by Paul Cardall
Narada Productions
[414] 961-8350
It was recorded in Utah, and it sounds like Utah. Not Colorado, not Wyoming, and definitely not Texas. Something about the mind set. Paul Cardall looks a bit of a young’un, and pictures of him entertain us throughout the album liner, so someone must think he’s not bad pickin’s either.
The music’s pretty good, for the most part. It’s piano music based on an inspirational novel called The Looking Glass by Richard Paul Evans, the story of a man and woman finding love and redemption in 19th century Utah. If you’ve ever been to 19th century Utah (I’m sure Dan Quayle has), you’d know that finding anything is a miracle.
Along with piano, you’ll get snippets of guitar and strings, pretty much all in the background. The music itself is calm, peaceful, pretty, sappy in spots, but right now it’s kind of bridling me and letting me focus inwardly, and that’s not a bad thing. I’d say that while he’s solid, there’s no great virtuosity in the performance, and no new stones kicked over in the composition. The best of the bunch are the pieces that evoke a "Down Home America" feel, that take you back to the old days & ways, and evoke a warm fireplace, or maybe a warm heart.
I think my faves are the opening number "Bethel," and "Hunter’s Heart," Hunter being the book’s male protagonist. "Quaye’s Theme," Quaye being the female lead, presents a nice slow tune right afterwards. The ending song "Redeeming Love," is (very) based on "Amazing Grace," and provides a touching finale. Some of the rest gets a bit lost in the shuffle, but on the whole it does well, so if you’re looking for something quietly inspirational, maybe you’ve found a home here in Utah.
Click here to return to Reviews Archives
