Direct Object Records

bootstrap physics by Timothy Vajda is an album of instrumental music in a unique style, distinguished by the use of early and modern instruments. The viola da gamba, or bass viol, is featured and is used in combination with electric guitar, synthesizer, acoustic guitar, medieval fiddle, and percussion.

Tracks from bootstrap physics have received frequent airplay on the nationally syndicated radio program Echoes, and can currently be heard on Pandora Internet Radio.

Vajda plays all the instruments and writes all the tunes on this instrumental disc, and it is really compelling. His primary instrument is the viola da gamba, which looks like a cello, plays like a cello — but it’s a viola. Regardless of my ignorance on that topic, I can still appreciate the beauty of this music. Soothing, intriguing and different enough to make it stand out.

Toledo City Paper August 19, 2004

I'm particularly excited about this album... I was really inspired by Vajda's modern uses of the gamba, and hope that this release will inspire other gambists to stretch their musical ambitions beyond the printed score.

John Buckman, Founder and Owner - Magnatune

1. Say On 5:35
viola da gamba, medieval fiddle, synthesizer, percussion

2. Push Off Time 3:48
viola da gamba, electric guitar, medieval fiddle, synthesizer

3. Phin 5:41
electric guitar, viola da gamba

4. Carondelet 2:09
viola da gamba solo

5. A Notch Under the Good Ninety 3:30
viola da gamba, synthesizer, electric guitar

6. Halcyon Days 4:00
electric guitar, acoustic guitar, viola da gamba, percussion

7. the valley tonight 3:01
viola da gamba, electric guitar

8. October 3:48
synthesizer, viola da gamba, percussion

9. As the Crow Flies 5:15
viola da gamba

Information about the viola da gamba can be found at this site:

Viola da Gamba Society of America