Details: In 1978, Brian Eno put out Music for Airports, his first 'ambient' album. It was a four-part piece, composed in the studio, devoid of all but the most basic aspects of song, challenging listeners to re-imagine what music might be. Twenty years later, Bang on a Can All-Stars created their own version of the work with live musicians, all the while staying true to the source by working with Eno. It was released on record in 1998 to wide acclaim. Ten years later, Cantaloupe Music released a live version of Music for Airports as a digital-only release. To this day, the All-Stars frequently perform the classic work live. Of such a live performance, the Village Voice remarked, 'It was beautiful, and best enjoyed while lying flat on your back and staring straight up, through the palm trees and the sunroof to the deep night outside, with the neighboring, towering buildings overhead appearing to curve inward around you as breathy keyboards slowly gave way to meandering clarinet'. The Bang on a Can All-Stars, with their unparalleled musicality, their international touring, award-winning cds and far ranging commissioning programs, have become one of the most powerful ambassadors for contemporary music in the world. For all their efforts, Musical America recognized the All-Stars in 2004 as Ensemble of the Year. 'One of the most visceral performing groups around', the London Independent raved.
