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As with his previous productions, the multi-instrumentalist relies on his own admittedly considerable skills. Two saxophonists assisted him on his recordings, Rock Hendricks, who has already played on many of his albums, and his son, Paul Hardcastle Jr. who has been featured on Paul's The Jazzmasters series. To put it in a nutshell, Paul Hardcastle remains true to his thoroughly familiar style on his new album. Why should he change it? The album's opener Wavelength was released as the album's appetizer back in January and was gratefully received by critics. Paul rummages through his ample fleet of keyboard sounds and samples, with a beautifully played trumpet standing out as the solo instrument. Just when you think it couldn't get any more atmospheric, along pops Come To Me. Maxine Hardcastle probably provides her lightly breathed voice. I don't know what coastline Paul Hardcastle or Rock Hendricks cruise along, maybe Wales or Maui. In any case, with Coastline Crusader they have already created the proper accompanying music. Why Do We Dream is the title and also the initial question asked on the next song. After a brief attempt at a response, the song loses itself in a trance-like state of reverie. On Skylight we may once again welcome the crystal clear sound of trumpet. Flight Of The Phoenix is a track reminiscent of two great films with that title. The legendary bird that rose from the ashes has always inspired creative people. With the title Angelic Chimes you first think of some Christmas-like tinkling, but after the first bars, when Paul starts the drum machine and increases the tempo, you realize that the train goes in a completely different direction. It is quite unusual. Paul Hardcastle celebrates together with his son the Charlie Chaplin song Smile and leaves the known stylistic paths. The following Slow Jam, which also features Paul Hardcastle Jr. on saxophone, revels in an implied reggae rhythm. Eyes Closed delivers further material to dream in a cloud of soft tones. Soaring Like An Eagle recreates the elegant flight of this majestic bird as it sways into the air with its mighty wings. Closer of the album is an edited version of Angelic Chimes. X (The Eclipse) joins the numerous releases Paul
Hardcastle has already bestowed upon us. Those who identify with his
music will undoubtedly love this new album as well.
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It is not easy to keep an overview of Paul
Hardcastle's complete works. His high profile came from such tracks as
King Tut, 19, Just For Money or
Rainforest. But also popular are his series like Kiss the Sky, The Jazzmasters,
The Chill Lounge and Paul Hardcastle. The latter now
undergoes an update with the 10th album that bears the appropriate name
X (The Eclipse).
