Many thanks to Member D for passing on the following news on Manafon;
Small Metal GodsIt is absolutely not certain but if there is going to be a single than that's probably the title of the track taken from the long awaited album Manafon.
SamadhiSound claims they haven't thought about a single yet because Manafon is not that type of album. But if it would be the case, Small Metal Gods is the most accessible song from Manafon.
David himself describes it as:
“a completely modern kind of chamber music. Intimate, dynamic, emotive, democratic, economical.”
It's almost certain that the following contributors will be inculded on the final cut: Keith Rowe, Sachiko Matsubara, Evan Parker, Christian Fennesz, members of Polwechsel, Otomo Yoshihide and John Tilbury.
From good sources it is told that there are no percussionists! The basic arrangement is improvised backdrop with spare overdubs supporting Sylvian’s singing. Lyrical themes concern the loss of faith, life as a quixotic and isolated individual, and creativity.
Fact & RumoursIt seems that Manafon will be a Sylvian/Erstwhile project. A lot of artists inolved with the Manafon sessions are from Jon Abbey's Erstwhile label. Sessions started way back in late 2005/early 2006. Being involved is no guarantee to be included on the final album. That happened before with Robert Fripp in a session with David and Steve for a ballad to be included on the Nine Horses album.
The sessions Vienna
Werner Dafeldecker and Martin Brandlmayr were involved in the Austria sessions with Christian Fennesz, Keith Rowe and Burkhard Stangl.
Tokyo
Guitarist/violinist Tetuzi Akiyama, cellist Taku Sugimoto, Otomo Yoshihide and Sachiko Matsubara have taken part in one of the sessions in Tokyo. Sources mention that it is very uncertain if these have made the final cut
London
John Tilbury, Keith Rowe and Evan Parker were mentioned as the artists involved in recording sessions in London.
Manafon sessions DVD release? The recording sessions have been filmed while in progress. There is a small possibility that these will be released later on DVD.
Back in December 2007 Christan Fennesz was interviewed on a Belgian site (01-12-2007)
“I am recording again for David Sylvian in London. His new album will be really incredible. It is a real masterpiece.
Sylvian wants to get rid of his straight-forward image of singer-songwriter for good. He was not so happy with his last tour. His new work is much better. He is working with radical, experimental jazz musicians like Evan Parker, Burkhard Stangl and Keith Rowe.”
http://www.davidsylvian.net/component/content/article/433/433.html
