An Ancient Journey

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Quick on the heels of 2001's Ancient, Japanese synthesist Kitaro returns with another CD based loosely on themes of ancient global sites, a template that's growing as old as the sites that inspire him. But while those sites become more inspiring with age, Kitaro's hackneyed sampled choirs, syrupy strings, and that whooping synthesizer line he's used since Astral Voyage a quarter century ago are becoming more kitschy. However, there are hints of something new on An Ancient Journey that make it Kitaro's best album in a few years. His use of environmental sounds goes beyond cliché, weaving them into the music as rhythms and counterpoint instead of simple backdrops. In addition, Kitaro plays Native American flute on several tracks, and the simplicity and one-octave range of the instrument seem to focus him into a delicate, more personal sound heard on pieces like "Waves of Sand" and "Inca." But he also finds fresh life on one of his patented dervishes, "Sitara IV," playing electric sitar over a modal percussion groove. As a double CD, An Ancient Journey is bloated, but there's an album's worth of music that nearly fulfills the promise of Kitaro. --John Diliberto

Product Description
This two-disc set, featuring 19 unique compositions, is a wonderful glimpse into the great civilizations past. In An Ancient Journey, Kitaro takes his audience on a trek to worlds far away using traditional Middle Eastern and Chinese instrumentation. Listeners embark on a mysterious crusade, witnessing "the texture, life and spirit of the world's ancient people."

An Ancient Journey,Kitaro,Domo Records,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Pop

An Ancient Journey

Tracks:

Achillea - Prelude
Ragnarok - Twilight of the Gods
Odins Hill
The Monks of Lindisfarne
Cape Porcupine
The Seeress Prophecy (Daydreaming)
Land of the Elves
Shears from Scar
The Nine Worlds
Staraja Ladoga
Othila - The Rune Masters
Achillea - Exodus

Album Description

From the co-creator of ENIGMA !

Highly acclaimed co-producer and guitarist of the multi-platinum group Enigma, Jens Gad brings you a spellbinding downtempo musical odyssey into the ancient mythology of his Scandinavian homeland. He is joined by the entrancing classical vocals of Helene Horlyck, to co-create a sophisticated and hypnotic chill-out journey through "The Nine Worlds" of archaic legend. At once stirring and calming, entertaining yet relaxing, Achillea achieves a vibrantly new and hauntingly beautiful musical vision that artfully blends evocative ambient New Age atmospheres with European dance club electronica. Achillea elegantly weaves the mystery of ancient myth - a world of seers, elves, and rune masters, into a lush, richly layered sonic landscape with velvety melodies of delicately bluesy guitar playing, slow sensuous grooves and silky smooth vocals sung in Latin and ancient Swedish. Both intimate and cinematic, this uniquely transcendent masterpiece is full of deep beauty and mysterious wonder that will nourish your soul.

"Achillea is the new project for producer/guitarist Jens Gad, co-producer, co-writer and one of the central creative forces behind popular group Enigma (alongside Michael Cretu). For his first solo project, Gad presents an atmospheric album of tunes themed after Danish myth. Enigma fans should definitely take note, as there are many common denominators between both groups: the same laid-back "Enigma-style" beats, Gregorian chant, whispery vocals and Gad's signature electric guitar. Achillea differs by offering an album steeped in dreamy ambience. This album slower paced and more ethereal, making it better suited for the mind than the dance floor. Adding to the appeal is the wispy, sensual vocals of singer Helene Horlyck, who sings on many of the tracks. Serene, slightly trippy and sure to bring on a bout of Enigma nostalgia, this is a must for worldbeat/chill music fans." - Music Design In Review

Customer Reviews:

Austerity and beauty all mesh on "The Nine Worlds"........2007-02-11

I was entranced by the debut release by artist Achillea. To my peasant surprise, I leanred that it is also a side project of Enigma's guitarist and in terms of side-projects, Achillea is almost as good as Enigma.

The debut album has a similar trademark to Enigma's album but the tracks stand out altogether with beauties like "Odin's Hill", "The Garden if Lisfaraine" and "Seeres Prophecy". Overall, "The Nine Worlds" is almost like a sequel to Enigma's third album from more than a decade ago.

This is highly recommended.

