Elements: Water

Elements: Water

ASIN: B00000HX7S

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Too old to be a young lion, too young to be an old master, David Liebman was one of a number of musicians pushed to prominence by tenure with a '70s-era Miles Davis band. He has gone on to join a select club of important soprano saxophone stylists that includes Steve Lacy and Wayne Shorter. The Elements: Water is the first of a projected series, to be followed by Earth, Air and Fire. The music on this CD is a suite, with all the themes derived from the melody of the opening tune, "Water," as delineated by the acoustic guitar of Pat Metheny. Metheny seems a perfect choice for the project, being possessed of a style accurately described as flowing and liquid. The placid opener begins a journey through all the aspects of H2O. Metheny moves to synth-guitar and Liebman to tenor for the furious funk of "White Caps." Switching to his 48-string "Pikasso" guitar, Pat provides appropriate koto-style accompaniment to Liebman's wood flute on the meditative "Reflecting Pool." In another vein, the project's rhythm section, bassist Cecil McBee and drummer Billy Hart, conspire to give "Storm Surge" a feel that is simultaneously swinging and turbulent. To pull cohesion from such a wide range of styles and instrumental colors requires musicians with unmistakable voices. In that respect Liebman and Co. provide just the right "elements" to create a well-bonded musical molecule. --M. Ross

Product Description
Clarity and flow are two qualities of Water that are abundant throughout this first of four jazz suites inspired by the prime elements (Earth, Air and Fire are forthcoming) conceived and realized by brilliant reedist David Liebman. Playing soprano and tenor saxophones and a simple but piquant wood flute, with guitarist Pat Metheny, bassist Cecil McBee and drummer Billy Hart and creatively supportive producer Bob Karcy as estimable collaborators, Liebman draws upon, delves deep into and distills a music that resembles the essential liquid- a music roiling and placid, pellucid while in constant flux.

"The music on this recording all derives from the opening solo guitar theme. Every composition is based on a different harmonic aspect of this melody. Using different guitar and reed colors, along with a variety of idioms, is an integral part of the overall concept." - David Liebman

Elements: Water

Elements: Water,David Liebman,Pat Metheny,Billy Hart,Arkadia Jazz,Avant-Garde,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop,Post-Bop

Elements Series: Water
Average customer rating:

A Waterfall of Melody

Excellent

New Age Acoustical Piano with Oboe and Guitar

from Solo Piano Publications

Elements Series: Water
Peter Kater
Manufacturer: Real Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
General | International | Styles | Music
General | New Age | Styles | Music
Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music
Healing | New Age | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Elements Series: Earth

Elements Series: Fire

Elements Series: Air

Piano

Essence

ASIN: B000ALZHRU
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Tracks:

Substance of Life 8:14
Surfacing 7:07
Water Ballet 6:38
Gently Dreaming 7:54
Silent Steps 7:34
Lakeside 5:13
Cascade 11:29
Calling You 5:58

Amazon.com

Pianist Peter Kater has orchestrated a gentle, introspective series of ambient chamber works dedicated to the four elements: Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. Each CD is distinctive, with Water living up to its title by being the most free-flowing of them all. Using long, pensive pauses and melodies that elongate over time, the music borders on classical--often echoing classical themes, such as the Satie-like ostinato of "Water Ballet," without overtly lifting from them. Water comes close to the painfully serene sound you might associate with Arvo Pärt. Accompanied just by guitarist Mike Hamilton and reed player Paul McCandless, they explore pensive chamber moods, many of them built around improvisations I suspect Kater pieced together into compositions later. Conceptual albums like this are often as much about marketing as music, but on Water, Kater's compositions genuinely do seem to float in slow tide changes and gentle pools. He stays just to the right side of sentimentality and, at times, reaches the sublime. --John Diliberto

Album Description

Twice Grammy-nominated pianist Peter Kater brings you the second brand new release in the Elements Series: Water.

Elements Series: Water's purely acoustic compositions are beguiling and mysterious. Each melody is masterfully woven and lightly embellished by Mike Hamilton on guitar and Grammy-nominated reed legend Paul McCandless on oboe, saxophone and English horn for a sumptuous, rejuvenating listening experience.

Customer Reviews:

A Waterfall of Melody.......2007-03-22

Peter Kater's classical background (and I presume he has one!) is brought into focus here -- broken chords, hints of classical themes, some of which are Chopinesque while others remind us of Beethoven, cadences and scales. As with the rest of the Elements series, his music has the ability of pulling the listener deep down into himself, regardless of where you listen to it - in the car, in your living room, at work, you name it. Again, not overly sentimental, and just the right amount of ambience. This is music which helps you keep in touch with yourself, in the most spiritually intimate and soulful sense of the phrase.

