"A World Away" is a cosmic love story, of kindred spirits traveling together through many times and many worlds, becoming lost and separated from one another, and finally reunited. 2002 returns with their 18th full-length album, "A World Away". The six vocal and four instrumental songs are new and all original, and cover much of 2002’s vast sonic palette- from progressive and pop new age, to their neoclassical and ambient roots.
Celtic Fairy Lullaby is a collection of timeless songs from ancient lands. Harps, flutes, piano, and subtle orchestration accompany delightful lyrics in Irish Gaelic, Welsh and English performed by Sarah Copus, the newest member of her family’s musical ensemble, 2002. These 12 mesmerizing songs are soothing and nurturing, perfect for relaxation, sleep and meditation.
Seoithín Seo Hó (Hushaby, Hush) is an old Irish lullaby. Gartan Mother’s Lullaby is an old Irish song and poem written by Herbert Hughes and Seosamh Mac Cathmhaoil, first published in Songs of Ulster in 1904. Hughes collected the traditional melody in Donegal the previous year and Campbell wrote the lyrics. This medley of the 2 songs was created by Karen Ballew.
Cariad – Written by John Wake and Lorraine King. Cariad, “cariad” is Welsh for “darling” and Cwtch (pronounced “cooch”) is Welsh for “cuddle” (“cariad” is Welsh for “darling” and Cwtch (pronounced “cooch”) is Welsh for “cuddle”.)
Bí Thusa ‘Mo Shúile (Be Thou My Vision) – Traditional hymn from Ireland
Away From the Roll of the Sea – Words and Music by Allister MacGillivray, Cabot Trail Music (SOCAN)
Éamonn an Chnoic (Ned of the Hills) – This song is about Éamonn Ó Riain (Edmund O’Ryan -1670 – 1724), a Robin Hood type figure in Irish history.
Hó bha in (Sleep My Child) – Old Irish lullaby
Bánchnoic Éireann Ó (The Fair Hills of Ireland) – Words & Music by Donnchadh Rua MacConmara (1715-1814)
Ar Hyd y Nos (All Through the Night) – A Welsh folksong sung to a tune that was first recorded in Edward Jones’ Musical and Poetical Relics of the Welsh Bards (1784). The Welsh lyrics were written by John Ceiriog Hughes.
Mo Ghile Mear (My Gallant Darling) – Old Irish song written by Seán Clárach Mac Domhnaill (1691–1754)
My Singing Bird – Popularized by the McPeakes. The melody is of a Munster folk tune.
Buachaill Ón Éirne (Boy from the River Erne) – Traditional Irish air
Thugamar Féin an Samhradh Linn (We Brought the Summer With Us) – Traditional Irish song sung on May Day.
Winner "Best Vocal Album" 2014 – Zone Music Reporter – 11th Annual ZMR Music Awards
Trail of Dreams is about that great journey into the unknown, to find one’s destiny. Many of the songs were inspired by the stories of these great travelers. The title track depicts the great spiritual epic Autobiography of a Yogi, where Yogananda travels to far away America to bring the spirituality of India to the west. “Navigatio” recounts the voyage of Saint Brendan from Ireland in the sixth century, setting out to find a glorious Heavenly island. In “Follow Your Star”, Honera O’Flynn is kidnapped from her homeland of Ireland and brought to America, where she ultimately finds her destiny, and true love. The album ends with “Ever Onward”, a life-affirming anthem about following dreams, and always moving forward
Throughout their last few albums, progressive new age band 2002 has been steadily increasing their use of vocals and percussion, infusing elements from pop, folk and progressive rock into their ambient/neo-classical roots. Also during that time, Sarah Copus, daughter of Pamela and Randy, has been taking on an ever-increasing role in the group. With the release of Trail of Dreams, Sarah, now just 10 years old, is one of the harpists and the primary lead vocalist in the band. Her soaring, angelic voice is featured prominently on Trail of Dreams, with many of the harmonies and vocal arrangements having been created by her. The synergy that Sarah brings to 2002’s signature sound has created something entirely new, by a band that believes in following the musical adventure wherever it leads, ever onward.
