Customer Reviews

Hopes & Dreams

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

 

 

This was my 2nd CD purchase of Lisa Lynne. I previously purchased Moonsongs and couldn't wait to get this one. This one did not disappoint. Just as beautiful as the other one. Relaxing, but not boring. Great music to have dinner by, riding in the car, a romantic evening or even quieting a baby. This is sure to become one of your favorites.

Composed at the City of Hope Cancer Center near Los Angeles, this music was developed during Lisa Lynne's frequent visits to the wards, chemotherapy rooms, and intensive care unit. Personally, I find it amazing that a busy musician would take the time to play to patients, helping to create a few moments of peaceful reflection in what is otherwise a traumatic process.

Lynne uses the Celtic harp, in consort with cello, dulcimer, acoustic guitar, various flutes, bells, and chimes. Most of the woodwind duties are carried by Lynne's partner George Tortorelli, who really does a lot of the album work, and should get equal billing. Nobody turns in virtuoso performances, but that's not what the album is about. Instead, the effect is meant to be melodic and soothing, and that's what it is.

The impact of the composition is what is important to the players, not the composition itself. Something that often gets put down as 'mood music.' But in this context I'm will to cut Lynne some slack. I do find listening relaxing and comfortable, and I don't have to mind that it isn't as complex as many of the composer/player efforts to which I am drawn. I don't mind relaxing every once in a while.

Softly bewildered broken chords break the silence, echoing the way patients must often feel during the odyssey of serious or chronic illness... Then they modulate into a dreamy, hopeful tune in a major key, with a steady, comforting pulse of lower instruments below, nudging the listener on to accept a new routine of life that may lead to recovery or at least peace. "Hopes and Dreams" is another album of lush and gentle beauty by New Age harpist Lisa Lynne and her ensemble of talented instrumentalists. Here, she is joined in her original compositions by George Tortorelli on bamboo flutes, whistles and recorders, Nick Brown on guitars and bouzouki, Stephanie Fife on cello, Jem Moore on hammered dulcimer, co-producer Gil Morales on bass and keyboards, and John Wakefield on bells, chimes and hand percussion. The rich, nuanced, laid back sound they produce is truly calming and uplifting--the perfect, nurturing atmosphere in which to step out of the world of daily cares and seek healing or resolution. In the liner notes for this album, Lynne writes: "On my days home between tour dates, I drive my van full of harps [to City of Hope, a Los Angeles cancer treatment center]. We have workshops and concerts for patients and staff, and I play my harp in the various rooms, halls and treatment areas. I am humbled beyond words at the courageous and brilliant people that I have encountered at this place of hope and healing. They are the inspiration for this record, as most of this music has been written during my time there." Music born of love and offered in that spirit--who could ask for more? For other helpful, healing music, try Lynne's other recordings, and also those of harpists Hilary Stagg and Kim Robertson, and flutist Kay Gardner (especially her musical healing journey, "The Rainbow Path").

I own every one of Lynne' albums and I must say, this one is my favorite. This one has touched me more then any other album she has to date. I have fallen in love with her and her harp. This is one of her more varied albums in my opinion so far as emotional affects go. It is about dreaming and having hopes exactly as the title states, so it can almost touch anyone. Who does not hope and dream for something?

If your looking for a nice album and not sure about Lisa, get this one first. You will fall in love with her instantly. Go ahead, preview it if you don't believe me.

This one has alot of flute in it which I wasn't aware of. Her "Season's of the soul" cd is her best, I think. If you like flute, you will like this one.

I was extremely impressed with the rapid response to my purchase and the speed of it's delivery. It arrived in perfect condition- I look forward to future purchases.

Another exquisite musical work from New Earth Records, Lisa Lynne's Hope and Dreams is a soothing and beautiful composition. It guides us from the very first notes into a realm of harps and subtle melody, turning our attention away from the business of life towards soft nuances of being. At times it is uplifting and ethereal, reminiscent of the gentle light of the sun at dawn, illuminating a delicate landscape. At others, melancholic, tugging at the tender parts of our heart that still holding sadness, it coaxes out soft tears from the hidden folds of our being, so we can heal. New age music of true quality, perfect for those quiet and reflective moments or for gazing tenderly into a loved one's eyes