Era Classics
Now this is something quite different; Era Classics might sound like yet another “best of” album from a major label artist – but that is not the case at all. The new album from Eric Lévi’s popular Era project (famous for such songs as Ameno, Cathar Rhythm and The Mass) is actually a collection of works by classical artists such as Verdi, Bach and Mahler – all remixed to fit into Era’s famous soundscape. Sample it here – and in the video below.
On Era Classics you can hear Era’s versions of such songs as Ave Maria, Four Seasons and Adagio For Strings. And as usual, the focus is on vocals that reminds of Gregorian Chants. Needles to say, it is a beautiful collection. The use of samples also creates an interesting atmosphere.
Another aspect with Era’s music is the gorgeous videos that emphasize the medieval atmosphere – Era’s most prominent trademark. See the video here
Like previous Era albums, this one too was also first released in France (on November 2nd). I have been unable to find an international release date, but I will keep you posted. It will probably take a few weeks (or months) more. Enjoy the video below in the meantime.
Era is dead, long live Era!
One of the few new age music bands that have had a taste of a pop career, with mainstream radio plays and TV-commercials, is Eric Levi’s Era. Recently this French musician released another Era album, entitled Reborn, five years after the quite successful The Mass.
Era is most famous for their Ameno album from 1997. Enigma had enormous success with Gregorian chants on the MCMXC a.D. album, and Era’s Ameno was eagerly received by Enigma’s fans in the late 1990s. Interestingly enough, Enigma and Michael Cretu have never returned to Gregorian chants.
After listening to the new album, I must say that I am impressed; Eric Levi has breathed new life into the Era project. Tracks like Come into my world, After thousand words and Prayers sound fresh and new, but with a familiar touch of Era.
One of the things that make me come back to Era again and again is that very special medieval feel, and I am happy to say that it is plenty of this on the Reborn album.
On Era’s homepage you can hear clips from the album and watch the Come into my world video.
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