“2002 have created another sonic masterpiece that only furthers their standing as one of the most creative and prolific ensembles in new age music. As with all their releases, the production quality is absolutely stunning. The addition of vocals expresses their willingness to expand and evolve, exploring fresh musical terrain with each release. And now, with the inclusion of a new alchemical element in the mix, their daughter, I’ll be more interested than ever to hear what melodic magic they come up with next. Believe is a virtuoso recording that will appeal to long time fans of 2002 and new listeners alike.” ~ Michael Diamond, Music and Media Focus “A well thought out release that feels like it had meticulous planning but left room for inspiration and playfulness, this sets the stage for new age to take off to new places in fine fashion. Orchestral rather than minimal, grand rather than precious, this sounds like what you would have gotten if Chip Davis and Enya had a kid that stayed new age but wanted to rebel. Long time new age buffs can’t help but welcome this contemporary instrumental treat to the canon. Well done throughout.” ~ Chris Spector, Midwest Record “Believe: A Spiritual Romance es el nuevo álbum de la banda 2002, y posiblemente uno de los mejores trabajos del 2012. Arreglos orquestales, dulces voces, instrumentos étnicos y un arduo trabajo en la composición son los componentes perfectos para crear diez piezas que serán difíciles de olvidar. Atendiendo a las emociones más personales, 2002 juega con las melodías y los instrumentos, dando a cada composición una personalidad que se modifica obedeciendo al estado de ánimo del oyente; esto hace que Believe sea un álbum perfecto para disfrutar en cualquier momento.” ~ Alejandro Clavijo, Reviews New Age
In a love story as old as time, Princess Damayanti and Prince Nala must challenge the gods themselves to keep their love alive.This is quintessential 2002 ~ piano, harp, guitar, lush orchestrations & tender flutes come together to carry you away on a magic carpet ride.
Reviews:
“Movie scores of the last twenty years have been severely lacking in originality and have been neither memorable nor iconic. 2002 could easily fill that void and make movie music vibrant again and restore the cinematic experience to its former glory.” ~ Raj Manoharan, RajMan Reviews
“If there was ever a soundtrack in search of a film this is it. I love the evocative visual quality of this music and hope that some visionary producer is enchanted enough by the magic in this soundtrack and the timeless tale it tells, to want to make it into a movie.” ~ Michael Diamond, Music and Media Focus
“I pop the CD onto the player and this gorgeous orchestral music comes rolling out of the speakers – neo-classical in style, until a variety of ethnic instruments enter, and then you realise you are listening to the magic of 2002. This album has a grandeur pulsing throughout its length, add the ravishing melodies and rich sound and you have a very highly recommended album. ~ John M. Peters, The Borderland
"The entire album is a slice of heaven." ~ Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck-MuzikReviews.com
"…another shining example of the band’s mastery of weaving mood, atmosphere and instrumentation to create music that is timeless and special." ~ Music Design
Wings II – Return to Freedom Fly away with 2002 on tranquil breezes, through starlit nights, arriving upon sun-drenched shores. This soft, instrumental CD features over an hour of relaxing music, designed to inspire and restore the phoenix within us all. VERY soft and ambient. Perfect for massage and sleep.
Reviews:
With every new 2002 release, you can always rest assured that you will be absorbed into a fascinating dreamscape that uplifts as it soothes. If anything, WINGS II – RETURN TO FREEDOM takes these qualities to a new level. The music here is bright and whimsical with a strong sense of airy serenity. The album is heavier in the atmosphere department than previous releases, with less emphasis on vocals (the vocals here are wordless and well integrated into the shimmering backdrops). In fact, the album is one of their most ambient to date, featuring synth atmospheres that are dense and lush, like a warm bed that you can easily curl up in. Besides the billowing synths, some piano and 2002’s characteristic reverberated guitar come into the picture. Very relaxing! ~ Music Design
The album begins with the gorgeous title track that has all the bells and whistles that we can expect from 2002 including the chimes, swirling but soft synthesizers complimented by Randy’s beguiling guitar work. The song is followed by the mysterious “Memory Of The Sky” whose melody brings to mind a less energetic “Free To Fly” from their prior album, only this time shrouded in a very slow and purposeful state that will leave you floating in the air without the assistance of any altered state of chemical dependency.
