Yanni - Ethnicity
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Free Music Notes for Ethnicity
Free Music Review: from Solo Piano Publications
Hit: 5 Stars
"Ethnicity" is Yanni's first album of new material in several years, and I think it's the best album he's done since "Dare To Dream." I was a big fan up to that point, and then he seemed to kind of turn to mush. "If I Could Tell You" (2000) was too reminiscent of his earlier work - I kept hearing themes I recognized. "Ethnicity" if full of the life and vibrancy of Yanni's first several albums, and he seems to have regained his unique vision and voice. Yanni's early work was primarily all him on synth. With this new work, he plays piano and keyboards, and there are many other instrumentalists involved, giving a sound closer to Yanni's concerts. Another new development is the extensive use of vocals - with and without lyrics. Two of the songs are older instrumentals with lyrics by Pamela McNeill - "Secret Vows" from 1987's "Out of Silence" has evolved into "The Promise", and "Almost a Whisper" first appeared on 1990's "Reflections of Passion," the album that brought Yanni into the mainstream. I groaned when I saw there were vocals on the CD, but the songs are very effective, and the lyrics suit the melodies beautifully. It's the upbeat instrumentals that really soar on this album, though. Yanni sounds excited about his music again, and it's hard to keep the toes from tapping. "For All Seasons" has an almost operatic vocal, a strong beat, and a beautiful melody - somewhat similar to "Aria" from awhile back, but not a clone. The jazzy flutes and other reed instruments give it a very exotic flavor. "Rainmaker" is another exotic piece with a Greek spirit mixed with didgeridoo and a driving rhythm. This is classic Yanni with a new twist. His goal with this album was to blend a wide variety of ethnic styles to demonstrate that cultures from all parts of the world can blend and work together successfully. It certainly works with the music! "Written on the Wind" also has a driving rhythm, but is more bittersweet. Wordless vocals become another instrument in the band and keep the piece soaring. "Tribal Dream" is one of the few tracks that I don't really like, and it is the vocals that are a bit annoying. "Play Time" is another great track - full of energy and fun. This is one of the most carefree pieces I've heard from Yanni. Fun is a word that comes to mind often while listening to "Ethnicity." It has its serious moments, but is mostly upbeat, full of joy, and invigorating. Welcome back, Mr. Chryssolmalis - I've missed you!Free Music Review: Not surprising for Yanni. Y? Cuz its awesome!
Hit: 5 Stars
I think this is one of Yanni's best albums. It's one of my favorites, and a welcome change (as I found "If I Could Tell You" somewhat lacking energy). My advice [for those of you who find the vocals distracting] is listen to the music more closely. I enjoyed the vocals, but it is quite easy to see how it could bother people. Think of the vocals as just another musical instrument like the violin or flute, which shouldn't be too hard since only 2 songs have understandable lyrics. And the drum machine isn't stale...its called "techno/trance." The best way to enjoy this kind of music is to listen to how each instrument fits and compliments eachother perfectly. Ethnicity:
WOW! This is cool! Upbeat yet relaxing, aggressive yet smooth...not an easy task. I especially like the lyrics to Almost a Whisper. Yanni also explores new ground as he uses the celtic musical style for the first time. Ever-so-present are the oriental accents, but the most surprising is his increased use of "techno" elements, which include the energetic drums to electronic instruments we'd all thought Yanni would never touch.
Highlights go to Play Time and For All Seasons(using a good deal of techno elements) and Rainmaker for the didgeridoo, which I enjoyed a lot. The Dooduk in Written in the Wind also does wonderful things with your emotions. I still can't stress enough how cool the electronic instruments in the background are... Some people have compared it to MIDIs but it I actually think it adds nicely to the harmony.
Then again, that wouldn't be too fair since all the tracks are great and you just have to listen for yourself (and be amazed :-) ) The key to listening to any kind of music is listening with your heart and not your mind. Keep that in mind.
Free Music Review: Upbeat, compelling and different!
