Customer Reviews

Angels of Venice

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a good CD if you enjoy Loreena McKennit type sounds, or exotic renaissance-like music. I first found Angels on a limited relase CD, and it was breathtaking music. They have included 3 of those tracks on this relase, and unfortunately, they are the 3 best. But, I do recommend this music to those who enjoy Loreena McKennitt, Enya, Blackmore's Night, or other exotic or renaissance inspired music.

"Angels of Venice" is an incredibly exotic musical journey! There are three cuts from their previous (and beautiful) "Awake Inside a Dream", as well as some new cuts and some pulled from Windham Hill compilations. Carol Tatum has a charming and respectful way with a melody, whether it's a brilliant one that she's written, or one that she's arranged. And that's probably what separates AOV from the glut of "new age" harp-based music on the market- respect- both for the music AND the listener. Listen to the AOV contribution of "O Holy Night" on the otherwise horrendous "Winter Solstice on Ice" cd collection- this is the work of a musician who respects music. This cd has some powerful moments with great percussion and energy, and some gentle moments that inspire awe and splendor.

Founded by Carol Tatum, a well-known composer/musician, Angels of Venice is a group with an eclectic spread of sounds and styles. The other members of the group include (but are not limited to) Christopher Pellani - percussion, Peggy Baldwin - cello, and Laura Halliday - flute. All of these were established musicians well before the founding of the group and bring their skills to bear with rewarding results. Ostensibly 'new age' in approach, the wander the spectrum from Medieval and Indian settings to Cat Stevens and the Beatles.

This album is something of a composite of previous work done for Windham Hill on signing on to that label. With everything from 'borrowed' work like Cat Steven's Sad Lisa to quirky cross-fertilizations of Celtic and Middle Eastern (A Chantar Mer) the professionalism and creativity are compelling and interesting.

This doesn't prevent the album from seeming a bit overproduced and a tad monotonous. Tempos tend to be idyllic and restful, and the settings textural rather than melodic. All this is find, but can wear thin on repeated listening. Unless you are a bit of a new age, meditation music fan, and then the hypnotic effect is just fine. Even at worst, there is nothing to dislike in this album, which carries out its purpose admirably.

If you like the blend of Celtic & Medieval music combined with Middle Eastern sounds, such as Loreena McKennitt's 'Marco Polo', then I highly recommend this CD to you. 'The Queen of the Sun' & 'A Chartar Mer' are my particular favourites.

Led by founding member Carol Tatum, Angels Of Venice was born in '91 and have thus created some of the most enchanting music imaginable! I don't listen to a lot of world or new age music anymore for my tastes have been gravitating more and more into Gothic territories lately but the melodies featured here are beyond that of grace--they are simply too beautiful for any known words. The lush soundscapes embrace and dance around the senses, either lifting your spirits with that of elation or causing you to sit back and weep at the emotional charge coursing through your body for little makes one feel as profoundly as music does (hence the reason for sound scores in movies).

Angels Of Venice are driven by the harp, flute, cello, percussion, and several other exotic instruments in their gorgeous compositions, exploring many different styles by combining that of medieval, Celtic, neoclassical, middle eastern and even Japanese influences, sending the voyageur on an aural adventure, out of mind, but not to be forgotten.

I've been following the Angels of Venice since I first heard their version of Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters" (which as a die-hard classical AND metal fan, I was deeply impressed with).

The harp music is ethereal, and the songs have a great "meditative" feel, which allows for a deeper relaxation.

Their soulful rhythms and fluent harmonies make this (and their other discs) worth picking up.

the music is both familiar and exotic. each listen goes a little deeper into the texture. at first, one short song's inclusion puzzled me, but now i see a fit. there's a theme here: something wild, intangible, loved.

First learned about the Angels of Venice from a single track on a John Tesh CD. Tried then to find a full CD but couldn't. When this one was published I purchased it and was not disappointed. It is a unique blend of light jazz and new age. All the tracks are good but there are several that are outstanding. Very unique style. Highly recommend it.

This CD has been a staple in my collection since I purchased it 5 or 6 years ago. It is melodic, powerful, moody, beautiful, enticing...most every emotion. I highly recommend it to anyone willing to let music have its way with them. This CD still takes my breath away every time I listen to it. I'd give it 10 stars if I could. I can't say that about any other CD in my varied collection.

This CD is a nice tempo...relaxing without putting you to sleep. Great background music. I will be listening to it often.