil was recorded at Manta Sound, Toronto, Ontario
Produced by Canadian Electronic Ensemble
Engineered by David Greene
Cover design by Sharon Grimes
Liner notes:
About the Ensemble:
The Canadian Electronic Ensemble was formed in 1971 by four young composers/performers: David Grimes, David Jaeger, Larry Lake, and Jim Montgomery, at the University of Toronto’s Electronic Music Studio. Under the guidance of Professor Gustav Ciamaga, the group quickly advanced to the forefront of live electronic music in Canada.
Since its inception, the Ensemble has composed the bulk of its performance material, constantly exploring new sound possibilities on tape, in live electronics, and in diverse electroacoustical combinations. The group’s compositions blend the structural rigor of traditional music with new and exploratory techniques.
Their works include compositions such as Dyna-Soar (1975), which was a central piece for the McLaughlin Planetarium, and Piano Quintet (1976), which employs innovative electronic techniques in combination with traditional instrumental structures. The Ensemble’s dedication to live performance and education continues to make them pioneers in electronic music.
The Canadian Electronic Ensemble has also toured extensively in Canada, the United States, and Europe. They have performed at venues such as The New Music Concerts series in Toronto, Expo 74 in Spokane, Washington, and Music Nova in Halifax. Their music has been featured on the CBC Radio program Ideas, as well as in concert series across Canada and Europe.
Text by Karen Kieser
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