Exploring Jules Reidy's ghost/spirit - An experimental journey into the heart of personal haunting
Going Off-Key, But Harmonious: Jules Reidy's Unorthodox Approach
Soundscapes twist and bend under the experienced fingers of non-conforming guitarist and composer, Jules Reidy. On their latest album, Ghost/Spirit, they showcase an unconventional style of acoustic guitar playing, which strays from conventional tuning yet harmoniously resonates. This collection of songs offers a medley of tracks that seem discordant but manage to enchant, delving into themes of change and flaunting their unexpected dexterity to astound and amuse.
Throughout this captivating journey, Reidy brilliantly manipulates their finger-picked harmonics, spinning a narrative of self-dissolution. Ghost/Spirit serves as a mirror reflecting what it's like to grapple with pain, echoing through the soundwaves. With harmonics pushing the limits of what's possible, this record tears down expectations, challenging the listener's interpretations of both music and affliction. ★★★★☆
Drops Feb 21
Unveiling the Mystery of Advanced Harmonics
Advanced guitar harmonics elevate music to new realms, exploiting the harmonic series of a string to unleash sounds beyond traditional fretted notes. These techniques bolster melodies with an intricate, multi-layered sound by utilizing high overtones.
Natural Harmonics are created by gently touching a string above a fret bar without pressing it down. Artificial Harmonics, or "false harmonics", are produced by using the thumb or fingers to pluck the string as another finger is placed above the fret bar, but Again, not pressing it down. Pinch Harmonics involve a quick squeeze of the thumb on a plucked string, giving a gritty edge, popular in rock and metal music.
The purposely misaligned notes brought on by these ingenious techniques can add several facets of complexity to music:- Textural Richness: Weaving harmonics into melodies enriches the sound by introducing fresh timbres and textures, captivating listeners with engaging, dynamic music.- Emotional Depth: Accessing higher overtones allows musicians to create a sensation of tension and release, infusing their compositions with layers of raw emotion.- Freedom to Experiment: Venturing into the unknown through harmonics allows musicians to escape the constraints of conventional playing styles, crafting one-of-a-kind sonic tapestries.
Though Jules Reidy's reliance on advanced harmonics isn't explicitly stated in their Ghost/Spirit record, such techniques are commonly wielded by musicians aiming to dive deep into unexplored sounds and emotional landscapes. The album's composition, described as "glittering constellations of sound," hints at an exploration of emotional and experiential depth that may be heightened through the use of these advanced techniques[3].
- Jules Reidy's innovative use of advanced harmonics in their music potentially expands the boundaries of traditional acoustic guitar playing, contributing to the unconventional soundscapes modern listeners may find on their latest album, Ghost/Spirit.
- Artificial harmonics, a type of advanced harmonic technique, can be used to create a multi-layered sound by utilizing high overtones, much like the complex and emotional resonances found in Jules Reidy's compositions on Ghost/Spirit.
