On their third album, Acoustic Ocean offer up eleven
predominantly instrumental tunes that cement their well-deserved status as one
of the preeminent duos recording and performing in the New Age genre today.
Bette Phelan and Peggy Morgan combine their backgrounds as folk
singer-songwriters with Celtic influences and the inspiration of their home
base of Hawaii, resulting in a unique fusion of world music that could best be
described as mystic rustic tropical.
The two are practically a whole self-conducted orchestra unto
themselves, with Morgan playing Celtic harp, rhythm guitar, piano, and Tibetan
singing bowls and Phelan playing acoustic and electric guitars, fretless bass, pennywhistles,
mandolin, wave drum, hammered dulcimer, chimes, and keyboards (synthesizing
Uilleann pipes and clarinet). The two also contribute their earnest, heartfelt
vocals to some of the songs. They are joined as well by Anne Berliner on flute
and Kay Aldrich on cello.
This is another excellent, engaging release by Acoustic Ocean, with
a full, rich sound that soothes the soul and puts the mind at ease.
--Raj
Manoharan
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