Search - Andreas Vollenweider :: Book of Roses

Castle music

Flight Risk (The Gypsy Moth) | usa | 07/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the very first sounds - perhaps a child running through hallways - to the moment at the beginning when the runner pushes open a window, mental pictures start up. I imagine the window looking out over a deep, lushly forested gorge on a bright shining day. Really what I see in my mind, throughout the entire CD, is a variation of a Maxfield Parrish painting, in a land where it only rains at night.



I've had fairly heated arguments with other Vollenweider fans about this CD - my favourite, with everything it brings to mind; as the title says, I can easily see castles with this music, and scholarly people tucked away in odd corners working on esoteric problems. Some of the backdrop stuff is great, too; when the dog runs up to the recording equipment, I always turn it way up so I can hear doggy laughter. Ladysmith Black Mambazo - a class act their own selves - adds an accent to the first half of the CD and the world feels brighter from their voices.



The first time I became aware of Andreas Vollenweider was from an appearance on the Tonight Show - when Johnny Carson was running things. I couldn't even guess at a year - but I have been a fan ever since. This CD trips off a little from the beaten path - as someone else said, you may want to try one of his more mainstream works first - but for folks familiar with his work, this shouldn't be that much of a surprise, and it is so peaceful."

Different from his other releases but very good

Anders Whitefish | California | 01/24/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a fan of Andreas since the mid 80's, and it seems that each album he puts out becomes more elaborately produced with a greater variety of instruments involved. If you like an eclectic mix of styles blended into one album, with the harp as more of a background than being at the forefront, you would enjoy this release. I feel that his best work is more stripped down with his harp as the main focus, but apparently I'm in the minority from reading the reviews of this album. The best performance I saw of him was in '98 when he was alone playing various instruments and telling stories on stage. Too bad he doesn't come to the US more often; I highly recommend his live shows. This '06 release is an improvement because it is remastered and has some live tracks tacked on at the end along with a track from "Vox." There's also live concert videos that you can play on the computer. I got it brand new sealed for $2.20 so you can't beat that."

His best album

Val | Boston, MA | 07/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Book of Roses is Andreas' best album. I have them all but none is as diverse and entertaining as this is.

Where else do you hear music like this? Calming, soothing and yet remarkable! I totally recommend it!"