Lotus [Live]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Long held as a talisman by Santana fans, who had to buy it as a triple-LP Japanese import before Columbia finally issued it on CD in 1991, Lotus is a live album that finds Carlos Santana and his octet (a.k.a. the New Santana Band) at a nexus between rock, Latin music, jazz fusion, and spiritually driven communiqués to the gods. Some of the early hits are performed, such as "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va," but long, intense instrumentals are the order of the day, as on the breathtaking "Incident at Neshabur," "Every Step of the Way," and "Toussaint L'Overture." --Daniel Durchholz

Tracks:

A Seed Dreaming Inside
Life is Love
Where the Heart Finds a Home
Love Opens the Gates
Just a glimpse of Paradise
Mystic Voyage
A Heavenly Gift
The Lotus Unfolds
Waves of Delight

Album Description

Music being played from the very depth of the heart sometimes reflects a glimpse of the secret paradise within all of us, the boundless and eternal Lotus Land.

Customer Reviews:

In a state of languid contentment.......2007-07-07

If you know the name Gandalf, you've probably seen the Lord of the Rings films. Or perhaps you're a longtime fan of Tolkien's tales of Middle Earth. Chances are, though, that unless you've been following the New Age music scene, you've never heard of Heinz Strobl.

He's one of several musicians from the 70's and 80's that grew up with Tolkien and took his musical persona from what until Star Wars came along was the most popular fantasy "franchise" in the English language. And so we have David Arkenstone, still active today and named after a mystical gem; Shadowfax, one of the first groups to record for Windham Hill and named after a sorcerer's horse; and Gandalf, the sorcerer himself.

Like the wizard for whom he is named, Austrian Heinz Strobl has a masterful command of the elements, which he employs to great effect on his latest recording, Lotus Land. Featuring nine original compositions, the album is a literal one-man show, with Strobl playing acoustic nylon and steel string guitars, electric pedal-guitar, bouzuki, saz (a kind of lute), electric sitar, piano, keyboards, percussion, and programming.

Conjuring blissful images of tranquil gardens, or perhaps a heavenly realm of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, Lotus Land is a collection of serene, languid melodies suitable for either. Half the compositions are performed without rhythmic accompaniment, and of those with percussion two are so understated as to be missed. Even so, the melodies themselves have enough rhythm and movement to accompany a yoga workout.

Six of the album's eight tracks clock in at over 6 minutes, giving the artist plenty of space to develop his themes. Most of the songs begin with light synth effects, creating the aural canvas on which the lead instruments paint their pictures. Among the highlights are the piano climax of Love Opens the Gates, the synthetic choral effects on Mystic Voyage (that might remind some of Randy and Pamela Copus' 2002), and the charming interplay of sitar and oboe on Life is Love.

Lotus Land is Gandalf's 19th release in a professional career that began 26 years ago as a prog-rock hippie. While time may have softened his approach, his sorcerer-like instrumental and production skills are still as sharp as ever, if not better and more refined. I look forward to a monumental 30th anniversary release in 2011.

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Average customer rating:

Beware - This is Jazz!!
STILL terrifying, 33 years later
...And It Blossoms!
What can be better?
Glitz & Flash w/o substance

Lotus
Santana
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Borboletta
Caravanserai
Oneness: Silver Dreams Golden Reality
Welcome
Moonflower

ASIN: B0000027D5
Release Date: 1991-02-26

Tracks:

Going Home
A-1 Funk
Every Step Of The Way
Black Magic Woman
Gypsy Queen
Oye Como Va
Yours Is The Light
Batuka
Xibaba (She-Ba-Ba)
Stone Flower (Introduction)
Waiting
Castillos De Arena, Part 1 (Sand Castle)
Free Angela
Samba De Sausalito

Tracks:

Mantra
Kyoto
Castillos De Arena, Part 2 (Sand Castle)
Incident At Neshabur
Se A Cabo
Samba Pa Ti
Mr. Udo
Toussaint L'overture

Amazon.com essential recording

Long held as a talisman by Santana fans, who had to buy it as a triple-LP Japanese import before Columbia finally issued it on CD in 1991, Lotus is a live album that finds Carlos Santana and his octet (a.k.a. the New Santana Band) at a nexus between rock, Latin music, jazz fusion, and spiritually driven communiqués to the gods. Some of the early hits are performed, such as "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va," but long, intense instrumentals are the order of the day, as on the breathtaking "Incident at Neshabur," "Every Step of the Way," and "Toussaint L'Overture." --Daniel Durchholz

Customer Reviews:

Beware - This is Jazz!!.......2007-04-26

Many folks who love the classic rock Santana just won't find anything here to appreciate. Non-the-less, Lotus is snapshot of Carlos during the middle of a phase that meant a lot to him.

