Akrude: Predetermined by Hindsight
(2002) ASH 42101
Even though Jeph Jerman and Jeff Sampson started creating together in the early ’80s, this is their first official release together. Using primarily acoustic sound sources, they’ve fashioned two lengthy pieces designed outside normal song structures while simultaneously sounding familiar and comfortable.
Textural. Abstract. Experimental. Music for listening.
stream and multi-format download through Bandcamp
Jeff Sampson: An Enemy Within Without an Enemy
(2016) ASH 46003
A collection of songs created between May 2012 and February 2016.
Revisitation Rites (4:33)
Negotiated (2:59)
Twenty for 24 Hours (19:22)
Spirits in the Dry Land (11:40)
The Displaced Persons Act (10:33)
Hounded (3:01)
We Did Not Know What to Make of Him (4:08)
voices, vocal effects, synthesizers, samples
voice is the only instrument used on 1, 2, 4, 5, 7
“Negotiated” created for the Disquiet Junto challenge #19
“Hounded” created for the Disquiet Junto challenge #23
“We Did Not Know What to Make of Him” originally appeared on the Ghost Box Radio Volume 1 compilation
stream and multi-format download through Bandcamp
Jeff Sampson: Trial by Inclination
(2012) ASH 42002
43 minutes of instrumental music exploring the challenge of intent.
“It reminds me of old school ambient in Eno style, melodic and carefully crafted – discreet but catchy at the same time.
– the ghost between the strings
stream and multi-format download through Bandcamp
Jeff Sampson and Collision Sect: Lifecycled
(2011) ASH 41002
A sound story for the cycle of life.
Alien?
Dinosaur?
Human?
Planetary?
Album download includes bonus track and artwork for a custom paper sleeve
In the Beginning (6:38)
The Essence of Mortality (8:55)
Between Heaven and Hell (7:00)
Nerve Runners (8:01)
The Walking Sleep (9:04)
Last One Out… (3:25)
Jeff Sampson: synthesizers
Collision Sect: sampler; synthesizer
stream and multi-format download through Bandcamp
Jeff Sampson and Kecap Tuyul: Nocturnes
(2014) ASH 44009
Nocturnes – music of the night, be it the chronological time between sundown and dawn or the psychological machinations of a working mind. The night music on this album was realized through the long distance work of Kecap Tuyul (France) and Jeff Sampson (USA). Despite being the products of different cultures, the two artists have an affinity for sound and emotion. There’s a cohesion in these pieces that speaks of two minds acting as one.
Jeff Sampson: pre and post-operative voices
Kecap Tuyul: prepared guitar; bass; field recordings
Shravaka in Babel (6:25)
Repercussion (9:41)
Sailing with Ghosts (3:17)
In the Curse Lies the Blessing (33:21)
stream and multi-format download through Bandcamp
Kepheus: Dark Matters
With deep sonic roots in dark ambient, ritual and the macabre, this is music that’s accessible, dark, melodic, and edgy. For those who appreciate dark atmospheres, meditative introspections, fantastical eargasms, deep space soundscapes, and organic industrial rhythms.
Jeff Sampson: voices, synthesizers, software
Byron Paladin: synthesizers, software
* Gene Williams: additional synthesizer
+ Tatiana Brainerd: additional voice
Catechasmic * (1:38)
Welcome – Help Me *+ (5:49)
Mannequin’s Ball (5:05)
Moaners and Screamers (8:26)
Leave Space for the Ghosts *+ (7:02)
Angelheart (5:52)
Shapeshifter *+ (8:08)
Benediction *+ (7:21)
Ascension (5:53)
stream and multi-format download through Bandcamp
Kuunganisha: The Night Drawn Around Him
(2011) ASH 41003
He thought he would have grown accustomed to walking alone at night. Maybe the repetition – the sameness – the unremarkable consistency was starting to wear thin. The voices he normally heard sounded ominous this time, as if they were warning instead of merely being unwelcome company. The breeze had an edge that partnered with the voices. It wasn’t a chill breeze, but it was chilling.