Return To Freedom clocks in over 64 minutes with a total of 10 tracks that all run over 6 minutes long. The musical theme is much less structured than some of their recent material, and seems very purposeful in allowing you as the listener to escape the complexities of life. It seems the deeper you get into the album cuts the more spatial it becomes allowing to you to just drift away to your own personal escape. Though the loose structure returns on “Athena” with Pamela’s reserved flute work bringing out the melody without interfering with the ambient theme. If you really prefer the spatial theme that they seem to be exploring, fast forward to the cosmic “Stillpoint” that would be a terrific soundtrack for an evening of stargazing.
2002 geared us up at the start of 2009 with A Word In The Word and have now done the complete opposite courtesy of the healthy dose of relaxation therapy via Return To Freedom. No matter where your preference may lie on the 2002 music rainbow, the results are still the same…a musical delight of colors, shades and hues to escape from the routines and worries of a typical day. ~ Michael Debbage
The title song Return to Freedom has that dramatic and triumphant fanfare that usually signifies the return to the starting place. As if the experience has come full circle. For the musical duo of Randy and Pamela Copus, otherwise known as 2002, the album may have a hidden meaning, as they begin a new musical journey on their own label. For this experienced and talented duo, it will be what the business people call a lateral move. They begin anew on the level that they have already achieved and considering their lofty achievements to date the apex is and always was within their musical grasps. Excelsior!
Everything on the album indicates a rebirth, as a musical phoenix rising out of the ashes of the past. The echoing tune Memory of the Sky, a deliciously smooth piece of drift music is an advertiser’s dream soundtrack. It is very unforgettable. There is darkness and light, energy and stasis, and the moodiness of an anticipative god.
Stillpoint unleashes a musical tether as if from some huge, unseen jellyfish that just snakes out into the universe. It crawls, it slithers, and it senses and then it returns to the starting point, the Stillpoint, to consider what it has found.
It is no surprise that the story of a mystical bird that dies and rises from its ashes is known on every major continent. Although the Phoenix is thought to be the size of an eagle, it is said that it is so light that it crushes nothing. And such is the feeling from the tune Firebird. It is light in every sense of the word, weightless and radiant.
Sunlight Through a Feather dabbles into the world of Stravinsky and the mythology of the Firebird. For it is by a single feather that Prince Ivan was saved and won him the heart of Tsarevna. 2002 offers a song of soft light through a filter of dreams.
The ubiquitous drifting quality of the album is repeated rather strongly in the final cut, The End is the Beginning. Coming full circle is the warm droning cycles that all creatures and all processes must adhere to in the carbon world. The tune has a remarkable peacefulness to it. It is hopefully more of a musical portent than an ending to an amazing aural experience.
Rating: Very Good – RJ Lannan
Reviews: “A wondrous collection of some of the most breathtaking, exquisitely beautiful music ever recorded.” ~ Raj Manoharan, RajMan Reviews
“2002 are very capable of keeping matters playful, courtesy of the livelier opening track “Where The Stars And Moon Play”. Even more playfully is the bouncy and energetic “Setting Sail” as the song is propelled by its spirited optimism. However, they are equally at home courtesy of their tender and delicate moments such as Pamela Copus’s flute work on the soft and wispy musical themes of “Sweet Dreams”. A close second is Randy Copus’s utterly haunting guitar work on “An Ocean Apart” that will transport you to a deep blue sea leaving you floating effortlessly on its tranquil mirror surface. Countered by Pamela’s flute this is 2002 at their best. Just as effective is the soft and slow beat of “When I See You Again” where Randy’s nylon acoustic strings continue to flirt with Pamela’s flute rendition.” ~ Michael Debbage
“Deep Still Blue, the newest release from 2002 encompasses all that we value and love from New Age music and adds an extra dimension with the addition of a video disc in the package. The DVD has some of the most spectacular still photography on the planet compliments of marine photographer Susan Sailbara. In addition, the group has included some full ethereal vocals to the mix. I truly enjoyed Emerald Way, the last album of the husband and wife duo of Pamela and Randy Copus, but after watching and listening it appears that this is their best album to date.
