Clear, fresh air! Music to refresh your soul!
Cal Spencer | Portland, Oregon USA | 12/06/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The music of Bill Douglas brings a purity of emotion which is rare these days. In Earth Prayer, as with all his albums, whether expressing sacred reverence or simple, unabashed joy, the music speaks directly to the heart! There is no trace of the syrupy over-sentimentality to which some fall prey. And this is certainly not just another New Age, drifting-to-nowhere with no content album. Instead, each selection is finely sculpted in Douglas' very original style. Earth Prayer is an even balance and collaboration of instrumental and vocal selections. The exquisite voices of the Ars Nova Singers are engaged and present with the spirit of the music and all the lyrics are clearly sung. The poetry of such greats as William Butler Yeats, Percy B Shelley, and William Shakespeare weave so naturally with the music, one begins to feel that these songs have existed always. These songs with their immortal words will stay in your heart.The instrumental cuts feature the distinct sounds of trumpet, violin, flute, cello, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, french horn, various percussion including Indian tabla, as well as Bill Douglas's masterful piano. It is a joy to hear the true sounds of these fine musicians!"
Splendid
Mark | Florida | 04/30/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I didn't think he could out do Songs of Earth and Sky. This one certainly does so in musical variety. And that it is not just more of the same is one of its strong points. In Lovely Blue, in particular, is phenominally beautiful."