Latest CD releases reviewed

JAN JELINEK
Kosmischer Pitch Scape ***

It would come as no surprise if it were the case that Jan Jelinek recorded the bulk of his new album in those small hours when the world at large is at ease. A prolific and diverse producer best known for his Loop Finding Jazz series, the Berliner's latest work attempts to harvest ambient soundscapes by any minimalist means necessary. While there are obvious tips of the top hat to such maestros as Ennio Morricone and LaMonte Young, there's enough of a clatter of the new to a track such as Universal Band Silhouette - wherein simple melodies shadow-box with a throbbing, thrilling infectious bassline - to highlight Jelinek's own unique talents. Throughout, Jelinek is at his best when he keeps to a simple, well-worn pattern, and tracks such as Lemminge und Lurchen Inc and Planeten in Halbtrauer show off his command of hushed awe. www.scape-music.de  Jim Carroll