Ambience Spectacular!.......2006-11-27

I am a big fan of early Enigma and having found a first solo release by co-producer of Enigma's Jens Gad, I decided to purchase this release from Amazon.com. Jens is a superb handler of the guitar and it was a pleasure to hear his contributions on Enigma especially on 'Cross Of Changes' and the song 'Turn Around'. But it is good and fitting to see his first solo album be released, and whilst there is alot of similarity with Enigma, he brings to his album a more reflective, softer ambient driven sound that is both spiritual and refreshing. It is a nice chill-out album.

'Achilles' provides sweet and sensual beats with gregorian chants, soft guitar rifts, and a ethno-flavoured landscape. It should be noted that both Jens and his singer Helene are danish and this album is fashioned after numerous Danish folklore. Therefore you expect Danish lyrics and you do get a mixture of Latin and Danish with some English mixed in. All in all the mix is beautifully orchestrated and well-done.

The 12 tracks on this albums offers the listener pure music bliss, and it will take you on a journey that is much needed and is soul nourishing. There is no need to go through each track. This album will mean different things to all people who listen to it. Open your mind, have a open opinion and enjoy. I have and still do.

Pretty nice music, a little bit short of Enigma........2006-11-22

It's quite nice, althought definitely not an Enigma, the female voice is beautiful, but quite monotonous all across most of the songs. Still a good addition to one's New Age sound collection.

If you liked Enigma's "Cross of Changes"..........2006-11-14

Only now that I've heard The Nine Worlds do I appreciate how significant Jens Gad's influence was on the sound of Cross of Changes-era Enigma. The guitar style from that album's "I Love You, I'll Kill You" permeates, but never dominates this album, and I love it. The synth-based writing and arrangement styles are familiar as well. The title track, "The Nine Worlds," is something of a sonic "missing link" between the two albums, with a touch of chant, tablas, and a guitar sound one step closer to "I Love You, I'll Kill You" than the rest of this album.

The first Achillea song I heard was "Cape Porcupine". It remains my favorite song from the album, and is representative of what you'll hear throughout The Nine Worlds. Helene Horlyck's vocal stylings are featured on over half of the album's tracks, and she shares writing credits on those. Her high end is somewhat breathy, and has a piercing edge that frustrates my appreciation of her contributions, but the lower end of her range is beautifully smooth. "Othila - The Rune Masters" is a welcome exception, which I can only attribute to its guest writer/producer, John Tonks.

The Nine Worlds is a great listen for a bit, but there isn't enough variety to make it a really great album. I'm perfectly happy to listen to the whole thing passively, but when I'm listening actively, I typically only get through the first five or six songs ("Odin's Hill" is a highlight I never skip) before changing CDs. I would expect your affinity for The Cross of Changes to be a good indicator of how much you'll like The Nine Worlds.

Austere Ethereal Beauty.......2006-08-30

This album needs a few listens to allow its true beauty to unfold.
If you are after the lush percussive sensory smorgasboard of Enigma , you will be disappointed.

Put aside your preconceptions and open your mind to the pure spare instrumental arrangements accompanied beautifully by Helene Horlyks sublime ethereal vocals . Everything is pared back to a delightful minimalism that sometimes sounds so spacious that the songs seem otherworldly.

Definitely a match to the other great works of Delerium, Enigma , Amethystium etc

Average customer rating:

MUSIC TO HEAL YOUR SOUL
The best
Great music...for awhile.
Has Potential.
One of the best new age CD's

Chakra Healing Chants
Sophia , and David Gordon
Manufacturer: Sequoia Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hidden Waters/Sacred Ground
Chanting the Chakras: Roots of Awakening
Travelling the Sacred Sound Current: Divine Chants & Sacred Tones for Healing & Meditation
Magical Healing Mantras
SOUNDS OF LIGHT: The Pure Tones of Crystal Singing Bowls

ASIN: B000086BC2
Release Date: 2003-02-04

Tracks:

Gaia Shekinah Nama Om
Uma...Jai Ma!
The Orbit - Nam Myoho
Heart of Earth
Thy Song
Infinite Wisdom
Be Still
The Beginning

Album Description

Embark on a journey through the Chakras on a river of sacred sound with legendary songhealer Sophia and David Gordon on shaman durms and native flutes. Sophia uses pure vocal tones drawn from the Cabbalistic Tree of Life, which activate and heal the body's energy centers. They are joined by special guest artists Hans Christian (Rasa) on cello and exotic string instruments, and Raphael on keyboard orchestrations.. The perfect soundtrack for yoga, tantra, meditation and creating a sacred space.

