Search - Various Artists :: Miramar Collection 3

Good New Age/Lite Jazz sampler

Rick | NC | 05/09/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The first five tracks on this third Miramar sampler are great for kicking back on a weekend and relaxing with your favorite cup o' joe, or setting a nice romantic mood. The very first track, "You Look Great" by Paul Ventimiglia, is a highlight here- a very pretty, piano-based song that gets the disc started on a lovely and feel-good note. Tracks 6-10 are more adventurous and exotic. Pete Barden's "Ghost Water" features a synth playing the rhythm with a Cusco-esque panflute playing the haunting melody. Telespy's "Voodoo Tango" will have you lost deep in the jungle (watch out for the headhunters!). Joaquin Leviano's "Scottish Highland Melody" sounds every bit as Celtic as it's title implies. Abraxa Pool's "Szabo" nicely boasts the sound of classic, laid-back Santana (the personnel in this group were former members of Santana). Also featured is Spacey New Age master Jonn Serrie with the title cut from his album "Tingri" and Jan Hammer offers up "Lucky Jane" from his album "Drive". In summing up this collection, I'd say the common thread of these artists and tracks is the sense of good melodies in smartly-crafted arrangements that entice you to keep listening without hitting the 'skip' button. The selections here never get so far out as to "alien"-nate the listener. Upon hearing these tracks, one may very well desire to seek out the full albums by the particular artist- such is the case for myself with the track by Paul Ventimiglia- which is really the purpose of a sampler collection anyway! Highly recommended."