|
CD Reviews |
|
The Ladder |
Yes |
****
|
This is a great album from
a band which has consistently pushed the boundaries of music. The recording is outstanding. |
|
Page of Life |
Jon and Vangelis |
****
|
For some unknown reason, this
disc was never released in the US, but I am glad that it finally has been. I understand this
is a "remastered" version of the original which was only available as an import, if you could find it. And it is on Jon Anderson's
OMTown label. Jon and Vangelis had 3 nice previous collaborations, "Short Stories", "The Friends of Mr. Cairo" and "Private
Collection". This was their 4th and is one of their best. |
|
Keys to Ascension Volume 2 |
Yes |
****
|
More live versions of classics, a few surprises and a complete disc of new material. The live version are good with
the same observations as on Volume 1. The new material sounds very good and after only one listen, it certainly peaked my curiosity.
Unfortunately, this may be the last Yes we hear with Rick Wakeman on keyboards, but then you never know with Yes. |
|
Keys to Ascension Volume 1 |
Yes |
***
|
Live versions of Yes classics
recorded last year in San Luis Obispo, plus 2 new studio cuts.
The live versions are fine performances by what I believe is Yes' greatest lineup, cleanly played and recorded on state-of-the-art
equipment. Perhaps just a bit too clean. Of the new pieces, only "That, That Is" picks up where Yes left off "ten true summers"
ago. |
|
This Can't Be Life |
Wild Colonials |
****
|
Even I was surprised by how
much I like this album. The music is difficult to describe with elements of rock, jazz and world music, with powerful,
yet sensitive vocals by Angela McCluskey and a lot of electric violin in middle eastern modes. Their previous CD called "Fruit
of Life" has more of a country feel. |
|
Fingerdance |
Billy McLaughlin |
****
|
I saw Billy McLaughlin play
a song on a TV show and I immediately knew I wanted to hear more. He plays the acoustic guitar using a finger-style technique,
which means he uses both hands on the fingerboard (neck) of the guitar allowing him to play parts that normally could
not be produced on a guitar. His songs are very emotional and beautiful. Recorded in 20-bit digital sound. |
|
Previous Reviews |
|
Pianissimo II |
Suzanne Ciani |
****
|
Very enjoyable performance
of Ciani's best compositions on a state-of-the-art Yamaha Grand Piano recorded in state-of-the-art 24-bit digital sound
(Skywalker Studios). If that weren't enough, the CD is multimedia enhanced with pictures, biography, discography, video and
music manuscript. |
|
Angels Embrace |
Jon Anderson |
***
|
Jon's first real New Age album is very interesting.
Although the songs tend to be mostly textural, there's enough variation to hold your interest. Relaxing, but not boring. |
|
Metaphor |
Patrick O'Hearn |
***
|
More pondering, brooding music
from Patrick. I'm getting concerned that his music is becoming too depressing or is it perhaps just too laid back for me these
days? Perhaps more listening will reveal the answer. |
|
Toltec |
Jon Anderson |
****
|
A blend of modern and world
music with a message. A musical documentary. |
|
The Memory of Trees |
Enya |
****
|
This is a "guilty pleasure"
for me, but I like the sound of Enya's music and layered vocals |
|
Voices |
Vangelis |
***
|
An interesting collection
of music which blends orchestral, world, and electronic sounds as only Vangelis can. Some pieces tend to be too repetitive,
though. The more I listen to this CD, the more I like it. |
