Presented as "an electro-acoustic journey into the meaning of our lives," Canvas of My Soul is the second album from self-proclaimed "revved-up New Age" artist Sharon West. I'm not sure the nine songs that grace this CD are revved up as much as they are inspired. Like a painter, West spent a long time mixing sonic colors using several electronic programs and samples, including grand piano, a choir, flute, strings, guitar, cello and more. She composed, arranged and performed all of these peaceful, reflective songs in her home studio.
West takes this music quite seriously, as a note she posted on her web site attests: "Canvas of My Soul is a survey into our internal world of thoughts, dreams, loves, hopes, fears and joys as we journey through our lives here today. This album explores the abyss of my own inner world and expresses a kind of conversation with God (or a higher power, if you will) in my continuing growth and understanding - a gentle Soul under construction.
You may be able to surmise that some of West's song-by-song commentary in the liner notes gets a little treacly, and the album goes softer as it goes on. But this Illinois-based musician certainly has an ear for conveying her own picturesque thoughts via music, which is something not every musician (regardless of genre) is capable of these days. With Canvas of My Soul, West shows listeners the large palette of colors that paint her world.
Track Listing:
1)The Sculptor's Dream
2) Shores of Time
3) Canvas of My Soul
4) Day's Joy
5) After the Rain
6) Reflections
7) Voice in the Wind
8) Inside Clouds
9) The Forever Rose