Deborah Martin & Jill Haley – Into the quiet (Spotted Peccary, 2023)
Deborah Martin and Jill Haley, two highly accomplished artists in the realm of ambient electronic music, have collaborated once again to produce their latest album, “Into the Quiet,” released under the Spotted Peccary label in 2023. This mesmerizing collection of compositions serves as a follow-up to their acclaimed 2021 release, “The Silence of Grace,” which garnered significant praise and recognition, including a position among Zone Music Reporter’s Top 20 albums of the year.
Drawing upon their unique blend of electronic textures and classical instrumentation, Martin and Haley have crafted a series of musical pieces that evoke a profound sense of serenity and introspection. While “The Silence of Grace” found its inspiration in the captivating beauty of the natural world, “Into the Quiet” delves into the inner realms of human experience, emphasizing the notion that one must venture “into the quiet” to discover the hidden depths within oneself.
Within this album’s eight compositions, one can witness the remarkable depth and intricacy that lies within stillness itself. The album opens with “Sleeping Giants,” a piece brimming with resplendent choral warmth that envelops the listener. The title track, “Into the Quiet,” weaves together ethereal flute and horn melodies, entwining them with a mesmerizing synth loop. “Hall of Whispers” exudes both melancholy and pastoral qualities, as the delicate interplay between harp and oboe conjures a shimmering duet, while subdued textures ebb and flow like a gentle breeze meandering through ancient ruins.
“Into the Quiet” stands as a testament to the seamless collaboration between these two masterful artists, resulting in an enchanting and captivating musical experience. Each composition within the album embodies a serene spaciousness, allowing every note and melody to gracefully unfold, inviting listeners to embark on their own journey of introspection and tranquility.
Jill Haley, a multi-talented musician, presents her expertise as an oboist, English horn player, pianist, and composer throughout her career. Known for her extensive travels across the United States, often as an Artist-in-Residence in various National Parks, Haley draws inspiration from these awe-inspiring landscapes to create her compositions. Additionally, she has demonstrated her proficiency as an orchestra player, educator, and church musician. Notably, she has collaborated with renowned producer Will Ackerman at Imaginary Roads Studio, leaving her mark on numerous recordings. Some of her notable releases include “Glacier Landscapes,” “National Park Soundscapes,” “Mesa Verde Soundscapes,” “Zion and Bryce Canyon Soundscapes,” “The Waters of Glacier,” and “The Winds of Badlands,” all showcasing her exceptional skills on the English horn and oboe.
Deborah Martin, on the other hand, continues to delve into her passion for exploring thematic composition by deftly layering structured musical compositions with live recordings of various instruments. Through this creative process, she effectively intertwines these elements into an ambient electronic soundscape. Her musical sensibilities allow her to seamlessly mix evocative melodies, lush symphonic textures, and rhythmic structures, skillfully capturing the delicate equilibrium present in the diverse facets of life. Notable works in Martin’s discography include “Under the Moon“,” “Deep Roots Hidden Water,” “Ancient Power,” “Convergence,” “Tibet,” “Anno Domini,” “Between Worlds,” “Etched Into Memory” (EP), ”Eye of the Wizard,” “Hemispherica Portalis” (Portal of 1000 Years), and “Chaos in Premonition.”
Buy Into the Quiet.