This 1990 CD, like Mystic Island released in 1989, is an excellent collection of songs from Cusco’s earlier CDs that, at the time, had not been released in the States. Both were put together by Higher Octave after their successful first American release, Apurimac, to satisfy new-found fan demand for their earlier music. Water Stories was later released on the Prudence label in Germany, where it was considered a “best of” compilation. Early Cusco CDs are catchy, almost always fast-paced instrumentals that are on the edge of New Age. The group challenges the boundaries with pop, cosmopolitan rock, jazz and classical. Not as mature as some of their later albums, but make no mistake, this is outstanding New Age music. On Water Stories, their trademark panpipes and keyboards are used on selections related to the bodies of water that popped up on Desert Island, Cusco II, Cool Island, Virgin Island, and Ring der Delphine. The songs range from the upbeat “Waters of Cesme”, to the beautiful “Lake Erie” (an interesting arrangement of the traditional Scarborough Fair), to the almost classical “Aurora” which uses the strings of the Munich Symphony Orchestra. The final cut, “Chorus”, is from Musik Mantras 2, a haunting Johannes Walter production which includes some of Cusco’s music. If you want a one-stop sample of some of the “pre-Apurimac” music that made Cusco one of Japan and Europe’s (and now America’s) favorite contemporary instrumental groups, Water Stories is a good choice.

This album contains three tracks which later appeared on the 1990 release Water Stories on Higher Octave Music (Sun of Jamaica, Seychelles and Java). The album also contains a track called Alcatraz, but the music is completely different from the track of the same name on Desert Island and Water Stories, and is actually the original mix of the track Bermudas on the following Island Cruise album. Many discographies show this as a 1984 release, but early LP releases verify the 1983 release year.

The Best of Cusco is a compilation album by German cross-cultural new age band Cusco. It was released in early 1997 and includes tracks from the Higher Octave albums Apurimac (released 1988) through Ring of the Dolphin (1996), with the exception that A Choral Christmas (1995) is not represented. Some online retailers also show this item as a release by the label Kitty under the title "History".

"Colors Of A New Dawn" continues New Age multi-instrumentalist Gandalf’s journey into meditative, ambient spaces characterized by lilting melodies, gentle rhythms, and enveloping webs of synthesizer, creating a cross-cultural global musical masterpiece.

A committed environmentalist, Gandalf’s compositions (which sport titles like "Rhythm Of The Tides" and "Flowers Along The Way") give rise to visions of verdant fields and opulent waterfalls. Gandalf plays all the instruments on this album – including acoustic and electric guitars, piano, Mellotron, keyboards, percussion and samplers, among others – and creates sonically dense landscapes appropriate both as enhancing background music and as a guide for concentrated personal reflection.

The tone of the album is uplifting and joyous, with a 'live life to the fullest' vibe that fits the album’s title.

A harmonious and meditative compilation of Gandalf's most beautiful tracks recorded between 1994 and 2001, collected from various albums that had been formerly released in Europe.

Dramatic yet dreamy, Gandalf's latest creation lingers between the world of accessible commercialism and meditative benefits. As a result, "Between Earth And Sky" could not be more appropriately titled, residing between the tangible and the intangible, compelling it to become a regular visitor on my CD player.

While Gandalf is new to the shores of the States, this self-taught Austrian composer has been gallivanting around the continents of Europe, Asia and South America since the early eighties. It was then that he released his freshman effort "Journey To An Imaginary Land". Since then he has created a multitude of solo material, as well as involvement with many side projects. This has included an appearance on the former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett's album "Gallery Of Dreams" in 1992.

As a result of his worldwide trekking, Gandalf amalgamates multiple musical cultures and creates a sweeping, yet not an overstated, musical tapestry that makes his musical style familiar yet still unique. Equally adept on guitar, keyboards and percussion, Gandalf needs little outside assistance on this project, though the musical duties are rounded out by the assistance of White Horse on cello and Peter Aschenorenner on flute and saxophone with both of them assisting on vocals. Those of you that despise vocals on instrumental albums, the arrangements are limited to the occasional chants and embellishments to bring the album a little variety.

