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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. |