The playing is all top notch. The overall sound is good but not great. It's a little to high pitched sounding without a nice warm bass to push this recording over the top.

I still give it 5 stars because of the excellent playing thoughout.

STILL terrifying, 33 years later.......2007-03-12

When "Lotus" was originally released as a vinyl Japanese-only import (1974), it was one of the most prized items among collectors. The packaging...nowhere near as important as the music itself...was a mind-blowing example of innovation and creativity with several fold-out posters and the sleeve that housed the three discs inside. That's one of the things that delayed the release of "Lotus" on CD for so many years...shrinking all of that wonder down into a 4.75" x 4.75" plastic box. They DID it...maybe not as spectacularly as the original 12 x 12 release...but it was magnificent packaging for what is basically Carlos Santana's "A Love Supreme." Seriously...if you like the pop stuff, more power to you. There's plenty of good stuff there. But this was the top of Santana's spiritual / fusion era. In 1973 he added "Devadip" to his name, which meant "the light of the lamp of the Supreme." That light burns brightly across "Lotus," especially on CD 2 (where most of the extended numbers reside, including the 15 minute "Incident at Neshabur"). As Santana fans know, there are "several different Santanas." This was the MILES Santana, the COLTRANE Santana. This is scary and amazing music played with so much mind-numbing passion that you have to wonder why there are people who don't "get" Santana. Get Lotus, and strap yourself in for one heck of a ride.

...And It Blossoms!.......2007-01-19

Neither those who know Santana from the original band's early rock LPs, nor those most familiar with Carlos' and Company's recent all-star pop outings, will be in any way prepared for the astonishing two hours of music which is LOTUS. Recorded at a pair of Japanese concerts in 1973, this set is certainly the most singular item in one of rock music's most singular careers.
Having fallen under the spell of early-seventies fusion as epitomized by Miles Davis, Chick Corea and other groundbreaking jazzmen, guitarist Carlos Santana made this third version of his eponymous ensemble by far the best, concentrating on lengthy instrumental explorations which were kept nailed in place by a phenomenal three-to-four-man percussion section. While inevitable hits (and rare vocals) like "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va" are here, and wonderfully handled, they sound almost trivial next to the driving and exotic sounds which surround them. "A-1 Funk," "Gypsy Queen," "Samba de Sausalito" and "Incident at Neshabur" rank among my personal favorites; but it seems ludicrous to pinpoint specific tracks as the show is essentially one long and very remarkable suite, uninterrupted and unflagging. Guitar quotes from Miles, Stravinsky, Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles add moments of relative levity - and a reminder of just how far afield this band drew its inspiration from - before the ultratight octet tears into its next workout, leaving the listener to marvel at how they possibly could've kept it up. LOTUS is a stunning album, a marvelous experience and one of the peak moments from the heyday of jazz/rock fusion. Indispensable!

What can be better?.......2006-08-24

The only thing that would be better than listening to this great CD would be to listen to and watch this great recording on DVD. To watch what this band and the fans experienced at this concert has to be a thrill. The only thing better than a DVD would be to watch this concert with documentary-style interviews and hear what fans had to say about their experiences. The only thing better than that would be to have been there myself, live as one of the fans being interviewed and not being able to express in words how great Santana's performance was. The only thing better than that would have been to be Carlos Santana at that time and experience what he must have felt. It had to be a joy to channel so much spiritual energy.

Glitz & Flash w/o substance.......2006-07-27

I've been a fan of Santana since the first album but Lotus bears little resemblance to what I expected. I read the reviews and bought it based on that about 4/5 years ago. I found most of this album to be annoying--some excellent playing but it goes nowhere. The screeching guitar is just too much to take--almost like fingernails on a chalkboard. I can not imagine sitting down to listen to this again--When I bought it I felt that way but attributed it to maybe I just wasn't in the mood to listen. So I put it away for a month and came back to it twice and feel the same way and my receptivity does not appear to be changing. The last listen was today and it's been a year since I've listened to it last. I'm sorry--it's not happening for me. He's still a great guitarist, but to me---this is noise!

