Peaceful music for winding down

Heavens by Paul Adams

by Alex Jennings

Paul Adams's newest title HEAVENS seems to be just that. It's offering the feel of that place where one wishes one would be after a difficult day. I was first introduced to Adams years ago as a great finger style guitarist who's debut album VARIOUS WAVES was placed in the TOP FIVE of the year by Musical Starstreams. However, like his previous release FLUTE MEDITATIONS FOR DREAMING CLOUDS, the main focus here is on the Native American Flute. However, he brings his background in Ethnomusicology to bear on this outing. There is a definite middle eastern feel to many of the songs.

Dreamtime starts out in a meditative vein offering a backdrop of Harp and Psaltry with a floating melodic and exotic flute line over the top. This evolves into In A Zen Garden that conjures up an exotic yoga retreat supported minimally with wonderful brass gongs.

Nature sounds are even used in support of the song Whippoorwill and Grace Befalls The Evening, but not just as background filler, but part of the melodic environment. Adams is an expert at integrating mother earth with his music.

His last album was a big hit throughout the world on Satellite radio. And, like Flute Meditations For Dreaming Clouds, Heavens, is perfect in timing for yoga or massage. It is just over 60 minutes long and by the time I was finished with the listening experience, I was completely relaxed.

This is a fast paced world and we need music to offer us something other that what we get on today's radio stations. Adams put a lot of thought into this album. It is beautiful, peaceful, and artistically rich. Do yourself a favor. If you need to wind down and rest in a bit of the HEAVENS for awhile. This album might refresh your day.

Paul Adams www.pauladams.org

Alex Jennings is an independent song reviewer