Customer Reviews

White Winds

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For me, this release and the other early work of Andreas Vollenweider defined New Age music. Artful, complex, imaginative and ever-changing, "White Winds" is the third (and my personal favorite) in a trio of complimentary recordings that bring to life the magic and mystery of our world through the eyes of an artist of rare depth and clarity. The first and third parts of the Trilogy are "...Behind the Gardens--Behind the Wall--Under the Tree..." and "White Winds". All feature Vollenweider's signature sound of dreamy, jazzy electroacoustic pedal harp and cheng accompanied by voice, synthesizer, a wide range of gentle percussion, and occasional contributions from other instruments. This is true music at its finest--playful, intricate compositions that are soulfully performed and ingeniously constructed, flowing one into another through an ever evolving succession of moods. Vollenweider has this to say about his art: "The making of music, dancing, painting--creativity--all of this has so much to do with the ongoing process of `finding oneself', or better, of searching for the things that give us such an individual, complex, and miraculous depth of emotions...ideas...dreams..." He calls his endeavors "wonderful adventures" and "seeker's journeys", and relishes "making this music and bringing it to its listening friends." And indeed, Vollenweider and his fellow musicians have found riches within and many friends without. In an era where the dumbing down of the New Age genre has resulted in a plethora of mindless dronings of ambient whitenoise, this album stands as a reminder of what meditative electroacoustic music can truly be. If you like this release, try its two companion works as well, either separately, or as packaged together in the two CD set "The Trilogy". To follow Vollenweider's continuing evolution as an artist, try the next albums he recorded: "Down from the Moon" and "Dancing with the Lion".

I bought this when it first came out in 1985. I liked it. A lot. Somehow six or seven years later, I let my copy go. Last week I acquired another at a bargain price. I never forgot that I enjoyed this, but I had forgotten just how good it really is. Vollenweider is really something else. Lots of uptempo stuff here with a jazzy feel, abeit without the musical instruments one associates with jazz. There is a little chant, a classical sensibility, a smidgen of exotica/lounge attitude...the whole effort just works well, and gives much pleasure. I did not go on to become a huge Andreas fan...in fact, I don't think I ever purchased another release. That shouldn't be held against him...I have always had limited music budgets, and buy much more in the remainder and sale bins and at garage sales than from the full-price shelves. I also like jazz and folk better than "New Age" and spend more dough in those categories. But this one is a keeper. If you are new to the style, and haven't heard Andreas, start with "White Winds." You won't be disappointed.

I remember reading a review of another Vollenweider record ('Book of Roses', probably) which said that every household should have one of his albums, but there was little point in having any more. I now have six of Mr Vollenweider's albums, and I can attest to their brilliance and variety. Herr Vollenweider seems to have a low boredom threshold -- unusual in a New Age artist! -- and with each CD launches himself into new but related territory, whether it be song, world music, orchestral accompaniment or live performance.

'White Winds' is where it all started for me. I heard this ethereal music playing in a record shop, asked what it was, made a mental note, and bought it two years later when I had the money. That's as close to buying on a whim as I get.

I believe this is Vollenweider at his purest, totally in control and obviously the centrepiece of the music. It is also his best, along, in my view, with 'Eolian Minstrel'.

If you believe you've never heard Vollenweider, play track #6, 'Phases of the Three Moons', which is routinely used on British TV travel programmes to accompany unspoilt beach scenes. It's hard to describe this electric harp music without using the much-derided 'New Age' term. Of all the other music I know, it is closest in spirit to Mike Oldfield's 'Hergest Ridge' and 'Ommadawn', although the tracks are shorter.

If you want hard, offensive rock, this is definitely not the venue for you. But if you want beautiful, unchallenging music which is hugely enjoyable, this would be my strong recommendation.

