Search - Michael Hoppe, Martin Tillman, Tim Wheater :: Afterglow

From "Wind and Wire", Issue 12

Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 12/08/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Afterglow" is another superlative release from Michael Hoppe and his frequent collaborators, cellist Martin Tillman and flautist Tim Wheater. After successful recent individual releases from Hoppe and Wheater on the Real Music label, it was a surprise to find this album on HOS. "Afterglow" is very reminiscent of the trilogy of "The Poet", "The Dreamer", and "The Yearning", which were released several years ago on Telarc - the first with Hoppe and Tillman, and the latter two with Wheater and Hoppe. The premise of "Afterglow" was to make a completely improvised album with no boundaries or rules except deep emotion. Hoppe guides and suggests harmonies and chord changes from the keyboards, and Tillman and Wheater take flight individually on some tracks and in perfect synch on others. The freedom and fluidity are amazing, but it seems mind-boggling that such rapture could happen without some pre-composing - these are true artists at work!As I've said before, the cello is my second favorite instrument (after piano), and Tillman's often haunting style can transport and envelop the listener in sheer beauty. On "The Waiting", "Long Ago", and "Distant Call" the yearning he evokes sends goose-bumps up and down the arms and back of the neck. On "The Reckoning" and "The Listening Wind", he provides the rhythm, playing the cello as both bowed and plucked bass - great stuff! These two more up-tempo pieces are a great addition to the slow flow of the other eleven tracks. Tim Wheater also really shines on this CD, displaying his virtuosity and versatility on a variety of flutes. His duets with Tillman on "The Listening Wind" and "Thoughts of You" are exceptional. Again, these are true artists at work, and the results are breath-taking."

Kathy Parsons is right- this is a great CD!

Bill Binkelman, Wind and Wire | Minneapolis, MN United States | 01/25/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I must agree with my colleague, Kathy Parsons. This is a wonderful recording. In fact, I was surprised to see it on the Hearts of Space label, given their recent poor efforts. AFTERGLOW is permeated with sadness, regret and melancholy; but all of this is done with such beautiful music that the effect is supremely bittersweet. Tillman's cello, in particular, just seems to reverberate with emotion. The music is very dramatic, yet never succumbs to overkill, thanks to the expert subtle keyboards of Michael Hoppe (who has worked with Wheater many times before). Wheater's flutes are varied and some songs are cello and keyboards only. Overall, the music is low key from a melodic standpoint, almost approaching the aesthetic of ambient; but the sound is so rich and full that this recording begs to be actively listened to. Recommended for fans of melancholic artists like Tim Story (circa BEGUILED and THE PERFECT FLAW) as well as hopeless romantics (this could be the ultimate "my heart just got broken" CD)."

Simply exquisite

Marnie Clark | 05/15/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, I'll admit that I just ordered this CD, only having heard it yesterday in it's entirety. My massage therapist chose this as background for our session; her musical taste is every bit as praiseworthy as her professional ability. As the knots of tension were skilfully kneaded loose I became aware of the sheer loveliness produced by combining the artistry of the cello (one of my favorite instruments) with a haunting flute soloist...an unusual combination to my ears, but somehow so perfect. I prefer old jazz, am not much into ambient or 'new age' music, and all flute and cello works I own are strictly classical, yet I knew right then I HAD to have this in my collection. Sinking into the lush yet spare phrasing to unwind at day's end will be like having the actual benefits of another massage between appointments. Relaxing, mind-quieting, soothing, refreshing. It would be great background for yoga, quiet time by yourself, or with your loved one."