Clifford White is an inspired and talented synthesizer player who could well emerge as England’s answer to Kitaro – his recording Ascension is simply outstanding.
White is a master of intriguing melody lines, as on ‘Golden Sunrise’ and ‘Journey’s End’, but also explores a wide range of musical tones and textures with his electronic equipment. ‘The Calling’ has an orchestral quality and its melody line suggests a glockenspiel.
‘Church of Light’ is regal and most attractive, with its harp-like introduction and rich layers of synthesizer, while ‘Hallowed Ground’ is full of mystery – the music seems to rise up from the earth as if in awesome revelation.
Ascension itself is almost a type of ‘Moonlight Sonata’, and ethereal tones are added to give considerable depth to the composition. Overall, fine album and one which is thoroughly recommended.
