Review
by Alex Henderson All Music Guide
This 2003 release is a pleasing example of ambient electronica with a strong Japanese influence. Matthews describes Zen Gardens as "music inspired by the temples and gardens of Kyoto," and his compositions have the sort of tranquility one would expect from that setting. Like a lot of traditional Japanese shakuhachi and koto music, Matthews' electronica is as haunting as it is calm and peaceful -- peaceful enough to appeal to new age audiences, although whether Zen Gardens is ambient or new age depends on one's point of view. In some cases, the two can easily overlap. Electronica, it should be noted, isn't necessarily 100 percent electronic -- it can offer a blend of synthesizer programming and acoustic instruments, which is the approach that Matthews goes for on Zen Gardens. This is definitely a high-tech CD, but for Matthews, high-tech doesn't mean excluding the shakuhachi, bells, wind chimes, and other instruments one associates with traditional Japanese music. Although not performed with Japanese purists in mind, Zen Gardens will easily appeal to those who are open to the idea of experimental ambient/Asian hybrids.
AMBIENT VISIONS
Reviewed by Hannah M.G. Shapero 3/31/04
Here's an elegant little album of what might be called "Japanerie," that is, the decorative and somewhat playful use of "Oriental" motifs by a Western artist without any heavy handed attempt to be "authentic." Wall Matthews uses synthesized sounds and acoustic percussion in transparent tracks of pentatonic pleasure. His rhythms are gentle and undemanding; they don't force themselves on you, but carry you along easily. His harmonies are dominated by Oriental pentatonics but they could just as easily be Western jazz harmonies.
One of the nicest things about this album is that Matthews does not overload the texture with overdone multiple layering. He has one synthesizer layer, one percussion layer (synthesized or not) and a few special effects or natural sounds, like crickets or thunder. This sparseness is highly effective in conveying a peaceful, gardenlike atmosphere. At times, this sound reminds me of the dry, ironic compositions of Richard Bone; at other times, the minimalism of someone like "A Produce."
I also enjoy the emotional distance of this album. It isn't drenched in sentiment and it doesn't make any appeals to "the heart." It invites meditation and quiet, without the overwrought piety of some "Zen" renditions. Its last track, titled "The Philosopher's Path," with its thunder and rain sounds, sums up the theme of this album: contemplation in a beautiful garden. It's a place I am happy to visit.
Wings Of Love
Inspired by the peace and simple beauty of Japanese Zen gardens, this CD will carry you into a realm of tranquility. The music combines Japanese instruments, drums, chimes and woodwinds to create an ambiance and elegance which directs the listener to the source of Zen Gardens.
Musik International
The music is a mixture of ethereal percussive instruments (temple bells, finger cymbals, wind chimes and wood blocks) supporting a majestic soundscape created by the blending of shakuhachi flute, piano, string bass, and harp. The melodies are spacious and lush allowing for the breath of the soul to be expressed. There are musical pauses floating through our senses, stretching our imaginations beyond the mundane to a point of eternity. It is in this moment, the here and now, that Matthews has captivated his feelings with the unlimited expanse of consciousness and universe. He is literally transporting his awareness beyond the third dimension, entering realms of pure intuition and discernment.
“Zen Gardens” is a cosmic journey of discovery and soul affirmation, something we could all use a little more of no matter what is being perpetuated in the world around us.
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