Light of Refinement

David A. Young, The New Times - December 1997
"Both fragile and strong; deceptively simple and yet underpinned with the complexity and mystery of life itself."

Product Description
Born out of a quest for heightened spiritual awareness and self-discovery, the Light of Refinement is the opening of ourselves to new possibilities, fresh perspectives and unlimited growth. Seeking more than the "fleeting glimpses of beauty" that appear in our lives, we can awaken to discover beauty in all that surrounds us, leading us to the true essence of our existence, our purpose and our ultimate destiny. Within each of us reside untapped wells of potential awaiting the Light...

Featuring delicate, caressing female vocals over richly orchestrated percussive sonic backdrops, Light of Refinement takes us on 11 poetic journeys along paths of spiritual discovery and enlightenment. Presented with an instantly accessible yet multidimensional musical approach, each song has its own vital message that guides us through the many, varied facets of our individual experiences.

Highlighted by multiple vocal harmonies that rise, soar and dissolve back into the music, this New Age/World album includes two adaptations of Liturgical hymns, including the mantra-like Kyrie and the hypnotic Dona Nobis Pacem, sung in Greek and Latin respectively. Lovingly produced & arranged by composer/poet Bradfield in Montreal, Canada.

Light of Refinement

Tracks:

Kyrie
One Brief Dream
My Lifetime
In Silence
Alien Mind
Birthing Clouds
Upon a Restless Night
To Lift You
Dona Nobis Pacem
Born of Forgiveness
Road (Send Some Love)

Album Description

Born out of a quest for heightened spiritual awareness and self-discovery, the Light of Refinement is the opening of ourselves to new possibilities, fresh perspectives and unlimited growth. Seeking more than the "fleeting glimpses of beauty" that appear in our lives, we can awaken to discover beauty in all that surrounds us, leading us to the true essence of our existence, our purpose and our ultimate destiny. Within each of us reside untapped wells of potential awaiting the Light...

Customer Reviews:

Symphony of ascencion.......2007-08-06

Although this is usually not the type of music I would write a review about I have to say the song "One brief lifetime"is absolutely one of the best I have ever heard in this genre.
Comes close to most of Constance Demby's work although this one here is definetly more commercial and pop oriented.
But nevertheless this particular song is incredible,a symphony of inspiring and uplifting vocals,lyrics,arrangement that take you straight up to those angelic places.....

First Album From New Age Diva Impresses.......2001-01-04

Anael's sweet, haunting vocals combined with Bradfield's lush, calming soundscapes create a beautiful environment rich with sonic pleasure. "Kyrie" is based on the Roman Catholic Liturgy, but it is so easy to just focus on the wondrous vocal and musical textures in the song that transport you away. "One Brief Dream" finds Anael mixing new age with a hint of jazz and it comes out so well. Maybe nightclubs in heaven would play this at closing time? "My Lifetime" sounds like crystalline raindrops dropping upon me before embarking on a harmonious journey of sound. "In Silence" is a deeply meditative song...relax and enjoy. In "Alien Mind", Anael brings strong piano chords with a rhythmic drum section which seems to syncopate itself to the rhythm of YOUR mind. "Birthing Clouds" is a melancholy look at the passing of white formless shapes above your head on a spring day. "Upon A Restless Night" includes harpsichord touches to give a medieval atmosphere to the piece. "To Lift You" does indeed lift, with a soft trumpet hearalding the arrival of perhaps an angel, sent to take your troubles away. "Dona Nobis Pacem", once again adapted from Roman Catholic Liturgy, changes the pace of the CD, into almost a soft rock song, but with beautiful strings and synthesizers put together with Anael's voice and harmonies, this song emerges as one of the best songs on the CD. "Born Of Forgiveness" once again uses the crystalline raindrops, and a simplistic piano/string arrangement. "The Road (Send Some Love)" could almost be considered a pop song, with its building strings and amazingly catchy melody. A song that closes the CD and makes the listener beg for more.

Peaceful sounds.......2000-06-19

The first time i heard anael's music was on television, actually it was being played on a satelite music station. The instrumental music just caught my ear and i had to get the cd. It's good for relaxing, getting work done, or even dinner with or without company!