All Music Guide All Music Guide - Woodall presents a fascinating and promising, cd-release. Subtle, light classical themes are interrupted with sampled speech and bizarre sounds. Well constructed and intriguing, repeated listening offers some surprises. Just as you think his music has grown perceptible and obvious, out comes a new direction. Woodall is definitely a composer and producer to watch out for. http://allmusic.com/ - All Music Guide / USA
The Improvisor The Improvisor - A collage of environmental backgrounds and foregrounds, mixing and submerging, with musical vignettes and compositional snippets, of varied orchestrations of synthesizer produced chamber instruments and outdoor sounds. The experience is like a kaleidoscope of musical styles, colors, and statements juxtaposed with the everyday sounds of life, and stream of consciousness. One continuous parade, it has not the hysteria and tenseness of "channel flipping", but an every ongoing wash of changing life forms, all-inclusive. It's what you might experience in a lifetime, but yet coming from a system built around the 12 tone music chromatics and through-composed, as the brain perceives life, leaving the improvisation to the listener's imaginative wanderings... http://www.the-improvisor.com - The Improvisor / USA
E.E.R Eclectic Earwig Reviews - "13" is a compellingly dark and fascinating work of art produced. Woodall skillfully blends such seemingly disparate elements as percussive/electronic loops, Schulze-like ambience, minimalism, jazz piano,
chamber music, and a highly developed and unique melodic sense. Prog fans who like groups such as Univers Zero, Art Zoyd, and especially Daniel Denis' solo works should get this album. Every song on this CD is a success, a masterfully focused glimpse into the frightening unknown. Swamps are painted with low wind instruments, jungles with loops of mallet percussion, funerals with flute and synthesizer. The vast quantities of instrumental textures (all handled by Woodall himself, although he probably sampled some) are put to purely perfect use. The compositions themselves are well-developed and delightfully unpredictable. Woodall has had experience with film music, which somehow makes sense although his music works extremely well removed from any visual or narrative context (much like innovative film composer Bernard Herrman). Woodall is not needlessly dramatic, and can be quite detached during one part of a piece and then hit you with something heart-rendingly beautiful soon after. The most disappointing thing about this album is that turning it over reveals a green-tinted CD-R bottom. This is a composer of uncommon caliber, and he deserves better. Highly recommended. http://www.geocities.com/trogotagel/eergang.html - E.E.R Eclectic Earwig Reviews / USA
In Music We Trust In Music We Trust - Electronic orchestration, jazz, new age, classical, and ambient all play a crucial role in Earnest G. Woodall's intriguing, intricate style. Call it new age electronica, call it classical easy listening, or call it mood-relaxing sounds of technology. But, whatever words, labels, or phrases you use to describe it, recognize the innovation and complexity Woodall uses to create such sounds. Fans of classical music will instantly be able to pull apart the music and sight influences, while fans of new age and jazz will be able to spot potential influences throughout the album as well. Fans of electronica and ambient styles may not be able to pull apart the music and start counting influences, but the blurred lines Woodall walks along will find fans of the aforementioned styles digging these sounds too http://www.firstmusic.com/imwt/index.html - In Music We Trust / USA
Zeitgeist E-Zine Zeitgeist E-Zine - "Unusual Characteristics" is a single piece of instrumental music stretching over 48 minutes and just as many moods. Working, as he does, in the modern classical idiom, it comes as no surprise to learn that, in addition to ten independent releases, a large proportion of Earnests output has been in the area of film scoring. Including, to our amusement, a 1992 computer animation entitled "Zeitgeist"! Although this is a largely electronic piece, it has a warm, human feel which often escapes those utilising modern technology. Incorporating elements of modern jazz, there's the odd trace Of Arkestral influences shining through. Never less than interesting, often intriguing, this is a diverse and fascinating recording, and, yup, you've guessed it, winner of the much coveted Zeitgeist Record Of The Issue. http://www.zeitgeist-scot.com/ - Zeitgeist / United Kingdom
