Customer Reviews

Echoes of Light and Shadow

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

 

 

David Arkenstone has released many albums throughout his music career. But in the last several years, since Sketches from an American Journey, I have found the more recent ones to be repetitive, the same blends and drones with maybe just a few handful of compositions that are noteworthy. Some Arkenstone fans may disagree with me on that. In Echoes of Light and Shadow, he appears to have experimented with some new sounds and a stronger central theme that makes the new recording more exciting and appealing to the senses.

If you are familiar with the work of Diane Arkenstone, you may recognize the opening track, "Secret on the Moors", as a remake of Diane's "Transformation" from her Healing: Mind, Body, Spirit album, a now out-of-print recording released by the NorthSound Music Group label as part of their Wellness Series. And even though the two tracks differ in titles and instrumental arrangements, their melodies are pretty much the same. "Secret on the Moors" is mystical and magical, where one feels transported to a distant land full of esoteric allusions draw together by Dov's beautiful, delicate strings. There exists one problem for me, and perhaps this is because I am well familiar with "Transformation", but "Secret on the Moors" feels like it has a bit of a faster rhythm, a little more upbeat, which seems to take away the serene beauty and gentle peacefulness that permeated throughout "Transformation". And though between the two, I still prefer Diane's previous release for its soothingness and subtle inspiration, this latest arrangement sounds refreshingly new and rich. Regardless, I think this is a gorgeous composition and a great choice for the opening track! However, I would have liked to see some proper credits be given to Diane Arkenstone in the cover notes for this lovely composition. Even if it was collaborated work, her recognition is still needed.

The rest of the album comprises of selections that alternate between dark, ambient to subtle and bright--the shadow and light as the title has indicated--though I think that the shadow ones sounded more gloomy and eerie. The whole album has an overall dark feel to it unlike anything that David has released in the past. "On the Wings of Innocence" and "Illuminations" are ones on the brighter side that are fun-filled and adventurous. "Lightdance" is easily my favorite track of all. It reminds me of Sketches from an American Journey--simple, beautiful and inspiring. "No Rain, No Rainbows" is depressing like a mournful song being sung for lost loved ones. It evokes some pretty deep thoughts and innermost feelings that one may have. "Entropy" is yet another one that I find intriguing. Its airy, pulsating electronic synths give me the chills when I listened to it. The ominous sensation and mysterious effects are what makes it captivating and perhaps more memorable than others. Throughout this recording, David's multi-instrumental talent shines with every rich texture presented in his compositions, while Dov's string work is beautiful and infallible. Susan Craig Winsberg is credited for flutes, but honestly, they didn't really become noticeable for me until "At First Light" where it is not overly shadowed by Dov's violins or David's instruments.

Fans that enjoy David's work will most likely be delighted by this latest offering. Those that are new to his music should not use this album as the basis for judgment of his previous work. It is unusual to see an Arkenstone work that possesses such dark ambiance to it--making it not as uplifting as prior releases--but the Arkenstone signature is definitely there encompassed within the skillful instrumentation and thematic elements. Personally, I would prefer for the music to be on the lighter side, a little more vibrant, and with a little less bass; but nevertheless, I do find this recording enjoyable, and I will recommend it!

--

An update to my review
----------------------
If you are interested in hearing "Transformation" , it can be found in the following 2 ways:

1) This track, along with a few others, from the Healing: Mind, Body, Spirit album is still being played on Sky.fm's New Age online radio station. Several years ago I contributed this album to Internet Oasis Radio, which since then has merged with Sky.fm.

2) A friend of mine has recently found it on the Imeem online social media site. Do a search for "Diane Arkenstone Transformation" at the site and you will find it. Thanks to Sherry for this info!

I also have a past work of David Arkenstone's called "Atlantis" and through that and this work I have come to know what David is capable of. If I had to compare the two I would say that Atlantis is more epic sounding while Echoes of Light and Shadow is inventive in a more playful way. However there are moments of darkness too, but never anything disturbing. Rest assured, Echoes contains heartfelt and moving material and I am very happy to have purchased it. It is emotive, and conjures imagery in your mind's eye. It is uplifting and playful at times, and other times it's more serious. If you get this album you will see, like I have, how dynamic Mr. Arkenstone is. He paints on the canvas of your mind (and what a pretty picture he can create!) with sound. There is much substance here, it is full and balanced throughout with some light and airy moments, and like Atlantis, sometimes an exotic flavor is present. This album evokes moods ranging from altogether positive and more upbeat to a darker vibe, but mostly stays in positive territory. With Echoes of Light and Shadow David Arkenstone takes us on yet another journey. It's worth it to get on board.

I've collected almost all of David Arkenstone's recordings, no small feat as he is a prolific publisher, and this latest is ranks right up at the top. Think something like crossing Enya with John Williams or Jerry Goldsmith, meaning many of his tracks can be thought of as both cinematic and soothing at the same time. Check out my favorite albums of his... "Atlantis", "The Spirit of Ireland", and "Middle Earth". If you love Native American-inspired music, then look for him as part of the group, Ah Nee Mah, especially their "The Spirit of the Canyon" and "Ancient Voices" CD's. In fact, most of the the National Parks Service gift shops in the Southwest carry at least one of his CD's in their kiosks (got my "Ancient Voices" CD at Yosemite National Park).

