Even music fans who have little appreciation for New Age music might find David Hicken (http://www.davidhicken.com) to their liking. I do not use the term New Age in the most strict fashion here as Hicken's piano pieces are as chilled out as smooth jazz and evocative as a film soundtrack. Indeed, there is reel-to-reel drama unfolding in "Isis" as it gradually builds up and in "Kuan Yin," which is withdrawn yet ethereal.
As a pianist, Hicken reminds me more of classical musicians as his style isn't the icy repetition that has given New Age such an undying stigma over the past few decades. He weaves lovely melodies and sparkling hooks with the sense of wonder of a master magician. I am most impressed by not only how every track holds my attention but keeps me mesmerized, falling under their spell. You can really zone out of this world with this CD, escape from the troubles of everyday life.
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And, really, the basic appeal of New Age music is not in its technical complexities or high-tech production; it's how it softens the blow of daily stress, a massage to the soul. There are no words because your emotions are what interprets the music. You shut down your thinking systems and let the sounds flow through your consciousness. Some New Age artists fail to do this, but Hicken is not one of them.
"Goddess" takes you away, brings you to another level of existence that is breathtaking and invigorating.
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