Zenhouse
Jonas Hellborg/Shawn Lane
(Bardo)

In many ways, Zenhouse can be likened to a cross-country run... it's a long journey, but, upon completion, you're quite glad that you undertook it.
Recorded live in an art gallery in a remote part of Sweden , Zenhouse features only 3 musicians: Shawn Lane on acoustic guitar, Jonas Hellborg on ovation acoustic double-neck bass guitar, and apt. Q-258 (yes, that's his/her name) on percussion. On the opening "The House Stands Still", begins in a dreamy, meter-less, spacious manner, all played over a continually droning low B. The musicians take turns improvising, alternating between several scales to create, and release tension. The music is extremely minimal... enough so to hear occasional quitened coughs from audience members. Gradually, a tempo is implied, then, at about the 15 minute mark, stated, through the use of brushes on a snare. The intensity builds to a satisfying climax, and comes to a close at the 30 minute mark. The second composition, "Traces End Here", is similar in construction, although slightly more lighthearted in mood.
The music on Zenhouse certainly isn't for those lacking in patience; there are periods where less involved listeners might become restless. Those willing to sit intently and involve themselves in the music, however, will find the experience truly rewarding.