Esquivel Space Age Sound Artist Susan Wood

In the annals of electronic music history, Susan Wood stands tall as a visionary pioneer whose groundbreaking work has left an indelible mark on the genre. As a member of the famed Esquivel Orchestra, she pushed the boundaries of musical expression, crafting ethereal and otherworldly soundscapes that transported listeners to a space-age utopia.

Born in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1945, Wood's musical journey began at a tender age. Inspired by the enchanting melodies of the piano, she embarked on classical training, honing her skills as a pianist. However, her true calling lay in the unexplored realm of electronic music.

In 1968, destiny brought Susan Wood to Los Angeles, the epicenter of the burgeoning counterculture movement. There, she met the enigmatic bandleader Juan Garcia Esquivel, whose unique blend of Latin rhythms and electronic experimentation captivated her imagination. Joining the Esquivel Orchestra as a keyboardist, she became an integral part of the ensemble's groundbreaking sound.

Esquivel! Space-Age Sound Artist

by Susan Wood

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12733 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE

Wood's ethereal keyboards and otherworldly arrangements imbued Esquivel's music with a celestial, futuristic quality. Her masterful use of the Mellotron, an early sampling keyboard, allowed her to create haunting soundscapes that evoked the vastness of space. Her compositions, such as "Gemini" and "Across the Sea of Stars," became anthems of the space age, inspiring countless musicians and music enthusiasts alike.

Beyond her work with Esquivel, Susan Wood embarked on a solo career that further solidified her status as an avant-garde artist. In 1971, she released her debut album, "The Lure of the Unknown," a mesmerizing collection of electronic improvisations that showcased her exceptional technical prowess and boundless creativity. The album's opening track, "Voyage to the Cosmic Sea," is a sonic masterpiece that transports listeners to a celestial realm of shimmering stars and interstellar harmony.

Wood continued to push the boundaries of electronic music throughout the 1970s and 1980s. She collaborated with renowned musicians, including Klaus Schulze and Harold Budd, and her music was featured in numerous films and TV shows. Her 1978 album, "Sun Moon and Stars," is a testament to her enduring fascination with the cosmos, featuring ethereal melodies and cosmic drones that evoke the celestial bodies that inspire her.

In addition to her musical achievements, Susan Wood was also a gifted visual artist. Her paintings and sculptures, which often reflected her musical inspirations, were exhibited in galleries worldwide. Her artistic endeavors were intricately intertwined, with her musical compositions serving as aural counterparts to her visual creations.

Susan Wood's legacy as a space age sound artist continues to reverberate through the generations. Her groundbreaking work has inspired countless musicians, filmmakers, and artists, and her influence can be heard in the electronic music of today. Her ethereal soundscapes and futuristic vision have cemented her place as one of the most influential and innovative figures in the history of electronic music.

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Susan Wood, a pioneering space-age sound artist and keyboardist for the Esquivel Orchestra, known for her ethereal and futuristic electronic compositions, including "Gemini" and "Voyage to the Cosmic Sea," which showcased her mastery of the Mellotron and her enduring fascination with the cosmos.

Esquivel! Space-Age Sound Artist

by Susan Wood

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12733 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE