Ashran
Gandalf - Invisible Power: A Symphonic Prayer
mp3 @ 320 Kbps | 51:12 min. | 1989 | 112 MB
Review Written by Gambetis on quietmelodies
"Invisible Power" is a nice and meditative album with lush instrumental interludes and soft acoustic and electric guitar passages.
The album is a five-movement 'symphonic prayer' in a vein closer to Kitaro's eastern-mystical style than to kosmische musik.
"Seed Of Seeds", the opening movement, mixes seamlessly fairy-tale romanticism, Terry Riley's minimalism, Mike Oldfield's folkish collages Vangelis-like crescendos.
The five-part suite "River Of Permanent Changes" is a mixed blessing, in that it continues that hybrid effort but stressing one element at a time. The sweet melody of "Part II", and the piano and guitar interplay inside gentle electronic nebulae, is a success, and the loud guitar theme of "Part IV" coupled with a medieval music-box (a combination reminiscent again of Mike Oldfield) and a Michael Nyman's string scores provides for plenty of contrast, but these vignettes are often emotionally sterile.
The eight-minute "Light Of The Eternal Spirit", the third movement, straddles the line between a romantic piano sonata and Kitaro's languid psalms.
The ten-minute "The Final Day", the fourth movement, sounds like an enthralling blend of emphatic cerimonial music, lugubrious church music and Wagner-ian apotheosis.
The closing movement "Invisible Power" indulges in Tangerine Dream-like sequencers that hardly suit the 'prayer'.
"Invisible Power" is interspersed with a high degree of happy relaxed and harmonic melodies. The music of Gandalf lies just so full of beautiful ideas and a refreshing positive attitude.
Tracklist:
01 Seed Of Seeds (7:31)
02 The River Of Permanent Changes Part I (3:57)
03 The River Of Permanent Changes Part II (3:32)
04 The River Of Permanent Changes Part III (2:16)
05 The River Of Permanent Changes Part IV (4:11)
06 The River Of Permanent Changes Part V (3:02)
07 Light Of The Eternal Spirit (8:41)
08 The Final Day (10:11)
09 Invisible Power Part I (0:44)
10 Invisible Power Part II (7:07)
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Ashran
Gandalf - Gallery Of Dreams
mp3 @ 320 Kbps | 57:32 min. | 1992 | 130 MB
Gandalf's "Gallery Of Dreams" features the talented Steve Hackett, formerly with the popular group Genesis in their heyday.
From biting electric leads to serene classical guitars, Hackett adds a new dimension to the Austrian artist Gandalf who has his own multifaceted approach. Flute and oboe expand the sound even further, and Gandalf's versatility is heard on guitars, keyboards, mandolin, percussion and more. Stately melodies and symphonic flair tie the selections together, while Hackett, who appears on over half the tracks, shows his lyrical side to great advantage without forsaking the power and fluidity of his playing.
Overall, this is for sure an excellent addition to any New Age music collection.
This album is highly recommended.
Tracklist:
01 Face In The Mirror (4:50)
02 Willowman-Watcher Of The Waters (4:49)
03 Alone Again (1:56)
04 Between Different Worlds (5:58)
05 Another Dream (3:17)
06 Song Of The Unicorn (4:27)
07 Winged Shadows (6:41)
08 Choir Of Elves (2:38)
09 Lady Of The Golden Forest (6:29)
10 Hand In Hand (2:51)
11 Gallery Of Dreams (6:39)
12 Fields Of Eternal Harmony (4:24)
13 End Of The Rainbow (2:33)
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Ashran
Gandalf - The Stones Of Wisdom (Soundtrack)
mp3 @ 320 Kbps | 1:15:42 min. | 1992 | 177 MB
Gandalf's "The Stones Of Wisdom" is a journey to old mystical and ritual places in the southwest of England.
The album is a project together with the Austrian-Irish writer Ronald P. Vaughan, based on the book "The Stones Of Wisdom" and resulting in this soundtrack. Musically, this work follows the symphonic keyboard vein.
