Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Truly The Best!!, March 8, 2005
1. The Secret Garden [from "The Healing Spirit"] - Edited Version
2. Under the Blue Sky [from "Jewel In The Sun"]
3. Avalon [from "Avalon: A Celtic Legend"]
4. Rhythm of the Forest [from "Spirits of the Rainforest"] - Edited Version
5. Om Shanti - New Release
6. River of Creation [from "The Grand Circle"] - Edited Version
7. Voice of the Sea [from "Aquaria: A Liquid Blue Trancescape"]
8. The Hills At Sunset [from "Reflections from the Wine Country"]
9. All Is Bright - New Release
10. Canyon Dreams [from "Spirit of the Canyon"]
11. Freedom of Movement [from "Trance World"] - Edited Version
12. Across the Sands of Time [from "Echoes of Egypt"] - Edited Version
13. Kiva Ceremony [from "The Spirit of Mesa Verde"] - Edited Version
14. Precious Waters [from "Ancient Voices"] - Edited Version
15. The River Winds Thru the Night [from "African Skies"] - Edited Version
16. The Grey Havens [from "Music Inspired by Middle Earth"]
This "Best Of" album is a wonderful compilation of music by the talented Diane Arkenstone. This CD, about 74 minutes in length, features 16 beautiful tracks from the remarkable composer and multi-instrumentalist, 14 of which are tracks released from 14 of her past albums. The other 2 pieces are brand new songs that have never been released before.
This is the best compilation that I have heard by far! It explores music of many different styles and genres including New Age, Celtic, World, Ambience, Trance, Native American beats, and more. Diane's amazing ability to write music in various styles and genres is a testament to her great talent. And with so many songs to choose from, it seems like an extraordinary task to put a compilation like this together! For many artists, it usually takes 3-4 albums before you see a "Greatest Hits" of some sort released. This collection includes 14 beautiful songs from 14 different albums!!
The 2 new pieces on this album were co-produced with John Adorney from EverSound, another great multi-instrumentalist. "Om Shanti" is a lovely vocal track comprised of delightful sounds of guitars, dulcimer, keyboards, percussion, and Diane's exquisite vocals. "All Is Bright" is a delicate composition, interlaced together by the luscious sounds of keyboards and cello. Both of these are magnificent tracks!
I also love the attractive designs of the CD covers. This include the 12-page booklet of information for each tracks and the discography, with the front cover featured a lovely photo shot of Diane Arkenstone, and at the time of this writing, this beautiful cover has not been posted on Amazon!
Overall, I feel that a lot of time and planning went into this release. These songs transitioned so well from one to the next, giving a sense of belonging to this compilation, even though they are of various styles. The editing work on these tracks is also remarkable, especially for lengthy tracks such as "Freedom of Movement", "Across the Sands of Time", and "The River Winds Thru the Night". The edited versions have captured the essence of these songs, allowing them to be included in this garden of varieties.
For those who have not heard of Diane's music, this CD will be a great introduction and exposure to the different musical styles that she writes. And to those who are familiar with her music, I think you will find these selections very refreshing. With the addition of 2 new songs, it is a compilation that one should not miss. Two thumbs up to Diane and EverSound for this outstanding release. This CD is highly recommended!
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A composer extraordinare! Top 10 CD of 2005, March 24, 2005
I had the good fortune to hear Diane Arkenstone in Boulder several years ago and have been a fan ever since. So imagine my delight to see the best of CD come out. To say that Diane Arkenstone is talented musican is an understatement. Her musical compositions are a soothing delight to the ears. Since first hearing the Best of I now keep this CD in my player as both listening music and/or background ambiance, depending on my mood.
In a day and age when a good melody is hard to come by, I HIGHLY recommend this CD for everyone. This is a must have for anyone who is looking for quality listening music.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A pleasing compilation, October 20, 2006
This compilation from Diane Arkenstone, clocking in at almost 74 minutes, was released in 2005. Of the 16 tracks, two were recorded especially for this compilation, "Om Shanti" and "All Is Bright." The remaining 12 compositions are drawn from 14 albums. The songwriting, musicianship, and sound quality of these pieces are pleasing. The material is in nonchronological order. The compositions that I consider to be favorites are "The Secret Garden," "Under the Blue Sky," "Rhythm of the Forest," "The Hills at Sunset," "Freedom of Movement," and "The Gray Havens." I find "The Secret Garden" to not only be serene and soothing, but also mysterious, atmospheric, and pretty. Arkenstone provides attractive, silky singing on the upbeat "Under the Blue Sky." Bird vocalizations accompany the fun "Rhythm of the Forest," which also supplies delectable guitar work. The charming, laid-back "The Hills at Sunset" furnishes captivating melodies. The curious "Freedom of Movement" is characterized by wafts of sound, ambience, and enigmatic wordless vocals from Arkenstone. "The Gray Havens" is plaintive and displays appealing melodies. The CD booklet includes an essay from Arkenstone and a nice color photo of her. Actually, I rate this compilation 3.5 stars. Arkenstone is a talented artist, and this album is recommendable.
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