Utilizing an exotic array of world instruments, Gayle Ellett (Djam Karet) and Todd Montgomery have created a soundscape that is both familiar and exotic, classical and contemporary, warm and inspirational.

Purposefully conceived to evoke the visual language of film, Arcadia takes the listener on an epic, emotional journey through a pan-cultural landscape. Contemporary Americana and Old-World styles are merged and blended together to produce a beautiful antidote to the stresses of everyday life.

Produced with what can only be described as a golden tone, Arcadia is a marvelously cohesive offering. The arrangements and orchestration are sophisticated and dynamic. Montgomery and Ellett achieve Arcadia's rich and inviting sound by showcasing the natural timbres of instruments such as the Irish and Greek bouzouki, sitar, dilruba, ruan, charango, tanpura, surmandal, tenor banjo, mandolin, harmonium, acoustic guitar, tenor ukulele, violin, piano, upright bass, and more.

"One of the things we try to focus on, is our attempt to apply the artistic concept of theme and variation, to the many different elements of our music such as the rhythm, harmony and melody, but also to the dynamics, arrangements, orchestration and instrumentation. And in a way, its almost like we are a national orchestra ... for a missing country!" says Fernwood's Ellett.

Created and recorded in their Malibu studio, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Ellett and Montgomery's music is a reflection of their lives in Southern California, their knowledge of progressive rock, folk, world and jazz, and their professional experience in film, television, animation and games. Authentic and honest, they play music the old-fashioned way: by hand. Formed in 2006, they have released three albums so far: Almeria, Sangita and Arcadia.

In order to maintain a more natural and dynamic sound, Arcadia was recorded without compression or computer manipulation.

All music played by hand, on instruments made out of wood!

Listen with headphones, you'll be glad you did!

1. Bells Spring
2. The Pan Chaser
3. Vision at Vasquez Rocks
4. Red Hill Trail
5. The Lost Night
6. Crossing the Divide
7. Owens Hideaway
8. Young Mountain Memory
9. After the Big Sky Falls
10. Escape From Sycamore Canyon
11. Winter Way

Listen to: the entire album.

Release date: 08/03/2015
Fernwood lives in California USA

Tagged as: World, Blues, Alt Rock, Folk

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2. The Siena Manuscript on steel string guitar by Paul Berget: renaissance lute, modernized.
3. Cifras Selectas de Guitarra, Santiago de Murcia 1722 by Eduardo Figueroa and Oscar Ohlsen: Chilean baroque guitar duo
4. The Four Seasons - Vivaldi on Guitar and Ukulele by Daniel Estrem: colorful classical guitar
5. Fantasia by Kaare Norge: outstanding classical guitar
6. The Castle of the Holly King by Shira Kammen: early folk and celtic music.
7. The Christmas Album by AlmaNova: lively flute/guitar duo
8. All Hayle to the Days by Harper's Hamper: well loved and lesser known British carols for the festive season, performed with single voices and instruments
9. Silent Night by Lisa Lynne and George Tortorelli: Celtic harp and bamboo flutes. Soft and soothing, perfect for quiet times and relaxation
10. Sounds of the Season by Aryeh Frankfurter: Timeless and enchanting folk music for the soul
11. Christmas Music by Magnatune Compilation: the best music from Magnatune
12. Mozart Klavier Trios by Streicher Trio: classical chamber music on period instruments
13. Reicha Fugues on Guitar by Daniel Estrem: colorful classical guitar
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15. Josep i Maria (Spanish and Catalan Folksongs and Villancicos for Christmas) by Galliarda: Renaissance and Baroque music from Byrd to Handel
16. Farewell I by Poeticall Musicke: Late Renaissance and Early Baroque music, historically performed
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19. Ravel on Guitar and Ukulele by Daniel Estrem: colorful classical guitar
20. A Solo Piano Christmas by Chad Lawson: Multi-award winning pianist and composer who is not afraid to put his hat in anything

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