Elegant & Sublimely Superb

Led by founding member Carol Tatum, Angels Of Venice was born in '91 and have thus created some of the most enchanting music imaginable! I don't listen to a lot of world or new age music anymore for my tastes have been gravitating more and more into Gothic territories lately but the melodies featured here are beyond that of grace--they are simply too beautiful for any known words. The lush soundscapes embrace and dance around the senses, either lifting your spirits with that of elation or causing you to sit back and weep at the emotional charge coursing through your body for little makes one feel as profoundly as music does (hence the reason for sound scores in movies).

Angels Of Venice are driven by the harp, flute, cello, percussion, and several other exotic instruments in their gorgeous compositions, exploring many different styles by combining that of medieval, Celtic, neoclassical, middle eastern and even Japanese influences, sending the voyageur on an aural adventure, out of mind, but not to be forgotten.

Great for kicking back after a long day.

Relaxation would be the word. The different instruments blend very well together, setting a powerful mood. Most songs have their own unique sound, especially the last song, "Tears of the World." Angels of Venice is composed of musicians who know exactly what they've set out to do, and accomplish it. The only reason I can't give it 5 stars is simply for the reason that I don't like all the songs. Some of the songs progress a little slow for my taste, but you might like it. I still highly recommend this CD. Enjoy.

One Upon A Dream

Founded by Carol Tatum, a well-known composer/musician, Angels of Venice is a group with an eclectic spread of sounds and styles. The other members of the group include (but are not limited to) Christopher Pellani - percussion, Peggy Baldwin - cello, and Laura Halliday - flute. All of these were established musicians well before the founding of the group and bring their skills to bear with rewarding results. Ostensibly 'new age' in approach, the wander the spectrum from Medieval and Indian settings to Cat Stevens and the Beatles.



This album is something of a composite of previous work done for Windham Hill on signing on to that label. With everything from 'borrowed' work like Cat Steven's Sad Lisa to quirky cross-fertilizations of Celtic and Middle Eastern (A Chantar Mer) the professionalism and creativity are compelling and interesting.



This doesn't prevent the album from seeming a bit overproduced and a tad monotonous. Tempos tend to be idyllic and restful, and the settings textural rather than melodic. All this is find, but can wear thin on repeated listening. Unless you are a bit of a new age, meditation music fan, and then the hypnotic effect is just fine. Even at worst, there is nothing to dislike in this album, which carries out its purpose admirably.