Harold Budd - Walk into My Voice (LP)

Harold Budd's "Walk Into My Voice" is a mesmerizing fusion of ambient, minimalism, shoegaze, and drone music, released in 1998 under the Materiali Sonori label. This 50-minute album is a unique collaboration with Daniel Lentz and Jessica Karraker, blending Budd's ethereal compositions with the spoken word poetry of iconic American Beat poets. The album features 33 tracks, each a delicate interplay of music and poetry, creating an immersive and contemplative experience.

The poetry, recited by Jessica Karraker, includes works by Philip Lamantia, Michael McClure, Kenneth Patchen, Denise Levertov, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and Diane Wakoski. Budd's signature piano melodies and atmospheric soundscapes provide a haunting backdrop to the spoken word, while Lentz's contributions add layers of texture and depth. The album is divided into sections, each introducing a new poet and a new set of emotions and themes, making it a rich and varied listening experience.

Recorded and mixed at Orangewood Studio in Mesa, "Walk Into My Voice" is a testament to Budd's ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The album's minimalist approach allows the poetry to take center stage, while the music provides a subtle yet powerful complement. Whether you're a fan of ambient music, poetry, or both, this album offers a unique and captivating exploration of the intersection between the two art forms.