9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Why Categorize-Just Listen, Sep 6 2005
By Robert H. Garcia "Pyrenees Doggie" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Released (Audio CD)
Oster's album is reminiscent of those early glory days of Windham Hill when music by George Winston, Michael Hedges,Will Ackerman, Mark Isham and Tuck And Patty were surprising new listeners on both sides of the ocean.This was a long time before the phrase "New Age" had reared its hydra/boring head. Forget the fact that musc was either good or bad--as WH took off on fm, in head shops and on car stereos everywhere--almost all of its music got lumped into the New Age category. Forget that each of these early WH artists was making individual music -Not New Age Music. Oster's cd (he aint no new kid on the block but rather has been plying his trade for a number of years)--is lovingly produced by Ackerman (one of the original founders of WH. And gosh he even plays on it). . Without a doubt there are actual tunes on the album. And definitely some jazz overtones. And without banding-Released could easily be one long mood/changing ride ala George Winston. But enough. Pick this sucker up and give it a spin. And if you can find a doobie somewhere in your moth balled trunk, give it a puff as you listen. Memory lane can be a nice place to take a stroll.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Relaxing Journey, Aug 23 2005
By M. Aue "Matthew" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Released (Audio CD)
Released is the kind of album you put in, kick your feet up with a good beverage, and head off to someplace on the silverscreen of your mind that is pure tranquility. Oster's trumpet echoes on long after the music is off. Here's hoping there's more from this new and amazing artist!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Groovy and Enjoyable, Aug 8 2005
By Kathy Moxham "Kathy" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Released (Audio CD)
'Released' begins with the solemn sound of the trumpet, then, a steady breeze blows in from the sea, and the trumpet is released over waves of steady background beats. Call it New Age, Electronica, or mellow house music, it is something to be enjoyed, and the dynamics of each song, using changes in instrumentation, vocalizations, swells, and calm, keep the listener interested throughout. The collective chemistry between Jeff Oster and Will Ackerman results in top notch arrangement and production quality making this album something to savor.