Genie Nilsson
Wildflowers

Review by Steven R. Rochlin
Click here to e-mail reviewer

  It is rare, nowadays, to read a music review from Yours Truly. While being the editor of Enjoy the Music.com™ and a music lover who has over 10,000 recordings within his collection, it is getting harder to find new music that gets my attention. While i do enjoy some of the popular music, much of it is drenched with commercial hooks, lackluster musicianship, sound quality only the deaf could love... there are exceptions. Some of the most enjoyable music received in the past few years have been from small, independent labels. In fact some of the music is technically on no commercial label at all! My review of Cody Michaels A Creation Prayer back in April of 2002 spurred many audiophiles to purchase this little-known title and find just how great these independently released music titles can be. It is through word of mouth that eventually makes these musicians come into popularity. if you are not familiar with Genie, please allow me to introduce you to her wonderful music.

If any of you have young children and have watched the Teletubbies, you may be aware of some hidden, nearly hypnotic trance this show cases to those who watch it. Wildflowers has this trait plus an almost earthy, warm, and angelic angle. Think of Enya mixed with a touch of spirituality with a good dose of childlike wonder. While i would not call Genie Nillson's Wildflowers New Age, it is more akin to a warm summer's breeze that blows through your house and fills it with the scent of... wildflowers.

The music is light, airy, and refreshing. The first song on Wildflowers is an ode to grandmother. A slow tempo song with music and lyrics closer to a fairy tale than holistic New Age. Audiophiles will immediately realize the delicacy and care taken when making this recording. Yes, real instruments with some studio seasoning only to enhance the aural senses. Suffice to say the music is well recorded so we can get back the what really matters... the music.

The third song on this eleven track CD, titled "Someday", is my favorite and begins with gently played gongs, wind chimes and the like to gently build to guitar and piano accompaniment. Genie's airy vocals soon enter as the song tenderly soars forth. A refreshing change to the mainstream madness that may be thrust upon us during our busy lives. The entire disc is filled with such delights! The natural talents of both Genie and Troy Nillson are brought into a glorious spotlight on each and every track. It is easy to sense their deep love for music and it shines through like a sun peeing through the clouds.

While i will avoid discussing Genie's personal challenges during her life that is behind some of her songs, you can read about it on her website and it is further covered within the DVD. Suffice to say she has a wonderful way of dealing with life's trials and tribulations. In fact her music is a type of celebration of the great things life has to offer. This sharing of joy is also expressed in that her music is "free" as all proceeds go to a non-profit charity. While the entire CD is available on her website in lossy MP3 format, the CD and DVD are naturally of higher quality. As was said in my review of Cody Michaels A Creation Prayer, please consider this music one of the wonderful gifts in life. i can only be humbled that i am in a position to allow you to discover it. The journey is there for you to discover. As always...

Enjoy the Music,

Steven R. Rochlin  

Enjoyment: 100