Sun Spirit
The 1970s were fruitful times for single-name instrumental artists. Expressing a Magellan-like inquisitiveness in their mostly electronic works, composers such asVangelis,Kitaro, andEloyattracted followings by leading torch-lit expeditions into fresh-sounding audio terrain while searching for more sublime emotional experiences. Deuter emerged during that period, though his subsequent involvement with Eastern philosophies reshaped his approach, leading him to construct works on a more internal, less cinematic scale. That style remains in place here in Deuter's first recording for the new millennium, and the result is a gentle charmer that may not dazzle you at first but will over time reveal simple pleasures and subtle satisfactions that make it worthwhile listening. Flutes and piano, plus occasional synths, strings and harp, are the dominant sounds at work here, and Deuter combines them in ways that capture a world as peaceful and sun-warmed as the golden detail from Van Gogh'sOlive Treesused as the cover image forSun Spirit. Overall, the music is probably too dainty for some tastes, but minor gems such as the softly pulsing "Sunlight Dancing" and the delightful title track (which recalls theDavid Lanz/Paul Speerhit "Behind the Waterfall") should appeal to anyone. Uplifting, yet not excessively cheerful.--Terry Wood