Don Preston’s Akashic Ensemble do not play normal music. Instead they're like some kind of exotic fruit; cold and harsh exterior, but delicious and multi-textural within. Original synthesist for Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, Don has contributed to such classics as ‘Freak Out’ and ‘We’re Only In It for the Money’; he even scored the music for the film ‘Apocalypse Now’. So it was no surprise then that the Pavilion crowd comprises of every generation, student to ageing head.

So how to describe such an unusual assemblage? Well Don’s still playing
the keyboards in his inimitable style - on some tracks his classically
trained piano technique shines, while on others he’s free to experiment
as his hands move around what can only be described as a space age
Theremin.

Tonight he's joined by Andre Cholomondeley on guitar, synth and samples
whose overall sound is akin to the guitar work of Steve Hillage. Cheri
Jiosne makes up the trio on electronic percussion, devices and
impeccable timing. As a whole they have a sound similar in nature to
Tangerine Dream - atmospheric and electronic with prog leanings.

Where once Don was orchestrated by Zappa, here he is clearly the
maestro - allowing his musicians to explore through improvisation
before reeling them back in again at his command. Clearly this is the
kind of music that you either love or loath, so it isn't surprising
then to see a contingent of the crowd leave during the interval.
Nevertheless, a die-hard crowd do remain to relish the second set.

Overall, an interesting and somewhat different gig to the norm. It
really is refreshing to see this style of music being enjoyed by local
punters in such an intimate venue. And did I even hear some hollering
at the prospect of future Belfast gig in the summer? We'll wait and see
with baited breath.

Andy Martin
 Photo by Andy Martin

Don Preston’s Akashic Ensemble, The Pavilion, Belfast, 18.03.06