Jan Hanford Vespers Please go to the Store to buy this item.

'Landlocked' kicks off this CD in fine style. It is a rhythmic track containing some strong melodies. It would make a good theme tune to a television programme. 'Delirious' starts off with a bright sequence before introducing a slow dance beat which sounds more moody than energetic and a beautiful piano lead line is played over the top. This is one of the best piano sections I have heard in a long time and it fits perfectly with the synth backing. 'Intimate' builds slowly with layer after layer of rhythm and a staccato lead line takes centre stage. This track has many modern "Ambient" touches and even sounds a little like Asana in places. 'Theoria' is a much more moody and laid back affair with some trance like touches and as with the other tracks a very effective lead line which washes over you rather than demanding your attention - nice. 'Human Response' contains a ringing sequence and a dance beat - OK but certainly not the best track on the album. 'Angels' starts off with a sequence using a harp sound and that slow dance beat makes itself heard. We are in Ambient territory again, the bass drum being very deep. Better than 'Human Response' but I think Jan Hanford is more effective when she tries to be subtle rather than "with it". 'Total Truth' and 'Denial' are more dance outings and again aren't bad but.... 'If I can believe what I see' is a very interesting track. That slow dance beat is still there but this time it has an almost jazzy tinge to it and some very effective cinematic string / sample effects. The vocal sample might be used a little too much but it is certainly one of my favourite pieces on the album. 'Ambien ll, of the five' continues in Ambient style and then we have the title track 'Vespers'. As with 'Delirious' we have a beautiful piano lead line and in fitting with such a title some Gregorian chants are thrown in for good measure. The last track is intriguingly called 'Dancing (moog archive 1)', what a brilliant moog beginning, superb sequence and typical analogue effects. The track does break up from time to time which I assume is intentional and creates a rather 'interesting' effect. I would be fascinated to hear what people think. Someone into Ambient music would have made a better job of reviewing this CD than me and I am sure that people into that style of music will really like this album. As for me I enjoyed half of it very much (the bits that sounded most like Asana) and the other half I found pleasant. (DL)

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