Crash Ensemble share their new album ‘Blue Haze of Deep Time’, composed by Jonathan Nangle, and performed by the ensemble. The album is now available in both CD and digital formats via Crash Records, and coincides with the world premiere performance and installation at New Music Dublin 2025 this weekend.
Blue Haze of Deep Time (2021–2025) marks the culmination of Nangle’s residency with Crash Ensemble, following a collaboration for Crash Ensemble’s 10th Anniversary in 2007, the release of his debut album PAUSE (2017, via Ergodos) performed by Crash, and a commission as part of the [REACTIONS] series. This is Nangle’s first commission for the full ensemble.
Jonathan Nangle draws inspiration from his field recordings of the sea, made during walks near his home in Dublin. These sounds form the foundation of the piece, marking the start of a musical journey. Much like Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, each movement represents a distinct moment in time, inviting the listener to experience the colours, rhythms, and textures of the sea. The titles of the movements—Bláth Bán, Blue Haze of Deep Time, Iridescent Oceans of Gold and White Granite, Inbhear Glas, Marginal Sea and Where Grey Waves Rise and Fall Unseen—reflect Nangle’s personal connection to the locations and emotions evoked by these sounds.
The world premiere of Blue Haze of Deep Time will be presented as a promenade-style concert at New Music Dublin. The audience will move through various spaces at the National Concert Hall, experiencing the piece in an immersive environment as each movement is performed live by Crash Ensemble.
Additionally, an installation showcasing the work will be featured in the foyer of the National Concert Hall throughout New Music Dublin, offering a unique opportunity to experience the piece in an entirely new way.
Speaking about this release, Jonathan says: “What does the sea sound like? Blue Haze of Deep Time is a profound and immersive musical exploration, a sequence of journeys that seeks to answer this question, at least from my perspective. The piece consists of six movements, each designed to capture the sound and colour of the sea, evoking a journey through my creative imagination. The inspiration for the work came from several field recording trips, which provided unique snapshots of specific times and places that are forever etched in my memory. As I listen to the recordings, I can vividly recall where and when I captured the sounds of the various seashores. Through this piece, I hope to convey the same sense of calm that these moments brought me.”
Bandcamp: https://crashensemble.bandcamp.com/album/blue-haze-of-deep-time
Stream: https://lnk.fuga.com/bluehaze