Hit: 5 Stars
This album is somewhat of a departure for Yanni: there remain many elements of his trademark keyboard style, but the addition of a variety of world music elements give the music added interest and appeal. I like the evolution! In particular, the duduk and Uillean pipes of Pedro Eustache, Karen Briggs' soulful violin, and a choir of male and female vocalists create new and exciting textures. Most of the numbers are mysterious, stirring and high-energy. "The Promise" and "Almost a Whisper" are new renditions of old instrumental favorites, enhanced by vocals. Often I don't care for that sort of retooling, but Yanni's keyboard melodies are so plaintive and emotional that they do sometimes cry out for lyrics, and these two selections seem particularly well-suited. Also included in the package is a bonus disc--a 25-minute DVD--of Yanni's live performance at Royal Albert Hall: a gala spectacle with a light show, video screen, orchestra and even a pipe organ. (The music is nice, as is the tribute to his father, but the visual images do get a little silly: with a full orchestra and a second keyboardist playing the bulk of the parts, and a conductor handling the coordination of the musicians, poor Yanni doesn't always have much to do other than grin at the cameras, toss his long hair about, dance around in the confined space between his mountains of keyboards, and make eyes at the other soloists--who incidently include Pedro Eustache and Karen Briggs from the CD.) Nonetheless, because of its energy and variety, "Ethnicity" has quickly become my favorite of Yanni's recordings. Others include the retrospectives "In Celebration of Life" and "Reflections of Passion".Free Music Review: I Love This CD!
Hit: 5 Stars
I first became aware of Yanni with "Live at the Acropolis" and "Tribute". "Ethnicity" follows with similar style and energy. I know some of his earlier works were softer and more soothing, so I understand that his long time fans might be surprised by this release but those who enjoyed "Acropolis" and "Tribute" should enjoy this also. This is more of the upbeat, uplifting style heard on those. Many have complained about all the "singing" but the only 2 songs with actual lyrics are "The Promise" and "Almost a Whisper", both previously released titles with the addition here of lyrics. I'm not in love with either of them. All the vocals on the other 8 that have them are there as additional instruments, not as vocals. I happen to like hearing voice used as an instrument, so it's no surprise that I am happy with this album.
There is a lot of rhythm and percussion on this. I find myself compelled to move and sway to "Playing By Heart" and "At First Sight" and to outright DANCE to "For All Seasons", Rainmaker" and "Play Time", while "Tribal Dream" and "Never Too Late" have an Asian flair to them.
I first listened to "Ethnicity" yesterday. I had to laugh at my 2 year old grandson who started dancing and singing as soon as "For All Seasons" started playing. He has had NO exposure to Yanni in the past so I was thrilled to find him enjoying it.
I love this one so much that I then went on-line to purchase tickets to his concert and I can't wait to see these pieces performed live.
Free Music Review: New and Jazzier
Hit: 5 Stars
After the last CD (If I Could Tell You) I was worried we'd get something that felt forgettable and better suited to be elevator music, but I must say the music has a lot of personality. In fact I'd say it's a bit more like Jazz than anything he's done before. There are lots of Asian hints as well as lots of African ones.
Addressing previous complaints:
Some people seem disturbed they can't understand the words, or that Yanni is using the voice as an instrument (ie. Moaning, humming, or what have you). If that doesn't appeal to you then you aren't going to like this CD, and you're probably the kind of person who hates Reggae. Personally I love it and don't think it detracts from the CD.
It's not like other Yanni CDs? Well, it's acctually more like them than the last CD, but none of Yanni's CDs are the same as his old ones, so I find this accusation somewhat silly. Isn't what sets Yanni apart his willingness to experiment and do different things?
Yanni is playing with something different now. There's less of the motley concert hall, classical feel of his early CDs, and in it's place is an earthier, tighter, basic feel. It's Jazzier. It's more focused than his last CD which sort of meandered without doing much. This CD reminds me strongly of Tribute, but a more exotic, Africanized version.
Many different ethnic styles are featured throughout the CD. "Rites of Passage", for example, gives the listener a European opera singer with Asian rhythms and an African twist. As a big fan of ethnic music I loved this and felt all of it was easy to listen to over and over.