By the Dawn's Early Light
Harold Budd · 1991
54 min · 18 tracks · jazz
A tranquil blend of ambient soundscapes interwoven with whispered poetry and delicate melodies, evoking vivid imagery of natural beauty.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Photo of Santiago McKinn — This track stands out for its haunting melody and evocative narrative, capturing the essence of memory intertwined with sound. Its length allows for an immersive experience that reflects Budd's minimalism while engaging listeners emotionally.
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Down the Slopes to the Meadow (For Ruben Garcia) — As one of the longer compositions on the album, this piece builds a rich tapestry of ambient textures that evoke serene imagery, making it a quintessential example of Budd's style and thematic focus on nature.
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Blind Bird — This track features a subtle interplay of soft piano notes and atmospheric synths, creating an intimate moment that encapsulates the album's overall tranquil aesthetic while highlighting Budd's delicate compositional approach.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dreamlike soundscapes for reflection
- gentle waves of serene emotion
- short, poignant moments of beauty
- immersive listening for quiet spaces
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy engagement
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the Dawn's Early Light is Harold Budd's sixth studio album, released during a period when he was increasingly recognized for his innovative contributions to ambient music. Following the success of The Pearl in 1984, this album showcases his continued exploration of minimalist sound and poetic forms, further solidifying his unique voice in the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brian Eno· Ryuichi Sakamoto· Tangerine Dream
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Poem: Aztec Hotel 1:33
- 2 Boy About 10 4:59
- 3 Arcadia 2:00
- 4 Dead Horse Alive With Flies 3:40
- 5 The Photo of Santiago McKinn 6:55
- 6 The Corpse at the Shooting Gallery 2:57
- 7 Albion Farewell (Homage to Delius, for Gavin Bryars) 2:38
- 8 Poem: Distant Lights of Olancha Recede 1:27
- 9 Down the Slopes to the Meadow (For Ruben Garcia) 7:39
- 10 She Dances by the Light of the Silvery Moon 2:12
- 11 Blind Bird 2:03
- 12 Saint's Name Spoken 3:59
- 13 The Place of Dead Roads 4:49
- 14 A Child in a Sylvan Field 3:36
- 15 Poem: Boy About 10 1:18
- 16 Poem: Wings 0:37
- 17 Poem: No Name 0:55
- 18 Poem: Advent 0:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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