Ascension - Phoenix Rising CD

Product Description Ascension Review One of the more interesting releases so far this year, Ascension from Phoenix Rising (pianist Wendy Loomis and flutist Monica Williams) musically interprets the seven charkas using an assortment of acoustic instruments played by both the duo and six different guest artists. Despite this mixed bag approach, the CDs musical theme is manifested by the presence of Loomis (who composed the tracks) and Williams (who arranged them). Other artists on the CD are Jennifer Lim on guzheng, Debra Podjed on tabla, Jessica Styler on hang drum, Suellen Primose on cello, Irina Mikhailova on vocals, and Karen Segal on guitar. You can tell by these diverse global instruments that the album bears some world music influences, but overall this is better described as contemporary acoustic music. Or you could simply say these eight women craft music of warmth and beauty that touches the heart and soul with gentleness and grace. Either way, Ascension is a musical delight to be cherished. --Bill Binkelman, New Age RetailerThe title track for Phoenix Risings Ascension begins with an emotionally dense composition that plays heavily in a classical style, but does not have any of the stuffiness or must associated with the classical style. Rather, what Phoenix Rising does during this track is weave a rich narrative through the entirety of the tracks 7 minute runtime. For the act, there does not need to be anything vocal present; the intrepid and talented arrangements that act as guideposts for listeners here ensure that a vocal side to Phoenix Rising is not needed at this juncture. For individuals that may have been educated on the virtues of vocal music, purchasing a copy of Ascension is vital to increase the appreciation that one can have for music. I know that I am typically not a fan of instrumental music, but what is done with each of the albums seven cuts is glorious, providing the listener with heady music that will require multiple spins before that time when they can truly get everything that the members of Phoenix Rising have included on Ascension. T here may only be seven tracks on Ascension, but do not let it seem as if Phoenix Rising is just riding out a few themes. Rather, the extended length of the tracks on Ascension allow Phoenix Rising to essentially expand on different topics and themes to their logical conclusion, rather than being forced to cram in a brief array of thoughts and feelings into a space that is decidedly too short for it. Furthermore, the tracks on Ascension have links between each other, as well to the conception of the album itself. That is to say, the thoughts and emotions touched on during Creation constitute an album-wide phenomenon, which means that for full enjoyment, listeners should secret themselves away to a quiet room and fully enjoy what has been committed to disc by the members of Phoenix Rising. When I am looking for a clean and crisp set of compositions, Ascension will be the first album that I reach for. I eagerly anticipate the bands future recordings, if not only to see the new ground the act will touch upon in the years to come --Neufuture Magazine About the Artist Phoenix Rising is duo composer/pianist Wendy Loomis and arranger/flutist Monica Williams. Together they create visions of light and space reflecting on nature, human relations, and the ups and downs of life. Phoenix Risings previous three multi-instrumental CDs - Mystic Places, Ascension and Whispers - have earned awards and nominations in New Age, Classical, and World music from ASCAP, the Hollywood Music and Media Awards, the Los Angeles Music Awards, and the Unisong International Song Competition. Mystic Places and Ascension were consistently in the top 10 on the Soundscapes channel, were on the Zone Music Reporter charts during most of their release years, and each had tracks with over a million spins on Pandora Radio. See moreAdditional Info: Personnel: The Band (vocals, guitar); The Slave (cello, synthesizer); The Peasant (drums).

Specifics

• Album: Ascension
• Artist: Phoenix Rising
• Label: CD Baby

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