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Synthesist David Arkenstone has been making inspiring, orchestrally enhanced new age concept recordings for years, and the tribal intensity of this ensemble -- helmed by him and his multi-instrumentalist wife Diane -- will happily surprise fans of that "other side." The concept here seems to be combining spacey, meditative, otherworldly electronic soundscapes with more organic and exotic tribal instruments to create a wild fusion. A dramatic piece like "Dance of Creation" -- which includes Diane Arkenstone's soaring wordless guttural cries, the swirling flutes of George Tottorelli, and even some urban house music -- may remind some listeners of Yulara, a duo that does a similar blending of new age and worldbeat elements. In line with the album title, the tune indeed induces a trance-like feeling. Other songs aren't quite as overwhelming; "Constellation Communication," for instance features jungly soundscaping, some spacey synth and percussion elements, and a soft flute and synth melody exchange, but all in the service of a more relaxed vibe. "Freedom of Movement" offers more of a floating effect combined with a Native American flavor. "The Jungles of Ashi Maaru" is even more subtle, with all of the sound effects and instruments at a distance from the dramatic tribal groove. If you're a fan of David Arkenstone, you'll like where he's headed with this. If you've resisted him in the past, this may be the time to explore the amazing depth of his artistry. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide
Stones' world trek returns to US
Aging rockers continue to defy the odds as Bigger Bang tour enters its second year.
More than 40,000 Rolling Stones fans turned out as the four-decade-old band kicked off its latest US tour near Boston last night, looking for another chance to spend the night together.
The Rolling Stones
As the grizzled rockers, most of whom are in their 60s, approach the end of a year that has delivered some knocks for band members, fans said part of the draw of the tour is to get a look at the group while it's still around.
Alan Gadde, 57, said he'd first seen the Stones on an early US tour in 1965. This time around, he'd brought his family.
"I brought my daughter and her friends so they could see them while they're still playing," said Gadde, of Sandown, New Hampshire.
It has been a rough year for the Stones, who had to delay their European summer tour after guitarist Keith Richards, 62, suffered a concussion after falling from a tree while on vacation in Fiji. Guitarist Ron Wood, 59, checked into a London rehabilitation clinic in June for treatment of alcohol abuse. In August, the band had to cancel two concerts in Spain after lead singer Mick Jagger, 63, developed laryngitis.
While drummer Charlie Watts, 65, has maintained a lower-key image than his bandmates, he has not been without health troubles. In 2004 he was diagnosed with throat cancer.
"Everybody knows that these '60s bands aren't going to be around forever," said Nathan Brackett, senior editor at Rolling Stone music magazine. "You never know if this tour is going to be their last tour."
Despite their ailments, the band showed an energy that belied its years. Front man Jagger bounced around the stage throughout a two-hour concert that included the band's best-known hits, including "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," "Sympathy for the Devil," and "Paint It Black," as well as newer numbers "Rough Justice" and "Streets of Love" from their 2005 album A Bigger Bang."
Midway through the show, the entire band rolled out to the middle of the football field at Gillette Stadium, located some 30 miles south of Boston, continuing to perform from a platform in the middle of the crowd.
Foxborough was the first of 17 cities up for the Stones on this leg of their tour, with stops planned in the New York area, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
Several fans said they admired the band members for being able to keep up such a vigorous touring schedule.
"It is an inspiration to us," said Leslie Ruggiero, 48, of Marlborough, Massachusetts. "They're the perfect example of your body following what your mind says."
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