Bienvenidos Bienvenidos a mp32p - "13 " by Earnest Woodall Extraordinary work of an innovating musician. Autoclasifica Woodall like " AvantGarde Post Modern Electronic ", and its music has a foot anchored in the contemporary music of authors like Glass or Reich, and another foot in the electronic technologies of the present. http://stations.mp3s.com/stations/98/mp32p.html - Bienvenidos a mp32p / Mexico
hEARd E-Zine hEARd E-Zine - "13" With an already well established series of releases behind him (this is his 12th), Earnest has a great deal of experience behind him, plus a string of other credits to his name, but it's the musical part of his career that we're looking at here. If you think haunting film soundtracks as a reference point to this album, then you'll be somewhere close to the mark. Across the length of this CD, there's a startling array of interesting musical diversions, with stripped back orchestration giving way to more lushly constructed sounds & electronic effects. Overall, my favourite track is the memorable sound of "Crosse Fingers", which invokes quite a few different sounds, with other tracks like "Cover Your Yawn" & "Evil Eye" certainly highlights of what would have made a good backing soundtrack for parts of The Blair Witch project. There's definitely scope for some work along those lines for Earnest & it'll be interesting to see where his musical journey takes him next. http://www.ozemail.com.au/~hmag/ - hEARd / Australia
NY ROCK.COM NY ROCK.COM - For fans of the avant garde out there, you're well aware that this genre isn't too popular. With the music bordering on a fence with insanity on one side, and genius on the other, it's sometimes difficult to tell exactly which way the songs or pieces are leaning. I do know that with junior balling his brains out upstairs, the 13 disc calmed me down quicker than liquid valium. This effect, of course, indicates that there is something there in the, uh, music (at least for me). Who knows, maybe Ernest has insight on how neurons react, and what effect tonality has on the human brain. In any event, it's an interesting listen, and revisiting the disc yields more surprises. My only question is, how does he go about naming these "tunes?" For example, "Spilling of Salt," which is devoid of lyrics, and a 2:25 romp with an electric piano.... Pick it up yourself and find out. http://www.nyrock.com/ - NY ROCK.COM / USA
EAR: Magazine of New Music - Quite well composed and carefully heard and the synth voicings are superior; the overall work grows more interesting with repeated listenings. Steps well beyond the average in indie-quality. EAR: Magazine of New Music / USA
Amazing Sounds Amazing Sounds - "STRIKE, LIGHT, PUFF" Earnest G. Woodall uses a wide variety of musical elements to create a collection of twenty compositions that include numerous avantgarde styles. Taking experimentation as his main starting point with musical structures rather than sounds, his exploratory journeys take us into the most intellectual regions of Classical Music, as well as Minimalism, and Concrete Music in its sound collage trends. All this accompanied by brief incursions into structures that remind us of other genres, such as sequencer Space Music to name some of the latter. http://www.amazings.com/ingles.html - Amazing Sounds / Spain
Fact-Sheet Five Fact-Sheet Five - A crisp and clean synthetic music release that was obviously composed and labored over instead of improvised straight to tape. A concept album, but not one that feels it has to rub the concept in your face, and with impeccable music to back it up. Fact-Sheet Five / USA
Aiding & Abetting Aiding & Abetting - There are 13 tracks here, but that's just to complete the theme. Woodall, through his use of found sound and creative studio work, has crafted an interesting meditation on the entire concept of luck. Bad luck, to be specific. At times playful, and at other moments rather subdues, the music constantly challenges. The pieces have something of a classical cast to their sound, but I think a better comparison would be a movie score. Music and attendant noises. Yes, I think that conveys the concept of what I'm hearing so much better. Woodall is telling stories with his pieces, and he uses whatever he can find to illustrate his tales. Whether haunting or invigorating, Woodall always manages to impress. These pieces are quite easy to access, and once inside there is plenty of room for wandering. Put this disc on and take a field trip to your frontal lobes. Don't forget the black cat. http://cent.com/abetting/ - Aiding & Abetting / USA