Musically, the majority of the arrangements are keyboard based and dance between mellow meanderings and a random dramatic mid tempo composition. On many occasions, the songs flow right into each other with little or no break between each track, giving it [the album] a sense of continuity and unity sustaining a focused center point. This will be of assistance to those who may prefer the contemplative values of the project.

While this may be a valuable meditative tool, I get the impression that this secondary benefit plays second fiddle to the commercial benefits. While Gandalf has his own musical signature, there are influences of the sound-scaping you find courtesy of Mars Lasar and 2002 along with some of the sweeping visual dramatics you would find during the early electronic days of David Arkenstone.

One of the more outstanding tracks and probably the highlight of the album is "A Seagull's Tale" that flows and soars effortlessly much like a seagull gliding in a firm gentle breeze. There are some gorgeous string arrangements embellished with the cleansing sound effects of the ocean waves and gulls quietly chirping in the background

Equally as dramatic is the surging "Love Is An Answer" that builds gently and includes the flutes of Aschenorenner and the electric guitar work of Gandalf. It is never overbearing, but I would say this [is] one of the more sonically intrusive compositions of the album. However, it is not out of place with the remainder of its cohorts.

Generally, the songs present low-key melodramatic themes that are best exemplified by the opening track "Just A Heartbeat Away". Facilitated with some gentle percussion work replicating a beating heart, this song has some very strong Arkenstone features, best seen courtesy of the chorus arrangements. Gandalf's closing track "Floating Down The Silent Stream", continues the irrefutable visual interpretations that parallel his expressive song titles.

"Between Earth And Sky" has unquestionable horizontal and vertical values. Despite this juxtaposition, there is no conflict, bringing a cohesive, consistent and complimentary listening experience that I look forward to enjoying over and over again.

This album contains several of the tracks which were later reworked for the Mystic Island release. The Fox and the Lady appears identical between album versions, but Fireshoes and Solitude have been noticeably reworked for a smoother, fuller sound. The tracks The Lucky Jack and The Lonely Rose were also quite noticeably reworked for Mystic Island, but appear as simply Lucky Jack and Lonely Rose. Many discographies quote a 1988 release date for this album, but early pressings can verify the 1987 original release year.

“Most of Cusco’s releases are available only in Europe. This album was originally released in Germany as Ring der Delphine. In the US, some of the tracks were put on various CDs, which are really just “Best of” CDs drawing from other Cusco releases. Of all the German releases (I have them all, as I lived there), this and Tales from a Distant Land are by far the best. The music here is simply great. The German release also had a long storybook (in German) about the tale of the Rings of the Dolphins, and how they progressed through history. Anyway, buy this album. It’s really good: the music is quite different from Apurimac. Various instruments and synthesizers are combined to make a great album, and there’s not a single track I dislike.”

The double CD "Visions 2001" (marking the two decades of career of Gandalf) is divided as follows: CD 1 features music inspired by -The Lord of the Rings, with new music; and CD 2, entitled Rare And Precious Pieces, contains a selection of highlights and rare, formerly unreleased live recordings.

In this double-CD album, Gandalf shows his full spectrum. In multi-dimensional sound-pictures, he conjures up the fascinating world from -The Lord of the Rings of J.R.R. Tolkien and leads us into a kingdom of fantasy.

Last but not least, the characteristic guitar playing of Gandalf makes this album absolutely worth listening to.

This album contains three of the tracks which were later reworked for the Mystic Island release (Milky Way, Pisces, and Leo), and also contains the track Venus, which utilizes what would become a signature synthesized panflute sound, and also electric rock guitars, and which has been featured on multiple compilations of Cusco’s early material. Some of the more relatively reliable Cusco discographies show a 1983 release date, but the first Arista pressing can verify the 1982 original release year.

This is a very smooth, melodic album, suitable for healing, relaxation, and even physical chi exercises. It features specially selected tracks from previous Gandalf's albums.

Keyboard, synthesizer, and flute sounds create a rich, soothing musical texture that leaves one feeling pleasant and content. This music can be used for many purposes and should be suitable for many tastes. I particularly liked the first track and the 5th track, and the ambience of the Far East on the closing track makes a nice tribute to the roots of Reiki healing.