| “hypnotic” – The Guardian “these glittering electro-acoustic hybrids exude a sense of awe” – Aquarium Drunkard Nick Schofield’s Ambient Ensemble sees the Canadian composer and synth maven expanding his solo practice with an ensemble, adding his signature ambient essence to contemporary-classical and electronic music. Where his previous two albums (Water Sine, Glass Gallery) were entirely solo endeavours and synth-focused, Ambient Ensemble invites gregarious group play. The compositions feature a chamber ensemble of grounding double bass and sliding fretless flourishes, warm violin and soothing vocals, with convivial accents of clarinet. Compelled by natural elements and intuitive composition, Ambient Ensemble is a refreshing assembly of acoustic works by Nick Schofield. |
| Nick Schofield – Ambient Ensemble info // listen // order LP/CD/DIG watch videos for Meadow // On Air // Picture Perfect “a dreamy meditation” – Toronto Star “invites gregarious group play” – Folk Radio UK |
| In January 2020, the album began with patient piano improvisations recorded in a church during deep Canadian winter nights. The sparse piano sketches were then slowed to half-speed and layered with classic Moog and Juno-6 synthesizers. After the project received funding from the Canada Council for the Arts in 2023, the ensemble was formed with luminaries of the Gatineau/Ottawa music scene, featuring Yolande Laroche (voice, clarinet), Mika Posen (violin) and Philippe Charbonneau (fretless electric bass, double bass). Citing the blissful spaciousness of pioneering new age flutist Joanna Brouk as a central inspiration, Ambient Ensemble lands delicately within the contemporary cannon alongside artists like M. Sage, Blue Lake, Ana Roxanne and Joseph Shabason. April 24 – Montreal, QC: PHI Centre w/ Sarah Pagé + Charbonneau/Amato // tickets April 25 – Ottawa, ON: National Arts Centre w/ Sarah Pagé + Charbonneau/Amato // tickets |