This warm, charming two-CD set from duo Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel is a collection of new, "live studio" recordings of their most popular compositions as well as a sprinkle of new, original pieces. This, their seventh ... more »collection, holds the best of the airy, melodious music that these two versatile musicians give birth to so well together. In addition to playing oboe, Rumbel blends in the English horn, double alto, and tenor ocarinas on these discs while Tingstad works masterfully on classical and steel-string guitars. Known for their love of and inspiration from the environment, this twosome draws expansively on experiences from their beloved Pacific Northwest, the Great Plains, the Southwest, the Southeast, and various American legends for their muse here. And the booklet's beautiful photos of America set an uplifting mood. --Karen Karleski« less
This warm, charming two-CD set from duo Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel is a collection of new, "live studio" recordings of their most popular compositions as well as a sprinkle of new, original pieces. This, their seventh collection, holds the best of the airy, melodious music that these two versatile musicians give birth to so well together. In addition to playing oboe, Rumbel blends in the English horn, double alto, and tenor ocarinas on these discs while Tingstad works masterfully on classical and steel-string guitars. Known for their love of and inspiration from the environment, this twosome draws expansively on experiences from their beloved Pacific Northwest, the Great Plains, the Southwest, the Southeast, and various American legends for their muse here. And the booklet's beautiful photos of America set an uplifting mood. --Karen Karleski
Gary S. (wa7rgq) from SAN DIEGO, CA Reviewed on 5/13/2007...
Well-executed 20-bit recording of acoustic standards and originals in purely American style. Also makes great production music for private videos. You should have broad vistas of purple mountains when listening to this music.
CD Reviews
Liquid Architecture
Greg | 11/06/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Trying to describe Tingstad and Rumbel's music with mere words is like trying to render a Frank Lloyd Wright building with Lego blocks. Eric uses the phrase "liquid architecture" to describe music and its ability to create a space within which we can be.Eric and Nancy's music takes us out of time and into quiet, cancelling out the noise that surrounds us, and allowing us to hear and feel the world's heartbeat - and our own. They take us to a rich variety of beautiful places all over the world - from pastoral sunlit meadows to stormy mountaintops; from wooden sailing ships to country chapels; from lush forests to scalding desert.The musical means are deceptively economical, often a single guitar and oboe (or English horn, or ocarina). The clean musical lines, free of any excess weight, soar freely and carve out surprisingly large open spaces. Eric and Nancy's wide range of stylistic interests results in a mix which can satisfy listeners of varying tastes.This music isn't just for the "new age" crowd. Anyone who likes good music should check out Tingstad and Rumbel. This collection, featuring new recordings from seven T&R and solo albums, as well as several new songs, is ideal to begin with."
American Acoustic
Greg | 09/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Unlike some "New Age" titles, American Acoustic is melodic, serene, and sometimes fun. The selections complement each other. I thoroughly enjoyed it."
I am playing American Acoustic repeatedly and love it.
Greg | 05/16/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I play it in the car when I drive. I play it in the classroom when I prepare to teach. I play it in the evenings to simply lay back and relax. Not just New Age, but a sampler of Native American, Hispanic American, Celtic American and other themes. Truly an enjoyable collection. Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumble need to team up again for future CD's, because I'm ready to buy and hear more of their wonderful music."
Excellent: relaxed, easy listening at its best!
David M. LeGrande | Richmond, Virginia USA | 01/10/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I love Eric Tingstad's & Nancy Rumbel's guitar & woodwin compostions. It really is a unique sound. This particular album really allows you to sit back, close your eyes, and take a musical tour of Americana. You can almost conjure up visual images of the places and things they describe in their music."
Rumbel & Tingstad at their best!
David M. LeGrande | 12/08/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel team up again in a 2CD box set that is absolute EAR CANDY for Narada fans. This release includes a few pieces from their previous solo and joint releases, then adds new ones in their wonderful blend of accoustic guitar, recorder, and subtle percussion. Relaxing and uplifting, a great alternative to the mainstream repetitiveness of your local DJ, and the best of what accoustic music should be."