From the Liner Notes ::
"... This imaginary world, with its many cultures and characters... all animal... was fully realized in her fertile and creative mind. The completed illustrations she showed me on that day were amazing and entirely inspiring for a composer who has often found his inspiration in stories and books."
--- Jeff Johnson (on meeting the Authors)
Review / Comments ::
"It is said... In some Far and Distant lands... That speaking the Name of a Place connects you to its Heart, and can Breathe it into Being. Bo-hibba!"
Thus begins a short narration that starts this latest collaborative project of composers Jeff Johnson & Brian Dunning, "The Katurran Odyssey: A Musical Journey". Once again taking a story... Only this time, one of pure Fantasy... As the inspiration for their compositions, Johnson & Dunning endeavor to bring to life the magical island of Bo-hibba... Its many inhabitants... And the journey of a Lemur named Katook.
Being an unabashed devotée of the Fantasy genre, and previously familiar with several other recordings by Johnson & Dunning, I knew this was a "must have" CD the moment I came across it. Even without an understanding of the story upon which the CD is based, I found the music very compelling. Each track is thoroughly impressionistic... Creating a musical imagery of the particular section of Katook's journey to which it relates. Largely instrumental... The only lyrics are the brief narrative at the beginning, and in the song "The Beautiful Sky".
After having listened to the CD several times, I still can not pick any definite favorites. Although... One track which I find especially moving is "Finding Heaven". Without lyrics, but utilizing the beautiful voice of Janet Chvatal, the music evokes a feeling of being momentarily enveloped by something transcendent. A difficult feeling to adequately describe... I will leave it for readers of this review to discover for themselves.
I plan to read the book in the near future, and highly recommend this CD to anyone who enjoys New Age music and Fantasy.
Additional Information:
A Hearts of Space/Ark Music release
Produced; Recorded & Mixed by Jeff Johnson at The Ark, Camano Island, Washington
Additional recording at:
Jacordi Studio, Clane, County Kildare, Ireland
The Trench, Portland, Oregon
Grouse Lodge, Rosemont, County Westmeath, Ireland
The Kung Fu Bakery Annex, Portland, Oregon
Related Web Links ::
Official Site: http://www.arkmusic.com/ 
Official Book Site: http://www.katurranodyssey.com/
Available At ::
Ark Music (Toll Free Number)
iTunes Music Store (Download)
Amazon.com (CD)
Album Copyright Information ::
© 2004 Ark Music/Ark Records, Inc.
Review Date ::
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