Imagined Oceans

Karl Jenkins' successful combination of new age, jazz, and classical influences continues with Imagined Oceans, a musical interpretation of 13 of the Latin-named areas of the moon which were once believed to be vast stretches of water. The recorder of Pamela Thorby features heavily throughout, as does the imaginative use of voices; three female singers with a collected range of over three and a half octaves furthers the ethereal feel. There are as many highlights in this dense and complex collection as there are impenetrable sections that will require several listens. The pizzicati "Mare Vaporum (Sea of Vapours)," distinguished by the use of steam-like cymbals and a mesmeric flute part; "Mare Australis (Southern Sea)," a Mozart-influenced piece featuring Australian didgeridoo; and "Lacus Pereverantiae (Lake of Perseverance)," driven by a relentlessly repetitive (syncopated) rhythm, are among the best tracks. The musical metaphors are strewn throughout and ably continued with "Mare Imbrium (Sea of Showers)," punctuated by pizzicato string raindrops. Jenkins goal, "To create a world of aquatic fantasy," is ably achieved with this intricate and involved collection.