THE TRILOGY

The first three proper albums of Vollenweider form a trilogy: Behind The Gardens..., Caverna Magica and White Winds (1980 - 1985). Since they also have a relatively short running time, it's very suitable to collect them together in this 2-CD set. In addition it includes a selection of Eine Art Suite, originally dating before these albums, plus 'Pace Verde', a 5-minute track made in honour of Greenpeace.

These albums are among his finest. Accompanied by some musicians mainly on percussion and keyboards, Andreas plays the harp and several other instruments. Especially the arrangements of Eine Art Suite are very varied, and there you hear some of his most "rocking" tracks too, such as the magnificent 'Gate Within a Gate'. The trilogy itself works well as a unity. All have an adventurous, journey-like spirit, evoking images of unknown places. They have their highlights and some less satisfying moments, but the conceptual nature of them works nicely, even without any lyrics (except some mumbling of invented words on one or two tracks). White Winds may be my favourite, but probably I'll review it separately. Right now it's been a long time since I've been listening to the trilogy.

The leaflet does not have colour pictures, specific essays or artist introduction, just the album credits. Also the cover design is rather poor, must say. But the set is a good way to get over two hours worth of Vollenweider's best music.