Cloud Dance By Chrissie Sheppard

 

 

Cloud Dance

 By

Chrissie Sheppard

Written by

Andy Rogers

Chrissie Sheppard, along with her husband Steve are certainly riding the crest of a musical wave at the moment. Steve’s latest album (the truly excellent “Mansuria, planet of the Gods”) was a collaboration with David De Michele: For her new single “Cloud Dance” Chrissie has also worked with David to produce a single that is not only musically surprising but also that takes her exceptional flute-work to new heights.

Do you remember those warm sunny days when, as a child, you would lay on the grass and watch the clouds, marvelling how they changed shape as they drifted across the sky? This was the inspiration behind “Cloud Dance” and this joyful yet reflective single will transport you back to those times.

The track opens with the sound of wind-chimes and birdsong as Chrissie’s flute draws us in to the garden… some beautiful complimentary keyboards join the mix as the sound becomes fuller and a female voice with more strings appear. The mood alters slightly as the music changes to a minor key with Chrissie’s flute harmonising not only with the keyboard but also, intriguingly, with itself (perhaps double tracked?).

It is at this point the Cloud Dance begins – a gentle rhythm leads us on and into the dance as it gains intensity… A voice once again sings a short refrain as Chrissie’s flute, propelled by the rhythm moves us forward. Eventually the drums fade slowly away and we are left with just Chrissie’s flute, a quiet keyboard line until right at the end we are back where we began with the sound of the wind-chimes.

“Cloud Dance” impressed me greatly – Chrissie Sheppard is taking her music in a new direction and this collaboration with David De Michele is yet another musical step forward for an artist whose music evolves with each new release. An excellent release that deserves to do well.