Cave of the Siddhars- Yoga/ Meditation/ Healing/ Manifestation

Average customer rating:

Those sounds...a mirror for me
that which is, that which we are
The Truth of Being
Enter the magical/mystical realms :)
A Powerful Journey into the Turiya Nada

Cave of the Siddhars- Yoga/ Meditation/ Healing/ Manifestation
Turiya Nada , Nandhi , and Cofe
Manufacturer: Red Lotus Creatives
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Meditations & Affirmations With A Master
The Yoga of Sound
Seven Metals Singing Bowls of Tibet
Yoga Nidra Meditation CD: Extreme Relaxation of Conscious Deep Sleep
The Essence

ASIN: B00066JZRW
Release Date: 2004-09-20

Tracks:

Dance Of The Siddahrs
Siddha Joy
Siddha Intensity
Cave Of The Siddhars

Product Description

Cave of the Siddhars is the sacred transmission of powerful and potent mantras that have been passed down through the Siddhars(the enlightened yogis of south India who journey beyond!) for thousands of years. Accompanied by the didgeridoo, harp, singing bowls, djembe, udu, gongs, flute and other instruments, each track will take you on a mystical spiritual journey that will both delight and transform you! About Turiya Nada- The vocal chants are performed by Nandhi who was initiated into this secretive yogic tradition. The mystical didgeridoo played by Cofe builds the fire within the music and chants. The primal vibration heals the mind and body. Cofe was initiated as a didgeridoo master in Himalayas through mantras of the sacred breath. Turiya Nada is suitable for- Yoga and meditation- Ideal for a deep plunge within to journey into the Third Eye, the Ajna chakra. Manifestation of intentions Before sleeping- the music is meant to take the listener into the womb of the universe, the divine Source. It is a natural "Yoga Nidra" that provides intense deep sleep. This music is a joy just to listen to even as it transforms you! Also- Tantra, Massage, Bodywork, Acupuncture, Tai-Chi, Creative Work and Esoteric Healing. Turiya Nada intends to take the listener through layers of our present limitations into the vast realms of divine energy. Raise your Consciousness with Turiya Nada - Cave of the Siddhars: Conscious Multimedia Database applies Dr. David Hawkins' revolutionary conscious calibrations through the use of applied kinesiology. According to Dr. Hawkins' Map of Consciousness, Cave of the Siddhars calibrates in between 1000 and 1250. This is the level of Christ, Buddhahood, Krishna and Brahman. Out of over 250Cds featured by cmmdb.com, Turiya Nada "Cave of the Siddhars" is featured the highest.

Customer Reviews:

Those sounds...a mirror for me.......2007-07-11

Dear Customers,

Thank you for sharing these wonderful arrangements. Cave of the Siddhars. Your music is instantly translated into soul messages. Musical soul massage. I don't know if it was my conscious mind or my unconscious mind but one of them surrendered to the music thanks to the constant didgeridoo in the background. My mind remembered a timeless aspect of itself. Turiya Nada's music that for the first few seconds had sounded extremely exotic fit into the mold of my being, as a result when I combined the music with asana practice I was able to deepen in the poses knowing that I was being "cushioned" by the call of Turiya Nada. The final "Arohara" invocations of the final tracks are perfect for the ending of savasana for me...and I believe for others too.

Thanks,
Nathaniel

that which is, that which we are.......2007-04-10

Cave of the Siddhars is an empowering journey bringing to light these ancient vibrations. Connect on a deep level with the inspiration of the perfected masters. Feel the immense wisdom these vibrations hold and begin to connect with thought as source in every breadth. If you are looking to align a deep spiritual experience this is the music for you as all walks of life.
Blessings

The Truth of Being.......2007-03-30

i remember listening to the cd before going to a healing movement class. the music and chants vibrate the truth of being. i was able to feel grounded with the ability to completely empty out into the silence of the divine. one of my challenges it to keep my feet here while embracing the inner light. this cd is very supportive of the healing journey and wherever i am in the moment. a beautiful merging of primal sounds and pure light. thank you for the gift of this cd!

