Francisco Lopez "Sample 4"

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Francisco Lopez Sample 4
Hyades Arts 1990 Spain

Most anyone familiar with Lopez’ body of work may be surprised to hear this particular tape. In place of the immersive and dynamic white noise field of sound this is an Ensoniq keyboard produced affair with actual melodic invention, at least on side one.There appears to be little or no overdubbing and the resulting keyboard jabbings are angular and almost rhythmic in places. The melodies start and stop and poke their heads through doorways.

Side two is a drum machine exposition ( possibly using the ensoniq keyboard ) with effected accents. It maintains a rhythmic pulse for 8-9 minutes and then switches to a different looping sequence with odd toms and strange effects. Completely different from side one and another unexpected experience from Señor Lopez.

There was a rumor for a time that Francisco had disowned these early recordings but when I asked him during an interview on this matter he disputed that only claiming that the keyboard was limiting and was not up to further exploration.

In my opinion, Francisco Lopez is one of the most important sound artists working within his particular realm of sound or noise. This is highly subjective of course but I personally have always derived rich emotional experiences from his tapes and CDs. He continues to create today and I am always interested to see where he goes.