Customer Reviews:

MUSIC TO HEAL YOUR SOUL.......2007-02-13

I CAN'T STOP LISTENING TO THIS CD AND I RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE I KNOW. IT'S SOOTHING YET MAKES YOU WANT TO MOVE. SINGING ALONG WITH IT AND DOING THE CHANTS IS VERY CLEARING AND ENERGIZING. READ THE WORDS IN THE BOOKLET AND SEE HOW IT FEELS TO SING THEM WITH THE CD. HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ANYONE THAT NEEDS A LIFT.

The best.......2006-01-13

This is timed perfectly for an hour meditation, i sampled many different new age cd's for meditation, and by far this has bee the best sounding one. It has notes/tones that will activate your 7 main chakras, and the first time I did it i could feel mine rotating and warming up (im sensitive to this). This is relaxing and her voice and band is deeply into it. They maybe could have put a little more into 1 or 2 tracks, but overall I would reccomend this to anyone looking to reach discover their true selfs.

Great music...for awhile........2005-04-13

I like this CD, I really do...the first 2 or 3 songs are absolutely captivating!!! Track 7 is pretty amazingly inspiring too. I just didn't feel that much listening enjoyment from the rest of the album. I don't feel like they are resonating with my chakras, just too much vibrato for my ears! I thought she had this great earthly sound for the first couple of tracks and then she got all frilly and way too feminine with her voice, for me. I've been listening to it for a couple of days so, if I change my mind about her I'll let you know ;) But for now, I'm enjoying the repetitiveness of tracks 1 and 2 for sure!

Has Potential........2004-11-24

It seems I cant change the rating of this product using the edit facility, if I could I would change my initial 1 star rating from November 2004 to a 3 star maybe. Anyway, it's January 2007 and I decided to give the cd another listen after I read the comment that was made on my review. It turned out to not be so bad and the inside flap did indeed spell out what techniques were used that involve the respective chakras. I put it on in the dark and made sure I was relaxed/ receptive and tried hard to dispel any preconceived notions I had on what to expect. What I was struck by at first was the satisfying sound of traditional instruments. The accompanying vocals were pleasing too. As the cd wore on it was possible to find many spaces to explore in the music, once or twice I was a tad disturbed by the lyrics or the means employed to deliver them but this was minimal. I think I will be giving it a try again and who knows, maybe I will bump the rating up again, but for now my initial review does seem a bit off the mark...
Initial Review Below:::
"New Age"
I am a practical normal kind of guy that would like to be a little more in touch with his metaphysical self. Unfortunately, finding a way to do this is not very easy. People like me run a mile when access to the pearly gates comes with tea and scones on Sunday. People like me do not feel very comfortable at the thought of spending eternity with an old man in charge of winged beings who sing all day in his honour. However, people like me do not give up hope and write the whole concept of an hereafter off because a flock of bleeps have turned it into something that is difficult to stomach.
Unfortunately, Christianity is not the only thing people have turned into something that is difficult to stomach.
My exploration so far of the many different and varied ways of pursuing enlightenment has taken me from the sublime to the ridiculous.
As many different ways there are of doing it are accompanied by just as many different ways of describing it.
When I discovered Chakras recently it was with some delight I heard that healing/ balancing them might only be a question of employing sound.
And so I begin my pursuit of getting some sound to help me out. Chakra Healing Chants. This cd seemed pretty self explanatory.
When I got it though, my heart sank at the realization I had been played for a sucker. This is the kind of stuff that will make me run a mile and justifies the view of many people of what New Age is all about. In case I do not possess the ability to express this objectively, let me quote someone else:
..."New Age" music (you know -- the wandering, aimless stuff that sounds the same whether you play it forward or backward.)....
And that my friends, is what this is. With a bit of luck, I will not give up hope and be able to find something else that a guy like me can use without feeling like I have compromised my self respect. When I do, I will be back, to recommend what I have found instead of this. Don't get me wrong; there probably is an audience for this kind of stuff, if you are into wandering, aimless stuff that sounds the same whether you play it forward or backward, then this will be right down your alley. Peace Out.

