"TRANSCENDENT"

(Rick Scott - Great Scott Productions September 2000)

Glimpses into an Album Divine

Violinist-Composer-Producer Terry Glenny has created an inspired collection of music that is as unique as it is exquisite. "Transcendent" is an ambitious, expansive body of work that may aptly be described as "world classical." "This album links East and West, new and old, bridging musical styles and cultures," explains Glenny.

Listen to the majestically orchestrated tracks, transcend the mundane and become enraptured in the vibrations of peace and joy. Glenny is an experienced professional who has performed with a stellar array of artists including Elton John, Tony Bennett, Luther Vandross, Ice T, John Tesh, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson. You've probably heard his violin-work on a number of television shows ("Futurama," "Mad TV," "King of the Hill"), film scores, or commercials; he was also a featured soloist on the Grammy-winning album, "Titanic " Music As Heard On The Fateful Voyage."

But as accomplished a musician as Glenny is, his real quest is spiritual and everything that has come before musically has merely served to perfect his celestial dialect as composer and violinist. The material comprising the disc, all of which was composed, produced and arranged by Glenny, is a soul-realized fusion of spirit and music dancing together that resonates within.

Gorgeous, contemplative melodies levitate gracefully over the richly  textured rhythm tracks, which playfully taunt and tease, eventually  becoming one in aural bliss. Opening the package with a gossamer  string piece, "Akasha " which is Sanskrit for ether, serves as the  screen for the Cosmic motion picture to project creation.

"Spirit & Nature" represents the dualistic components of creation working in tandem, which over time, reflects more spirit as nature becomes aware of its true essence.

In the meditative "Astral Sea," a fretless bass conveys the depth and immense qualities of the ocean, while Terry Glenny, chant-like uses just one theme slightly altered with each repetition.

Probably the most groove oriented rhythmic number, "The Mystic" is scored for solo violin, string orchestra and tablas. East and West sounds unite and crescendo to an ecstatic climax.

Translated as bliss through devotion, "Bhaktananda" features a  magnificent interplay between solo violin and cello with a lilting  vocal patch representing the Divine voice. Setting an introspective  tone, the beautiful composition is cinematic and sensitive.

Patterned after an Indian raga, "Wandering Sadhu" is a fascinating journey  beginning with a guttural drone that traverses precipitous pathways  along its sonicscape.  For this piece, Terry Glenny selected his electric violin which more closely resembles the timbre of an Indian violin.

"Whisper" is a simple pastoral setting of violin, flute, harp and textural pad. Two souls playfully frolic by a brook in an elysian meadow, enjoying the  innocent pleasures of Nature. And in moments of meditative quiet they hear the faint voice of the Divine beckoning them.

A cloud of impressionistic textures waft over the listener as if a "Divine Gaze" invisibly permeates everything everywhere.  An exotic melody floats upon the subtle and pervading vibration.  Gradually It makes itself more known, becoming perceptible, manifest and real. The rich sonorities of the orchestra ebb and flow as might a Knowing Presence give comfort.

"Temple of Infinity" uses full symphonic resources to epitomize the Temple of universal proportions. Even the solo violin becomes more of an accompaniment to the grandeur of a temple of infinite dimension!

What many long for is the succor of the "Gentle Touch" that can  assuage all pain and sorrow.  The sympathetic violin is accompanied by a muted, quiescent string orchestra.

"Song Celeste" is the grand apex of the album both in scope and length drawing upon the largest orchestral resources and  featuring sitar and violin soloists, electric bass and tabla with  multiple percussionists.

The Bhagavad Gita is the holy scripture of India roughly translating as "heavenly song" or "Song Celeste".  Beginning with the quiet dialogue between Krishna and his foremost disciple Arjuna as played by the sitar and violin soloists, the music builds and leads to the inevitable battle between the dualistic forces of Divine love and deluded cosmic hypnosis. The victory goes to the  lionhearted divine warrior who persevere to the end. The glorious climactic final chord of Song Celeste segues directly into the final musical scene of the album.

Prelude To The Vision closes the CD.  In due reflection, all that has been experienced and learned is then gathered and used to forge deep into the soul. This musical meditation expresses the quieting of past memories and the thoughts of the present, and then rousing the deep devotion which is a  prerequisite and ultimately leads (hence, Prelude ) to the Divine ecstasy that is so long sought. Elegantly and eloquently, Terry Glenny has crafted his own musical statement that is global and broad in perspective.

"Everything new evolves from the past. I hope that this album will  provide a glimpse of the future," he summarizes. Emanating from a  gifted and passionate artist, "Transcendent" is soul music in its  purist form.

(Rick Scott - Great Scott Productions September 2000)