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A Chronology of Paul Ramey and MASQUE
1987-1991
Paul
forms legendary goth band Shroud of Doubt, along with
Martin Raymer and Mark Hoover. Shroud of Doubt's influential
album, Decompositions, released 1991.
1992
Paul becomes lead singer for southern alt/rock band The Gilbeys.
The time spent with The Gilbeys spawned a few notable
songs that would appear years later, including future MASQUE
favorite, One of Many.
1993
Paul forms Candle. First Album, self-titled, released
same year.
1995
Candle records and releases Up Into Backwards.
This became somewhat of a forgotten album, as it was quickly followed
by other albums that same year.
1995
Candle records and releases Parliament of Rooks.
In early 1995 Paul moved into a farmhouse in Winchester, KY. Parliament
of Rooks was the first product of this time of experimentation,
reflection and solitude.
1995
Candle records and releases its ambient magnum opus, Dismal
Hollow. With no pause after Parliament of Rooks,
Paul immediately set his sights on a more complex batch of work. Dismal
Hollow shook souls, haunted hearts and captured a new mass of
hardcore fans.
1995
Candle records and releases the single Bitter Tea.
Unusual in its use of sequencer keyboard technology, Bitter Tea
was a departure from the raw recording techniques of Candle's
previous works. Yet it proved immensely popular, and would begin the cascade
of sonic flavors that would ultimately lead to the Slowtime
soundtrack two years later.
1996
Candle records and releases Dismal Hollow's
anti-opus, Finger On the Pulse of Passion. Though containing
some essence of Candle's past dark ambience, Pulse
of Passion was a decided departure from previous works. For the
first time, Candle incorporated techno and dance rhythms,
and intentionally took a more optimistic tone.
1996
Leaving Candle behind, Paul Ramey records
and releases Binge. Paul still claims this as one of
his top two or three favorite projects. Holding the course set by Pulse
of Passion, Binge represents a collection of
finely crafted songs.
1997
Candle records and releases the provocative Slowtime
Non-Motion Picture Soundtrack. It was to be Candle's
swansong, but what a swansong! A stunning sonic soundscape, Slowtime
offered a unique look into Paul's instrumental insights.
1999
Paul
Ramey records and releases the instrumental
Winterland CD (originally titled From Winterland
With Love). With subtle nods to Maurice Jarre as well as Charles
Schultz, Winterland captured a tranquil winter setting.
Originally recorded as a gift to relatives and friends, Winterland
went on to become a "lost" fan favorite, and an instant collectible.
1999
Paul Ramey teams with Carneal to release the
Ô album. A strange amalgam of the two performers'
journeys at that point, they failed to actually duet on any of the music
on this recording. Creating side by side, but never together, Ô
represents a meeting of creative minds and spirits. Paul would eventually
take his songs from this compilation and re-release the work in 2005 as
the highly collectible, fan club-only CD, Echoes in Time.
2001
Paul forms MASQUE, and releases the endurium
CD, featured on this website.
2004
MASQUE endurium song One Green Rose appears
in independent film Delirium, which is featured on VH1,
as well as at various independent film festivals. The instrumental montage
at the beginning of One Green Rose is also featured in the independent
film version of Hamlet, in which Paul also starred.
2006
MASQUE releases The Little Fears of Wolvington Abbey,
featured on this website.
2007
MASQUE releases STRANGEHAVEN, for sale
on this website. This album is a stripped down collection of "live-in-studio"
recordings of some of Paul's most beautiful "folk" songs. Recorded
specifically for fans who have enjoyed Paul's rare public performances,
STRANGEHAVEN is a tranquil snapshot of Paul's romantic
lyrical style and minimalist guitar playing.
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