Enter the magical/mystical realms :).......2007-03-12

Cave of the Siddhars CD entered my life back in May of 2006. Since then I have listened to it every day at least once. The blending of instruments and Nandhi's voice are amazing. Love it !! The resonance and high vibrational energies seem to awaken and stir ancient memories of knowingness within my being. At the same time bringing a sense of immense peace and joy. My cells dance to the vibrations. A CD that can be listened to anytime anywhere. Highly recommended. Dare to enter the magical/mystical realms of the Siddhar Masters and you won't be disappointed :)

A Powerful Journey into the Turiya Nada.......2007-01-11

The wonderful combination of sacred mantras and astonishing music creates a profound inner experience. It is a powerful and amazing journey into the realm of Turiya Nada. I experienced that I was able to reach into a whole new level of awareness by flowing with the sound/light waves.
I was initially curious about how the digeridoo and the many other instruments would work in combination with the mantras, and it works just perfectly - there is always a delicate balance between the music and the chanting. Pure enjoyment all the way...
'The Cave of the Siddhars' really manages to transport awareness to a profound inner state of light and grace. It is a true blessing!

Average customer rating:

A Poetic Journey...
Nice!
Fabulous!
Fabulous
Makes you want to listen and dance at the same time

Mystic Journey

Manufacturer: Autumn Light Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Miles Beyond
Music For Harp
Music For Harp, Flute and Cello
Awake Inside A Dream
Sanctus

ASIN: B000040JKR
Release Date: 1999-12-14

Tracks:

Topanga Dreams
Katyia's Dance
China Lily
Fertile Crescent
Lhasa Love
Aduman
Darjeeling Sunrise
Clouds across the Darkness
Silver Lake
Lotus

Album Description

About this CD (notes from the artist )

Topanga Dreams
Since 1988, I've lived in Topanga, California. This small mountain town has taught me the true meaning of community. By being there for each other, we can make dreams come true. May all your dreams come true...

Katyia's Dance
This song has evolved from being a solo dance performance piece in our Mystic Journey shows into a passionate tango...for two. So grab someone you love and enjoy the dance!

China Lily
This flute was a gift from my Dize (rhymes with pizza) teacher and is one of my favorites. Whenever I play it, I am transported to a place of inner peace and stillness.

Lhasa Love
I found this melody in a book of traditional Chinese folk songs, It was called Tibetan Dance before we transformed it into a lively multicultural boogie!

Aduman
Although there are many dialects spoken in the West African region of Guinea and Mali, the universal word for "sweet" amongst all the tribes is aduman.

Darjeeling Sunrise
Inspired by an Indian sunrise raga, this song reflects the experience that I had when I was on top of Tiger Hill in Darjeeling, India, witnessing a magical sunrise illuminating the awesome Himalayan mountains.

Customer Reviews:

A Poetic Journey..........2004-05-05

I fell in love with the music of The Angels of Venice years ago, and thus when I learned that Suzanne Teng (a former "Angel") had produced a solo work, I was very excited. But the music on this CD easily surpasses anything Teng had done with the Angels of Venice. Lyrical melodies, accompanied by enthnic rhythms on traditional percussion instruments, overlaid with Teng's own haunting performances on Asian flute, transport the listener to another time and another place -- both in this world, and in the "otherworld" created by Teng's mystical music edge. Tibetan singing bowls, Middle-Eastern bells, Celtic strings and a vast assortment of drums and wind instruments create a musical whirlwind that will leave the listener breathlessly awaiting Teng's next musical offering.

Nice!.......2004-01-01

Suzanne Teng, the original flutist with the group "Angels of Venice", breaks out on her own in this playful and exotic 1999 release. Teng shows herself a master of flutistry, not only the playing the standard western "C" flute, but also piccolo, alto and bass flutes, dize (Chinese bamboo flute), ney (Turkish flute) and panpipes. Her tone is rich and liquid, and her improvisations range from jazzy to sinuous to ephemeral depending on the style of the piece. Many of the selections have a strong Near- or Far Eastern flavor, but the mood remains gentle and cheerful throughout the album, without any of the dark intensity that characterizes some of the "Angels'" work. Teng is not alone in "Mystic Journey" either; many guest artists lend their well-established talents to the mix to create ever-varied layers of texture. Gilbert Levy provides intricate world percussion accompaniments, while cellist Martin Tillman, Prince Diabate, Hans Christiansen of Rasa and Greg Ellis of Vas (among others) also pop in to lend a hand, making for a richly orchestrated album that is full of apt and interesting surprises. Occasionally the flute melodies seem a little trite and meandering, qualities that are at odds with the earthy, percussive background, but overall this album is appealing. Teng's simultaneously light and down-to-earth compositions find ways to be relaxing without being boring--a common pitfall for many New Age artists. The music of "Mystic Journey" would be great for warm-ups and slow-dancing for belly dancers, as well as just pleasant listening after a mundane and stressful day at work. Other recordings featuring Suzanne Teng's flute-playing include "Awake Inside a Dream" and "Music for Flute, Harp and Cello" by the Angels of Venice. For more bamboo and metal flute improvisations, in this case without accompaniment, check out also Richard Warner's "Quiet Heart / Spirit Wind".

