Unlike the soundscape master's previous Real Music meditation exercise,
One, which ran as an hour-plus single track,
Tropical Meditation opens with an eight-minute multi-instrumental prelude called "Napali" before entering into a 57-minute dream state based on the gentle chants and ocean and nature sounds of Hawaii. "Napali" begins with a whispery echo from the heavens before becoming a lovely melodic soundtrack to an extended massage session -- complete with Ken Stover's gentle piano,
Bruce BecVar's gentle strumming acoustic guitar, and hypnotic chants. That's the lovely appetizer for the extended "Tropical Meditation," which begins with caressing surf sounds and moody Hawaiian flutes (by John Zangrando) before the soulful chanting continues. Along the lovely journey -- which is perfect for massage, yoga, and relaxation -- there are more traces of subtle, seductive magic by Stover and
BecVar, sweeping ambiences, and chant passages. If you can't get away to the Islands, this type of atmospheric musical exercise is the next best thing. ~ Jonathan Widran