Customer Reviews

The Journey To the Places In My Soul

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

 

 

If you have already experienced the good fortune of discovering the bright and talented musical star known as Vicki Logan, you are fully aware that what I write today is solid truth. For those who have yet to discover her music, prepare yourself for a true original New Age artist whose music is so unique, one can compare her musical expression as unique to each person as an individual.

There is something I must admit before we go any farther. When I am not diligently listening to and writing another artist's album on review, I find myself returning to the music of Vicki Logan. After first discovering her inspirational New Age expressions, everyone I have shared her music with loves her discography as well, so it is not just mere coincidence.

Vicki Logan's latest release titled The Journey To the Places In My Soul, under her own Carvic Publishing label, is the review we shall explore together. Come with me to find the inspirational bliss someone would expect to hear from a more globally recognized artist. First released in 2006, and now reissued in 2009, this album is upbeat classical in form, shining brightly by having a palpable feeling of the artist's personal touch in creativity and imagination integrated into every song.

Track 2 The Journey is an upbeat inspirational flute and piano tune that will inspire and enlighten you today and everyday. Track 3 Dancing with the Northern Lightsdisplays a kaleidoscope of colors to reveal every tone and shade of an Aurora Borealis phenomenon, for which the song is titled, if you can imagine or have ever witnessed the Northern Lights.

There is also a complexity to her layered electronic instrumentals described as deep, up tempo, and even orchestral, by having piano, guitar, sax, oboe, and ever present flute which she plays with drive and purpose. To their credit, fellow band members add their own personal flavor by accompanying on individual songs which enhance the album's classic theme admirably. Track 6 Everlasting Memories presents a flute and piano arrangement with additional guitar rhythms combining for a more mystical tone, yet still retains a hopeful theme as if recalling distant memories of years gone by.

The entire album carries an abundance of depth and feeling in each of the melodies which leads me to believe much thought and even a portion of the artist's personality are on display in this latest project. This is also true in prior albums, in which one can listen to over and over and still find meaningful with the passage of time, being one of the most important considerations when purchasing CD's.

"The Journey To the Places In My Soul" is Vicki Logan's fourth release to date. Each of Ms Logan's CDs has taken a somewhat different approach, and this one welcomes the return of the flute to her musical palette. Along with Logan on keyboards and flute, the album features Randy Gildersleeve on guitar, Kenni Holmen on sax, Andy LaCasse on bass guitar, and Peter O'Gorman on drums and percussion. For the most part, the music is lively and upbeat, with the desire to inspire the listener to have more fun and enjoy life. Reflecting on people and events that have meant a lot to her, Logan shares a bit of her life and her soul with us in a very personal way. The stylings of the music range from pop and jazz to rock, new age, and Celtic, with some pieces fully orchestrated (electronic), others acoustic ensemble, and some a combination of both.

"The Journey" begins and ends with different versions of "Twilight Dreams of Paradise." The first one is a keyboard and sax duet that really soars with a warm and graceful energy. The closing track is more orchestrated, with Logan's flute replacing the sax. Electric guitar and percussion give this version quite a different feeling, but both are uplifting and joyous. "Dancing With the Northern Lights" is one of my favorites. Beginning with a mysterious and open feeling of space, a simple keyboard melody brings in bass and percussion. The flute enters with a jazzy, joyous energy that gets the toes tapping. "The Promise (Part 1)" is a haunting sax solo with ambient keyboard washes behind it. "The Promise (Part 2)" is probably the most pop of all the pieces and has a frothy effervescence (and another great sax performance!). "Everlasting Memories" has a quiet, dreamy quality with the haunting flute, a flowing acoustic guitar accompaniment, and keyboard washes to give it an ethereal quality. "The Spirit of Flight" is a mysterious, rhythmic piece that effectively blends electronic and acoustic instruments while celebrating the little everyday things that go unnoticed but can actually change the course of history - or just one life. "To The Places In My Soul" has more of a jazz approach, with the flute leading the way. Percussion, guitar, and keyboard enhance the joyous mood.

"The Journey To the Places In My Soul" is a fun and interesting musical excursion. Enjoy!