Shadows and Reflections

Artist: Geoffrey Downes
Label: Blueprint UK
Category: Music

Average customer rating:

Format: Live
Media: Audio CD
Number Of Discs: 1

UPC: 825947119925
EAN: 0825947119925
ASIN: B00009KU93

Release Date: 2003-06-10

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Tracks:

Shadows
Reflections

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Customer Reviews:

Shadowy and Reflective.......2006-02-22

Geoff Downes is of course best known for his work as keyboardist and guiding light of the melodic rock combo Asia, as well as serving a tour of duty with art rock pioneers Yes on one of their finest moments, 1980's 'DRAMA'. He's also done a number of solo projects under the moniker of The NEW DANCE ORCHESTRA, all of which have been somewhat different from each other. His first, THE LIGHT PROGRAM(1987) was an electronic symphony similar to some of Tangerine Dream's more upbeat material from the same time period(Poland, Optical Race). That album set the standard for the NDO releases that followed, though never truely matched. The next, VOX HUMANA(1992), concentrated on vocal material by utilizing different singers, while 1996's EVOLUTION was pretty much an electronic easy listening album of covers, pleasant but standard fare. THE WORK TAPES(1998) were demos with soulful rock belter Glen Hughes which never were further developed, while THE WORLD SERVICE(2000) continued in an instrumental direction again like The LIGHT PROGRAM, only this time done up in short snippets(over 20 tracks). Which brings us to SHADOWS & REFLECTIONS(2003).

This time, Geoff has provided an ambient disc of dreamy instrumentals which drift in an improvised stream of conscienceness. The spirit of 'The Light Program', probably most fans' favorite of Downes solo efforts, is evident here on 'SHADOWS...', more so than on 'WORLD SERVICE', though this time, rather than short snippets, there are only two lengthy instrumentals which float and drift throughout. Being mostly improvised, the material meanders quite a bit, but the resulting sound is more organic and unfolding. So, this isn't cold and sterile electronic space-out music- there is actually a warm and quite 'human' element to it, as if Geoff just let the recording roll and let himself drift away with the music as easily as the listener will. With the 'human element' intact, there is bound to be mistakes, such as a space between two sections, and an unnecessary 'cowbell' for a couple beats. Yet they don't detract from the overall performance or continuity. To be able to pull off a semi-improvised performance in such a manner is rare, and attributed to Geoff's overall professionalism. A similar release would have been Patrick Moraz' FUTURE MEMORIES, sadly out of print. Both tracks almost reach a half hour each and go through many moods and atmospheres, truely panoramic music.

This is fine electronic music from someone not afraid to play synthesizers and push the envelope with their potential. Great music to relax and drift away to, and great music to take with you on a drive at three in the morning. If you have LIGHT PROGRAM, then this should be your next Downes solo disc.

Geoff's Best!.......2003-06-19

Very glad that I purchased this CD. Geoff's new disc is excellent electronic music that is in a similar vein as Patrick O'Hearn's stuff. It takes you on a colorful and interesting journey through cerebral places. I like this the best of all his solo work. On the next disc I would love to see him mix this with his Asia-type work, maybe add a powerful drummer (Simon Phillips, Mike Portnoy or Dennis Chambers type), an atmospheric guitarist and even a track or two with some interesting vocals and lyrics (a continuation of the last Asia CD "Aura"). But this CD struck me right away as being a very intelligent and emotionally pure piece of art. If you liked "The Light Program" you will most likely appreciate this. It is great! Thanks Geoff!

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Romantica ~ Blanca Paloma

Antologia Musical ~ Los Pasteles Verdes

Latin Dance Time with Xavier Cugat & His Orchestra ~ Xavier Cugat

Shadows and Reflections ~ Geoffrey Downes

The Driven Bow ~ Alisdair Fraser & Jody Stecher

Duet with Satoru Shionoya & Makoto Ozone ~ Shionoya Satoru, Ozone Makoto

Mingus at the Bohemia ~ Charles Mingus

Los Grandes de la Musica Tejana ~ Various Artists

Introducing ~ Celia Cruz

70 Años Peerless Una Historia Musical ~ Mario Alberto Rodriguez