Customer Reviews

Chameleon

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This CD is a gem.

Composed in the early 80's as library music this music has only now been released to the public. For those familiar with Nelson's music, Chameleon recalls his music of that era and doesn't feature the found sounds that are so common in his newer work (e.g. Whistling While the World Turns or the mammoth Noise Candy). That means more of Nelson's playing which is what attracted me to his work back in the Be Bop Deluxe days.

Each song was written to create a musical atmosphere and Nelson is successful on every level in conveying those moods to the listener. In his liner notes Nelson refers to it as "...an add little album, a curio in many respects..." And that it is. But it's also a joy to listen to - well worth the twenty year wait.

I'd heard an old scratchy vinyl copy of this album about 10 years ago but it was not until now that it's beauty hit home.
It would be controversial to say that this disc is better than his recent material, better to state that it is merely different. The simple melodies and no-nonsense instrumentation with hints of Bill's famed guitar make this one of my favorite of albums. This album sits closer to the Orchestra Arcana camp than Chance Encounters. Simple, thoughtful, engaging and surprisingly resistant to the passage of time

This album is for hard core Bill Nelson fans only. While composition wise, the musical arrangements are as interesting as ever, the instrumentation (cheesy synthesiser sounds and tinny drum machines - no doubt state of the art in their day)is very early 80's and, I have to disagree completely with another reviewer here, and say that it is very much of it's time and has not aged well at all. For sublime instrumental music of an ambient and meditative nature, check out Nelson's "Chance Encounters in the Garden of Lights".