Vollenwieder - I worship the guy. His music is a source of peace, comfort, creativity and inspiration. For those unfamiliar, he plays a suped-up harp which takes center stage to the fullness of an instrumental backdrop. Underlying concepts, stories and sojourns add to the delightful experience of each of his works.

White Winds is one of several albums no home should be without!
(White Winds, Down to the Moon, Book of Roses, Behind the Garden would be a very nice starters collection!)

The most beauty-oriented album from awesome swiss harpist, multi-instrumental magician Andreas Vollenweider was made in 1984. The impeccable sounds and ambiences of this record transport you directly to a clean, healing atmosphere of wonder with a lot of world music references and a light-hearted feeling that spreads throughout the album. Sometimes optimistic, sometimes dramatic, but always really touching, the varied sounds and colours of this record are a complete help for the balance of the mind. The electro-acoustic harp always sounds clever, accurate and inspired and gives a personal touch to the maremagnum of different sounds that floats all over.


Specially touching are the rhythmic and cheerful `The Glass Hall', the romantic and delicate `Phases of Three Moons' and the light-hearted, happy `Flight Feet & Root Hands', in which you almost can picture the musicians performing together with a smile on their face, for the nice and spontaneous feeling that flows throughout the song.


Every song in this album is danceable, probably because Andreas Vollenweider's albums are very art-oriented, which means there's a lot of references about dancing, painting, performing all over his music. His music, thematic and titles are full of images and atmospheres.


This album is the closing of a trilogy which comprehends it and his two first albums. In fact, the last title of it is a musical and nominal reference to the three of these albums with melodies from both three. The other great part of this trilogy is `Caverna Magica'. That one, along with `White Winds', the masterpiece `Down to the Moon' and `Dancing With the Lion' are the most recommended for beginners.

Having heard this for the first time in 1985ish, I had forgotten how wonderful Andreas Vollenweider's music sounds. Being recently reacquainted with him and his music, I have now repurchased all but the first CD and it's coming soon.

When I say it has been a pleasure to refamiliarize myself with the man and his music, it is an understatement. For the test of music that has left an indelible impression upon your being, is when you still know the notes after having not heard them for almost 17 years; yet can hum along and not miss a beat. Now that/this is great music.

"White Winds" has helped me through some of the most difficult times in my life. As a young adult "White Winds" would be my nighttide lullaby; a sea of deep calm during those harsh, blustering times. I can't really analyze Andreas' music any more than I can relay to you why the view of a snowy mountain range takes my breath away. Experience the mountains, and Andreas, for yourself.

Have you been to a grocery store or market, or perhaps a hotel lobby? If so then you have probably already heard from this artist. If clean had a sound then this album is its closest relative.

One of this CD's most recognized tracks is "sisterseed". That and "Flight Feet Root Hands" show up everywhere.

Switzerland's Artist produces here an album that I never hesistate to take with me when flying. For up above the tired rot of the city lies the musical emancipation of the "White Winds".

I bought this release originally as an LP!! (I know, I am dating myself!) Then I walked to an electronics store and heard it on CD. I was stunned. I had never heard a CD before! I knew that I HAD to have a CD player and this Andreas Vollenweider CD to go with it. I still play this CD often, after 16 years! "White Winds" goes a long way to dispel the notion that all New Age music is tedious. Vollenweider is ingenious in his use of instrumentation. It is a timeless sound that will stay with you for a long time. If you want to try New Age, or Vollenweider, then this is the one album to get! You won't be sorry!!

As new age music goes, Vollenweider is in my opinion one of the best. An accomplished harpist, Vollenweider skillfully weaves different, and in some cases never-before-heard, instruments into songs that are elegant and unique. The tempo of his music ranges from slow to up-beat, but this is the kind of music you can really relax to. This album is my favorite, followed by Book of Roses. White Winds has the kind of music that you can close your eyes and let your imagination write the script for the scene/story that the songs are about. I highly recommend this album if you are in to meditation with music or just want music to be played softly in the background of whatever your doing.