After a two-year break from recording, Swiss harpist Andreas Vollenweider returned with Eolian Minstrel, which marks a radical reworking of his music. The most obvious departure is the composer's collaboration with lyricists/vocalists Eliza Gilkyson (on most tracks) and Carly Simon (on one). In keeping with this conversion to the song form, Vollenweider has added a new perkiness to his music, so it sounds less like Yanni and more like Kenny G
by Geoffrey Himes

I bought a pristine copy of this CD at a used book/CD store for $1.00. I thought, "How can I lose?" Well, when suddenly hearing a woman's voice singing what seemed to be more pop/rock songs than the usual Andreas magic, I wasn't quite sure if I had gotten a good deal after all!

Fortunately, I gave the album some time and repeated listenings.
Strangely, now I believe it is one of his finest albums! Bravo to him to try something new, and kudos galore for actually pulling it off! What you have here are a vey nice group of vocal songs that somehow carry the mystery of Andreas behind them.

I must disagree with the reviewer that gave this album only one star. Of course, you may state your opinion, but please don't try to dissuade people from giving this a try. Say, "I don't care for it," but don't assume others will react as you will.
Let them have their experience; it's just music!

I say, take a deep breath and dive right in; keep an open set of ears and by the third or fourth lap you'll be swimming just fine!

Highly recommended! by John Villemonte

Andreas Vollenweider crafts his music like a sculptor manipulates the solid medium of clay, or molten glass. His musical passages are evocative, rich with sound colour and texture; he is an exceptional and sensual artist in his medium, often transcending "melody" to create sound "pictures" or spaces within which we can float for a time, unrestricted in our personal interpretation. Why then drape such wonderful passages with this thin, insubstantial veil of lyrics? The vocalist is feminine and petite no doubt, but she sits all over the music and smothers it. Carly Simon's rich and mature womanhood (on a later track) much better suits Andreas' solidity, but this vocalist really lacks the hungry spirit; the gutsy, vibrant sensuality that underpins Andreas' musical vision. The lyrics are fine, and the voice is fine ... but I'm reminded of a review of a play in the 18th century "the setting was splendid, but unfortunately the actors got in front of it." (Sorry: quoting from memory). Sadly, this is the only Vollenweider CD I have not been able to unreservedly enjoy. I can only suspect that perhaps Andreas was in love at the time.
by blair86

This album is one of Vollenweider's most underrated CD. Most people are turned off by the vocals, a sharp departure from the earlier styles of the masterful harpist. However, the vocals meshed perfectly with the sounds of Vollenweider's array of instruments.
I consider Vollenweider's music to be program music. In other words, to understand its many sounds and melodies, one must imagine a magical place, a kinder place, a place that calms and soothes us, or any place that makes us forget our worldly troubles. Vollenweider's music is able to do just that. The vocal tracks in this CD have a mythical quality to it, enhancing the overall experience rather than dampening it.
If you are unfamiliar with the music of Andreas Volenweider, I suggest picking up his Grammy-nomintated 'Down to the Moon' and 'Book of Roses.' Eolian Minstrel is definitely different that the earlier works, but is by no means inferior.
by Tyler

Track list:

1.Song of Isolde - 1:41
2.Across the Iron River (The Return) - 2:44
3.Reason Enough (All the King's Men) - 4:27
4.Eolian Minstrel - 5:02
5.Jaden Maiden - 4:05
6.The Secret Shrine of Icarus - 0:56
7.Harvest - 5:23
8.The Years in the Forest - 3:45
9.Desert of Rain - 4:27
10.Private Fires - 4:08
11.The Five Sisters - 4:49
12.Painter's Waltz - 4:09
13.Leaves of the Great Tree - 3:40
14.Lake of Time - 1:26

Musicans :
Andreas Vollenweider - Producent, Perkusja, HornRog, Harfa, Glos, Glos, Flet renesansowy, Flet bambusowy, Cheng, Arranger
Eliza Gilkyson - vocals , accoustic guitar
Carly Simon - vocals

total time : 50:42
size : 300 MB
codec : MAC 3.97