CD: Medicine Woman II by Medwyn Goodall

By Vernon Marshall View Profile
A gentle, reflective, evocative CD will always draw me in and allow my mind to be creative. In order for this to happen there has to be more than just a musical “drift along.” Medwyn Goodall has lots of experience in producing an exotic atmosphere without losing the sense of movement that is a characteristic of western music. Goodall has always managed to harmonise that exotic feel with something that is also familiar and this CD is an excellent example of how this can be done. It does conjure up in the mind something beautifully alien but also each track has a clearly discernable character with a flavour all of its own. Goodall’s use of so many instruments, such as guitar, flute, mandolin, drums, is not only impressive but brings a diversity of sounds that creates a kaleidoscopic trip to another land, a beautiful land. Medicine Woman I would have been sufficient, one would think, in visiting this theme and it would be hard to devise a “sequel.” Goodall has produced one that has all the uniqueness of the original and this CD is a great complement to the first one. Wind down, get comfortable, and enjoy a really gentle and relaxing experience.