Search - Various Artists :: Soul of the Machine

Buy Soul of the Machine

mmclam | Wethersfield, CT USA | 08/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the best Windham Hill sampler and nothing like the "heralded" but really laid back "Winter's/Summer's Solstice" releases by Paul Winter, one of Windham Hill's premier artists of the 80s. While SOTM is classified as "electronic" music, it has oriental and jazz inspirations throughout.



I have loved this release since the 80s. When my tape started to wear out, I copied it and bought the CD. But every Soul of the Machine CD that I buy seems to disappear into thin air, just like that other reviewer has experienced. Hmmm, my friends DO love this release ... .



Listen to this by the pool or while sitting on the patio in the evening. It is relaxing and, even after nearly 15 years, it is still one of my favorite CDs. If you like Arkenstone, Aura and Grusin (Dave or Don), you won't be disappointed. It will grow on you, too, and become your favorite CD in no time flat."

Vastly overlooked masterpiece with innovative sounds like ne

Distant Voyageur | Io | 09/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 1987 sampler entitled "Soul of THe Machine" may sound like typical late 1980s or early 1990s New Age/Pop-Jazz through todays ears but back in 1987, juxtaposed against almost anything else that came out around this time, it was arguably among the most innovative music to have come out from the Narada Music Label. By 1987 standards, SOTM pushed the limits on music recording technology during this period in time. "Cityscape" has an electrifying multilayered rhythm of keyboards, chime effects, backed up with a Pat Metheny-esque soundscape. "Ayers Rock" for years I mistakenly thought was by Patrick O'Hearn as it could easily have been lifted off "Between Two Worlds" which came out around the same time.



Most of Narada's music collections from this time from my knowledge mostly had piano solo instrumentals. While very pleasant, it sometimes got a little monotonous for my ears. "Soul of the Machine" was and remains a major departure from the norm and in my opinion marked the transition into more polished music such as the absolutely superb "Narada Collection 3" a few years later. I feel that SOTM utilises the best of both acoustic and electronic keyboards as does Narada 3.



While a good portion of this CD now shows its age by 2008-09 ears, Soul of The Machine stands among the greatest releases to have been assembled by the Narada Label. Though nearly impossible to find in most stores except used CD stores, it is absolutely worth the hard search."