Starting off with a very Enya-esque sounding tune, Where the Stars and Moon Play opens the world of the sea to us. The visuals are stunning. It is as if we are seeing color for the first time in our lives. North of Honduras is the magical world of the Caribbean. Our underwater visit is filled with delicate and delightful creatures that strike our imaginations. Deep Still Blue the main track is a song featuring gentle guitars, placid piano and layers of voices that carry you away to a secret paradise. Somewhere north of the Coral Sea is a magic world where time stood still longer than any pace on earth. Under the sea, you can still find castles of chalky coral, delicate green dragons, and water bluer than the sky. Drifting under the Pacific with just a hint of a current, we are gently pushed on the tune An Ocean Apart. This is one of the most relaxed tunes I have ever heard. The music suggests wandering aimlessly under a sapphire sea with just our thoughts. Nothing on the surface can affect us as we drift placidly over a living rainbow of creatures, endless sandy plains, and far away skys of green ocean algae. There is an astonishing image of anemone that looks like a row of little green mushrooms. More evidence to the magic under the sea. The musical accompaniment to the incredible vision is called Little Angel.
2002 has taken much of the gentleness that the ocean sometimes offers and put it into music. There is a subtext to this song however. It is as if from a distance we are witnessing a sleeping child. This is one of the best cuts on Deep Still Blue. One of the brightest spots on the album is called Sarah’s Rainbow. It is song sung just for the joy of life. The tune is a celebration of triumph. There are days when even the darkest cloud may have a ray of sunshine peaking out behind it. We return to the surface on the spirited song Setting Sail. Canvas slaps, ropes creak and the jib flutters as the wind pushes on our backs and we move across the ocean in search of new adventure. Friendly voices, glittery guitar and fluid flute combine to warm the air with sunshine and promise. The Voyage Home, a song with forward motion and no regrets in the notes opens with images of bright orange anemone, khaki-colored pipefish and the sharp ghostly photos of white sea sponges. There is a remote kind of sadness in the tune, but the spirit of the adventure is still with us and it will carry us through for the rest of our lives.
Never has still photography come more alive than under the lens and heart of Susan Sailbara. Despite the burden of personal illness that she has carried for some time, she is still able to see the intrinsic beauty of the world and, in the blink of an eye, capture it for all to see. 2002 has been making terrific music for a long time. I think I may have some of their material on cassette. Deep Still Blue is a labor of love on many levels. There is the love of just making music and the delight of joyous little lives that we are privileged to steward, particularly as parents. Finally the love of the earth in all its forms whether deep ocean or soaring mountain. This is music for the type of person that loves to rejoice in life.” ~ reviewed by RJ Lannan on 8/10/2007 –Zone Music Reporter
The album begins with the gorgeous title track that has all the bells and whistles that we can expect from 2002 including the chimes, swirling but soft synthesizers complimented by Randy’s beguiling guitar work. The song is followed by the mysterious “Memory Of The Sky” whose melody brings to mind a less energetic “Free To Fly” from their prior album, only this time shrouded in a very slow and purposeful state that will leave you floating in the air without the assistance of any altered state of chemical dependency.
