T H E W A Y H O M E

"The Way Home" is one of the first space music releases I ever purchased. I bought it (on cassette) as an "experiment," i.e. I had never heard it or anything else by Kevin Braheny. When I played it the first time, I knew that I had found something that transcended description by ordinary standards. Here was music that went deep to my core and touched something buried in my soul. the sheer beauty of Kevin's playing (especially his trademark EWI-electronic woodwind) nearly brought tears to my eyes. Listening to it now, about eight years after I first heard it, is still a revelation. This is true romantic space music. If you are unmoved by this recording, then you are a cynic of immense proportions. The flowing synth washes, the EWI gliding effortlessly along, the plucked-string synths-all combine in the two songs on this release("The Way Home" and "Perelandra") to produce a musical experience sublime and exquisite. warmer than the warmest Serrie, more melodic than Roach at his most accessible, more deeply textured than all but the best space music releases of this decade, "The Way Home" truly earns the designation "classic." The title track is the warmer and gentler of the two pieces, although those comments are deceiving. This release is one of my favorite "late night" recordings, ideal for drifting off to sleep or relaxing very late in the evening. The music of the title cut gently ebbs and flows, with slow patient synth washes counterpointed by Kevin's achingly beautiful EWI playing. "Perelandra" is the "spacier" of the two songs, much more electronic in nature than "The Way Home." Still, the warm, friendly, approachable nature of the recording is maintained. Less "organic," than the previous piece, "Perelandra" has a hint of the celestial to it, in all the best meanings of the word. If you enjoy space music that envelops you in warmth and invites peace and calm, as opposed to the darker elements of deep space, you should get this CD. After all these years, it still weaves a magic spell over me. Maybe the same will be true for you.

Review by Bill Binkelman copyright 1998 Wind and Wire

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