Experimental vocalist Jarboe is currently creating a trilogy of CDs which reflect her ongoing studies in Buddhism, Islam, and the Kabbalah: Magick for Mischiefs, Magick for Prudence, and Magick for Cherishings. This sometimes ethereal, sometimes dissonant series of releases is the latest creation in a career that started with The Swans in the 80s and has not subsided. Although Jarboe is not radio or major label material, she has carved a niche for herself, marketing her work to fans through her website. She has also performed with many others in the avant-garde, most notably Neurosis, and the interviews on her website are a veritable who's who, including talks with Diamanda Galas, Athan Maroulis, Steven Severin, Richard Kern, and Lydia Lunch.
Like much of Jarboe's recent work, the Magick series will be "homemade" and released with original artwork for each individual CD. A later release in 2008 will be more formal.
The review copy I received contains tracks from each of the three Magick cds and I am not sure which song goes with which. However, all of the music is ethereal. Some of the pieces are instrumentals and these are dreamy and sometimes rhythmically tribal-sounding. "Pantalian" is one of these dreamy pieces. On the other hand, songs such as "Mouth of Flames" and "Spirit Chain/revisited" are more disturbing, with trademark Jarboe vocals that range from chanting to atonal yet on-key screams. For example, the song "Mouth of Flames" is at times overwhelming in its expression and passion. But completely in line with its lyrics:
I am she who brings the fire
I am she, the lightening and thunder
You can pre-order the limited edition Magick cds at The Living Jarboe website. Jarboe has a myspace page too. Also check out the current issue of Sound & Vision magazine. Jarboe is on the cover and the issue features an extensive interview with this talented and provacative artist.
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