Search - Darlene Koldenhoven :: Heavenly Peace

Heavenly Peace
Darlene Koldenhoven
Heavenly Peace
Genres: Jazz, Special Interest, New Age, Pop, Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (10) - Disc #1

From Grammy winner, Darlene Koldenhoven, this 'anything but traditional' CD "Heavenly Peace" was selected as "Best Holiday CD" by New Age Magazine; "Album of the Month" by The New Times, Seattle; and debuted #2 on the New ...  more »

     
   
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CD Details

All Artists: Darlene Koldenhoven
Title: Heavenly Peace
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 1
Label: Time Art
Original Release Date: 12/16/1999
Release Date: 12/16/1999
Genres: Jazz, Special Interest, New Age, Pop, Classical
Styles: Holiday & Wedding, Opera & Classical Vocal
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 669910544426, 765181099327

Synopsis

Album Description
From Grammy winner, Darlene Koldenhoven, this 'anything but traditional' CD "Heavenly Peace" was selected as "Best Holiday CD" by New Age Magazine; "Album of the Month" by The New Times, Seattle; and debuted #2 on the New Age Voice Radio Charts. This glorious collection of original and traditional songs (some non-seasonal) with non-traditional arrangements will evoke that special holiday spirit all year long. As producer of this successful inde release, Darlene chose or composed and arranged most all the songs to tastefully feature her expressively soaring, angelic, five-octave vocal range, with or without lyrics. The lyrics touch upon the spiritual and emotional sides of all the characters involved in the Christmas Story, while the music and production reflect elements of classical, world, jazz, and new age. A serene and joyful celebration with mostly synthesized accompaniment and acoustic soloists on various traditional and world instruments. If you liked her featured solo, "Aria," in "Yanni, Live at the Acropolis" you'll love her vocal and keyboard work here. With plenty of musical interest for attentive listening, this album will also create a soothing background ambience. From comments by radio programmers, to listeners world wide, EVERY track on this album is musically and spiritually satisfying. Heavenly Peace . . . indeed!

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CD Reviews

Heavenly Peace, indeed!
dy@newtimes.org | Seattle, WA USA | 11/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"A few seconds into my initial listening to its first track, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," I sensed that Heavenly Peace was not going to be a typical Christmas album, and as the rest of the album unfolded, that first impression became ever more deliciously validated. The multi-layered vocals on the song, in their interplay with the violin solo, alert listeners that they are in for some groundbreaking music, period, let alone a singular contribution to the seasonal literature.As the album continues to cast its spell, one quickly develops an appreciation for all the unique ways that Koldenhoven informs the holiday musical legacy, making new even the most familiar tunes and, simultaneously, the wonder of the Christmas story. Even more remarkable than her crystal-clear five-octave instrument (from below second alto to up, up, and away) is the fact that she manages to exploit its full range without showy, gimmick-laden histrionics.Several original compositions, including the wordless "Angels' Pastorale," add depth to the listening experience, and the sensitive lyrics (especially on "Joseph's Question") are worthy of the delicate settings that cradle them. Even the best-known tunes are so imaginatively delivered that one may be more tempted to wonder where one has heard the song before than to (attempt to) sing along. "Silent Night," packaged a bit like The Manhattan Transfer's version, comes the closest to sounding like something I can use as a basis of comparison, although if you're a Sarah Brightman fan, this collection will surely appeal to you, as it mines similarly etheric stylistic territory. It even closes with Koldenhoven's heartfelt (and superior) take on one of Brightman's signature tunes, "Pie Jesu" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Requiem.Although hers isn't a household name, you may know the artist for her work with Yanni (she sang "Aria" on his Live at the Acropolis video and his In the Mirror CD), 2+2 (a jazz group with whom she earned three Grammy nominations and one award), or Inner Voices. The latter all-female quartet's 1990 Christmas Harmony is one of those very few holiday releases that have made my playlist every year since its release. I know that Heavenly Peace will join that special group of discs next year, and every year from then on."
Beautiful Voice
W. RUSSELL | Santa Barbara, CA USA | 11/19/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)

"The tonal quality of Darlene's voice is simply superb. Both rich and delicate. I would estimate at least a four octave range of superb, stylish aural splendor. Her talent goes well beyond just being a superb singer. She also arranged many of the "Heavenly Peace" songs, and produced this CD. Do I have a favorite song? Not really, they are all great for listening. But if I have to select a favorite, it would be "Emmanuel" ... a pure, ethereal song of magical beauty. I play this song over and over and over. The CD is my Christmas morning music while opening gifts. Highly recommended."