Voices in the Wind by Wind Machine (CD, Jan-1992, Silver Wave)

From the opening strumming of the acoustic guitars and bass, this is something familiar, yet new. The influence of the Pat Metheny Group is heavy on most of the jazz and so called "new age" instrumental music of the time, yet, Wind Machine brings its own sound to be experienced in a new way. The overall acoustic sound is very relaxing and there is really not a bad or second rate cut on the whole CD. Steve Mesple and family along with Joe Scott (Acoustic Eidolon) create a fresh breeze with each new song and you are sure to be relaxed and captivated by the sounds. I bought this CD over a decade after its release, because I just happened across some partial tracks from this recording and had to hear all of them. The piano work is sometimes a bit tense and very practiced, almost mechanical, although very professional - the influence of Lyle Mays is heavy. The guitar work of Steve Mesple and the guitjo, a double-necked, multi-string guitar invented and played by Joe Scott, is seemingly flawless - very solid and effective - it flows without a feeling of tension or struggle. Other players add light percussion, some occasional synth pads or a pennywhistle. Overall, an outstanding and very listenable CD. One of the most important requirements of music I listen to now is - does it relax me and relieve any stress. When I listen to Wind Machine, I am calmed, often to the point of wanting to take a nap - and this is the highest complement I can pay them. On most tunes, their sound provokes a profound sense of relaxation.