Coolmixes

Like his two previous efforts [The Candlelight Guitarist, aka Bradley Powell] once again effortlessly spins out relaxing instrumental music which is easy to embrace from the first listen. ...as gentle soothing background music (especially since it's enhanced with assorted nature sounds from the Pacific northwest and Laguna Beach, California), this is a near perfect listening experience. ...gentle melodicism, flowing with just enough energy but still infused with peace and a feeling of calm.
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Powell can also inject a little liveliness (yet still subdued so as to not disturb the overall tone of the album), as he does on "Seven Sunflowers" which has a lilting playfulness to it. "Robin's Aria" is wistful and romantic, tinted with the glow from a setting sun perhaps, while the whimsically titled "My Imaginary Hammock" oozes a feeling of relaxing and even luxuriating in a pleasant state of laziness.
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"Blackberry Courante" is one of my faves on the CD, with a fanciful air to it, as Powell's fingers dance lightly over the fretboard expressing such unbridled joy that it's hard to resist smiling. And one can only kick up one's heels at the aptly titled lucky "Teddy Bear's Joyful Jig (Gigue)." However, despite the recognizable classical flavor, acoustic guitar lovers who normally shy away from that type of music should not be dissuaded because, in Powell's sure hands, you may not even realize you're listening to music influenced from a long time ago.
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His music is almost always positive in nature, even when there is a tint of melancholy or reflection. It's simply music that makes you feel good, period. ...when searching for the soundtrack to a relaxing afternoon...I don't think you could do much better than this wonderful album. Solidly recommended.

Bill Binkelman
New Age Reporter
1/26/07

14.99