Sean Grace: New Frontiers

On New Frontiers (NCA), flutist Sean Grace demonstrates how drama can be expressed in an understated yet eloquent way. Grace possesses a supple, Celtic-flavored sound, and his compositions are evocative mood pieces. On the haunting, mystical “Lark Spur,” Grace’s flute soars, then turns animated, and “Outlands” opens with harpsichord-esque keyboards and morphs into a playful, gently grooving number. The Latin-inflected “Jungo Lingo” features plaintive flute gliding over the bass and percussion, and then the whole tune transforms into a dance number. There’s a subtle swing to “Street Flight,” and Grace closes the album with the pacific “War Is Over,” which includes a reference to John Lennon’s “Imagine.” This album will likely appeal primarily to fans of New Age music, and listeners whose taste runs to edgier fare may find it a bit too tranquil and sweet. But if you’re looking for an enjoyable, relaxing album-perhaps to unwind after a stressful day, perhaps to set a restful mood-this is a great choice.

Originally Published May 1, 2004