This mystical, electronic-orchestral new age-flavored soundtrack is probably most effective when enjoyed as accompaniment to the IMAX film about two determined women exploring caverns on the Yucatan Peninsula, Greenland, and the Grand Canyon. As its own listening experience, it has its peaks and valleys as it mixes tribal voices and percussion with a score designed to conjure the notion of a sweeping adventure into ancient secrets. The participation of Justin Hayward and the promise of "songs and performances by the Moody Blues" is a great marketing twist, but it's a bit misleading in that there are no single tracks by them. Instead, elements, motifs, and melodic passages of some of their best-loved songs are incorporated into the regular score by Steve Wood and Daniel May. The best of these is the blend of solo piano and edgy guitar doing "Nights in White Satin" on a track called "Horizons Turned Inward." Otherwise, you have to search harder to catch the motifs. The liner notes will definitely pique some interest in seeing the actual film, but Moody Blues fans should be warned about the unique inclusion of their heroes' music. ~ Jonathan Widran
Original score by The Moody Blues, Steve Wood & Daniel Wood.
Composers: Daniel May; Steve Wood .
Personnel: Justin Hayward (vocals, guitar); Carolyn Miller, Beth Fitchet Wood (vocals); Steve Wood (guitar, woodwinds, keyboards, percussion); Mike Hamilton (guitar); Simon James (violin); Richard Hardy (woodwinds); Danilo Madonia (keyboards, programming); Daniel May (keyboards).
Audio Mixers: Danilo Madonia; Alberto Parodi; Steve Wood .
Recording information: Benaji Studio, Laguna Beach, CA; Blue Wave Recording Studios, Barbados; Studio Mulinetti, Recco, Italy; Studio X, Seattle, WA.
Arrangers: Daniel May; Steve Wood .
Feat:Moody Blues