Search - Various Artists :: Musical Massage - A Soothing Sensual Collection, Volume 2

During this hour-long disc (which involves four sections, from 12 to 17 minutes in length, and is performed by four unrecognized musicians), the listener experiences the following: two interesting abstractions (the opening and concluding selections), one tedious exercise in parlor music for classical guitar, and yet one more unneeded spin (on synthesizer) of the most overworked warhorse in the genre, "Pachelbel Canon." You'll hear also random nature sounds (surf, crickets, birds), no voices, some botched notes, and an overall impression of gentleness and quiet. The disc's opener, "Tranquility," mixes occasional oboe and flute with a glowing, Jonn Serrie-like, electronic space walk, and qualifies as the disc's high point. Of course, you might be happier if you had chosen music by Serrie in the first place (and Century Seasons would be a good place to start). "Peaceful Evening," a delicate mix of piano, acoustic guitar, and nature sounds (plus traces of jazz harmonics), ends the proceedings on a positive note. --Terry Wood