The Family Elan
Stare of Dawn
Locust Music 2007

01. All Around
02. Monumental
03. Wide Eyed Fox
04. Cascade/Danse of Airs
05. Over the Hills and Fields I Wander (The Bells of Earthly Wonder)

«...The album is primarily the work of Chris Hladowski, who also plays in the groups Nalle, The One Ensemble, and Scatter. Hladowski is a virtuoso of sorts with stringed instruments and plays bouzouki, guitar, baglamas, fiddle, gimbri, and a variety of other instruments. Hanna Tuulikki offers additional help with flute, recorder, and vocals. Said to be inspired by the artists and music of Greece, the Middle East, and Eurasia, the resulting album is packed with beautiful, intoxicating folk. Every piece pulses with energy and skill as it transcends musical and geographic boundaries.

What is most striking about Stare of Dawn is the elegance and richness found in each of the five tracks. Layers of stringed instruments create a flurry of rhythms punctuated by vocals and occasional percussion. The sound is so full that it is easy to think that dozens of instruments are playing at any given time. A deep emphasis on the arrangement of instrumental sounds and complex musical structures makes this album extremely compelling. One could try and focus on an individual instrument, but that seems impossible as each part is woven so tightly to the rest.» -FD

>> ffact / mihd (62mb)
>> love it, buy it (Locust)

Exquisite stuff. Right up there with the best debuts of '07... Avoid headphones.