Appear to Fade

Improvisations and compositions for piano and una corda, realized with tape loops and analog production

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“Richard Sears plays limpid, meditative chords and improvisations on an acoustic piano and an una corda, then digitally vandalises these recordings using tape loops and electronic effects. The result sounds like a vintage recording of Keith Jarrett or Harold Budd decaying and melting on analogue tape – in the most beautiful and enchanting way.” The Guardian

“But with all the fascinating sounds from tape loop manipulation, Sears concludes Appear to Fade with a gorgeous, unadorned solo piano piece. “What I Meant to Say Was” is an unadorned piano improvisation on the Una Corda, giving the instrument a muted or muffled effect. That level of sound trickery – along with some quiet background rain – seems positively quaint when compared to the previous songs. It’s an indescribably beautiful way to end Appear to Fade, a sublime bit of Debussy-inspired grace in a sea of admittedly spellbinding experimental wizardry. Richard Sears and Ari Chersky have made an album that may inspire copycats, but few, if any, will likely do it at this level.” PopMatters

figureight records – September 29, 2023

Richard Sears – piano, una corda, composition

Ari Chersky – production and mix

Engineered by Shahzad Ismaily
Mastered by Timmothy Stollenwerk
Artwork and design by Camille Pradon