Fabulous!.......2002-07-05

I ordered this CD after only hearing two songs which I "accidentally" heard while flipping the channels of the television. There was a performance done on Public Access and I was surprised to see that a CD was available. I ordered one for myself and a friend who is a yoga instructor. I love this CD! It is perfect for yoga or meditation or even just in the background while working. The music is heartfelt and joyous and everyone who hears it immediately loves it. I would definitly recommend it, especially if you are looking to expand your collection of instrumental music. Personally, I love flute pieces, so this was a perfect choice for me.

Fabulous.......2001-06-28

I caught Suzanne Teng & Mystic Journey on vacation at this year's Topanga Days festival, but didn't buy the CD. I thought about their music the whole rest of the trip and ordered the CD as soon as I got home. It's truly magnificent and beautiful music, and I could listen to the CD over and over. Perfect background for anything - reading, meditating, special dinners, yoga, whatever. I find myself getting up just to move to the music. They're all very talented and the CD is a real stress-melter.

Makes you want to listen and dance at the same time.......2000-08-31

This is really an excellent independently-produced CD. Some of the tunes are fairly straight-forward, rhythmic wonders with Ms. Teng's incredible flute playing polishing them off. Others are more "world" sounding incorporating thraot singing and chanting. There is not a bad cut on the CD. Listen to Katiya's Waltz, and try to concentrate on the beautiful music while your feet waltz across the floor.

Average customer rating:

A disappointment for all Juggalos
Pretty dissapointing follow up
Good Album...Forget that Haters
one of my fav's
Not as good as Tales From The Lotus Pod, but still a must-have

Black Rain
Dark Lotus
Manufacturer: Psychopathic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Chainsmoker
Psychopathics from Outer Space, Part 2
Tales From the Lotus Pod
Mutant, Vol. 2
The Green Book

ASIN: B0001NBN66
Release Date: 2004-04-06

Tracks:

Under The Lotus
Black Rain
Ka-Boom!
That's Me
Consume Your Soul
She Was
Corrosion
My 1st Time
With The Lotus
Hell House
Jump-Off
The Whus
Doornail Dorothy
Pass The Ax
Death Don't Want You

Customer Reviews:

A disappointment for all Juggalos.......2007-05-10

The First Dark Lotus Album is way better. only about 4 songs are good in this. still get it. ITS DARK LOTUS

Pretty dissapointing follow up.......2007-03-20

When Dark Lotus was first conceived 8 years ago, they were advertised as the wickedest, darkest thing that Psychopathic has ever done. "Tales From the Lotus Pod" was pretty close to delivering that, but this doesn't even come close. The only good songs are "Pass the Axe" and "Jump Off" and the rest is pretty crappy. They should've let ROC produce the whole album, because he knows how to lay down some sick wicked beats.

Good Album...Forget that Haters.......2006-07-11

Y'all can't believe this joethehiphopguy because he really has no idea about anything he's insulting. He dissed Natas and called them a bunch of white boys when everyone knows Esham, Mastermind, and TNT are black. He disses on Tech N9ne who's obviously talented. And his viewpoint on ICP is his own but he has no right to diss on juggalos and put them down just for liking the music. It's sad cuz this guy does have good taste in music but he makes bad choices of what to diss on. Now to the album.

This CD is pretty fresh. Dark Lotus for those of you who don't know is the supergroup of ICP, Twiztid, and Drive-By(Blaze and ABK that is). "Pass The Axe" is prolly my favorite track but there's so much freshness on here it's hard to go into it all. Just get it and don't let idiots like this joethemoron guy make your decision for you.

one of my fav's.......2006-05-14

this album is truly a masterpiece

ABK really came through on this one

the last one sucked cuz all the good parts were taken out

Bring back MARZ!

