Alpine Spirit (A Magical Blend Of Music And The Sounds Of Nature) - Various Artists

Advantages: Very relaxing
Disadvantages: None

...Expanse of Colour is another CD in the "ambient sounds of nature" series. There seems to be a minor error in the Ciao catalogue. It lists the artistes involved in the "ambient sounds of nature" series as being "various artists." The credits on the CDs in my collection show that the composer and performer on the CDs is Levantis. The tracks on this CD are: Past, The Womb of Mother Earth, Expanse of Colour (the title track of this CD) Density of Life, Preservation and Future. As with the other CDs in the series, Levantis takes some sounds from nature (ambient sounds) such as singing birds, crickets, and blends them into a perfect with some rather gorgeous and lush music. Unlike some of the so-called relaxing CDs that are on the market which rely on rather weedy electro-pap music created on ill-tuned synthesisers, the music of Levantis... Read review

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Advantages: Original fusion of Cuban, Brazillian and rock idioms
Disadvantages: May not appeal to those used to a more commercial sound

...In this his most spiritual album, the Saints that Paul Simon evokes are, like the music itself on this innovative album, an eclectic blend of Old World Catholic and New World Animist. Cuban influences on Spirit Voices merge with the Brazillian sounds of The Coast and Proof in a heady blend of Latin inspired fusion that is as original as it is catchy. While retaining his own unmistakeable sound throughout, Simon continues his interest in world music (birthed on Graceland) by pushing the boat out further into uncharted waters. Recorded in Rio and New York City, Simon draws together a quality international team to create a work of art of considerable power. I found myself being carried along on a meandering river (a motif that appears throughout the album's 10 songs) through an album that contains hidden depths and surprising turns... Read review

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Advantages: gentle, inspiring music
Disadvantages: none

...of the situation. All I will say on the matter is that someone with such a prestigious name, educational background and musical heritage was almost destined to make an album such as this. So what is this album all about, you may have guessed by now that it’s not going to be as straight forward as most things in your collection. The brief is quite simple, having discussed with friends the concept of the natural world and specifically trees giving off energy and sound to those with the patience and ability to be sensitive to it, Paul set about trying to write in musical form what various trees “suggested” to him when in their presence. Whether you take this as being merely inspiration or something more cerebral or even spiritual is down to the individual, but what he has ended up with here is a collection of musical pieces inspired... Read review

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