Search - Uman :: Purple Passage

A tapestry of harmonius sounds and stunning vocals

Edward J. Insinger | 01/11/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was introduced to the music of UMAN after hearing the selection entitled The White Spirit. (UMAN originates from a Native American word which means "Earth Forces.") In this selection and throughout the entire CD, the French brother and sister duet create a myriad of vocal sounds, interwoven between pleasant harmonies featuring synthesizers, cello, saxophone, guitar, and keyboards. Their unique blend of alternative music is rich, vibrant and spatial -- open to the mind of the listener as to interpretation. The use of varying levels and picthes of the human voice by Danielle Jean is an exceptional treat. The masterfully crafted instrumental arrangements by Didier Jean jump forth and flirt with your ears and senses in a most pleasant and captivating manner."

Amazing CD!

Distant Voyageur | Io | 03/31/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I could not even begin to come up with the right words to explain the beauty of this incredible recording by the French Brother and Sister duo named Uman. "Uman", the Native American word for "Earth Forces" in 1998, released the extremely exquisite album entitled "Purple Passage" and let me tell you, I have never heard an album that has evoked imagination like this before or since then when released back in that cold morning of 1998. I was first introduced to Uman after hearing their tear-jerking classic entitled "The White Spirit" when my mother bought the Windham Hill Sampler 96 CD back in early 1998 and that song just took my breath away and took me to places that were beyond my wildest imagination. I still have the moving memories of listening to this song during a road trip on a rainy day to Fredericksburg, Virginia way back in February of 1998. Whenever I listen to "The White Spirit" I still get memories of that awesome road trip. Even when not reflecting on that event in my life, this song still is incredibly moving. It starts with a very eerie ambient beginning and a highly angelic female voice in the distance. The vocals at the beginning are so haunting are so beautiful as to almost rival the best of what Enya has done. It gradually grows more passionate and colorful as it plays along adding echoing acoustic guitars. I haven't heard such an intimate and emotionally deep New Age track like this in years. Even after all of these years and hundreds of listens, "The White Spirit" has lost none of its ability to move you and make your imagination run wild. That's not to eclipse the rest of this album. Not by any means, while none of the other songs top "The White Spirit", several of them are just beautiful and haunting enough to earn their place in the New Age/World Music Hall of Fame for me. "On The Confidence Track" is a hauntingly gorgeous 8 and a half minute New Age epic with a sound that is very unique in the New Age genre. Drawing some styles from Enigma and Deep Forest, OTCT has such extraordinary vocals, eerie melody and a really complex and enticing rhythm that keeps the song gripping throughout it's entire length."

Music to help you get centered

Distant Voyageur | 06/13/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Hard to find Uman is definitely worth the time of your search - instrumental beauties and vocal charms make this album truly unique. It adds a special touch to any collection and is especially good for 'down time' listening."