30-11-2018, 07:42
Seventh Heaven – Anthony Phillips & Andrew Skeet
![[Image: R-6434568-1419179237-9923.jpeg.jpg]](https://img.discogs.com/1LtHE4SNBRhlUd26zi_rkzaI_AY=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-6434568-1419179237-9923.jpeg.jpg)
Library music has been popping up on my radar lately, for some reason. There was a new release recently called Unusual Sounds: The Hidden History of Library Music which I listened to – shortish tracks by various musicians specifically made for the purpose. I am picturing vast numbers of undiscovered and unheard recordings to suit any possible scene/occasion, languishing lost on mysterious dusty shelves throughout the world! Making music for libraries is never going to result in fame and fortune but I would think that it does allow for some creative licence, to a degree, and at least some small form of financial compensation for the work, even if it never sees the light of day, which is a sad thought …
This album is not languishing anywhere, but it IS very cinematic and sweeping and conjures up all sorts of imagery, hence the association. I remembered speaking about it before and am listening again now; my opinion remains the same as it was two years ago. Must get a copy ….
What a pleasure to listen to Seventh Heaven, a fairly recent album by Mr Phillips and Andrew Skeet. An absolutely delightful recording … showcasing exquisite, delicate melodies and a rare finesse. IMHO there is a lot to be said for exercising restraint knowing when to put down the paintbrush, so to speak, and I think that’s what they achieved here. I would say it’s neo classical/neo romantic instrumental if one has to categorise, with very little vocal work and when there is, it’s operatic. The orchestration is superb as are the arrangements - they used an ensemble of leading strings session players (stunning violins and cello) as well as a full 70 piece orchestra for some parts which lends something of a cinematic sound. In their own words, this is a double album of orchestral and acoustic portraits.
Sometimes protracted light (as opposed to more serious and heavy) works can descend into the domain of the banal, so I’m pleased to say that this transcends that horrible fate. There’s variation and texture in the pieces, and plenty of different instruments to prick up the ears, eight of which Anthony Phillips himself plays here, including the oud and bazouki and a whole range of guitars. In a word, it’s exquisite!
"Old Sarum Suite" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDRLkf-T2_o
"Grand Central Station" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbSlpPUZiTk
"Under the Infinite Sky" -
Library music has been popping up on my radar lately, for some reason. There was a new release recently called Unusual Sounds: The Hidden History of Library Music which I listened to – shortish tracks by various musicians specifically made for the purpose. I am picturing vast numbers of undiscovered and unheard recordings to suit any possible scene/occasion, languishing lost on mysterious dusty shelves throughout the world! Making music for libraries is never going to result in fame and fortune but I would think that it does allow for some creative licence, to a degree, and at least some small form of financial compensation for the work, even if it never sees the light of day, which is a sad thought …
This album is not languishing anywhere, but it IS very cinematic and sweeping and conjures up all sorts of imagery, hence the association. I remembered speaking about it before and am listening again now; my opinion remains the same as it was two years ago. Must get a copy ….
What a pleasure to listen to Seventh Heaven, a fairly recent album by Mr Phillips and Andrew Skeet. An absolutely delightful recording … showcasing exquisite, delicate melodies and a rare finesse. IMHO there is a lot to be said for exercising restraint knowing when to put down the paintbrush, so to speak, and I think that’s what they achieved here. I would say it’s neo classical/neo romantic instrumental if one has to categorise, with very little vocal work and when there is, it’s operatic. The orchestration is superb as are the arrangements - they used an ensemble of leading strings session players (stunning violins and cello) as well as a full 70 piece orchestra for some parts which lends something of a cinematic sound. In their own words, this is a double album of orchestral and acoustic portraits.
Sometimes protracted light (as opposed to more serious and heavy) works can descend into the domain of the banal, so I’m pleased to say that this transcends that horrible fate. There’s variation and texture in the pieces, and plenty of different instruments to prick up the ears, eight of which Anthony Phillips himself plays here, including the oud and bazouki and a whole range of guitars. In a word, it’s exquisite!
"Old Sarum Suite" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDRLkf-T2_o
"Grand Central Station" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbSlpPUZiTk
"Under the Infinite Sky" -
"The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us." ~ Bill Watterson