Afterglow

Michael Hoppe, Martin Tillman, Tim Wheater

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 22, 1999)
• Original Release Date: June 22, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Hearts of Space
• ASIN: B00000J8NW
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #20,530 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #20 in	Music > Indie Music > World Music > Europe > British Isles
  #20 in	Music > Indie Music > World Music > Europe > Celtic
  #51 in	Music > World Music > Celtic > Fusion

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Under the skilled and intuitive guidance of musician and composer Michael Hoppe on keyboards, Afterglow is a collaborative effort of deep sensual beauty and full-figured elegance. With such improvisational songs as "Shadows Fall," the driving pulse of Martin Tillman's cello intensifies the mindful meandering of flutist Tim Wheater's rounded tones. And on the bittersweet "A Thousand Whispers," Tillman's strings take on a boldly brooding neoclassicism bearing out the project's premise to have "deeply felt performances" supercede all other motives. Elsewhere, as on "The Listening Wind," Wheater's melodies float, quiver, and reverberate a pattern of primitive lines in contrast to Tillman's innovative, plucky tick-tock. Built solely on the nonwritten structures set by Hoppe, the emotionally rich and relaxing Afterglow is the spontaneous, supple, and spirited union of three of the most masterful soloists of instrumental music. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars from "Wind and Wire", Issue 12, December 8, 1999

By	Kathy Parsons (Florence, OR United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

"Afterglow" is another superlative release from Michael Hoppe and his frequent collaborators, cellist Martin Tillman and flautist Tim Wheater. After successful recent individual releases from Hoppe and Wheater on the Real Music label, it was a surprise to find this album on HOS. "Afterglow" is very reminiscent of the trilogy of "The Poet", "The Dreamer", and "The Yearning", which were released several years ago on Telarc - the first with Hoppe and Tillman, and the latter two with Wheater and Hoppe. The premise of "Afterglow" was to make a completely improvised album with no boundaries or rules except deep emotion. Hoppe guides and suggests harmonies and chord changes from the keyboards, and Tillman and Wheater take flight individually on some tracks and in perfect synch on others. The freedom and fluidity are amazing, but it seems mind-boggling that such rapture could happen without some pre-composing - these are true artists at work!

As I've said before, the cello is my second favorite instrument (after piano), and Tillman's often haunting style can transport and envelop the listener in sheer beauty. On "The Waiting", "Long Ago", and "Distant Call" the yearning he evokes sends goose-bumps up and down the arms and back of the neck. On "The Reckoning" and "The Listening Wind", he provides the rhythm, playing the cello as both bowed and plucked bass - great stuff! These two more up-tempo pieces are a great addition to the slow flow of the other eleven tracks. Tim Wheater also really shines on this CD, displaying his virtuosity and versatility on a variety of flutes. His duets with Tillman on "The Listening Wind" and "Thoughts of You" are exceptional. Again, these are true artists at work, and the results are breath-taking.

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Kathy Parsons is right- this is a great CD!, January 25, 2000

By	Bill Binkelman, Wind and Wire (Minneapolis, MN United States) - See all my reviews

I must agree with my colleague, Kathy Parsons. This is a wonderful recording. In fact, I was surprised to see it on the Hearts of Space label, given their recent poor efforts. AFTERGLOW is permeated with sadness, regret and melancholy; but all of this is done with such beautiful music that the effect is supremely bittersweet. Tillman's cello, in particular, just seems to reverberate with emotion. The music is very dramatic, yet never succumbs to overkill, thanks to the expert subtle keyboards of Michael Hoppe (who has worked with Wheater many times before). Wheater's flutes are varied and some songs are cello and keyboards only. Overall, the music is low key from a melodic standpoint, almost approaching the aesthetic of ambient; but the sound is so rich and full that this recording begs to be actively listened to. Recommended for fans of melancholic artists like Tim Story (circa BEGUILED and THE PERFECT FLAW) as well as hopeless romantics (this could be the ultimate "my heart just got broken" CD).

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Penetrates your soul, October 9, 1999

By A Customer

This CD is one of the best in the New Age area that I own. Within a few minutes I feel myself relaxing and the stress leaving my body. When I want to meditate, deeply relax, or feel centered, Afterglow is able to do that for me like no other! I love it!!!