The makeup of jazz/electronic ensemble "The Cinematic Orchestra" is somewhat of a puzzle to figure out. Much like fellow British acts Massive Attack and U.N.K.L.E., the players tend to fluctuate. Their sound echoes that of a multi-piece symphony but eventually finding their origination in founder/leader Jason Swinscoe.
The name? Well, the name might be the most appropriate and intriguing aspect of the conglomerate.
The majority of Swinscoe (and company)'s work finds its inspiration in the visual arts... say the "cinema." In fact, you could say that "soundtracks" are their bread and butter. Though an appropriate label for this pseudo-genre, it is slightly misleading as "scoring" a soundtrack almost always comes post- (film) production... post-narrative. In other words, it needs a film. And in TCO's case, composition takes place minus the film....
Well... sort of.
Though TCO is likely content without a film per say, Ma Fleur (2007 release) eventually received the its share of narratives and visuals. A friend of Swinscoe's provided the scripts - each track a scene of the story. And New York photographer Maya Hayuk provided the visuals (still photographs representing each track).
Ma Fleur's opening track, "To Build a Home" features singer and co-writer Patrick Watson. It was the first single released off the album and as might be expected with any cinematic sound - immediately began receiving numerous sync requests. If "building" a home is central to Swincoe/Watson's soundtrack, "going home" is forefront to the song's music video accompaniment - a subject matter recently (here, here, and here) broached via Sigur Rós Hvarf/Heima album.
There is no doubt that "going home" is a complex matter. It musters up a variety of images and emotions - all relative to your own experience/circumstances. Whether positive and/or negative in nature, home is something. It's a locale... a meaning... a story. And the folks over at Up the Resolution have decided to tackle just this.
Enjoy.
"To Build a Home" (Directors: Up the Resolution)
Label just removed "widescreen" high res. version. When found again... will post.
Video via DVD: Live at Barbica
"To Build a Home" (Lyrics)
by The Cinematic Orchestra
There is a house built out of stone
Wooden floors, walls and window sills...
Tables and chairs worn by all of the dust..
This is a place where I don't feel alone
This is a place where I feel at home.......
Cause, I built a home
for you
for me
Until it disappeared
from me
from you
And now, it's time to leave and turn to dust........
Out in the garden where we planted the seeds
There is a tree as old as me
Branches were sewn by the color of green
Ground had arose and passed it's knees
By the cracks of the skin I climbed to the top
I climbed the tree to see the world
When the gusts came around to blow me down
I held on as tightly as you held onto me
I held on as tightly as you held onto me......
Cause, I built a home
for you
for me
Until it disappeared
from me
from you
And now, it's time to leave and turn to dust........
