As an artificial approximation of the rock band tradition, Savant began with “Indifference” – titled in honor of the initial reaction of the musicians involved. The Neo-Realist at Risk was recorded in absentia by individuals and musicians who never worked directly together in the studio. Each developed and played their parts in relation to parts that would (or would not) end up in the final mix. Techniques included double-blind collaboration, early digital PCM processing, tape manipulation, found voices and tape loops – in the case of “Heart of Stillness”, a loop that was 40 feet in length.

Credits

All compositions by Kerry Leimer
Marc Barreca, synthesizers and loops
Charles Bronson, kit drums
Kevin Hodges, kit drums
Roy Finch, voice
John Foster, voice
Alex Pettit, bass
Dennis Rea, guitars
Bob Rogen, percussion

Cover photography by Tom Collicott, Seattle, © Tom Collicott
Recorded at Tactical, Seattle
Remastered at Ironwood Studios, Seattle 1999
Music and notes © Kerry Leimer