Review / Comments ::
"Dance of the Unicorn" makes me think of children frolicking in the park. At the same time, it would make a wonderful soundtrack to a movie in which the circus clown goes on a deadly rampage. Both elements coexist in this piece.
While picking up the tempo, "Arabians in the Desert" still manages to convey a soothing attitude. "Asian Moon Mare" attempts to convey the oriental influence, yet the electronic piano produces a sound closer to a sitar than to a koto. Still the piece is elegant and flowing, like a Japanese stream at the foot of Mt. Fuji. Mr. Paul uses the piano's capabilities to produce another sound altogether in "Lonely Horse Caravan". More flute-like, it clearly suggests the slow, methodical movement of the horses. Trying to use that same general sound in "Dreams", however, doesn't achieve the same result. It's a bit too harsh. "Angel Foal" has an rich feel to it, a music-box quality. In "Fallen Horse Tribute", Paul again uses the flute sound to good effect. The versatility of his instrument could have lent itself to a wider range of moods in this album, but the few evoked are enjoyable.
Throughout this album, Paul shows a clear preference for the "penny whistle" sound he can produce. In some pieces, it works just fine. In others, it's distracting and seems out of place.
Listening to this album, one is bound to make the inevitable association with Mike Oldfield's "Tubular Bells". There is the same dream-like quality to both. It's the result of both the instrument and the phrasing. The electronic piano produces a sharper tone than an acoustic piano, making the album less appropriate for background music. The staccato punch of the notes demands your attention. When I first heard these pieces, I wasn't too impressed. But it's an album that requires several hearings. It will grow on you.
Related Streams-of-Time Review(s) ::
"Horse Dreams " ( Joshua | 04-2005 )
"Horse Dreams" ( Nancy | 04-2005 )
"Horse Dreams" ( Frank | 04-2005 )
Related Web Links ::
Official Site: http://www.horsedreamsmusic.com/ 
Available At ::
Delvian Records (CD)
iTunes Music Store (Download)
Amazon.com (CD)
Album Copyright Information ::
© 2004 William Paul
Review Date ::
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