[.ca] A Place Called Morning

From Amazon.com:
Searching for the divine by dawn's early light, pianist/keyboardist Bill Douglas uses his eighth recording to create a gentle paean to the natural beauty of morning and the intangibles of purity and promise that float in on daybreak's first sunbeams. Again employing the rapturous talents of the Denver-based Ars Nova Singers, Douglas composes a calming program anchored by the group's reverential choral passages (featured on seven of the disc's 13 tracks). Douglas's instrumental works (with random guest performances on violin, cello, oboe, clarinet, flute, light percussion, and his own bassoon) create a meditative, jazz-tinged chamber sound. Ultimately, these pieces serve as modest interludes between the more riveting choral sections. Lyrical content comes from an assortment of verse (W.B. Yeats, Emily Dickinson, the Bible's Song of Solomon) and extols the peacefulness and magical quality of early morning, though the words (unrecognizable without the lyric sheet) are secondary to the cathedral-like resonance the group puts forth. Highlights include the opening track, the heavenly, wordless rumination of "Tara," the worshipful/celebratory "Lovely Is the Rose," and the title track, a captivating take on Dickinson's verse. --Terry Wood

The Ultimate Soother!:
With his latest release, Bill Douglas once again defies all imagination w/ this beautiful cd. As in past recordings, he is again accompained on several songs w/ the Ars Nova Singers. He is also accompained w/ various instruments such as clarinet, cello, oboe, flute, violin, frame drum and cymbals. Douglas himself plays piano, bassoon, and synthesizers. The alternative flow of chorals & instrumentals is very soothing. If you aren't familiar w/ the music of Bill Douglas, you are in for a treat in purchasing this or any other of his wonderful cd's. In this particular cd, he takes the poetry of W.B. Yeats, Emily Dickenson, Rachel Faro and an excert from the Bibles' Song of Soloman and arranges them into song. On previous other works, he has used a variety of other poets. His music is so breathtaking and so beautiful, it is the ultimate in serenity. If you are looking for some music to relax with, you've come to the right place. But don't mistake this for 'some New Age stuff' that comes and goes. It is certainly much more than that and you'd have to hear it to truly understand and appreciate it. What incredible God-given talent Douglas has! I know of no other artist who can take a simple poem and arrange it musically, so that you feel overwhelmed with it's beauty. What a masterful idea to combine poetry and music! I have a chronic illness, so serentiy is a must in dealing w/ things. One way I do that is through his music, which is my favorite to unwind & relax with. This would make a really great gift for yourself or anyone in your life, who is under alot of stress. Deep Peace is another good cd. If you're looking for a compilation of some of his work, try Eternity's Sunrise. Anytime I have one of his cd's on and someone happens to drop by, they always comment on how beautiful it is and ask "Who is that!?!" Also of interest are the poems themselves that Douglas has listed in the liner notes. Nice to read them to yourself as they are being sung. A Place Called Morning will soothe your mind and your spirit! Enjoy!

The Title Says It All:
If you feel your soul needs to be washed with sweet, soft and velvety music, this is the CD for you. There is a general warmth that comes through all the pieces. One of the few CD's that make you feel safe and warm and cozy. Highly recommended for that cold rainy afternoon when you want to be wrapped up in your favorite blanket in the softest fabric sipping hot chocolate. Or, if you find yourself waking up at night due to a terrible nightmare. Turn this on and let it coo you to a feeling of security and comfort.

The Heart As It Opens:
Bill's work rests on the ear of the listener like newly formed dew in the morning. He invites us to return in our consciousness to those first pristine moments of new creation.

Soothing, relaxing, and forgettable.:
As previous reviews have indicated, the music on this CD is very soothing and relaxing. It contains thirteen reasonably melodic cuts, some of which contain melodies performed by a choir. There is lot's of reverb providing an "atmospheric" effect. But as agreeable as this material might be, it doesn't qualify as "music for the ages." Several years from now I suspect this CD will be long forgotten. If you are looking for soothing choral music, check out material by John Rutter. And there are countless "relaxation" anthologies of classic music. On the popular side get some movie soundtracks by John Williams, John Horner, John Barry, Patrick Doyle, and George Fenton and assemble a nice amalgum of their more meditative tracks on your own personal CD or cassette.

Peaceful,beautiful,and evocative:
This music is some of the best of its genre. It is just achingly beautiful.I happened upon this CD while searching for some new music,and bought this on the chance that I would like it.I love it.It lulls you into recalling your fondest memories of childhood and love, and does it effortlessly and simply.The choir is especially effective.It actually chokes me up a little. I'm not a huge fan of New Age music,but of the CD's I do have,I believe this is the best.

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