This was a happy surprise. Manne Skafvenstedt is a Swedish pianist, composer and producer who works in the fields of jazz, ambient, electronics and sound design. His latest album, Archway, is a calming experience. There is a sort of sweetness to this music, where the listener actually feels good enjoying these sounds. It’s not the sugary nonsense one hears in lower quality New Age or modern ambient music. This resonates, and it might be because he is also a professional sound designer while he’s not busy composing.
I have no doubt that those who enjoy the works of Robert Rich, Alio Die or even such progressive rock giants as Popol Vuh would enjoy this release a lot. This has been a really good listening experience. I’d file it under ‘thinking music’.
