About a month ago, I came home from my massage therapy job to find a package waiting for me on my bed. I assumed it was the Ukulele For Dummies book I'd ordered weeks before, and was surprised when I found two CD's in the yellow envelope, along with a handwritten note from Cary Farley, a musician and author whose hybrid cook book/ dating advice book I had given a not-so-positive review of. While I wasn't wild about the advice Farley had given in his book, I was very pleased with the music that was provided with it; a CD composed entirely of guitar music titled Unwind. I had said so in my previous review, submitted it, and thought nothing of it again until I received this package.
Since I was so satisfied with Unwind and even preferred using it as relaxation music during my massages, I was delighted to have two more CD's I could potentially use for the same purpose (I am VERY picky about what music I play for my clients). I needed to listen to the music before using it in a massage session, however, so I brought both of them along with me on a little road trip.
The first CD I chose was Inner Compilation, an array of fifteen pieces that beckon you to "take a journey to relaxation," or so says the CD case cover.
I was expecting a sound much like what I had come to know and love from Unwind, and I wasn't disappointed. As I had told my editor, Farley definitely has a distinct sound that I enjoy, and helps creates the perfect atmosphere that I like to provide for my clients. Unlike Unwind, which was an hour straight of relaxing, dulcet guitar, Inner Compilation is a, ahem, compilation of fifteen songs that use the characteristic guitar sounds I'm so used to, as well a bass guitar and percussions. These additions, though seemingly insignificant, add a certain feel to the music that was left out of Unwind. While Unwind can make you feel like like spacing out and clearing your mind, Inner Compilation seems to have more emotion in its notes and rhythms that let your mind wander rather than cloud over.
Since Inner Compilation ended before my hour-long trip was over, I popped in the next CD, Goodnight. Along with the bass and percussions found on Inner Compilation, Goodnight also boasts a flute, saxophone, mandolin, piano, cello, and violin. The last two I was particularly excited to hear; whenever I get the opportunity to be a massage client rather than a therapist, I find string music the most enjoyable to listen to. (That or Native American Flute music. Take note, Mr. Farley).
While Goodnight is just as gratifying as both Unwind and Inner Compilation, it is not a CD I would chose to use during my massage sessions. While it was calming and a pleasure to listen to on my long, boring trip, I didn't find it particularly meditative. However, the music did make me understand why Farley is in high demand to perform at venues in Northern/Central California, and also why his music is used in the film industry. This is not music to fall asleep to, this is music to enjoy during an intimate dinner, or to play at a small yet upscale art show, or even perform interpretive dance to, if it strikes your fancy (and if you're not driving a car at the time).
I was immensely pleased with the quality of the music I received from Farley, and could really only come up with one complaint; neither CD was long enough! I was able to get through both CD's before reaching my destination an hour and fifteen minutes (roughly) away from home, and I hadn't even been speeding that day! If I could change one thing about either CD, I would only prefer to have them provide about an hours worth of music each.
I would recommend Farley's music to any massage therapist, yogi, insomniac, or other individual seeking tranquil music to relax to. The current rumor on the street is that Farley is working on a vocal CD. I know of one person, for sure, who will eagerly be anticipation this new endeavor.
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