artist: Mark Isham country of origin: USA style(s): Soundtrack, jazz, ambient, world music, orchestral essential releases: Film Music (1985, Windham Hill) Tibet (1989, Windham Hill)

Windham Hill roped in some impressive talent during its 70's and 80's heyday and jazz trumpeter Mark Isham was one of its most inpressive catches. His ambient excursions for the label are graceful, delicate and exude a subtle grandeur. Unlike most other WH artists he uses electronics extensively, combining his synthesisers with piano, brass, percussion and classical instruments. These two albums best showcase Isham’s expansive, cinematic style. Film Music collects music from a number of film soundtracks including Mrs. Soffel and Never Cry Wolf and sounds gloriously spacious. The same landscaped feel also pervades his highly evocative five-part suite Tibet. The exuberant passages of brass and percussion wonderfully compliment the beatless drone-based sections, and Isham enhances proceedings with the judicious use of some Japanese haiku poetry.

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