Search - Steven Halpern :: Jonah's Journey

Visions of Tomorrow

01/31/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Jonah's Journey is a compelling soundtrack for the theater of the mind. This recording embraces a true spirit of adventure. A blend of New Age and Jazz that is both easygoing and serious, it will uplift you, calm you and inspire your imagination. If mystery can be an emotion, then that is the emotional character of this music. Close your eyes and you're transported on the wings of sound to the far corners of the earth, sea, and for those with vivid imaginations, the solar system. Indeed, many of the songs here evoke images of distant landscapes not of this earth.
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A sense of something expansive pervades the music and if you're feeling the need for some peaceful solitude, this music will provide it. It's about solitude, reflection and introspection. There's nothing dense about the music... it is very open and full of space. David Friesen plucks and bows his famous "Oregon bass," and occasionally Ken Nash adds a little percussion. The balance of the sonic textures are provided by Steven Halpern who plays no less than 10 instruments including a Rhodes electric piano. Synths are thankfully kept to a minimum which allows Friesen plenty of room to do what he does best... how does one say it... meditate on the bass... or play bass meditations... which carry the listener deep within.
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Jonah's Journey is a scintillating expression of instrumental dynamics to please longtime and newly-acquainted fans alike. It is Jazz/New Age fusion at its best. Highly recommended."