WIZARD OF THE WINDS [AKA: WHEN THE GODS SLEPT]

Bjorn Lynne is unquestionably a talented musician. He is a Norwegian multi-instrumentalist, who writes, performs and produces his own albums. While this is highly commendable, it is also where his weakness lies. If he was a member of a band, he would be receiving constant feedback, rejection of his weaker ideas, constructive criticism, and so forth. As it is, that quality control is absent, leading to albums which are well made, but quite simply dull.

"Wizard of the winds" was inspired by a book of that name by author Allan Cole. In the UK, the book was titled "When the gods slept". This album actually features both titles, the CD booklet being reversible allowing either to be displayed. The music, which is entirely instrumental apart from occasional narrations, is not intended to relate the story verbatim but rather to reflect the inspirations Lynne's take from it. Unfortunately, the message appears to be that Lynne found the book to be somewhat single paced and boring, since the music tends to fit this description.

This is new age muzak, it is Mike Oldfield chilling out, it is Bo Hansson attempting to cure his insomnia. There is fine guitar work, and proficient playing of all the various instruments Lynne turns his hand to, but the melodies are uninspired, and unexciting. The pace rarely changes, each successive track picking up from where the previous one left off.

In all honesty I can't even say I find the music relaxing, it just leaves me cold. Lynne clearly loves his craft, and is a gifted musician. Unfortunately though, I can find little here to get even slightly exited about.