Customer Reviews

Instrumental Evolution Volume 6

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was not familiar with Mehdi's music until this album arrived for review. I'd seen his name, but hadn't heard the music. Overall, it has been a very pleasant surprise. The music is soothing and relaxing, but is several notches above being ear-candy. Much of the instrumentation is acoustic rather than all keyboards, giving the sound a much lusher quality - especially with the strings. Some of the percussion is "canned" and can be mildly annoying, but the real strings, guitar, flute, and piano more than make up for it. I keep running across comparisons of Mehdi's music and Yanni's, and I don't think they are that similar, other than that they are both pianists/keyboardists and draw on various cultural influences in their music. And both use one name! Fans of Yanni's quieter music will probably love Mehdi, and I think his music would also strongly appeal to fans of 2002 although it isn't quite as ethereal or "spacey." My favorite track is "Flight of the Butterfly," a beautiful ballad with a strong backbeat. Flute carries most of the melody, depicting the graceful flight of a butterfly. Strings, guitar, solo violin, and piano enrich the sound and make this quite a compelling piece. This is a great CD to wake up to, unwind with, or to have in the background with dinner or other quiet activities.

I absolutely love all of this artists music. It is not at all overated and definitely more than just simple background music. The melodies are very memorable and thought provoking and yes it is soothing but to call it boring makes me question the reviewers motives. As you can see the majority of people love Mehdi's music, just like many other people that have recieved it as a gift from your's truly... Oh by the way, 5 stars does not mean it's perfect...Nothing is perfect. It means that many people really liked it. I have been to many 5 star hotels that were not perfect. As far as I am concerned, this is the music of life and it will remain with you as a pleasant reminder of all that you cherish. Never mind the nay sayer who thinks that soothing music should have a punch. Give me a break !!!

Soothing, soaring, sincere, pure, simultaneously meditative and energizing; peaceful, beautiful, TRUE...Mehdi is a True artist. The listener can't help but feel the positive, gentle heart of Mehdi billowing through his Music. I am always thankful and happy when I listen to any of his compositions. The Music reminds me and reaffirms every time I listen, that there is so much beauty and hope in life. I love to listen to this anytime but find myself reaching for it especially when I have a desire for regeneration because I'm always uplifted and find peace. Isn't this what Music is for?

EVOLUTION gets better every time I listen. My favorite tracks are tracks three through six. But each and every melody is truly gorgeous and achieves the artist's goal of "creating vivid musical pictures." Sometimes I feel as if I am dreaming when listening because I see lovely, haunting images and actually feel warm sunny breezes! I believe, with all the wisdom Mehdi has acquired, Instrumental Vol 7 is going to be his very best. Hopefully he will keep the wide range of instruments and add even more passion and heart than ever before! I can't wait!

Thank you, Mehdi for opening the door of our hearts' understanding and appreciating Beauty through your Music. You are a gift to us.

Soar!

After walking into a local records shop, I was struck by the beautiful music playing in the background and wondered who on earth the owner of this heavenly sound could be, where upon I discovered Mehdi. That record was his 7th album, apropriately-titled "Instrumental Heaven".
And since then I have thanked the day that I walked into that record shop and to the amusement of the cashier paid for whatever they were playing on the spot. Anyone who is familiar with his music will understand.The store was out of stock and all his other CDs so I'm happy to have found him here.

This CD is like every other Mehdi CD....absolutely great. Some die hard Jazz listeners never like to listen to Mehdi, but they must understand something very important...Mehdi does not play jazz, so don't expect to hear it. I think his style is even beyond what people classify as new age. His style is all his own and anyone that thinks it is jazz is mistaken. This CD was very well constructed and once again is an excellent example of this artist. The melodies flow so beautifully and it's a great mix to relax or meditate to. I'm sure I'll be purchasing more of his music in the future.

