Celestial Rhythms: NYC Live '85

A rare concert recording of a rare cosmic trio!

On May 1, 1985, three of the planetarium world's star synthesists came together for the first time to perform their works live under the dome of the Hayden Planetarium in New York City. At the time, Mark C. Petersen (a.k.a. Geodesium), Jonn Serrie, and Barry Hayes were primarily studio musicians, creating soundtracks for planetarium shows. They had not played as an ensemble before, so it was a special event for all involved. The theater was sold out for two performances and this album captures the music and the magic from their first-ever concert — as the Celestial Rhythms trio.

Some of the selections have never been heard outside of the few planetarium performances for which they were commissioned. Others appear here in prototype form, destined to find acclaim years later on commercial releases, such as Mark's West of the Galaxy and Jonn's And the Stars Go With You. And some are arrangements of popular and classic repertoire, requested by the concert organizers.

Relive an incredible evening from a time long ago, when space music was new — Celestial Rhythms: NYC Live '85.

The professionally-replicated CD-R is provided in a poly-wrapped jewel case, with full-color cover, tray card and disc labeling.

NOTE: This is a live concert performance from 1985. While there was no remote truck making a multi-track recording (no overdubs to fix up any 'bum' notes later), it is also not a bootleg recording made by some member of the audience. It's a "board mix" captured directly from the stereo feed sent by the musicians to the planetarium's audio system. With some modern, 21st-century digital remastering, the sound is now perhaps better than what the audience experienced that night.

TRACK LISTING
1. Celestial Rhythms Jonn's tune set the stage for the concert.
2. Kanon in D Mark's 'new' orchestration of the Pachelbel favorite was by request.
3. Tumble Run Jonn brings some techno-tinged syncopation to the trio.
4. Voyager The trio vamps on Mark's classic track from Geodesium Double Eclipse.
5. Universe Themes Barry's solo performance of his planetarium soundtrack work.
6. Pines of the Appian Way Mark's solo as the percussionist in a 107-track orchestra.
7. Where Lovers Walk Jonn's solo, a prototype track destined for stardom two years later.
8. Yoda's Theme Barry met another concert request; not your everyday Star Wars tune.
9. And With You 2 The trio drifts through deep space with Jonn's dreamy textures.
10. Zephyr The gents pick up the pace with Mark's track, a future highlight on Geodesium West of the Galaxy.
11. Star Shadows A slow groove jam with Barry leading the way.
12. The Right Stuff / Call to Glory Jonn's jet pilot fantasy was the show's finale.
13. I Robot The trio's encore of the Alan Parsons Project hit.