I'm a new fan of David Arkenstone's work - nothing but praise for his latest title. Secret on the Moors is my favorite but all the tracks are great. I play as background at work and in the car; definitely de-stresses the day!

No question that David Arkenstone is a pioneer of the New Age melodic fabric. His early recordings carried you on a voyage of discovery. The later recordings had thematic world influences that definitely captured your imagination and were well crafted. I eagerly awaited Echoes but you can pass on this one. It's playlist is all over the place, almost like someone having picked clippings of former sessions off the floor to form this CD. Here's hoping that this is one of those "interim" recordings to buy time while he's crafting another masterpiece.

David Arkenstone never disappoints! And with this album he has hit some seriously high spots for me. For the last few months I have been listening to some tracks from this on his 'Arkensounds Radio' on his website and have finally bought the album. He really knows how to paint with sound. The first two tracks I was familiar with and were the reason I bought the CD, but track number 5 'No Rain, No Rainbow' has really hit me hard. I love it, the cello is superb and the emotions this track evokes are breathtaking. The whole album is simply beautiful! Thank you David :) I own at least 20 of your CDs and this will be one of my very favoritest :)

When shadows come
You cannot think about anything
You're sitting in your room and see
How shapes are dancing on the walls
Reminding you of those past days
Which passed by a long ago
And now you're feeling them
Your joy and pain return to you again
They are so close to you...

The new album of musical painter David Arkenstone is a masterpiece! His newest recording "Echoes of Light and Shadow" is a true versatile work. You cannot tear yourself away from David Arkenstone polyphonic compositions. His music speaks volumes and moreover it has a hidden dimension. It spreads to a place in the human soul and it has a charming feature.

Light and shadows melt in David Arkenstone's skillful music. It embraces various sides of human emotions. And this music is precious because it comes from the deepest source. It has been achieved through the composer's suffering and arrives from the most sacred places of his heart.

Also, "Echoes of Light and Shadow" is musically perfect. David Arkenstone created a masterful project because all nuances are refined. And you can hear all of them. Inexpressible joy is present in David Arkensone's music which is also sometimes dark and sometimes so sweet, but always blazing and vivid ...

Serge Kozlovsky
[...]

Like every magical journey created by David Arkenstone - Echoes Of Light And Shadow starting with a majestic track named "Secret On The Moors". Guitar arpeggio, strings and leading violin are opening the curtain to an imaginary world.

"On The Wings Of Innocence" has that soundtrack mood on it. Like a track you can hear behind a great journey as a theme song. Taking you higher to see above the clouds. However the 3rd track "Dark Star" is way different than the first two. Clearly shows how dark that Arkenstone's music could be. "Illuminations" is like the opposite of the previous track. Very bright and beautiful melodies, great choices of the instruments as always. David Arkenstone's different approach to new age genre and his experience and knowledge in music speaks itself. "No Rain No Rainbows" has a melancholic opening melody which is creating a deep atmosphere. It really feels like you are in the middle of your journey and you have to keep going against all odds.

"Lightdance" and "Entropy" two opposites one after another. Eternal dance of the light and shadow continues with these two beautiful tracks. My favorite is the 'constant' and dark atmosphere of the "Entropy" it's totally has that ambient music feeling and style on it. "At First Light", "Tears In The Rain" and closing track "Drops Of Starlight" are my favorite tracks from this album. Especially Tears In The Rain has beautiful melodies, vocals, sound textures and a flowing rhythm with cool electro guitar melodies. Closing track "Drops Of Starlight" is a dark one like "Dark Star" - feels like the end of the journey. Which makes me sad - that's why I listen to David's albums with Repeat All on in CD player :))

I'm a big fan of David Arkenstone since 2004 with his breathtaking Atlantis album. Echoes Of Light And Shadow is a beautiful, well composed album with an inspiring concept. For those who enjoy the good artwork on albums also will not be disappointed when they noticed the beautiful designs on cover, booklet and CD. But most important this album is just another David Arkenstone classic that you can keep in your archive and listen whenever you want.

This album is closer to the REAL David Arkenstone, and brings him back to the musical style which first made him popular, with less vocalizing, thank goodness. He seems to have found himself again.

David Arkenstone has been recording a long time. Few artists can match his output; fewer still his FRESH output. It could be expected that by now his music might grow moribund (no artist possesses limitless creativity). But I can't see it happening yet: on the contrary, this album stikes me as the work of a mature artist revisiting his earlier achievements and looking at what he'd done, seeing what was strong and what weak, and then seeing if, from what he'd learned, he couldn't yet invent something newer and stronger yet. And, to my mind, it works. I seem to hear suggestions of some of his most successful musical accomplishments, but they are used as a foundation for something new, and not merely repeated. If you are a Tolkien fan, and have read "The Silmarillion", I'd draw a parallel to the Music of the Ainur, in which each of those demi-gods is asked to contribute his or her own theme to the great theme of Eru, The One, and from which Arda, the Earth, is formed. David Arkenstone's earlier works become the contributions of the various Ainur, but he plays his own Eru. It's really quite an achievement. Can he go on creating fresh new music indefinitely? Unlikely: that doesn't seem given the human race. But were this his final achievement, I'd say it stands atop all he has done before and would become the greatest farewell composition I know. Whether he can "one up" this album remains to be seen.