David Darling, the "Lord of Largo," returns with another album of slow-motion melodies and cello textures. Although he's recorded many albums in the interim, this is really a follow-up to 1993's 8-String Religion. That CD,... more » unlike his more austere recordings for ECM, was a highly produced affair, with electronically processed cello, overdubbed with piano, a touch of synthesizer, and some environmental sounds. Cello Blue follows suit as Darling creates a richly sonorous world, full of melancholy and yearning, an interior rumination that opens up into a world of cloud-strewn skies and refracted sunshine. Layering pizzicato cello against languid bowed lines with droplets of piano, Darling creates enveloping soundscapes only occasionally shortchanged by pedestrian synthesizer programming. However, one listen to the serene lullaby of Darling's title track or the delicate pastoral expanse of "Morning," and it's evident that Darling, along with Tim Story and a few others, forms the foundation of ambient chamber music. --John Diliberto« less
David Darling, the "Lord of Largo," returns with another album of slow-motion melodies and cello textures. Although he's recorded many albums in the interim, this is really a follow-up to 1993's 8-String Religion. That CD, unlike his more austere recordings for ECM, was a highly produced affair, with electronically processed cello, overdubbed with piano, a touch of synthesizer, and some environmental sounds. Cello Blue follows suit as Darling creates a richly sonorous world, full of melancholy and yearning, an interior rumination that opens up into a world of cloud-strewn skies and refracted sunshine. Layering pizzicato cello against languid bowed lines with droplets of piano, Darling creates enveloping soundscapes only occasionally shortchanged by pedestrian synthesizer programming. However, one listen to the serene lullaby of Darling's title track or the delicate pastoral expanse of "Morning," and it's evident that Darling, along with Tim Story and a few others, forms the foundation of ambient chamber music. --John Diliberto
"I buy music for massage almost every week and this is the one CD I would recommend over any other out there. I have been playing it almost every day for two years during my massage sessions and almost everyone on the table wants to know who the artist is and what the name of the album is. His other CD's are also beautiful, but I have not used them for massage for they are not quite as ambient. Other music I recommend for massage include Migration - Nakai, Afterglow - Wheater, Hoppe and Tillman and Shadowplay - Tim Story."
Impossible to top "Eight String Religion", but close.....
Guardian of the Zen Sea | Looking after the sun and surf | 09/27/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Well, hands down, David Darling is one of my favourite musicians, starting with his days with the early Paul Winter Consort, collaborations with R. Carlos Nakai, through to the ECM recordings and the healing music series. The first Hearts of Space release by Mr. Darling, entitled "Eight String Religion", is timeless and has remained very popular since its release in 1993. This CD follows from that earlier Hearts of Space release, with the artist creating atmospheric peices using multiple cellos with piano and keyboard, and some natural sounds. In the liner notes, Mr Darling talks of his joy in "Sound Play" describing his cello playing as "healing and transformational" . That really sums up the feel of this CD which provides relaxing, exihilarating, and reflective music, almost akin to reciting a mantra or meditating on a mandala, while dancing happily. Since the artist is classically trained, the music tends towards this type of structure, even in its more free-form pieces. This makes the music feel familiar on the surface, but in fact it is very complex and rich without being obtrusive about it. I would give the CD five stars, but it is still not as good as "Eight String Religion". It is, however, a delight and since the former CD is becoming difficult to get, this one makes a great selection."
David Darling made me want to take cello lessons!
dhanishtha | Nashville, TN United States | 09/08/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"OH MY!! If there is a song for the century, I have found it on this CD! Thy Will (Not Mine) Be Done, is simply put, the most expressive, beautiful, both melancholy and hopeful song I have ever heard. I can listen to this song 5 times and never tire of it. As always, David's music is rich, lush, full of emotion and somehow comforting-although this song makes me sad at times (reminds me of a lost love...) I always marvel at the technical aspects of the song-the transition between the notes, the manner in which the sound is evoked-the feeling behind the music. It amazes me how a person can take an inanimate object constructed from wood and string fibres and make such heavenly, heart-felt sounds come from it! David mentioned that when he was younger, he would use the cello as an outlet for his emotions. You can hear it in all his works, but especially in this album. He literally makes his cello "talk" I have never heard anything like it!This album also inspires a lot of imagery-the sun coming out from behind the clouds after a summer rain, watching leaves float down a trickling river, a couple waltzing slowly at sunset-the possibilities are limitless. I always thought David's music lent itself as a film soundtrack, as it's so...visual!
The other songs on this album are wonderful also, but none compare to "Thy Will". I hope David creates more music like this!...
Yes, he made me appreciate the cello's sound so much...I want to take lessons! :)"
A higher realm...
S. Ferguson | 09/02/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this recording. There is not one jarring, abrasive, intrusive phrase on the entire CD. Darling's use of the piano and his usual sensitve cello transport you to a higher realm, out of the psychosis of the 'modern' world and into a place of harmony and peace. Great for meditation, for musing, for painting, for writing, or just intensely listening. The birds are sweet, delicate, and well placed. Thank you, David. I needed this!"
An Excellent Must Purchace CD!
brobrettz | Alexandria, KY USA | 02/17/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD contains some great New Age music. I have been listening to "Echos" and "Hearts of Space" types of music for years and I highly recommend this disc. It is great for stress relief and calming down. It is also perfect for driving home after a nasty day at work. This album is a good investment!"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1
