In a major coup for the Seattle promotional crew Elevator, new age/ambient musician Laraaji (aka Edward Larry Gordon) will be playing Machine House Brewery April 24. Laraaji is best known for his 1980 album on the Editions EG label, Ambient 3: Day of Radiance, which is part of Brian Eno’s revered series of ambient albums. The innovative British musician/producer happened upon Laraaji playing his custom-made electric zither in New York’s Washington Square Park, and was so taken with his vibrant, becalming music, he helped to get him signed to a record deal and produced Day of Radiance. Laraaji’s gone on to become one of the most interesting figures in new age—practically a one-man argument for its relevance as a source of enduring sonic bliss and spiritual enhancement, minus the cloying, tepid melodies and tonalities that afflict most releases in the genre.
In addition to the musical performance, Laraaji will hold one of his Laughter Meditation Workshops on April 26 at a venue still to be determined. Besides being a world-class musician, the septuagenarian Laraaji was a comedian and actor. He’s a fascinating character and this may be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience his music and aura first hand.
