Peter Phippen: "Shadows of Dawn"
CD Review of the Week
Heart of the Cedar Flute Circle, Texas
By Rick McDaniel
This week's review is of the latest release from Peter Phippen, on the Canyon Records label, titled "Shadows of Dawn". Joining Peter on various tracks, are percussionist Jason Introwitz, keyboardist David Roll, singing bowls artist Steve Mittelstet, and drummer Joshua Daby.
It has been almost 3 yrs. since Peter's last release on Canyon, as I recall, so this release has been eagerly awaited, by this reviewer, from Canyon. As soon as I played the CD for the first time, I knew the wait had been well worth while, as this is a wonderful work, with a great deal of sophistication as well as being sensitive and moody......great attributes in a flute CD.
The accompaniment is often very subtle, but enhancing, although there is one track where the drum may have competed just a bit with the flute, for my ear. Overall, I would say it is Peter's best work so far, although I am sure there will be more in the future.
It is always amusing to me, that such a "wild and crazy guy" exterior as Peter's, contains so much inner sensitivity and feeling, to express in his music. While we have found that inner person in his earlier CD's, for certain, in this work it has really manifested in a big way.
There are 11 tracks, ranging in length from about 3 mins. to about 6 mins.
Track 1, "Safe Passage", is a delicate piece, with solo sounding portions, and with drum accompaniment portions, which has somewhat of a lament sound to it, and with simple drum rhythm to complement the range of very high to low sounds Peter coaxes from his flute. The piece does have a story-telling kind of sound to it, as might be indicated by the title.
Track 2, "Ritual", has a soft methodical drum beat, with flowing flute, and possibly has 2 flutes used, although with the gentle flow of the music, it is hard to be sure, given Peter's octave ranges. The music tends to soar, but has occasional dips in tone. Very meditative piece.
Track 3, "The Dawning", has a lazy, languid flavor to it, like early morning at a beach house get-a-way, where you can escape from the hectic world, and find tranquil relaxation, and savor the quietude, with only the occasional sound of a gull's cry, or the gentle lap of a wave on the sand.
Track 4, "Invocation", This piece is sooooo coaxing and gentle, it seems like a love song, almost like a whisper in the ear, with an almost trance-like quality.
Track 5, "Oceans of Time" is the track where the keyboards are most prominent, perhaps, yet that is not to imply they are obvious. There are some simulated nature sounds of birds and creatures of the sea. Very subtle, but setting the scene for the piece. The sounds of the flute rise and fall with the waves, now and again husky, and other times soft. A nautical adventure.
Track 6, "Shadows", we might presume to be the inspiration of the title for the CD, as there isn't a track with the title of "Shadows of Dawn". There are some nice spatial textures from the keyboards setting the scene for this piece, against absolutely beautiful flute play, that is again gentle and flowing, trailing off into the spatial setting, and perhaps allowing you to slip away from reality to a world of imagination. These shadows are very friendly ones, without any menacing qualities.
Track 7, "Spirit of the Woods", brings us the rich sound of the drone flute. (Whether that might indicate a flute maker or not, is purely
speculative.) Even with the richness of the drone flute, I still imagine I hear yet another flute, speaking to the drone... perhaps as the "spirit" of this piece. It is all so delicate, and so sophisticated, I cannot be certain of what I hear. The technique used with the drone, is so subtle for such a flute. Most intriguing.
Track 8, "Devotion", seems to imply something.....but there are special effects in this piece, from the singing bowls (and I suspect, something more, in a kind of gong/bell-like sound as you might associate with a temple), and yet this delicate beginning gives way to a strong tribal-like drum rhythm, backing the soaring sound of the flute, that leaves you with the feeling of an adventure.
Track 9, "A Silent Place", has just bits and pieces of accompaniment, while the flute creates a kind of haunting sound, in more of a solo way, with just textures blending in here and there. Kind of makes me think of a slightly tortured soul, calling out, yet with no one there to hear, as it fades away.
Track 10, "Parallel Worlds", is the story of two flutes, singing at once, and yet, separately. This is the shortest track, and yet one that will get your attention with the flute interplay that goes on here. You have to listen closely, to be sure.....is that an echo, or another flute? Is that the same notes, or different notes? This will play games with your ears.
Track 11, "Elysian Fields", is a very "feel good" piece, with a spring in the step, and joy in the heart, that flows gently, but with such a nice feeling, that it lifts you, as you listen. (Talk about the antithesis of stress.) This will literally dissolve away your cares.
If there is one attribute that Peter brings to his music that truly is remarkable, it is his creativity. The sounds that he coaxes from his flutes are truly amazing, and the flows can never be predicted. This is definitely one of the most amazing talents on flute I know. With Peter, you can't always tell what flute he is playing so I recommend you just go with the flow.