Album Review by Dyan Garris, New Age CD
5
By Christian Celebration
Hummingbirds are mystical, magical creatures symbolizing hope, healing, harmony, and rebirth. Their fluttering wings form the infinity symbol as they vibrate – just like the 2002 logo – representing balance and endless possibilities for healing and for life and its continuation.
The album, “Hummingbird,” by the family group 2002 (Randy and Pamela Copus, and their daughter, Sarah), is their finest work to date. I actually didn’t think their music could even get any better, but here we are. This album – every track – is stunningly beautiful in every single note. Masterfully crafted, every nuance sparkles and vibrates, undulating with a certain, undefinable magic and majesty, just like the extraordinary hummingbird.
“Hummingbird” was inspired by a handwritten note they received from a fan who said that their music brought him hope and inspiration every day, just like the hummingbirds in legends.
The album is 10 tracks of melodic splendor. Guitar, flute, cello, harp, synth, percussion, and some ethereal vocals combine together in harmonious wonder, each track even more beautiful than then next.
Opening the album is the spectacular “Rainbow Cove.” Etheric backing vocals, outstanding guitar and flute melody all lift the spirits immediately. Gorgeous, through and through, this is scintillating with its many layers and textures. We can see the rainbows of hope right before our eyes, regardless of whether they are open or closed.
“Walela,” the Cherokee word for “hummingbird,” follows. Heavenly, etheric vocals, rich cello, strings, harp, and a flowing melody make this song so enjoyable. I think they have perfectly captured the joyful spirit and movement of the hummingbird.
Everything here is astoundingly beautiful and not to be missed. You will definitely want to get the entire album. Some other favorites and notes about this album: There’s a certain reverence to
“Gathering the Clouds” that is emotionally stirring. Strings are magnificent here, as is everything else.
“Sunlight in Rain” is gentle, tender, again melodic, and immensely calming to the spirit. And, of course, we know that most times when we see sunlight in the rain, it equates to a rainbow. So beautiful.
“Sacred Mountain” is expansive and cinematic with a great flute lead line, plus strings and everything else that makes the music of 2002 so “top drawer.” The production, the mix; everything is always perfect.
Now, here comes that rainbow again. “Through the Rainbow” is heartfelt and joyful filled with the optimism of what lies beyond whatever place we are currently in.
Can you imagine what it would be like to be able to travel to the moon? It must be amazing. And sometimes just gazing upon it from wherever we are is also amazing. “Courting the Moon” is soft, gentle, expansive, and atmospheric. I found this extremely peaceful and meditative.
One of the uses of jasmine is for relaxation. “Jasmine Rain” is ultra-relaxing and like a magnificently calming lullaby with its twinkling bells, harp, and lushly angelic etheric vocals. If this doesn’t relax you immediately, I’m not sure what will. SO beautiful. And ditto for “Wind Dancer.”
The exceptional album closes out with “First Day of Spring.” This is an upbeat, optimistic, happy, melodic song. Again, all so very lovely and truly outstanding in every aspect.
I should say that it feels as if the spirit of the hummingbird is fully present in every single piece on this album. As well, I think there just aren’t enough superlatives in the world to describe this music and the feeling of freedom and expansiveness it brings to your heart, head, ears, and entire being.
From MainlyPiano
5
By KathyPiano7
2002 has become known as The First Family of New Age Music and with good reason. Randy and Pamela Copus released their debut album, "Wings," in 1992 and their unique sound has only become richer and more distinct over time. A duo for many of those years, their daughter, Sarah, made her debut on "Trail of Dreams" in 2014 at the age of 10 and the band is now officially a trio. Known for ethereal vocals and soaring instrumentals, their music has been streamed a billion times!
A new album from 2002 is always great news, and "Hummingbird" is one of their best albums yet. Inspired by a note from a fan that said their music brought him "hope and inspiration every day, just like the hummingbirds in legends," the band decided to delve into the lore of this tiny flying jewel that represents hope, rebirth, beauty, balance, joy and harmony. It is fascinating to note that a hummingbird's wings move in the shape of an infinity symbol, much like the 2002 logo that symbolizes eternity and continuity. As the world gradually re-emerges from the COVID pandemic, "the image of the hummingbird represents Nature’s indefatigable resiliency and always has the capacity to heal herself. We, as a part of Nature, can share in that healing." (quoting promotional material) Instrumentation includes Randy on guitars, bass, keyboards and vocals; Pamela on flutes, Celtic harp, keyboards and vocals; and Sarah on Celtic harp and vocals. Guest musicians are James Song on violin, Dan Toten on cello and Monika Fryklund on viola.
"Hummingbird" begins with "Rainbow Cove," a dreamy slice of musical bliss. Acoustic guitar, Native American flute, strings, percussion, voices keyboard and bass set the peaceful yet colorful tone of the album - a warm and wonderful start! "Walela" is the Cherokee word for "hummingbird," and the piece bearing that title is lighter than air yet poignant and gently emotional. "Gathering the Clouds" has some gorgeous acoustic guitar and Native flute magic along with soaring strings and voices - one of several favorites on the album. The music video for this piece is stunning. "Sunlight in Rain" beautifully captures the awesome experience of seeing rays of sun breaking through rainclouds. Combining piano and cello is a favorite of mine, and adding flute and voices to them takes the music heaven-ward. I love the uneven rhythms as well as the soulful cello and flutes of "Sacred Mountain" - another favorite. "Courting the Moon" is much more ambient and fluid - very dreamy and peaceful. "Wind Dancer" begins with piano and strings, adding cello and flute after a short prelude. The title could suggest something being swept away by gusts of wind, but this is more like a gentle breeze carrying a small feather or a dandelion blossom freely and gracefully to an unknown destination - my favorite piece on the album. The last track is "First Day of Spring," a sunny, breezy piece that is rebirth and renewal set to music. Warm and optimistic, it is a lovely reminder that all will be well.
The digital release of Hummingbird is now available and the physical album/CD will be released July 16, 2021. Definitely one of, if not THE, best albums from 2002, it's a must-have!
