Customer Reviews

Earthbound

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If I had but a handful of CDs to take with me on a deserted island this would be one of them! Paul Schwartz is a remarkable composer for he's succeeded time and time again to broaden the confining barriers of classical music, providing a modern twist that'll appeal to a wider audience, but without taking away from the pureness of the genre either with the common use of too much electronics. His trademark sound of ethereal singing with lush, ambient melodies breathtakingly accenting instruments such as violins, cellos and harps are always unmistakable but 'Aria I' & 'Aria II: New Horizon' chiefly featured the powerful voice of Rebecca Luker, giving popular pieces such as "Ave Maria" and "Ebben" more of an operatic air to them, while here on 'Earthbound' things are toned down a bit with folk singer Tara MacLean lending her gorgeous voice to the amazing, heartrending title track and Lisbeth Scott gracing many of the selections with her pristine beauty that's sure to send shivers (but in a good way) down your spine, as she does me. I also love the magical lyrics which can be heard throughout the album with only three instrumentals: 'I dream a dark caressing ocean shore. The moon has drawn me to its side. I glimpse the shadow of a mystery that floats beyond my fingers as I cry. And the stars shine on the dune. And I see you in the moonlight.' "Nevermore" is probably my favorite piece with the lovely Emily Aylmer and Ruth Cahill on vocals.

One thing I respect about Paul's new direction and apparent growth as a musician in his most recent projects is his ability to conduct and orchestrate original material (with a few exceptions, of course) without excessively borrowing from past repertoires that have been polished countless times over. It's tarnishing originality and I'm frankly becoming bored with most crossover acts these days so, for now, I'll be turning back to this and the rest of his releases instead of buying most of the unnecessary waste that's been coming out lately. Paul is extremely gifted with diverse talents that shine through in his music, which is moving and very awe-inspired and I'd recommend this to anyone.

Paul Schwartz was new to me when I discovered his State of Grace albums, then realized he also authored the Aria albums. I found I really love his melodies, the pure voices of the female vocals, the arrangements which remind me of Bill Douglas, and the solid piano playing. This is very professional and very satisfying work. I can't recommend it highly enough!
If you are a new romantic this is an album for you. I keep replaying it and joyfully revelling in the lilting melodies. This ia very up-to-date and utterly beautiful music.
Have a listen to State of Grace II as well. You won't believe the beautiful arrangements!

I recently got into Paul Schwartz's music and has been forever hooked. Actually I already owned the first Aria cd but to be honest the album didn't do much for me. It was good but it lacked the magic that "State of Grace" has. Not to long ago, I bought "State of Grace" and was totally bowled over by Paul's compositions. I loved Paul's blend of classical and new age music. Lisbeth Scott's vocals were simply stunning and soothing to listen to. So after playing "State of Grace" so many times, I thought my next Paul Schwartz purchase would have to be his latest album "Earthbound". I was immediately enamoured with Paul's latest album. I just loved the title track and Tara McLean's vocals on the song. I was extremely pleased to see Lisbeth Scott was singing on this album. Lisbeth definitely has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard. "IL Gioco" is a perfect example of her talents. Too bad most pop artists today lack even a quarter of Lisbeth's talents as a vocalist. "Nevermore" is a heavenly delight to listen to. I love the delicate notes of the harp. For people who have already own "State of Grace", I think they will recognize track #5 "River of Stars". That is definitely one of my favorite songs from Paul himself. I must admit that I find myself liking "State of Grace" just a wee bit more than "Earthbound" but that is just my personal preferences. Still "Earthbound" is a gorgeous body of work. I am definitely now a Paul Schwartz fan. "Earthbound" was all I needed to hear to make me a fan.

Paul Schwartz is obviously talented and the talent he uses on this album also speaks for itself. This album has made me check out his website to order his other titles that are unavailable here. This album sets an immediate mood of sensuality, a little melancholy and also a quiet reflective joy. "The Dark of the Night" is my favorite song though, can't you see you and your beloved in that song? 5 stars no doubt!

This is lovely night music, inspired by loss and meditation. My favorite tracks are Tara MacLean's vocals on "Earthbound", and Lisbeth Scott on "River of Stars". There will be another State of Grace CD featuring Lisbeth, to be released in 2003.

My comment to this release being in a 'class by itself' is more a reference to its uniqueness than it's literal quality. All in all, while it's more listenable than the "State Of Grace" release, it doesn't truly shine from beginning to end. As with "S.O.G.", the disc has some superb highlights ("River Of Stars", "How Many Fools" and "Nocturne") but falls short of being a truly rapturous musical experience from beginning to end. It's strengths are in the ever so subtle openings to some of the tunes, which are soul-stirring to be sure. The best description to give Paul Schwartz's music is to say it sounds like Alan Parsons teamed with Sarah McLaughlin. The great tunes tend to tip the scales in Schwartz's favor, though I still sometimes find myself giving in to the temptation to jump forward a little too often. Kudo's to Mr. Schwartz for offering something as unique as this is, I hope he contiunes to.

The only problem with this CD is that it will make you want to buy better speakers! It has something for everyone - very powerful orchestration, great volcals, and some up-tempo tracks.

I look forward to Paul's next creation!

PS. If you don't have Aria or Aria 2, you should consider them.

I discovered Mr. Schwartz's music by accident, but I'm willing to go anywhere he takes me - either to opera (ARIAS 1, 2, 3) or to the heights of ecclesiastical ecstasy (STATE TO GRACE 1, 2, 3).

Definitely worthy.

I first heard of Paul Schwartz via a recommendation from the "Balligomingo - Beneath the Surface" page. Someone recommended "Earthbound" instead of "Beneath the Surface." I feel this is like comparing apples and oranges. Each recording stands on its own merits.

Whereas "Beneath the Surface" has a much more electronic feel to it, "Earthbound" is one of the most lush collections of orchestral music I've heard in quite some time. The use of a full orchestra imparts a richness and depth that is completely lacking in most "new-age-y" style recordings.

This was one of those CDs that had to grow on me. When I first heard it, I dismissed it as just another William Orbit type of sound. But after a few listenings, it grew on me, until now I can listen to it several times in a row without growing tired of it.

Standout tracks include "Earthbound," "How Many Fools," and "Il Gioco." Such beautiful vocals!

Why not 5 stars? The lyrics can get a little corny. Personally, I've always been greatly amused by the whole "goth" scene, and so-called "fantasy" literature doesn't really qualify as literature in my estimation. For instance, the song "Ravens," while being one of the finest pieces of music on the entire CD, is somewhat hobbled by whimsical lyrics about ravens everywhere. You keep expecting to hear faint screeching cries of "Nevermore!" in the background.

By all means, give this one a listen, and let the sound grow on you. It's amazing.

Music has always "moved" me all my long life. When I heard "Earthbound" I listened over and over, which is unusual for me. I had loaned the cd from our local library and knew I wanted to buy it for my own collection. I'll certainly checked into other material by this artist. My soul absolutely soured when I hear the first selection! Thank you for this creation!