After learning various instruments in his formative years and studying composition at Howard University, Laraaji eventually found his musical conduit in an electronically-modified zither. Laraaji’s 1979 album Celestial Vibration (recorded as Edward Larry Gordon) places the stringed instrument at the forefront on two side-length excursions in rhythmic ambiance. The 1980 album Ambient 3: Day of Radiance, produced by Brian Eno for his ambient record series, further documented Laraaji’s zither explorations alongside Eno’s soundscaping. Laraaji continues to pursue music both in its recorded form and as a healing tool.

Comprised of Russ Waterhouse (guitar, electronics) and Lea Cho (keyboards), Queens-based noise rock duo Blues Control established themselves as an enthralling live act and, following a series of limited-edition releases on cassette and vinyl, made their official CD debut in 2007 with a self-titled album on Holy Mountain.  Blues Control doesn’t sound like any other band in history. A unique combination of keyboards, guitar and tape manipulation, the duo casts their palette wide. Invoking such different genres (sometimes simultaneously) as new age, krautrock and noise, Blues Control has found audiences on tours across the US, Canada, Europe and beyond. After releasing records on labels like Sub Pop, Holy Mountain and Woodsist, their most recent album Local Flavor was released by perennial Philadelphia favorite Siltbreeze Records.