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review by Dene Bebbington Spiritual counsellor and healer Brian Carter used to play rock music in cover bands before turning his musical hand to new age relaxation music. Walking in Harmony is his first album to result from this change in tack and increased focus on spirituality. This is certainly a successful debut, you can tell this is an accomplished musician rather than someone new to making music. Brian puts together the sounds of acoustic guitars, electric guitars, keyboards, and piano to create music that is genuinely harmonious. On this album there are four tracks ranging from over eight and a half minutes to a little over twenty one minutes long. In one respect this is good because it allows time for a piece to develop and for repetition to work its own magic. However, the one criticism I have is about the tendency to try and drag too much out of core melodies and harmonies that are repeated beyond a natural end point. The second track "Spirit of the Wolf" is my favourite. Swirling synth sounds that continue throughout much of the piece start things off, soon joined by a whistling flutey tone crying out like the soul of a wolf singing of its existence to kindred spirits. The crisp notes of acoustic guitar then start up a delightful and comforting melody that imprints itself onto the emotional parts of one's being. Things go on like this for nearly ten minutes with slight variations and the occasional gentle piano melodies acting as a harmonious counterpoint. Also worth special mention is the final and longest track "Walking in Harmony" which is apparently autobiographical. An acoustic guitar melody and swirling electronics not too dissimilar from on previous tracks gets going straight away to be quickly joined by a contemplative flute. A few minutes in and the piece develops to include some earnest refrains on piano and string effects, and eventually on electric guitar. About two-thirds of the way through the pace shifts up a gear as drum and tambourine sounding beats keep the rhythm, and electric guitar riffs come in to add a sense of joyousness. This method of slowly bringing in different instruments to play variations around a basic theme is Brian's hallmark. In the short time I've had this album it has started to become one of my favourites in the new age genre. My abiding impression after listening is of being guided by the hand on a journey through a feel good world that is maybe a little strange but nevertheless is curiously comforting and endearing. I recommend Walking in Harmony without hesitation. |
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