Often the best meals in life in life are those that you toss in seemingly unrelated foods for a wonderfully delicious meal. Lux Livens is the musical equivalent of that meal. It's equal parts 12th century nun, a beautifully voiced London lass and Twin Peakster David Lynch.

A true pioneer of contemporary Christian music, Hildegard von Bingen's songs are certifiably the first composed by a woman, more than 800 years ago. Von Bingen's music has inspired classical recordings by Christopher Page's Gothic Voices, Anonymous 4, and Richard Souther's new age-ish Visions album Sequentia; as well as the electro-acoustic interpretation of Ordo Virtutum by the Hildergurls.  Her writings on theology, science and history brought her great renown in her time but a renewed interest in her lyrics over the past 15 years has given her celebrity status today.

Jocelyn Montgomery grew up in London and studied the violin under Hungarian master, Suzanne Rozsa. She was in the band Miranda Sex Garden and performed with the medieval troubadour group Sinfonie who introduced her to the works of Hildegard von Bingen.  After marrying movie producer Monty Montgomery and moving to Los Angeles, she was discovered by Mammoth Records while singing on a walk through the Hollywood hills.

The always unique David Lynch is best known for his television series Twin Peaks. Recently, Lynch has been concentrating on his music. This was recorded in his studio and his musical talents are prominently featured, but it was his connection that probably lead to his production of Lux Livens. In addition to the full length film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, Lynch is known for Lost Highway, Eraserhead, and Elephant Man. 1990's Wild at Heart, which won the Best Film at the 43rd International Film Festival in Cannes, France, was produced by Monty Montgomery. 

The names of David Lynch & Hildegard von Bingen drew me to Lux Livens (Living Light)and I'm glad they did.  This is one eccentric disc.  The key to the album's uniqueness is the play between the minimalist music by Lynch and vocals of Montgomery.  Jocelyn's sultry soprano is rich in texture, giving the impression that these songs were sung in a monastery under the direction of von Bingen and carry the melody of the album.  Lynch's contribution is subtle yet undeniable.  The instruments he uses include the drone, a bomb guitar, cadence drums and then adds nature sounds, bells, glass bowls and other creative tones to compliment the lush vocals.  The produced instrumentation is reminiscent of early industrial music, though kept to a minimum.  If you've seen any of his films or television shows you will appreciate the undertones and disharmony he adds to this excellent piece of music.

Lux Livens is unusual, it's an acquired taste, but it is definitely worth the price of a meal. And just like your mom's secret ingredient dish, you'll probably surprise yourself and like it.

Sam Hagadorn 10/30/99