The Best of Diane Arkenstone

This 2005 retrospective is culled from Diane Arkenstone's 14 solo albums, plus two brand new tracks. The music on THE BEST OF varies considerably, but there is thematic consistency. As evidenced by the titles alone, it's clear that nature is Arkenstone's musical inspiration.

"Under the Blue Sky" is a pop tune replete with beautiful lyrics about the sea, dreams, and spiritual healing. Other tracks such as "The Hills at Sunset" and "Canyon Dreams" feature Arkenstone's keen compositional abilities. Using an assortment of orchestral timbres, atmospheric effects, and traditional Irish instruments, Arkenstone paints beautiful pictures of nature with each passing phrase. "Across the Sands of Time" and "The River Winds Thru the Night" borrow from the music of Africa. The former uses exotic, Egyptian modalities while the latter centers itself on West African tribal music. In general, this album is a curious blend of New Age, ambient, trance, and pop. Yet, Arkenstone's work is not so easily pigeonholed. Suffice to say, this music represents the illumination of the spirit through sound.

Personnel: Diane Arkenstone (vocals, guitar, keyboards, percussion); John Adorney (dulcimer, cello, keyboards, percussion).

TRACKS

The Secret Garden

Under the Blue Sky

Avalon

Rhythm of the Forest

Om Shanti

River of Creation

Voice of the Sea

The Hills at Sunset

All is Bright

Canyon Dreams

Freedom of Movement

Across the Sands of Time

Kiva Ceremony

Precious Waters

The River Winds Through the Night

The Gray Havens