QuietMelodies is now open!

As many of you might already know, the new portal is finally open!!!!!  I am so sorry that it has taken so long to happen, but I do hope you find it worth the wait.  Some of the new features you will be able to enjoy are being able to message any member & being able to post your own favorites.  There will also be a forum added so that requests and such can be made there.  Eventually hope to in essence mirror this blog there and of course have new content available.  The new music available should be substantially more than here as there will be multiple people posting =-).  Please stop by and join your NEW home for QuietMusic – www.quietmelodies.com!

Cusco – Water Stories

Cusco – Water Stories
MP3 @ 192 Kbps | 49:40 min | 1990 | 75.1 MB | 10% Recovery Record

This 1990 CD, like Mystic Island released in 1989, is an excellent collection of songs from Cusco’s earlier CDs that, at the time, had not been released in the States. Both were put together by Higher Octave after their successful first American release, Apurimac, to satisfy new-found fan demand for their earlier music. Water Stories was later released on the Prudence label in Germany, where it was considered a “best of” compilation. Early Cusco CDs are catchy, almost always fast-paced instrumentals that are on the edge of New Age. The group challenges the boundaries with pop, cosmopolitan rock, jazz and classical. Not as mature as some of their later albums, but make no mistake, this is outstanding New Age music. On Water Stories, their trademark panpipes and keyboards are used on selections related to the bodies of water that popped up on Desert Island, Cusco II, Cool Island, Virgin Island, and Ring der Delphine. The songs range from the upbeat “Waters of Cesme”, to the beautiful “Lake Erie” (an interesting arrangement of the traditional Scarborough Fair), to the almost classical “Aurora” which uses the strings of the Munich Symphony Orchestra. The final cut, “Chorus”, is from Musik Mantras 2, a haunting Johannes Walter production which includes some of Cusco’s music. If you want a one-stop sample of some of the “pre-Apurimac” music that made Cusco one of Japan and Europe’s (and now America’s) favorite contemporary instrumental groups, Water Stories is a good choice.

Cusco – Virgin Island

Cusco – Virgin Island
MP3 @ 192 Kbps | 41:28 min | 1983 | 62.9 MB | 10% Recovery Record

This album contains three tracks which later appeared on the 1990 release Water Stories on Higher Octave Music (Sun of Jamaica, Seychelles and Java). The album also contains a track called Alcatraz, but the music is completely different from the track of the same name on Desert Island and Water Stories, and is actually the original mix of the track Bermudas on the following Island Cruise album. Many discographies show this as a 1984 release, but early LP releases verify the 1983 release year.

Cusco – Tales From A Distant Land

Cusco – Tales From A Distant Land
MP3 @ 192 Kbps | 45:09 min | 1987 | 68.6 MB | 10% Recovery Record

This album contains several of the tracks which were later reworked for the Mystic Island release. The Fox and the Lady appears identical between album versions, but Fireshoes and Solitude have been noticeably reworked for a smoother, fuller sound. The tracks The Lucky Jack and The Lonely Rose were also quite noticeably reworked for Mystic Island, but appear as simply Lucky Jack and Lonely Rose. Many discographies quote a 1988 release date for this album, but early pressings can verify the 1987 original release year.

Cusco – Ring Der Delphine

Cusco – Ring Der Delphine
MP3 @ 192 Kbps | 43:36 min | 1989 | 65.9 MB | 10% Recovery Record

“Most of Cusco’s releases are available only in Europe. This album was originally released in Germany as Ring der Delphine. In the US, some of the tracks were put on various CDs, which are really just “Best of” CDs drawing from other Cusco releases. Of all the German releases (I have them all, as I lived there), this and Tales from a Distant Land are by far the best. The music here is simply great. The German release also had a long storybook (in German) about the tale of the Rings of the Dolphins, and how they progressed through history. Anyway, buy this album. It’s really good: the music is quite different from Apurimac. Various instruments and synthesizers are combined to make a great album, and there’s not a single track I dislike.”

Cusco – Planet Voyage

Cusco – Planet Voyage
MP3 @ 192 Kbps | 46:27 min | 1982 | 72.3 MB | 10% Recovery Record

This album contains three of the tracks which were later reworked for the Mystic Island release (Milky Way, Pisces, and Leo), and also contains the track Venus, which utilizes what would become a signature synthesized panflute sound, and also electric rock guitars, and which has been featured on multiple compilations of Cusco’s early material. Some of the more relatively reliable Cusco discographies show a 1983 release date, but the first Arista pressing can verify the 1982 original release year.

