Water 2005

Pianist Peter Kater has orchestrated a gentle, introspective series of ambient chamber works dedicated to the four elements: Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. Each CD is distinctive, with Water living up to its title by being the most free-flowing of them all. Using long, pensive pauses and melodies that elongate over time, the music borders on classical–often echoing classical themes, such as the Satie-like ostinato of "Water Ballet," without overtly lifting from them. Water comes close to the painfully serene sound you might associate with Arvo Pärt.

Norwegian trumpeter Nils Petter Molvær made his small mark on fans and critics alike in the United States with his fine pair of ECM recordings. After a couple of years working in Europe, he returned to the release scene in the U.S. with An American Compilation in June of 2006. That disc was a selection of tracks from this album, his remix disc, and live cuts of tunes from the ECM period. In fact, ER is being issued simultaneously with Streamer, the live CD.

Throughout its nearly decade-long run, the G3 series of tours has always featured guitar wizards Satriani and Vai at the helm, with a mystery third guest always in the rotation to contrast against the mentor-and-student duo. Sometimes the results are complementary (Eric Johnson), and other times they're mildy theatrical and amusing (Yngwie Malmsteen). This time around the special guest star, Dream Theater's John Petrucci, finds himself in the middle of Tokyo and starting off the two-disc session. His "Glasgow Kiss" and "Damage Control" are both presented with great skill and technical precision, sometimes hitting too close to the mark, making his accuracy and his performance seem cold and calculated.

Andreas Vollenweider's Grammy-winning 1987 effort is dominated by the Swiss musician's electrically modified harp. Its distinctive sound runs throughout the album, supported by the usual tinkering synthesizer effects and light percussion. After an extended introductory interlude, the title track zips into a vaguely Caribbean-styled rhythm…

In 1967 and 1968, Ice were a much-touted but slightly mysterious recording band, constantly on the radio (including the famous John Peel Show with Jimi Hendrix and Traffic) but seldom seen on television and never live. 'Walk On The Water' was the controversial track (disguised as 'Walk Under Water' for radio purposes) that was intended to be their second single and was eventually sidelined in favour of 'Ice Man'. Record Collector lists their two singles 'Anniversary (Of Love)' from 1967 and 'Ice Man' from 1968 in their Rare Record Guide and apart from the singles and their 'B' sides all of the tracks featured on this CD have never before been released. Lynton Naiff, Grant Serpell, Mo Foster and Linda Hoyle all later joined up as Affinity but that as they say is another story. This CD represents the group's entire recorded output of the cult 60’s rock group Ice.