The duo behind Celer was the married couple, Danielle Baquet-Long and Will Long.  Their story is deeply inspiring, but unfortunately tragic. They composed and released their music together under the moniker of Celer.  Unfortunately, Danielle passed away in July of 2009 leaving Will a widow and a large amount of unreleased music.  Though this was an end to a prodigiously productive musical partnership, Will continues to release their (and his) music.  Thanks for continuing to share your talents, Will. (For more on Celer: http://www.homenormal.com/artists/celer)

Deeply passionate and intimate, Celer's music frequently features disparate electronic and acoustic textures and timbres to explore the way opposing sounds interact with one another.  Celer exploits the results of pairing two distinct oscillating wave forms with one another, also known as hetereodyning; the results produce an almost hypnotizing effect on the listener.  It can be surreal, unsettling, and calming.  The way clinks and clanks interact with hums and drones and buzzes is very refreshing.  To add to their mastery, Celer maintains rhythmic intelligibility in their music - so it feels songlike.  This concept is far too often neglected in the ambient music genre, and it’s one reason many people struggle with this type of music. 

Rhythm is, in my opinion, the most important component of musical composition – fast or slow, it does not matter – rhythm is the main mechanism by which the message is delivered to the audience.  Sure, sound type/quality and intonation (playing the right notes, in the right tuning) further refine and develop the message, but if the rhythm is skewed or nonexistent, the message will be distorted and misunderstood - regardless of intonation or sound quality.  Just imagine – a melody is played in tune, but without rhythm, the message is likely unintelligible.  But – a melody is played out of tune, but with the correct rhythm, the message is likely intelligible.  It’s an incredibly important concept for any musician to consider (especially ambient musicians), on my view.  Take language, for example, in the following two ways:

1: if, I, use, incoherent. pUnctuatIOn and capitalization and formatting [this is nearly the same equivalence as using correct rhythm] , You!     maynotreally;                                              Understand what it – is that I,m “trying” to say, right. aT The: Very

 least. It WILL!! Be Hard To understand…my MEANING>

 
2: However, if I use correct punctuation, capitalization, and formatting, but only mispel/misuse the wordz [this is nearly the same equivalence as playing the right notes in the right tuning], you wil sstil get my mesage amlost entirly as itnended.  [See?]

When Ray LaMontagne released God Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise, I was hoping for a good old-fashioned album from an American songwriter that would find itself stuck in the constant rotation of my CD player.  I received just that.  This album is thoughtful, decidedly American, and honestly straight forward.  No, it's not a concept album from a deeply abstract musical genius - if you're looking for that in Ray LaMontagne's music, you're missing the point.  He doesn't bother to try reinventing the wheel (or his genre), and because of that, I seriously appreciate his craftsmanship in this music.  The lyrics speak on poverty and hardship in a unique way that earns your attention, but it remains accessible.  Not only did this album grab my attention, I think it did very well to avoid the tired cliche many have come to expect from traditional songwriters. 

Regardless of your opinion of the fellow's music, I think this album deserves a thorough listening from start to finish....it's well worth your hour.  My favorite songs on the album are: the title track - God Willin and the Creek Don't Rise, Old Before Your Time, Like Rock N' Roll and Radio. 

You can listen/buy the album here: RayLaMontagne.com