Many new age artists hide in the studio, never performing anything live. But not Simeon Wood. He performs all over the world on a wide variety of platforms, from theatres to cruise ships. And I think you can notice his qualities as a performer on the album as well: there is something entertaining and playful about his music. On the cover Simeon writes: this album has been inspired by people I have met along life’s pathway. Their generosity, kindness, humour, love, and friendship have contributed to every piece written and every note played. As a listener you can sense this inspiration too: it is truly fascinating.

The album starts with the title track. It is a beautiful flute song with just a hint of melancholy. It illustrates both the positive and negative aspects of life: the path may be crooked before it becomes straight again, you just have to keep on going. Track two, Warm in Chile, is something totally different. It is a jazzy tune with a nice beat and an even warmer atmosphere. The flute and piano melodies intertwine.

I was surprised when I heard the next track, the modern classic Gabriel’s Oboe Theme from the film The Mission. But the arrangement is very good, and it fits in perfectly on the album. On this track and the next one, Devotion (see the video below), the rhythm (a sharp, fast drum) is simply amazing. Flutes and drums are a wonderful combination, like you might hear at a military tattoo. The track Hidden Mountain has the sound of the far East, perhaps performed on traditional Chinese instruments. The song Then there were Five reminds me of both My heart will go on and the Lord of the Rings soundtrack, and that is not a bad statement for a new age album. Not at all.

The best song on the album is track number 8, Grasping the Thistle. The melody in the end is simply amazing. It starts slowly and builds up to a wonderful conclusion. Again you can sense the playfulness, or lightheartedness, in Wood’s music.

As a new age music fan I constantly look for albums that have that peaceful, gentle and a bit mystical atmosphere that makes this music genre so special. And Wood’s Crooked Straight Path has this rare quality. It is both calming and uplifting at the same time. This is an album that makes the crooked path straight.

Sample the album on CDBaby.

And don’t forget to view the video below from the Crooked Path Straight album. Wonderful, don’t you think? Also visit Simeonwood.com for information.

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