Listener Reviews: Blue Planet - Consortium I

(Please Email your comment or review to: webmaster@channeleau.com)

Blue Planet is being enjoyed worldwide by people in: Australia, Austria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kosova, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates and U.S.A.

Here's what some of them are saying  ...

"In this day and age of new "electronic" releases being repetitive minor-chord opuses with so-called "drum and bass" fleshing out ill-conceived samples, it is damned refreshing to encounter a new CD release that not only makes references to the golden age of Space Music and roots of "Ambient," but also makes bold forays into the 21st Century."

"Blue Planet - Consortium I  is, in both artistic and commercial terms, one of the best recordings of its genre."

"This CD is one of the best-selling local releases in this store."

Colin Bailey - Supervisor

Classical / Jazz / World / New Age Music

A&B Sound, Victoria, B.C., Canada.

"A treasure.  In a musical universe crowded with sterile orbs of soporific New Age ambience, Blue Planet is a refreshing oasis teeming with creative life.  Its broad spectrum of styles and themes fuel a colorful chain reaction of images  and emotions that reward the inner traveler with a world of awakenings."

Lon Milo Duquette - Author

California, U.S.A.

http://users.95net.com/heruraha/shame.htm

"When the 70's ground down into irritated thumping and the 80's sickened into the anemic 90's, I feared that we had lost the powers of the soul's flight - Blue Planet soars upward!"

Bill Heidrick

San Anselmo, California, U.S.A.

"A tremendously pleasing blend of ethereal symphonic soundscapes and diverse earth rhythms, weaving an atmosphere of centered creativity.  I love listening to it while I paint."

Rob Schouten - Great Path Publishing 

Freeland, Washington, U.S.A.

www.greatpath.com

"Blue Planet invokes some very potent images.  The range of sounds and eclectic mix of cultural influences in the music create a perfect atmosphere for sitting back, relaxing and letting one's mind explore the colourful imagery that is induced.  This compendium is a true delight and I recommend it highly to anyone who enjoys a musical escape."

 Troy G. - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

"Wonderfully atmospheric - some elements are positively haunting."

Ceridwyn O. - Adelaide, Australia.

"Imaginative, thought provoking, mood altering music, perfect for film or video production."

Rick Thurlbeck - Audio Engineer - CTV

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

"The CD is fantastic I must say.  Please keep me posted on later releases. I'd love to see what you folks are doing in the future."

Ashley Matthews - What Are Records?

Boulder, Colorado, U.S.A.

www.WhatAreRecords.com

Blue Planet - Consortium One

Naomi DeBruyn - Linear Reflections Review Magazine

Consortium One consists of Tim Gerwing (keyboards, synthesizers, electric guitar, samples), Vincent F. Evans (electric guitar, guitar synthesizer, synthesizers), and Besart Hysniu (keyboards, synthesizers, samples).  It is a trio that brings about some extremely contemplative music. I’d have to list this as new age, as it is perfect for meditative thought, yoga, spiritual work, etc.  It provides stimulating background noise to the day, too.  This would offer a change of pace to the elevator music in the world; one I would have to say is for the better.

The first track on the disc opens with a piano solo which is haunting and thought provoking.  “Kokoro” was written by Tim Gerwing and is a rather “spacey” track, with the piano being the only constant.  The synthesizer work is phenomenal, and everything pulls together only to once again leave the piano to fade out on its own at the end.

“Visions of my Homeland” was composed by Besart Hysniu, and holds a refreshingly wintery sound within it.  There is the haunting sound of the wind chasing over the frozen land, with the tiny cascade of snowflakes as the wind captures them and skatters them about.  I’m not sure what visions Besart had, but my imagination is picking up the frozen northlands.  Woodwinds add to the drums, and create a lush backdrop of sound to play in.

The introduction to “Twin Rainbows Over Highway 93” is rather like the sound of truck tires on wet pavement in the middle of the night.  Suddenly multihued sparks split the darkness as a guitar’s notes reach for the very heavens, to be joined by a woodwind instrument.  It is a lengthy track, and yet unleashes the imagination like no other on the disc.  This composition is one of Vincent F. Evans’ and shows some incredible talent in the writing aspects.

This is a disc that I would listen to when I want to enjoy music for itself, or if I was in the mood to meditate or reflect upon life.  As the cover states this is “a mélange of globally diverse instrumental compositions that provoke lush visual imagery.”  There is no truer statement anywhere on this disc.  Allow the imagination to break free and soar.  This would also be good background music for writing, as it frees the creative juices.  However, I wouldn’t listen to it if you have to get up and do things, it is far too relaxing and introspective to allow for that.

Consorting with Astronauts

Ron Keith - James Bay Beacon.

(excerpt)

A James Bay resident has recently finished the production of a CD featuring distinctive electronic music.  Vincent F. Evans is a professional musician who has utilized the latest in computer technology for an album in collaboration with two other Victoria musicians, Tim Gerwing and Besart Hysniu.  All three grew up in Europe, but met in Victoria.

The CD is titled "Blue Planet - Consortium I."   It has an underlying theme of global awareness and consciousness.  The music can be used simply for listening enjoyment, or as a background for meditation or other activities.

The cover features photographs of earth taken from space by astronauts.  Several of the songs on the album continue this space theme with titles like "EVA" (a spacewalk) and "Satelite UpLink."  The album is an eclectic mixture of compositions with themes as diverse as Buddhism, the Canadian wilderness and the recent conflict in Yugoslavia.  

The compositions use keyboards, electronic guitar, electric guitar and synthesizer.  Each musician has his own studio that was used for the production of his compositions.  Post production of the work was done by Evans and Larry Ottaway at Mostyn Sound in Victoria.

"Great music for my program."

Ronald Boortman - Radio De Vrolijke Noot

Rotterdam, Holland.

Radio DVN WebSite

"An inspiring CD that allows you to be emotionally involved with each piece. It has a soothing effect upon the soul and takes you on a journey of self-awareness.  Each listening evokes a new journey.  The CD is exquisite and the musicians show their talents in an amazing way that captures the moment beautifully.

Sharen D. - Melbourne, Australia.

"When I meditate it produces just the right mood and allows real relaxation."

Noreen T. - Shrewsbury, England.

"Interesting adventure music which soothes and inspires - a good trip."

Dona B. - Victoria, B.C., Canada.

"Very peaceful.  Good traveling music up to the chalet."

Peter F.P. - Montreal, Canada.

Art C. - Victoria, B.C., Canada.