The Best of Chris Spheeris: 1990-2000

Chris Spheeris

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 8, 2001)
• Original Release Date: May 8, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Higher Octave
• ASIN: B00005BC33
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #52,320 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
It is thus far well established that Chris Spheeris, well-traveled Sedona resident and New Age heartthrob, creates his signature sound from the textures of romance, global exoticism, and heavy layers. More is nearly always more. More keyboards, more fancy guitar fretwork, more variance in tempo, rhythm, and emotional tenor. This is further evidenced by The Best of Chris Spheeris 1990-2000, which draws from the multi-instrumentalist's Higher Octave debut, Dancing with the Muse (reissued in 2000), and moves forward. Spheeris himself chose the pieces for this retrospective and sandwiched them between two new compositions, a fanciful Celtic-inspired number called "Looking Back" and the surprisingly understated solo-piano composition "Rendezvous." Standouts are the Middle-Eastern flavored "Magaya" from Dancing with the Muse, the horn-accented "Field of Tears" from Desires of the Heart, and, most especially, the aforementioned "Rendezvous," which seems to take inspiration from "My Funny Valentine." Neither for purists nor lovers of subtlety, 1990-2000 is a good starting place for new Spheeris fans. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars dancing with the muse, culture & enchantment...intoxicating, October 31, 2001

By	J. Lovins "Mr. Jim" (Missouri-USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Before I enter the world of reviews, let me make one thing very clear...I'm a big fan of this multi-instrumentalist composer...every track on this album is pure "ENCHANTMENT", this his second release from Higher Octave ~ "The Best of Chris Spheeris 1990-2000", is the "Ultimate" from this young Greek.

Also being of Greek heritage, my mother Maria Patestas, I'm very partial to this genre in music growing up and hearing songs that speak from the soul, inner feelings that are deep within...Spheeris compositions blend so many different passages of life, you feel you've heard them before, but never knowing where or when.

Following his career for more than a decade, remembering his past endeavors with "Enchantment"(1990)..."Desires of the Heart"(1990), one of my personal favorites..."Culture"(1993)..."Desires"(1994)..."Eros"(1997)..."Dancing With The Muse"(2000), the title song and "MAGAYA" from the same album are two of my all-time favorites on this latest release...but the highlight is "CULTURE", completely addictive theme, Spheeris arrangement blends old melodies within a new text, very intoxicating to say the least.

After listening to this CD, you feel tranquil, happy and at peace...Spheeris music is very therapeutic, if this is what you've been searching for...you have found it, thanks to CHRIS SPHEERIS!

Total Time: 73:45 on 15 Tracks ~ Higher Octave HOMCD-50946 ~ (2001)

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is perfection!, May 9, 2001

By A Customer

This is a magnificent collection of soulful, seductive music good for listening to anywhere and at any time. The only thing missing is, perhaps, Kingdom in the Clouds from Mystic Traveller. Thank you Chris for this beautiful CD!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Now I understand Napster, August 14, 2001

By	Hal (San Diego, California United States) - See all my reviews

....

Chris Spheeris, ... is a musical master. Even his worst songs are better than average. His best songs (and they are many) are brilliant. I have purchased every one of his albums (except the re-releases). If anyone deserves to be well-compensated for his artistic endeavors, it is Mr. Spheeris. If you don't yet own any music by Chris Spheeris I cannot recommend this album highly enough. Buy it! You won't regret it!

But if you already own many/most/all of Mr. Spheeris's previous releases, should you buy this album? What for? For the two new songs??

I already have every song on this album ... EXCEPT TWO ! What possessed Mr. Spheeris to put two new songs on this album? Is that how he rewards me for purchasing every one of his previous releases? Should I pay full album price for two songs???? Or should I simply forgo the two new songs? What kind of appreciation is that to show to your loyal admirers? What kind of gratitude is that? I am deeply disappointed in Mr. Spheeris for this tawdry marketing ploy.