Justin R. Macumber | Fort Worth, Texas United States | 08/08/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"True story. About two years ago my soon to be wife and I were talking about what our wedding music should be. Should we go with the traditional Wagner? Perhaps go a little Celtic? Maybe look for some acoustic wedding songs? We went to music stores, wedding planners, everywhere, but we just couldn't find that perfect bit of music that would play at our wedding. So, one day we're sitting around the study, surfing the net in search of song snippets, when I decide to play Hilary Stagg's "Sweet Return" in the background.Now, for anyone who knows me, I am a fan of all music. In my vast collection I have everything from Pantera to Yanni, and I take pride in the fact that I have something for every mood and occasion, something that will please every individual, and so it's just par for the course for me to decide to pop in a disk of harp music.Anyway, the CD spins up, and as the music plays my fiance and I just look at each other, the realization slowly dawning on us that we were listening to just what we were looking for. "How long have you had this?" she asked me. "A year or so," I replied. Well, suffice it to say that we had found our wedding music. No, it isn't traditional, but neither are we, and as we stood behind my grandparents' home on that wonderfully clear and warm November day, everything was perfect. Afterwards, during the reception, everyone came up and asked us about the music. I know Mr. Stagg sold a few extra CDs that day.And for the rest of you, get this CD. Not only is it great to get married to, but also for those moments when you want to relax and enjoy your life, you love, and your time on this planet. It is a wonderful CD that has a special place in my heart."
TAKE ME AWAY !
Kurt | Salt Lake City, UT | 07/04/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Where do you want to go? It doesn't matter, this music will help you get there. The only limit is your imagination with this smooth, soft, mind-wandering music. Its combination of harp, flute, keyboard and soft voices is about as peaceful and heavenly as it gets. Track 2, "Reflections of Love" is exceptionally satisfying. Technically the CD is superb. Deep full sound stage, wide dynamic range, excellent imaging and focus. Also, if you like this music, try Christafori's Dream by David Lanz and From the Redwoods to the Rockies by Freeman and Chaquico. So far, they are my favorite 3 CD's."
Ah ..what a relief after a rotten day at work
CO'B | Salt Lake City, Utah United States | 08/16/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"LISTEN...just listen, relax and go somewhere else (leave your stress behind you)...imagine yourself in a beautiful field far way from city lights..then look up and revel in the stars above you and listen to this remarkable artist and his gifted co-horts. What an incredible gift has been left us. So sad we will no longer be blessed by this man's gifts. We can, however, LOVE his contribution to music and spirituality."
His best CD to date
Kenneth Reeves | 11/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have most of Hilary's CD's, and this is by far his best to date. This is not meant to put down his earlier works, which are also fantastic, but the unique mix of instruments and voice makes this a special release. Track 2, "Reflections of Love" is a peaceful relaxing tune with subtle but effective voices. Track 4, "Forever and a Day" is more on the upbeat side with a unique mix of harp and fiddle. But track 7 is probably the best on the CD, and one of the most appropriately named songs "Simply Beautiful." The harp and voices in this song are simply beautiful. If you are looking for a calming CD, this is the one."
Where has this music been all my life.
Robert C. Hines Jr. | Olivenhain, CA United States | 04/06/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"...I happened onto a sampler including two of Hilary Stagg's recordings - "Reflections of Love" and "Pleasant Dreams". Having never heard of Hilary, I listened to a few of his album recordings, bought "Sweet Return" and "The Edge of Forever" and have been listening ever since while driving as well as in the evening when drifting off to sleep. His acoustic harp and choice of accompanying instrumentation is absolutely beautiful. While some other great instrumental musicians like Yanni, David Lanz, Jim Brickman, etc. tend to "wear" on me after awhile, Hilary Stagg's music retains it's freshness even if listened to over and over. Although I understand Hilary passed away a few years ago, I can't believe I'd never heard of him and his music until now. This musician was a true, true artist and genius."