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"This unique compilation of
some my original compositions is a dream come true for me. I
would like to give special thanks to Jeff Payne and everyone at
Sonic Images for giving my music the opportunity to be heard by
people around the world! To all of my family and fans who have
encouraged me throughout the years, attended my concerts and
collected my CDs, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. This
is your dream too! Without a listener, the music remains silent.
Thanks for listening!!!" – Gary Lamb
These are the words Gary uses in the linear notes, but it is us,
the listeners, who should be thankful to the composer for
writing and releasing this superb CD. This
release cherry-picks his finest compositions released on his own
independent record label, Golden Gate Records.
Although I enjoy all fifteen tracks on this highly
impressive collection, there are four "stand-out" tracks
for me. The first of these is "The Love and the Rose"
taken from the album Distant Fields. It is a very happy,
upbeat piece and suggests a celebration of some sort. In
keeping with the other tracks on the CD, it is highly
melodic. The piece is quite vivacious and has plenty of
energy.
Equally pleasing to the ear is Track 5, "The
Angel's Dance", taken from the album Watching
the Night Fall. It starts off quite darkly-
almost foreboding. However, that quickly
changes, and I just love the way this piece
develops. There seems to be some sort of
electronic sound added to the sweeping notes.
Normally, I am not a fan of such gimmicks, but I
have to say it works extremely well on this
track.
Following straight on, is the sixth track,
entitled "Keeping the Promise". This piece
originates from the album Language of Love.
There's plenty of energy in parts of this track,
and it is very beautiful. It's also incredibly
relaxing, and is a definite favourite.
"In the Cathedral" is the album's final cut, and
is probably my number one choice from the CD.
This piece is achingly beautiful. The ethereal piano
sounds remote
and distant in parts. There is an air of mystery
in this composition. It is on one hand haunting,
and on the other graceful and majestic. Gary
Lamb plays the piano here with such feeling and
emotion. It is impossible not to be moved by
this piece.
Gary
Lamb was born and raised along the coast of Monterey
Bay, California. It was clear to all those around him,
that a musical prodigy was in their presence. Gary could
competently play any instrument presented to him. He was
conducting a 100-piece orchestra by the time he was
fourteen. It was not long before he set-up his own
label, "Golden Gate Records". At this time, Gary was
based in Santa Cruz, where he performed regularly over a
number of years. Several successful releases followed,
and Gary has the distinction of twice charting in the
Billboard New Age "top ten".
Now a resident in
Nashville, Gary has focused on developing his music for
educational purposes. This was in response to receiving
lots of positive feedback from practitioners championing
the effects of Gary's music when played in the
classroom. In 2004, Gary collaborated with Kagan
Publishing, a leading educational publisher, in creating
the Music for the Mind series. The series features six
CDs appropriate for the educational environment and
other settings, using music to enhance cognitive
functioning.
I
really enjoyed listening to this CD, and is one I return to over and
over again. Although it is now "Out of Print", some copies still remain,
and MP3s can be purchased from the Earthtone Website-
www.earthtone.com
An
excellent CD. "Lavender Skies" comes to you highly recommended.
S.C.
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