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review by Michael Debbage Suzanne Ciani stirred up waves back in 1982 when she was a pioneering female musician in the then burgeoning electronic New Age music scene. Granted, musicians such as Vangelis had cleared the way to give Ciani a lesser path of resistance, nevertheless her style was uniquely her own. More importantly, she was one of the first females to break the boundaries of this genre. Combining electronic experiments that brought a lush, romantic human feel to it, Ciani's music is a pleasure to listen to. Meditations, as the title would suggest, is an overview of her most dreamy and relaxing compositions making for a very effective introspective retrospective. Since 1982, Ciani has released a total of thirteen albums, which includes a few compilations and a live album. Her start began with the exciting Private Music label that also included label mate Yanni during his more progressive years. Ciani remained with Private Music for a total of ten years when she concluded her obligations with the label courtesy of her wonderful compilation The Private Music Of Suzanne Ciani. For some strange reason this has been the only disc that I have owned to date. I am not sure why, as it has been a constant visitor to my CD player. In 1994, Ciani chose to take greater artistic and business control and formed her label, Seventh Wave, and released her eighth album Dream Suite. This album also represented another departure of musical sorts that included a 70-member orchestra. Despite this bold move, it did not dilute her ability to continue composing some fine material that resulted in a Grammy Award Nomination for Best New Age Album. Now, twenty years since her groundbreaking freshman offering Seven Waves, Ciani presents us with another "best of" that focuses on the theme of contemplation and thoughts of peace. While I am not familiar with all of her music, there are many songs that have been permanent residents on the WAVE stations that have ultimately become smooth jazz formats. Yet despite this unfortunate transformation of programming formats, Ciani still receives airplay courtesy of her most popular songs such as the very gorgeous "The Velocity Of Love." Equally as recognizable is the Jeremy Lubbock assisted "Go Gently," which is as evocative and stirring as the former. Both are obviously in need of representation and are accounted for here. Other Ciani favorites include "Meeting Mozart and "Berceuse" that both embrace classical influences. Of course, they too, deserve to be present on any Ciani compilation. While on the subject of classical influences, there is the refined arrangement of "Bel Canto" or perhaps the more grand and dramatic approach courtesy of "Full Moon Sonata." In utter contrast, the electronic experimentation of Ciani's early days are explored courtesy of "The Third Wave," "Lumiere" and the lengthy "Lay Down Beside Me." All three songs were amassed from her first three studio albums. Either musical approach has a soothing equality that will transport you to a place of peace and tranquility. It has been twenty years since the Queen of electronics started her reign. And while Meditations is not truly a "best of," it does represent a solid overview of this diva of Contemporary Instrumental music. Perhaps her next project will reflect completely new material and a new era of this well-established and most respectable musician. For those of you not familiar with this diva, this is a great place to introduce yourself to the private, peaceful and palatable music of Ciani. |
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