Cusco – Mystic Island

Cusco – Mystic Island
MP3 @ 192 Kbps | 48:55 min | 1989 | 73.8 MB | 10% Recovery Record

“Mystic Island” by Cusco captures the heart and soul of the listener with ambient soothing mysterious music … not at all like Apurimac I and II,which derived from a distinct earthly culture, the Incas and South America. This CD has flowing melodies and wonderful instrumentation and synthesizer accompaniment. One track includes a wonderful harp and flute melody with chimes and synthezier variations on the theme … which is very magical. Another track has an upbeat tempo with guitars and percussion … The music is varied and altogether highly satisfying – it does not get stuck in one mood or feeling but carries the listener across many feelings all of which are enjoyable experiences. The overall feeling of this music is like experiencing the wonders of nature … a sunset … watching the waves splash on shore … gliding down a river in raft or boat and absorbing the scenery as it unfolds. One senses the natural balance and harmony of different instruments but there is no competition for solo recognition … This CD is about moods and feelings that ride the waves of natural flowing music … slower at times, other times quicker paced but always natural and free. The ethereal sensations stay with the listener … long after the music has stopped playing. The sense of peace and contentment this CD produces is priceless.

Cusco – Desert Island

Cusco – Desert Island
MP3 @ 192 Kbps | 42:50 min | 1980 | 65 MB | 10% Recovery Record

Desert Island is the debut studio album by the German cross-cultural new age band Cusco. It was released originally in 1980, and is currently available under the Prudence label.

The tracks Catalina and Alcatraz were eventually utilized for the Higher Octave albums Mystic Island (1989) and Water Stories (1990), respectively. Also, Galapagos would undergo a tremendous transformation for its reappearance as the symphonic new age Islands of the Galapagos on the 1992 release Cusco 2000. Many discographies claim 1981 as the release year for this album, but early LP editions verify the 1980 original release date.

Cusco – Cusco II

Cusco – Cusco II
MP3 @ 192 Kbps | 44:35 min | 1981 | 71.6 MB | 10% Recovery Record

The album is dedicated to various geographical bodies like lakes and hills. The tracks Bodensee, Lake of the Ozarks and Lake Erie were all eventually used for the 1990 Higher Octave Music album Water Stories. Some discographies claim a 1982 release date for this album, but early LP editions verify the 1981 release year. Also, some discographies erroneously link the album Cusco II with the cover and label information for the 1993 Higher Octave release Cusco 2002.

Cusco – Cool Island

Cusco – Cool Island
MP3 @ 192 Kbps | 39:47 min | 1982 | 60.4 MB | 10% Recovery Record

Cool Islands is a studio album by the German cross-cultural new age band Cusco. It was released originally in 1982, and is currently available from the Prudence label under the title “Cool Island”.

The track North Easter was reworked for the 1989 album Mystic Island, with the newer version lacking the spacey introductory section, and with the ending reworked as well. By contrast, the track Aurora was revisited for the Water Stories album, but that 1990 version sounds practically identical to the original. North Easter also appeared in an almost symphonic rock incarnation on the 1992 album Cusco 2000. Many discographies show this album to be a 1983 release, but early LP pressings verify the 1982 release year.

Cusco – Australia

Cusco – Australia
MP3 @ 192 Kbps | 50:09 min | 1993 | 75.5 MB | 10% Recovery Record

I almost missed this one.  I normally don’t like best of albums,you almost always wind up with double or more with songs you already have.  But this one has a couple surprises track 7 Highland and track 11 Magic Forest.  Highland can be no better be described as pure Angel music.If you have already Cuzco 2000 and 2002 don’t wait to add this to your collection,its worth the price.

Cusco – Apurimac III: Nature, Spirit, Pride

Cusco – Apurimac III: Nature, Spirit, Pride
MP3 @ 160 Kbps | 48:23 min | 1997 | 60.8 MB | 10% Recovery Record

An electrifying vision of spiritual mystery, sacred legends and proud heros, Cusco’s mesmerizing flutes and tribal rhythms weave a powerful, contemporary tribute to Native American culture as their renowned Apurimac journey continues to North America. The first two in the series, Apurimac and Apurimac II, have sold over 1 million copies worldwide and remain on the best seller list.

