Keyboardist/Composer Spencer Stowe's
BAKED EARTH project recently launched
its first CD, titled ANCIENT OASIS. With
that name and an exotic-looking sand
dune pictured on the cover, it's surprising
to learn that Stowe's thematic vision
for the disc comes from his fascination
with the nearby Bruneau Dunes State Park.
In addition to experiencing the "beauty
and serenity" of the natural landscape,
he's also excited about the Boise Astronomical
Society's planned construction
of an observatory at the park. That's why
a whopping 20 percent of the CD's profits
will go directly to the society's building
fund.
Stowe's compositions sound complex
and imaginative, flowing with intent and
lush in design. Multi-layered keyboards
reflect the astrological inspiration quite
well. The powerful "Stargazer" starts the
trip with flowing melody lines and sets a
nice contrast for the second tune "highway
78" with its bass-driven feel.
Althought there aren't any vocals, Baked
Earth transmutes its ideas throught pure
sound, allowing the listener greater spans
of thought where lyrics might be limiting.
This music would sound fantastic inside
the finished observatory itself, with the
Milky Way glowing above and the mysterious
sand dunes below, but I'm sure your home
stereo will suffice.
For a CD, write Osiris Productions at PO
Box 9141, Nampa, ID 83652, or visit Baked
Earth's web site at www.findusat.com/bakedearth/.
To make a tax-deductible contribution
to the observatory, call Art Martini at
(208) 362-2074, or write the
Boise
Astronomical Society at PO Box 8386, Boise
ID 83707.