CD: STEPHEN RHODES - Protected by Angels

By Louise Green View Profile
The cover shows a slender angel holding her hands in benediction over what seems to be a crystal, she looks like she is floating in the universe, the inside cover has sleeve notes by Diana Cooper, relating angelic encounters experienced. The CD cover is pretty but it doesn’t match the beauty of this album. ‘Protected by Angels’ by Stephen Rhodes is simply out of this world. The first track, from which the album takes its title has heavenly voices harmoniously blending, softly rising and falling, with gentle chimes providing a delicate contrast. I am not ashamed to admit that the first time I heard it, I cried, not with sadness but because I felt moved by the music. This track runs for just over eight minutes and sets the tone for the album. ‘Heavens Awake’ has harps and strings, again rising and falling in soft cadence. It made me think of an angel’s feather falling to earth spiralling as it floats down. I found myself humming this tune during the day or at odd moments, so it made an impression on my mind. ‘Angel of the Ocean’ takes you right to the sea, the waves swirling along the beach with flute and strings. ‘Archangel Michael’ has a majestic feel to it, yet still carries that soft gentleness which is the theme of the album. I could see the Archangel in my mind’s eye, golden rays emanating from this being. The fifth track ‘Safe and Sound’ features the piano and ‘In the Company of Angels’ again the piano carries on the theme and as the featured instrument it gives the tune a quiet elegance and simplicity. Lastly, ‘Home in Paradise’, concludes the album with harp, strings, percussion and it has the most soothing and calming effect, wonderful for a......more