BARRY CLEVELAND

social media icons

Voluntary Dreaming

by

CD cover of Voluntary Dreaming by Barry ClevelandVoluntary Dreaming
Scarlet Records (1990)
Originally slated for release on the Audion Recording Company, this disc has a more electronic feel than than Cleveland’s other albums. It features Michael Pluznick (acoustic and electronic percussion), Michael Masley (bowhammer cymbalom), Robert Powell (pedal-steel guitar), and Anastasia Johnson (soprano voice).

“The contrasting balance of electronics, the old European earthiness of the cymbalom, the familiar croon of pedal-steel guitar, and the global percussion mix gives Voluntary Dreaming a depth that one finds all too rarely. The song sequence holds the varying styles together and rewards the listener with a challenging, compelling listen.” —Richard Price, BAM

“Voluntary Dreaming is an intricate, multi-layered work full of subtleties and inventiveness, an imaginative blend of unusual instrumentation, delicate textures, bright rhythms, and plenty of inspiration.” —Lloyd Barde, AllMusic

All but one of the tracks on Voluntary Dreaming are included on the 2-CD compilation Memory & Imagination.