David Arkenstone has released many albums throughout his music career. But in the last several years, since

, I have found the more recent ones to be repetitive, the same blends and drones with maybe just a few handful of compositions that are noteworthy. Some Arkenstone fans may disagree with me on that. In

, he appears to have experimented with some new sounds and a stronger central theme that makes the new recording more exciting and appealing to the senses.

If you are familiar with the work of Diane Arkenstone, you may recognize the opening track, "Secret on the Moors", as a remake of Diane's "Transformation" from her

album, a now out-of-print recording released by the NorthSound Music Group label as part of their Wellness Series. And even though the two tracks differ in titles and instrumental arrangements, their melodies are pretty much the same. "Secret on the Moors" is mystical and magical, where one feels transported to a distant land full of esoteric allusions draw together by Dov's beautiful, delicate strings. There exists one problem for me, and perhaps this is because I am well familiar with "Transformation", but "Secret on the Moors" feels like it has a bit of a faster rhythm, a little more upbeat, which seems to take away the serene beauty and gentle peacefulness that permeated throughout "Transformation". And though between the two, I still prefer Diane's previous release for its soothingness and subtle inspiration, this latest arrangement sounds refreshingly new and rich. Regardless, I think this is a gorgeous composition and a great choice for the opening track! However, I would have liked to see some proper credits be given to Diane Arkenstone in the cover notes for this lovely composition. Even if it was collaborated work, her recognition is still needed.

The rest of the album comprises of selections that alternate between dark, ambient to subtle and bright--the shadow and light as the title has indicated--though I think that the shadow ones sounded more gloomy and eerie. The whole album has an overall dark feel to it unlike anything that David has released in the past. "On the Wings of Innocence" and "Illuminations" are ones on the brighter side that are fun-filled and adventurous. "Lightdance" is easily my favorite track of all. It reminds me of

--simple, beautiful and inspiring. "No Rain, No Rainbows" is depressing like a mournful song being sung for lost loved ones. It evokes some pretty deep thoughts and innermost feelings that one may have. "Entropy" is yet another one that I find intriguing. Its airy, pulsating electronic synths give me the chills when I listened to it. The ominous sensation and mysterious effects are what makes it captivating and perhaps more memorable than others. Throughout this recording, David's multi-instrumental talent shines with every rich texture presented in his compositions, while Dov's string work is beautiful and infallible. Susan Craig Winsberg is credited for flutes, but honestly, they didn't really become noticeable for me until "At First Light" where it is not overly shadowed by Dov's violins or David's instruments.

Fans that enjoy David's work will most likely be delighted by this latest offering. Those that are new to his music should not use this album as the basis for judgment of his previous work. It is unusual to see an Arkenstone work that possesses such dark ambiance to it--making it not as uplifting as prior releases--but the Arkenstone signature is definitely there encompassed within the skillful instrumentation and thematic elements. Personally, I would prefer for the music to be on the lighter side, a little more vibrant, and with a little less bass; but nevertheless, I do find this recording enjoyable, and I will recommend it!

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An update to my review

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If you are interested in hearing "Transformation" , it can be found in the following 2 ways:

1) This track, along with a few others, from the

album is still being played on Sky.fm's New Age online radio station. Several years ago I contributed this album to Internet Oasis Radio, which since then has merged with Sky.fm.

2) A friend of mine has recently found it on the Imeem online social media site. Do a search for "Diane Arkenstone Transformation" at the site and you will find it. Thanks to Sherry for this info!

I've collected almost all of David Arkenstone's recordings, no small feat as he is a prolific publisher, and this latest is ranks right up at the top. Think something like crossing Enya with John Williams or Jerry Goldsmith, meaning many of his tracks can be thought of as both cinematic and soothing at the same time. Check out my favorite albums of his... "Atlantis", "The Spirit of Ireland", and "Middle Earth". If you love Native American-inspired music, then look for him as part of the group, Ah Nee Mah, especially their "The Spirit of the Canyon" and "Ancient Voices" CD's. In fact, most of the the National Parks Service gift shops in the Southwest carry at least one of his CD's in their kiosks (got my "Ancient Voices" CD at Yosemite National Park).

No question that David Arkenstone is a pioneer of the New Age melodic fabric. His early recordings carried you on a voyage of discovery. The later recordings had thematic world influences that definitely captured your imagination and were well crafted. I eagerly awaited Echoes but you can pass on this one. It's playlist is all over the place, almost like someone having picked clippings of former sessions off the floor to form this CD. Here's hoping that this is one of those "interim" recordings to buy time while he's crafting another masterpiece.

This album was one of my first exposures to David Arkenstone. There isn't a single track I skip, and that is a rarity for me.

David Arkenstone never disappoints! And with this album he has hit some seriously high spots for me. For the last few months I have been listening to some tracks from this on his 'Arkensounds Radio' on his website and have finally bought the album. He really knows how to paint with sound. The first two tracks I was familiar with and were the reason I bought the CD, but track number 5 'No Rain, No Rainbow' has really hit me hard. I love it, the cello is superb and the emotions this track evokes are breathtaking. The whole album is simply beautiful! Thank you David :) I own at least 20 of your CDs and this will be one of my very favoritest :)