"The Stones Of Wisdom" is a release of low-key, melodic electronics.
Tracklist:
01 The Lonesome Wanderer (Coraminock's Theme) (4:42)
02 Secret Of The Ancient Tree (8:47)
03 Questions Of The Heart (1:51)
04 Simades, A Guide On The Path Of Wisdom (2:32)
05 Words Of Silence (1:10)
06 Roads Of Atlantis (7:00)
07 Talk With The Spirits Of The Sea (3:38)
08 Astral Excursion (3:59)
09 Dance Of Ecstasy (3:47)
10 Stones Of Wisdom (5:49)
11 The Light (0:47)
12 The Ageless Beauty Of Magaia (6:09)
13 Mên-An-Tol, The Healing Stone (1:03)
14 To A Different Shore (1:54)
15 Ritual Night At The Stonecircle (4:29)
16 Wings Of Love (Osjame's Theme) (5:05)
17 Servants Of Darkness - Servants Of Light (5:24)
18 Morning Of Peace (1:48)
19 Source Of Life (5:48)
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Ashran
Gandalf - Echoes From Ancient Dreams
mp3 @ 320 Kbps | 55:39 min. | 1995 | 121 MB
This Gandalf's album has the same style of "Colours Of The Earth": more drums and compositions influenced by ethnic elements.
Just as a great part of their work, this is a conceptual album and talks about myths and legends.
Tracklist:
01 Echoes From Ancient Dreams 1 (5:29)
02 The Inner Flame (5:37)
03 A Flower In The Desert (7:36)
04 Heartbeat Of The Universe (12:03)
05 Cloudshadows (3:22)
06 So Close - So Far (2:12)
07 The Magic Of Spring (5:40)
08 Shine On Full Moon (5:28)
09 Echoes From Ancient Dreams 2 (8:12)
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Ashran
Gandalf - Magical Voyage (Compilation)
mp3 @ 320 Kbps | 1:07:23 min. | 1995 | 156 MB
"Magical Voyage" is a compilation CD from 1995 that features the most popular tracks from previous Gandalf's albums.
Tracklist:
01 Stones Of Wisdom (5:51)
02 Lady Of The Golden Forest (6:24)
03 Lotus Blossom (5:44)
04 Between Different Worlds (Part 2) (3:15)
05 Earthbound (3:58)
06 Secret Of The Ancient Tree (8:36)
07 Willowman - Watcher Of The Waters (4:48)
08 End Of The Rainbow (2:28)
09 The Lonesome Wanderer (4:43)
10 Dreamscapes (Part 1) (4:05)
11 Where The Mountains Meet The Sky (Part 5) (3:45)
12 Wings Of Love (4:30)
13 The Eternal Song Of The Ocean Waves (Part 1) (5:46)
14 The Eternal Song Of The Ocean Waves (Part 2) (3:30)
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Ashran
Gandalf - Gates To Secret Realities
mp3 @ 320 Kbps | 1:07:07 min. | 1996 | 155 MB
Review Written By Gambetis on Quietmelodies:
After a successful tour in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro), Gandalf entered the studio to record this CD.
As in "Echoes From Ancient Dreams", in this album Gandalf used ethnic percussion instruments and rhythms, besides his variety of guitars and keyboards.
"Gates To Secret Realities" is dedicated to the American Indians and to all native peoples of the world.
Tracklist:
01 Dreamcatcher (part 1) (5:56)
02 Footprints In Red Sand (7:19)
03 Majestic Mountain View (6:11)
04 Voice In The Wind (8:07)
05 Along The Milky Way (5:51)
06 The Power Of Nature (6:38)
07 Ascending On The Eagle's Wings (6:22)
08 Man's Promise To Mother Earth (4:49)
09 Dreamcatcher (part 2) (4:02)
10 The Wheel Of Life (5:00)
11 Floating Down The Silent Stream (6:52)
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Ashran
Gandalf - Barakaya: Trees Water Life
mp3 @ 320 Kbps | 1:12:33 min. | 1997 | 163 MB
Review Written by Gambetis On Quietmelodies
The recordings of this album was inspired by the appearance of the comet Hale Bopp and tells the story of the elements within ourselves in their original, harmonious relationship with nature.