One of the best new age CD's.......2003-12-18

This is one of the best new age cd's I own. Sophia's voice is like an angel. Track 4 is my favorite (for the heart chakra). I highly recommend Sophia's Healing Chakra Chants to anyone who is looking for soothing and meaningful/spiritual music.

Average customer rating:

Music for the Heart and Soul

Anjali
Michael Mandrell & Benjy Wertheimer
Manufacturer: Ancient Future
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Soul of the Esraj
Voice of the Esraj
The Love Window
Sadhana
Yakshi

ASIN: B00007L3L5
Release Date: 2003-01-15

Tracks:

Awakening
Priya (Beloved)
Satya (Truthfulness)
Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)
Eye of the TIger
The Breath Inside the Breath
Chandra (The Moon)
Chandrika (Moonlight)
The Mystery
Santosa (Contentment)

Album Description

This first collaboration CD from acoustic guitarist Michael Mandrell and multi-instrumentalist Benjy Wertheimer is a mythic instrumental journey. As a "Yoga Meditations" soundtrack, the album transports the listener into both the faraway lands of ancient India - through the soulful sounds of the esraj, tamboura and tabla - and the mystical Celtic landscape with lyrical splashes of acoustic guitar. From this timeless inner landscape, listeners are invited to travel into the spontaneous journey of the heart that is accessed through yoga and meditation.

ANJALI has recently been featured on Echoes, syndicated on over 175 public radio stations around North America.

Customer Reviews:

Music for the Heart and Soul.......2003-05-03

I just heard portions from this CD on NPR's Echoes program on my way to work on a cold dreary Saturday morning and the music by these guys made my day - if you need something to lift your spirits, transport you to a place of peace and encourage you to appreciate the beauty around you, this is the prescription you need. Very highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Disappointed...
This CD is very nice.
Not bad
I felt like an outsider...
Familiar but oh-so different!

The Woman's Touch
Aeone
Manufacturer: Angleterre
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Point of Faith
Beyond the Pale: Legends of the Goddess II
Legends of the Goddess
An Ancient Muse
Mists of Avalon : Original Television Soundtrack

ASIN: B00005OLYW
Release Date: 1999-11-01

Tracks:

Aeone
The Woman's Touch
Body in Mind
Indira
Hands of Love
Men-an-Tol
Prayer for the Angels
Message in My Heart
What You Want
The Lost Art of Crying
Take the Boat Out
Voice of America
Anam Cara

Album Description

Music as an awakening - Aeone is multi level-listening. Clear ethereal vocals rise above full ambient grooves. Contrasting dulcimer and Uillean pipes and other woody instruments lie in lush and cinematic tracks with a touch of the ancient Celtic. Hypnotic and sensual - the unfolding of the nature of a woman in all her many guises - Aeone takes you through the journey of her life in a tapestry of story, voice, sound and rhythm, from which you may not return the same - or then again ......

Customer Reviews:

Disappointed..........2006-05-09

I bought Aeone's first cd Point of Faith and absolutely loved it so naturally I ran out and bought this one as well. Unfortunately, the music styles on this disc are so radically different I just can't feel the same connection. If you want to try it out, I suggest borrowing it from someone first. My advice, if you loved the musical style of Point of Faith, leave this one on the rack.

This CD is very nice........2005-10-07

I like this CD but I love Point of Faith.

Not bad.......2004-07-01

I came across Aeone because I'm a huge Loreena McKennitt fan and Aeone was listed as a similar artist. For the most part I don't think there is much of a comparison between Aeone and Loreena, their vocals and music styling are quite different, with Loreena coming across as the much better singer. That's not to say that Aeone isn't a good artist, she's just different then what I expected. In my humble opinion, if I were to describe her music to someone, I would say that it's a mix of Loreena inspired vocals along with Enigma type music (heavy basslines and almost sensual beats). In theory if you liked Enigma and Loreena it would be great, but the end result still feels lacking something to me.

