New age pianist
Michael Jones found sympathetic collaborators in
David Darling (cello) and
Nancy Rumbel (oboe and English horn). The title track is one of
Jones' most memorable and magical tunes. The piano flutters like leaves in the wind and sparkles like light breaking through the branches;
Rumbel's woodwinds sing like birds while
Darling's cello seems to hold the warmth of the earth, then plunks and plops like raindrops. All the tracks are this evocative of nature, its ponds and trees and seasons.
Jones creates the sparkles and ripples,
Rumbel adds heartfelt nobility, and
Darling supports the bass with long resonant lines and also provides jaunty syncopated rhythms. While appealing upon its initial release,
After the Rain remains enchanting years later after dozens of listenings. ~ Carol Wright