Catherine Duc’s style of music may best be categorized as worldbeat or ambient. Duc’s latest album (released in 2005) finds wiggle room within the genres. Classical, Celtic and Asian influences pepper the album creating variety and interest.
Throughout Visions and Dreams Duc varies the style and feel of her songs, but even so there is a sense of calmness that pervades. While no one particular song will sweep listeners away, her composition is always intriguing. Dissecting the songs over multiple listens is enjoyable.
Visions and Dreams biggest asset is Duc’s ability to create movement with her music. This is especially true on the final track, “In the Light of Day,” which is a grand, flowing sounding song that builds on itself. It would fit in on a soundtrack to almost any epic movie, Lord of the Rings perhaps (If you disliked that trilogy then substitute some other film with gorgeous, sweeping music).
Another reason that “In the Light of Day” represents the best of Visions and Dreams is that it has no electronic beats. The album’s second half features slower drums and beats and is better off for it. On songs like “Essense of Dreams” and “Evocation” the percussion is distracting and detracts from the other instruments that aren’t doing the same thing over and over again, as electronic beats are known to do.
Though Visions and Dreams hits its stride when the songs are slower in tempo, it still benefits from the eclectic styles of Duc’s composition. If you’re already a fan of worldbeat or ambient (any similar genre) then this album is definitely a worthy addition. If you aren’t a fan, Visions and Dreams might not make a believer out of you, but it still might make you a Catherine Duc fan.
Dennis Mersmann MuzikReviews.com staff writer
June 24, 2009
