Mild Landing by Omlo Vent (Jon Seagroatt & Ian Staples)

Omlo Vent was an alias that Ian Staples and I used during 1990s.
‘Mild Landing’ was the outcome of studio experiments using unstably sync’ed drum machines and a slew of aging keyboards that had frequently unpredictable output characteristics. The resulting improvisations were recorded to 8 track reel to reel tape or 2-track DAT.
The music was in part an extension of a long-standing interest we had in the sonic experiments of early albums by the Art Ensemble of Chicago. These influences were manifested in the eruptions of dark humour, the collapsing rhythms and the deceptively hesitant, but oddly affecting melodic lines that characterise the sound of ‘Mild Landing’. We were also keen to experiment with improv as a method of instant composition / subliminal structuring within the genre of electronica.

The album itself was commissioned by our then label, Chillum, who, on receipt of the master tape for the second B So glObal album, suggested that we should go back into the studio and experiment without limitations or preconceptions as to outcome.

Omlo Vent sometimes made guerrilla live appearances at unsuspecting venues, much to the consternation and bafflement of audiences, but mostly the project was confined to studio downtime.

Jon is a current or former member of Comus, Current 93, Red Square & B So glObal and has toured and performed in Britain, Europe and the Far East.
He play variously soprano & tenor saxes, bass clarinet, flute, bass, keyboards, percussion and electronics.
Ian Staples is a former member of B So glObal and Red Square. He plays guitars, bass and electronics.

jonseagroatt.com