"Barakaya" is based on the tribal myths of the Xavante Indians. With this production, Gandalf comes closer to his goal of creating a cross-cultural, global music than ever before.
The album is a positive example for a new world music and receives great response from the audience.
Tracklist:
01 Barakaya I (3:57)
02 Cosmic Traveller (6:11)
03 Earth Dance (7:57)
04 Guidance In The Desert Night (6:50)
05 On Sacred Ground (5:11)
06 Just A Heartbeat Away (8:34)
07 Somewhere Between Earth And Sky (4:52)
08 Moments Like Eternity (2:09)
09 The Ancient Secret Path (7:12)
10 Stardust Dreams (Flying Away Into A New Morning) (7:54)
11 Barakaya II (6:35)
12 Love Is The Answer (5:11)
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Ashran
Gandalf - Into The Light
mp3 @ 320 Kbps | 1:14:09 min. | 1999 | 171 MB
Review Written by Gambetis on Quietmelodies:
"Into The Light" is a harmonious album with elevating sounds that partially reminds of his symphonic works. His son, Christian Strobl, can be heard on this record for the first time. Again, Gandalf mixes ethnic instruments with keyboards and synthesizers.
In a personal style that enters both New Instrumental Music and World Music, Gandalf takes us through a voyage to faraway lands, full of emotions and adventures. Gandalf builds melodic themes of a great beauty, and some even turn out to be highly mysterious. Several pieces are dominated by a majestic, epic character, with the orchestrations typical of Classical Music and Celtic elements. The piece “Shining Light Part 1", is a cosmic-symphonic theme of an unusual grandeur.
In a few words, a pleasant, melodic and very warm album, where the keyboards and the fine arrangements have a fundamental presence.
Tracklist:
01 Titaptawa (5:11)
02 Mystical Morning - Part 1 (3:32)
03 Mystical Morning - Part 2 (4:37)
04 The Healing Source (4:21)
05 New Horizons (6:21)
06 Shining Lights - Part 1 (6:01)
07 Over The Hills, Across The Fields (5:16)
08 Wandering In The Gardens of God (7:38)
09 Shining Light - Part 2 (2:45)
10 Peaceful Heart (4:24)
11 A Seagull´s Tale (6:34)
12 Blossoms Unfolding (4:40)
13 Higher Than Birds Can Fly - Part 1 (4:16)
14 Higher Than Birds Can Fly - Part 2 (4:49)
15 Under A Starry Sky (3:44)
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Ashran
Gandalf - Reiki: Healing Light (Compilation)
mp3 @ 320 Kbps | 1:06:56 min. | 2000 | 150 MB
Review Written by Gambetis on Quietmelodies.
This is a very smooth, melodic album, suitable for healing, relaxation, and even physical chi exercises. It features specially selected tracks from previous Gandalf's albums.
Keyboard, synthesizer, and flute sounds create a rich, soothing musical texture that leaves one feeling pleasant and content. This music can be used for many purposes and should be suitable for many tastes. I particularly liked the first track and the 5th track, and the ambience of the Far East on the closing track makes a nice tribute to the roots of Reiki healing.
Tracklist:
01 The Ancient Secret Path (Pat 1) (1:49)
02 Shine On Full Moon (5:29)
03 Moments Like Eternity (2:10)
04 Stardust Dreams (7:56)
05 Somewhere Between Earth And Sky (4:53)
06 Mystical Morning (Part 2) (4:39)
07 Secrets Of The Heart (8:32)
08 Closer To Heaven (Part 3) (6:31)
09 Angel Of Light (4:42)
10 New Horizons (6:23)
11 Floating Down The Silent Stream (6:50)
12 The Ancient Secret Path (Part 2) (7:02)
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Ashran
Gandalf - Visions 2001
mp3 @ 320 Kbps | CD1 1:16:36 min. - CD2 1:13:09 min. | 2000 | CD1 170 MB - CD2 160 MB
Review written by Gambetis on Quietmelodies
The double CD "Visions 2001" (marking the two decades of career of Gandalf) is divided as follows: CD 1 features music inspired by -The Lord of the Rings, with new music; and CD 2, entitled Rare And Precious Pieces, contains a selection of highlights and rare, formerly unreleased live recordings.