While Reading some of these reviews, I noticed lot's of positive comments and a couple of unfortunately negative ones. Other reviewers mentioned soothingmusic.com for samples (very helpful thank you)and after listening a couple times I'm glad that I decided to try it.
Instrumental Evolution by Mehdi has become one of my all time Favorites and I really love everything about this album. A couple of family members asked me to burn them a copy, but I refused ( After all a portion of this album goes to help fight world hunger). So they each had to buy this album, but are very happy with it.
What I don't understand is why would anyone would give this CD
a bad review. This album is anything but "Disappointing" Please!!! I know that people have different tastes, but they clearly had a chance to hear the samples before purchasing.
Some of the samples are complete MP3 songs so you really get a good idea.
I must agree with all the praise this album has recieved and for anyone who can't decide. Just listen to the samples...Take it from me, this is one album that won't end up in your rarely used CD pile.

As a psychologist, I recommend this music to about 90% of my patients. For some inexplicable reason, Mehdi's music is either/or: you either "get it" or you don't. For those of you who listened to his earlier albums and felt as if Mehdi had found a way to put your soul to music, you will love his latest release Volume 7. I think he is certain to pick up some new fans as well, since the album branches out considerably from his previous efforts. The biggest addition here is the inclusion of lush string textures. Mehdi also expands his musical style, yet still retains a strong sense of mid east and even a Celtic feel . This CD is a bit more laid back and takes a different musical track but still manages to convey the same sweeping emotions that will haunt you long after the CD has ended.

Judging from all of the five star album reviews on Amazon, one would be led to believe that great music is a common occurrence. However, I have found that an album possessing the qualities of true greatness is a rare feat. Though I purchase many CD's and enjoy many good albums, I might discover a great album once every 5 years or so. That being said, I am here to proclaim that "Instrumental Evolution" is fully deserving of a five star rating.

Ironically, I only purchased this album for one song. I had heard "Flight Of The Butterfly" on the radio many times so that was reason enough for me to buy it. Needless to say, I was in for a surprise when it arrived. From the very first note, I was immersed into one of the most beautiful albums I have ever experienced. As I listened to this album, I became aware of how much of today's music (regardless of style) has been watered down into an easily digestible format that is meant to be pleasant. I suppose you could say our music has been overcooked. I like the fact that it has a little ryhthm eventhough it's soothing and relaxing.

On "Evolution" he employs a REAL Orchestra and various soloists. Epic pieces such as "Heavens Caravan" and "Gateway To The Clouds" are passion to its fullest. These suttle and sweeping melodies become a real eye opener for those of us accustomed to sounds coming from a "Sterile" studio environment. For the soloists, his Piano stays in the background and allows the soloists to perform magic whether it is a Flute, Violins, Cello or Guitar.

Unlike the majority of instrumental music which is pleasing but lacking in true emotion, each instrument is given full reign to perform with no boundaries. The flute is beautiful and airy the lower octaves of the cello sound smooth while the violins glide accross the melody with purpose .

Stylistically, the album is near perfect. A slightly melancholy mood permeates throughout with crescendos placed perfectly. The album conveys vivid portraits of loss and the process of healing. Interestingly, "Renouncement" is the most exciting moment on the album and comes in the middle rather than the beginning or the end. This was placed perfectly because each song from there builds in emotion not in volume.

Which leads to the final track "Heavens Caravan Reprise". It plays like a Hypnotic music box that brings back the best memories. An amazing CD and one that has made me curious enough to buy his entire instrumental Series.

I have only heard "First Day Of Spring" off this album,but my christ its amazing along with his other extensive musical catalogue. the song seems to encapsulate everything serene,spiritual and pure into a constant seeping masterpiece,and that justs the song which i believe is a prelude of sorts.its so relaxing and eye-opening at the same time.a pure breath of fresh calming air with a healthy dose of serenity plinking away in the six minute background.

Just got this CD A few days ago. I have been listening to it almost non-stop at work. Just listened to Flight of the Butterfly for what must be the 10th time...and it keeps getting better.
I have been looking for this sort of music for some time...unobtrusive background music...but also something occasionally worth turning up and losing myself in.In a word, it's perfect. Now I must have the other volumes...