Somewhere In-Between

Reviewed By  Janet Mawdesley       July 12, 2022

 

Artist – Jim Ottaway   

           Distributor:         

           Released:             June 2022

           Running Time:   

           Website:    https://jimottaway.bandcamp.com/album/somewhere-in-between          

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Somewhere in between heaven and earth is a place we all go to at one time or another, regardless of whether it is in our dreams or simply as a journey of the soul in times of despair or crisis, but that special place is somewhere wonderful things unfold.

In his latest work, Somewhere In-Between Jim Ottaway has combed through his vast collection of pieces created over many years, selecting and in on several pieces, enhancing the songs to create a work that sees him in a space of reflection, or of joy and happiness, interspersed with some of the weightier periods of pondering life’s journey.

Commencing with the delicate Dawn of Time a lovely orchestral introduction delivers a more spacey element which encourages entrance to a world of dreaming, of time floating, of peace and fascination.

By complete contrast A Dream Within Reach is positively up-tempo, filled with life and a marvelous sense of fun, which lifts the spirit with the catchy collection of pulsating sound capturing Ottaway in a teasing, light-hearted moment of creation.

Sacred Ground is a deeply resonating piece of music as it envelopes in the deep, almost digeridoo style base notes the heartbeat of mother earth,  elemental but once the overlay is threaded through the base melody a sense of mystique pervades.

A lovely light filled piece Carried In My Heart charms its way into the favourite piece on the album which captures a more relaxed, up-tempo emotion reflecting on the many elements we all carry in our hearts in remembrance of those who have had great influence on life’s journey.

The penultimate piece Somewhere in Between is haunting, dreamy and once again appears to have the influence of indigenous music, which adds a timeless element to a song which encapsulates so much of the various layers of life within the sound.

Drawing to a close of what could be considered Ottaway’s best collection to date is the deeply resonating Shores of Eternity, a place we all will travel to and there find what is to be discovered, what is unique to the journeyman of immortality and beyond.