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Title: Visions & Dreams
Artist: Catherine Duc
Genre: Ambient / Acoustic
Release Date: 7th June 2005
Label: The Orchard



Album Review

CATHERINE DUC is a classically-trained pianist who has also studied recording and production techniques at the Concert Hall in Melbourne. She’s won several awards through the years and in 2005 she presented with ‘Visions & Dreams’ her first album.

Opening the album is the ‘Essence of Dreams’ that’s taking you to a realm beyond reality, where your Dreams live. Basing on a down-tempo electronic rhythm, the ample synth layers and flute create a soothing mood like a stream for your spirit to drift away. After an ominous, weird sounding prelude ‘Evocation’ is opening the doors to yet another realm, where longing ambient vocals, piano and acoustic guitar make for you drown in a melancholic mood, so beautiful you don’t want it to end. Well, that’s the point where the repeat button comes in ;-) The wistful mood of the autumn envelops me on ‘One Autumn Day’. A longing violin is joined by occasional piano and harp melodies that really struck a chord with you.

We all need a ‘Secret Sanctuary’ once in a while, where our troubled minds find rest from the challenges of the world outside and this song might become yours. The pan flute could ease your pain, while the sounds of a river reach your ears from afar. I initially fell in love with the aura of ‘Heart of Andalucia’ with the depth of its strings, combined with the splendid harmonies of the guitar and I think I’ve heard castanets in the background as well. My favourite tune on ‘Visions & Dreams’ comes with the last tune ‘In The Light Of Day’. With no audible drum accentuation at first, it’s only the sound of densely layered string, flute and a violin that are floating through this composition and taking you in completely. Later on a subtle percussion fades in and accompanies you r travel.

‘Visions & Dream’ is pure ambience and mood. Every single song on its own takes you on a journey. Everybody who’s having a soft spot for moody ambient music replete with natural instruments of all kinds won’t be disappointed.


Tracklist

01. Essence Of Dreams – 4:05
02. Dancing In The Mist – 3:01
03. Evocation – 4:07
04. One Autumn Day – 3:27
05. Secret Sanctuary – 4:52
06. Heart Of Andalucia – 4:11
07. Midsummer Twilight – 4:58
08. Incense – 4:17
09. Rivulet – 4:24
10. In The Light Of Day – 4:09


Line-up

Catherine Duc - Composition, Arrangements, Production, Ambient background vocals.


Website

http://www.catherineduc.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/catherineduc


Cover Picture




Rating

Music: 8
Sound: 8
Extras: -
Total: 8 / 10

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