Eclipse

On Eclipse, flautist/composer Tim Wheater offers two half-hour pieces of pure relaxation. Wheater builds ingenious structures of string sounds and chordal patterns that shift, pulse, and progress at a leisurely gait. "Sun and Moon" saunters along in this shimmering atmosphere decorated by layers of lovely voices (Malanie Blades) and the melodic strokings of Wheater's silver flute. If "leisurely gait" is too strenuous, you might try rocking in a hammock or a mother's arms. The resonant gongs, electric drones, and vocal chants (both Blades and Wheater) signal a more cerebral Zen experience on "Doors and Altars." This relaxing and meditative piece offers more of an edge, with just a tad of suspense, but the warm flute phrases harmonizing with the vocalist keep the heart stable and full of hope. Simple, yet sophisticated.