I focused on my favorite places across North Carolina and traveled there for inspiration. Using my guitar, Celtic whistles and piano I composed 14 songs. Later other layers of instrumentation were added including cello, vi... more »olin, hammered dulcimer, flute, saxophone, bass, organ and percussion by a group of outstanding musicians. Next, I took a digital tape deck and returned to many of these spots and recorded natural sounds that reminded me of these treasured locations. I have woven together many of these sounds into the fabric of the songs. Sounds of waterfalls, rushing rivers, tin roof rain, migratory songbirds, tundra swans and distant trains add a vibrant thread of realism to the melodies. What a warm and "Peaceful Journey" this has been for me! Thank you for traveling with me for sojourns at Ocracoke, Montreat, Kanuga, Lake Mattamuskeet, Bath, Roan Mountain, Roaring Gap, Morganton, the Roanoke River, Grandfather Mountain and other locations.« less
I focused on my favorite places across North Carolina and traveled there for inspiration. Using my guitar, Celtic whistles and piano I composed 14 songs. Later other layers of instrumentation were added including cello, violin, hammered dulcimer, flute, saxophone, bass, organ and percussion by a group of outstanding musicians. Next, I took a digital tape deck and returned to many of these spots and recorded natural sounds that reminded me of these treasured locations. I have woven together many of these sounds into the fabric of the songs. Sounds of waterfalls, rushing rivers, tin roof rain, migratory songbirds, tundra swans and distant trains add a vibrant thread of realism to the melodies. What a warm and "Peaceful Journey" this has been for me! Thank you for traveling with me for sojourns at Ocracoke, Montreat, Kanuga, Lake Mattamuskeet, Bath, Roan Mountain, Roaring Gap, Morganton, the Roanoke River, Grandfather Mountain and other locations.
""Peaceful Journey" by Bill Leslie is one of the most pleasant, soothing and melodic albums I have ever heard. Integrating natural sounds with original tunes written for flute, acoustic guitar, cello, violin, piano and hammered dulcimer, Leslie has created a masterpiece honoring the North Carolina landscape he loves so much. This CD is a perfect companion for a long road trip or a peaceful evening at home."
Truly a peaceful musical journey
D. L. Hood | Raleigh, NC | 05/06/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A beautiful piece of work and such a wonderful representation of North Carolina. With each play, you hear something you did not hear previously. The combination of music and natural sounds sets a mood that is very unique. Bill Leslie is known to us in North Carolina as a trusted reporter and native of our great state. He is also a very talented artist. A Peaceful Journey is a unique experience."
Great instrumental recording
B. Gross | NC USA | 09/30/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Very relaxing music incorporated with natural sound effects; great for someone who appreciates the sounds of nature and some different instrumentation. As a North Carolinian, it's so easy to visualize the areas the songs represent"
Wonderful music
Jennifer | Texas | 01/12/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Only very recently did I discover that the man I have watched on our local news channel since I was a young girl also created beautiful music. Each track is different and reflects the emotion of many of the places I have been. It's wonderful to listen to on the daily commute or just as background music during a day at home."