Debut album from new age luminary J.D. Emmanuel finally reissued! Originally self-released in 1981, Rain Forest Music is a brilliant example of American new age music that has been saved from the depths of obscurity. Thankfully Aguirre Records has given it a proper reissue on heavyweight 180 gram vinyl, complete with fresh remaster by Rashad Becker. Here Texan musician J.D. Emmanuel builds gentle, meditative ambience from short cycles of notes, improvised around a single chord. It's evident he was influenced by the great American minimalist composers Terry Riley and Steve Reich, as well as improvisational jazz, and the resulting sound is beautifully trance-inducing. Includes two long form pieces (sound samples don't do justice) that "can be used for deep relaxation, meditation and as background for massage and counseling. Side two is particularly nice as background for movement, exercise, dance and T'ai Chi." Recommended.  

• 180 gram vinyl
• limited edition of 1000
• remastered by Rashad Becker
• printed inner sleeve
• music label: Aguirre Records 2017

reviewed by Krystal Grip 06/2017