David Arkenstone - Echoes of Light and Shadow
Our Price: $69.59
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $9.97 (click here)
Category: Music CD
See more CD details
Buy this Music CD at online store in your country
Canadian Music Store
Canadian Music Store
CD Details
Artist: David ArkenstoneEdition: Music CD
Audio: English (Unknown)
CD Release Date: 2008-06-24
Music Label: Gemini Sun Records
Soundtracks:
- Secret on the Moors
- On The Winds of Innocence
- Dark Star
- Illuminations
- No Rain, No Rainbows
- Lightdance
- Entropy
- At First Light
- Tears in the Rain
- Drops of Starlight
Music reviews of Echoes of Light and Shadow
Music Review: More Shadow than Light
Rating: 4 Stars
David Arkenstone has released many albums throughout his music career. But in the last several years, since Sketches from an American Journey, I have found the more recent ones to be repetitive, the same blends and drones with maybe just a few handful of compositions that are noteworthy. Some Arkenstone fans may disagree with me on that. In Echoes of Light and Shadow, he appears to have experimented with some new sounds and a stronger central theme that makes the new recording more exciting and appealing to the senses.
If you are familiar with the work of Diane Arkenstone, you may recognize the opening track, "Secret on the Moors", as a remake of Diane's "Transformation" from her Healing: Mind, Body, Spirit album, a now out-of-print recording released by the NorthSound Music Group label as part of their Wellness Series. And even though the two tracks differ in titles and instrumental arrangements, their melodies are pretty much the same. "Secret on the Moors" is mystical and magical, where one feels transported to a distant land full of esoteric allusions draw together by Dov's beautiful, delicate strings. There exists one problem for me, and perhaps this is because I am well familiar with "Transformation", but "Secret on the Moors" feels like it has a bit of a faster rhythm, a little more upbeat, which seems to take away the serene beauty and gentle peacefulness that permeated throughout "Transformation". And though between the two, I still prefer Diane's previous release for its soothingness and subtle inspiration, this latest arrangement sounds refreshingly new and rich. Regardless, I think this is a gorgeous composition and a great choice for the opening track! However, I would have liked to see some proper credits be given to Diane Arkenstone in the cover notes for this lovely composition. Even if it was collaborated work, her recognition is still needed.
The rest of the album comprises of selections that alternate between dark, ambient to subtle and bright--the shadow and light as the title has indicated--though I think that the shadow ones sounded more gloomy and eerie. The whole album has an overall dark feel to it unlike anything that David has released in the past. "On the Wings of Innocence" and "Illuminations" are ones on the brighter side that are fun-filled and adventurous. "Lightdance" is easily my favorite track of all. It reminds me of Sketches from an American Journey--simple, beautiful and inspiring. "No Rain, No Rainbows" is depressing like a mournful song being sung for lost loved ones. It evokes some pretty deep thoughts and innermost feelings that one may have. "Entropy" is yet another one that I find intriguing. Its airy, pulsating electronic synths give me the chills when I listened to it. The ominous sensation and mysterious effects are what makes it captivating and perhaps more memorable than others. Throughout this recording, David's multi-instrumental talent shines with every rich texture presented in his compositions, while Dov's string work is beautiful and infallible. Susan Craig Winsberg is credited for flutes, but honestly, they didn't really become noticeable for me until "At First Light" where it is not overly shadowed by Dov's violins or David's instruments.
Fans that enjoy David's work will most likely be delighted by this latest offering. Those that are new to his music should not use this album as the basis for judgment of his previous work. It is unusual to see an Arkenstone work that possesses such dark ambiance to it--making it not as uplifting as prior releases--but the Arkenstone signature is definitely there encompassed within the skillful instrumentation and thematic elements. Personally, I would prefer for the music to be on the lighter side, a little more vibrant, and with a little less bass; but nevertheless, I do find this recording enjoyable, and I will recommend it!
--
An update to my review
If you are interested in hearing "Transformation" , it can be found in the following 2 ways:
1) This track, along with a few others, from the Healing: Mind, Body, Spirit album is still being played on Sky.fm's New Age online radio station. Several years ago I contributed this album to Internet Oasis Radio, which since then has merged with Sky.fm.
2) A friend of mine has recently found it on the Imeem online social media site. Do a search for "Diane Arkenstone Transformation" at the site and you will find it. Thanks to Sherry for this info!
New Age CDs
Music Genres
Bestsellers in New Age CDs
Conquer Stress: Meditations to Take You from Tension to Tranquility (Inner Mastery)by KRS Edstrom
Soft Stone Publishing (visit: Askkrs.com); Published: 2007-06-28; Audio CD; Book
Best price: $12.99
Price in other shops:
Deep Stress Relief: When You Need a Long Vacation, But Only Have a Short Time: Total Relaxation & Guided RelaxationRelease date: 2006-12-01; Published: 2006; Music CD
Best price: $12.99
Price in other shops:
Relieve Stress and Anxietyby Joseph Agosta
Northwestern Audio; Published: 2003-10; Audio CD; Book
Best price: $16.95
Sunny Dawn Johnston - Meet Your AngelRelease date: 2006-08-24; Published: 2006; Music CD
Best price: $12.77
Price in other shops:
The Many Voices of One Nation Under GodPba Music Pub; Published: 2005-11-30; Audio CD; Book
Best price: $15.95
Jacqueline Gatto, Susan E. Lanza - Awakening The Spirit Meditation For NursesRelease date: 2008-10-12; Music CD
Best price: $12.42
Price in other shops:
Amy Weintraub - LifeForce Yoga Bhavana: Say Yes to Yourself - A Guided Relaxation Experience with Amy WeintraubRelease date: 2008-11-04; Music CD
Best price: $14.50
Price in other shops:
Sapien - Magic Garden (Cd)Release date: 2004-05-02; Music CD
Best price: $12.66
Price in other shops:
Labor/ Birthing from the Inside Outby Michelle Leclaire O'Neill
Papyrus Press; Published: 2005-08; Audio CD; Book
Best price: $16.99
Banish Stress & Attain Peace of Mindby Dick Sutphen
Valley of the Sun Pub Co; Published: 1994-09; Audio CD; Book
Price in other shops:
Similar CDs
David Arkenstone - Chillout LoungeRelease date: 2009-02-24; Music CD
Best price: $6.93
Price in other shops:
Arkenstone - Celtic Book of DaysRelease date: 2009-08-04; Music CD
Best price: $2.59
Price in other shops:
David Arkenstone - Celtic JourneysRelease date: 2011-05-17; Music CD
Best price: $6.80
Price in other shops:
David Arkenstone - Healing WatersRelease date: 2006-04-15; Music CD
Best price: $6.25
Price in other shops:
David Arkenstone - Myths & LegendsRelease date: 2010-09-14; Music CD
Best price: $12.99
Price in other shops:
David Arkenstone - Sketches From an American JourneyRelease date: 2010-11-09; Music CD
Best price: $6.99
Price in other shops:
David Arkenstone - AtlantisRelease date: 2004-09-07; Music CD
Best price: $8.29
Price in other shops:
David Arkenstone - Ambient WorldRelease date: 2011-02-08; Music CD
Best price: $12.49
Price in other shops:
David Arkenstone - Celtic ChilloutRelease date: 2010-04-20; Music CD
Best price: $6.77
Price in other shops:
David Arkenstone & Diane - Native SpiritRelease date: 2009-08-25; Music CD
Best price: $6.81
Price in other shops: