Artist: David Arkenstone, Loren Gold, Nicholas Gunn & Johannes Linstead
Style: New Age
Year Released: 2008
Flutist Nicholas Gunn, pianist Loren Gold, guitarists David Arkenstone and Johannes Linstead have together to record a ‘Live!’ CD for the Gemini Sun Record Label. Recorded over 73 minutes of audience interaction, an accompanying DVD is also included. Closer scrutiny reveals ‘Live’ having a light airy texture attached to its fifteen tracks and is characterized as a jazz CD. To be specific, this CD does not exactly fall into that category of influence. But what can be said about these four artists is that each one has contributed his talents towards a recording that highlights the influences of pop instrumentals, classical and Latin music that is augmented by minute glimpses of jazz underlayment.
This release is ‘Live!’ in every sense of the word and captures the group’s spontaneity and overall musical personalities. Narrated and hosted by Nicholas Gunn, the recording highlights the laminar flow of the artists’ across varying lines of interpretation. As spheres of influence, Arkenstone, Gold, Gunn and Linstead have made distinctive contributions at all levels. But by most standards of measurement, ‘Live’ stands as a testament to each artist’s unique ability. When examining the overall scope of this release, the album does exactly what was intended. They have recorded a dynamic introspective vision of new age jazz.
Although ‘Live’ appears to be a jazz release, the CD is not far from what jazz music should be about historically. At various intervals the album is slow and mundane, while on other tracks the four artists exude a high level of energy. At their best, David Arkenstone, Loren Gold, Nicholas Gunn and Johannes Linstead have all amassed a cadre of fans individually. With the release of ‘Live’, the door for more is surely opened. Without a doubt, this artist activated energy pact is a CD worth listening to; but for purposes of discussion, jazz is not the total message. As an easy listening well-rounded album, the lows of this release are negligible. But what can be said about the musical landscape of these four musicians is the chemistry, imagery and visionary wisdom they exude as artistic impressionists.
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