For over fifty years, Harold Budd has been a pivotal figure in the West Coast avant-garde music scene. Born in Los Angeles, he honed his skills under the guidance of Schoenberg’s student, Gerald Strang, before teaching at CalArts starting in 1970. Influenced by abstract expressionist artists as well as musical innovators like John Cage and Morton Feldman, Budd developed a signature style characterized by delicate, slow-moving melodies that culminated in the creation of “eternally pretty music”.
In the early 1970s, Budd embarked on an ambitious cycle of compositions, which would later form the foundational work known as The Pavilion Of Dreams. For him, this album marked a transformative moment in his artistic journey: “The Pavilion Of Dreams erased my past. I consider that to be the birth of myself as a serious artist. It was like my Magna Carta.” Released in 1978 and produced by Brian Eno, this masterpiece stands alongside Steve Reich’s “Music For 18 Musicians” as a hallmark of minimalist composition.
The ethereal soundscapes of The Pavilion Of Dreams invite listeners into a dream-like state, featuring enchanting performances from saxophonist Marion Brown and multi-instrumentalists Gavin Bryars and Michael Nyman. This album is a master class in exquisite timbre and shimmering texture, making it an essential addition to the collection of anyone interested in ambient music and minimalist music for relaxation.
This first-time reissue is highly recommended for fans of Ryuichi Sakamoto, Jon Hassell, and Mark Hollis.
Gregory Brown (verified owner) –
Harold Budd’s Pavilion Of Dreams is a stunning album that truly embodies minimalist music for relaxation. It has become one of my go-to records for winding down after a long day.
Suzanne Sellers (verified owner) –
This vinyl reissue of Pavilion Of Dreams is a must-have for any ambient music enthusiast. The sound quality is pristine, and the artwork is beautiful!
Michael Murphy (verified owner) –
I recently purchased Harold Budd’s Pavilion Of Dreams, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best ambient music albums to buy. The textures and melodies are simply mesmerizing.