Finding Paradise

The journey continues with "WALK ON WATER." In David's liner notes he talks about how Walden, the co-writer (aka Snuffy) would always like to say, 'If you leave a little space, God just might walk into the room.' "Or, in other words," continues David, "in a tough situation, if you can just keep the faith, find a little hope, let go and rise to the occasion, you may just surprise yourself and against all odds..." 'Walk on Water.' I can't help but love David, you too, 'Snuffy.' Smooth sax, and intricate acoustic guitar weaves in with the piano to continue the audial feast. Yummy.

Things slow down a bit with "LOST IN PARADISE." Here is one of my favorite tracks. It is introspective, bittersweet, full of longing and has a tender, true violin playing along with David's piano. In his liner notes, David talks about our global society briefly but, being the optimist he is, says, "It is my belief that each soul born, when enpowered and encouraged, will naturally bring forth and reveal the gift of their true self. It will be the sharing of these gifts over time that will surely show us the way in our search for finding paradise here on earth."

"AMERICA," originally by Neil Diamond, pulls at my heartstrings and makes me feel great hope and inner peace. David says, "Patriotism is a form of love--a love for country. My wish for America is to allow this great love to not only create unity and healing amongst our people, but to let it wash over our shores and embrace the whole of humanity." Wow, I love this.

"DORADO" reinterates and radiates the magic expressed in the previous track, adding even more strength and joy. I love the acoustic guitar and piano together here. Bravo! "The mythical city of El Dorado was said to have had streets paved with gold. However, in this song, I wanted to capture just the feeling of gold...a golden moment in time, the inner glow of one at peace." Mission accomplished, David. Brilliant and captivating, this may be my favorite track.

"ROMANTICA" is David Lanz's and Koz's first attempt together. But you'd never guess it. There is an immediate feeling of the tropical paradise again. It is a slow, simple, glorious melody--oh so relaxing. If I were sitting right now on the beach of my dreams, I would definitely want this song playing. It is painting some stunning dreamscapes in my mind now!

The seventh track is "TEARS FOR ALICE," a song dedicated to his wife, Alicia. David says "It is imbued with quiet sadness and ultimate hope..." I really like that. HOPE.

"THE SOUND OF WINGS," is a lovely title and a tender, intricate track full of indescribable beauty; and even if describable, completely unutterable--it must be felt with the heart. My heart beats faster hearing it--another of my favorites.

"LUNA" (originally titled 'The Tides of the Moon') continues the peaceful feeling that this cd is all about. Luna is "our closest and arguably our most poetic of the heavenly bodies," says David. This track is mesmerizing. I love it.

"THEME FROM THE OTHER SIDE" opens with wind and then the sax. This song was inspired by the dark, moody sounds of a cd of his daughter Tara's, by Portishead. David dedicates this song to "my good friends, Dr. Gary Schwartz and Dr. Linda Russack." This song is very calm and soothing, quite different from the mood set in the first two tracks. But I like the way David transverses through moods...people do it all the time, so why shouldn't music also?

The final track, "LOVE LOST...LOVE FOUND" is music for "all of us hopeless romantics. May the search for love and paradise continue," says David. This is a perfect ending to an enchanting cd. I love this track very much.

BOTTOM LINE: RETURN TO PARADISE is a treasure of Boundless Beauty! Buy it and listen to nourish your soul. o8E

Soar!

I am so completely impressed by this album. Not only do the notes break crisp and fresh in an atmosphere of elation, the entire album is just one blissful note after the other. I've long been a fan of David Lanz and his music is always inspirational.

"That Smile"
Hopeful, energetic and almost impish. Written on a cold December morning just before the winter holidays. It seems to hold all the wishes and dreams of a child within the notes.

"Walk on Water"
Much slower and sexier. Possibilities are endless. An almost spiritual
piece that makes you take a deep breath and drift off into your own thoughts.

"Lost in Paradise"

Almost magical and romantic. A complete escape. Lanz was inspired by thoughts of each soul born to this earth having a gift. I love the violin in this selection. I'm thinking gypsy or wandering or escaping to some secret place no one else knows about.

"America"
The sax brings a note of sadness to a version of the Neil Diamond classic. Lanz takes this song to a whole new level of brilliance. Sends shivers right through your being and brings out that patriotic feeling of deep love for your country.

"Dorado"
David Lanz attempts to capture a golden and peaceful feeling and succeeds. He was inspired by the mythical city of El Dorado that was said to have streets paved with gold.

"Romantica"
Inspired by thoughts on the romantic soul. Composed in a joint effort by Dave Koz and David Lanz. Southern California/Beach Boys flavor.

"Tears for Alice"
A song dedicated to David's wife. A quiet sadness and hope as if expressed
by a child. Soft notes weave around violins, cello and harp. Somewhat innocent.

"The Sound of Wings"
Inspired by a book and meant to capture the image of a multitude of descending angels. I also imagine angels flying in this song. Maybe flying down to earth to carry souls back to heaven.

"Luna"
Inspired by Orcus Island's gentle tides. I've been there once and it is quite peaceful. The music does seem to reflect the atmosphere there.

"Theme from the Other Side"
Dark and moody and almost nostalgic. Takes you into another realm. Calms the soul.

"Love Lost ... Love Found
At first painful and then hopeful and fulfilling. David explores all the emotional elements from the first awakening of love to the excitement of being "in love" and intertwines the bittersweetness of loss and new discoveries.

If you have forgotten that there is beauty in the world, look inward and listen to "finding paradise."

-TheRebeccaReview.com