River of Life – Chris Conway (Paradise Music) www.chrisconway.org

I think if I were called Chris Conway I would have chosen myself a fancy moniker to avoid confusion with Russ – though of course the most desirable name Gandalf has already been taken by another new ager. And as for Chris’s record company stable-mate, Llewellyn, his real name is… No, I can’t do it – it wouldn’t be fair! (But if you think Elton John’s is bad…) Not that I can talk: you don’t think Kinski’s my real name do you?! Anyway, I’d best stop channelling Ronnie Corbett and get on with the review.

Hi, nice CD Chris! He says he appreciates Kinski's page in Kindred Spirit for its individualism so I ought to say something contentious about his CD to test him out. Trouble is I can’t think of anything. What I’m noticing with a fair few New Age composers these days is that they’re getting darned good at their craft. Craft or art? To my mind, craft often shows more skill but less originality than art? I’m struggling with definitions here but won’t go on. I trust you get what I mean. I appreciate Chris’ work (as well as Gandalf’s and Llewellyn’s), a lot more these days, now I’ve accepted that the New Age is unlikely to ever to grow any balls (ahh! a contentious comment for you after all, Chris!). But is it me who’s changed, or have more New Age artists (craftspeople?) started creating their music with more subtlety, complexity and variety which engages my attention such that the comparative lack of fire is less of a problem? There’s a beautiful balance and many sophisticated elements to this album, which often lifts it out of the confines of the new age genre. Break free, Chris, break free!

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