In this double-CD album, Gandalf shows his full spectrum. In multi-dimensional sound-pictures, he conjures up the fascinating world from -The Lord of the Rings of J.R.R. Tolkien and leads us into a kingdom of fantasy.
Last but not least, the characteristic guitar playing of Gandalf makes this album absolutely worth listening to.
Tracklist CD1 (Music inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord Of The Rings):
01 The Magician's Return (1:45)
02 A Long-Expected Birthday-Party (6:19)
03 Anduin - The Great River (5:41)
04 Weathertop - Flight To The Ford (4:59)
05 In Safety At Elrond's House (5:22)
06 Galadriel's Mirror (1:15)
07 The Fellowship Of The Ring (4:02)
08 Moria - A Journey In The Dark (6:16)
09 Lothlorien - The Golden Wood (4:01)
10 Just Go On Believing (Title Song) (5:15)
11 Out Of Doubt - Out Of Darkness (6:57)
12 Creeping Shades Of Mordor (1:52)
13 At The Crossroads To The Land Of Shadow (2:38)
14 A Long And Uncertain Road (6:02)
15 Orodruin - Mountain Of Fire (5:28)
16 The Battle's Over - Many Partings (3:23)
17 Just Go On Believing (Dance-Mix) (5:21)
Tracklist CD2 (Rare And Precious Pieces):
01 Mirages Upon A Desert Of Sand (Part 4) (4:26)
02 The Peaceful Village (5:10)
03 The Power of Nature (3:21)
04 Mysterious Creatures (3:07)
05 Just For You (3:42)
06 Spiritual Dawn (2:37)
07 Colours Of The Earth (3:24)
08 The River Of Realization (Part 1) (4:05)
09 The Shining (4:13)
10 Titaptawa (3:09)
11 Dreamscapes (Part 1) (3:40)
12 Invisible Power (3:27)
13 The Ancient Secret Path (3:07)
14 Maintheme From "Labyrinth" (3:14)
15 Face In The Mirror (4:26)
16 The Lonesome Wanderer (3:43)
17 Aquarius (Vocal Version) (3:29)
18 Cosmic Circle Dance (3:19)
19 Echoes From Ancient Dreams (Part 1) (3:42)
20 Samsara (3:48)
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Ashran
Gandalf - Between Earth And Sky (Compilation)
mp3 @ 320 Kbps | 1:06:20 min. | 2003 | 155 MB
Review written by Gambetis on Quietmelodies
A harmonious and meditative compilation of Gandalf's most beautiful tracks recorded between 1994 and 2001, collected from various albums that had been formerly released in Europe.
Dramatic yet dreamy, Gandalf's latest creation lingers between the world of accessible commercialism and meditative benefits. As a result, "Between Earth And Sky" could not be more appropriately titled, residing between the tangible and the intangible, compelling it to become a regular visitor on my CD player.
While Gandalf is new to the shores of the States, this self-taught Austrian composer has been gallivanting around the continents of Europe, Asia and South America since the early eighties. It was then that he released his freshman effort "Journey To An Imaginary Land". Since then he has created a multitude of solo material, as well as involvement with many side projects. This has included an appearance on the former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett's album "Gallery Of Dreams" in 1992.