Zeitgeist ezine Zeitgeist ezine - Last time around Earnest G Woodall entranced us with a single piece of music lasting 48 minutes entitled "Unusual Characteristics. Working in the modern classical idiom it was good enough to reach No 7 in our Top 18 pf 1999 (don't ask!). Now after dropping a 'G' we've been presented with a 13 track follow up which mines much of the same territory but with more of a soundtrack feel to it. It has a kaleidoscopic feel to it, lifting you in and out of moods with nary a thought for your well being. Its broader scope and schizophrenic approach, "13" isn't as challenging as "UC" but instead reaches out to embrace you, rather than the listener having to fight their way in. With Mr Woodall having worked in the soundtrack field this could easily work as an alternate version of "Blade Runner". Some motifs work better than others and if pushed I'd highlight "13th of Friday" and "Evil Eye" as particularly fine examples of his craft. http://www.zeitgeist-scot.com/ - Zeitgeist / United Kingdom
Fact-Sheet Five Fact-Sheet Five - "Alberts Warning" A set of musical experiments, or "suites". For the most part identified only by such tags as "minimal/twelve-tone" on the program, these are in fact quite engrossing bits of mostly-keyboard playfulness. There's a quite full sound here, and the end results are rather absorbing, from the playful to the utterly serious and constrained. Neither as flashy nor as annoying as most synthesizer albums. Fact-Sheet Five / USA
Amazing Sounds Amazing Sounds - "UNUSUAL CHARACTERISTICS" Here we have an example of experimentation based on the structure of the music instead of that of sound, besides maintaining a result that will no doubt be pleasant to listen to for the lovers of Classical Music in its most intellectual of trends as well as those of the musical avantgarde in general. Through an only piece with varied parts, Woodall follows this stylistic feature, to which he masterfully adds certain touches of Minimalism.
http://www.amazings.com/ingles.html - Amazing Sounds / Spain
Gods of Music - Sometimes a joyful little tidbit comes along, and makes my day so much brighter. Not because my days usually are all that bad, but because as a reviewer you get a lot of different music to listen to, from the utmost drivel to immaculate gems. As it goes, a lot of the music unfortunately leans towards the former category, and can be quite a challenge to your patience, ears and sanity. After a handful of Rebirth and Ejay music created simply because someone felt like creating anything, you can’t help feeling there is a lot of wasted energy out there; music as a general category contains a lot more less these days. In a music lover such as myself, one that hasn’t got modern music such as Techno and Ambient in his preference, this causes much dismay. That is the time when a tidbit like this truly makes you sigh with relief. A puff of fresh air in the misty general assumption, a glimpse of the glorious view from this mountain of music that too often is surrounded by thick, thick clouds. Earnest Woodall is an artist in the New York area that does “Freelance Music Production, Composing, Orchestration, Arranging for Film / Video,” has released a handful of various music, and as the visuals this music seems to create while I’m listening to it, I could imagine that this piece could easily be a part of some visual expression.The sequenced rhythm-bound synth sounds quite interesting, and gives me a distinct feeling of Vangelis, like a mellow but more abrupt “The City.” Even the solo instrument has flair of perfect performance to it, reminding me more of Kitaro than anything else, sweeping and to the point at the same time. The contrapuntal ideas are nice, and have a certain nerve that binds this music together. Interesting patterns, crescendo and arpeggios that defies the single-line paradigm. Woodall here tries an interesting path by mixing the contrapuntal against the slightly absurd and passionate, and the result is most wonderful, and if not the single most important thing to me liking this piece so much.I’m left feeling it is a bit on the short side, ticking in at only 2:25 minutes long; the piano and the solo both only get so little time to say, and I feel there is more to be said. What is this music, then? Well, given its size, I really love the compositional parts of this music, I like the general recording quality. I really recommend you to download this music, and have a listen. It is most interesting, and deserves an occasional go on your list of music and It just might open you up to some wonderful music and compositional ideas. I know I’ll be listening more to this artist. Will you?
