Musician, record producer and author Erik Honoré has contributed as a musician and producer to more than 50 records with artists as diverse as David Sylvian, Eivind Aarset, Arve Henriksen and Brian Eno/Peter Schwalm. 'Heliographs' is, astonishingly, his first solo project. Limited edition 180g LP (only 500 copies pressed Worldwide) with gatefold sleeve, CD included.
This is a well-integrated and personal debut album that opens up a complete world of sound that the listener can hardly bear to leave behind. Most of 'Heliographs' was recorded in Honoré's home studio in Oslo, but much of the source material consists of samples that were taken from concerts and live remixes.
A long list of Honoré's regular collaborators from Norwegian improvisational music's top echelon appear on "Heliographs", including Ingar Zach (Huntsville, Dans Les Arbres), Eivind Aarset, Jan Bang and Arve Henriksen, in addition to the Dutch violinist Jeffrey Bruinsma from Zapp 4.
What really stands out is vocalist and improviser Sidsel Endresen's contribution, which becomes something like a running theme throughout the album. On 'Heliographs', Honoré's sure hand leads us through everything from lovely, undulating, soaring improvisation to jogging, electronic ambient and sample-based chamber music. This is introvert music with a bite, which is at the same time very direct.
Personnel: Erik Honoré (samples, synthesizers, synth bass, programming, field recordings), Sidsel Endresen (vocals), Ingar Zach (percussion), Jan Bang (samples , programming), Eivind Aarset (guitar), Jeffrey Bruinsma (violin on 5), Arve Henriksen (trumpet on 7)