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SVEN LIBAEK - Ron & Val Taylor's INNERSPACE

Votary Records proudly presents the first full reissue of the soundtrack ‘Inner Space’.

This aqua-exotic score, composed and conducted by Sven Libaek, has long been a prize for record collectors and for the more erudite of beat diggers.

Originally composed for Ron and Val Taylor’s 1973 underwater documentary, it is not only a classic Australian score but also an example of the unjustly overlooked Australian Jazz scene of the1960’s and 70’s.  Libaek interprets the Taylor’s exotic world of deep blue oceans, Day-Glo wetsuits and fierce man-eaters with dreamy soundscapes fused with sinister modal jazz. From the hypnotic ‘Main Theme’ through to the gentle bossa of ‘Dark World’ and the brassy ‘crime jazz’ of ‘Danger Reef’ Libaek perfectly captures the notion of ‘Inner Space’, in which as much as Outer Space, man is a alien". Libaek has been given the opportunity to conceptually stretch out and sonically explore the depths of the Australian Ocean through his soft yet moody jazz featuring his trademark of distinctive vibraphone and flutes. The album features the heavyweights of Australian 60s/70s Jazz – Don Burrows, John Sangster, Errol Buddle, George Golla, Ed Gaston, Col Nolan and others. Inner Space is essential for all collections of 60/70s lounge jazz and of course all soundtrack appreciators.

Inner Space ranges from the sweet to the sinister. It’s incidental and improvisational. Sven Libaek has the ability to create soft and gentle music without the sentiment; it’s dark but always warm. The beauty behind this music must be contributed to the combination of the players. The haunting sounds created through the familiar interlocking of Burrow’s flute and Sangter’s Vibes. This partnership together with the backing of Gaston, Golla, Nolan and Buddle provided an invaluable closeness in these sessions. These guys were tight. The Australian jazz scene was comparatively small so they played together a lot.As with many of Libaek's film scores, Inner Space has been lying dormant for many years. With the inclusion of tracks in the Wes Anderson film ‘The Life Aquatic’, and the ever increasing interest in his library music, Libaek’s name has resurfaced and his records have quickly become very sought after.

The original Inner Space master tapes are long gone. Because of this, the transfer is taken directly from a vinyl copy. It has been carefully restored, enhanced and represented with additional photos and notes.

SVEN LIBAEK - Ron & Val Taylor's INNERSPACE is available through Votary Records, and distributed by Creative Vibes

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