Urban nature spaces of which the essence is encapsulated within this recording provide a cameo of a Cityscape redolent and immersed in nature.
The juxtaposition of river, urbanization and nature space braids, morphing to create an intriguing kaleidoscope of City Scape Tapestry, one may even infer, the Centre of a City with Rustic Charm, where Church Bells and Bridges are cognizant from afar, With neon lights and commercial wares, shoppers congregate working in pairs.
This short pastoral reflection personifies the essence of Urban Landscapes
Urban nature has a charm all of its own.
If one takes a synoptic approach to Urban Areas, they may be construed as bastions vibrant with nature, albeit, most of the time we are enamoured with other Urban aspects and characteristics, therefore there is not the proclivity to employ adequate heuristic abilities to ameliorate this anomaly.
In a thus protean urban environment, urban nature can be a constant factor.
We are not necessarily discussing the palaeontological dimension but more simply engaging with nature on a very cursory level.
A field in the centre of a city with an enchanting view of a post industrial landscape where one can encounter an oasis of simple nature and find a place to reflect and meditate for a brief moment and one is within five minutes of the ebb and flow of a buoyant commercial city centre, indeed, it is a sound-field.
A lake in a sub urban area less than a five minute drive from the city centre where avian wildlife thrives, it is a hub of activity, its habitat is a beacon to the surrounding area and indeed the stentorian cries of avian life can be heard far from its vicinity.
The captivating sounds of a river as its passes over a weir, juxtaposed with the bells of Angelus itself inter fused with interjections of local wildlife all of this in the midst of a thriving metropolis.
A park where one can stroll and hear nature concurrent with the simultaneity of a Cricket match, Soccer training, joggers and the penchant of social interaction encompassing all age groups.
It is nothing akin to being in a rural area where you are overwhelmed by a kaleidoscope of nature, which in itself leaves one in awe, but this is a little more minimal and distilled yet with the capacity to en captivate ones imagination.
In Urban Nature Mark recorded the essence of these four areas and transformed them into soundscapes and potential installation pieces.
It took several attempts to capture the essential characteristics of these various environments, sans intermittent gale force winds and rain, for it was that time of the year. There were nights when the avian community where otherwise engaged and thus it took several trips to achieve an apogee, it was majestic when it indeed finally manifested itself, the sine qua non was persistence and a process of constant refinement on all levels; positioning, axis, technical, timing, opportunism and of course mother nature itself.
Mark O’Leary had just performed for the 40th anniversary of the Apollo lunar landing (see Project Apollo – TIBProd. Italy - 2011) and was returning home when on the off chance he took the opportunity quite arbitrarily of recording the the Municipal Japanese Garden, one effort was all that was required, all the necessary components amalgamated to produce the perfect environmental scenario.
The recording also features a poem entitles Sound-Field, which captures the internal dynamic of the recording environment, which was alluded to earlier, it has a spectacular panoramic view of a post industrial cityscape, whose character has remained consistent for over two and half centuries.
Mark O’Leary recorded sounds of the river from a boatyard and trying to hold steady for an hour in the freezing cold, blessed with a lack of the previous nights gale force winds but fortune most certainly did smile as all the necessaries did project themselves, crystallizing into the optimum scenario to facilitate the recording.
Daniele Santini and Mark collaborated on this projects Artwork which is inspired by a post Mondrian abstract minimalism, it more than adequately complements the soundscapes.
--------
Soundfield
I've been coming to this field, man and boy,
looking o'er the city, land ahoy.
A soundfield of reflection in pensive mood,
a special space to which I allude.
Sounds of the city, elusive sky,
growth and motion, avian cry.
The Boundary walls hold many a tale,
of subtle natures holy grails.
Shandon bells, northern story,
a city alive, morning glory.
credits
released July 14, 2013
Sound Recordings and Design: Mark O'Leary
Mixing and Post Production: Donncha Moynihan
Recording made in the Urban Areas of Cork City
Artwork by Daniele Santini/Mark O'Leary
Produced by Daniele Santini
Thanks to Daniele Santini, Donncha Moynihan, Ableton Live, Luke Dineen, Meitheal Mara and all those who helped with the recording in any way and understood the difficulties of environmental recording and were kind enough to facilitate it.
Catalan physicist, musician, and producer nara is neus delivers a gorgeous, immersive ambient EP that is stunning in its beauty. Bandcamp New & Notable Jan 12, 2024
A hushed electronic outing from this Berlin-based duo with blinking analog synths is perfect for late-night drives on lonely highways. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 2, 2023
The first LP from nightlife cornerstone Melissa Maristuen, aka Doc Sleep, turns away from the dancefloor and toward the personal. Bandcamp Album of the Day Mar 21, 2023
