Tuesday, February 07, 2012

My thoughts on "holding on letting go" by Peter James



I was very fortunate to make the acquaintance of Peter James after I reviewed his album "memento" recently. He's a really nice chap and was kind enough to send me a copy of an earlier album of his... "holding on letting go".

I have been listening to it for most of the weekend and have been blown away by it's beauty, grace and eloquent expression.

In fact, a phrase that keeps circling my head is "the unforced rhythms of grace". This album epitomises this thought... there is nothing hurried, nothing forced in the drones and soundscapes... they are gifts freely given... providing rest for those who are weary.

I found this album to be remarkably peaceful... it brought considerable calm to me and helped me to really rest... to switch off and allow myself to be enveloped in the soundscapes... to be immersed in the drones.

Some people may find that surprising considering the darker, more dissonant, elements of tracks like "in the face of loss" and "crossing through"... but the light is never far away on this recording and it becomes all the clearer and all the dearer after spending time in these darker nooks.

I particular like James' approach to music-making... and am in awe of his use of real instruments to create the drones on this recording. He brings a sense of the organic to the table, which I really like... and consider inspired.

I could list each track and recount all the desirable qualities that they individually contain... but this is an album that needs to be experienced... it needs to be felt in deeper most recesses of the soul.  It would be inappropriate for me to do so... I would prefer that you discovered it for yourself.

I would thoroughly recommend this album. I have gained through listening to it. I can see it staying on my most immediate listening devices for sometime to come.

Tx

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