Pem

In the 1990s, smooth jazz was the whipping boy of the jazz world - everyone from hard boppers to Dixieland revivalists to fusion guitarists railed against the schlock that filled NAC play lists. And their anger was often justifiable; elevator versions of Michael Bolton hits shouldn't be described as jazz. However, commercial pop-jazz doesn't have to be bloodless elevator Muzak, and the German keyboardist/organist Nils Gessinger was obviously well-aware of that fact when he recorded 1995's Ducks 'N' Cookies for GRP. Make no mistake: Ducks 'N' Cookies is commercial music. The pop-jazz instrumentals that dominate the CD are meant to be accessible and groove-oriented, and when Gessinger features a vocalist on occasion, he tends to favor soul-influenced pop/rock melodies along the lines of Steely Dan (but minus the cryptic, abstract lyrics that Walter Becker and Donald Fagen were known for)…

The music flowing from the hands of Danish born Ageha is soft, ambient and with a touch of the East. These beautiful compositions often feature her rather untraditional use of exotic instruments such as harps and tambouras, weaving powerful healing overtones into meditative soundscapes and gently seducing the listener into deep relaxation. Ageha's music has become not only an important tool in bodywork, reiki and healing processes but also a treasured enhancement during special moments for tantric lovers.