Since when do you associate pulsating percussion with distinct synthesizer and electric guitar embellishments with 2002? Think now as this coming February Pamela and Randy Copus will present to the listening public their latest musical endeavor, “A Word In The Wind.” While the sweet ingredients of 2002 have been placed on a low calorie diet it has been beefed up with a progressive edge that we have not yet heard from 2002 until now and the results are mind blower.
The introduction to the new and improved 2002 begins immediately as the album opens with a mesmerizing 80 layered single A flat note chant that immediately shrouds “1054 AD” in a mystical cloak. The elongated two minute introduction is expounded upon with the infliction of pounding percussions and keyboard embellishments that at times almost sound like bagpipes. The mystery is then complemented by the more familiar woodwork of Pamela Copus as well as the swirling harmonic vocals of the duo. The spiritualism continues with the title track prominently featuring Randy on a bass sitar known as a tambura accompanied by a Middle Eastern chant almost beckoning us to a call of worship or meditation. Once again the slower but thumping percussion work is prominent with Pamela’s flute dancing to the rhythms. And if that suits your fancy skip forward to the progressive “Mirage” that prominently features Pamela Copus on flute doing her Ian Anderson/Jethro Tull interpretation, flirting and courting with Randy’s atmospheric electric guitar work. Outstanding! There is more of that found on “Trismegistus” which plays tribute to the law and order of the universe.
The album, however, is not completely veiled in mysticism. For those of you craving the more established sound will love the mid paced lazy “Spirit Moves” with similar themes presented on “Promise Of The Ocean”. Better yet, check out the wistful “Dreaming Cloud” that features Randy tinkering ever so lightly on the grand piano with minor string and flute embellishments. It is the most organic track to date but unfortunately it is less than two minutes long but it certainly leaves you craving more.
On a more commercially viable note, 2002 has also written two of their most accessible songs to date, though they have very contrasting styles. “Free To Fly” takes the more mainstream route with the lush harmonic vocals of Randy and Pamela that also include liberating lyrical content. Driven by an infectious drum loop and ambient keyboards this song will take you sky high. Given the correct promotional push this could be 2002’s first hit single. For completely different reasons there is the equally likeable “Raindance” that will shower you in elements of rock driven by the Randy’s more abrasive synthesizer and rhythmic guitar as he once again dances with the contemplative flute work of Pamela who is at the top of her game. Along with the impelling percussive beat you will be hard pressed not to dance to this song.
Go ahead and turn up the volume and let your hair down.To add to the audio passion of the compositions, Randy and Pamela deliver their creations in an open and detailed 5.1 DTS Digital Surround format that simply intensifies the entire audio experience. The album is also augmented by the visual eye candy of an accompanying DVD that is largely the blood, sweat and tears of Pamela. Though it is her first formal exploration into the visual world, she has effectively integrated live high definition footage and delicately intertwined it with animation and graphics effects that have the potential to send you on a time travel to the yesteryears of several historical eras.
Though “A Word In The Wind” may have some familiarity, for the established fan it is time to blow up your preset expectation of the Copus duo. Meanwhile, those of you that may have dismissed their safe guaranteed hit formula that has kept them as an almost permanent resident on the Billboard chart, come revisit 2002 in 2009. “A Word In The Wind” is bold uncharted territory for 2002 and despite the higher “octane” musical retuning, the risk taking has resulted in an inspiring musical experience that will take you to all four corners of the earth and back again. ~ Michael Debbage
Debuted at #9 on the Billboard Chart! Romantic symphonies, piano, strings, acoustic guitar, flutes, harp and soft chimes tumble gracefully from the heavens. This is instrumental Christmas music as you’ve never heard it before! Pamela and Randy Copus of 2002 have graced the Billboard Charts for 273 weeks. On Christmas Dreams, traditional songs of the season are dusted with 2002’s signature sound.
