Search - Geoffrey Downes :: The World Service

Excellent Service!

K. A. Walsh | Eatontown, NJ, USA | 06/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Geoff Downes, current and the only keyboardist for Asia (yes, they're still together...but with new musicians), does it again with this, his fourth solo release.Recording with "The New Dance Orchestra" (read: Geoff's amazing array of keyboards) this CD displays some excellent technical prowess, but more importantly, amazing arrangements. Geoff is an amazingly talented musician, but man...this guy is a *phenominal* arranger.World Service is very similar to Geoff's first solo outing, "The Light Program", but rather than 4 long suites, there are 30 short "pocket symphonies" ranging from 45 seconds to just about 5 minutes. Each piece is designed as a tribute to the feeling and sounds of different cities throughout the world; cities Geoff has visited in his travels, and reflective of the time he spent as a youngster listening to his parents' short wave radio in the UK.At first, I was a bit taken aback by the length of each piece, but upon second listen, you can really hear how each piece flows into the next and stands up (no matter *how* short) on it's own.Sweeping soundscapes, walls of keyboards, stunning arrangements are the hallmark of this CD. No "burn down the house" keyboard runs or solos here...just wonderful arrangements that evoke a time and place...Highly recommended listening for any fan of Asia, Yes, New Age...or especially if you are a keyboardist who appreciates arrangement on synths...this is a *must* buy.Geoff Downes is an amazing musician, vastly underrated IMHO! Pick up "The World Service" and tune in to some wonderful music!Oh yeah...if you like this CD...by all means, pick up "The Light Program" as well...both CDs are masterpieces!"

Light Program is far superior

Bill | New Hampshire | 06/06/2001

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I have been an Asia fan since day one and a huge fan of Geoff Downes in particular. I greatly looked forward to hearing the World Service CD but was sadly disappointed. The music is fine and very representative of Downes' style but the songs are so short that you just begin to get interested in them and they are over. Its like listening to a bunch of song clips. Its a cool idea to create an album of songs that depict the feel of various countries but it would have been better done with 10 full songs than 30 snipits. If you are looking for a great instrumental album that showcases the style and full talents of Geoff Downes I would highly recommend you go with The Light Program rather than this disc."