"Memories From A Dream" - A new instrumental
music Album
Musically, the ambition of Fofi and Samy was to create
a distinctive style that is characterized by a genuine
and emotional color: music that will enrapture the mind
and soul of the listener;
instrumental music that is balanced by beautiful melodies, ambient
harmonies and lush orchestrations.
“Music has always been
the inspiration of the human heart and soul,” Samy states, “and
it is our purpose and vision to create that unique
sensation in all our listeners. We are both eager and
excited to hear people’s thoughts and comments
on our musical endeavor…”
Fofi and Samy
fused the aesthetics of both Pop and Classical music.
In a very personal manner they merged the styles of
Piano music, New
Age music, Pop music and Orchestral
music. The result is music which has an inspiring effect
on its listeners. People who listen to the music of
Honest Touch create their own images and scenarios
while taking their mind and soul on a fantasy journey.
Many
fans and people from the music industry have called
the music of Fofi and Samy film music and classical crossover. Personally they
refer to their music as a cinematic
Pop music or as
they call it “Tacit Pop”.
A powerful quote
from the Greek philosopher Plato contributed to defining
the project’s musical
sound and style:
‘Music is a moral law - it gives wings to the
mind,
A soul to the universe, Flight to
the imagination,
A charm to sadness, A life
to everything.’
The instrumental music of Honest
Touch is distinguished by its acoustical full sound.
Very little electronic or synthesized sound has been
used in “Memories
From A Dream”; only between the end
of a track and the beginning of another. The large
production
of the album includes a symphony orchestra, piano,
drums, bass, guitars (electric, acoustic, classical
and 12-string), percussion (congas, bongos, tambourine,
cymbals and others), solo violin, solo voice and choir.
Worth
noting:
The instrumental music of the project is also concerned
with
political and social issues. Tracks
like “Then
You Came”, “Let Love Soar” and “Moments
With You” have such an emphasis. The peak of
the album is the ironically titled “And A Time
For War…!” – dedicated to those
who have experienced the indescribable times of war.
“Memories
From A Dream” features an impressive
orchestral Pop arrangement of the 80s hit single “Lay
All Your Love On Me” by the legendary group Abba.
Fofi’s
high classically-trained technique is obvious in some
intricate piano passages in “Luce
Lontana” and “Memories From A Dream”.
All
violin solos are performed by Vasilis Garoufalidis
on the “Oscar Mez” Stradivarius made
in Cremona in 1716.
Renowned engineer Vlado Meller (Sony
Music Studios) mastered “Memories From A Dream”.
Mr. Meller has worked for such renowned artists such
as Barbara Streisand, Prince, Celine Dion, Miles Davis,
Frank Sinatra, Julio Iglesias, Michael Jackson, Lionel
Richie, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin and many others.
Honest
Touch's motto: music that offers a unique
sensation.
CD Liner Notes:
“Memories From A Dream” is dedicated to Aly, Lula,
Vasilis and Platon
Our intention is to create instrumental songs that ‘touch’
the listener in a sincere and emotional ‘tone’, making
him/her contemplate, sometimes even arouse; yet to be enraptured
by images created by the balance of continuous beautiful melodies,
ambient harmonies and lush, fluent orchestrations. A sort of cinematic
Pop music or as we call it ‘Tacit Pop’.
Before the release of the album, we thought of including short
notes to tell the story behind every song. We finally came
to the conclusion that this would defeat the purpose of our
music. A music which is written to inspire the listener in
creating his/her own ‘scenarios’... The only urge we have inside us
is to dedicate the song “And A Time For War..!” to
those who experienced the indescribable times of war. Let’s
make a wish that one day humanity will solve its differences
with love and compassion...
Thank you for willing to share with us our musical world. Enjoy
the trip.
Fofi & Samy
Album Credits:
Piano, Fofi Maniadaki
Keyboards & Programming, Samy Elgazzar
Drums, Tolis Arsenidis
Bass, Sotiris Papadeas
Percussion & Timpani, Dimitris Kontos
Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Christos Pikridas
Acoustic, Classical & Electric Guitars, Yannis Stergiou
Solo Violin, Vasilis Garoufalidis
Solo Voice, Marita Paparizou
Choir, Fons Musicalis
Orchestra, Philarmonia Bulgarica & Amadeus
Orchestra arranged
and conducted by Samy Elgazzar
All music composed and arranged by Samy Elgazzar
Except “Lay all Your Love On Me” composed by Benny
Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus
Engineered and Mixed by Michael Skarakis at Fame
Studios, Athens
Piano Engineered by Ilias Lakas at Odeon
Studios, Athens
Editing and Programming by Michael Skarakis and
Akis Ziakas
Orchestral Engineering by Miroslav Danev at Studio
I of the Bulgarian National Radio
Orchestra Producer in Sofia: Valeri Vatchev
Orchestra Contractor: Svilen Simeonov
Mastered by Vlado Meller at Sony
Music Studios, New York
Produced by Samy Elgazzar