Excellent.......2007-01-11

This is a wonderful piece of music. It is delicate, soft, peaceful...you can read or write listening to this CD...A very good companion when you are alone or in a tranquil mood.

New Age Acoustical Piano with Oboe and Guitar.......2005-10-12

New Age music should border on classical, be melodic, easy on the ear, but it can be strong. It should allow the listener to concentrate on the music for enjoyment, or blend into the background and become part of the environment, bordering on the edges of silence while filling the spaces between.

It should have good production values, in other words it should not sound like it was recorded in someone's basement. Preferably it should sound like someone put the time, effort and interest into producing quality music for the listeners enjoyment. And it should sound like the composer is putting his best effort into the work.

Peter Kater is one such composer/artist. Nominated for "Best New Age Album" in 2003 and 2004, he is very accomplished at this particular genre.

His newest work is a grouping of four CD's on the elements - Earth, Air, Fire and Water. For this review, I chose Water.

The focus is to present the Element of Water in a series of compositions that would connect the element to the listener. This production is all acoustical, and gives us Peter Kater on the piano, Paul McCandless on oboe and English horn, and Mike Hamilton on guitars.

For an all acoustical production, it is excellent. You can hear the piano strings vibrate as he holds the notes, the guitars resonate and you can feel the depth of the oboe. You are given an environment that touches you personally. Excellent recording and production values.

This is a lovely work, paced slow and purposeful to draw the listener in. There is much piano here to appreciate, and the oboe work is a delightful contrast and compliment to the compositions and the piano.

If you like New Age material, this is a classic example of how it should feel and sound. It may be a bit slow for some folks, but the movement of water is never good when rushed. This work does not hurry the listener, but rather allows them to drift, taking the time to enjoy each note and phrase of the compositions. This is a nice addition to any New Age library. mafoster

from Solo Piano Publications.......2005-10-05

"Water" is one of four CDs in "The Elements Series" by Peter Kater. This is one of the most calming and stunningly beautiful CDs I've heard in awhile. In fact, I had to be a little extra careful while listening to it in the car because I kept being transported to a place that doesn't require quick reflexes and focused concentration - unlike the roadways of California! The instrumentation on "Water" is all acoustic with Kater on piano, Paul McCandless on oboe and English horn, and Mike Hamilton on guitar. A few tracks are solo piano, including the incredible "Cascade." Kater's intention was to add synthesized sounds to the live music, but he felt that additions only distracted from the integrity of the music. I can't imagine that anything could enhance this music - it seems to be perfection as is. Kater and McCandless are a match made in heaven. Some of the music on this CD was composed and other parts were improvised, but it is impossible to tell which is which. In the ensemble pieces, no one is the clear leader or follower - all three musicians are allowed to shine in some sections and intertwine their musicianship in others. The eight pieces range in length from about 5 1/2 minutes to 11 1/2, allowing the music to evolve and develop at a leisurely pace. The theme of water often includes turbulence and power, but this CD is all about serenity, flow, and peace. Music that is this calming is frequently best left in the background, but this one is the rarity where the music is complex enough to listen to with full focus, hearing something new each time. This is the perfect album for unwinding, relaxing, and drifting off to a place of peace and beauty. Give your mind and body a treat, and enjoy the soothing flow of "Water." Very highly recommended!

Average customer rating:

great CD!

Elements: Water
David Liebman , Pat Metheny , and Billy Hart
Manufacturer: Arkadia Jazz
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

John Coltrane's Meditations
In a Mellow Tone
Critical Mass
Love, Love
Oceana

ASIN: B00000HX7S
Release Date: 1999-01-26

Tracks:

Water: Giver of Life
White Caps
Heaven's Gift
Bass Interlude
Reflecting Pool
Storm Surge
Guitar Interlude
Baptismal Font
Ebb and Flow
Water Theme (Reprise)
Dave Liebman's Reflections on "Water"

Amazon.com

Too old to be a young lion, too young to be an old master, David Liebman was one of a number of musicians pushed to prominence by tenure with a '70s-era Miles Davis band. He has gone on to join a select club of important soprano saxophone stylists that includes Steve Lacy and Wayne Shorter. The Elements: Water is the first of a projected series, to be followed by Earth, Air and Fire. The music on this CD is a suite, with all the themes derived from the melody of the opening tune, "Water," as delineated by the acoustic guitar of Pat Metheny. Metheny seems a perfect choice for the project, being possessed of a style accurately described as flowing and liquid. The placid opener begins a journey through all the aspects of H2O. Metheny moves to synth-guitar and Liebman to tenor for the furious funk of "White Caps." Switching to his 48-string "Pikasso" guitar, Pat provides appropriate koto-style accompaniment to Liebman's wood flute on the meditative "Reflecting Pool." In another vein, the project's rhythm section, bassist Cecil McBee and drummer Billy Hart, conspire to give "Storm Surge" a feel that is simultaneously swinging and turbulent. To pull cohesion from such a wide range of styles and instrumental colors requires musicians with unmistakable voices. In that respect Liebman and Co. provide just the right "elements" to create a well-bonded musical molecule. --M. Ross

