CHAKRAS

It is difficult to know how to classify this album, as it is not an official release by Oliver in the strictest sense. He does indeed write and perform all the tracks here single handed, but this is a "commissioned work". The music was specifically composed and recorded for the Balance and Harmony record label for their "Spiritual vitamins" series of releases. As such, there is no artist mentioned on the front cover of the digipak sleeve, although Oliver does receive a small compositional credit on the back, and a performance credit in the accompanying booklet. This was the only work recorded by Wakeman for the "Spiritual Vitamins" series, although he has worked on other commissions.

Given the background to the album, it becomes apparent that this will not be an album of rock orientated material, but a collection of relaxing, new age sounds. The tracks are based on the seven "Chakras", each running to between 5 and 11 minutes. The only instrumentation is the piano and electronic keyboards of Wakeman, devoid of drums, bass, guitar etc. The sleeve notes helpfully encourage us to "Float away with the music and become enveloped in waves of reflective calm as your body responds".

The music uses the usual new age techniques such as repetitive motifs, wave like sounds, and floating synths. Oliver's keyboard talents are most apparent in his piano leads, which naturally reflect similar albums recorded by his father and his brother.

In all, a pleasantly relaxing album of excusable ubiquity and anonymity. Those who have come to appreciate the music of Oliver through his rock orientated work should not expect to hear anything of that nature here. On the other hand those who enjoy the new age work of Rick and Adam should seek this one out too.

The sleeve notes (written in 6 different languages) explain that "Chakras" relate to the energy channel of the body which runs from the top of the head to the base of the torso. Along this channel are spinning "wheels" called Chakras. Each of these has a name, which perform various functions according to their location. In short, the state of each of these Chakras dictates our physical, metal and spiritual health. The track titles use the Sanskrit names for these Chakras, which in English correspond to areas such as the heart, the throat, and the solar plexus.

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