WAVES

After subdividing their sultry repast into rather tasty and easily digestible morsels on "Floating World", JADE WARRIOR opted for the 6 course meal all served at once on "Waves". As a result, it takes more listens to appreciate, but one is rewarded for the effort. This is hypnotic and meditative music that is moving on several levels, not the least of which it gives the sense of discovery of new lands, living beings and adventures of mind, body and spirit. It is instrumental music as it should be, where lyrics would only interrupt the intimacy of the experience.

The sound here is essentially soft progressive rock with jazzy touches particularly on well placed keyboards by STEVE WINWOOD. Meticulously rendered percussions, flutes, acoustic, lead, and bass can be unassuming or imposing as your mood dictates. The melodies are languid and yet intense, focused by the loving arrangements. Only on a middle segment of Part 2 do we really experience a "this is rock music" revelation; personally I don't think it was needed. In any case the first part contains most of the highlights. I hate to mention KING CRIMSON's "Islands" for the second time in a few days but it fits, although JADE WARRIOR is more consistent.

In and of itself, JADE WARRIOR didn't make a splash at the time, and while this disk can be a bit like watching waves empty gently ashore for 40 minutes, it can be every bit as restorative.