Travis, Theo: Aeolus: One Hour Duduk Meditation

I now know what a duduk is: a double reed woodwind instrument that originated in Armenia. So, what does it sound like? It’s hard to describe, but the closest comparison I can draw is a clarinet played in a lower register. Not many people in the West play the instrument, it seems, and Englishman Theo Travis is probably the most prominent and prolific example. Travis says: “I once heard the duduk described as the ‘saddest instrument in the world.’ Its sound seems to touch the human soul in a way no other woodwind instrument, or perhaps any instrument, does. Yet far from feeling mournful listening to the sound of this ancient instrument, I find it hugely uplifting; my spirits are raised by its unique sound that resonates so deeply.� After listening to this 60-minute composition many times, I have to agree. While it has a droning sound that can seem melancholic at times, it can also seem quite peaceful.

On this album, Travis is accompanied by Steven Wilson, who provides some “soundscapes� as a backdrop. They were sometimes hard to spot, but when they did, they hit me and provided an almost seamless complement to Travis’ playing. The overall sound could be described as ambient. One can listen to the piece attentively or as “background� music. I did both. If you like Brian Eno’s Music for Airports, as I do, I’d bet you will like this.

My CD came with a Blu-ray containing an Atmos mix of Aeoulus, along with a previously released composition of the same length, “Ancient Soul, Modern Times,� which has a similar sound and feel.

Travis has also worked with Robert Fripp on a number of recordings. I look forward to dipping into those.

Track Listing
1. Aeolus (60:00)

Added: July 23rd 2025
Reviewer: Aaron Steelman
Score:
Related Link: Artists @ Bandcamp
Hits: 234
Language: english

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