modulator
Instrumental electronic music combining Ambient, Berlin School and Progressive influences. Abstract music that is a journey into the imagination.
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eos flight
Found this rather ambient track lurking on my hard disk recorder, not sure when it was originally composed. Updated and mixed 06.10.05
fear of backwards I
The first piece from my performance at the Awakenings in Leeds on 25/04/05. Improvised live. Part 1. Bubbling noises test the limits.
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is the electronic composition project of Jez Creek, following in the tradition of such as electronic music (em) luminaries as Tangerine Dream and Jean Michel Jarre. Modulator ESP is both a live improvisation and studio project and may feature collaborators. The music combines traditional em with progressive influences and experimental sound design.Band/artist history
Run originally as a side project, with most of my debut CD 'random fluctuations' being composed whilst I was playing synths in several other bands, most notably which I left in February 2003, to allow me to concentrate on Modulator full-time. Previous projects included and Voyage Within. 2004 has so far seen 3 live performances (recordings of 2 of these performances are available from the main website)and the start of work on my 2nd studio album. This album will be based on a mix of improvisation and studio overdubs and will be based on the music from the gigs. 2005 has so far seen 2 gigs, the first of which, at the Awakenings in Leeds, was my biggest gig so far and I am happy to report that it all went rather well, especially the first part of my set which is available to download as 'Fear of Backwards' from my main website.Have you performed in front of an audience?As my music is generally improvised live, either onstage or in the studio, gigging is very important to me. In fact it was one of the reasons for my decision to do this kind of music. I completed a run of 3 monthly gigs at the start of the year. Each was recorded. The first and third are available to buy from my website as 'Reality Excursion Sequences' and 'Time Clouds Distant Memory. After a break to do some studio recording I have started gigging again. Current gigs are done under the banner. See News or main website for the latest details. Also available for support slots :-)
Your musical influences
Tangerine Dream, Jean Michel Jarre, Dream Theater, Pink Floyd, Hawkwind, Airsculpture, Redshift and Radio Massacre International.What equipment do you use?
Sequential Prophet 5, Oberheim Matrix 12, DSI Evolver, Korg EX-8000, Korg Prophecy, Korg Mono/Poly, Roland SH-101, Yamaha A3000v2, Waldorf Microwave Xt, Yamaha AW16G, Korg Wavestation, Yamaha AN1xAnything else?
"Random Fluctuations" is a two-part electronic suite composed and recorded by Jez Creek in 2001. Each part is divided into several sections that all have their own subtitles, so in the end it's kind of a musical story. By listening to Jez' music, I'd venture that he has progrock background - there is a sense of thematic development and multiple part transitions typical of classic Progressive Rock works and also some classic EM albums like Tangerine Dream's "Tangram" or "Logos". So, if you like early 80's Tangerine Dream or the music of Mark Shreeve, then this CD is for you. It's also quite symphonic sounding, with great dynamics and rhythms. Dark sounds get the first part underway. Soon subtle bass textures are introduced as the soundscape becomes even more intense. This is brooding music - very good stuff. After the 6 minute mark the rhythms are deployed full-time as well as some solos and sequences. I found my head nodding as I listened to this. Great themes and melodies! All is quite and mysterious again after 9 minutes into the track. Of course this section is a transition to the next part that has some warm flowing pads and is surprisingly gentle. Very, very good! Slow rhythm keeps things tight, while the melodies do soar in the sonic ether in a soothing and comforting way. There's even a hint of solemnity in there. The rhythm becomes faster and there are some symphonic textures that strongly remind of "Tangram"-era TD. This is uplifting EM at it's best. And, oh, those solos...! It reminds me on EM from the days gone by. The track ends rather abruptly. The second part starts with dramatic string / drum section. Pretty suspenseful stuff. Some e-drums are introduced along with a melodic sequence and we have a rhythmic section that's halfway between sad and mysterious. The dramatic strings and drums return after a while, sounding like an orchestral movie soundtrack. This time the string sounds are combined with the electronic rhythm and piano playing. Some great synth soloing is also welcome. There's a short intermission after which we get upbeat sequencer lines and a fast theme depicting the war I guess (according to the subtitle). Some very 80's electronic drums (Simmons-like) are used to great effect here. A piano theme comes next, with the sounds of wind in the background. The rhythmic elements do not take long to appear and take control of the proceedings. It's a mysterious and somewhat reflective part. Some processed voices are heard as the screaming solo takes over after 17 minutes into the track. Everything fits perfectly - from voices, to rhythms, to sequences, solos and atmospheres. It all calms down and all we hear for a while are phased / processed synth pads along with some recurring effects. But after a while another excellent melodic motif appears. I loved this part - very complex, even reminding a bit on some of Klaus Schulze material from the 80's. The final section starts with bleeping synths and upbeat rhythm. This is a bit techno influenced (mainly in the rhythms department). I loved the urgent electric piano motif although the main theme is a bit too "techno" for my taste. "Random Fluctuations" is a darn fine album of melodic thematic Electronic Music, that those into most of vintage EM will enjoy, be it early 80's Tangerine Dream, the less sequenced Mark Shreeve, some 70's Vangelis or even Dave Greenslade's "Pentateuch of the Cosmogony".
Both albums are live minidisc recordings from concert performances in 2004. They feature sequencer-based music, vaguely in the Berlin School mould. The sound quality is nice but I'd prefer more reverb - the sound is a bit dry to my ears. Reality Excursion Sequences starts with "Dark Star Voyage", which is a lengthy suite with multiple parts. The structure is a bit loose, so you kinda know this is a live recording when you listen to it. Some nice textures, but as I've said earlier I prefer a more spacey, reverbed sound. Nice sequencing and solos, though. "Silent Planet" is a nice mysterious track (that also includes rather cheerful sequences towards the end) with repeating bass motif and good sequences / rhythm combination. "Chaos Theory" is a chaotic (pun intended) and busy sequencer track (which initially makes use of the same sequence that appeared on the previous number). The second live album starts with "Time Clouds" that has an atmospheric introduction with pads and soundscapes, but after a while melodic motifs and, subsequently, rhythmic sequences are introduced that drive the rest of the track along in a relaxed, unhurried mode. You will encounter some pretty tasty solos along the way. The second track is called "Astral Dreams". There's an abstract beginning with noises, soundscapes and stuff, but the sequences ought to appear sooner or later, and viola! - they do as we are nearing the 3 miREAD MORE
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Comments (8)
while listening to this I am thinking WOW! this is great stuff. this is what tangerine dream might sound like if they didn't go new age. I rate you right next to RMI,rdeshift and Airsculpture like your web site says
I just posted a review of your music on my blog. Keep the great work. John ;)
Very "Red Shift", very "assasin", very "early td", very I would buy this =)
Tom
Hi Jez,
I just started Gamma Trianguli as the on-line incarnation of Galactic Travels and added you to the line-up.
Cheers,
Bill
Hi Jez
As a fan of Tangerine Dream, I appreciate your music and I like your
concept of recording improvisation
directly on hard disk. There's not a
lot of people working like that.
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