Here's an eclectic assortment of goodies to keep your ears, and those of most of your friends, properly exercised.

KINDRED SPIRITS John Boswell (Hearts of Space)

So few recordings offer more than a couple of genuinely good compositions (if that). Too often, mediocre songs are wrapped in fancy packages, well produced but lacking depth and sensitivity. It is a delightful treat to find the exception. With uncluttered simplicity, each of John Boswell's melodies possess a sense of balance and lyrical grace that is truly impressive. His compositions need no fanfare or fancy arrangements. With John on piano, the soprano sax of Dave Koz and the percussion of M.B. Gordy III, the result is an intimate, thoughtful recording with four stars for heartfelt musicality.

• STYLE Lyrical melodies.
• INSTRUMENTATION Piano, soprano sax and light percussion.
• FEEL Intimate, thoughtful and relaxing.
• PERFORMANCES Excellent in both technique and feeling.
• COMPOSITIONS Memorable, well-crafted melodies and some excellent improvisations.
• ARRANGEMENTS Tastefully understated.
• TEMPOS Mostly slow with a few moderate tempos.
• RECORDING QUALITY Very good.
• REMARKS Even the moderate tempo pieces have a calming influence. I highly recommend it.
  

BLUE RIDGE Wayne Gratz (Narada Lotus)

In this musical tribute to the Blue Ridge Mountains in all their timeless beauty, Wayne Gratz composed, arranged and played keyboards along with nine other musicians. The result is a dreamy, folksy collection of melodies that paint lovely images of a lovely part of the world. Not overly sentimental, Wayne Gratz does a nice job maintaining a gentle momentum throughout a variety of musical textures. If you need to get away for a little vacation at the end of a hard day, Blue Ridge can take you there and for a lot less money.

• STYLE Folksy, gentle and dreamy.
• INSTRUMENTATION Piano, acoustic bass, guitar, mandolin, cello, violin, dulcimer, congas, light percussion, and synthesizer.
• FEEL Relaxing.
• COMPOSITIONS Good overall.
• ARRANGEMENTS Excellent.
• TEMPOS Variety.
• RECORDING QUALITY Excellent.
• REMARKS Although the compositions are not in the same league as those of John Boswell, the arrangements compensate with a variety of nicely crafted musical textures.
  

OCEANS OF LOVE Celestial Winds (Universal Music)

A very well-performed and recorded collection of mostly original songs by Lisa Franco and David Young. Lisa plays an electric Celtic Harp and David plays Recorder. In addition, a nice assortment of acoustic instruments join them for a romantic musical journey that is a unique combination of Renaissance instruments and light rhythms.

• STYLE A blend of Renaissance and ethnic influences.
• INSTRUMENTATION Electric Celtic harp, recorders, bass, mandolin, dulcimer, guitar, bouzouki, ethnic percussion.
• FEEL Gentle, flowing.
• PERFORMANCES Good.
• COMPOSITIONS Adequate.
• ARRANGEMENTS Nicely done, but a little long.
• TEMPOS Mostly slow.
• RECORDING QUALITY Excellent.
• REMARKS Some of the selections plod along and seem too repetitive, but are very well done overall.
  

SHAKIN DOWN THE ACORNS volumes 1 & 2 - Tony Elman (Acorn Music)

A Few Golden Oldies from the best of the bunch. When it comes to lively hammered dulcimer music, Tony Elman is the man. This music has a high spirited feel that can't help but make you feel like dancin (even if you don't know how). Joined by some equally talented musicians, Tony Elman makes these timeless traditional melodies sound great.

• STYLE Traditional folk.
• INSTRUMENTATION Hammered dulcimer, recorders, guitar, violin, banjo, dobro, pedal steel, auto harp, accordion, tin whistle, harmonica, piano, cello, bass.
• FEEL High spirited, folksy.
• PERFORMANCES Exceptional.
• COMPOSITIONS A fine selection of traditional folk tunes.
• ARRANGEMENTS Excellent.
• TEMPOS Mostly lively, toe tappers.
• RECORDING QUALITY Very good.
• REMARKS If your feelin burdened by the world, take two Acorns and call me in the morning.
  

THE ORCHESTRAL ALBUM Dave Grusin (GRP)

A collection of film music and other selections by one of the best film composers in the world. As usual, featuring some of the best musicians in the world: Lee Ritenour, Abe Laboriel, Eric Gale, Harvey Mason, Steve Gadd, etc. For my money, nobody can write as well for orchestra with rhythm section as Dave Grusin. Excerpts from the Milagro Beanfield War, Havana, The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, Three Days of the Condor and others.

• STYLE Variety.
• INSTRUMENTATION Orchestra and rhythm section.
• FEEL Variety.
• COMPOSITIONS (a few of) Dave's greatest hits plus a Gershwin medley.
• ARRANGEMENTS/PERFORMANCES What can I say? They don't get any better.
• RECORDING QUALITY Excellent.
• REMARKS Because of the diverse styles and tempos, this is not a recording for getting and keeping a single mood. But if you enjoy hearing the work of a true master of his craft, the work of Dave Grusin as both composer and arranger has long been some of the finest in his field.

If you can't find the reviewed selections at your local store, most of them can be ordered through the Present Moment book store in Minneapolis, MN. Their toll free telephone number is 1-800-378-3245. Ask for John.

All reviews by Robert J. Resetar, a composer/orchestrator currently living in the Minneapolis area. His musical scores and orchestrations have been heard on network television, recordings and performed by symphony orchestras.

If you would like to have your recording considered for a review in ATLANTIS RISING please send it to ROBERT RESETAR, P.O. BOX 23528, MINNEAPOLIS MN 55423. No selections will be returned and due to the constraints of space only a limited number will be selected for printing. Please include information on where readers can purchase them and what formats they are available in. Preference will be given to alternative styles that are especially calming, colorful or unique.