La Bella Vista

Lanois and Samuels recorded the two sessions that comprise La Bella Vista at impromptu gatherings of friends at Lanois' house. At the first of these session, the artist was completely unaware that tape was rolling, affording an entirely spontaneous and "of the moment" document.

According to Budd, the vintage Steinway on which he extemporized was "one of the most gorgeous pianos I have ever played. I played for fifteen people, most of whom I had met that night for the first time," he recalls of the initial session at the house, a 1920's Italianate villa that lends its name to the album. The second session came shortly thereafter, again before a group of guests at Lanois' house.

Album Description
Acclaimed avante-garde pianist Harold Budd's 2003 album produced by Daniel Lanois. Shout Factory.