artist: Kevin Braheny country of origin: USA style(s): Ambient spacemusic, ethno-ambient essential releases: The Way Home (1984, Hearts Of Space) Secret Rooms (1990, Hearts Of Space)

As the first artist to appear on iconic Californian label Hearts Of Space, Kevin Braheny’s cosmic impressionism became a defining influence on what many of the label’s early releases would generally sound like. The most distinguishing feature of Braheny's best music is the Steiner EWI, a remarkable electronic woodwind instrument which in his gifted hands sounds as expressive and emotionally resonant as anything heard from its acoustic cousins.

The 1980's was his best period and his beatless debut album The Way Home is a classic of its kind, containing two side-long meditations for synthesiser, strings, organ and ghost choir. Neoclassical at times, almost oriental at others, it shows a finely judged balance between heartfelt emotion and intellectual cred and is the pick of his releases in the pure spacemusic style.

His finest solo album, however, is his third release Secret Rooms. It's more diverse and much more personal, a collection of space hymns, gliding instrumental ballads and percussive pieces inspired by his interest in shamanism. Braheny's sense of space and his ear for harmonies is something special and this time around guest musicians feature on a number of tracks. There’s also some compelling rhythmic explorations, most notably “Shadowcatcher”. Braheny is also featured on the outstanding Western Spaces (1987), a classic collaboration with fellow U.S. synthesists Steve Roach and Richard Burmer.

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