DEVERY HARPER

Squaring the Circle

Self-released (2007)

Devery Harper is relatively new on the contemporary instrumental music scene and Squaring the Circle is his sophomore release. It’s particularly well-recorded and the electronic keyboard music on it caught my attention as soon as I started playing it. The CD has the same self-assuredness and polish I heard on Australis’ first release, Lifegiving. Like Australis, Harper knows how to wield a myriad assortment of keyboards and rhythms, starting with the pulsing techno, retro EM beats and adagio-like strings on the opening “Inviting Confusion” leading into the dynamic title track with its dramatic plucked and bowed strings, energetic hand drums, and lilting flute, and later on the chilled trap kit beats, piano, and dashes of electronica on “A New Beginning” (reminding me here of Deep Sky Divers). Besides the great music on the CD, also worthy of special mention are the well-written inspirational liner notes (offering some worthwhile advice) and the exemplary album graphics (front and back). The artwork and layout would put some major label new age and ambient releases to shame. The design is by both the artist and Fernando Medina; Medina himself (www.CDdesign.com) produced the end product. The back cover, in particular, fits in perfectly with the liner notes.

 “Realization” features a slow tempo chill-out beat, synth washes, acoustic guitar (with a hint of Spanish flavor), piano, and more great sampled flute work, blending an infectious rhythm with a haunting air of mystery. “Liberation,” while well-executed, didn’t really resonate with me, although the guitar and flute once again impress with the accuracy of their sound. While I’m not sure what the title alludes to, “Consummate Change,” revs up the energy and also highlights Harper’s apparent affinity for Spanish music as an influence with lots of great guitar work (it’s almost wholly indistinguishable from the artist playing the guitar himself versus a sample; in fact, I had to ask the artist myself in an email to be sure). Harper’s keyboards are among the best I’ve ever heard. Just as I said about the artwork, this guy could teach a thing or two to lots of “bigger” names.

Rounding out the album are the smooth-jazz flavored electronica of “The Rising and Setting of the Sun,” the cheery twinkling assortment of tones on “Distant Bells” and the overtly neo-classical “A New Ending” featuring well done orchestral instruments alongside Harper’s piano, sounding a little like an overture as it moves through nearly seven minutes of themes and motifs. Now, personally, while I enjoy classical music and the song itself is certainly worthy of praise, I simply don’t know how well it fits in here. On the other hand, placing it last makes sense since one can always just end the CD with the previous “Distant Bells.” If you like classical music, you’ll probably disagree with me and have no problem with it. ‘nuff said.

Squaring the Circle cements the arrival of yet another of the “new breed” of electronic keyboard artists (besides the aforementioned Australis, others would include Catherine Duc, Marshall Styler, Harrison Edwards and Michael Stribling). As I’ve stated before, these folks are resurrecting the heydays of the Narada and Higher Octave labels. Each is craving out his/her own little micro-niche but together they prove that melodic electronic music (whether new age, chill-out, or ambient in feel) is alive and kicking. Devery Harper slides into place amongst the other named players above and, in fact, may already be ahead of the curve. This is a very strong musical statement from an artist who, I hope, graces us with another one soon. Strongly recommended.

Bill Binkelman

New Age Reporter