My favorite track is 3, Body In Mind because it has a heavy almost lusty sound and the lyrics are great. My least favorite (heck I can't stand it) is track 12, Voice of America, mostly because of the guy almost rapping in it. That is why the CD falls flat in some spots, you feel a little uncomfortable because it seems like the artist is simply doing something because it is different, not because it makes sense.

So, if given a choice between this and another CD, I would try the other one first. But if you have money to blow and like trying out different things, then this CD is for you.

I felt like an outsider..........2004-03-09

Let me say that I really loved her first album - great vocals, fantastic rhythms, very seductive. So I expected much the same from this one - a more polished intricate album, even better rhythmic interplay, I can't fault the vocals, she has a fine instrument, but after a while I noticed a continuing theme in the songs core subject material; things began to be less balanced, more feminine uber-allus, seemingly to the exclusion of all else. I felt strangely shut out - an odd sensation to have from a CD.

Familiar but oh-so different!.......2003-03-10

I came across Aeone (pronounced Ay-Own) while doing a musical search-and-listen (a favorite hobby) here at amazon.com. A bona fide Loreena-lover, why hadn't I heard of this artist before? Apparently she's been rather busy writing scores for movies (obvious evidence of her protean talent) and has only intermittently taken precious time out to create musical magic on her own behalf.

I went to her website ... and gave an ear to downloaded samples from The Woman's Touch. I was bowled over. Wow! From the eponymous first song, evoking a less quirky Kate Bush but with fuller production, to the anthemic Voice of America replete with hints of hip-hop, this CD is the poster child for eclecticism. Though a journey up and down diffuse acoustic pathways it has a soulful cohesion via Aeone's vocal stylings and subtle thematic elements. Enya-esque in her use of melodic multi-layering and Loreena-like with celtic-sensible, soaring invocations, Aeone sings from a spiritual place but on her very own merits. Her voice doesn't stand alone like Loreena's, pushing and kneading, but instead sits so very comfortably, sensually, amid the shimmering lushness of dulcimers and uilleann pipes and instruments more contemporary. Even a hard rock riff here and there complements instead of detracts.

I guess that's the essence of The Woman's Touch, at once ancient and modern. Aeone's music spans eras yet its spirit is a most intimate one for the receptive listener. That's the gist of it for me, that I could hear it filling a cathedral or listen in bed with headphones in the dark and be equally moved. The connection made is ultimately personal -- which is surely the true objective of any sincere musician. Highly recommended to musicophiles with good taste.

Tracks:

Gurrupurung (Gondwana)
Anyway I Tell Ya (Ganga Giri)
Awowedas (Lost At Last)
Night Owl (the capitali$ts)
Blue Labyrinth (Axis)
Another Land (Sounds of the Outback)
Thunder (Andy Graham)
Factory Farm (Didjworks)
Kemetic Song (Hayan)
Entrance (Si)

Album Description

Driving World-Beat Ethno-Fusion! - Pumping rhythms of the wild... droning, eternal voices of an ancient future… exotic nature sounds and rapid-fire percussion create an inter-dimensional journey into mindless spirit. Earthy didgeridoo with Australian aboriginal voices blend with UK techno-shamanic, traditional Native American Peyote chant, NYC trip-hop and Afro-Caribbean tribal rhythms... all fused into a thrilling dance compilation.

Customer Reviews:

Techno music. .......2005-11-11

This CD features a compilation of Techno-music supported by a little didjeridoo here and there. As such it is really not bad. However, both the title and the album description state or imply that the music has something to do with meditation and/or spiritual practices. This is not true: it's Techno-music in its purest tradition. The synthesizer-generated music is very flat with little or no harmonics.

Wow!.......2003-11-27

I was looking for a CD full of high-energy music. Wow! This one is awesome.

I'm constantly looking for great high-energy music for use when I'm working. This CD is almost too perfect in that regard as it is the type of music I can put on, go to work, and POOF -- 4 hours vanish.

My feet are dancing, my fingers are drumming, and my mind is in the zone. Great beat, nice didgeridoo, and awesome percussion throughout.

This sound reminds me of the high energy music that would emerge if you could somehow mix the music from the Afro Celts, Nomad (say ASIN: B000001ZBG), and Deep Forest. Delicious :)

I'm no trance expert so can't comment on its "trance purity", etc.

