Goddess Celestial Realms, Vol. 2 - Lucia Hwong

Released in 1999, Goddess Celestial Realms, Vol. 2 is the second of three CDs that comprised musician/composer Lucia Hwong's Goddess trilogy. Those who savored Goddess Awakening, Vol. 1 will also find a great deal to admire about this equally impressive release, which could be termed new age, electronica, ambient or world music (depending on your point of view). Less important than how one chooses to categorize this CD is the fact that this distinctive music is so rewarding--Hwong takes chances, and they pay off handsomely on ethereal, haunting pieces like "Angels," "Venus" and "Transformation." To her credit, the Chinese-American employs acoustic instruments from different parts of the world and reminds us that they can work nicely with synthesizers and drum machines. Because Hwong's CDs have often ended up in the new age bins, those who don't care for a lot of new age might shy away from this album. But they shouldn't, and you don't have to be heavily into new age to realize just how creative Goddess Celestial Realms, Vol. 2 is. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide