Crista Mesa-Patterson
writes about two CD's,
"Themes for Dreams" and "Sometimes I Dream"
as well as a concert and a TV special,
all with a J. Hayward connection.

"Themes For Dreams"
(The Magic Sound Of The Pan Pipes) by Pierre Belmonde

I have a peculiar affection for the sound of pan pipes... I love anything connected to Justin Hayward... This CD was a natural for me... As the title so very cleverly suggests, every song features the "magic sound of the pan pipes"!
Upon glancing at the titles I notice three of the tracks have Justin connections! "Bright Eyes", written by Mike Batt, performed by JH on his CD "Classic Blue"; "Forever Autumn", composed by Gary Osborne and Paul Vigrass for the extraordinary seventies treasure, "Jeff Wayne's War Of The Worlds" brilliantly, breathtakenly performed by JH on said album; and Justin Hayward's own masterpiece "Nights In White Satin"...I must listen to this collection!
Fast forward:
Have listened to this regularly for about a week and find it very enjoyable. The pan pipes work quite nicely with several of the well known melodies in the collection... and I do like this version of "Nights In White Satin" very much... "Bright Eyes" is charming...but my favorite track is "Forever Autumn"! It is enchanting! Delicately dreamlike and haunting.. I miss Justin's voice... but this instrumental stands on it's own merits beautifully!

Nearly every song on the CD is lovely. In fact, the only selection that does not completely appeal to me is "You Don't Bring Me Flowers"... perhaps I just don't like that song! I find myself wondering what other compositions would be well served by the pan pipes... "Themes For Dreams II, The Sequel"? Honestly, this CD is terrific.

On to another CD Bluemood mentioned of late... Mario Frangoulis " Sometimes I Dream"
Again, as with "Themes For Dreams" the main incentive for me to buy this CD was that it featured a duet with Justin Hayward of Justin's timeless composition "Nights In White Satin". But was that enough? Hmm... I finally broke down and purchased the CD in question!

In all honesty I am a huge fan of Andrea Bocelli's and did not expect to be impressed with this particular "new" tenor... I WAS SO WRONG! What a marvelous voice! So versatile and vibrant! He sings in English, Greek, Italian, and Spanish with equal self-confidence and great style.

I think his version of "Nights In White Satin" (with the bonus of Justin's collaboration) is lovely... beyond words...
I defy anyone to sit still when Mario breaks into "Luna Rossa" by A. Vian and V. De Crescenzo... the melody... is so much fun, the lyrics so contagious... you have to sing along whether you speak Italian or not! The booklet (which has the best translations I have ever come across) is a great help here.

I was pleasantly surprised by the three songs in Spanish, the ones composed by Jose Maria Cano. I was not at all familiar with this composer... and now have another singer songwriter to discover and perhaps collect.
Brilliant composer... the melodies and lyrics are dramatic and visual...I could almost see a "jealous sea" longing and lusting for "Ana" in "Naturaleza Muerta"! "Hijo De La Luna" is practically an opera in itself! "A La Luna De Valencia" is addictive! I could listen to it for eternity and be quite content! Great songs!

The imagery in the compositions which comprise this collection is so strong... the performances by Mr. Frangoulis and all connected with this CD are so powerful... one is truly transported to an "other world"... one brimming with passion; where there is joy and pleasure, even in lost loves and broken dreams. I highly recommend that anyone who enjoys good music give this CD a listen!

Look for a television special featuring the songs on this CD ( and perhaps a bit more... ) this fall and winter on your local public television station.

Crista Mesa-Patterson

Table of Contents