Away Into a Memory is a warm and soothing guitar-based album by Robert Linton accompanied by an all-star list of backing musicians. Robert plays acoustic nylon-string guitar and composed all nine of the tracks. The other featured artists are Corin Nelsen (co-producer), Graham Cullen (cello), Sara Milonovich (violin), Premik Tubbs (EWI - electronic wind instrument), Trevor Gordon Hall (guitar), Jennifer DeFrayne (clarinet), Jeff Haynes (percussion), and Jill Haley (English horn). As has been true of all of Robert’s albums (this is his eighth), the music is quietly unassuming, inviting the listener to a place of calm - and who couldn’t use some more of that? It can be music for relaxation, meditation, sleep, and pure deep listening enjoyment. Quoting Robert Linton:

“‘Away Into A Memory’ reflects the natural world and witnesses beauty in the simplicities. It holds the importance of loved ones and embraces emotion felt throughout life’s events. Each song is a soundtrack to a memory of the past and the present experience.”

Away Into a Memory begins with the title track, a beautiful piece for guitar, cello and EWI that sets the dreamy tone of the album. “Times of Gathering” reflects on cherished moments shared with friends and loved ones. A guitar duet with Trevor Gordon Hall, the mood is warm, peaceful and serene. “Reaching the Field’s Edge,” a guitar and violin duet with Sara Milonovich, recalls special moments while walking in the quiet solitude of the countryside - a gentle kind of bliss that can last for days! A trio for guitar, cello (Cullen) and clarinet (DeFrayne) (not a combo you find every day!), “Covering the Pathway” whips up the winds that swirl the leaves. A bit darker and more mysterious than the previous tracks, it’s a favorite! “In the Quiet of the Trees” was inspired by the peace found in a grove of aspens. The always-wonderful Jill Haley and Trevor Gordon Hall join Robert to make it a trio and creates a blissful mind massage. Ahhhh! “Aglow in the Windowpane,” a bittersweet duet for guitar and cello, celebrates the seasons throughout the year. Poignant and very thoughtful, it’s another favorite! Again quoting Robert: “‘Searching for Clovers’ is reminiscent of searching for clovers with my mom who has always had an eye for finding four leaf clovers.” A soulful duet for guitar and violin, the piece has a slight Celtic feeling to it as it shares fond memories. “Shaping the Moment,” a trio for guitar, violin and cello, has a warm, dreamy feeling and just kind of floats on a cloud. The album comes to a close with “Flickering of Summer Light,” which features guitar, EWI and light percussion. Very warm and dreamy, it’s a soothing and comforting end to an exceptional album!

Away Into a Memory is available to steam or download from Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes, and can be streamed on Spotify and Pandora. CDs can be ordered from Robert’s website (the first 300 will be autographed!). It’s a perfect antidote for all the stress and craziness of our world right now!