Harold Budd

Budd's first solo release since 1991, this is proof that Budd's talent remains consistent: always maintaining that delicate balance between pretty ambient music and something darker in mood that seeps into the corners of his melodies. Divided into four sections, Luxa features six piano-led pieces, a trio of miniatures, five more ambient drones, and a duo of covers from Marion Brown and Steven Brown respectively. The titles suggest homages to some of Budd's favorite 20th century artists (according to the press release) though you'd be hard pressed to hear much of Chet Baker, Serge Poliakoff, and Agnes Martin in these works unless you stretched your brain. Relaxing, warm music, like sun on a red tile floor. ~ Ted Mills, All Music Guide