Blue Forest Mass

Matthew G Davidson (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Matthew G Davidson
• Audio CD (July 7, 1997)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Matthew Davidson
• ASIN: B000005C0K
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #460,166 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Atmospheric World Beat Excellence!, May 23, 2000

By 

Philip G. Traynor "Llarion" (St. Petersburg FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Blue Forest Mass (Audio CD)

Reviewer's Note: This is my first experience with music of this type. it is unlike anything else you will hear, and my descriptions of it are from the perspective of someone completely unfamiliar with the genre. A Latin Mass set to modern harmonic counterpoint and world beat rhythms make for one of the most innovative and refreshing listens you'll have in a very long time. I will review the first movement in detail, and the rest of the work as a general statement...

Qui Tollis The blend of electronic textures, world beat, and eerily haunting and beautiful harmony will sweep you away to an ethereal world. After a few seconds of whispering the lyric, the main vocal theme begins over a rich, warm synth soundscape. The main theme is something of an incantation, relaxed and formal. The atmosphere is one of otherworldly reverence. It is joined by a massively complex, micrometered harmony layered in to reinforce the theme. Now there's an intense, djemba-based world beat underneath, compelling you further into the world, the spatial effect harkening a distant and slightly alien sky. Question and answer vocal harmonics pepper the beginning of the percussive section, then the beat wanders away from you, bidding you farewell. A provocative and yearning beginning to a fascinating journey. The production values are as crisp, taut, and precise as all but the most fastidious could wish for. There are no mixing issues whatsoever. The voices are mellifluous, vibrant, and soothing, and the musicianship is absolutely first-rate.

The rest of the work is as intense as the opening movement. This eclectic fusion of chant, vocal harmony, worldbeat, and electronic music is one of the most interesting works I have ever come across.

I give this work my highest possible recommendation!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! What a find!!!, September 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Blue Forest Mass (Audio CD)

This is one of those artists that come along once in a very long time! I'd like to say what other artists he is like, but this music is very unique and original. I do know if you like Dead Can Dance, Deep Forest, and Lisa Gerrard's work - you'll love Matthew G Davidson! Don't expect his music to be "like" theirs, I've not heard anything quite like it. I'm buying 3 more CDs to give as gifts. If you like out-of-the-ordinary, original, ethereal music - you'll love Blue Forrest Mass!

I have not stopped listening since discovering this CD. His work is fabulous! It's very rich in intricacies and layered with many levels of interesting rewards for the mind!

Matthew G Davidson takes sounds and concepts that are ancient in nature and updates them by weaving colorful tones and rhythms that reach out and touch the soul releasing it to experience an enlightened journey through time and space!! The vocals in his work are in Latin and do not distract you from, but enhance the overall experience. This is definitely a treat not to be missed. If you have not heard Matthew G Davidson, you are missing something that should be experienced by anyone who appreciates original, creative, and new music!

Matthew G Davidson is definitely going on my frequently played list!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Atmospheric World Beat Excellence!, May 23, 2000

By 

Philip G. Traynor "Llarion" (St. Petersburg FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Blue Forest Mass (Audio CD)

Reviewer's Note: This is my first experience with music of this type. it is unlike anything else you will hear, and my descriptions of it are from the perspective of someone completely unfamiliar with the genre. A Latin Mass set to modern harmonic counterpoint and world beat rhythms make for one of the most innovative and refreshing listens you'll have in a very long time. I will review the first movement in detail, and the rest of the work as a general statement...

Qui Tollis The blend of electronic textures, world beat, and eerily haunting and beautiful harmony will sweep you away to an ethereal world. After a few seconds of whispering the lyric, the main vocal theme begins over a rich, warm synth soundscape. The main theme is something of an incantation, relaxed and formal. The atmosphere is one of otherworldly reverence. It is joined by a massively complex, micrometered harmony layered in to reinforce the theme. Now there's an intense, djemba-based world beat underneath, compelling you further into the world, the spatial effect harkening a distant and slightly alien sky. Question and answer vocal harmonics pepper the beginning of the percussive section, then the beat wanders away from you, bidding you farewell. A provocative and yearning beginning to a fascinating journey. The production values are as crisp, taut, and precise as all but the most fastidious could wish for. There are no mixing issues whatsoever. The voices are mellifluous, vibrant, and soothing, and the musicianship is absolutely first-rate.

The rest of the work is as intense as the opening movement. This eclectic fusion of chant, vocal harmony, worldbeat, and electronic music is one of the most interesting works I have ever come across.

I give this work my highest possible recommendation!