Spiritually based music always continues to amaze me. There are so many variations from the spiritual music world that come from virtually every known culture. You have eastern oriental, Hindi, Chennia, and Buddhist chants, just to name a few. You get the idea.
Then you come to western spiritual music as we have come to know it.
American music in general is pop, rock, country, folk, jazz, and blues. American music has a separate genre for “spiritual”, but it is primarily a one dimensional genre we know as gospel. Recently on the scene we have been introduced to Christian Rock and even some pretty hard rock or thrasher style of Christian music. Many nations do not allow anything but their particular style of music, so it’s somewhat refreshing to hear someone from this country with her eastern roots come forth with her slant on spirituality in the form of her very own unique style.
Ms. Ward has a very soft and pleasant singing voice that fits right in with her compilations. She has assembled some world class artists to play on her debut record that may garner her some well deserved attention. H. N. Bhaksar on violin contributes a degree of mystery and adds a sometimes classical touch, sometimes a jazz touch, but most often a very spiritual touch. Bhaksar is a renowned violinist and composer who has acquired the ability to play many variations of music with equal finesse. His addition to this record creates a unique fusion of western and eastern music.
Ms. Wards distinct style will undoubtedly be categorized as ‘New Age’ and that is probably okay with her. Her style is a very difficult one to categorize. In my opinion she blends together two very different worlds. East and West joins together to express her views on not only eastern spirituality, but eastern philosophy as well, applying it to today’s world, ultimately making it appealing to anyone who would like to give it a try.
In my opinion, Ms. Ward’s music’s uses are endless but the most important use, and I believe the use most important to the composer; is its potential in helping one to get in touch with their creator who ever he, she, or it is.
One of the reasons I love doing what I do is so I can learn more about music and discover new and interesting forms of music. Sometimes you have to wade through a cesspool to get to something rewarding. I have had to listen to a lot of music in my life, a lot of which is often unlistenable, but now I have been introduced to Hui Ward making my musical journey a very rewarding one. I find this compilation to not only be rewarding for the listener, but believe this is a work of art the artist should hold close to her, and continue to nurture.
Will Ms. Ward ever reach “platinum” status as far as the selling of records is concerned? Probably not, but when I listen to her, I for one, do not believe that to be one of her goals. There is, or at least should be an audience out there for her. I know one thing for certain; I would be in that audience.
This was a very compelling and difficult review to write. I’m not an expert on eastern music but Hui Ward has enlightened me and pushed me into going out on a limb to research and discover many different genres I was previously not privy too. What an excursion it was. Thank you Ms. Ward.
Reviewed By Rod Ames
