Immersions is more of a name for a performance than an artist or group. Emile Tobenfeld is a video artist who uses multiple DVD players to create improvisatory works. For this performance entitled Immersions: Water Muisc and Other Improvisations, he enlisted the help of his friends, some from bands like Birdsongs of the Mesozoic and The Lothars, to create a free-flowing meditative work. It was performed on July 18, 2008 and is now part of Artsomerville’s prestigious collection of live performances which you can find on Artsomervilles’ page of podcasts or from the Internet Archive. There are two tracks with each being over 30 minutes. The first one is titled simply Other Improvisations and is a pleasantly lazy mix of flute, dulcimer and synthesizers. It is a meandering piece that sends you off daydreaming. The second track, in keeping with the concert’s theme of “The Secret Knowledge of Water” is titled “Water Music” and it is a stunner . It’s starts out somewhat abstract with what may be field recording samples and is then mixed with acoustic drones from the performers. The volume builds up and threatens to overwhelm. However the performance alway comes back to a meditative center making it a lesson in balancing calm and tension. The work then moves into more melodic arenas but always cautions the listener to be prepared for the unfamiliar. This is an excellent improvisatory work. The visual portion of the performance may be missing but it is still a feast for the ears.

The album is available in VBR MP3 from Jamendo, Artsomerville’s web site, or through The Internet Archive from the link below.

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