John Adorney began with the BECKONING (1998) album which became an instant hit with New Age fans, likewise acquiring many listeners who simply adore the Contemporary Instrumental genre in the process. THE OTHER SHORE (2001), WAITING FOR THE MOON (2004) and TREES OF GOLD (2006) are his preceding albums that dispense the beloved classics we easily recognize from his relaxed musical signature. His most recent album is THE BELLS OF DISTANT STARS (2021). The topic for this review is his 2009 album THE FOUNTAIN.
By John P. Olsen
THE FOUNTAIN showcases his reliable artistry in blending Electronic, Contemporary Instrumental, and World music while quenching the thirst for a wide variety of music lovers who depend on beautiful song melodies for survival.
John Adorney wrote and produced the 11 songs for this album, along with instrumentation of piano, keyboard, acoustic guitar, cello, and percussion. Inclusive enrichment by female vocalist Daya Rawat, and African vocalist Marcel Adjibi, who wrote the lyrics, pleasantly enhance the project on a number of songs with their fluid harmonious voices. THE FOUNTAIN album takes an exploratory examination into music having an elemental influence from India and in the process, recreates the beloved John Adorney signature sound. This mosaic showing the ancient footprint of India is an aesthetic treasure openly embraced by Western listeners, along with his broad multicultural audience.
The steady stream of rich colorful songs everyone has come to expect starts with SAFE HAVEN, securing his uplifting brand of Contemporary, Electronic, and Instrumental fanfare with an ideal beginning. The piano melody shines radiantly by administering a comforting theme in classic style while prescribing symphonic intermezzos along with lighter percussion and their clave counterparts.
Title song THE FOUNTAIN is filled with the exotic touches of India, in an authentic sprinkle of spices that nicely compliments the mainstream Eastern entries. Daya softly chants an Indian passage in the song as ethnic instrumentals accompany her, along with more traditional piano and acoustic guitar rhythms. COMME LE VENT is immersed with opulent vocals by both Marcel and Daya, extending their reflections by a melody that seems to glow when placed alongside peaceful piano support to display all musicians as rich and radiant.
FEATHER IN THE WIND is a light picturesque blend of piano and symphonic instrumentals encircled by warm cello splashes of color. Abundant percussion rhythms in ECHOES OF THUNDER enhance an illuminating mid-tempo groove melody, while the classic EVEN IN YOUR DARKEST HOUR hallmarks Daya singing a soft eloquent song of peace, comfort, and hope. The lyrics are cradled by lighter percussion and an array of symphonic refrains to endorse her all is well message. AN OCEAN IN THE DROP has percussion rhythms counter piano notes tour up and down the keys.
SILK AND STONE will become a favorite by the unique mosaic of multicultural sound excursions that transport you to many continents around the globe. Your flight takes off with American hand-clapping and bass drum rhythms before crossing the border into Latin countries percussion clave patterns. Smoothly landing with an intriguing European groove feel and enchanting accordion entries pleasantly remind us of our restful stop at the outdoor cafe.
The music itinerary then moves into Middle Eastern style keyboard navigation before boarding acoustic guitar verses reminiscent of India. Circling the globe by Southern route, Brazilian tempo celebrates the festivities before a final touchdown into John Adorney’s home country of America, arriving well relaxed by one of his more adventurous music albums in the luxurious comfort we have come to expect.
For more information and music samples, visit johnadorney.com. The CD is available on EverSound’s homepage.
See New Age Music Guide’s full John Adorney coverage here.
Source: Newagemusicworld.com.