http://www.godsofmusic.com/gom/index.php3 Alexander Johannesen, Gods of Music
In Music We Trust - The eponymous "13 by Earnest Woodall" starts with a brooding, Tom Waits-ish feel. These instrumental tracks are the stuff of haunted woods and Southern clearings. EARNEST WOODALL has a good grasp of complex music. It ain't rock'n'roll but if you like Tom Waits but the voice grates after awhile? Well, here's the answer. I left this CD on while reading and woke up the next morning the recipient of freaky dreams set up as orchestral movements. Cool. It's a keeper. http://www.firstmusic.com/imwt/index.html Check Out In Music We Trust
Cranium Music - From the first track I knew my ears were in for a treat of musical discovery as I listened to and discovered "13". Earnest Woodall composers and creates music to read a book to or to sit and just contemplate or to clean out all the debris in your head and be inspired with fresh sounds. These Woodall compositions blend elements of jazz, avant garde, post modern & minimalism which then taken in their entirety makes for a mix of both melodic & disjointed melodic compositions, some with thick dark soundscapes and others with just a light smattering to convey what Woodall wants each track to tell you. There are 13 tracks (naturally) on "13" that range in length from just over a minute to 7+ minutes. Besides odd sound effects such as seagulls this is just over 60 minutes of instrumental music and is highly recommended. Incidently "13" is also Earnest Woodall's thirteenth release since his first release "House Of Stairs" back in 1988. Earnest Woodall has also written/composed many pieces for short film and computer games. He is also the author of four music instructional books & tapes and studied at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, USA. Comparisions to Earnest Woodall's compositional style are NLC or Serge Blenner from France or Phillip Glass. Richard / Cranium Music
The New Music Journal - The New Music Journal - Take a little minimalism, a pinch of jazz, a splash of academicism, a tablespoon of traditional avant garde, and a strong feel for the post modern concept, what do you get? "13" by Earnest Woodall that is wrapped up in a crystal clear production that brings out the best in the inherent disjointed melodies and thick soundscape that he is so well known for. The initial reaction is to see it as a kind of musical version of the "Blairwitch Project", with something sinister always lurking beneath the surface. Sonic collages and musical explorations of rhythm, frequency, spectra & harmonic relationships that will give you a glimpse into the creators dark side. An intricate web of industrial sounds using a nice collection of instruments and sampled sounds.
The New Music Journal / United Kingdom
OPTION - Woodall has impressive compositional talents and an obvious aptitude for computer technology. This results in some very sophisticated modern synth music with well-integrated elements of Jazz, Modern Classical, and Rock. A comparison with the pared-down Wendy Carlos of Digital Moonscapes is perhaps apt. Like Carlos, Woodall is a real composer who knows how to combine and develop musical elements, And like Carlos, Woodall is willing to access the full range of synth options, from obviously invented sounds to convincing renditions of strings and keyboard instruments. A fine recording.OPTION / USA
EAR: Magazine of New Music - E.Woodall is a remarkable musician and composer based in Huntington, New York whose innovative work straddles the worlds of improvisation and classical structure. Woodall's most recent release, "Three Worlds" is a collection of pieces scored for a variety of configurations that enhance his virtuoso performance. The compositions are lush, often radiant, soundscapes put together with a fine technical ability and, a visionary sensibility. EAR: Magazine of New Music / USA
NEWS ABOUT NOISE NEWS ABOUT NOISE - Synthetic compositions with a heavy emphasis on texture. The first few suites are claustrophobic barrages of precise music, full of life and thoughtful energy... The latter pieces are calmer, more melodic arrangements that brought to mind the soundtrack to BladeRunner. Great Production Four Stars at least****"NEWS ABOUT NOISE / Germany
INSIDER NEWS of St. Louis INSIDER NEWS of St. Louis - Earnest seems to go by the name of E.Woodall professionally, and Alberts Warning is subtitled a retrospective view of the 20th century, which, in it's own way isn't a bad claim for this album to make. This is all electronic music, mostly composed by E.Woodall himself, with a little influence from Bach here and there. It's pretty heavy stuff, very effective, more classically oriented as opposed to sounding like Vangelis or Jarre. Side one of this 90 minute tape consists of 12 suites and 2 songs, and but I listen to it all as a whole rather than following the program. There's many different moods, as Woodall alternates from clanking dissonance to sensitive beauty, all of it with a feel of someone who is secure in the craft of composition. Suites 11 & 12 are clever reworking of Bach 2 & 3 part inventions which are quite uplifting. The album ends with an electronic and inspiring redo of Amazing Grace. INSIDER NEWS of St. Louis / USA
