alan hawkshaw/brian bennett: synthesizer & percussion

Be With Records present a reissue of Alan Hawkshaw and Brian Bennett's Synthesizer and Percussion, originally released in 1974. Released in the same year as Synthesis on KPM, 1974's Synthesizer and Percussion is its companion piece. "This record features the many distinctive sounds of the ARP Synthesizer plus percussion in various moods and tempos" is the even-more-underwhelming-than-usual library record sales pitch for Hawkshaw and Bennett's second collection of what is basically minimal G-funk, with overtones of primitive acid house. This is ridiculously good. Synthesizer and Percussion is one of Hawkshaw and Bennett's wilder joints and eons ahead of its time. Bennett's tough drums provide the underpinnings for the prominent bass, keys and bubbling synths high up in the mix, alongside Hawkshaw's deranged clavinet-funk-rock. There are heavenly break loops galore. Opener "Mon Amour" is ultra-smooth funk, all inter-weaving melodic lines whilst the seminal "Oddball" is an incredible hard electro strut with a knocking break. "Mile High Swinger" is a tranquil Spaghetti Western whistling theme over double tempo rhythmic movement and the pulsating "Auto Pilot" has a percussive groove elevated by electric piano and synthesizer. Check "Driving Force", "Home Run" and "Pacesetter" for electroid prog-funk dripped in acid squelch. All five final tracks are beatless synth workouts, because they can. Be With has worked with the hallowed KPM to re-issue ten of our favorites from across the KPM 1000 Series and the Themes International Music catalogue, currently under KPM stewardship. Whether it's killer soul-funk, sweet jazz-samba, scuzzed-up guitars or accidental Balearic beauty, these records include some of the most innovative work from some of the most talented composers and musicians of the 20th century. These records were never readily available, being originally released as a ready-made, affordable alternative to commissioning music for television and radio. Consequentially the originals have been unobtainable for decades by all but the most dedicated collectors. The audio for all ten re-issues comes from the original analog tapes and has been remastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis. The same care has been taken with the sleeves, handing the reproduction duties over to Richard Robinson, the current custodian of KPM's brand identity. 180 gram vinyl.