How Far? How Fast? (CD) by Robin Frederick

0018317704122. New condition. CD. Some of the musicians who back singer/songwriter Robin Frederick on her debut album, How Far? How Fast?, are well known in the smooth jazz market, especially saxophonist Dave Koz and guitarist Grant Geissman. But this 1992 release isn't smooth jazz; Frederick's forte is new age/adult contemporary singing along the lines of Enya. Frederick isn't as well known as that star, and How Far? How Fast? didn't make her a big name in the new age or adult contemporary markets. In fact, writing and/or producing children's albums -- not performing new age or adult contemporary -- are what has often paid Frederick's bills. Nonetheless, this is a generally appealing, if slightly uneven, debut. Not all of the material is great, but the CD's best tracks -- which include "Feel Your Way" and "Rendezvous" -- demonstrate that she has much potential as a singer/songwriter. No one would mistake How Far? How Fast? for a children's-oriented project; the material is hauntingly ethereal and obviously aimed at adult listeners. To her credit, Frederick favors a very hands-on approach; in addition to producing the album and writing all of the songs, she plays synthesizers and keyboards. While some new age projects are totally electronic -- nothing but synthesizers and drum machines -- this CD is played as well as programmed. Frederick's synthesizers are prominent, but she also has real musicians on hand to play drums, bass, guitar, violin, and percussion. And even though How Far? How Fast? still ends up sounding high-tech, it doesn't sound cold or sterile. Unfortunately, Frederick didn't record any more solo projects in the '90s; when the year 2000 arrived, she had yet to provide a sophomore album. But Higher Octave kept How Far? How Fast? in print, and the disc is worth obtaining if you are an admirer of Enya and similar vocalists. ~ Alex Henderson, Rovi