Rudy Adrian – Healing Lake (2nd hand last copy)

Description

The Healing Lake 06:39
Valley of Mists 04:22
Shelter from The Storm 05:43
Night Sky 05:18
Clouds Part to Reveal Distant Mountains 05:15
Beneath The Stars 05:26
Promise of Snow 06:19
Dreaming of Winter 07:09
Before Dawn 10:32
Total Time: 57:36

I really admire musicians who have the ability to do multiple styles of music, and do them well. Released about the same time as Kinetic Flow, The Healing Lake shows Adrian even more relaxed and flowing than on Twilight, and the result is an incredibly strong entry in the atmospheric space music category. This is the perfect accompaniment to meditation, relaxation, or just plain spacing out. Though the title and packaging suggest a new age flavour, and this should indeed appeal to fans of that genre, the sparse, expansive nature of the music is sure to please ambient and space music fans. Descriptive titles like “Valley of Mists” convey very well the feeling of each piece. This track breathes slowly, as long sweeping sounds float over cool effects and electronics. The music reverberates deeply, and is incredibly soothing, but not at all cute or contrived. Occasional nature sounds are used effectively. The disc opens and closes with the sounds of water, and thunder begins “Shelter from The Storm”. Though again very relaxing, this one has a tinge of darkness. The delicate nature of it reminds me of some of Enos atmospheric work, with perhaps a hint of Jonn Serrie as well. A variety of sonic textures are used throughout. “Night Sky” has rich, low drones, followed by “Clouds Part to Reveal Distant Mountains”, which opens with the strains of flutes and just the slightest touch of percussion, giving it a Native American feel perhaps. “Beneath the Stars” is surprisingly dark, along the lines of darker Robert Rich material. “Dreaming of Winter” continues the mood, which lightens again for the closing two tracks, though themes of nighttime and winter predominate throughout. The music is beautifully put together, full of imagery, and thoroughly enjoyable to listen to again and again. Highly recommended.