Search - Richard Searles :: Earth Quest

A Fanciful Journey

Shanshad | Discworld | 04/13/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Earth Quest is instrumental new age music composed by Richard Searles. The light, rhythmic compositions sound vaguely Celtic and Renaissance style. You can picture fairy rings and mythical fairy tale kingdoms.There are a variety of instruments and sounds used to create these musical scenes. Guitars and synthesizers are most prevalent, but harpsicord, recorder and percussion instruments are also interwoven. Searles also incorporates nature sounds in some of these arrangements. #4 Rain Forest has the sounds of birds woven into the music, giving the listener an image of the forest that the composer is conjuring. #6 Midnight Caravan is my favorite. Searles has used the sounds of a rainstorm to complement the music, and the two blend together well. #7 Song of Elfarron combines cricket sounds, providing the backdrop of a warm summer night. The songs without the natural sounds behind them are pleasing and pretty, but the addition of the natural noises gives the music a wonderfully terrestrial flavor without destroying or overwhelming the tune.. This is a great album to have on as background music at a party or event where something light and new age style would be appropriate. All the tunes are upbeat with enough rhythm for Renaissance or playful dancing. Nothing's so esoteric that those unfamiliar with New Age will find it hard to listen to. I enjoy this at night when I need to relax, or when I need uncomplicated music without a lot of emotional overtones. The liner notes get a bit preachy with their interpretation "one can feel a concern for the planet and an awareness of the dangers of life on a shrinking world." I really just enjoy the music. I only give it four stars, because this is not an outstanding CD. It's pleasant, enjoyable music, but does not have the distinction and power that I feel it should for five stars. Happy listening!^_^ shanshad"

Magical Journey

Scott Holder | Midway City, CA USA | 07/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've loved the Music of Richared Searles ever since I first heard it almost ten years ago. I wore out my tape of Earth Quest, and now have it on CD. This is the perfect compliment to a fantasy novel. It is often the first CD I put in on a long trip once I hit the open road, especially at night. It transports you to a magical world of adventure."

It's been 17 years and I still know the tunes!!!

Maelstrom | Florida | 04/17/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I remember my father had a poorly-made copy of these songs on cassette. He used to play them for me in the car when I was about 8 years old. After a while the tape disappeared...probably "borrowed" by some relative and quickly forgotten. Later I forgot the name of the collection and most of the tracks but one title stayed with me over the years: Earth Dance. I searched and searched for anything called "Earth Dance" in the hopes that I could find it once again...but I had no luck. As the years passed I basically gave up hope and then I remembered another part of a title: something about the word, "Mystic". After combining Earth Dance AND Mystic in a keyword search I FINALLY struck gold! It took me less than 30 seconds to buy a copy! If you're a fan of enchanted forests, magical celebrations, or just fantasy music in general then this is the CD for you!"