Darshan Ambient – A Day within Days

Darshan Ambient - A Day within Days

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Release data:

Darshan Ambient – A Day within Days
CD, Lotuspike/Spotted Peccary, 2010


I’ve been following the music of Michael Allison, aka Darshan Ambient, since he started out making sophisticated textural soundscape music under the Darshan moniker around 1998 or so.

“A Day within Days” is a concept album dealing with friendship, loss and the artistic spirit, which Michael dedicated to his lifelong friendship with fellow artist and musician Juan Maciel, a.k.a Naux (1951-2009). Mr Allison cites the latter as a mentor, collaborator and spiritual instigator as he not only introduced him to yoga and meditation, but also taught him discipline both as an artist and musician.

Like the music on his previous album “From Pale Hands to Weary Skies”, the outcome on “A Day within Days” is heartfelt, well-thought and honest instrumental music with its own signature. Don’t think this is a quiet album though, as the rhythmic components and the use of bass & e-guitar guitars next to the keen use of electronics and string pads all make up a moving sonic picture to feel at ease with.

There’s occasional a Patrick O’Hearn-feel noticeable, while its “euphoric” undercurrents made me think of the fine symphonic instrumentals of Kevin Bartlett. Things sometimes also get mellow on this well produced and composed release with the smooth musings of “The dreamer slept but did not dream”, thereafter again turning to the reflective side on the title track.

The final piece is a more poppy track, which sees Michael even sing and use vocals. Nice try, but I prefer he keeps things instrumental.
Despite this last track, “A Day within Days” makes an inspirational and overall moving album offering an expert merging of chordal lines, orchestral programming and lush, uplifting melodies.
Well done.

Website: www.darshanambient.com/home.html

You can see what reviews I have done of this artist on the Darshan Ambient artist page

 

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