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review by Bill Binkelman Tania Rose blends piano and synthesizers to create an enjoyable and emotionally rich (and more complex than I expected) recording on 43 Angels, her fourth release. There's no denying that most of what you'll find here is in the classic "angelic" vein of new age music, full of lush strings and slow-paced romantic piano. However, Rose demonstrates two less commonplace talents throughout the CD. One is her skill at layering her electronic keyboards in with the piano to solid effect (sometimes pouring it on when desired and other times finessing the application of the instruments). Her other area of expertise is her specific choice of keyboard sounds, both the nature of the sounds and the high quality of, for example, her strings. Considering the modest (although not unappealing) presentation of the recording, this level of quality control was a pleasant surprise. Another surprise for me was how some of her compositions varied from the traditional angel-music formula, notably "Corridor of Angels" which could almost be a Tim Story piece. Minimal piano, understated twinkling synths, and lower register strings (cello and bass) offer up nine-plus minutes of a repeated musical phrase that goes through subtle evolutions as it unwinds. Most of the song takes place in minor keys, with only some major key chorales now and then to alter the mood from somber to subtle majesty. "Journey Flight" is another winner, opening with what sounds like real acoustic guitar, synth strings, and high-pitched bell tones. There is sense of soaring and flight to the strings, juxtaposed with harpsichord-ish keyboards that paint the song in Renaissance flavors. Rose's piano playing is the centerpoint of the album, and she does not overreach her abilities, playing mostly in a soft manner and not straying into pointless pyrotechnics. At the heart of this album is a soft gentility and I would imagine the artist's aim was to impart of sense of beauty and serenity while also introducing elements of awe and wonderment. There are no rhythms present, except those inherent in the main melody lines, so don't be expecting any beats whatsoever. Instead, 43 Angels offers you patient soothing soundscapes, such as "Earth Angel" with its neo-classical piano, French horn and/or bassoon samples, lush strings, and "Inspirare" the ten-plus minute closing track, filled with piano, lower register strings, and multi-tracked soprano chorales (Rose herself, I imagine). 43 Angels is obviously new age music through and through, so I won't recommend it to ambient or EM fans, but this is not your garden-variety angelic recording, either. While the selections have an easily-recognized continuity (if not sameness) tying them together, there is enough variety here to hold your interest (if that is a concern for you). Most people will probably enjoy this recording more as background accompaniment where its softness and warm melodies will color the environment in soothing sonic shades meant to relax and guide you to a place of rest and relaxation. In that regard, Tania Rose has succeeded admirably in making music that speaks of love and peace, something that we can all use a lot more of, in my opinion. |
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