“Adrift in Wonder”
by Robert Linton
Album review by Dyan Garris for New Age CD and Zone Music Reporter (ZMR)
Take a deep, deep breath. Completely relax. Daydream. Imagine. There’s a deep, flowing river of grace and sensitivity that lives inside this super relaxing album, “Adrift in Wonder,” the latest release from guitarist Robert Linton.
This is exquisitely meditative without trying to be so. In fact, it’s not trying to “be” anything. It simply IS flowing, peaceful, and supremely tranquil throughout, and some of the most deliciously beautiful music I’ve heard in a long time. Robert is completely one with the guitar here and we are quite easily drawn into the “wonder” without any effort. And willingly we go into 9 tracks and just over 1 hour of sublime peace to the soul.
“Adrift in Wonder” is co-produced, mixed, and mastered by Grammy® Award-winning recording engineer and music producer, Corin Nelsen, and includes guest performances by Grammy® winner, Eugene Friesen (cello), Jill Haley (English horn), Premik Russell Tubbs (Alto flute and EWI/electronic wind instrument), and Sara Milonovich (violin).
Opening the album is “Gliding the Current.” Here we can allow ourselves to get fully lost in the soul-soothing serenity that is created by the richness of Sara Milonovich’s velvety violin and Jill Haley’s luscious English horn dancing ever so gracefully with Robert’s gentle guitar. Melodious and elegant, we are immediately flowing along harmoniously with our stream of life for five halcyon minutes. But there is a special kind of peace in this song – infused into the entire album, in fact – that remains way beyond that brief interlude and carries over into the day. This is true artistry.
The peace continues as we “Weave Through the Waves.” As smooth and silken as satin, the nylon string guitar, which Robert plays in a “finger-style,” interlaces perfectly with the hauntingly beautiful electronic wind instrument (EWI) performance from Premik Russell Tubbs. This is memorable harmony that sinks deep into our psyche.
We are treated to the richness of Eugene Friesen’s expert cello performance on “Traces of Reflection,” (where we have opportunity to reflect upon our journey), as well as on the very beautiful, “Casting in the Afterglow,” and the spectacular title track “Adrift in Wonder.” The cello performances are the perfect complement to Robert’s fluent, effortless guitar, bringing unsurpassed calmness to mind, body, and spirit.
“Casting in the Afterglow” is a favorite, which also brings Jill Haley’s English horn back into the mix. Relaxing and restful.
“Gentle Descent” is notable here as an emotionally stirring piece. Just beautiful. Again, Sara Milonovich’s violin is a flawless match to the lovely guitar. With the perfect balance between musical phrases, it feels very much like this song is quite alive and actually breathing. We could be soaring majestically above it all, floating on air currents, making a gradual descent back to Earth. I really love this one. It’s seven and a half minutes of silky tranquility.
“Sifting Through Daydreams” incorporates the sweet Alto flute and the EWI (electronic wind instrument) of Premik Russell Tubbs. This is another one that “breathes” as if it is alive. And at almost nine minutes, it gives us plenty of space for our mind to completely wander away from its troubles. And on “Murmur of Chimes,” we are again treated to Premik’s eloquence on the EWI, interweaving sinuously with Robert’s flowing, gentle guitar.
The album closes out with the gorgeous “Hovering in the Sun Rays.” Here again, Sara’s seraphic violin speaks in superb harmony with Robert’s dreamy guitar.
The peace in “Adrift in Wonder” is palatable; the tapestry rich throughout, the performances and production first-rate. It’s cohesive in its supreme serenity from start to finish. This is like flowing ambrosial nectar for the soul. Long and luxurious, without being pretentious in any way whatsoever. Aptly named, it is truly wondrous. You’ll want to get the whole album.
Get it here: https://robertlinton.com/
Broadcast and Media Promotion:
LAZZ Promotions, Ed and Stacey Bonk
Voice: 905-470-1230
E-mail: [email protected]
