One of the more industrious aspects of this genre is the raising of important environmental concerns through a unique musical perspective. Higher Octave continues its tradition of fusing ear catching sounds with global awareness with multi-instrumentalist Tim Timmermanns lushly pastoral, yet highly rhythmic life as we know it. A founding member of the pure pop-jazz ensemble
Windows, Timmermanns seems to enjoy the freedom and open air of a less commercial, more artistic project. While strong melodically, he seems equally intent on conveying images of some of his favorite natural locales-the rain forests, the Serengeti, Salt Point, as well as introspective places within his soul. Armed with an arsenal of guitars and keyboards,
Timmermans combines sonic textures into friendly mosaics as effortlessly as the master of the art,
Michael Gettel. Subtle synth runs are balanced by spacey percussion and loping acoustic guitar lines, creating atmospheres that breathe long rushes of fresh air. Of his backing players,
Richard Hardy's wistful woodwinds take precedence, yet no doubt
Timmermans could function just fine as a one man with a mission to save the planet. ~ Jonathan Widran