
With its strong Contemporary Jazz feel, In Search of the Magic is pianist/compsers/arranger Jim Chappell's most rhythmic album to date. It was recorded “live” in the studio utilizing his touring band (sax, bass, and drums) with the addition of percussion and electric and acoustic guitars. The trademark Chappell melodies remain intact: In Search of the Magic makes a strong statement once again about his continually evolving talents.

Inspired by Siddhartha, who learns from the wise old ferryman to listen carefully to the voices of the river until he hears the eternal song of oneness and harmony, Gandalf invites you to imagine yourself in a boat on the Sacred River, letting the music be your ferryman, taking you gently across the water. Gandalf intricately weaves the sounds of acoustic, classical, and electric guitars with keyboards, percussion, piano, and sound samplers for his enchanting sonic tale.

All the dreamy qualities needed to carry you to the faraway lands of the mysterious Gandalf.” —Michael Debbage
Music being played from the very depth of the heart sometimes reflects a glimpse of the secret paradise within all of us, the boundless and eternal Lotus Land.
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Taking full advantage of his 30 years experience crafting music in harmony with the rhythm of nature, Gandalf presents a grand celebration in tribute “to the wonderful variety and beauty of the universe" with Earthsong and Stardance. Masterfully blending his customary sounds with the Corso Wien Orchestra and a Sanskrit choir, the whole truly blurs the boundaries between earth and the stars.

Gandalf’s music is inspired by the beauty of nature and by the wisdom and myths of various cultures. Magician of sounds and painter of musical landscapes, he conjures moods and magical moments that point to other realities behind the scenes in our fast-paced modern world. Austrian born Gandalf blends acoustic, electronic and spherical sounds and weaves folk elements into a symphonic structure to create his unmistakable and unique musical style.