Native American mythology is still a very popular theme in New Age music. Jon Richards‘ new album is called Vision Quest. Here he invites us into the world of rituals and spirits. It is a fascinating and magical experience, and fans of Deep Forest or Enigma will feel right at home.
Jon Richards is a UK based artist. Vision Quest is his forth album on the MG Music label, where he debuted with Elysian Fields in 2011. A vision quest is a rite of passage in some Native American cultures. The ceremony of the vision quest is one of the most universal and ancient means to find spiritual guidance and purpose.
Within the Circle
The album starts incredible strong with the song Within the Circle. It has a great melody and atmosphere, though it might take some time to get used to the ethnic samples. They are a bit rough. At the same time they add some much needed authenticity, so know that you’ll get to enjoy them by the second listen.
Next song is Homeland. I especially like the guitar part, and the synths arrangement is excellent – with some very nice sounds of nature in the background. You can sense the feeling of love and gratitude the singers have for their homelands.
In the song Vision Quest a voice tells us the following: “Grandfather, behold this pipe, recognize this pipe! I want to live, that’s why I do this – so that my people and I can live. ” The pipe is sacred in the above mentioned vision quest ceremony, and it is nice to see that Richard is going the extra mile to make this into an interesting album – especially since synth based albums often get a bit sterile in terms of sound.
So if you are looking for an album with a Native American mythology theme, look no further. Jon Richards’ Vision Quest will give you the insights and understandings you are searching for.
91/100 – See how I rate music here.
Key tracks: Within the Circle, Vision Quest
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