Way, Darryl: Ultra Violins

Darryl Way is a founding member of the U.K. progressive rock band Curved Air. Way has had an on again off again relationship with the band and has since the '90s returned on a more permanent basis. Over the years Way has played on a number of albums and has released a few himself. His new album Ultra Violins contains a number of classical pieces reinterpreted by Way. I am by no means an expert on classical music but to my ears Ultra Violins sounds quite nice. The music is calm and relaxing, good stuff to just sit back and chill out.

The pieces are built in layers of violin and the playing is very good. Keyboards and drums are also used but at its heart this is a solo violin album and a good one at that. The first piece "Scheherezade, The Sea and Sinbad's Ship" features Way's layering of rich violin tones that eventually builds to a dramatic end. "Polovtsian Dances" is a peaceful track with a gently flowing melody. "Danse Macabre" has a soft beginning slowly building in intensity while "Panis Angelicus" is mellow all the way through. Also included is a reworking of the Curved Air track "Vivaldi" where Way puts his violin through a fiery workout.

The CD also includes a multimedia section containing an interview with Way, a "Farandole" music video and a video entitled "Creating The Artwork". It is a nice way to round out the package.

Way has delivered a solid performance with Ultra Violins and I enjoyed it for what it is, a fine piece of classical music. Just don't expect a prog album.

Track Listing:
1. Scheherezade, The Sea and Sinbad's Ship
2. Polovtsian Dances
3. Danse Macabre
4. Panis Angelicus
5. Pie Jesu
6. Scheherezade, The Young Prince and Princess
7. Farandole
8. Tarantelle
9. Vivaldi

Added: September 30th 2013
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1972
Language: english

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