"Magic Garden" - This was first of John's albums and it is very classical in nature, using synthesizers in a very orchestrated manner, with strings, horns, wind instruments, and limited percussion. There are 16 tracks altogether and a total play time of 47:17. The songs are preformed in a variety of keys and some of the tracks do a lot of chord progressions that are very New Age in the way they explore the ranges available with synthesizers. Most of the tracks still manage to retain a classical feel to them in the way they combine melody, harmony, tempo, point and counterpoint in their general structures. From the mystical feeling of "Gypsy" to the futuristic sounds of "Journey To The Stars", from the slightly eerie chords of "House On The Hill", to the very modern classic mood of "Another Wedding Song", this is a very eclectic collection of musical pieces that would be very good for background music or just-letting-your-mind- wander music. You will also enjoy the songs of new beginnings, as I think of them; from "Awake", to "Sunrise", to "New World", you can feel through John's music, the slow transition from sleep to wakefulness, from night to beautiful morning light, from the cold emptiness of space to the approach of a new world filled with life. Enjoy it all! I must say that I was particularly taken by the beautiful melody in the song titled "Civil War Letters." It was a real surprise because I didn't expect much from just reading the title and was truly delighted when I heard the actual music. Great job John!

"Magic Garden" - This was first of John's albums and it is very classical in nature, using synthesizers in a very orchestrated manner, with strings, horns, wind instruments, and limited percussion. There are 16 tracks altogether and a total play time of 47:17. The songs are preformed in a variety of keys and some of the tracks do a lot of chord progressions that are very New Age in the way they explore the ranges available with synthesizers. Most of the tracks still manage to retain a classical feel to them in the way they combine melody, harmony, tempo, point and counterpoint in their general structures. From the mystical feeling of "Gypsy" to the futuristic sounds of "Journey To The Stars", from the slightly eerie chords of "House On The Hill", to the very modern classic mood of "Another Wedding Song", this is a very eclectic collection of musical pieces that would be very good for background music or just-letting-your-mind- wander music. You will also enjoy the songs of new beginnings, as I think of them; from "Awake", to "Sunrise", to "New World", you can feel through John's music, the slow transition from sleep to wakefulness, from night to beautiful morning light, from the cold emptiness of space to the approach of a new world filled with life. Enjoy it all! I must say that I was particularly taken by the beautiful melody in the song titled "Civil War Letters." It was a real surprise because I didn't expect much from just reading the title and was truly delighted when I heard the actual music. Great job John!