Andreas Vollenweider - Down to the Moon (1986) [Hi-Res]

Andreas Vollenweider's Grammy-winning 1987 effort is dominated by the Swiss musician's electrically modified harp. Its distinctive sound runs throughout the album, supported by the usual tinkering synthesizer effects and light percussion. After an extended introductory interlude, the title track zips into a vaguely Caribbean-styled rhythm. "Water Moon" features a different, more organic harp sound; it's mixed with the windy tones of a flute, suggesting ghostly moonshafts lancing through falling rain. Vollenweider plays the harp strings off of guitar strings on the surprisingly twangy (for new age, anyway) "Drown in Pale Light." The composer weaves the album's instrumentals together with a goody bag of pan-ethnic influences; the album's margins are full of these little touches that nevertheless make a big difference. Down to the Moon will appeal to anyone looking for music that's as interesting as it is soothing.

Tracklist:
01. Andreas Vollenweider - Down to the Moon
02. Andreas Vollenweider - Moon Dance
03. Andreas Vollenweider - Steam Forest
04. Andreas Vollenweider - Water Moon
05. Andreas Vollenweider - Night Fire Dance
06. Andreas Vollenweider - Quiet Observer
07. Andreas Vollenweider - Silver Wheel
08. Andreas Vollenweider - Drown in Pale Light
09. Andreas Vollenweider - The Secret, the Candle and Love
10. Andreas Vollenweider - Hush-Patience at Bamboo Forest
11. Andreas Vollenweider - Three Silver Ladies Dance
12. Andreas Vollenweider - La lune et l'enfant