The Essence is a collection of tracks by writing collective Garry Judd, Nick Ryan and Jay Reynolds, several of which have previously appeared on a number of compilation CDs.

1. A Chill Wind
2. Wunderland
3. Serpentine
4. Deep Joy
5. Manifesto
6. Becalmed
7. Retiro Park
8. Quiet Vortex
9. Refugee
10. The Secret Magic Garden
11. Bliss
12. Plaza Suite
13. Incognito

Judd is a talented individual. He has done a great deal of music for British television, and he has also written orchestral music as well as writing or cowriting all thirteen tracks here. His CD "The Heavens" is reviewed on this site.

The other musicians are Jay Reynolds on acoustic guitar, Finn Peters on flute, and Charlotte Ellis on vocals. They each appear on one track each. Judd does the rest with keyboards and various rhythm machines and/or samples.

Judd creates some beautiful melodies. At times his layered keyboards approach an orchestral sound. He keeps the beats in the background for a smooth, flowing ambience.

However, "The Essence" does not entirely escape from The Curse of the New Age. The sound gets so smooth at points that it fades into the background and fails to hold your attention. Since this is more or less a solo project, the tracks tend to blend into each other and none of them stand out.

"The Essence" is excellent New Age music for those who like the genre. Those who do not should pass this CD by.

~ Dave Howell

Add a Comment