OMMADAWN

In the liner notes it's says ""Ommadawn" is the third in the trilogy of large scale compositions composed by Mike Oldfield in the mid-seventies. In contrast to the Rock influences of "Tubular Bells" and the pastoral Folk feel of "Hergest Ridge", it can be defined as an early example of what is now called "World Music"". I prefer "Hergest Ridge" to this one but man this is a good one. This record is made up of two parts that develope slowly.

"Part One" features some acoustic guitar and harp melodies followed by cello after 9 minutes.There is a female vocal melody and percussion 13 minutes in. We also get some flute and tribal-like drums. And the guitar is really good late in the song. It ends with percussion.

"Part Two" slowly builds and the guitar is again very good. We get some interesting sounding bagpipes and more flute. The tribal drums create an uplifting sound and the guitar melody stops abruptly as we change gears for the last three minutes with a piece called "On Horseback". Here we get vocals from Mike for the first time and children singing too. "Hergest Ridge" is mentioned in the lyrics.

Excellent release ! He's 3 for 3 !