|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Review by Bill Binkelman Ray (Leonard) is now four-for-four! His fourth release, Celestial Touch, is yet another sterling example of his ability to seamlessly merge superb electronic new age with spacemusic and ambient soundscapes. I don't know any other artist who is able to craft music that so deftly combines the best of these three genres with such satisfying and cohesive results. Warm but never sappy, floating but always with a purpose, ethereal but never "lost in the ozone," Leonard's music unfolds patiently, inviting the listener to embrace and be embraced by layer upon layer of lush strings, twinkling tones, soothing melodies and slow but steady rhythms. Each release from this artist continues to impress me with both his engineering and production standards (which are at or near the top of these genres) and his talent for composing music that is heartfelt, serene, and yet more varied than many other artists who work in similar veins. Also, as she did on his previous release, new age music pioneer Suzanne Doucet lends her considerable talents both directly and directly to this superb recording. These two have a deep understanding of complementing each other musically and it shows. Celestial Touch contains eleven tracks, ranging in duration from three and half to six and a half minutes. The title song offers spacemusic washes that speak of the vastness and beauty of outer space. It harkens back to classics of the genre from Braheny, Demby and Stearns, when spacemusic conveyed a sense of cosmic grandeur. "Love is to Share" opens with Liquid Mind-like strings wedded to plucked guitar, anchored by a subtle slow tempo rhythm. The artist's obvious romantic intention of this cut come through loud and clear but not mushy at all. "Timeless Memories" reminds me of the golden age of electronic new age music (mid to late '80s) when artists like Ray Lynch, Robert Haig Coxon, and Suzanne Ciani were synonymous with the genre. Again, gentle unforced rhythms play a part, this time measured against flowing synthesizers and a repeating series of notes that climb and descend the scale. It's not difficult to connect Celestial Touch to spacemusic what with song titles like "Spaceship Earth," "Star Waltz," and "Inner Stellar," and fans of that genre should enjoy those tracks, as well as others, provided they don't mind music that uses more major than minor notes/chords and which illuminates a positive glow (don't expect much in the way of melancholy or somberness here, although some songs contain moments that are more reflective and introspective). "Floating Stars" is a good example of the latter, since it does have some minor tonalities, as well as making excellent use of retro EM textures which gives the deep space slow cruiser a pleasantly nostalgic sound. Leaving space behind for a brief moment, Leonard introduces tribal elements for the first time with subtle droning didgeridoo on "Ritual," set off against more retro keyboards ebbing and flowing intermixed with gently percussive rattles. "Star Waltz" may remind you of Wendy Carlos, circa her Tron soundtrack era (owing to the lead keyboard sound) which plays the main refrain over a bed of lush strings and a soft pulsing rhythm. Not to be repeating myself, but "Inner Stellar" once again returns to spacemusic territory, bringing to mind Braheny at his most cosmic and spacy (and minus his trademark EWI). The soothing washes of keyboards that comprise the closing "Completion" are like wave after wave of soothing warmth gently gliding over your body, but the track also evokes the same sense of wonderment that Constance Demby's Novus Magnificat does, albeit with a lot less drama. Seldom do I make statements like the following, but in this case, it's warranted. Ray Leonard is almost criminally ignored and under-appreciated by spacemusic and new age music fans. I'm used to ambient music lovers ignoring my recommendations, since the genre is so fractured and subdivided. However, spacemusic fans have only a handful of artists to currently extol (Telomere, Lyell and Reiland, Mark Mahoney, Sylken, and of course the tried and true Jonn Serrie), so I'm mystified that Ray's recordings are so casually ignored. Wake up, people! This guy is the real deal and it's high time you clued yourselves in to the fact. Celestial Touch is both an updating of the genre and also a homage to the very best of ages past. Whether you consider yourself a fan of electronic new age or spacemusic, this CD comes highly recommended and I'll be amazed if you don't agree with my assessment (if I wasn't so broke, I'd probably offer you a money back guarantee!). |
|
