GARBAREK & THE HILLIARD ENSEMBLE: OFFICIUM

Released in 1994, this was showpiecing highly respected Garbarek playing with and accompanied by baritone and tenor vocals and largely a choral sounding piece of work. This is a beautiful " classical" work from Jan Garbarek and almost pushes his music into the realms of Vangelis where is saxophone props up for the main part some wonderful vocal passages from Gordon Jones, Rogers Covey- Crump and David James. Not the normal album one would expect from this musician yet it showpieces his ability to move with the times and present this great work with The Hilliard Ensemble. Shifting the paradigm so to speak. Highlights for me would be " Primo Tempore", " Pulcherrima Rosa" and " Parce Mihi Dimine" ( this songs revisited again to play out the album. Recommended for those appreciating Garbareks distinct style mixed with some beautiful choral support.