‘Ascension’ by Laraaji & Kramer | New Album, ‘Baptismal’

Uncategorized June 2, 2023

‘Ascension’ by Laraaji & Kramer | New Album, ‘Baptismal’

Exclusive video premiere of ‘Submersion’ by Laraaji & Kramer, taken from the upcoming album, ‘Baptismal,’ out June 2nd, 2023 via Shimmy-Disc.


As one of the very few true godfathers of Ambient Music, Laraaji has forged a unique path forward (always, always forward) since his groundbreaking 1980 LP for Eno’s Ambient label, ‘Ambient 3: Day of Radiance’. It remains one of the eternal pillars of the genre. His extraordinary contributions to modern music over the course of four decades highlight his lifelong dedication to the belief that Peace can be achieved through audio serenity.

Kramer’s work in Ambient Music is less universally known, but no less pioneering. His most recent Shimmy-Disc LP, ‘Music For Films Edited by Moths,’ suggests that his immersion in the genre is now complete. Cerebral yet simple, intoxicating yet tranquil, Kramer’s newest and more elusive body of work gently heralds what lies ahead. His commitment to quiet music is complete.

On the track, Kramer wrote:
‘Ascension’ is an intransitive Verb and a mightily powerful word.

: to move upward …
‘the path ascends through the mountains’
: to conduct nerve impulses toward (or to) the brain …
‘an ascending somatosensory pathway’
: to rise from a lower level or degree …
‘together we ascend toward awareness’
: to pass from lower to higher musical notes …
‘Laraaji & Kramer’s ascension led them from C, to G'”

Shimmy-Disc recently announced a new release “Paradigm”…beginning with: ‘Baptismal’ by Laraaji & Kramer, the sparkling new Ambient Symphony #1 (in 3 Movements), the primordial collaboration between two aural mavericks.

The record’s first pressing on bliss black vinyl is limited to 555 hand-numbered copies. All subsequent pressings will be on natural, crystal clear vinyl, also available now. The free digital-download that accompanies your vinyl LP purchase will also contain the symphony’s 4th Movement (an additional 20 minutes of music). This is also the first time since 1993 that Shimmy-Disc is releasing an LP on all three formats: Vinyl, CD and cassette, and the CD and cassette will also include the additional 4th Movement.

About The New Paradigm:
Shimmy-Disc is switching gears, stripping down to the basics. From this point forward, they will only be releasing their LPs on carbon black vinyl as limited edition hand-numbered 1st pressings (available only via mail order through the Shimmy-Shop & Bandcamp), and on naturally clear vinyl for via distribution through stores.

Is Black the absence or presence of all Colors?
Is Sound what remains after Vision has had its way with our brains? And, perhaps most importantly, does the wildly popular colored-vinyl fetish provide any enhancement whatsoever to the listening experience?

“We believe that the addition of toxic dyes to the vinyl pressing process is in direct opposition to the Green initiatives that the music industry is gradually committing itself to for the future of our planet. Black vinyl is made black via natural carbon pigments, and not via toxic chemicals. Clear vinyl is, well, clear. Enough said. No more colored vinyl from Shimmy-Disc.”


Kramer Facebook
Laraaji Official Website / Facebook / Instagram
Shimmy-Disc Official Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Bandcamp
Joyful Noise Recordings Official Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Bandcamp / YouTube

‘Submersion’ by Laraaji & Kramer | New Album, ‘Baptismal’

‘Immersion’ by Laraaji & Kramer | New Album, ‘Baptismal’

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