The following comments and reviews have been received from visitors.
If you would like to add a review/comment, please click on the button below.

Christian Forshaw - Sanctuary
(QTZ2009)

Mick Foster London, UK	Rating:
The blend of saxophone, soprano voice and church organ creates the sound world of Sanctuary, together with a mixed voice choir for some of the pieces. The quality of the performances combined with an imaginative mix of material create an album of haunting and evocative music. Christian Forshaw draws on his experiences both as a chorister and as a contemporary classical saxophonist in his conception. The saxophone has long been regarded as having a vocal quality and able to blend well with the voice; Forshaw exploits this quality to maximum effect. His control of the entire extended range of the alto and soprano saxophones is superb and the resulting sound is one of purity and intensity. Aimee Green sings without vibrato and her natural voice combines perfectly with the saxophone - the quality of the ensemble and intonation is consistently high. The choice of material is diverse and has a distinctly English flavour. There are arrangements of pieces by Ralph Vaughn Williams and John Ireland (the harmonic extension of the latter arranged by Christian Forshaw and James Pearson is intriguing), arrangements of Renaissance music, and three pieces composed by Christian Forshaw. Improvisation is integrated into the music - it is used more as a texture rather than as a feature and fits into the overall sound well. The organ provides a sensitive and majestic backdrop to Forshaw's improvisation and the blend of sounds between organ and saxophone in the ensemble sections creates an interesting synthesis. The addition of the Choir of Kings College, London adds further a further textural dimension to Forshaw's original pieces; these pieces are thematically strong and contain a wide range of emotions, from the soaring melody of the Magnificat to the foreboding of the Nunc Dimittis. The overall effect of this album is of cohesion and quality; the music is thoughtful, questioning and contemplative.

bournvillebabe Birmingham, England	Rating:
I have never bought any music like this before, and having heard only one track, I gambled that the rest might be good too! It is wonderful. The quality of Christian Forshaw's voice is like velvet! The diversity of music on the C.D. makes it very interesting to play and replay. A relaxing, gentle artist, beautiful to listen to, sending shivers down the spine!