Album Review by Dyan Garris, New Age CD and Zone Music Reporter
“Open Waters” by Todd Mosby is a concept album based upon the theme of a journey from the lost city of Atlantis. Whether or not you believe Atlantis is real or mythological, the music on “Open Waters” is as fresh and authentic as it gets, just like the sea. – Dyan Garris
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Todd Mosby is an American composer, award-winning guitarist and recording artist who embodies the musical philosophies and traditions of classical North India, traditional Jazz and classical composition with immersive studies in each of these disciplines. He has toured performing arts centers across America such as Montalvo Arts, Kravis Center, Soka University, The Harris Center, Prius Hall, and Polsky Theater to name a few. As well, Todd’s music has been featured in films, television shows, and advertisements.
Hailing from a family of inventors, Todd co-created a new instrument, the Imrat guitar, along with Kim Schwartz and Imrat Khan. This instrument allows him to “phrase as a sitarist and still play the lush chordal harmonies found in modal jazz.” Todd’s compositions for this instrument are an authentic blend between North Indian Rag and traditional Western Jazz.
Fascinated with Indian music from early on, Todd is the only guitarist ever admitted into the famed Imdad Khani Gharana of sitar musicians dating back 500 years to Tan-Sen and the Mogule courts.
The track titles on “Open Waters” are oceanic and nautical in nature. The album concept is one of an archetypical journey. This one follows the potential survivors of the destruction of Atlantis as they journeyed forth by sea to a new land, not knowing what the journey would bring. This album is the 2nd installment of a trilogy based upon the elements of earth (Eagle Mountain), water (Open Waters), and air (unreleased as of the date of this review).
Mixed and mastered by Tom Eaton, and produced by Eaton and Will Ackerman, the album features renowned musicians, Fiona Joy, Michael Manring, Charlie Bisharat, Jeff Haynes, Premik Russell Tubbs, Steve Bankuti, and other notables. This crossover album combines elements of Jazz, New Age, Folk, and Indian music. It is 12 tracks of lush and “day-dreamy enjoyability.”
The voyage begins with the “floaty,” ambient “Drifting,” which perfectly sets the mood for all that comes next on the journey. This is followed by “Atlantica. This is flowing and agreeable with a kind of soft jazz feel. Very nice.
The title track, “Open Waters” is spectacular. The wordless, haunting, vocals of Lola Hennecki make this song special. Jazzy, relaxing, and uplifting, I think we will be hearing this everywhere.
The entire album is wonderful, making it challenging to choose a particular favorite. So, I won’t even try to do that. However, some standouts on the album: “A New Land” features well-known New Age pianist Fiona Joy along with Jeff Haynes on percussion, which is utterly superb, and gives the song a magical quality. The outstanding vocal track, “Western Sky” is equally as enchanting. We can literally feel the vivid light of the Western sky shining upon and through us, bringing peace and illumination to the spirit. Beautiful. The graceful, “Dolphin Song” conjures up images, and perhaps ancient memories, of these magnificent creatures elegantly swimming along with the flow of the sea. And so, then can we. “Water Dancer” is lively, smooth, and fun. It’s a “feel good” tune. Love it. Ditto for “Island Song.” Upbeat, and with a gorgeous mix, this is excellent. The album closes out with the outstanding “Sea of Joni.” With wordless vocals again, this song is hopeful, joyful, and uplifting to the soul.
“Open Waters” is an outstanding, unforgettable album with many layers and textures. The love pours out of it and onto us, like a sea of its own. A marvelous, mystical thread connects each song to the other and to our hearts. This sojourn across open waters is a “must have.”
Get “Open Waters” here or wherever music is sold/streamed: https://www.toddmosby.band/
USA – New Age Radio Promotion:
Ed & Stacey Bonk
Lazz Promotions
[email protected]
(905) 470-1230
Public Relations/Press
Lydia Sherwood
Presto Public Relations
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(360) 733-2149
