Since Ralph Towner last CD (Athem) on ForeFront Records back in 2000, I have felt a massive void in my life. Athem carries a very emotional theme throughout the album. It’s a brave and brilliant refocusing of Ralph Towner energies, virtually a rebirth. This album is in perfect progression from Ralph Towner!
Anthem (4:55) - Oh, this is one of my favorites! Music and lyrics of Haunted creates, for me, fertile ground for daydreaming. Voice and instruments in The Lutemaker complement each other. Simone presents the exquisite mix of instruments on Athem. Once Gloria’s Step gets in your head, it will NEVER leave. Four Comets I - Well, here we get a bit more meaning. So much energy, so exciting a sound.It took me a little time but I ended up loving Four Comets III. From the sound of it, I believe the song can be a big radio hit. Raffish is such a exquisite and optimistic song that things can get just better. I like the idea behind Very Late. The Prowler has a gorgeous instrumental sound, which lets Ralph Towner’s strong vocals come to the fore. Three Comments I good vocals. Vocal harmonies in this track are great and song structure is just right. Three Comments III is one of the best records ever. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat is sonically very melodic with nice haunting verses.
Athem CD
| Song Name | Time | ||
| Solitary Woman.mp3 | 6:58 |  |
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| Anthem.mp3 | 4:55 | |
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| Haunted.mp3 | 3:08 | |
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| The Lutemaker.mp3 | 4:21 | |
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| Simone.mp3 | 6:03 | |
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| Gloria’s Step.mp3 | 2:52 | |
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| Four Comets I.mp3 | 1:06 | |
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| Four Comets II.mp3 | 1:13 | |
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| Four Comets III.mp3 | 1:03 | |
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| Four Comets IV.mp3 | 0:53 | |
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| Raffish.mp3 | 4:14 | |
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| Very Late.mp3 | 4:02 | |
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| The Prowler.mp3 | 5:02 | |
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| Three Comments I.mp3 | 1:33 | |
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| Three Comments II.mp3 | 0:32 | |
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| Three Comments III.mp3 | 0:54 | |
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| Goodbye Pork Pie Hat.mp3 | 1:54 | |
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