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Reviews:2002’s trademark sound includes the multi layered keyboards, the heavenly harp, the flirtatious flute and soft nylon acoustic guitars of the Copus duo. They are in total harmony covering yesteryears favorites carols ever so slightly reinventing the festive good tidings. While there is no original material added to the album, the duo wisely chose the lesser known “In The Bleak Midwinter” to bring a little freshness to the holiday album. Otherwise, the obvious favorites are covered from the resounding “Carol Of The Bells” to the more peaceful simplicity of “The First Noel”. But without a shadow of a doubt the highlight of the album is the tender “Silent Night” featuring Pamela on flute and Randy on cello in utter unison musically. It fully represents the spirit of the season of peace and glad tidings displaying 2002 at their reflective best.” ~ Michael Debbage Lush, luscious, luxurious. Those are the first words that come tumbling out of my head early on a rainy Saturday morning in late November as I listen to 2002’s Christmas Dreams, with an icebox still laden with Thanksgiving turkey and bedrooms full of children and grandchildren. 2002’s calm, cool instrumental harmonies give me one brief respite before the commencement of our final Thanksgiving ritual, the decorating of the tree. The purpose of new age music is to provide respite, to allow contemplation, to evoke emotional release. 2002’s Christmas Dreams fulfills this purpose through the use of lush, string-laden instrumental arrangements. Though produced through the wonder of electronics, the sound is warm and romantic. The 10-song set, though made up of public domain classics, feels fresh and alive. Time is short for a reviewer of holiday music, but if one has the time, one can bathe in the luxurious sensuality of Christmas Dreams for hours. –Richard Banks (Reviewed in 2007) –ChristmasReviews.com
42 weeks on the Billboard New Age Chart! What does the ocean dream? Glimpse into the depths of jeweled waters and the fantasia within. Surrender to the siren call. Come! Be transported under the waves, flowing with 2002’s delicate strings, guitar, flute, keyboard and distant voices of angels of the deep. 2002 – Favorites on Billboard’s New Age Chart for the past five years!
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Reviews:
“Lush ethereal synthesizers swell, a celestial symphony of orchestral effects twinkle and flow with magical precision and airy vocalise haunts many of the tracks like a ghost. Listen to the epic sounds of Nautilus, The Sea at Night or Well of Wisdom and you’ll understand why 2002 has been a new age chart favorite for many years.” ~ Silverlake Music
“A masterpiece of healing light, Across an Ocean of Dreams is an excellent choice for yoga, massage, reiki, meditation, or simply relaxing with friends. Those familiar with 2002’s delicious sound will find much to like on Across an Ocean of Dreams, and new fans will be thoroughly captivated.” ~ Steve Ryals, New Age Retailer
“2002 has been a favorite on New Age music charts for the past five years, and Across an Ocean of Dreams stands as a testament to how far Randy and Pamela Copus have come as musicians. They have definitely set a new standard for themselves with this album. 2002 has crossed over into greatness, and will hopefully stay there for years to come.” ~ Jimmy D, The Instrumental Weekly
54 weeks on the Billboard New Age Chart! Legend tells that a person visiting the mysterious northern isle of “Tir Na Noc” for a day may discover, upon returning, that 300 years have passed. On Land of Forever, glistening guitar adds a new depth to the familiar array of angelic strings, keyboard, flutes and harp transporting you into that mysterious other realm. A soothing hour of music that could last …. forever.
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Reviews:
“There are many legends surrounding the Land of Forever Young, or Tir Na Noc. It is said that a Bronze Age people were driven from Ireland around 600 B.C., retreating to an island off the Irish coast that remains submerged by day. It rises only at night, its glistening towers faintly visible in the moonlight. Land of Forever beautifully evokes the timeless image of this legend in dream-like, ambient soundscapes.” ~ New Age Retailer
“They fill their compositions with extraordinary light and peace, as angelic choirs, strings, keyboards, flutes, and harp join with guitar in a journey of healing joy… Long gentle notes float like feathers on a spring breeze, gently transporting the listener into realms untouched by the ravages of time.” ~ Steve Ryals
23 weeks on the Billboard New Age Chart! The Emerald Way refers to the moment in life when a pivotal choice must be made – to choose the way that is customary and expected of us – or to head down the overgrown hidden path leading to the unknown.Â
Inspired by the story of Savitri by Sri Aurobindo, in which Savitri discovers that her love, Satyavan, has only one year left to live, and she must decide whether or not she will stay with him in the emerald forest or search for a new love. Soulful flutes, silky guitar and piano tell the story, accompanied by lush strings, harp and chimes blending into 2002’s signature sound, renowned for comfort and deep relaxation.
