Customer Reviews

Two

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This lovely sophomore effort from Sokolowski and Ross is an unpretentious survey of styles, which nevertheless avoids falling into vanilla pastiche, primarily because the production and musical approach on each track is simple and straightforward. "Storyteller" is an ironic title, as this opening track finds Ross venturing into Indian vocal raga territory with his wordless melismas, supported by an oceanic drone of bass, keyboards, and percussion. Again, the performance has an engaging simplicity of purpose, and the only "story" being told is in the listener's own mind. "Plant the Sky" is a funkified trio performance, veering between the slow shuffle of the verse--powered by the muscular electric bass of Ross and Sokolowski's driving piano rhythm--and the straight 4/4 funk, anchored by the backbeat of drummer Will Coles. "Speak Up" then features Ross and Sokolowski in an African percussion duet, with thrilling panning effects in the stereo image between Ross' talking drum and other percussion. As noted, the approach is stripped of any "world music" pretense. The remainder of the album follows this trend of an eclecticism that never falls into pick'n'mix miscellany. Rather, the musicians are simply exploring several different options throughout the record, bringing full commitment to each composition. Other highlights include "Antidote," with its lyrical piano line and guest David Darling's cello floating over a static bed of percussion that evokes Brian Eno's brief vignettes on "Another Green World." "Stella: Reflections" is a solo piano feature for Sokolowski that reminds me of George Winston...but hey, I LIKE George Winston!

The only cover version on the album is the Beatles' "Rain," one of John Lennon's more enduring "message" songs with its Zen-like emphasis on direct experience and acceptance of present reality. Here, Ringo's landmark drumming is absent, replaced by an ethereal pianistic arrangement, with a gravel-throated vocal from Ross that sounds as if Leonard Cohen was singing the song (oddly appropriate, considering Cohen's own relationship with Zen Buddhism). Also a fitting tribute to Lennon, which could be easily missed by the uninitiated, is that "Rain" is placed on the album here as track #9, a number that played a significant role throughout Lennon's life.

It should be noted that the CD booklet is especially attractive, with each song having its own artistic representation on each page, with several gorgeous paintings by San Francisco-based surrealist painter Dean Gustafson, whose illustrations perfectly complement the moods and colors of the pieces they represent...a vital ingredient of the total package that is unavailable to those who simply download or sample this music online. Which means: buy the CD!

This album accomplished what I've never experienced before with any musical talent. The music gently guided me on a journey of self-discovery, where I learned and experienced my soul in a unique light. A few songs inspired emotions that were raw and primordial; others inspired an acceptance of who I am in relationship to my present human experience. I found myself feeling beautiful, vulnerable and sensual; as if the music was a magical fairy taking me to a place of pure acceptance. In this musical journey, I also faced a few repressed fears but found myself accepting of my flaws as I enjoyed the instrumentals of this amazing album. Two has the rare distinction of being a musical ashram to its listener. I highly recommend this album if you want to experience yourself anew.

Working in the music industry, I can honestly say that rarely does an album come along that truly defies any one musical genre as much as Soko's "Two". Following up "In November Sunlight", Soko's sophomore album, "Two" explores the realms of Jazz, World Music, New Age, Classical Piano, Instrumental improvisation, and even includes a fantastic cover of a Beatles' classic. To try to pigeonhole "Two" into any singular genre would be doing it a great injustice. As with its predecessor, "Two" finds many of Charlottesville's finest musicians lending a musical hand including guitar virtuoso Tim Reynolds. Simply put, this is music that cannot be described in a simple review... it must be heard, and will likely be enjoyed.

TWO is an amazing musical work of art. This isn't your average CD. Opening with Houston's voice in Storyteller, TWO beckons the listener to take a musical journey. From the tribal
rhythm of drums in Speak Up to the Asian flare of Plant the Sky, to the melodic blend of Piano, Bass and Cello in Antidote (my personal favorite), the listener will be treated with sounds so satisfying, it will leave you wanting more.

The addition of Houston Ross's stellar voice adds a dose of humanity to the melodies of Joy of Love and On the Matter of Coping. The message of peace comes shinning through!

Their rendition of the Beatles "Rain", takes that song to a whole new level. The piano brings in the rain and combines with Houston's voice making this my favorite version of the song by far!

Mystical, enchanting, engaging, describes Bamboo Cool and Dark Beam of the Seine. Awesome sounds that stir the curiosity of the listener in a playful manner.

In-between I and II, are musical bookends for tracks 8-11. Similar yet refreshingly different, these tunes are the fraternal twins of the album. In-between II and Stella: Reflections are so wonderfully smooth that they are sure to remove any tension the listener has incurred during the day.

TWO is a must have for any serious music collector.