Cusco – Apurimac II: Return To Ancient America

Cusco – Apurimac II: Return To Ancient America
MP3 @ 192 Kbps | 52:48 min | 1994 | 74.7 MB | 10% Recovery Record

Cusco reveals more mysteries of the Inca culture with their interpretative music on this highly creative CD. Their imagination soars into inner space – opening up new avenues of listening pleasure. Although my very favorite Cusco CD is the first Apurimac, this sequel is equally alluring. It contains fluid melodies and natural rhythms that bring to life the ‘secrets’ of the Inca culture. Experience the musical heights of the Andes mountains, glide on the wings of the condor and feel the soft fur of the lamas and alpacas … This music is joyous and cheerful. Cusco creates New Age music which brings to life the mysteries of the ancient past … mesmerizing the listener.

Cusco – Apurimac

Cusco – Apurimac
MP3 @ 192 Kbps | 39:55 min | 1985 | 59 MB | 10% Recovery Record

Apurimac is Cusco’s U.S. debut.This album introduced Cusco’s trademark synthesizer sound to an American audience.While each Cusco album is different in its musical direction,each of them display the same,musical sound that is Cusco;heavy use of synthesizers,primarily as synthesized flutes,and full of melodic,high-energy,and dramatic music,with each of their albums covering a certain cultural and historic theme.Here on Apurimac,(the first of 3 in the Apurimac series)the music is focused on a ancient Incan theme,with a Peruvian influence,and full of simplistic,but melodic and enjoyable tunes.While the simplicity of the musical structure makes me subtract 1 star from the rating,it is the beauty and enjoyable experience of the album which saves the album and keeps me coming back to it time after time.The highlights on this album are “Apurimac”,”Flute Battle”,”Flying Condor”,”Fighting Inca”,and “Apurimac 2”,but the whole album is enjoyable,and none of the tracks are worthy of skipping.A promising U.S. debut for a then little-known group which has now become one of the most popular New Age groups in the world.Listen to this and their subsequent albums and you will see why.If you like this album,I also recommend you try their many other albums,but especially Apurimac 2 and Apurimac 3.They are even better than this album!In the meantime,give this album a listen and enjoy!

Cusco – Ancient journeys: A vision of new world

Cusco – Ancient journeys: A vision of new world
MP3 @ 192 Kbps | 42:52 min | 2000 | 64.5 MB | 10% Recovery Record

With their prolific outpouring of keyboard, flute, and tribal rhythmic recordings, Cusco has won over a strong following of genre listeners. A fairly light and easy offering, Ancient Journeys: A Vision of the New World will likely only appeal to those who are already fans. Smacking of all that is stereotypically New Age (insubstantial soul and cheesy soundscapes), Cusco can be headache-inducing for those not already enamored of the group’s uneasy saccharine charm. Quick flute trills merge with syncopated electronics, hand drums, water-drip sound effects, and breezy synthesized strings. A far better and more interesting choice for modern electro-instrumental soundscape is Damage by Roger Eno and Lol Hammond.

Cusco – 2002

Cusco – 2002
MP3 @ 192 Kbps | 42:20 min | 1993 | 60.5 MB | 10% Recovery Record

One character of new age music that I admire is it’s earth connectedness -the concern for the environment and creatures. One example is Cusco’s music in which the German group founder, Michael Holm, shares his view with a touching message at the back of the CD; the essence of the entire album reflects in his music and character. Only in new age music I have heard and read this such caring voice for our fragile and gradually dying planet. As a person that cares for the earth myself, I would sincerely like to share what he wrote:

“As the founder of Cusco, it has always been my philosophy that we, as human beings, must understand, respect and rejoice in the natural world. The responsilibility for the environment and the creatures of this planet is in our hands. With this in mind, it was a great pleasure for Cusco to compose the music for “Seilmann 2000.” Heinz Sielmann, the world renowned naturalist, created a series of television specials on the plight of wild animals throughout the world with special emphasis on the changes in nature over the last 30 years. CUSCO 2002 features 9 themes from this series.

I hope that as you enjoy our music, you will remember the animals and places that inspired us…and that our music will inspire you to become involved in preserving our natural world.”
— Michael Holm

These are the tracks that inspire and touch me deeply:

Australia – I personally love this track so much because of it’s soaring melody, stirring flow, great arrangement and instruments that were intelligently used. It makes me think of our lovely and precious planet.

Earth Waltz – My second favorite, it has a divine touch, lovely and touching melody. This track has a lovely ending. Listen closely to how the tone of the flute sounds.

Cusco – 2000

Cusco – 2000
MP3 @ 160 Kbps | 41:59 min | 1992 | 52.5 MB | 10% Recovery Record

This is a wonderful CD with its diverse rhythms, exotic instruments and rich melodies. It will be a welcome addition to the library of any enthusiast of new age music.