It has been over ten years since John Adorney released his impressive debut Beckoning and since then he has gone from strength to strength with the bar being set in 2004 when he created Waiting For The Moon. His latest release The Fountain has all the elements expected from an Adorney creation and will not disappoint his fans. The Fountain is another commendable recording but is his opening track “Safe Haven” a self fulfilling prophecy?

Adorney is ever present on both keyboards and guitar and once again produces and composes all his material. Repeat vocal visits come in the form of Daya and Marcel Adjibi who appear on a total of 3 tracks. While Marcel’s sole appearance is on the lyrical and buoyant “Comme Le Vent”, Daya also assists with the harmonies. Meanwhile, she is given the spotlight on the more somber but hopeful “Even In Your Darkest Hour” that also includes complete lyrics. Otherwise the only other song where she contributes is via her vocal chants on the peppy “Every Breath”. It is here where we are reminded about the strength of John Adorney and his multi layered cross rhythmic arrangements that also feature him on guitar, keyboards, percussion and dulcimer.

The majority of Adorney’s creations this time around are mid-paced to slow atmospheric ballads that don’t necessarily grab the listener immediately. However, repeat visits to the songs will allow them to grow on you. More unusual is the almost cosmic keyboard work found on “The Water Jar” as well as the very exotic “Silk And Stone” that combines mystic elements of the Far East along with an offbeat reggae percussive arrangement. Otherwise, the album is interjected with optimistic moments found in the likes of the previously mentioned opener “Safe Haven”, “Echoes Of Thunder” and “Every Breath”.

While Adorney may have played it a little safe giving you that feeling of déjà vu, it does not change the fact that this is another commendable recording from a very reliable artist. Next time around it might be nice to see John taking more risks that he presented on the likes of “The Water Jar” and “Silk And Stone.”