Album Description

Clarity and flow are two qualities of Water that are abundant throughout this first of four jazz suites inspired by the prime elements (Earth, Air and Fire are forthcoming) conceived and realized by brilliant reedist David Liebman. Playing soprano and tenor saxophones and a simple but piquant wood flute, with guitarist Pat Metheny, bassist Cecil McBee and drummer Billy Hart and creatively supportive producer Bob Karcy as estimable collaborators, Liebman draws upon, delves deep into and distills a music that resembles the essential liquid- a music roiling and placid, pellucid while in constant flux.

Customer Reviews:

great CD!.......1999-12-10

As a huge Metheny fan, I checked out this Cd on a recommendation from a friend and was not disappointed. It sounds like Pat's earler stuff he did in the late 70's, a mix of "Watercolors" and "80/81". Liebman's sax sounds huge, it's a good CD to get if you are interested in Pat or Dave. I certainly am checking out more Liebman!

Average customer rating:

Sublime!!!
from Solo Piano Publications

Second Nature
George Skaroulis
Manufacturer: Evzone Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Numinous
Return to Homeland
Generations
Forever Young
Sanctuary

ASIN: B0000AM6IQ
Release Date: 2003-09-30

Tracks:

Resting Place
Spacious Skies
The Dance Of Time
Water Is Wide
Colorado
Reflection
Seaside
Sunset
Agua Clara
Laughter In The Garden
Second Nature
A River Runs Through It
Mrs. Soffel
Falling Leaves
Cold Morning Shadow
Awakening
Rainforest
Bella Luna
Little Star
I Can Fly
Agua Clara (Reprise)

Customer Reviews:

Sublime!!!.......2004-03-16

This CD is probably one of my favorite instrumental CDs in my collection. The tranquil and serene thoughts rush in everytime I listen to the songs from Second Nature. George's music is always a beautiful portrayal of what our minds are capable of - boundless peace and love. Be sure to check out his rendition of the theme from "A River Runs Through It."

from Solo Piano Publications.......2003-10-05

"Second Nature" is quite simply one of the most beautiful recordings I've ever heard. George Skaroulis' piano music is effortless, full of grace, and emotionally uplifting without any sticky sweetness or pretension. One senses a very giving and gentle soul behind the music, making the album all the more likable. "Soothing" and "relaxing" are words that are used to describe so many albums in this genre (most of them, actually!), but peace and tranquility emanate from each piece - although several are dark and moody (I like that!!!). This is a collection of twenty-one pieces that would be a wonderful backdrop for almost any activity, but I found myself stopping to listen more carefully each of the ten or twelve times I've played it (so far! - this one ain't gonna collect dust on the shelf!). As a piano teacher, I listen to piano music for a living; and as a reviewer, I listen to piano music in most of my free time. It takes a lot to knock me out, and "Second Nature" has done it. Skaroulis' music is immediately accessible without any commercialism. He expresses his deepest emotions without manipulating listeners or hitting them over the head with the obvious.

Along with his original compositions, Skaroulis has included a beautiful vocal/piano arrangement of "The Water Is Wide." Vocal selections on a mostly-instrumental album can be annoying, but this one fits in beautifully. He has also included poignant arrangements of two of Mark Isham's movie themes - "A River Runs Through It" and "Mrs. Soffel". And then there are the originals. There are too many favorites to name them all, but I'll try to give you a sampling. The title track is stunning - bittersweet, full of longing, and yet flowing like a river. "Reflection" is a shimmering vignette at under two minutes in length, but the openness of the emotions expressed make it a standout. "Aqua Clara" takes a different approach than the other pieces, and has lyrics spoken in Italian. More orchestrated and rhythmic than most of the other tracks, the piano, strings, and voices convey a wide range of emotions. A mysterious piece, Paul Mercer's violin adds a dark and haunting quality. "Cold Morning Shadow" was co-written with Mercer; keyboards support Mercer's sorrowful viola, melting into the ambient "Awakening." The CD closes with a reprise of "Aqua Clara" that is simple, elegant, and very sad.

Tracks:

Ganga/Sangam
Stillness of the Lake
Dewdrops
Walking in the Rain
Samudra Manthan

Customer Reviews:

Incredible!.......2007-07-05

These are some of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever listened to. Shiv Kumar Sharma's creativity and spirituality both shine brilliantly in this work.

