Dreams of Angels – Karen Salicath Jamali (reviewed by Dave Franklin)

Having already experienced the delicacy and joy of her previous album, Hope of Angels, it was with no small amount of excitement that I sat and played Karen Salicath Jamali‘s new one, Dreams of Angels. Although excitement might not quite be the right word as the music found within, as before, is the stuff of serenity and thoughtfulness, understatement, and grace, whatever you call it, it is something special to be experienced.

Instrumental music, as is found here, is an interesting concept, especially in a modern world dominated by short-span-of-attention pop lyrics, sing-alongs, and sloganeering – a world where the words to songs seem to matter more than the tune driving them. With such delicate, lyricless piano pieces, it is down to the music itself to set the mood, impart the feelings, make the point, or at least create an atmosphere where the artist’s intentions can be felt. All too often, lyrics take the listener by the hand and lead them to the one conclusion that the artist planned. Here, the music simply points a way, any conclusion drawn is purely down to the listener.

But, of course, there is a theme at work here; again, Karen Salicath Jamali expresses her feelings regarding angelic forces and powers that watch over us all and she uses music, which comes to her often unplanned and unbidden, to distill their essence into her music.

So, over 16 gorgeously graceful and spacious pieces, we are taken from realm to realm, from Gabriel’s watery and fluid place of peace to Uriel’s truth, light, and wisdom, from the beauty and illumination that Jophiel resides over to Raziel’s spirituality and clarity of message. All such aspects are reflected in the music inspired by such higher powers.

And if you choose to interpret those as divine aspects or enlightened human qualities, if you believe they come from an external god or that such forces are found within us all, then it matters not. There are many paths to such a place, and names, definitions, and absolutes are not important.

What is important is just how intoxicating the music is, how gentle and soulful (in the deepest sense of the word) it is. Whether you use it for simple reflection and meditation or as a serene key to unlocking higher truths, the fact remains the same: This is sublime music, not to mention music that goes way beyond the usual mundane reasons why music gets written.

Celebratory, enlightening, otherworldly and utterly charming.

Album Presave HERE