Various - Ambientale

by Steve Kinrade

published: 17 / 4 / 2025

Label: Bureau B
Format: CD

Meticulously crafted label from Bureau B of lost ambient and electronic tracks from 1983 to 2000 which provides an introduction to a whole new musical world

Review

Charles Bais' 'Ambientale', curated for Bureau B, is less an album and more a meticulously crafted sonic travelogue, a DJ mix of unearthed gems from the ambient and electronic music landscape of 1983-2000. Bais’ curatorial prowess shines through, seamlessly blending obscure and virtually unknown tracks into a cohesive whole that evokes vivid imagery of tranquil seas, desert landscapes, and pitch black starry nights. The album functions as a cinematic soundtrack, enigmatic and alluring, leaving the listener wanting more. I listened to the compliation on a pair of Beyer DT1770 Pro, which brought out all the subtle nuances of the music, giving a clarity to Bais’ curational vision. A most satisfying experience. The journey begins with the sparse, exotic instrumentation of Luigi Ceccarelli - 'Vientiane' and Gin No Nami - 'Whispers of Chikurin', establishing a tone of Eastern mysticism to open proceedings. Two of the three Mitake’s contributions - ;Yasha' and 'Modernism' - offer a blend of dreamy New Age and lush fusion, showcasing the album's dynamic range. The Latin-infused 'Greece Ambientale' by Individual Sensitivity, and the smooth jazz of Steve Shehan provide intriguing textural shifts, while Private Joke's Balearic offering 'Peaceful Traffic' and Vitali's atmospheric 'Velvet Blue Circles' contribute to the album's overall sense of shimmering, nocturnal beauty. Tsuchiya's aquatic ambience and Mitake's surprising drum programming create an interesting contrast, highlighting the compilation’s ability to juxtapose disparate sonic elements effectively. The inclusion of library music from Gruppo Sound and rare Blue Note New Age from Mellé further enriches the listening experience. The album's narrative arc culminates in the urban soundscape of Ferris Wheel's 'Shipping Out', a mysterious track that adds a final layer of intrigue. While the individual tracks may vary in style and origin, Bais’ skillful sequencing and blending create a unified listening experience. Ambientale is not just a collection of songs; it’s a curated journey, a testament to the power of sonic exploration and the magic of forgotten music. It’s an album to get lost in, a soundtrack for daydreaming, and a testament to Bais' skill as both a collector and storyteller. It stands as an introduction to a whole new musical world.

Track Listing:-

1 Luigi Ceccarelli - Vientianeâ
2 銀色の波 (Gin no nami) - Whispers Of Chikurin)
3 Akira Mitake - Yasha
4 Akira Mitake - Modernism
5 Individual Sensitivity - Greece Ambientale
6 Steve Shehan - Evening In The Sahara
7 Private Joke - Peaceful Traffic
8 Adriano Maria Vitali - Velvet Blue Circles
9 Masami Tsuchiya - Nevermind
10 Akira Mitake - Spectrum
11 Gil MellÃ - Mindscape
12 Gruppo Sound - African Interlude II
13 Ferris Wheel - Shipping Out