David Wright Three Six Zero

We have managed to obtain signed copies with different artwork of David’s latest CD. This version is limited to just 360 worldwide (3,6,Zero, get it?). Apparently the idea behind the album is to incorporate influences from all over the world thus 360 degrees. It also happens to be the name of Dave’s new studio. The first track ‘Guardians’ starts off calmly enough with sampled female and male vocals over a lovely tinkling sequence but long term David Wright fans had better be sitting down because we then get a dance rhythm and “not quite” Gregorian chants. What marks this track apart from the usual Enigma clones however is the sympathetic but stunning use of violin courtesy of Vikki Pizer. A solo piano heralds the start of ‘Dark Side of Paradise’, more chants are brought in but the use of them is restrained with the piano and treated piano melody providing the main focus with a flute making an appearance towards the end. An ethnic rhythm bursts on the scene and we glide into ‘Sliding’. A bass dance beat combines with the ethnic rhythm superbly. Dance and ethnic rhythms over piano flute and brass doesn’t really sound as if it should work but take it from me it works magnificently. The main piano theme continues into ‘Memories’ and the violin makes a poignant return, lovely stuff. ‘Change and Adapt’ as well as being the next track could describe David Wright’s approach to this album. “It’s David Wright Jim but not as we know him”. ‘Tales from the East’ is dreamily rhythmic and leads into ‘Wishes’ which is another dancey affair. Next we have the best track on the album ‘Sygyzy’ which will be known to most of you as it was on the ‘Is There Anybody Out There?’ CD which was given away free to SMD members, it is present here in an edited version. ‘China Skies’ is very laid back and floaty, lovely one. ‘Akirima’ is also relaxing but I didn’t like the female Japanese sounding singer too much (Dave Wright tells me that she is Scottish!). An Egyptian male voice introduces and dominates ‘Shah’. ‘Listen!’ picks up the pace again and it is back to dance territory. The Egyptian and Scottish lass doing a duet! ‘Tales from the West’ is a smashing track. It starts quietly but then a very effective and infectious rhythm takes over. ‘Before the Storm’ comes complete with rain effect, even the piano sounding like raindrops. I could have done without Jap/Scottish girl again though. The title track closes the album in absolutely fantastic fashion, gently rhythmic with symphonic textures. (DL)

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