ODYSSÉES

A cut above what you might expect from the "instrumental Celtic new age" categorization that somewhat accurately describes them, XII Alfonso nonetheless presents a style that might have limited appeal on this list. The music tends to the dreamy and hypnotic, with plenty of acoustic and electronic instrumentation, and a plethora of well known guests such as Dan Ar Braz and Mickey Simmonds. The variation is not as wide as it might be, and the CD is overly long, but there are a few surprises, such as the vocal piece "Invisible Dream", that sounds like something the Canadian group Cano might have done way back in the past, but freshly so in the overall context. Another fine piece is the elegant "Tout Passe", with a lovely melody played on acoustic guiitar, solidly accompanied by a variety of other instrumentation along its linear path. "Messge 95", "Eclipse", and "Ou Vont les Amants" are other highlights. Mildly recommended for those who like mellow soundscapes.