Description

Bernie Krause – Jungle Shoes – Vinyl Record

Jungle Shoes is an album by Bernie Krause, a notable figure in the field of bioacoustics and soundscape ecology, as well as a pioneering electronic musician. Released in the early 1980s, Jungle Shoes is an intriguing fusion of natural soundscapes and electronic music, which reflects Krause’s deep interest in both music and environmental sounds.

Bernie Krause (born 8 December 1938 in Detroit, Michigan) is an American bioacoustician. He coined the term, ‘biophony’. In a previous career as a musician, he was a member of The Weavers, and was one of the first players of the Moog Synthesizer in the 1960s. He formed Beaver & Krause with fellow synthesist Paul Beaver to make electronic music featuring the Moog and other instruments.

Before focusing on natural soundscapes, Bernie Krause was part of the music scene, contributing to various projects that blended traditional music production with innovative electronic sounds. His work with Moog synthesizers in the 1960s and 1970s placed him at the forefront of electronic music. Krause later transitioned his focus towards environmental soundscapes, capturing the ‘biophony’ of ecosystems — the collective sound of vocalizing animals.

Jungle Shoes mixes these elements of Krause’s career by incorporating natural sounds with electronic music, creating a unique auditory experience that is both musical and documentarian. This work exemplifies his concept of ‘biophony,’ where each natural sound contributes to a greater acoustic harmony, much like instruments in an orchestra.

The album typically features tracks where the sounds of animals and nature form a rhythmic and melodic foundation, overlaid or integrated with electronic music and sometimes traditional instruments. This blending creates a listening experience that is as educational as it is entertaining, pushing the boundaries of how music and environmental sounds can interact.

Jungle Shoes may not be as widely recognized as Krause’s pure field recordings or his earlier musical contributions, it holds a special place for its innovative approach to sound. For listeners interested in the intersections of nature, music, and technology, this album provides a fascinating glimpse into the possibilities of these overlaps.

For those interested in Bernie Krause’s work or the broader applications of environmental sounds in music, Jungle Shoes offers a compelling exploration of how the natural world can be woven into the fabric of human creativity.

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal

Rykodisc 1989 RAP – 1005

Track Listing
Jungle Shoes (Def Kicker Remix)
Jungle Shoes (Original Version)
Fish Wrap