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Averaging at around one new release per annum for the last decade, Adrian Snell's recording career is amazing. Combine that with an international touring schedule and you've got one busy guy! This latest
work was developed both as a studio album and a concert programme, for which it is suitably constructed, since, like some previous output - such as the magnificent City of Peace project -
I Dream of Peace is built around a particular concept; that of 'looking at the world through the eyes and the experiences of children, and the child in
all of us'.
Far from being a simplistic collection of kids songs(!), the result is a profound expression of creative poetry from the heart of Adrian personally (as in the charming
'Favourite song') or deeply moving verses penned by children in situations of suffering and doubt. These are thoughtful, inspirational pieces, and draw on the very best in musicianship, such as co-lead vocals of
Natasja Gorlee, strikingly sensitive string arrangements from the Wellspring Ensemble, guitar and woodwind from Dan Wheeler and David Fitzgerald respectively and the choral excellence of Winchester Cathedral Choir on
the hopeful 'Compassion (The Beatitudes)' finale.
A couple of tunes have appeared before (e.g. the restful shuffle 'Where your River flows'; the masterful 'City of Peace'
instrumental); one or two are foretastes of the Requiem for the Lost Child
project, several years in the making and finally due for release next year. I Dream of Peace is rooted in the reality of life's often dark experiences, yet, like a butterfly rising up through the prison bars, it's songs glitter with the hope of peace, freedom and beauty
in a perfect future world. In these troubled, uncertain days more than ever, a tenacious childlike faith like this is worth more than all the world's gold and silver.
Review by tom lennie |