I'm no dancer so I can't comment on the type of dance genre this music best fits. Apparently I'm thinking of becoming a dancer, though, as I seem to have this urge to go dancing through the house like a wild man whenever this CD is playing :)

Summary: I agree with the summary on the back of the CD, "Pumping rhythms of the wild ... droning, eternal voices of an ancient-future ... exotic nature sounds and rapid-fire percussion create an inter-dimensional journey into mindless spirit". I wish I would have said that :) ***Highly Recommended***

Didgeridoo Groove
Average customer rating:

Nice sampling

magical fusion

Didgeridoo Groove
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Music Mosaic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Didgeridoo Trance Dance

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ASIN: B00009KXGX
Release Date: 2003-05-01

Tracks:

Didgeridoo Groove (Ariel Kalma)
Universal Dance (Ed Drury)
Red Center Awakens (Sounds of the Outback)
Shade (Gondwana)
Little People (Steven Cragg)
Crooked (Orocol)
Taralinga Lila (Tarshito / Sangeet)
Balanda Dancing (Stephan Richter)
Intuvalation (Didjworkds)
Chamber 11 (Soulfood)
Kokopelli Dreaming (Kailash)

Album Description

Ethno-trance World-beat - From smooth jazz to funky jungle, from the vast Australian outback to the smoldering cyber-clubs of Bombay. Trip-out with this groove journey into the modern world of the ancient didgeridoo — enhanced with drums, guitar, sax, throat singing, bass, synthesizer, sitar, native American flutes and other multicultural instruments.

Customer Reviews:

Nice sampling.......2006-08-06

I really enjoyed this collection of tracks from some of the top didgeridoo players in the world. There is a nice variety of styles and approachs to using the ancient instrument in modern and sometimes not so modern ways. I think in many ways, this CD would be an excellent introduction to the didgeridoo for those curious about it's use in contemporary music.

magical fusion.......2004-03-10

What a great fusion of a variety of instruements and musical styles. Every track is great. This is the best cd I have bought in along while. Drums, sax, flute, didgeriedo and others to make a mesmerising collection of world music. You won't find music like this on popular radio. Can't say enough about this great collection of music.

Average customer rating:

Purely inspiration
An enjoyable Album
A sprawling, experimental epic from Kitaro
Not Among His Best Work
Slowing Down

An Ancient Journey
Kitaro
Manufacturer: Domo Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music
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Ancient
Gaia
Sacred Journey of Ku-Kai
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Thinking of You

ASIN: B00005YDEO
Release Date: 2002-02-26

Tracks:

Whisper
Daichi
Tabiji
Wave Of Sand
Golden Mask
Fairy Of Water
Sampona Dance
Toward The East
Maya Magic

Tracks:

Sumerian Magic
Inca
Wonderland I
Pray For Being
Sitara IV
Mori No Tami
The Pharaoh
Wonderland II
Main Theme Nile - Version II
Sumerian Magic II

Amazon.com

Quick on the heels of 2001's Ancient, Japanese synthesist Kitaro returns with another CD based loosely on themes of ancient global sites, a template that's growing as old as the sites that inspire him. But while those sites become more inspiring with age, Kitaro's hackneyed sampled choirs, syrupy strings, and that whooping synthesizer line he's used since Astral Voyage a quarter century ago are becoming more kitschy. However, there are hints of something new on An Ancient Journey that make it Kitaro's best album in a few years. His use of environmental sounds goes beyond cliché, weaving them into the music as rhythms and counterpoint instead of simple backdrops. In addition, Kitaro plays Native American flute on several tracks, and the simplicity and one-octave range of the instrument seem to focus him into a delicate, more personal sound heard on pieces like "Waves of Sand" and "Inca." But he also finds fresh life on one of his patented dervishes, "Sitara IV," playing electric sitar over a modal percussion groove. As a double CD, An Ancient Journey is bloated, but there's an album's worth of music that nearly fulfills the promise of Kitaro. --John Diliberto

Album Description

This two-disc set, featuring 19 unique compositions, is a wonderful glimpse into the great civilizations past. In An Ancient Journey, Kitaro takes his audience on a trek to worlds far away using traditional Middle Eastern and Chinese instrumentation. Listeners embark on a mysterious crusade, witnessing "the texture, life and spirit of the world's ancient people."