Home & Studio Recording Home & Studio Recording - Woodall uses technology to augment his violin and piano work with overdubs and electronic sounds which disturb and mesmerize. Love the acoustic trumpet, the car blowing up, the church organ, and the choir. He has a handle on the emotional responses that these sounds conjure up. Oh yeah, this guy's out there. Home & Studio Recording / USA
OPTION - Woodall has taken the potential of electronic orchestration and his own clever guitar styles and combined them into a musical vision akin to the best realms of fantasy writings. Sometimes the music has a grandiose symphonic quality alive with the quality and beauty of Stravinsky. OPTION / USA
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What They Say
Victor Rodriguez (Music Director) - from New World Television - We loved your sample tape. I have enclosed a treatment for you to look over. Suzanne Ciani (Music Composer) - Congratulation on all of your positive reviews. After listening to your tape they are well deserved. Doug Wood (Music Producer) - from Omnimusic - Thanks for your demo tape. It was fun to listen to - very unlike most of the demos I get these days. I think my favorite piece was "Doin' the Bach". Your music is fresh, interesting, and different. That's to your credit. Sid Garris - from Greif-Garris Management - The music made me excited to listen to. Your music is very creative, very melodic. Your a good music composer, musician & studio technician. John G. Avildsen (Filmmaker) - Great music. Lawrence P. O'Daly (Executive Producer) - from TeleAmerica - I think the music on your demo will fit with the type of theme and background music we're looking for on this project. (This Day) Douglas Wellman (Producer) - from TeleAmerica - Thank you for giving me the honor for me to hear your compositions. I found them to be very fresh and interesting. Bodie Chandler (Director of Music Production) - from Hanna-Barbera Productions Inc. - I have reviewed the tape that you sent and I will keep you in mind for a new project that we're working on. John Claster - from Claster Television Inc. - Your very talented. Keep up the good work. Melissa McManus (Producer) - from American Adventure Productions, Inc. - Your tape was great. Please keep in touch with us. Chuck Silverman (Producer) - from PPI/Peter Pan Industries - I liked your music very much and feel you have a great deal of talent. Stevie Phillips (Executive Producer) - from Universal Pictures - I am very impressed by your music, and would love to be able to work with you one day. John W. Duarte (Music Composer) - Your compositional method is similar to that of a English composer Richard Stoker. You clearly know what you are doing with your musical vision. Christopher Cooke - from The Long Island Film & TV Foundation - Very exceptional work. I especially enjoyed the solo piano piece. Tony Florentino (Program Director) - from WKJY - I enjoyed your music very much. Please keep me posted. Tom Pomposello (Music Producer) - from Pomposello Productions - Keep up the good work
From: t_garone@speedchoice.com - Hey! Eerie and mesmerizing, your music continues to develop drawing on your compositional skills and talent. I'm always interested in what you're doing, and there is never a dull moment. This release is a haunting tribute to the "mystical" number 13 and our superstitious traditions. I think my favorite composition is "Crossed Fingers". Great melody. Beautiful instrumentation. The underlying chord sequence is really creepy - and it really sticks in my head. "Spilling of Salt" has an endearing quality about it. I love the way the melody drifts in and out of dissonance - almost like an angry, drunken pianist. Perfectly insane. "Open Umbrella's" percussion and "jungle sounds capes" really get to me. "The Wishbone" has a whimsical quality to it. Great chord changes and modulation. "Cover your Yawn" reminds me of a foggy evening on the docks with a stranger following you. The "augmented" trumpeted chord is suspenseful, and the percussive marimbas or whatever add to the overall effect. I'll never yawn openly again. This would make a great X-Files episode score! There's something about "Knock Wood" that grabs me. Probably the most "orchestral" of the collection. I could readily hear a symphonic arrangement of this. It would be incredible! Wonderfully sad and frustrating. "Evil Eye" should have been titled, "By the Twitching of my Thumbs...Something Wicked this way comes...", because it sounds like a pursuit - or something ominous approaching. The underlying rhythmic movement is disturbing, and calls your attention away from the "clarinet like" sound enough to remind you that you're not in Kansas anymore. Near the end of the piece, it pokes through in an almost carnival like way, perhaps to take us out of the song for just a moment? It's not until the end of the tune that you realize that there is some kind of wind blowing throughout!! Love the "loop" in "Flip of a Coin". Such a whimsical melody for the ending of this foreboding disc. This really threw me. Those are my favorites on the CD so far, although I like all of the material. Keep up the great work, and keep me posted!!!
