Wordless praises for a great musical artist, a combination of twenty pieces in different styles by Chameleon Music, dedicated to Vangelis in the album named Subway to Saturn.
Mark Taylor is the man behind Chameleon Music, and his musical style is more diverse than the life teeming in the Amazon rainforest. While his primary influence is undoubtedly Vangelis, the effect of many composers from various genres is evident in his work. From the classical harmonies of Mozart to the obvious synths of Vangelis himself and the cool jazz of Miles Davis, all these influences converge to shape Mark’s artistry
This is not to say that Chameleon Music is merely a collage of different composers' styles. On the contrary, Mark Taylor’s music has a distinct and personal sound. The soft solo piano piece “Lonely Reverie” with a classical composition style reminiscent of Ludovico Einaudi stands in opposition with the opening title track “Subway to Saturn” with its energetic synths and uplifting arpeggiators, while soft, somber voices mark the emotional depth of "Lamentation: Tears of Despair." And the energetic, fast-paced rhythmical patterns of "The Man Who Stole the Moon" contrast beautifully with the ambient strings of "Three Sad Cellos at the Center of the Universe." Then there is "Seahorse Serenade," where emotional, Vangelis-like acoustic guitar plucks meet the dreamy softness of an electric piano—an evocative journey within itself. Despite the range of styles, there’s one constant: the unique stamp of Mark Taylor’s composition.
Subway to Saturn is a 20-track personal tribute to the music of Vangelis, inspired by his death in May 2022. This album is more than homage; it is a sonic exploration of musical eclectics, marrying neo-classical solo piano, vintage melodic electronica, and ambient classical arrangements. Each track is meticulously crafted, composed, performed, recorded, and mixed by Mark in his private studio in Birmingham, UK. Reflecting both the unpredictability of Vangelis and the quirky inventiveness of Chameleon Music, Subway to Saturn stands out as a richly melodic and eclectic work.
Chameleon Music has its own semantics of composition, a set of rules born from breaking the boundaries of styles and genres, creating order out of chaos. Combining these diverse compositional styles and the unique orchestration rules of each instrument could suggest a chaotic result, but Chameleon Music transcends convention to create beauty.
The exotic oriental start of "City of Illusions" is a prime example, blending Middle Eastern melodic lines with Western harmonies. The track shifts seamlessly from an electronic music pulse to ambient textures and back again, showcasing Mark’s mastery of crafting new soundscapes through the fusion of different styles. Another highlight is the quirky "Tanzen in der Kathedrale," featuring the majestic organ of Niguliste Church in Tallinn, a centerpiece that adds gravitas to the album’s sound.
Every track in Subway to Saturn is guided by its strong melodic focus, a hallmark of both Mark Taylor’s work and the music of Vangelis.
This album is a journey across diverse and sometimes opposing musical styles, stitched together with emotional precision. From neo-classical elegance to ambient experimentalism, Mark Taylor navigates this journey with grace, giving listeners a sonic adventure that’s full of smooth transitions and is as joyful as it is profound. Subway to Saturn is a fitting tribute to the genius of Vangelis and a celebration of Mark Taylor’s own boundless creativity.
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