Reviewed by Giles D Morrison

Johannes Nitsch has taken the style of Werner Hucks and Dieter Falk In their quieter moments and written an album which is aptly entitled 'Peaceful Moments'. Orchestral doesn't enter into it, being rather more contemporary than classically styled. But praise it is, opening with a melody called "Freedom Of Thoughts" led by the flugelhorn. Such a laid back, mellow toned instrument cannot help but ease the tension. And so it does, with violin, flute and saxophone taking their turn to weave melodies about Johanne's piano. The musicians are accomplished and the pace is always slow and easy. The track title "My Times Are In Your Hands" is sufficient to remind us of this truth. As albums that encourage you to sit back and relax go this has everything you need, so I was slightly disappointed to find that the melodies faded into the background a little too successfully. You're unlikely to go away humming the tunes. A minor flaw to an otherwise acceptably pleasant album and anodyne to a hectic world.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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