Richard Norris’ latest addition to his magical Music For Healing series is dedicated to his friend and long-standing musical partner, Dave Ball, who sadly passed away on October 22nd. Titled Deep Down (In B), the piece purposefully employs machines / instruments that the pair used during their 4 decades of collaboration. 

Constructed, patiently, from slow, sparse, sustained notes, mirrored by muted modular oscillations, the composition allows for thought in the space in between. Understandably nostalgic, the heartbreak, however, is tempered, temporarily held off, by a sense of someone remembering all the good times. 

The music, the tribute, isn’t and needn’t be complicated. Appropriately it creates a quiet moment alone. A suitably soothing score for those in shock, suffering the hollowed feeling of bereavement. Those trying not to get lost, now a trusted shoulder, ear, is no longer at hand. A big part of you suddenly absent. 

The piece is played as if picked out from memory. Poignantly, a little bit broken. The intervals within the simple repeats gradually getting larger, as if the player is briefly struggling to continue, and not succumb to grief. Slowly drifting back toward warmth. Mediative, but too early for healing, its beauty doing its darnedest to hide the hurting. The melody ever so slightly building before finally falling, returning to solitary keys. 

Deep Down (In B) can be ordered directly from Richard.