by Jim BrenholtsIn 1987, Steve Roach conceptualized an album of ambient music based on the deserts of the American Southwest. He and project producer Chuck Oken recruited two more of California's top synthesists, Kevin Braheny and Richard Burmer. Together they created Western Spaces. This is where desert ambience began. Over the years, Roach has perfected the style and has become its leading progenitor. And this CD has influenced a decade of synthesists. This trio, working individually and collectively, created the prototype. Even after some alterations, this is still the CD that defines the roots of the style. This CD was reissued later in 1987 on Fortuna with Thom Brennan and new tracks replacing Burmer and his tracks.