Dark Matter I
(c) + (p) 2007, Alan BlattbergA ruminative work for "solo ambient electric guitar" . . . or, more accurately, for a simple, single (albeit manicured and slightly processed) instance of WLAZ.
In this "non-traditional" example of playing the WLAZ, a simple melody of hammered dulcimer notes and chords was recorded into Cubase. The volume envelope for each note/chord was hand-contoured (although it would have been just as easy to play the notes "live" and contour the volume envelopes in real time using an expression pedal), and the end results were treated with free VST delay/echo plug-ins.
The result is a soothing, seemingly-electric soliloquy, where each note/chord grows in strength and warmth, enveloping the listener in reserved intensity.
The inherently happy/sad nature of the hammered dulcimer's sound still comes through, even here in its processed state. This piece can sound pensive, melancholy or peaceful and relaxed, depending upon your mood and mindset.
One of the nice things about this instrument, and that way that it has been programmed and compiled in the WLAZ library, is that it can be used so effectively in "non-traditional" contexts. One expects to hear it played in American folk or Indian/Arabic/Persian musics, but you shouldn't feel constrained to using it where it is expected — with only minor processing, you can transform the sharp, bright dulcimer sound into a universe of real and created-by-you instruments of all shapes, sizes and timbres... which can sit quite nicely in musics of virtually any style. Just load WLAZ up and see where it takes you!!