Not as good as Tales From The Lotus Pod, but still a must-have.......2006-04-13

This album isn't as good as "Tales From The Lotus Pod", but it is still awesome. I highly recommend both of Dark Lotus's albums, they are both awesome. Peace out juggalos.

MCL.
Jono

Average customer rating:

From Solo Piano Publications

Angel Above My Piano
Fiona Joy Hawkins
Manufacturer: Coopermarket / Lotus
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Portrait of a Waterfall
State of Grace III
20th Anniversary
An Ancient Muse
Awake

ASIN: B000JMK6NU
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Tracks:

Antartic Interludes: Crystal Desert
Antartic Interludes: Dance Of The Penguins
Antartic Interludes: Flight Of The Albatross
Antartic Interludes: Angel Above My Piano
Opus For Love: 1st Movement 'Love In Winter'
Opus For Love: 2nd Movement 'Love Forever'
Opus For Love: 3rd Movement 'Love In Spring'
Opus For Love: Watching The Wind
Opus For Love: Down The Aisle (Wedding March 2)
Opus For Love: Thinking Of You (Australian Lullaby)
Opus For Love: Preamble (Partita No 5)
Opus For Love: The Child's Game
Opus For Love: Love Forever - Reprise (Piano Solo)

Customer Reviews:

From Solo Piano Publications.......2006-12-12

"Angel Above My Piano" is Australian pianist Fiona Joy Hawkins' follow-up to her 2005 chart-topping "Portrait of a Waterfall," a finalist for the "best piano album" in the New Age Reporter's 2005 Lifestyle Music Awards. Inspired by a cruise to Antarctica, love, and a drawing of an angel, the music is very visual and evocative. Hawkins is a visual artist as well as a composer/pianist, and her music is as colorful as her paintings. Most of the thirteen tracks are lightly orchestrated with keyboards, guitar, strings, and flute, creating a lovely, tranquil mood and "music to dream to."

The CD opens with Antarctic Interludes, a group of three pieces inspired by an expedition cruise on the Orion. Both majestic and fragile, the music brings the wilderness and wildlife of the area to life. "Crystal Desert" utilizes minimal sound effects to enhance the feeling of a frozen wind and the stark, sparkling whiteness of the landscape. "Dance of the Penguins" has a constantly shifting rhythm that suggests a lack of grace and a playful demeanor - totally charming! "Flight of the Albatross" is one of my favorites. It describes the graceful flight of a bird gliding across the tips of the waves outside her window. Utterly peaceful and carefree, and utterly beautiful. The title track was inspired by a charcoal drawing that was done by a friend who was diagnosed with cancer. The drawing is of an angel that came to him in a dream, "who looks like someone you know but no-one you have ever met." Opus for Love is a three-movement work created from the emotion Hawkins felt when her grandmother died. "Love In Winter" is about the journey that spans the winter of life. Poignant and reflective, it's a very effective piece. "Love Forever" brings in graceful strings to convey the sadness of losing someone dear. "Love In Spring" is very interesting because the piano part is mostly sprightly and joyful while the strings are sad, demonstrating the mix of emotions that take over at a loved-ones passing. "Thinking of You (Australian Lullaby)" pairs a song composed by Hawkins' father, Garry Heaney, with a melody she wrote about lost love, creating a tender and beautiful lullaby. The closing track is a reprise of "Love Forever" as a piano solo - a sweet farewell.

Average customer rating:

Lotus matures
On live and studio performances.

The Strength of Weak Ties
Lotus
Manufacturer: Harmonized
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Nomad
Germination
Live from Out There
The New Deal
Transformations Live for the People

ASIN: B000ERVI14
Release Date: 2006-04-04

Tracks:

Tip Of Tongue
Kesey Seed
Bubonic Tonic
When H Binds To O
Long Legged Stumble
Drunken Giraffe
Epidemic
Blue Giant
Cirrus
Sprout To Vine

Customer Reviews:

Lotus matures.......2006-05-08

On TSOWT, Lotus expandes their style and proves to be a multidimensional, eclectic band. As with any musical experimentation, this first outing may be a surprise to fans of their previous releases and live performances. For the majority of the album, Lotus moves away from the housey beats and guitar-based melodies of Nomad and Germination. At its best, songs such as 'Blue Giant' and 'Bubonic tonic' are excellent soundscapes with patented Lotus groove that take you into a trancendent state. There are some songs, including 'When H binds to O' and 'Drunken Giraffe without as clear a melodic message and more of a jazz feel than the quentiessential Lotus song. Although these are interesting, worthwhile songs they are also a large departure from the dance-infused live shows and releases. Perhaps we can take this as a sign that Lotus will continue to keep us on our toes.