Tony -
From: dbaldwin@suffolk.lib.ny.us - Greetings, Earnest!
I received your new CD yesterday and am playing it as I write. Thank you so much for the great music. I'm ordering your other two releases and As "13" builds in the background, I know I will enjoy them immensely. ...Well, an hour has passed with "13" in the background, and I enjoyed the experience immensely. Stylistically right up my alley. I hear a mix of Mike Oldfield, Tom Waits, and Phillip Glass with perhaps a touch of that "Twin Peaks" vibe. Thanks again! Doug -
From: guitardoc@customguitars.com
I really enjoyed both the cds you sent. 13 in particular....I am impressed with the concept of the project as well as the execution. You have created a mood with the cd, one which I wouldn't play at every party I throw....however how often is art played at parties?! Good work Mr W! I am too, a fan of yours. -
From: RickLaban@aol.com - Dear Earnest!
Enjoyed your disk "13", very much. Your range as a composer is ever expanding. In his latest disk "13" you create a sparser, more minimal soundscape, while still infusing your trademark emotional stylings. The theme of the disk is list of various superstitions, with each piece representing one, such as "Broken Mirror", "Spilling of Salt", "Knock Wood" etc. The overall feel of the disk certainly portrays this, and I could see it being used as the soundtrack of a horror movie!" -Rick
From: FALCON 9@aol.com - Dear Earnest, I thought your music was excellent! Your music, or more specific, the style of the music would fit great in film. Thank you for the opportunity to listen to your music.
Sincerely, Alex Sordo -
From: MIZZY@aol.com - Yo Ernie! I did recieve your tape. I listened to it all the way through and liked it very much. I think you have a very nice ear and know how to put it down on tape. The variety you show is impressive. Please keep me updated on any new tapes you have to sell, would love to have a CD of your work one day. You obviously are very talented and driven. Thanks! Mizzy -
From:dtynan@kbss.bt.co.uk
Yes, I received it. (the tape) I found the music to be very "high tech". Feel free to send more information on a CD release. -
KevinM9696@aol.com
Got the tape. Thanks. First time I listened I was tearing apart my VW bus engine. I stopped wrenching after the first cut, sat down, and listened to the end of the tape. Nice stuff........ Your current style fits my tastes quite well. Artists I like and listen to often are; Erik Sate, Brian Eno (Robert Fripp), Ray Lynch, Mike Oldfield, general Classical stuff, and most anything else instrumental. I detect influences (refer to above please!) of these folks in the tape that I bought from ya. GREAT STUFF
KevinM9696 -
From: tlvx!dreamer@sinkhole.unf.edu - Thank you for the cassette. I enjoyed listening to your music, and would like to pass it along to my friends. May I send them a copy of your info sheet. Your music has a very Jazz/New Age sound, which I love. You are obviously a very talented composer and musician. Good luck in the future!Eric Kurland
From: RSWBC@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU - Earnest, I enjoyed your tape and was impressed by your talent. There are some nice tunes and arrangements on the tape, some very nice moods. -
Wodtke@aol.com
Dear Earnest, I received your package. Thank you very much. Your composition is excellent and you are clearly well studied. Your music has a warm classical feeling of a violin concertos.
Best of Luck, Nicholas
From: SpikerM@aol.com - Listened to your tape, and was impressed with the compositions and the playing skills. Some reminded me of Phillip Glass. The new age and jazz elements are strong. The Bach influence is certainly there Best of luck, Martin Miller
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