PATIENCE OF HOPE

3.5 stars. ROZ VITALIS are a band out of St. Petersburg, Russia led by keyboardist extraordinaire Ivan Rozmainsky. At this point they are a seven piece band with seven guests helping out. We get instruments like harpsichord, flute, cello, jews harp, accordion, clarinet, trumpet, flugelhorn, sax, metallophone, bassoon and gusli along with the usual instruments. Ivan thanks "The Unapproachable Light" in the liner notes. The music to my ears is in the Eclectic style but maybe they are listed under Avant because of previous releases. Mike Oldfield came to mind several times.

"Patience Of Hope" opens with harpsichord as flute joins in then a full sound before a minute. The tempo picks up then back to that earlier sound as themes are repeated. Guitar before 4 minutes as it changes again although it will continue this way until almost the end where it becomes spacey. An enjoyable and pleasant track. "The Unfading Sun(The Loved Version)" reminds me of "Yellow Hedgerow Dreamscape" to start before the piano and horns dominate. "To Stir Up Your Pure Minds" opens with cello as clarinet and more come in, this continues throughout. "Seeds Fall Among Thorns" opens with what sounds like vibes as flute, drums and more join in. Lots of intricate sounds here in this pleasant sounding piece including percussion bringing to mind Mike Oldfield. A change before 3 minutes as it darkens with horns and marching styled drums. Back to that earlier theme late. "The Forgiven Monday" opens with gentle flute as it builds some with sparse sounds. This is more melancholic than usual for this recording.

"Gorgeous Cliff" features guitar and atmosphere, gorgeous indeed. Piano, bass and flute stand out on "Mother Of All Rain" to start in this mellow beginning. Some laid back guitar joins in then it turns fuller before 3 minutes. I like this one. "Confidence" opens with piano melodies that last for almost 2 minutes then drums and more take over. A change before 4 minutes with some interesting sounds that come and go. "Dove Il Sole E Meraviglia" sounds really good when the tempo picks up before a minute. Again, so many intricate sounds coming and going, strings too. "Touching Upon The Mystery" opens with harpsichord then piano and drums take over. A cool sound 3 1/2 minutes in with keyboards, organ, drums and more leading the way. Percussion only 8 minutes in then it builds quickly with guitar. "The Unfading Sun(The Loving Version)" sounds like Chamber music throughout.

This is really good instrumental music that is very well played and arranged but it just doesn't have the enjoyment factor for me to bring it up to 4 stars. Well worth checking out though.