Banco de Gaia

Banco de Gaia is the stage name of British musician Toby Marks, known for blending ambient-dub electronic production with extensive sampling of world music; prominent albums include Maya (1994) and Big Men Cry (1997).

Early tape releases were withdrawn because of uncleared samples; the Desert Wind EP (1993) was released on independent Planet Dog Records; Maya (1994) is cited as his first complete work; Big Men Cry (1997) features the track "Celestine" with sax solos by Dick Parry and Matt Jenkins and contains atmospheric closers such as "One Billion Miles Out" and "Starstation Earth".

Two DeBaser reviews (Maya and Big Men Cry) praise Toby Marks's Banco de Gaia for its blend of ambient-dub electronics and world-music samples. Maya (1994) is noted as his first complete work and for heavy sampling and exotic themes. Big Men Cry (1997) is highlighted for its eventful arrangements, notable saxophone solos and atmospheric closing tracks.

For:Listeners of ambient, chill-out and world-influenced electronic music; readers interested in sampling and album-oriented electronic works.