Highly relaxing ambient tunes performed by a truly gifted and inventive musician
author: Richard Gurtler
"Rainshadow Sky", released in 2008, is 10th solo album of highly treasured ambient guitarist, based in West Point, Indiana, Jeff Pearce. Keeping on the path taken on his previous "Lingering Light" album, Jeff, who is known for his unique approach to the guitar, explores with his filigree playing Chapman Stick highly evocative, intimate and serene realms. A highly relaxed sonic experience is guaranteed!!! "Rainshadow Sky" consists of 12 rather shorter tracks clocking between 2 and 5 minutes, which were live recorded at house concerts in late 2007 and first half of 2008. Compositions are ranging in mood, from more joyful and euphoric pieces like "Rainshadow Sky", "Ashes Of Grace" or the most lively piece "Deluge" through emotionally driven like "Sorrow In Spring", "A Secret To Hide", "Autumn Clouds" and "Night Path" to gorgeously dreamy and serene arrangements like "And We Prayed For Rain", "The Last Warm Day In October", "Through Tears" and "Hope's Last Whisper". Among the highlights on this album is certainly also deeper droning "Harvest Storms" that recalls the darker drifting atmospheric era of Jeff's career. Yes, I must say the overall quality of each track is top notch, you won't hear on this album any fillers, so it's very difficult to point another standout pieces. But most likely I would go for the opening title track "Rainshadow Sky" that immediately sets the magically beautiful and intimate atmosphere with delicately balanced melody, melancholy and mystery. Highly expressive "A Secret To Hide", fragile "Night Path" and melodious "Deluge" get my votes too. Extra points are awarded also for astonishingly looking front cover image (art by Sandra Dittfeld). If you like highly relaxing ambient tunes performed by a truly gifted and inventive musician, "Rainshadow Sky" is highly recommended choice!!! And don't miss Jeff's (and his wife Anastasia's) newest activity, a project entitled "Provision Series", in which from July 2011 to July 2012 Jeff will release every month one mp3 single with donations to monthly chosen charity and local homeless shelter and food bank. Show your respect to this great musician and person!!!
Richard Gürtler (Bratislava, Slovakia)
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jeff pearce rainshadow sky
author: michael potts
As a solo finger style guitarist, I apprecitate the precision of Jeff's playing. Although not technically difficult (not simple either) the quality and emotiveness of the compositions will have me seeking more of his work. Jeff creates an almost other worldly environment that allowed me to focus on the music or drift to other thoughts of peace and spirituality. Not bad for me, the existentialist that I am.
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Worth witing for the rains to come
author: KJON99FM
Soothing and yet focused Chapman Stick guitar helps to bring tears to a line-up of parched songs. "The Last Warm Day in October" is the best of the set. One can almost feel the angst of a long dry summer in each note. "Harvest Storm" is the odd-one of the bunch - ambient and the Chapman Stick is but a mirage here. "Deluge" has a drumming beat to it signaling the rains have finally come - very effective. A quenching oasis of music far from the harshness of everyday.
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Rainshadow Sky
author: Linda Watson
Thanks Jeff for the relaxing music. This is the first that Chuck and I have heard your music. We remember you playing guitar at the Fairfax Christian Church in your teenage years. We are enjoying your CD. We live in Indiana too. Do you have any concerts nearby, such as Bloomington?
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