Kate Kohler | Lullabies for Grownups - Clouds

Published: November 4, 2008

This instrumental album reminds me how relaxing it used to be as a child, laying on the grass and watching cloud formations roll by. A similar inspiration led Great Falls native and pianist Kate Kohler to compose these 12 tunes, named after different kinds of clouds. This is the third solo effort by the Bozeman-based music veteran.

On the first number, “Cirrostratus,” a stately intro leads into the sleepily awakening melody; “Nebulosus” is pensive, moodily minor; there’s the clarion call of “Arcus”; and “Altostratus” has a music-box nuance.

“Virga” is a tinge jazzy, and “Translucidus” could be from a romantic movie score. “Mist” has meandering warmth and softness – a gentle Irish jig, maybe?

Kohler’s clouds never create a storm – they just follow her muse and sweetly understate the lullaby theme. Liner notes say this soothing compilation is a must-have aural companion for meditation. Rightly so.

Visit her at www.katekohler.com. The CD was recorded and mixed by Gil Stober, Peak Recording and Sound, Bozeman.

– Mariss McTucker