Earthbound

Paul Schwartz

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 21, 2002)
• Original Release Date: May 21, 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Windham Hill Records
• ASIN: B000066NX1
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #72,396 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
On his fourth release, and first of all-original material, Composer-producer Paul Schwartz explores themes inspired by the night. He generates a lush, dreamy sound that will appeal to fans of Enigma, William Orbit, and Caroline LaVelle. In fact, some of Earthbound echoes the feeling of LaVelle's 1995 album, Spirit, as well as Orbit's work on Madonna's Ray of Light.

Known for placing sampled and re-edited opera classics over orchestrations and dance grooves on the classical crossover hits Aria and Aria 2, Schwartz now invokes different combinations of neoclassical music, dance grooves, and ethereal pop, and he deploys a 30-piece orchestra on many of these new tracks. Vocalist Lisbeth Scott lends her talents to several compositions, including the poppy electronica of "The Dark of the Night" and the heavily orchestrated "Ravens," which features a haunting string melody to match the poignant and morose lyrics. Folk singer Tara MacLean sings on the downtempo pop of the title track, while the composer delivers a solemn piano "Nocturne" to end the album. While Earthbound treads a lot of familiar ground, Schwartz makes his nocturnal musings warm and welcoming. --Bryan Reesman

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars swimming in a river of stars, January 24, 2004

By	Clarissa "MoonGoddess" (Ontario, California) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

If I had but a handful of CDs to take with me on a deserted island this would be one of them! Paul Schwartz is a remarkable composer for he's succeeded time and time again to broaden the confining barriers of classical music, providing a modern twist that'll appeal to a wider audience, but without taking away from the pureness of the genre either with the common use of too much electronics. His trademark sound of ethereal singing with lush, ambient melodies breathtakingly accenting instruments such as violins, cellos and harps are always unmistakable but 'Aria I' & 'Aria II: New Horizon' chiefly featured the powerful voice of Rebecca Luker, giving popular pieces such as "Ave Maria" and "Ebben" more of an operatic air to them, while here on 'Earthbound' things are toned down a bit with folk singer Tara MacLean lending her gorgeous voice to the amazing, heartrending title track and Lisbeth Scott gracing many of the selections with her pristine beauty that's sure to send shivers (but in a good way) down your spine, as she does me. I also love the magical lyrics which can be heard throughout the album with only three instrumentals: 'I dream a dark caressing ocean shore. The moon has drawn me to its side. I glimpse the shadow of a mystery that floats beyond my fingers as I cry. And the stars shine on the dune. And I see you in the moonlight.' "Nevermore" is probably my favorite piece with the lovely Emily Aylmer and Ruth Cahill on vocals.

One thing I respect about Paul's new direction and apparent growth as a musician in his most recent projects is his ability to conduct and orchestrate original material (with a few exceptions, of course) without excessively borrowing from past repertoires that have been polished countless times over. It's tarnishing originality and I'm frankly becoming bored with most crossover acts these days so, for now, I'll be turning back to this and the rest of his releases instead of buying most of the unnecessary waste that's been coming out lately. Paul is extremely gifted with diverse talents that shine through in his music, which is moving and very awe-inspired and I'd recommend this to anyone.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Romantic, melodic and haunting, November 4, 2004

By	J. Ruwolt "jonnr" (Sunny Bondi, Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Paul Schwartz was new to me when I discovered his State of Grace albums, then realized he also authored the Aria albums. I found I really love his melodies, the pure voices of the female vocals, the arrangements which remind me of Bill Douglas, and the solid piano playing. This is very professional and very satisfying work. I can't recommend it highly enough!
If you are a new romantic this is an album for you. I keep replaying it and joyfully revelling in the lilting melodies. This ia very up-to-date and utterly beautiful music.
Have a listen to State of Grace II as well. You won't believe the beautiful arrangements!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely breathtaking, December 12, 2002

By	Erica Anderson (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I recently got into Paul Schwartz's music and has been forever hooked. Actually I already owned the first Aria cd but to be honest the album didn't do much for me. It was good but it lacked the magic that "State of Grace" has. Not to long ago, I bought "State of Grace" and was totally bowled over by Paul's compositions. I loved Paul's blend of classical and new age music. Lisbeth Scott's vocals were simply stunning and soothing to listen to. So after playing "State of Grace" so many times, I thought my next Paul Schwartz purchase would have to be his latest album "Earthbound". I was immediately enamoured with Paul's latest album. I just loved the title track and Tara McLean's vocals on the song. I was extremely pleased to see Lisbeth Scott was singing on this album. Lisbeth definitely has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard. "IL Gioco" is a perfect example of her talents. Too bad most pop artists today lack even a quarter of Lisbeth's talents as a vocalist. "Nevermore" is a heavenly delight to listen to. I love the delicate notes of the harp. For people who have already own "State of Grace", I think they will recognize track #5 "River of Stars". That is definitely one of my favorite songs from Paul himself. I must admit that I find myself liking "State of Grace" just a wee bit more than "Earthbound" but that is just my personal preferences. Still "Earthbound" is a gorgeous body of work. I am definitely now a Paul Schwartz fan. "Earthbound" was all I needed to hear to make me a fan.