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They say that
things happen for a reason, and the fans of Kevin
Kern have a massive technical problem to thank for
making this CD a very special one indeed. Kevin Kern
was due to record with his usual mix of synthesisers
added to his piano pieces when the machine
responsible for such things "blew up". The end
result was Kevin had to feature "real" instruments
far more heavily than planned and this is certainly
no bad thing. The real violin, the real flute, the
real bells, etc. etc. give weight to the album and
help to make this a special listening experience.
Kevin Kern has
been one of the most popular artists on the Real
Music roster, and it is not difficult to see why.
His music is popular around the world, especially in
South Korea and other parts of Asia.
The American
pianist, who is registered blind, has composed
several albums for Real Music but this is by far his
strongest outing. "The Touch of Love" opens the CD
with a graceful piano melody, supported with flute
from Pamela Copus and acoustic guitar from Jeff
Linsky- together with gentle drums and electric bass
from David Earl and Terry Miller respectively.
The acoustic
guitar returns on the lovely second track, "The Way
of the Stream", together with harp from Pamela Copus.
The third track, "A Million Stars" is a favourite.
It is a piano solo, and features a delightful
melody. Track Number four, "High Above the Valley"
is, perhaps, the highlight of the CD. It begins with
the sound of rain, but soon a lovely piano melody
kicks in which increases in intensity. Kevin really
goes for it on this track! He is supported by Coyote
Oldman playing the flute. "Ancient Guardians" has a
much slower tempo and is less intense. It soothes to
the heart of the soul, combining piano and flute.
Guitar and piano make a comeback on the album's
sixth track, "Cauldron of Healing". Again, this is
a gentle, soporific piece of music.
"Filled With
Light" is the album's second piano solo and is a
short number basking with beauty. "Through the Veil"
is another gorgeous track, featuring acoustic
guitar, drums, electric bass and a drumstick (Pamela
Gibbs). Even the label's founder, Terence Yallop
gets in on the act of the penultimate track, playing
a bell tree. Another favourite is the album's
closing track, "The Winding Path". Piano and flute
combine once again to beautiful effect in what
really is a gorgeous composition. It is quite a
mournful track, but devastatingly beautiful.
Kevin Kern
has excelled himself with this offering. As usual,
Real Music have done a fantastic job with the
packaging. The accompanying booklet is a delight to
read and has a luxurious feel about it. No expense
has been spared here! Real Music offer the listener
a "Guided Visualization", but the listener who sits
down, relaxes and closes their eyes will have an
equally rewarding experience.
A fantastic CD-
and one that is highly recommended.
S.C. |
