Description

This compilation includes Andreas Vollenweider's first three albums, the new composition "Pace Verde," and selections from 1984's Eine Art Suite. While it's Vollenweider's trademark electric harp playing that unifies these songs, the composer features numerous other instruments, including acoustic guitar, accordion, and the ever-present synthesizers. "Trilogy"'s extended intro of hushed voices and shuffling feet gives way to raindrop percussion before a song seems to emerge out of the ether, featuring crisp snare drum and a dreamy melody plucked out on Vollenweider's modified instrument.Latermore?, "Her Cat Dance" incorporates Asian influences in both its instrumentation and vocal, while "Pace Verde" somehow uses the whale calls and crashing waves without sounding clich?d. Best might be "Phases of the Three Moons," where synths and percussion combine for a vaguely Caribbean rhythm while Vollenweider lays down a particularly effective solo. Whispered vocals add additional nuance to the cut. Trilogy doesn't include anything that longtime Vollenweider fans won't already have, although some might appreciate the Eine Art Suite material, since it was previously available only as an import. Newcomers should enjoy this compilation most since it provides a solid overview of the composer's early work.