Finding Paradise

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Pianist David Lanz once joked that his melodic, soul-searching music could be categorized as "New-and-improved Age." On Finding Paradise, his second release for Decca, Lanz calls his approach "Smooth Age"--a fitting description and a smart career move for Lanz, whose recent solo and orchestral projects have been bypassed by smooth-jazz radio. Lanz enlists saxophonist Dave Koz, guitarists Peter White and Marc Antoine, and other guests to give several Paradise tracks a more rhythmic, radio-friendly pulse. The switch suits Lanz's melodic instincts well, turning the opening cuts ("That Smile" and "Walk on Water") into engaging, sun-filled gems. Thereafter, the disc varies in style from back-bending sax (on a remake of Neil Diamond's "America") and calypso lite ("Romantica") to a few string-enhanced solo works ("Tears for Alice," "Love Lost, Love Found"). While the disc doesn't quite sustain the momentum of the opening tracks, it's a likable package overall. --Terry Wood

Finding Paradise,David Lanz,Decca,Adult Alternative,Contemporary Instrumental,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Pop,Solo Instrumental

Finding Paradise

Tracks:

That Smile
Walk On Water
Lost In Paradise
America
Dorado
Tears For Alice
Romantica
The Sound Of Wings
Luna
Theme From The Other Side
Love Lost...Love Found

Amazon.com

Pianist David Lanz once joked that his melodic, soul-searching music could be categorized as "New-and-improved Age." On Finding Paradise, his second release for Decca, Lanz calls his approach "Smooth Age"--a fitting description and a smart career move for Lanz, whose recent solo and orchestral projects have been bypassed by smooth-jazz radio. Lanz enlists saxophonist Dave Koz, guitarists Peter White and Marc Antoine, and other guests to give several Paradise tracks a more rhythmic, radio-friendly pulse. The switch suits Lanz's melodic instincts well, turning the opening cuts ("That Smile" and "Walk on Water") into engaging, sun-filled gems. Thereafter, the disc varies in style from back-bending sax (on a remake of Neil Diamond's "America") and calypso lite ("Romantica") to a few string-enhanced solo works ("Tears for Alice," "Love Lost, Love Found"). While the disc doesn't quite sustain the momentum of the opening tracks, it's a likable package overall. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews:

Lanz scores again.......2004-03-25

Am a longtime Lanz listener - this is one of his best. He may not as prolific as Arkenstone but this cd has class. There is not a "bad" song on the disc. Luna rocks. Why are so many people selling this used? This is a keeper!

"THE INNER GLOW OF ONE AT PEACE.".......2003-02-21

From the first song, "THAT SMILE," FINDING PARADISE pierces straight into my heart and soul overwhelming, inspiring Beauty. There is a tropical feel and the piano playing is delicate, pure and true delivered with intense emotion and passion. I smile as I am lifted into its overflowing wonder--and that is just the first track! I adore this IBM INTELLISTA MPRO P4-3.2G 2X512MB ( 623049U )

Product Description

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Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics scape. Lanz was inspired by thoughts of each soul born to this earth having a gift. I love the violin in this selection. I'm thinking gypsy or wandering or escaping to some secret place no one else knows about.

"America"
The sax brings a note of sadness to a version of the Neil Diamond classic. Lanz takes this song to a whole new level of brilliance. Sends shivers right through your being and brings out that patriotic feeling of deep love for your country.

"Dorado"
David Lanz attempts to capture a golden and peaceful feeling and succeeds. He was inspired by the mythical city of El Dorado that was said to have streets paved with gold.

"Romantica"
Inspired by thoughts on the romantic soul. Composed in a joint effort by Dave Koz and David Lanz. Southern California/Beach Boys flavor.

"Tears for Alice"
A song dedicated to David's wife. A quiet sadness and hope as if expressed
by a child. Soft notes weave around violins, cello and harp. Somewhat innocent.

"The Sound of Wings"
Inspired by a book and meant to capture the image of a multitude of descending angels. I also imagine angels flying in this song. Maybe flying down to earth to carry souls back to heaven.

"Luna"
Inspired by Orcus Island's gentle tides. I've been there once and it is quite peaceful. The music does seem to reflect the atmosphere there.

"Theme from the Other Side"
Dark and moody and almost nostalgic. Takes you into another realm. Calms the soul.

"Love Lost ... Love Found
At first painful and then hopeful and fulfilling. David explores all the emotional elements from the first awakening of love to the excitement of being "in love" and intertwines the bittersweetness of loss and new discoveries.

If you have forgotten that there is beauty in the world, look inward and listen to "finding paradise."

-TheRebeccaReview.com

Lanz' version of "America" a great 9/11 tribute.......2002-08-28

I wasn't expecting as magnificent a combination of advanced "new age" and smooth jazz as I did here. Lanz' piano work shines through on each arrangement here, often with a singing quality to its sound.

This album also awakened a new admiration for Dave Koz, a musician who previously, in my estimation, seemed to be trying to become a second Kenny G, a rather questionable goal maybe. But, here he shines on several fronts. He produced four of the cuts starting with the opener, "That Smile". He performs on "Walk On Water" (which was composed by Snuffy Walden along with Dave Lanz), "Romantica" (a smooth, exotic number composed by Lanz along with Dave Koz), and "Luna". Each performance shows a new individuality, a breaking away from the commercially smooth Kenny G mode and a finding of himself musically.

The cover of Neil Diamond's "America" is an expression of a great love, of reaching for unity and healing, and encompassing the globe, not just this country. This highlight performance would've made this CD noteworthy even if the surrounding pieces didn't match it...but they do.

The hheart-searching "Tears For Alice" and the last cut, "Love Lost...Love Found", each features a rich string & harp accompaniment.

This whole performance has Lanz branching out, developing, expanding and should be heartily welcomed by his followers and by those discovering him for the first time.

SOOTHING AND HEALING.......2002-08-20

I would like to begin by saying that I have been transported to my inner self by listening to this superb Lanz'cd. First time I knew about him, was about 15 years ago when one of my brothers living in the States brought me a cassette from him. And since then I am, maybe, her fan Nr.1 in South America, that is for sure!! I felt completely healed and soothed and I really needed a little bit of that due to the horrible things happening in my beloved country, Colombia. As I am not a native English spoken, I do not know if I am writing correctly but I am trying to do my best. I would like to recommend this CD to everybody who is in search of inner peace and for being a better individual in this agitated and suffering earth.

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Pop Music

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