Trey Gunn gained prominence while utilizing the "Stick" (electric tapped string instrument) as a means to provide the basslines amid various EFX with the '90s resurgence of progressive rock superheroes King Crimson. On his first solo effort released in 1993, Gunn, along with fellow King Crimson drummer Pat Mastelotto and drummer/percussionist Bob Muller, melds East Indian modalities with ambient dreamscapes and more. Following suit with his work with King Crimson, Gunn handles the bass patterns yet also delves into wily and somewhat steely edged lead soloing while perpetuating melodious interludes, featuring extended notes and airy voicings. Furthermore, two vocalists simply identified as Xan and Serpentine supply diva-style chants, whispery musings, and wordless vocalise. Needless to say, Gunn's modus operandi elicits mystical notions atop firm backbeats, sonorous themes, and bustling ostinato-style motifs. Essentially, this outing demonstrates his signature style methodologies and blossoming talents as a composer and soloist. Recorded in between tours with David Sylvian and Robert Fripp. -- All Music Guide.
Trey Gunn - Stick, Voice
Serpentine - Voice
Bob Muller - Tabla, Percussion, Drums
Pat Mastelloto - Drums on track 3
Xan - Additional voice on tracks 4 & 7
"Trey's solo album, One Thousand Years -- an enticing parfait of noir,atmospheric Stick leads and pulsing Stick bass, mysterious vocals, drums,and percussion loops -- provides an excellent indication of the instrument's
potential." -- Andy Ellis, Guitar Player
"One Thousand Years is an aggressively atmospheric solo album" -- Darren Ressler, Guitar for the Practicing Musician
"On One Thousand Years Gunn displays a keen sense of melody and a desire to create borderless, pan-worldly music. ... though it's mostly a quiet,introspective release, relying extensively on soft hypnotic percussion, Gunn lets loose with some steely, savage-sounding distorted Stick.
-- Max MacDonald, Impact Magazine
"The sheer dramatic imagery and silky textures hint at both a potent new composer on the progressive ethnic-rock plane and a musician who has absorbed more than his fair share of Rain Tree Crow and David Sylvian. Equally amazing is that these dense, undulating pools of experimental funk, ethno-trance and dreamy eloquence were performed on a minimalist bed of Stick, tablas/percussion and occasional voice." -- Darrel Bergstein, I.E. Magazine