Electronics [Electron Groove Creation, Harmonic Wave], Composed By [With], Arranged By [With] – Steve Roach
10:55
3
vidnaObmana –
Forest Arrow
8:59
4
vidnaObmana –
Mission Ground
10:19
5
vidnaObmana –
The Esoteric Source
Chanter – Martine Verhoeven*
7:51
6
vidnaObmana –
The Giant Traveller
8:21
7
vidnaObmana with Jeff Pearce –
This Splendid Place
Guitar, Loops [Electronic], Composed By [With], Arranged By [With] – Jeff Pearce
14:17
This is a collaboration with Steve Roach and Jeff Pearce. The most amazing thing about this beautiful work of art is that minimal tribal components are woven into a constantly evolving cascade of synth-orchestral textures and natural sounds (no, not the flute over waterfall routine!) to draw a listener into a meditative yet fully aware state of relaxation and focused concentration. Whereas much of Dirk's (Vidna's) vast volume of work is based on loops and drones, Crossing the Trail singularly succeeds in elevating the slow/barely perceivably structured pieces that flow with emotion and remain in memory despite a dearth of melody. This CD is a landmark of depth, darkness and light that is perfect for studying, relaxing or dissecting. I have many of Vidna Obmana's CDs and, though I enjoy them all, this work remains my favorite, an expansive yet intimate, cold yet enveloping, majestic yet delicate soundscape that raises the bar for what is possible from this sort of ambient music. I needn't comment on the pieces separately because the entire CD is one seamless whole, incapable of being wrenched apart. Every thing I listen to in this genre gets rated according to the perfection of Crossing the Trail.
