Customer Reviews

One

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

 

 

A very interesting presentation, One is one track, put together by various artists on the Real Music label. The talents of Bruce Becvar on acoustic guitar, Daniel Paul on tablas and tamboura, Ginny Morgan on cello and harp, Jazlyn Woods on oboe and English horn, John Zangrando on alto/bass flutes, Mark Ciaburri on keyboards and percussion and The Angeles Choir of Maui providing the vocals all blend together to produce one long piece of ambient streams.

The combination of instruments is unique, creating a crossroad somewhere between East and West, going back and forth, and sometimes blending perfectly. There does not appear to be an obvious melody, but rather the melodies vary, each progressing on the last, never sounding out of place but never sounding contrived.

The CD booklet carries the message the composition intends to convey: Don't just do something, sit there. - Osho

However, in listening to the piece, while intended for meditation, massage, yoga or other such pastime, I felt the composition should be listened to for the quality of the work, the blending of the styles and the beauty of the melodies and their progression. There is a calling in the piece, asking you to also consider the emotion that is conveyed. Yes, there is energy in this composition. It is restrained in some places, but allowed to surface and be felt in others.

There is a remarkable blending of different instruments in this composition. Guitar and cello, flute and oboe, harp and horn all against a background of tablas and tamboura and percussion. Each instrument has a chance to be heard, expertly played by each of the artists, and then they blend with another, coming together as one as a complete orchestra" to emerge again and be heard individually or with another instrument. It is a wall of sound softening to a single voice coming back to wrap you in the total experience again.

Softly, this could play in the background to whatever work you are doing. However, in a pair of headphones, this music can be a powerful experience. Turned up on your stereo this will fill a room with energy. It can sooth, it can distract. The soft harmonies lull you into a quiet place, only to have your ear pick up on a momentary melody or a poignant beat.

The artists are well known in the ambient community. Mark Ciaburri is the composer of this piece. His time spent with Indian teachers and the various musical influences of the 60s are evident in this composition. His own musical background flavors the work, with touches of jazz and classical mixed into the hour of music.

But without the varied talents of Bruce Becvar, Ginny Morgan, Jazlyn Woods, John Zangrando or Daniel Paul, this could have come out sounding like so much blended noise. This is a tribute to their remarkable talents to interpret the piece so expertly and not end up with so much mush which it could easily have digressed to. And The Angles Choir of Maui blends so well with the composition that they emerge quietly, allowing you to suddenly notice them and then they vanish, to resurface again to the delight of the listener.

While intended for quiet work, this piece contains more energy than that and deserves to be placed up front to be appreciated rather than take for granted. While it may be meditative in nature, it is more so for the artist than the listener. This is more a piece to be listened to and enjoyed.

But whatever you do with it, it will be happily added to your collection of ambient/world music to be enjoyed again and again. This is a very lovely presentation of the composition skills of Mark Ciaburri and the talents of some very remarkable artists. maf

This CD is simply amazing. You can't help but to be happy and at peace with the world while listening to it. I would have to say that this CD is by far the best new age CD currently on the market. Relaxing and yet motivating at the same time.

I love this CD! It is music I wake up to in the morning, or relax with in the afternoon or bring to my massage therapist. Paint a picture, meditate, do yoga or share a moment. It is very multi-dimensional. The excellent choice of very talented musicians and the great varity of Eastern and Western instruments creates a soothing sound without ever being boring. Take the journey with this very creative artist.

"One" is the sound of "one hand clapping"... It is the silence between the sounds. "One" is meditation embodied. I use it to help me unwind, to quiet my mind, and to come home to myself.

One of the best in my massage practice collection...and one of the few I'd listen to at home as well.

It is great because, as the title says, it is One - One long, intricate, peaceful track. I'm very picky about my massage music, and much prefer accoustic instrumentation to synthesizers. I was sold on this CD when I heard the cello, and was further gratified upon listening to the entire piece, which incorporates so many different instruments.

Terrific! A definite YES - add it to your collection!

This is a wonderful CD which I play constantly in my car. In busy rush hour traffic, both morning and evening, this music calms my mind and nourishes my soul. It is also great as a backdrop to my evening meditations.

I usually listen to funk and jazz because I find the new age music to wish-washy. "One" has managed to create solid, grounded, music while at the same time, keep the album smooth and flowing.
Great relaxation while remaintaining rooted.

This performance transcends the mediocrity of over sanitized over rehearsed recordings that are canned in impulse shopping points. This is real, free flowing stuff. Music to come back to again and again is a good thing. There's an edge here that we can't find from trendy musician origins i.e. Hollywood, Santa Fe, Tucson, Sedona, etc. This CD will help to turn on the Mind and refresh the spirit. Me thinks Mr. Leary will agree.
Sincerely yours,
William Velovich

"One" is a great relaxation CD! His other CD, Tropical Meditation is also very relaxing.