On live and studio performances........2006-04-11

For a band like Lotus, I think it is important to understand their studio releases in conjunction with their live performances - and fortunately I was able to seem them on the same day I bought this CD. The last two times I have seen them live, they played for about 4 hours of ethereal, electronically-fused, jam music with something of a jazz/rock/funk base. There is certainly a lot of improvisation, but the emphasis is on cohesive grooves and not, like much jazz, on solos. This, coupled with an emphasis on minimalism, reinforces an ethereal, other-wordly feeling.

Nomad, their first and previously latest studio album, seemed to completely miss this aspect of their music. The jams were too polished to really be jams, and yet there were no really strong melodies. They turned out to make great concert pieces, but this only supported my belief that Lotus would be better off avoiding the studio and instead recording everyone of their concerts for maybe $3 or $4 a pop, to fans who would certainly gobble it up. (I still think this is a good idea, although many of their concerts are available to download anyway)

The Strength of Weak Ties has shown that Lotus is indeed capable of using the studio as a unique creative tool. Unlike Nomad, it has some memorable melodies (while maintaining great grooves), and unlike their first (a live album) Germination, it offers something not easily matched in a live performance (in other words, the best candidate of the three for an album).

This album also breaks new ground for Lotus in two, seemingly divergent, ways. First, there is a more mainstream/pop side to the band. This is partly due to their application of synthesizers (of which they use more here than in concert) in more of a house style, and surely due to their inclusion of a guest singer on a few (the more poppy) pieces. However, there are certainly no outright commercial fluff pieces - even the opener, Tip of the Tongue (perhaps the closest to this), has some adventurous (comparatively) dissonant phrases that would be inappropriate to a pop piece. It also has a light funk quality to it, which would place them more in the realm of soft jazz than pop.

Secondly, some of the pieces are LESS poppy and like electronica-dance than on Nomad or Germination. Perhaps most of the heart of this album is that way - from When H Binds to O through Epidemic. Here they venture more towards MM&W, or electronica-jazz outfits like Jaga Jazzist. (At one point on When H Binds to O they even reminded me of King Crimson - but I fear that only goes to show my own background in prog). Some of these are much less minimalistic than Nomad. Nomad was characterized by the majority of pieces centering on one theme, and a progression of at most two chords. If you were to play along, you could easily keep the same root on most pieces. On The Strength of Weak Ties, the pieces are still fairly simple for the most part, but certainly more complex than Nomad. Blue Giant is a good example of one of those pieces with more thematic complexity (again, this is only in relevance) than their earlier work, while still keeping some cool grooves.

Kesey Seed is one of the pieces I am not quite sure about. I loved hearing this live in concert and on bootlegs, and wondered why they had not included it on Nomad. This version is significantly different from the live performances though. Right now I think the live version had more energy and a nice mysticism, however I think it is too early to know if I am being objective or simply wishing for the piece I have already known.

The album ends with two less memorable pieces. Cirrus is a soft blues piece somewhat similar to Colorado on Nomad. For the most part, I felt less a sense of Rempel on this than in concerts or Nomad, but I really heard him here. Unfortunately, this is, in my opinion, not one of the better pieces here.

On a final note, I dig the artwork - an abstract painting with cool colors. Very Lotus.

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Portrait of a Waterfall
Fiona Joy Hawkins
Manufacturer: Coopermarket / Lotus
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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lotus.......2007-07-14

I bought this for a friend... he really loved it... She is a really good singer, too bad she is not popular here...

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INCREDIBLE TECHNIQUE, PHRASING,TONE
Very good technique....tone...no
Wow

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INCREDIBLE TECHNIQUE, PHRASING,TONE.......2007-06-28

I don't know what music the first comment was referring to when he said she doesn't have good tone. Amanda Pepping is superb in every aspect of her playing. Fast, articulate, great phrasing, technique, and tonal quality. He needs to get his trumpet out and match what she does. (If he even plays at all). I think he can probably play "Twinkle, twinkle, little star".

T.A.

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