German-born new age musician Deuter returns with “What the Elephant Told”, an eight-track instrumental album inspired by nature, elephants and his connection with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya. The album, which combines ambient, new age and world music, is a calming experience that allows listeners to contemplate and appreciate the natural world.
Deuter does not conform to the standard song form, but rather evolves through the use of melodies, textures and varied moods. He combines piano, flute, violin, oboe, cello and synthesizers, balancing the warmth of acoustic instruments with electronic soundscapes. The outcome is music that is expansive, thoughtful and with many fine details.
The album starts with “Kumbukumbu”, where the piano is played softly and then some darker synth elements start to creep in around the piano’s main theme. “Mapambazuko” is a more hypnotic piece, combining violin and flute in a delicate exchange, which is both peaceful and emotional. On “Nymphaea,” the airy flute and mournful oboe again create another reflective moment, demonstrating how Deuter uses various instruments to create feelings without words.
Its extended, exploratory arrangement of the title track, “What the Elephant Told”,” is the centrepiece of the album. It plays with flute, violin and changing electronic sounds, allowing the listener to get comfortable with the sounds before being hurried to a clear endpoint. “Pollen Path” juxtaposes flute, strings and choral like tones, and “Ndoto za Tembo” includes bells, chimes and subtle sounds that imbue the music with almost otherworldly qualities. “Laini na Kubwa” is a return of the piano and “Kumbatio la Tembo” ends the set with a more optimistic, lighter tone.
“What the Elephant Told” is an invitation to listen more carefully, to slow down. Deuter’s gentle melodies and rich instrumental arrangements develop a thoughtful musical tribute to nature and the relationship between natural world and humanity.
