"Wonderous Stories" - Two new albums from Guillermo Cazenave. Review by Alan Hewitt.

Guillermo's name is well known to fans of Anthony Phillips's music, and he has worked with Ant on several projects. His own music is, however, perhaps not as well known as it deserves to be and so here are reviews of his latest offerings...

Contados Lejanos Tiempos (Tales Of Former Times) - Astral GC1717

"Contando Lejanos Tiempos" ("Tales Of Former Times") comprises an archival album of music recorded between 1981 and 1992. The opening salvo of tracks "El Paraiso", "El Trip De Faversham" and "Era La Sirena De Sitges" admirably showcase Guillermo's keyboard skills with music of ethereal beauty and quiet tranquility. A lot of the music on this release definitely comes within the New Age/Ambient category but that should not put you off. Listen to the haunting "El Renacimiento" and agree with the composer's own assessment that it isn't long enough! In all there are 28 tracks on this album which, I suppose makes it a similar release in conception to "Private Parts & Pieces II" by Ant - nuff said I think!

Un Espcacio Mas - Astral GC1718

"Un Espacio Mas" once again, comprises a selection of music composed and recorded over a lengthy time period, opening with the highland swirl of "Y Los Mac Bajaron Al Sur", a cod highland reel followed by a piece whose title translates as "Running In Central Park" which certainly captures the motion of a runner. "El Nautilus" is another favourite, capturing the bizarre nature of this elusive sea creature. There is much to recommend in this album too, an album of mainly quiet reflective music one to unwind with after a hard day!

For more information on Guillermo's albums and other projects check out the Astral website at www.arrakis.es/~astral and members.es.tripod.de/metamusicaze.