White Winds [Seeker's Journey]

by Andreas Vollenweider

Overview

Andreas Vollenweider's 1985 effort White Winds, subtitled "Seeker's Journey," features the composer's modified electric harp in pieces that are much more experimental than what would later emerge as the prevailing sound of new age. A brief introduction features the lapping of a boat in a slip, but it soon fades into the angular forays of "Hall of the Stairs," which itself drifts into the more conventional ethno-jazz of "Hall of the Mosaics (Meeting You)." Vollenweider's harp is joined by full percussion and a bank of synthesizers for "The Glass Hall (Choose the Crystal)," breaking the song down to showcase the unique sound of his instrument. Even when it's accessing the soothing tones of new age, White Winds seems to lie closer to contemporary jazz instrumentalism, as the repeated phrasing of these songs suggests. Vollenweider even gets lightly funky on the awesomely named "Flight Feet & Root Hands." With his early-'80s work, the Swiss performer was establishing himself as a leader of the burgeoning new age genre. White Winds is a good example of his sound, which mixed accessibility with uniqueness and some true musical exploration. ~ Johnny Loftus

Product Details

Release Date:	10/09/2020
Label:	Avaf Music / Mig
UPC:	0885513022929

Tracks

1. The White Winds/The White Boat (First View)
2. Hall of the Stairs Hall of the Mosaics (Meeting You)
3. The Glass Hall (Choose the Crystal)/The Play of the Five Balls/The Five Planets/Canopy Choir
4. The Woman and the Stone
5. The Stone (Close up)
6. Phases of the Three Moons
7. Flight Feet and Root Hands
8. Brothership
9. Sisterseed
10. Trilogy: At the White Magic Gardens/The White Winds

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Andreas Vollenweider   Primary Artist,Harp,Sound Effects
Eric Merz   Sound Effects
The Stars of Faith   Choir/Chorus
Walter Keiser   Drums
Elena Ledda   Vocals,Voices
Joerg Peter Buedi Siebvert   Wind
Joerg-Peter Buedi Siebert   Wind Instruments
Pedro Haldemann   Rhythm
Patrick Demenga   Cello,Violin

Technical Credits

Andreas Vollenweider   Sounds,Arranger,Composer,Engineer,Producer,Performer,Illustrations
Eric Merz   Engineer
Duede Duerst   Design
Beata Vollenweider   Engineer
Pedro Haldemann   Sounds
Michael Mueller   Photography
Cornelius de Fries   Cover Design