Bill Douglas - Kaleidoscope - Music & Performance - CD

Drawing from European classical traditions and contemporary pop culture, Bill Douglas's KALEIDOSCOPE is an inspired release that comprises a variety of colors, textures, and moods. The soaring oboe melody on "Sweet Rain" is a curious combination of baroque and New Age, as is the more tenebrous "Night Journey." On the latter, tribal hand drumming accompanies the lonely oboe, and after each phrase, a flute and clarinet answer using call and response.

Other compositions such as "Cradle Song" and "Noble Heart" further highlight Douglas's superb melodic sense. On both of these pieces, gorgeous woodwind instruments soliloquize over Douglas's piano accompaniment. In truth, few of Douglas's contemporaries have such an ear for elegant, lyrical composition. Clearly, KALEIDOSCOPE benefits from the composer's deep understanding of Western musical traditions. The last song "En Priere" may be the finest example of Douglas's compositional acumen. Here, light piano arpeggios dance underneath a demure clarinet melody. Soft, delicate, and melodious, this piece best embodies the spirit of KALEIDOSCOPE.