Pianist/synthesist William Paul is fond of our equine friends and he isn't afraid to express himself: his new instrumental album Horse Dreams is unabashedly mellifluous in nature and undeniably new age in origin—a union of the breadth of Vangelis, the solemnity of Kitaro, and the artifice of Yanni. Digital pianos, lush synthesizer sounds, and crisp Eastern instruments, sampled, are the tools with which Paul plies his trade.
Dainty piano melodies and delicate bell and harp samples are the core of "Pegasus Flight" and "Arabians In The Desert," for example, while "For Bucephalus"—an homage to the horse only Alexander The Great could tame—is defined by string stacks and an overall sense of grandeur. "Asian Moon Mare" introduces the koto and shakuhachi flute, along with the usual helping of strings and bells, to convey its melodic whorls; think Kitaro meets Vangelis' China. Paul returns to the West with the waltz of "Magic Ponies" and detours into soundtrack realms again with the remainder of the album. The compositions take shape by way of a primary (monophonic) melody (flute or sax if not piano), with sequenced orchestrations (strings, violins, and bells) and orchestral percussion (toms, tympani and cymbals) as bed tracks. While all the tracks are professionally executed, after a while the music renders itself unidirectional, even for symphonic new age.
If this is your cup of mirth, it will sprint not by yards, but miles. If it isn't, and curiosity is getting the better of you, the sugary production and absence of low end may prove to be obstacles. The aforementioned aspects are premeditated; Paul's objective is clearly defined.
Tracklist:
1. Dance Of The Unicorn 4:16
2. Pegasus Flight 4:52
3. For Bucephalus 4:28
4. Arabians In The Desert 4:31
5. Centaurs 4:37
6. Asian Moon Mare 5:21
7. Magic Ponies 3:47
8. Lonely Horse Caravan 5:11
9. Dreams 4:30
10. Violet Spirit 4:36
11. Angel Foal 4:24
12. Andalusian Renewal 3:15
13. Fallen Horse Tribute 5:05
Total time – 59:33
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