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Release Date: 1996 |
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Total Tracks: 10 |
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Catalogue Number: AD13CD |
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Total Time: 57:57 |
When it was released in 1996 on the AD Music label, 'Elysian Fields' received
tremendous critical acclaim. Snippets of the album were heard in 1995, when AD Music's
David Wright, impressed with Bekki's demo tape, decided to put two tracks on the 1995 AD sampler CD. These pieces, 'Megaera' and
'Elysian Fields (part 1)' became the first and second tracks on Bekki's debut
album.
Tracks from the album have been featured on compilation albums from Italy and Germany;
indeed, public reaction to her music in Germany earned Bekki the place of 10th best
newcomer in the 1997 Schwingungen awards. In addition, 'Elysian Fields' was the
second best-selling CD for 1996 in Derby's Midas Chart, as well as ranking in the top 10
of many radio playlists from both Europe and the USA during 1996 and 1997, notably the
syndicated 'Echoes' radio programme.
Originally called 'Twilight's Child', (this title was dropped because it was considered
too kitsch), 'Elysian Fields' continues to receive frequent airplay from all four corners
of the globe, and remains an excellent seller. |
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| 'In the Arms of Morpheus' - she finds it relaxing. Although she actually
prefers Mass Panic's remix, done for the Trance
AD compilation album. |
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- "Bekki Williams is a keyboard genius. Elysian Fields will calm you, elate you, make
you happy and sad. You will discover places in your inner being that you have never been
before... this is one of the best synth albums I have heard in a long time... fifty eight
minutes of pure audio enjoyment. Elysian Fields is a must have for any
collection". (Editors Choice: Supa-Nova, UK.)
- "So melodic, so soft, so colourful. It's very 'female' music. It feels like a
woman's hand is touching your body. Great!" (Radio Jowisz, Poland.)
- "This is Bekkis first release and it is full of brilliantly composed and
executed, full-sounding synth music tracks with strong melodies that comes very much from
the classic UK mould. Right from the opening track the music is strong, melodic and
excellently constructed. She performs like a true professional with a playing style not
far removed from the best of the UK synth music composers. Throughout the entire near hour
long set you hear masses of soaring synth melodies and layers with sequencers and
percussive rhythm passages that really drive, resulting in an expansive set of 10
panoramic soundscapes full of dynamics and richly textured themes that sound great
wherever they are played, and worthy of everything from Tangerine Dream, John Dyson, Andy
Pickford, Mark Shreeve, Vangelis and beyond. The sound is dynamic yet deceptively light,
powerful but never bombastic and the strength and heart of the music lies in her exquisite
compositional skills and emotional execution of the music. A real gem!" (CDS, UK.)
- "This new AD Music release is like a breath of fresh air, not just another UK clone
work. She brings a definite feminine sensibility into her music, making it more emotive
and ornate... the music is as magical as the title implies". (Eurock, USA.)
- After fighting off the dog, who has a penchant for shredding jiffy bags as they drop
through the letterbox, this eagerly awaited debut CD was straight onto the player. The
opening two tracks were the reason for my eagerness, being both featured on the '1995AD'
CD. 'Megaera' is very upbeat and melodic and has shades of a more modern style Tangerine
Dream. 'Elysian Fields Part 1' is a classically based rich and powerful piece of music.
Onto the previously unheard material, and immediately we are presented with style that a
certain other EM artist from Derby specialises in - Andy Pickford. 'Charon' could easily
be taken from 'Terraformer' with its Pickford-style sequencing overlaid with heavenly
voices. 'Moon of Artemis' features more AP references with heavy drum patterns and
sequencing and again a slightly classical mood. 'Hera' slows things down with a piano solo
which develops into a steady synth track, returning to the piano to close. 'Secrets of the
Labyrinth' is a track which needs playing many times to pick out everything. Starting with
spacey synth washes, the sequences then come in backed by guitar effects. Sequences then
dominate before more synth takes over. 'Icarus' has another Pickford-style intro before
developing into a really attractive foot-tapper. 'In the Arms of Morpheus' slows things
down again, a powerful rhythmic outing with flutey synth and sax sections. 'A Glance from
Medusa' needs the volume turned up to fully appreciate it. A real "stormer" of a
track with Pickford style sequencing bursting from the speakers. 'Elysian Fields Part 2'
closes the album, and actually reminds me more of Robert Fox from the 'Asfafa' / 'Fire and
the Rose' days. It features rich orchestral sounds with strong classical leanings,
concluding with a return to the theme of 'Part 1' on piano. This CD is a superb debut.
Many of you will wonder at times "could this be one Andy Pickford in disguise?"
It is certainly as good as his work, and leaves you eagerly waiting for her live
appearances and future albums. It's great to hear true EM from a female in what has
previously been a male dominated area. If this is anything to go by, let's have more!
(SMD, UK).
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- "Wonderful. Her music is so soothing and melodic, puts you in another world".
(Glen Ellen, CA).
- "Sublime soundscapes. A terrific achievement. It's rare that New-Agey music can
actually make you feel emotions, but this one succeeds in splendid fashion and had me
close to tears in several places whilst making me want to laugh out loud and hug someone
in others. I love it!" (Jason Mellor, UK).
- "Excellent. This CD is great, the lady is very talented indeed. Recommended to
anyone who enjoys instrumental music with a classical touch". (Claire Thompson,
Dublin).
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