Parallel Path
Table of Contents
Description of the Parallel Path CD
Track List and Song Samples
Stein Eriksen - The Heart of Skiing DVD
Reviews
The music for Parallel Path has been the result of several years of dedicated work, finding its inspiration from many of the natural wonders and simple pleasures in life. In his debut release, keyboardist and composer Harrison Edwards has truly captured the awe and beauty of the majestic view from the mountaintops of Acadia National Park, the peaceful serenity of Skyline Drive, and the breathtaking, snow covered landscapes of Antarctica. These are among the images recreated in this original collection of twelve richly orchestrated, instrumental songs.
The use of Harrison's unique blend of acoustic and synthesized instrumentation generated by an array of sound modules and synthesizers, has resulted in music that is imaginative and energizing. The sounds of acoustic guitar, grand pianos, flutes, string sections, percussion, and lush, exotic synthesized sounds evoke the imagery inspired by these experiences.
| Song Titles | Inspiration |
| Parallel
Path |
We often journey down many paths in life, some of which take us in totally different directions. This song was the result of simultaneously going down two separate paths, one of which lead to the creation of the music on this CD. |
| The Millennium Symphony | A tribute to the coming of the next 1000 years. |
| Ride the
Wind |
A song inspired by "Caprice" composed by Pietro Antonio Locatelli (1695 - 1764). The only time I ever heard this piece of music it stopped me in my tracks. I hope I am lucky enough to hear it again some day. "Ride the Wind" was conceived from a melodic motive that winds its way throughout the song over various harmonic backgrounds, developing as it goes, much in the same way that "Caprice" does. |
| Antarctica |
A song inspired by the snow covered landscape and beauty of Antarctica. |
| Sojourn | Inspired by the tranquil view of the valley outside my studio. |
| Acadia | Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful places you could ever visit. The view of Bar Harbor and the surrounding Atlantic Ocean from atop Mount Desert is awe inspiring. |
| Desert Sands | A light song based on an image of rolling sand dunes. |
| The Morning Star | Dedicated to my wife Mary, and to our son Zachary who was born at 3 am. |
| The Pinnacle | A long hike along a wooded path on the Kittatinny Ridge in Kempton, Pennsylvania leads to a point at the top referred to as The Pinnacle, where an incredible view of the Lehigh Valley below can be seen. |
| Jazzland | Inspired by a children's story entitled Jamberry, about a little boy and a bear and their journey through new and different places in search of different types of berries. One journey brings them to a band shell where musicians are playing a song. This song was developed from a very short melodic phrase based on a minor 7th interval for an acoustic upright bass while working on a different piece of music. |
| Skyline Drive | Inspired by the scenic highway through the mountains of West Virginia. |
| The Little Boy and the Moon | When my son Zachary was two years old, he was fascinated by the moon as he watched it rise up through the woods, into the night sky. |
|
Stein Eriksen - The Heart of Skiing DVD
Many of the songs from the Parallel Path CD have been featured on The Heart of Skiing DVD about former Olympic champion Stein Eriksen.
Magazine and e-zine Reviews:
| "...The recording is flawless, with a beautiful weave between the acoustic lines and the strings. ... A cup of wine, some cheese & a powerful stereo system playing music like this might change your life for the better! ...for those who want some sweet listening, it is excellent music that rates a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from this reviewer." - Improvijazzation Nation - Dick Metcalf |
| "Keyboardist extraordinaire, Harrison Edwards, takes the listener on a soaring, instrumental journey to places of unspeakable beauty in this remarkable new age release. Harrison evokes breathtaking soundscapes with his sweeping orchestrations and soul stirring melodies, creating music that is both visual and inspirational. His energized soundscapes are reminiscent of David Arkenstone's finest works, giving listeners the delightful sensations of flying or sailing. There is little repetition, so the movement is always forward as each composition unfolds and develops, carrying the listener to its unforeseen ---but always magical--- destination. Even after repeated listening, this music is just as enchanting as it was the first time, easily receiving my highest recommendation to all lovers of strongly melodic new age music." - Musical Soundscapes - Robert Walmsley |
Radio Stations:
“Good, soothing songs!” – Jonathan Cerney, KCWU
