Symbiosis (12)

Relaxation music group based in the United Kingdom. Formed in 1987.

Creating sounds that are either calming and refreshing or thought-provoking and atmospheric, British-based group Symbiosis present a unique fusion of ambient soundscapes combined with natural instruments such as flutes, guitar, woodwind and gentle percussion. The group began by writing instrumental music and theme tunes for BBC radio and TV programmes and went on to establish their own range of highly successful relaxation music albums in the UK – which are now sold globally through iTunes. Their best-known albums are Touching the Clouds (acclaimed for its proven therapeutic use) and Amber and Jade, which both create a continuous flow of music suitable for massage, meditation and holistic therapies.

Core members of the group are flautist John Hackett (renowned in his own right for his UK solo albums and worldwide for his recordings and live performances with brother Steve Hackett); jazz and folk-influenced guitarist Richard (Rick) Bolton; and founder-member Clive Williamson, who plays keyboards and percussion and whose years of experience as a Studio Manager and Producer at the BBC have helped to give Symbiosis its unique flavour. Guest musicians include Ashley Drees (cittern, mandolin, percussion); Rupert Flindt (fretless bass); Ian Ritchie (soprano sax); actor and musician Maloviere (violin, tsimbala); Emily Sinclair (flute, voice); and Michèle Dress (percussion).

Symbiosis often include natural sounds in their compositions and in 1997, the group released their first pure sound effects album: AOTEAROA - Nature Sounds of New Zealand. These relaxing recordings from the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ feature the unique calls of birds like the Tui, Bellbird and Kaka, as well as the sounds of Pacific shores, gentle rain, distant thunder, calming bush atmospheres, hot springs and bubbling mud. The album is now one of their best sellers on CD and download and has been heard on many soundtracks including the BBC mini-series The Lost World (2001). AOTEAROA was re-released in a special Extended Edition (2017) with new sound journeys from both North and South Islands. The latest works from Symbiosis are a rhythmic global fusion drawing influences and sounds from many cultures called Dancing in Your Dreams and a compilation of pieces featuring John Hackett titled Air & Grace (2017).