artist: Jochem Paap aka Speedy J country of origin: Netherlands style(s): Ambient techno/trance, electro, industrial, minimalism essential releases: Ginger (1993, Warp/Plus 8) G-Spot (1995, Warp/Plus 8) Vrs-Mbnt-Pcs 95-98 I (1999, Fax Records) Vrs-Mbnt-Pcs 95-98 II (1999, Fax Records)

This Dutch techno musician is one of a curious breed. Like Aphex Twin he is a DJ/producer with roots in the tough hardcore end of the techno spectrum who has also produced some highly subtle and sophisticated downbeat music. Some people know him for the pure ambient excursions he did with Fax Records in the late 1990's, but Paap showed a talent for fragile and beautiful electronic soundscaping much earlier in his career. While recording under the name Speedy J for renown UK label Warp he released the magnificent Ginger and G Spot albums, both among the finest lounge-room techno or "electronic listening music" releases of the decade. Born of club music but not confined to it, they remain intelligent, dynamic, melodic and at times very subtle works.

The two Vrs-Mbnt-Pcs 95-98 albums released under his real name Jochem Paap (the titles are short for "various ambient pieces") eschew beats altogether. Both albums explore glacial, shifting textures and slowly evolving melodic clusters in the restrained, minimal style of Eno but with a more contemporary techno sensibility ala Aphex Twin. Paap's melodic fragments can be either weird and angular ("Spk") or melt-in-your-chair gorgeous ("Dx Synth"); the changes in emotional tone from track to track are considerable. Less approachable then his Warp releases, these are nonetheless rewarding albums for the patient listener.

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