“Celestina” (Trakwerx, 2008)
Celestina is the first volume in a three part concept album series by 17 Pygmies about an ill-fated space flight by a group of astronauts getting high on pure oxygen while exploring a giant gas nebula in the constellation Cassiopeia. Thematically, Celestina is roughly based upon the classic 15th century Spanish tragicomedy novel La Celestina by Fernando Rojas, an enduring tale of love and betrayal
Jackson Del Rey is the musician behind the 17 Pygmies project. He uses Celestina as a musical tribute to all of the classic 1950-60’s era science fiction movies that he enjoys so much. It also reflects Jackson Del Rey’s obsession with late night reruns of the cult science fiction series Twilight Zone.
The music of Celestina is a cinematic mix of dreamy electronic music, symphonic progressive rock and the ethereal sound popularized by the 4AD label with artists such as Dead Can Dance. It’s a mesmerizing world of instrumental and vocal musical beauty and mystery with a sci-fi edge.
The lineup on this recording features Jackson Del Rey (Philip Drucker) on guitars, bass, keyboards, vocals; Meg Maryatt on / vocals, guitars, keyboards; Dirk Doucette on drums, percussion, keyboards; and Jeff Brenneman on guitars, keyboards.
Buy Celestina