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Reviews: “If someone asked me to define the genre of New Age music with one listen of a CD, I’d likely pick one of 2002’s eight recordings. Their music is the epitome of serenity and peace – the atmospheric and gentle dream sounds softly put the listener into deep relaxation.” ~ Peter Manzi, New Age Retailer Magazine
“The music overflows with heavenly melodies and majestic crescendos that are as light as cotton candy and equally sweet.” ~ Dan Cowan, Music Design
7 weeks on the Billboard New Age Chart! This hauntingly beautiful album is the blending of angelic keyboards and strings, combined with tender flutes and poetic harp. With its dream-like quality, Chrysalis awakens a distant yet familiar safety.
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Reviews: “Oceans of strings and choirs, flutes and keyboards lift us out of the trials and tribulations of our daily lives as though we were on a ship with gossamer sails, sailing on the moonlight.” – Steve Ryals
“I’ve owned hundreds of albums, this is one the very best, if not the best, of all. Spectacularly beautiful, this may be best New Age album ever recorded. 5 stars does not do this album justice.” ~ A fan from Fairfax Station, Virginia”I have bought this CD four times because I am so impressed with it. It is the first CD that the music actually touched me to a depth that it brought tears to my eyes. The soft melodies sooth the heart and soul. I bought it four times because every time I wear it out listening to it, as I fall asleep at night.” ~ Ann Marie (Amazon)
“I stumbled across this CD quite by accident in a ‘Natural Wonders’ store several years ago. I was intrigued by the cover art as well as the brief description of the music as “hauntingly beautiful” and bought it. That chance encounter-which could have happened later as the genre of this music appeals to me, turned into one of those rare and great musical treasure discoveries. Unlike some music which has to be heard repeatedly for the listener to attain common ground with the artist(s), ‘Chrysalis’ draws one majicaly from the very first playing into a mystical experience that transcends the earthly realm to a level of serenity, joy, and at times melancholy that is at its very least beautiful, and at its best a rare masterpiece. Like all great albums, the whole is a theme of individual tracks that weave consistently from one to the next, and there are no weak songs. At the end, you wonder where the time went and are wanting for the experience to never end. Interestingly, it was a couple of years before I searched out their other works, and found them to be equally worthy. Following the timeline of 2002’s works is like watching something very mystical, rare, and beautiful come of age. Each album has a coherent theme,(this one the metaphor of metamorphosis of caterpillar to butterfly-say that 3 times!) and usually a myth or ancient legend behind it as inspiration-which reveals that there is an intellectual depth behind the music that on the surface is quite pleasing to the unsophisticated ear, but at the same time- for the disciplined and discerning listener each time listening reveals deeper layers of elegance and beauty that is obviously the product of gift, discipline, and mostly a lot of hard work. All great creators-whether musical, artistic, or literary- are inspired by the majestic, profound, and sometimes deeply sad mysteries of this journey we call life, and as each uses their chosen medium to fulfill their endless need to create-whether as a medium to convey their deepest feelings to others, or simply for the release of the life energy within, they leave great works that awe and inspire others long after their time on earth is done. 2002 is worthy of that billing. I highly recommend their work.” ~ Paul V. – Amazon
74 weeks on the Billboard New Age Chart!
River of Stars is 2002’s most stunning album to date, offering gorgeous compositions which glide and soar through the galaxy. As the new millennium unfolds, the heavens open and pour out a River of Stars.
