by Jim Brenholts
Woodlands is a CD of largely acoustic soundworlds by Eric Tingstad, Nancy Rumbel, and David Lanz. It is gentle and ambient. The sound design incorporates the finest efforts of these gifted artists. Tingstad's guitars are, as always, smooth; Rumbel's winds are silken; and Lanz's piano is mellow. The combination creates a pastoral soundscape, complete with organic and elegant textures. This CD, while not the best work of Tingstad & Rumbel, is still very strong and enjoyable. It will appeal to fans of Lisa Lynne, Kitaro, Gary Stroutsos, and Jonn Serrie.