Life Of

ECM always great

What a disappointment! On first hearing I thought it's the same track being played on repeat when will it change. But it didn't. Yes mellow and atmospheric, but ALL the same. So I gave it another spin and still didn't derive any new outlook. This is doodling over and over. Pretty sure it's in the same key throughout. Marc Andersen appears occasionally, probably when he woke up. Where is the extraordinary inspiration, interplay, variety and drive that we hear in Safe Journey, Exploded View, The Fall Of Us All, A Man About A Horse? Tibbetts and Andersen are amazing musicians but they've severely dumbed themselves down here. Wow factor gone. Some relaxation value perhaps but still boring.

Nice one! I impatiently downloaded the MP3 version of the album online when I woke this morning as I could not wait for the cd to come in the mail later. I poured a cup of coffee and put the headphones on to start the day. "Atmospheric" is what first comes to mind. A very pleasant experience indeed as I got a very calm start for the day and the weekend just the way I wanted. Steve Tibbetts delivers again with his 12 string Martin guitar and piano and the inclusion of Marc Anderson's delicate drumming and Michelle Kinney's haunting cello and drones. Yes, this is another acoustic treat. The music is arranged like a story. Steve, Marc, and Michelle all work well together with their individual mastery of their instruments as the story welds together perfectly leading to an optimistic and beautiful ending.Recommendation:1) Try not to listen while in a rush, this is a very calm but brilliant and uplifting recording.2) Use some good head phones or great speakers to clearly hear the most detailed moments.Notes:1) It would be great to see Steve and Marc perform live again.2) I'm also ready for another one of Steve's electric fury and a Marc's earth shattering drums as a follow-up recording with in a few years (not 8).3) "Life Of" is a beautiful recording. I highly recommend "Life Of" especially if you are in the meditative mood.

Emotionally deep as the ocean; as subtle as breathing. Steve Tibbetts once again delivers great beauty. I have been listening to him since his first (then LP) recordings. Although very different from it, the music caresses my thoughts like Northern Song. The music is VERY dynamic even though there is no screaming electric guitar, effects or Marc Anderson in full press. (and I love that too). Mr. Tibbetts is not one to retread himself. He has a fantastic ability to re-invent himself with each recording without losing his identity. Anyone who can find someone who sounds like him, let me know as he has always been & continues to be a refreshing voice that bows to no ones ideas of what GOOD music should or can be. (Note to the artist - KUDOS on the cat in the case - mine advised me that makes Steve VERY COOL). His twelve string playing - BEAUTIFUL. No one sounds like him on it. And as someone else has pointed out, his impressionistic piano rings like gamelon music. Marc Anderson's percussion is subtle but as always enhances the music as no one else can. I can only hope others find Steve (& Marc's) music. Like always, this recording is wonderful.

Great stuff.Read a review in stereophile magazine which was very positive and I thought to myself this might be a nice change.I listened to it a couple times and thought man I don't know.Then listen a few more times with no distractions. WoW . Three extremely gifted magicians very soothing indeed.Listen pay attention and enjoy.Also very cool cover art.

Great record! Excellent production and great playing. Heavy on the Thematic connections. This is not your exploded view or even Big Map Idea, but more restrained. The integration of piano was surprisingly effective in this context.GET THE HARD COPY!!!

It's too early for happy hour. This is excellent mood music.