Customer Reviews

Sanctuary

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It is best to think of this record not as classical, not as jazz, and not as new age - but merely as music. Attempting to confine Sanctuary to one particular genre would do a grave diservice music which bravely and gracefully abjures such categorization, and to the listening audience, who would then feel compelled, perhaps, to listen with a certain set of expectations in mind.

Using both traditional religious themes and the odd jazz standard as vehicles for a rich and personal form of improvisation, Sanctuary is perhaps best considered as either contemplative music for thinking people, or thinking music for contemplative people. However, do not mistake "contemplative" for "easy", for though soothing and immediately accessible, Sanctuary demands some level of engagement from its listener.

Though often an ill used adjective, Sanctuary can only qualify as beautiful - and I for one would be surprised to find many able to resist this debut album from the Halifax based trio of Togni, Both and Reilly.

Sanctuary. What an appropriate name to describe the music presented here by these fantastic musicians. You are lead by each extraordinary piece to a serene place within yourself to release and rejuvenate. The rich, mellow tones of the bass clarinet will touch your very soul. I am positive you will love this CD as much as I do. Go ahead and enter the Sanctuary.

SANCTUARY: "... the perfect soundscape for a journey of the soul." Indeed it is!

SANCTUARY's soulful sounds soothe, but also engage one in contemplations not simply of the spiritual kind. This music is highly intelectual, but simple and unpretentious; not a simple achievement.

The feeling of Gregorian, restful, contemplative, serenity threads through all of SANCTUARY's music. Yet, how can one call their lovely interpretation of Victor Heyman's "When I Fall in Love", or Miles Davis' "Blue in Green", Gregorian? Nor are their presentations of "Tantum Ergo", "Adore Te Devote", or "Veni Creator" truly Gregorian. These are Gregorian pieces in which the original melodies remain as the theme and are, at certain points, faithfully represented, but are beautifully delivered with jazz-like variations, and improvisations. Ancient as this music might be, in the hands of this talented trio, it is very avant-guarde music.

SANCTUARY's experimental character becomes clearer in listening to "Tantum Ergo" and it's symphonic fullness, with organ, cello and clarinet and, later "Tantum Ergo (reprise)", with organ and clarinet only. The more romantic presentation of the first, is replaced by a more intimate, transparent and, perhaps a more two-dimensional piece of art. The reprise is more intimate; more like chamber music. Jeff Reilly is masterful on the base clarinet.

Peter Togni's "Lamentation", is a haunting, pathos filled piece. The angelic tones of the earlier Gregorian pieces are displaced by this music's sense of threatening doom, frustration, regret and melancholy. This piece is not bitter sweet; it is an offering of "thorns in honey". It inexorably lures you into listening to something very upsetting, and disturbing; spiritual nevertheless, and strangely satisfying. It is a difficult piece,wonderfully presented by Christoph Both.

Jeff Reilly, Christoph Both and Peter Togni are traditionalists only in the sense that they draw on the beauty of ancient music form. They do not feel strictly bound by the traditional structural forms inherent in centuries old traditions; they play, and toy beautifully within the confines of tradition. But, then they turn the tables, and present contemporary classics -"When I Fall in Love" and "Blue Green" - with intonations of both the very ancient, and... the very modern.

"Meditation" is a simple exploration of harmonic themes by the trio's friend and colleague, Haligonian, Robert Bauer. Old and traditional themes, and intellectually complex interpretations are surely not the only source of pleasure in music. Clearly, as this piece shows, beautiful music can be found next door, so to speak, in simple harmonic explorations.

With SANCTUARY's hauntingly beautiful rendition of John Newton's "Amazing Grace", Jeff Reilly, Christoph Both and Peter Togni remind us of the profound spirituality, and contemplative beauty of their offering.

Let your friends know about this CD!

Sanctuary is a fine piece of classical Gregorian-chant merged with jazz-inspired highlights and low notes to create an atmosphere of soothing and uplifting sounds. Excellent to meditate by or to reduce stress while playing in the background, leading you into a calm but surprisingly emotional place.

If organ music isn't your cup of tea, don't let yourself be turned away by this recording. For once, you won't understand why this instrument has been overlooked for so long in your CD library. You will discover a unique atmosphere where incredible musicians create a world of inner discoveries. Please dare to enter this sanctuary of sounds, so intimate that you will feel at home. And this recording has nothing to do with religion, unless religion for you means to enter into your own self and to find your inner peace with the universe. Put the CD in the player and just be, free.