Marina Belica, one sky (decembergirl records, 2002)
One Sky is by Marina Belica, founding member of the October Project and now its lead singer. A year or so ago, she released a dainty little CD (not quite an album, but more than a single) which featured her beautiful, haunting vocals set in ethereal musical environs. She is a marvelously enchanting songstress. Imagine my surprise on hearing one sky to discover that her first full length CD is instrumental music -- not a vocal track on the whole album!
Well, two tracks do list vocals, but these would more honestly be labeled "voice" as they use Marina's delicate whisper as part of the ensemble, an orchestral unit. No lyrics. And the orchestra is wonderful. This is soothing, gentle, romantic music. The bass is superb throughout the album, whether Jorge Alfano's fretless on "i was there," the upright of Dave Phillips on "bedouin," or co-producer Chris Cunningham's electric, and string bass additions throughout. The rest of the sounds are equally gorgeous, and range from the exotic to the familiar. Cunningham's acoustic guitars blend seamlessly with shakuhachi (a Japanese flute), charango (a small South American guitar), and a broad assortment of percussive devices from around the world.
The music is exotic, almost like a soundtrack, creating and sustaining images in the listener's mind; and each piece seems to be titled completely appropriately. "Waterwheel" features water percussion by Randy Crafton to assist with the musical impressionism. Kelly Peral's oboe paints a delightful portrait of a small stream, peacefully driving the mill. The drip-drop is subtle yet effective. "Bedouin" transplants a sitar (Jorge Alfano) into the Sahara. Amy Platt's clarinet weaves throughout the percussion and is complemented by Ulla Suokko's alto flute to illustrate this desert scene.
"Scene from afar" opens with Marina's piano chords, some resonant 12-string guitar, and violin provided by Ralph Farris. Provide your own images in this dreamscape. This is perfect music for driving. We've had it in the car for two weeks, and although the word from the backseat is, "Too mellow!", up front, it's just right. The penny whistle, bamboo flute, and above all the relaxed melodies calm the spirit and lift the soul.
October Project will release a new CD on the first day of spring, and Marina promises some vocal music soon. Until then this charming diversion, this one sky, can provide hours of listening pleasure. Meditative, thought provoking, and utterly beautiful.
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