Special and worth a purchase
dan true | NY, United States | 09/26/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is not rock music. The piano is closest to new age and classical style with an occasional blues and jazz feel. Manzarek's and Roger's rock background does show through on some tracks with the piano and guitar providing some nice rhythm.
The opening track, the classical Gnossienne, is nice but the guitar didn't quite fit the piece. The good news is that the album gets better as it progresses and the guitar accompaniment works brilliantly on most other tracks. I'm a fan of piano music and was pleasantly surprised with this album. With the exception of the Gnossienne track (very good but not perfect) I don't think anyone could have played piano more beautifully or with more feeling than Manzarek does on this album."
Extraordinarily beautiful soundscapes
Georges E. Tremblay | Canada | 06/20/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've always loved Ray Manzarek's post-Doors musical releases, though they have been few and far between. This one - Ray's latest - is among his most consistent. Together with guitarist extraordinaire Roy Rogers, Manzarek constructs aural soundscapes of unsurpassed beauty. Ambient music which is not "elevator music" is a rare thing indeed. This release by Manzarek and Rogers - in essence - would best be classified as "mature, romantic blues-inspired music which is ideally enjoyed accompanied by a bottle of vintage wine". HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"
Exceptional music
august | No | 04/24/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
Ballads before the rain is an exceptional cd. Its dialogical style, Ray on piano and Roy on guitars, create mysterious happenings in nearly one hour. Ray with some some of the most beatuful and original piano arrangements I ever heard, and Roys evocative guitar sounds - for the most part in the background. Together they have created music for intellectual and philosophical minds, music that affect every part of you. If you want to forget or loose yourself for some time, please listen to this cd: Two fabulous musicans who knows the art of musical interaction and improvisation. This is one of the best cds this year."