Awesome.......2006-12-07

I am not very knowledgeable in Fusion music and other work of Shiv Kumar Sharma but I do believe this one is one of his exquisite composition. If you love melody then this music piece is for you. Altogether it has 5 tracks, Dewdrops and Walking in the rain are sheer joy to ears. I never thought this kind of music can be so pleasant.

Average customer rating:

Just Add Water

Manufacturer: Whoulihan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAF42C
Release Date: 2004-03-02

Tracks:

Half A Mind
Tall As Can Be
Just Add Water
A Little Perspective
Aida

Average customer rating:

A Descent Into the Maelstrom

Manufacturer: Master Musicians Col
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Percussion | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000004AFZ
Release Date: 1995-12-13

Tracks:

The Mouse Singer - Orch 2001
A Periodic Table Of The Elements - Orchestra 2001
A Descent Into The Maelstrom - Maelstrom Percussion Ens
Son A3 Pulsatoribus, With Gargoyle And A Moral In Kesh - Maelstrom Percussion Ens
The Water Is Wide, Daisy Bell - James Freeman

Average customer rating:

The Four Elements: Water-Sensuality

Manufacturer: Oreade Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000003U93
Release Date: 1997-09-16

Tracks:

Anna: Nocturne Op.27 No.1
Laura: Mazurka Op.63 No.3
Aurore: Raindrop Prld
Catherine: Etude Op.10 No.7
Lelia: Prld Op.28 No.6
George: Prld Op.28 No.4
Clementyna: Nocturne Op.27 No.2
Constance: Etude Op.10 No.3
Marie: Nocturne Op.9 No.2
Solange: Marche Funebre
Ludwika: Prld Op.28, No.23

Average customer rating:

Elements: Water
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Pure & Simple
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000584X1
Release Date: 2002-03-26

Tracks:

Island Time - Christopher Peacock
Touch The Rain - Richard Palalay
Lune De L'ile - Christopher Peacock/Gene Nery/Richard Palalay
An Island On An Island - Christopher Peacock
Secret Tears - Manfred
Japanese Current - Christopher Peacock/Gene Nery/Richard Palalay
A Bridge Over Florence - Manfred
Kuulei - Christopher Peacock
The Music Room - Maia
Passing Time - Christopher Peacock/Gene Nery
The Rain & The Flower - Christopher Peacock
Solitude Bay - Richard Palalay

Frank Martin: The Cello Concerto, The Four Elements

Average customer rating:

Top Choice for 2 Fine Martin Pieces Returns

Frank Martin: The Cello Concerto, The Four Elements

Manufacturer: Doron
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00030EEX6
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Customer Reviews:

Top Choice for 2 Fine Martin Pieces Returns.......2005-05-08

This is a very welcome reissue of 2 neglected masterpieces by the great Swiss composer Frank Martin (1890-1974), in 1st rate performances by a world-class orchestra & conductor. Both works were written in the early 1960s, & the live versions here date from 1970 (Cello Concerto) & 1965 (The 4 Elements). The 2nd movement of the Concerto, composed for cellist Pierre Fournier, is one of the greatest stretches of music Martin ever wrote, a minor-key saraband that builds to an impressive, passionate climax. Flanking it are 2 movements of equal quality, the 1st spinning off from a beautiful folk-like modal theme (heard unaccompanied on the cello at the start) & the 3rd governed by nervous, taut syncopations. A fine piece that deserves to be recorded as frequently as Martin's earlier Violin Concerto. Jean De Croos is the flawless soloist here.
The 4 Elements is unusual in Martin's mature orchestral oeuvre in being a work for large symphony orchestra & not a concertante piece (that is, one featuring a soloist or soloists). It is a conscious homage to the French tradition of nature painting & orchestral color in music, & to the great conductor Ernest Ansermet & his way with the music of Debussy & Ravel. Martin was very responsive to the sights & sounds around him, yet it was rare for him to attempt to translate the emotions roused in him by natural sights into music. So the 4 movements of The 4 Elements - Earth, Water, Air & Fire - really show another aspect of Martin's rich & profound artistic personality. It also gives the Concertgebouw Orchestra a chance to show off its many colors, which it does splendidly under Bernard Haitink's excellent direction.
Indeed, for me both performances remain top choice for these 2 works, despite a very good studio version of the Cello Concerto by Stephen Kates (Louisville), & a sonically lush rendition of The 4 Elements by Matthias Bamert & the Royal Philharmonic (Chandos). The sound in both pieces is excellent. Highly recommended; grab this CD while it's available.

Average customer rating:

Electric Water

Manufacturer: Rain Fire
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAFK0I
Release Date: 2003-11-25

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music