Search - Chris Phillips :: Natural Wonders of the World

Into the Wild

Amaranth | Northern California | 12/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Natural Wonders of the World" is a soothing,relaxing album. Unlike many popular New Age CDs,it blends natural sounds with the soundtrack. Sonically,it depicts spectacular locales such as Mount Everest (Tibet/Nepal),the Aurora Borealis, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil),and Great Barrier Reef (Oceania). The accompanying book has stunning pictures. The most challenging track-- and picture--is of the ethereal,ephemeral aurora borealis.



"Natural Wonders" opens with the majesty of the Grand Canyon, blending bird song with Native American flutes. The harbor of Rio de Janeiro blends the sound of waves with a vaguely Spanish/flamenco jazz. This is also a good album of Brazilian New Age music: Bossa Nova Delhi Mount Everest integrates the sound of wild mountain winds with soothing Asian flute. Paricutin Volcano again brings a flamenco sound to it,like Ottmar Liebert Nouveau Flamenco Victoria Falls is vaguely African. The Aurora Borealis is sonically depicted with ethereal electronica. It's more of a phenomenon than a place. The album closes with the oceanic sound of the Great Barrier Reef.



"Natural Wonders" is a calming escape to Nature!"