artist: Emerald Web country of origin: USA style(s): Ambient, soundtrack, environmental, contemporary classical essential releases: Nocturne/Lights Of The Ivory Plains (1984/1989, Fortuna Records)

Emerald Web was Kat Epple and the late Bob Stohl, two unassuming souls who shaped a distinguished career in easy-listening electronica during the 1980's. Lauded by new age fans but usually avoiding that genre’s most sugary excesses, the pair performed concerts regularly during the 1980’s and also composed many television soundtracks, winning a number of Emmy awards. Yet despite their relatively high profile they have been woefully served on CD. Celestial Harmonies is about the only label that has bothered with re-issues and released two Emerald Web albums on a single CD through its Fortuna imprint. Fortunately it contains some of the group's finest music: a kind of classical new age hybrid that's intelligent and graceful, featuring their gorgeous flute playing and digital synth melodies combined with guest Patrick Ball's lovely Celtic harp.

HOME