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Media: CD (gatefold wallet)

Catalogue Number: 20AE-1

Album release date: 26 July 2024

Category: Ambient

Original album notes:

Composed, performed and produced by Jim Ottaway

All tracks were composed and originally recorded by Jim Ottaway in 2003 and 2004. Some additional recording was undertaken in 2024. Mixed and mastered by Jim Ottaway in May 2024.

Equipment and software used for this production includes: Korg Karma, Novation Speedio/RME Fireface 800 and Cubase/Studio One.

The original album was dedicated to my father, Habbie, and my friend, Bill Kerr, who both passed away in 2001. My thanks to Fr Reg Mills and Kevin Underwood (both living in eternity).

**The 'First Light' Story.**

‘First Light’ was the first album released by international award-winning Australian composer and electronic/ambient musician, Jim Ottaway. The album was released locally in Gold Coast region of Australia on 21 November 2004. This is the story of that album…

After purchasing his first synthesizer, a Korg Karma, in February 2003, Jim commenced his recording career mainly recording live improvised compositions directly into the 16-track midi sequencer on the Korg Karma. No metronomes… just raw free-form melodic ambient music.

Early in 2004 some of the tracks that eventually ended up on ‘First Light’ were included on a cassette tape… ‘First Light (The Meditation Demos)’. A mini-disc, and eventually a CDR, were also produced of this recording. The recording has never been officially released.

Roll on 20 years. On 21 November 2024, ‘First Light’ celebrates its 20th anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, Jim has revisited the original midi files and audio recordings, and has released a 20th anniversary edition of the album. Some tracks have been re-recorded and remixed from the original midi files using the RME Fireface audio/midi interface and Studio One recording software, and a few minor issues have been corrected. However, the tracks still retain the original feel and intent of the album released 20 years ago… live improvised recorded tracks… melodic… relaxing… instantaneous… raw… warts and all... but expressing much love and emotion.

Enjoy!

Additional notes:

'First Light - 20th Anniversary Edition' debuted at #22 on the North American College and Community (NACC) Radio Top 30 Chill Chart for week ending (WE) 13 August 2024.