December 1999
Andreas Vollenweider
Andreas
vollenweider***
Cosmopoly
(Columbia)
Zurich-born harp virtuoso Andreas Vollenweider has been the most famous and beloved of the so-called New Age artists for 20 years. His dreamy,
engaging instrumentals explore a variety of ethnic styles. Much to fans’ dismay, Vollenweider’s 1996 release, Kryptos, was a flop. The esoteric musician had taken on too much — he tried, unsuccessfully, to employ an
entire orchestra. No doubt recognizing his over-ambition, the Swiss “magician” has toned down the grandstanding on his latest effort, Cosmopoly. It’s great to have him and his melodious optimism back.