Customer Reviews:

Purely inspiration.......2007-04-04

Greetings,
I purchased this album about 2/3 years ago and it is one of my favorite cds. I find that as you mature your spirit will let you know when you are able to handle music as peaceful as this. Listening to this cd help puts my soul at ease, calm my house and remind me of who I am. I recommend this cd to anyone who yearns for a taste of something different.

An enjoyable Album.......2006-12-27

Even though it does not compare with "Live at Yakushiji" there are gems scattered among the 2 discs. Whisper, Daichi, Tabiji and Wave of Sand start the first disc off nicely. Disc 2 I find Mori No Tami a favorite. With 19 tracks I find enough music to enjoy without skipping tracks. A nice addition to an existing collection but "Kojiki" or "Kitaro-An Enchanted Evening" might be a better starting point.

A sprawling, experimental epic from Kitaro.......2005-09-14

I have noticed that this, Kitaro's 2002 Double-CD release, "An Ancient Journey", seems to be the lowest rated of his albums, at least based on the customer reviews here at Amazon (although maybe it's noteworthy that that there have only been two reviews thus far : ) So, just out of fairness, I would like to chime in with a differing opinion...First off, it is important to note that this is not just a random collection of songs, but a conceptual work. The concept is stated in the liner notes as such; "Kitaro takes his audience on a trek to worlds far away. Listeners embark on a myserious crusade, witnessing the texture, life, and spirit of the worlds ancient people". As a long-time listener (and die-hard fan), I find "An Ancient Journey" to be one of Kitaro's most sprawling, experimental, and varied works. While it is admittedly not always as focused or melodic as his classic best-sellers ("Silk Road", "Kojiki", "Mandala") it does have a strange charm of its own, and is best appreciated after multiple (and attentive) listenings. That is not to say that there are not some moments of pure Kitaro melodicism here! The album opener, "Whisper", is unmistakably Kitaro, with a floating lead-line sweeping over a backdrop of warm synth chords and a harp-like counter-melody. "Daichi" features one of Kitaro's most memorable melodies, with a shimmering semi-orchestral arrangement to back it up. "Tabiji", a personal favorite, features a simple, hypnotic melody, coupled with some nice lead-synth playing and a subtle arrangement that gradually builds in power. "Fairy of Water" is an achingly beautiful piano-based piece. "Mori No Tami", another personal favorite, has a mystical vibe and makes clever use of Oriental sounds. And "The Pharaoh" & "Sampoma Dance" both bring to mind the exotic flavors of his "Mandala/An Enchanted Evening" period. But this is a conceptual double-album where Kitaro stretches beyond his usual artistic confines, so the more melodic tracks are interspersed with more experimental fare such as "Golden Mask" (which uses an unusual synth-bass sound as its lead instrument), "Sitara 4" (basically a sitar solo with some percussive "electronica"-flavored backing) and the multi-part "Wonderland" (which seems more like an experiement in sound textures that an actual song.) Personally, I love this album through and through today, but I must admit that parts of it did take a few listens to fully sink in. All in all, this is probably one of those special albums that will be best enjoyed by the avid Kitaro enthusiast, and not so much by the casual fan who only knows the "Best of" albums. It's probably best to purcase with that in mind.

Not Among His Best Work.......2003-06-12

This tends to happen with Kitaro where he experiments a little too much. Ancient Journey does not grab me at all and contains a lot of annoying songs actually. There is very little to be gained here if you are a fan expecting more of his melodic, meditative compositions.

Slowing Down.......2002-06-04

I discovered Kitaro years ago in california. I was immediatley addicted to his music and have purchased many of his albums. I purchased Ancient and Ancient Joruney at the same time and was let down. What turned me on to his music was the style he used in his music. The soft and relaxing melodies inspired by world instruments and the exiting, epic performances that kept the listener begging for more. In Ancient and Ancient Journey, none of the songs really get going. A few songs build up to the point where you feel youre about to be swept away by the music and it will just fizzle out.
They are good albums for relaxing, but none of the exitement is there.

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Circle of Fire
Benjy Wertheimer
Manufacturer: Ancient Future
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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