Various Artists - Angels of Venice (11 tracks) +Album Reviews

Good New Age Instrumentals

08/11/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a good CD if you enjoy Loreena McKennit type sounds, or exotic renaissance-like music. I first found Angels on a limited relase CD, and it was breathtaking music. They have included 3 of those tracks on this relase, and unfortunately, they are the 3 best. But, I do recommend this music to those who enjoy Loreena McKennitt, Enya, Blackmore's Night, or other exotic or renaissance inspired music."

Exotic and beautiful music!

07/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Angels of Venice" is an incredibly exotic musical journey! There are three cuts from their previous (and beautiful) "Awake Inside a Dream", as well as some new cuts and some pulled from Windham Hill compilations. Carol Tatum has a charming and respectful way with a melody, whether it's a brilliant one that she's written, or one that she's arranged. And that's probably what separates AOV from the glut of "new age" harp-based music on the market- respect- both for the music AND the listener. Listen to the AOV contribution of "O Holy Night" on the otherwise horrendous "Winter Solstice on Ice" cd collection- this is the work of a musician who respects music. This cd has some powerful moments with great percussion and energy, and some gentle moments that inspire awe and splendor."

One Upon A Dream

Marc Ruby? | Warren, MI USA | 08/11/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Founded by Carol Tatum, a well-known composer/musician, Angels of Venice is a group with an eclectic spread of sounds and styles. The other members of the group include (but are not limited to) Christopher Pellani - percussion, Peggy Baldwin - cello, and Laura Halliday - flute. All of these were established musicians well before the founding of the group and bring their skills to bear with rewarding results. Ostensibly 'new age' in approach, the wander the spectrum from Medieval and Indian settings to Cat Stevens and the Beatles.

This album is something of a composite of previous work done for Windham Hill on signing on to that label. With everything from 'borrowed' work like Cat Steven's Sad Lisa to quirky cross-fertilizations of Celtic and Middle Eastern (A Chantar Mer) the professionalism and creativity are compelling and interesting.

This doesn't prevent the album from seeming a bit overproduced and a tad monotonous. Tempos tend to be idyllic and restful, and the settings textural rather than melodic. All this is find, but can wear thin on repeated listening. Unless you are a bit of a new age, meditation music fan, and then the hypnotic effect is just fine. Even at worst, there is nothing to dislike in this album, which carries out its purpose admirably.

"

Elegant & Sublimely Superb

Clarissa | Ontario, California | 04/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Led by founding member Carol Tatum, Angels Of Venice was born in '91 and have thus created some of the most enchanting music imaginable! I don't listen to a lot of world or new age music anymore for my tastes have been gravitating more and more into Gothic territories lately but the melodies featured here are beyond that of grace--they are simply too beautiful for any known words. The lush soundscapes embrace and dance around the senses, either lifting your spirits with that of elation or causing you to sit back and weep at the emotional charge coursing through your body for little makes one feel as profoundly as music does (hence the reason for sound scores in movies). Angels Of Venice are driven by the harp, flute, cello, percussion, and several other exotic instruments in their gorgeous compositions, exploring many different styles by combining that of medieval, Celtic, neoclassical, middle eastern and even Japanese influences, sending the voyageur on an aural adventure, out of mind, but not to be forgotten."

Outstanding!

Brianna Neal | USA | 12/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lovely and lush, uplifting, driving and depthful...this one has it all and is one of my all time favorite recordings! The rich combination of Carol Tatum's harp, Laura Halladay's amazing flute descants, and Peggy Baldwin's cello with Joanne Paratore's keyboards and Christopher Pellani's Middle-Eastern style percussion gives a new twist to world fusion music. The arrangements by Carol Tatum are spectacular--full of mood, flair and texture, and ever-changing in delightful, unexpected ways. Some are completely original, while others are based on familiar medieval European tunes that have never seen such life before! All the musicians do some wildly virtuosic work here, taking turns like a jazz ensemble, and indeed there are many jazz-like elements to this music. Guest musicians include Sonja Drakulich of Stellamara, Azam Ali and Greg Ellis of Vas, Omar Faruk Tekbilek and Brian Keane. Three of the selections on this Windham Hill debut CD were recorded previously on the Angels' "Awake Inside a Dream", but the rest is new material, and the interspersal of the driving, exotic numbers with more lyrical pieces makes for a well-balanced listening experience, well worth having in addition to the predecessor CD. Don't miss it! If you like Angels of Venice, you're sure to also like Loreena McKennitt and the groups Stellamara and Vas."

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	Various Artists Angels of Venice Genres: International Music, Jazz, New Age, Pop, Rock Track Listings (11) - Disc #1 Sad Lisa Lionheart After The Harvest A Chantar Mer Within You Or Without You Trotto Queen Of The Sun Si Je Perdais Mon Ami As Tears Go By China Moon Tears Of The World (Lacrimae Mundi)
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