Planet Earth Music

Mars Lasar

The Music of Olympic National Park is the fourth in Real Music's National Park series, where 10% of the proceeds from the sale of each album benefit the showcased park. Mars has outdone himself to compose, arrange, perform and orchestrate this anthemic masterpiece of an album, playing all the instruments except various flutes, handled by Richard Bugg to great effect, acoustic guitar by Carlos Villobos and Winslow Crockwell, Jr., who also plays dulcimer, and Tod Griffin on steel guitar. Remember, this is the same Mars Lasar whose heroic melodies graced the televised Olympic Games in Albertville, France.

In addition to the absolutely fabulous music, Mars has synchronized many extraordinary nature sounds so seamlessly into the music that I believe this will set a new standard of excellence in this burgeoning area. In fact, with ear phones or a good stereo with a sub-woofer, expect to be startled by the stunning realism. Songs such as "Eagle Flight," so reminiscent of the first inhabitants of this crown jewel of the Pacific Northwest with thunder and eagle cries, potent drumming and a soaring melody, will simply take your breath away.

Other particularly potent tracks include the striking Native influence on "Kuyu Ancestors," filled with flutes, water and nature sounds; "Vision Quest," with horses and the hair-raising growl of cougars setting the mood; and "Sacred Land," with ocean sounds building into a fitting climax to the CD, which includes Native chanting weaving behind rattles and guitar. I strongly believe you'll find all of The Music of Olympic National Park to be well worth listening to, for a long time to come. The liner notes provide fascinating details about this most magnificent of parks. Not to be missed!