Two monumental works from minimalist composer Steve Reich. Four Organs / Phase Patterns was originally released in 1970 on France's Shandar imprint during the early stages of Reich's recording career. Known as part of 'Big Four' of New York minimalists (along with La Monte Young, Terry Riley and Philip Glass), Reich had studied at Julliard and Mills College before tearing apart the doctrines that he'd been trained in. His music is based on repetitive processes and his influence can be heard in both contemporary classical and pop music today. "Four Organs" features four musicians each striking a single chord on identical Farfisa organs. They gradually lengthen each note to produce polyrhythms between the players. Held together by an amazingly steady maraca the piece evolves from its opening burst into a steady stream of modulating tones. Reich was initially trained as a drummer and that inspired "Phase Patterns." Keyboards are treated like percussion instruments with a basic, rhythmic pattern being played in unison at the start. As the musicians slowly speed up they gradually move out of sync creating new patterns with each successive cycle. Two tracks in all. Released by Superior Viaduct on black vinyl housed in a gatefold sleeve.

• gatefold sleeve
• music label: Superior Viaduct 1970 / 2016

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 06/2016