Customer Reviews

Tibet

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

 

 

Isham created a number of wonderful records over a span of 5 years in the last half of the 1980's: "Castalia", "Tibet", and "Mark Isham". Of them Castalia is the most inventive and musically complex, Tibet is the quiet one, and "Mark Isham" has the best "songs". Tibet was originally music for a laser disk "movie" and as a result it is not surprising that it is quieter than the others. However, it is a subtle record of great beauty and unpredictability.

I love it when the slow synth "washes" are suddenly interupted by the wierd guitar and horn duets (as happens in part II). The spoken haikus also just appear out of nowhere and are then followed mysteriously by a complex two minute segment of horns, guitar and percussion (David Torn on guitar, Kurt Wortman on percussion) as happens at the end of part III.

To me, this is a perfect record for thinking, for contemplating the world, to lose myself in thought.

Subtlety--that's what sets Mark Isham apart from many of his peers in the New Age music category, and "Tibet" clearly demonstrates this, dispensing with many of the feel-good banalities of most music in this genre. The five tracks on this 1989 release calmly reverberate with the sacred mystery and power of a Tibetan mountain range, gently drawing the listener into a sort of musical ascent. But Isham knows the difference between calming an audience and putting them to sleep. After a soothing intro, "Part I" smoothly segues into intriguing, complex rhythms as electric guitar riffs and Isham's trumpet enter the picture, adding a kicky verve to otherwise celestial material and sounding less out-of-place than one might think. Despite some trumpet work on "Part IV" that drags on for far too long, "Tibet" deftly mixes sadness, passion and awe with a low-key sophistication that's too often missing from New Age. It's that rarest of beasts: a wandering music of contemplation that rocks.

I've listened to this CD over and over, and never seem to tire of it. The music is an artful combination of Western and Eastern sounds that is nourishing to the spirit, restful but powerful, and great for meditation. In the beautiful horn passages, I can almost feel myself among the peaks of the Himalayas, looking out over the top of the world.

Go for real stuff first. Miles "In a Silent Way." Terry Riley's stuff is so much deeper than this, particularly his middle period and Sri Camel. Steve Tibbetts stuff blows this away, all of Steve Tibbets stuff. Eno is more interesting. Sorry to his fans, just the truth. Jon Hassell is a more interesting trumpet player and composer, almost all of his output. Bill Nelson makes very interesting home made "new age." If you have heard the above six you probably are going to be bored by Isham. Unless you want really bland and boring. Many of the above have peaceful music that is not bland. Most have "new age" that is really thought provoking and more innovative.

Incredibly beautiful, Tibet, is more than a CD--its an "experience" centered in the deepest sanctum of the soul. Not only does Isham deliver the highest degree of musicality, ethereal orchestration, luscious tonal coloration, haunting chord progressions, balance, structure etc.; but also, he brings the immanent spiritual nature of the country Tibet to this music. Just thinking about the music, the skin on the back of my neck ripples and I get goosebumps. The emotional pull zoned right on into my bones. This is a truly fine piece of work--I recommend it unreservedly. I hope you treat yourself. One-word descriptions come to mind: breathtaking, shimmering, quietly mega- intense, soulful, gorgeous, serene, joyous. OK, one more: wonder full.

This isn't Isham's best, nor worst CD. It has some nice passages, and the production is top rate. But I think he fails to capture the worldly feel of Tibet and that part of the planet that someone like David Parsons has so perfectly on several albums. Isham also borrows a direct melody from an old Group 87 song. None the less, the playing on this CD is outstanding, and any Isham fan shouldn't be too disappointed. Those just getting into his work I would steer elsewhere first.

Don't know why, but this one always moved me a little. It's not structured, its not particularly *musical*, really, but I cannot stop listening. It is...lovely, I guess, darker than some of his stuff in tone and timbre, and flighty other times. It's a wonderment that makes me think of Eno, and (really?) Tangerine Dream, and Minton Nancarrow remember him?), and a bunch of those new stoner-electronica guys, but...easier to listen to? I am a fan of the man, and this has always been a fave.

I had this when it was brand new, way back, but lost it. That meant I had to buy another, which is why I'm here. Buy it.

I am a complete Mark Isham fan so I absolutely love this. It is a wonderful addition to my collection, very ethereal and completely relaxing.

I have enjoyed Mark Isham's music since he made the background music for PBS' Lilias Yoga and You. The music from Tibet is simply wonderful. I just wish a DVD of this beautiful and thought-provoking documentary was available.