Search - Ralf Illenberger :: Circle

Ralf & Budi Rock!

Curtis Hotzinger | Denver, CO United States | 04/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is guitar music for guitarists! Ralf shows what a genius can do with digital delay. Crank up the volume and kick back with the headphones. I saw he and Budi perform many of these songs live and this isn't just overdubbing. He literally plays along with his own licks. Budi does some awesome solos with a south american instrument shaped like a big pipe. Listen closely and you can hear him both rubbing it and blowing into it. I am back here buying the CD cause I finally wore out my cassette."

Stylish Playing

Marc Ruby? | Warren, MI USA | 01/10/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Ralf Ilenberger is an accomplished quitarist with a flair for the rhythmic side of light jazz. Too often, his work gets relegated tot he New Age bins, but it really doesn't belong there. Or, rather, it is better classed elsewhere, although he has plenty of fans among all listeners. His style is more of a fusion of many elements, from rock (Jump) to Latin American influences (Big Change).



There is a lot more to hear on this album than just Ilenberger's guitars (electric and acoustic). Budl Siebert plays keyboards, a mean saxophone, as well as marimba and percussion. Peter Keiser plays Bass, Walter Keiser is on drums, and the voice of Anna Ilenberger can be heard on Gemini.



This isn't edgy music, but neither is it melodic fluff. Siebert's saxophone work, which is showcased in Blue Darkness, is worth the price of admission all on its own. This is a perfect counterpoint to the easygoing work Ilenberger does on guitar. As someone who does listen to a lot of New Age, this makes a nice change of pace."

Incredible playing on a great album!!

J. castle | 02/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, this title does get thrown into the new age rack and it's not entirely wrong. This is just an incredible album of music that is mesmerizing with each new song.

I should say that when i first picked up this title in the year it was released i thought it would be a more ethereal keyboard oriented style judging by the CD artwork on the front, but when i heard the innovative way Ralf played his guitar it stuck with me.

The style is more fusion than new age, but with the genius of Budi Siebert on all of the songs it really conveys a great mood.

Check out "Horizon I&II", "Gemina"(absolutely beautiful), and "nightflight" nice jam.

You'll be thoroughly rewarded by listening to this great cd which despite it's age is still timelessly appealing."