Housed in a stock white sleeve and attributed only to "Robert Hall Productions," this little library LP is a real mystery to me. Who could have written such lovely music? I'm not really sure but the vibe here -- soft focus sunshine folk with electronics -- is right in the sweet spot of 70s library. Half the tracks are electronic abstractions for use in nature documentaries about coral reefs and insects. The other half is pure after-school special -- wordless vocals, lazily plucked acoustic guitar, weird melodic moogery. Since Robert Hall is an American label (I think), the best guess I can make about the composer would be Herb Pilhofer -- either him or Don Voegeli of the University of Wisconsin-Extension electronic studio. But my dark horse candidate would be Walter Sear, another American electro pioneer who did some undercover soundtrack work in the 70s (more on him later). If anybody knows anything about Robert Hall Productions please let me know.
I tried several of the track titles (including both "Fyling Fish" and "Flying Fish" on both the ASCAP and BMI databases... nothing. That is highly unusual for an American label (yes, they were based in New York City).
ReplyDeleteI can't even make out the catalogue number on the label. RH-??? Looks like 134 or something.
They had this weird practice of designating one number for side A and one for Side B.
Any other info offered - given that the label refused to make it easy - will be appreciated!
Your description makes it really exciting!
ReplyDeleteAm already nostalgic of something i haven't heard yet.
Downloading now.
Thank you again.
Oh hell yes. Killing it. Such a classic...
ReplyDeleteYeah, I love this album. One of few library records that is good all the way through.
ReplyDeleteBen Marriage: thanks a lot for the kind words. It sounds like our tastes line up pretty well. Do you have a blog?
ReplyDeleteyes. a great, great album. a personal favorite.
ReplyDeletedope...i got this record, and another robert hall library vinyl, but i know nothing about the label, except it was an american label....
ReplyDeletepeace
thanks! sounds very command/project 3'ish to me, in the best possible way.
ReplyDeleteYou mean like Enoch Light? I can see that. Maybe more like Enoch's cool edgy cousin though, ha ha.
ReplyDeleteI have a bunch of these on vinyl. Anyone know of anyone interested in buying them?
ReplyDelete