He wondered aloud at the seeming turn of events – not understanding the feelings of claustrophobia and concern. Guessing at the reasons behind these unwelcome feelings only increased his worry – turning it into recognizable despair. He called out softly, hoping someone – somewhere – would reach through the fog surrounding his thoughts and pull him into a place more comfortable.
The Night Drawn Around Him (31:45)
Garry Quintana: udu drums
Jeff Sampson: the other stuff
stream and multi-format download through Bandcamp
Often Coiled: Often Coiled
(2018) ASH 48002
Progressive garage rock.
Mandy Christensen (drums; electric guitar)
Matt Gehrung (bass guitar; electric guitar; synth)
Jeff Sampson (vocals; keyboards)
The Silly Comes (04:01)
Spectre (06:31)
Painting the Sidewalk (08:36)
The Smell in the Wall (will not go away) (05:08)
stream and multi-format download through Bandcamp
Sampson – Carroll: The Ko of Dust
(2016) ASH 46001
Shadow Gods (3:30)
Eiboda (0:48)
Grey Walker (2:55)
Arcane Thaumaturgy (6:29)
Eibda (0:47)
Sean Carroll: synthesizer
Jeff Sampson: voice; keyboard; field recording; recording and mixing
b goodhue: cover art
stream and multi-format download through Bandcamp
Sampson – Carroll: Bijou Theater 06-07-02
Sean and Jeff started working together in 2001. For the first five years they played quite often for a public audience. (They live 2000 miles apart now – playing live together has proved to be a bit difficult.) The show presented here was their second appearance in Worcester’s Bijou Theater. Originally recorded direct to 2-track cassette with a stereo mic, the files have been digitally resurrected.
Chasm of Faith (12:39)
Moon Over Pi (10:39)
Mandala for Chaos (11:58)
Jeff Sampson: voice
Sean Carroll: guitar; guitar-synth
stream and multi-format download through Bandcamp
Sampson – Carroll: Letting Go
An album of haunting melodies and soundscapes based on the reactions to, and lessons learned from, dealing with the loss of a loved one. Carroll’s guitar-driven instrumental beds lay exquisite frameworks of melancholy; Sampson’s voice cries from the depths of heartache. The perfect soundtrack for those times of unmitigated sadness. Ambient blues.
Sean Carroll: electric guitar; synthesizer; keyboard
Jeff Sampson: voice; keyboard; synthesizer
Among the Infirm (3:01)
Dead at 35 (8:43)
Adrift (4:49)
The Forever Fence (12:31)
stream and multi-format download through Bandcamp
Sampson – Carroll (Embracing the Glass): From Dust to Dusk
These are six live moments from Sampson-Carroll, recorded at an art gallery opening, a pre-show for dinner theater guests, a coffee house, and silent movie accompaniment. After hearing “From Dust to Dusk”, Bill Binkelman (Wind and Wire) stated, “When you listen to this and recall that this is a live album, you’ll probably be as mystified as I am”.
Jeff Sampson: voice
Sean Carroll: guitar; guitar-synth
Moon Over Pi (10:39)
Enchanted (9:45)
Man Is Sand (11:39)
Sombre (10:53)
Invocation (9:33)
Eastern Front (8:17)
stream and multi-format download through Bandcamp
Sampson – Carroll (Embracing the Glass): Mandala for Chaos
Recorded live in Tremolo Lounge, these five tracks exemplify the duo’s coming to grips with the raw energy of their early days. The creative combustibility of their ideas was barely held in check as they worked to limit the excursions to one direction per piece. More than a mere historical statement, these musics stand out as polished improvisations and brash announcements of what would continue to be inquisitive sound exploration.
Jeff Sampson: voice
Sean Carroll: guitar; guitar-synth; effects
Around (9:35)
Chasm of Faith (12:07)
Great Lakes Chain Gang (6:43)
After Dark (15:37)
Mandala for Chaos (11:50)
stream and multi-format download through Bandcamp