by Carol Wright
Garden of Serenity by brothers David and Steve Gordon offers two half-hour pieces combining music with nature sounds. "Secret Fountain" features a very active stream (you can almost see the placement of the rocks), with shakuhachi flute, tinkling wind chimes and resonant gongs. Birds, accents from a koto, and the magic of the synthesizer pull the whole experience together. "Nature Spirits" is a delightful musical glen that seems to dance with fairies. A warm flute echoes casually through the forest, while nature spirits flit around with crystalline glee. Birds and river sounds complete the experience. Both are charming, and the sound quality is excellent.