As a result of his worldwide trekking, Gandalf amalgamates multiple musical cultures and creates a sweeping, yet not an overstated, musical tapestry that makes his musical style familiar yet still unique. Equally adept on guitar, keyboards and percussion, Gandalf needs little outside assistance on this project, though the musical duties are rounded out by the assistance of White Horse on cello and Peter Aschenorenner on flute and saxophone with both of them assisting on vocals. Those of you that despise vocals on instrumental albums, the arrangements are limited to the occasional chants and embellishments to bring the album a little variety.
Musically, the majority of the arrangements are keyboard based and dance between mellow meanderings and a random dramatic mid tempo composition. On many occasions, the songs flow right into each other with little or no break between each track, giving it [the album] a sense of continuity and unity sustaining a focused center point. This will be of assistance to those who may prefer the contemplative values of the project.
While this may be a valuable meditative tool, I get the impression that this secondary benefit plays second fiddle to the commercial benefits. While Gandalf has his own musical signature, there are influences of the sound-scaping you find courtesy of Mars Lasar and 2002 along with some of the sweeping visual dramatics you would find during the early electronic days of David Arkenstone.
One of the more outstanding tracks and probably the highlight of the album is "A Seagull's Tale" that flows and soars effortlessly much like a seagull gliding in a firm gentle breeze. There are some gorgeous string arrangements embellished with the cleansing sound effects of the ocean waves and gulls quietly chirping in the background
Equally as dramatic is the surging "Love Is An Answer" that builds gently and includes the flutes of Aschenorenner and the electric guitar work of Gandalf. It is never overbearing, but I would say this [is] one of the more sonically intrusive compositions of the album. However, it is not out of place with the remainder of its cohorts.
Generally, the songs present low-key melodramatic themes that are best exemplified by the opening track "Just A Heartbeat Away". Facilitated with some gentle percussion work replicating a beating heart, this song has some very strong Arkenstone features, best seen courtesy of the chorus arrangements. Gandalf's closing track "Floating Down The Silent Stream", continues the irrefutable visual interpretations that parallel his expressive song titles.
"Between Earth And Sky" has unquestionable horizontal and vertical values. Despite this juxtaposition, there is no conflict, bringing a cohesive, consistent and complimentary listening experience that I look forward to enjoying over and over again.
Tracklist:
01 Just A Heartbeat Away (6:46)
02 Echoes From Ancient Dreams (5:31)
03 The Blessing (6:29)
04 Stardust Dreams (7:43)
05 Dreamcatcher (2:49)
06 Voice In The Wind (4:07)
07 Peaceful Heart (4:24)
08 A Seagull's Tale (6:24)
09 Shine On Full Moon (5:17)
10 Love Is The Answer (4:40)
11 Along The Milky Way (5:19)
12 Floating Down The Silent Stream (6:51)
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Ashran
Gandalf - Colors Of A New Dawn
mp3 @ 320 Kbps | 55:23 min. | 2004 | 129 MB
Review written by: gambetis on quietmelodies
"Colors Of A New Dawn" continues New Age multi-instrumentalist Gandalf’s journey into meditative, ambient spaces characterized by lilting melodies, gentle rhythms, and enveloping webs of synthesizer, creating a cross-cultural global musical masterpiece.
A committed environmentalist, Gandalf’s compositions (which sport titles like "Rhythm Of The Tides" and "Flowers Along The Way") give rise to visions of verdant fields and opulent waterfalls. Gandalf plays all the instruments on this album – including acoustic and electric guitars, piano, Mellotron, keyboards, percussion and samplers, among others – and creates sonically dense landscapes appropriate both as enhancing background music and as a guide for concentrated personal reflection.
The tone of the album is uplifting and joyous, with a 'live life to the fullest' vibe that fits the album’s title.
Tracklist:
01 Rhythm Of The Tides (6:18)
02 Bridge Of Confidence (5:30)
03 In The Presence Of Angels (4:55)
04 Iris (8:59)
05 From Distant Shores (6:19)
06 In The Presence Of Angels (Reprise) (1:34)
07 Hearts In Celestial Unison (5:03)
08 Flowers Along My Way (3:01)
09 Colors Of A New Dawn (6:32)
10 Brighter Than A Star (7:12)
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