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Review by Bill Binkelman As with other releases on New World Music, Eternal Dream by Stuart Jones is a recording of pleasant "pretty" new age music, this time centered around piano as opposed to electronic keyboards. Yes, synthesizers are at work here, but usually in the service of the melodic piano, not the other way around, often used as background coloring via the application of subtle strings. Note that this CD doesn't contain new music from Jones, but is a re-recording of material form the previous albums Love Eternal and Love's Dream. Not having heard the earlier releases (they are ten years old, if I interpret the liner notes correctly), I can't make any comparative comments between the old and new versions. However, the music itself leans toward the romantic and softer side of piano-based new age music, although there are a smattering of crescendos and moments of forceful passion that occur here and there on the CD. The synth strings here are of high quality but are so muted at times that even with headphones on, they're barely discernible. There's nothing wrong with this situation, but it's worth mentioning that, at times, this is closer to a solo piano recording than might perhaps be expected. Track length is variable, from the twelve-and-a-half minute long "Love's Promise" to the six minutes of "Sunlight in Autumn," (not counting a quick two minute reprise of the opening track "Timeless Nature"). The mood seldom strays from the aforementioned emphasis on romanticism and the pace is mostly a relaxed one, although faster moments and ones laced with drama can be heard sprinkled throughout the recording. Synths sometimes play a larger part than just accompaniment, such as on "Love's Promise," when they are of the twinkling and ethereal tone variety, but piano stays anchored firmly as the lead instrument. "Wings of Desire" could be considered the closest thing to an atypical track here; the mood is brighter, a little livelier, and there is stronger emphasis on reaching for drama. My personal preference is for the first two songs ("Timeless Nature" and "Sunlight in Autumn") which feel more introspective and less "showy" than the others. One more thing worth mentioning is that engineering is a bit on the sloppy side, considering the high standards to which I hold this label. On headphones, the usual crystal clarity of the music was sometimes lacking. Also, and I could be wrong about this, but it sure sounds like Jones switches to a digital piano at times on this album. On balance, Eternal Dream is what you'd expect from a piano and synth new age music album that wears its romantic heart on its sleeve. I can't fault it, per se, but I think there are better recordings out there, both on this label and elsewhere, if you are seeking relaxing music that retains a core of piano-based melodic sensibility. |
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