Customer Reviews

Awake Inside A Dream

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

 

 

I love the Angels of Venice, but this is not one of my favorite recordings by them. The music on this CD feels a little uneven; the lyrical beauty of pieces such as "China Moon" seem almost too melodic compared to more vocally twisting pieces like the rather eerie lullaby, "Nana." But eerie is very much the feeling that Carol Tatum seems to be focusing on: the sharp steely vocals on "Nana" seem to be the rule rather than the exception -- "Three Nightingales," and "Awake Inside a Dream" carry hallmark haunting voice and speech renditions.

"China Moon," "Lionheart," and "Chanter Mer" (also a vocal piece) are definitely the shining gems on this CD. The other pieces are all rather similar sounding, but still interesting, and worth a listen.

With all due respect to the previous reviewer, the music on "Awake..." isn't anywhere CLOSE to "new age" music- not even a distant eighth cousin. I'm not sure what was meant by the "sound" effects being "shonky" but, to MY ears, the effects subtly enhance the many varying moods of the music on this recording. Head Angel Carol Tatum (who also happens to be one of the best arrangers around) keeps the music from "wilting" VERY effectively- it's more of a slow, sweet simmer. The harp, flute, and cello staple of the Angel's sound is enhanced, but not overwhelmed, by percussion, voice, and spare sounding synths. It's a musically brave excursion, one that reveals it's wonders with repeated listens.

This is quite a beautiful album, adding vaguely mediteranean and world music touches to medieval(ish) music. Think "Dead Can Dance" with less bombast and without the guy's braying vocals.

The results are often quite sublime. And don't get me wrong, this is a wonderful record. The only things I don't like are:

a) the band's fondness for shonky sound effects (rain, wolves, etc) which makes this record a cousin to those dreadful "sounds of nature" CDs one can buy in bookshops and supermarkets (ie tinkly piano plus whales)

b) Some of the tracks tend to well, **wilt** after awhile. I suppose this problem is inherent in "atmospheric" music. There is a tendency for the whole thing to drift aimlessly and then stop suddenly. Occasionally the vocals sound bored. One almost feels the need for a film to give some direction to the whole thing.

Neither "defect" (and in referring to them as "defects" I am merely stating my personal opinion) detract from a terrific record. If you don't mind occasionally coming up against the tackier sides of new age music, then this record is well worth buying.

"Exotic" and "Poetic" are actually the two sections into which this CD is divided, and the wonderful arrangements therein for harp, flute and cello are just that. The "exotic" numbers are exciting and mysterious, while the poetic selections are simply lovely. The rich sound of these three instruments is wonderfully suited to such divergent styles, lending beauty and grace to all. Featured on this album are the original Angels: Carol Tatum on harp, Suzanne Teng on flute, and Peggy Baldwin on cello, with a host of guest artists rounding out the sound, including Greg Ellis on percussion and Azam Ali on vocals. Two of the "exotic" numbers and one from the "poetic" section were re-recorded for the group's Windam Hill debut, but the rest of the material is unique to this release. The duplicate pieces are some of the Angels' best, though, so they're certainly worth hearing again! The Angels first, mellower release is called "Music for Flute, Harp and Cello". Flutist Suzanne Teng went on to release a CD of her own, "Mystic Journey", and Carol Tatum recently put out her own album, "Music for Harp". All are dreamy, lyrical and nothing short of intoxicating. Those who enjoy the Angels' innovative work might also appreciate that of Nana Simopolous in her releases "Daughters of the Sun" and "After the Moon".

Carol has performed in our area several times. I acquired three of her CD's and I just love them. You need to be in certain pensive mood to fully appreciate this wonderful music. Otherwise, just listen to pop, rock or country. Her music is magical, simple yet profound, relaxing yet compelling and inspiring. I would highly recommend any of her albums. Her latest - just her on harp with her keyboards added later - is delightful.

I've had this album ( and Music For Harp ) for a while, and while it's not in my daily playlist, I'm mesmerized when I take the time to listen to it. Today I'm listening to it in some nice headphones and I'm hearing soft whispers of sound I'd totally missed on previous listens. I'm left with an urge to write some beautiful fantasy.

A very good album. I highly recommend this for anyone who likes exotic instrumental music. It has me listening for hours.