Mike Oldfield

From the Source

Light + Shade is a double concept album consisting of two very differing parts. Heavily influenced by the Cafe del Mar style chill-out albums of Ibiza, Mike Oldfield takes this blueprint to create one album of ambience and another much darker, thrilling experience on the second album.

Featuring tracks that also appear on Tr3s Lunas from 2002 and Maestro, the 2004 soundtrack to Mike Oldfield's second foray into video gaming, Light + Shade reveals the Yin and Yang nature of dance music and as Mike admits, the album "reflects my bright and dark moods".

The first suite of tracks is introspective and intimate: Tracks such as 'The Gate', a plaintive duet between piano and treated vocals, show Oldfield in solemn mood and a master of ambient soundscape. The second suite of tracks is a more upbeat, uplifting affair, where each track shimmers and the listener is tempted to step onto the dancefloor.