The Sea and the Bells

• Artist: Rachel's
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1996
• Total Time: 59:01
• Genre: Rock

Review

Formed out of the ashes of Rodan, this loose collective thrives on the neo-classical compositional skills of pianist Rachel Grimes, bassist/organist Jason Noble, and violinist Christian Frederickson. Augmented by a rotating cast of cellists, trumpeters, and drummers, the trio concocts an emotive symphony that, though thoroughly modern, seems timeless. The songs on The Sea and the Bells flow together so seamlessly, it almost seems like one brilliant hour-long epic composition. "Rhine & Courtesan" opens the album with a dynamic, wistful melody that evokes the feeling of riding on ocean waves, then crashes to a startling halt, only to re-emerge with a claustrophobic eeriness that foretells impending doom. Other songs continue the nautical theme, from the haunting "Night at Sea" to the hallucinatory "Letters Home." In an alternative scene where instrumental rockers are a dime a dozen, Rachel's stands out like diamonds on the ocean floor. ~ Bret Love, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Rhine & Courtesan	Rachel Grimes, Jason Noble, Christian Frederickson	Rachel's	(6:40)
The Voyage of Camille	Rachel Grimes	Rachel's	(4:22)
Tea Merchants	Rachel Grimes, Jason Noble	Rachel's	(4:53)
Lloyd's Register	Rachel Grimes, Jason Noble, Christian Frederickson	Rachel's	(9:48)
With More Air Than Words		Rachel's	(2:15)
All Is Calm	Jason Noble	Rachel's	(3:17)
Cypress Branches	Jason Noble	Rachel's	(7:44)
Sirens	Christian Frederickson	Rachel's	(2:20)
Night at Sea		Rachel's	(3:45)
Letters Home	Rachel Grimes, Jason Noble	Rachel's	(3:30)
To Rest Near to You		Rachel's	(2:48)
The Blue-Skinned Waltz	Jason Noble, Christian Frederickson	Rachel's	(3:15)
His Eyes	Rachel Grimes, Jason Noble, Christian Frederickson	Rachel's	(4:24)

Credits

John Baker (Bells), John Loder (Mastering), Bob Weston (Bass), Bob Weston (Trumpet), Bob Weston (Engineer), Rachel's (Main Performer), Kevin Coultas (Drums), Kevin Coultas (Tympani [Timpani]), Rachel Grimes (Piano), Rachel Grimes (Vibraphone), Jason Noble (Bass), Jason Noble (Guitar), Jason Noble (Piano), Jason Noble (Vibraphone), Jason Noble (Sounds), Christian Frederickson (Viola), Christian Frederickson (Matches), Edward Grimes (Drums), Sarah Hong (Cello), Jim Maciukenas (Saw), John Upchurch (Clarinet), John Upchurch (Cello), John Upchurch (Clarinet (Bass)), Ann Kim (Violin), Eve Miller (Cello)

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