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Reviews:
"On their fifth release, the duo known as 2002 aim for the stars and overshoot their mark, with transcendent glory that translates perfectly through heavenly music with a wider range than they have previously explored. Pamela and Randy Copus seem to draw from an unlimited well of creativity, and this aspect, combined with their heartfelt approach, has established them as one of the top New Age groups. Traces of Enya-like lushness combine with the trademark harp, guitars, flutes, etc, and this addition of voice tracks really expands the divine sounds they create. Through meticulous production and utmost care & sensitivity that they put into this project, River of Stars is clearly their best-sounding release yet, and should easily become a runaway best-seller from coast to coast. ~ Backroads Music
"Along with artists like John Tesh, Suzanne Ciani, and Kevin Kern, 2002 has the aura of elegiac chamber music, but it is so awash in bathos it makes Mantovani sound like Varese. The impressions that poke through 2002’s satin sheen are evident. The duo’s opulent arrangements and romantic themes recall Vangelis. "Stella Maris" echoes Enya’s "Cursum Perficio." What a way to begin the new millennium! ~ Billboard Magazine
Bright piano, dreamy flutes, tender strings, sparkling chimes and airy celestial choirs transform the flight of Icarus from a classical Greek tragedy into a modern triumph of the human spirit.Favorably compared to Vangelis, Steve Roach, and Richard Burmer. This CD was originally released in 1992 on 2002’s own label, Dreamtime Records.
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“If angels made music, it would surely sound like Wings.” ~ Rochel Haigh Blehr
“When you listen to this one, you can feel the magic of what holds the universe together, and my only regret is that our grading system goes no higher than 5.” ~ Sound Mind Magazine
Bright piano, dreamy flutes, tender strings, sparkling chimes and airy celestial choirs transform the flight of Icarus from a classical Greek tragedy into a modern triumph of the human spirit.Favorably compared to Vangelis, Steve Roach, and Richard Burmer. This CD was originally released in 1992 on 2002’s own label, Dreamtime Records.
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“If angels made music, it would surely sound like Wings.” ~ Rochel Haigh Blehr
“When you listen to this one, you can feel the magic of what holds the universe together, and my only regret is that our grading system goes no higher than 5.” ~ Sound Mind Magazine
Songs:
Reviews: I repeatedly listen to “Stardust” with it’s “Enya-like” angelic chorus…but it’s the wholeness of the track that wraps me up in the 2002 sound like a warm blanket. Full of sparkling guitar and breathy flute intertwining with the gentle rhythms and those soaring vocals….I love that “Stardust”! “Kindred Spirit” was written as an homage to Hilary Stagg…he would have LOVED it…and the the last two tracks are exquisite and so representative of 2002’s style. 2002 music sometimes creates very strong images in my mind…and sometimes it simply directs me into a state of restful peace…essential new age music. ~ Jander Jay via iTunes
Twenty years ago, Pamela and Randy lived for awhile in different parts of the country. A part of their staying in touch was a steady stream of love letters to each other. The music of This Moment Now captures an enchanted moment where love transcends distance and time.This Moment Now won COVR’s (Coalition of Visionary Retailers) Best New Age Album of the Year! 20 weeks on the Billboard New Age Chart!
Songs: 1. Suddenly Yours 2. Sunny Day 3. Morning of Light 4. Even Now 5. Life Is 6. Moment of Love 7. Romancing the Moon 8. A Gate of Dreams 9. Children in Time 10. Bliss 11. Dreaming of You
Reviews: “A very tasty work that hits you in the gut as hard as it does between the eyes. Charming, enchanting and everything you need in a first class audio getaway. A winner.” ~ Chris Spector, Midwest Record Recap “A most pleasant surprise is the track Moment of Love sung by Randy Copus himself. Soothing, reverberated piano/guitar melodies add another layer to the album’s ethereal sweetness. This has to be Pamela and Randy’s strongest piece of artistry yet… pure heaven.” ~ TheDailyLama.com
** Watch The making of “This Moment Now” !
