| New Age Reporter |
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The Path of Peace review...
Sensual VoyageIt has become a stereotypical occurrence for many. Somewhere a cell phone rings and the battle is on to answer the call under any circumstances. We could be falling off a building, performing brain surgery or writing an article, but we just have to answer that phone. We have become technological toadies. Blackberries, internet, and Blue Tooth have replaced good manners and stress-free lifestyles. Luckily, a technology that actually serves man is utilized in pianist Ben Dowling's latest recording The Path of Peace. Along with visual artist Mark Wagner, Dowling offers a multi-media presentation using still and animated images and perfect piano that soothes the spirit. It reminds me of walking through an art museum with a very personal perspective and just the right music.Overall, Ben's contemporary pieces are placid and thought provoking. Honestly, some of them are downright sad. However, this is the kind of album you can put either in your CD player or DVD player and just tune out the rest of the planet. Many recordings are called journeys, but I think that The Path of Peace is an arrival. It is right in the middle of a sonic experience. The opening cut, Alone is quite memorable. It immediately reminded me of a few lines from the poem Even When*. "Even when I am by myself, I feel alone. It is not as if I imposed myself to this solitary confinement. It’s just that I am too different to be popular. Surely the penalty it is not worth being the same as everybody else?" Being alone can be a good thing or not. Sometimes you alone not of your own accord. Occasionally you are alone by an absence. The song gives you sanction to breathe deep, close your eyes and travel inside your mind. Great opening cut and a portent of what is to come. While the music plays on the DVD Mark's earthy pastel castles offer a myriad of visuals with parapets, stairs and bridges to cross and explore. On the track Evocation a slow, safe, labyrinthian journey takes you to a place where you can call upon your God and praise, thank or beseech as needed. Mark's spiral images are gently mesmerizing as are the thoughtful incantations of Ben's piano accompaniment. On an iridescent blue background swatches of red and orange float by on the visuals to Quietude. Mark plays with the light a bit and occasionally resizes the images. After hearing the music for some time I had the feeling I was watching a parade of souls as the traveled to their destination. They were in no hurry, but they shared a true course. My favorite track is called Emergence. It starts out with icy, clear rifts of piano that change into soft waves of sound. It is not like the little butterfly that emerges from a cocoon kind of music. It is more like the soundtrack of a troubled mind that has fought its way through the confounding fog and received clarity as its reward. Coppery suns, blue backsplashes and other bright colors draw you into the work. The DVD has many options, more than a regular disc, which includes quotes from the artists and different methods of setting up the presentation. This is a two-sided disc so I am very careful about it. It is somewhat precious. Ben Dowling's piano compositions are unique in their ability to slow down your heart rate and perhaps, the speed of the planet once you fall into his musical trap. Mark Wagner’s visual contributions are like spice on your favorite food. It adds musical color as well as flavor. Next time you stare at your big screen set with 280 channels and there is nothing to watch, put on Ben Dowling's album. Inspiration, tranquility and comfort are only a click away. * Excerpt from "Even When" used by permission of the author. - reviewed by RJ Lannan on 8/19/2007 from the New Age Reporter |
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