This debut recording from the
Mystic Moods Orchestra came to be essentially by chance.
Brad Miller, who had been recording old steam engine sounds for sound effects recordings, was inspired upon hearing a late-night DJ mix easy listening music with environmental sounds. He solicited arranger
Don Ralke to record a series of easy listening songs, which were mixed with a thunderstorm. The congenial music combined with the rain and thunder proved to be a revelation to the general public, leading to several more successful mood recordings. Of the selections, "Local Freight" contains authentic steam engine sounds, a nod to
Miller's first passion, while the lonely cello combined with the sound of falling rain on "Autumn Leaves" is quite striking. This is a space age pop classic whose formula was captured many times over. ~ Robert Taylor