Who is Ferry Corsten?
Ferry Corsten is a Dutch trance artist, DJ, and remixer. His resume includes a vast array of productions under many different aliases, live performances that pack the house, and a weekly radio show. He is ranked among the top 10 DJs in the world. I discovered his music in '03 with the track "Punk," and have been semi-smitten with his music since. "Rock Your Body Rock" was tons of fun, but then his L.E..F. era began with "Fire" in 2005. I wasn't a big fan of the music from L.E.F. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the album, excellent production on all the tracks and great contributions from the vocalists, but it did nothing for me.Initially Apprehensive
Understandably, when Twice In A Blue Moon came out, I wasn't chomping at the bit to pick it up. But I eventually got my hands on it and gave it a listen, and I can happily report that this album is vastly more engaging, to MY ears, than his previous effort. Less stadium anthem-y than his previous work, but Twice is such a gorgeous and cohesive group of songs that it is hard to remember "Punk" or "Watch Out."
Starting Off the Blue Moon
Twice In A Blue Moon begins with the ethereal and instrumental "Shelter Me," rife with atmosphere and a chugging bassline. It sounds almost like the score to a science fiction movie, and perhaps with the title, that was exactly what he was thinking. A third of the way into the track, all that can be heard is a production-fuzzy lone piano and a saddened melody that is soon re-supported by clubby beats. For a trance instrumental, a style I generally don't enjoy, this track had me hooked. But it is nothing compared to "Black Velvet," the track that follows. "Black Velvet" has a grooving beat and a fantastic vocalist who sings seductively, "Black velvet feels warm on my skin." The track exudes a progressive house feel that has been enveloping the club scene lately, and I must say it is a welcome addition to Ferry's music. It is also a strong contrast to the techy "We Belong," which features manipulated vocals and a frenzied electro melody. "Gabriella's Sky" feels like a throwback to his Gouryella days, a breakbeat backbone supporting winding trance synths. The track is, adorably, named after his new daughter, Gabriella Skye. In a more vocal trance style, "Made of Love" stomps through the speakers. Interestingly enough, "Made of Love" wasn't originally intended to have vocals. I'm glad it does, it gives the track a heart-yanking effect that definitely keeps me entranced.
Going Thorough the Blue Moon
The rest of Twice In A Blue Moon has some great tracks, although I am not a fan of "Radio Crash" at all, so if I had to tell you to avoid any one track on the album, that would be it. It is very messy to my ears and quite overwhelming. But someone liked it, as it was released with remixes. "Brain Box" and "Made of Love" were also released.
Summary
Much more engaging than his previous effort, Twice In A Blue Moon is both an emotional journey for the artist, and hopefully one for you too. I enjoyed it.
Released January 2009 on Ultra Records
