Label: August Moon
Category: Music
Average customer rating:
Media: Audio CD
Number Of Discs: 1
UPC: 656613360422
EAN: 0656613360422
ASIN: B00005OWCF
Release Date: 2001-09-01
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Artist:
John Safranko
Label: August Moon Category: Music Average customer rating:
Media: Audio CD Number Of Discs: 1 UPC: 656613360422 EAN: 0656613360422 ASIN: B00005OWCF Release Date: 2001-09-01 |
General
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New Age
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Styles
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Music
General
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New Age
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Indie Music
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Stores
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Music
Tracks:
Customer Reviews:
Old West, New West...Through A Visitor's Eyes.......2004-04-20
The title track and the next two, "The Vanishing West" and "Mirage" are very effective at expressing the heritage of the Old West. Together, the trio of songs establish the starting point for a newcomer to the West. The title track easily evokes images of the Native Americans when they were an integral part of western life and culture. "The Vanishing West" is an expression of the diverse American and European influences that coalesced into the unique style of the American West. Both songs are medium tempo and they convey feelings of optimism for the future and melancholy for the past that is lost.
"Mirage", the up-tempo, third track, breaks that mood with a reminder that the Sonoran desert is teeming with life and energy that is not always apparent to the newcomer.
All of these songs are an interesting and balanced mix of electronic and traditional instruments. SaFranko avoided the pitfall of relying too much on electronics. Instead, he used them for engaging rhythms and the occasional effect. The traditional instruments are often used to deliver the melody and it is refreshing to hear the strings and reeds of the acoustic instruments.
"Technorag" is another up-tempo piece. It could be the sound track for either of Arizona's bustling metro areas, Phoenix and Tucson.
"The Donkey" is a paean to the western spirit and attitude. Many of us live here for the beautiful weather and topography. Beyond that are the wide open spaces and the freedom to live with less of the meddlesome constraints realized in other regions. We try to live and let live. When we feel the pinch of encroachment, we become the donkey of SaFranko's song.
I mentioned the songs that featured melodies and arrangements I found especially engaging and evocative. Two others near the end of the album are "Sonoma" and "The Last Hornpipe". Both melodies are pleasing expressions of the romanticism and spirit of the West.
Instrumental music is the most challenging for a composer and the most subjective for an audience. With no lyrics to guide or influence the listener's perceptions, the composer must create melodies and refrains that are engaging and expressive.
John SaFanko has accomplished that in his musical rendering of the American Southwest, "The Spirit of Black Hawk Road".
Music CD:
Music CD
Cantame Sevillana ~ Maria Del Monte
Verdades Norteña ~ Los Huracanes del Norte
Male Hits of the 90's, Vol. 35 ~ Karaoke
The Spirit of Black Hawk Road ~ John Safranko
In the World From Natchez ~ Olu Dara
12 Corridazos ~ H%C3%A9ctor Montemayor
Con Los 3 Grandes ~ Descargando