Bruce Brubaker – Eno Piano 2 (InFiné, 2024)
Bruce Brubaker, an acclaimed American pianist and specialist in American minimalist music, is set to release his new mini-album, Eno Piano 2, on October 25, 2024, via InFiné. This release is designed to follow the success of his 2023 album, Eno Piano.
Eno Piano 2 features a re-interpretation of several major works by Brian Eno. Using a Steinway concert grand piano equipped with electromagnetic bows, Brubaker creates sustained drone textures, combining these with advanced IRCAM spatialization tools to craft an immersive acoustic experience. This approach transforms the piano into what Brubaker describes as a “supernatural synthesizer.”
One highlight of the album is an edit of “Music for Airports, 1/1,” which condenses the original 17-minute track to 4 minutes and 33 seconds, subtly referencing John Cage’s piece of the same duration. Brubaker’s interpretation emphasizes the variations and consistencies within musical loops, as he explains: “Loops that seem to be the same may be a bit different, but then, the things that have differences are fundamentally the same.” This idea aligns with one of Eno and Peter Schmidt’s Oblique Strategies, “Repetition is a form of change.”
Brubaker also performs a new version of “Failing Light,” originally from the Eno and Harold Budd collaboration, Ambient 2: Plateau of Mirror. Using IRCAM spatialization tools, Brubaker uncovers the meandering, liminal quality of the piece in an evolving acoustic setting. The album also includes “Music for Airports 1/2,” featuring both an acoustic version with electromagnetic bows and a bows-only rendition, showcasing the extended capabilities of the piano.
Contributions from InFiné founder Alexandre Cazac and producer/engineer Martin Antiphon enhance the production and post-production of the album, utilizing the latest IRCAM technologies. Brubaker’s innovative use of the Steinway piano, complemented by electromagnetic bows, pushes the boundaries of the instrument, turning it into what he calls an “Eno piano.”
About Bruce Brubaker:
Bruce Brubaker has earned recognition as a leading figure in the contemporary American classical scene. Noted for his devotion and insight into the music of Philip Glass, Brubaker has also been featured on albums by Meredith Monk and Nico Muhly. His performances span prestigious venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, New York’s David Geffen Hall, and London’s Barbican.
About Brian Eno:
Brian Eno, a musician, producer, and visual artist, gained prominence in the 1970s as a founding member of Roxy Music. Over the years, he has released more than 40 solo albums and has collaborated with various artists, including David Bowie, Talking Heads, and Coldplay. Eno’s 1978 album, Ambient 1: Music for Airports, is credited with defining the ambient genre and remains a landmark in music history.