Search - Peter Rowan :: Awake Me in the New World

A radical departure from Rowan's usual, but a welcome one!

12/27/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album was an eye opening surprise, given the fact I was looking for more bluegrass. My first encounter came when I was on the Amtrak train going from Richmond VA to Philadelphia, bored out of my mind and looking to fall asleep. I popped this CD in my player...and it was so unreal... Not only did I not fall asleep, but the boredom drifted away in a sea of rhythms that I had not heard in a long time...Caribbean, Native American, Hispanic....all woven around the theme of Columbus' 500th anniversary of the discovery of the New World.. Neither maudlin nor stridently against Columbus...he wove a tale of life before the discovery, the exhilaration and sadness of a sailor named Pulcinella and his voyage... The ending songs..Sailing Home and Dance of Pulcinella were the ultimate high for me... "sailing home with the wind against my back, I'm sailing home/Sailing home, wild horses and the sea splashing foam...sailing home" segueing into the rhythmic Dance Of Pulcinella and its gentle ride into Union Station in Washington DC...the rhythm of the song gently fell into step with the wheels beneath my train to form a hypnotic, gentle feeling that I have rarely felt from other musical genres. For a five-star carpet ride on a boat to the New World departing in 1492, this album not only is entertaining...it will literally take you there. Just close your eyes, turn the lights down and let yourself go..."

Peter Rowan's very best!

Ray George | Sonoma, CA | 12/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard this CD eminating from a neighbor's stereo system, and after listening to song after song and having no idea who it was, I knocked on her door and found out it was Peter Rowan. I had never heard of him at the time, but since have bought most of his CDs and I still consider this his finest musical adventure. I'm always sad when I see him live, because he usually plays only one cut from this great CD, but it's what I go see him for. A beautiful combination of melodies, ethnic influences and wonderful lyrics, this is a special treat from a very gifted singer/songwriter."

Fantastic Album by a MASTER MUSICAN!

William Slater III | Chicago, IL USA | 03/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Shortly after this CD was released in 1993, I had the honor of attending a concert at Johnny D's in the Boston area, where Peter Rowan played the entire album solo from start to finish. I was pleasantly astounded, and bought two copies of the CD. It is such a beautiful collection of songs. In truth, it recounts his recollections as Punchinella, who was the cabin boy of Christopher Columbus, during his journey to the New World. Ironically, I had a glimpse of Peter Rowan's plans for this CD when I met and talked with him in 1983 in Houston, TX. At that time, he discussed the theme of Punchinella and the stories that are recounted as songs on this CD. Imagine then how blessed I was to see the result some ten years later! I love most everything that he has ever done, but this CD, and Dust Bowl Children each hold a special place in my heart. Some of my best writing and programming have been done while being wisked away to the magical world that this CD takes you away to. Among all the musicians that I admire and love, Peter Rowan has a special place in my heart, right next to Andreas Vollenweider, Stevie Wonder, and Paul McCartney. God Bless Peter Rowan and the rest of these guys!"