A Rainbow in Curved Air
A Rainbow in Curved Air is the third album by American composer Terry Riley, released in 1969 on CBS Records. The title track consists of Riley's overdubbed improvisations on several keyboard and percussion instruments, including electric organ, electric harpsichord, dumbec, and tambourine. The B-side "Poppy Nogood and the Phantom Band" is a saxophone-based drone piece featuring tape loops and edits, drawing on Riley's all-night improvisatory performances in the 1960s.
| A Rainbow in Curved Air | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1969 | |||
| Recorded | 1968 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 40:17 | |||
| Label | CBS Records | |||
| Producer | David Behrman | |||
| Terry Riley chronology | ||||
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| Reissue cover | ||||
1990 CD release cover, based on elements from the LP back cover. | ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic | |
| Pitchfork | 9.1/10 |
| Rolling Stone | (favourable) |
| The Village Voice | A− |
Riley's record deal with CBS was part of "Music of Our Time," a short-lived album series on American experimental music helmed by CBS employee David Behrman, who also facilitated the release of Riley's 1968 album In C; these two were the most successful LPs in the series. The album subsequently influenced a number of rock and electronic productions.