For
those whose idea of ukulele music consists of
Hawaiian hula chord playing, Andre Feriante casts
those aspersions aside with his new genre-defying
musical statement.
Trained
by the master himself, Andre Segovia, Feriante is an
accomplished and versatile classical, flamenco, and
Spanish-style guitarist, and he brings those
virtuosic sensibilities to the ukulele.
If
I didn't know this was a ukulele album, I would have
thought Feriante was playing traditional fingerstyle
acoustic guitar. This is how unexpected, surprising,
and original this album is, sounding nothing like
typical ukulele music.
Feriante
also ups the ante by performing each track with a
different ukulele featuring anywhere from three to
six strings.
If
you think you're not into ukulele music, Andre
Feriante just might change your tune.
--Raj
Manoharan
If
ever there was a CD for putting your cares aside and
letting your subconscious drift into a blissful,
dreamlike state, this is it.
This
lush, ethereal synthesizer opus is one major musical
suite divided into four title tracks distinguished by
sequential number. The result is flexibility for the
listener who may only be able to benefit from one
musical therapy session at a time or can maximize use
of the entire program.
The
tunes and tones are entrancing and hypnotic and can
be utilized as catharsis, non-intrusive background
music, or just simply pleasant listening.
If
your nerves need soothing or you just want to chill
out, Forrest Smithson is your go-to guy.
--Raj
Manoharan
The
title says it all, as the music on this CD is so soft
and penetrating it seems to emanate from your
subconscious.
As
quiet as the compositions are, they are yet dynamic
in their structure and complex in their layers,
resulting not only in an uplifting but also a
thoroughly whole sound experience.
Ann
Licater's wood and silver flutes are the primary
ingredients that make up the sonic magic evident on
this CD. Licater's musical vision is fully realized
through a host of other key elements, including
vocals by Licater and Liz Addison, electric bass by
Peter Phippen, steel tongue drum by Phippen and Jason
Introwitz, trumpet by Jeff Oster, piano by Ivar
Lunde, hand-held quartz crystal bowls by Kathleen
Farrell, Afro-Peruvian cajon percussion by David
DiLullo, and conga by Introwitz.
This
is a lush, luxurious album that provides soothing
refreshment for the soul.
--Raj
Manoharan
