Buyers beware as Atmospheres is not for the faint hearted. In fact, if a cd had a rating system this album would be rated R…for Romance, Restoration and Relaxation. Along with style and grace, this would accurately start to describe the musical world of Michael Dulin. Despite the low key production delivery of his music, similar to his peer George Skaroulis, Dulin’s music is so emotionally stirring that Atmosphere will take you all the way to the planet Venus.
              
Classically trained at the Julliard School in New York, Dulin has been recording music for nearly ten years. Though his musical style has firm classical roots he refuses to corner himself and is not afraid of a strong melody line countered by the sometimes spacious and meditative undertones here and there. That said, Dulin ambidextrously throws us a twist with the heavily jazz influenced “Night Rhythms” that closes out the album showing that he is more than capable of several genres.

Prior to that, the disc starts off with the spacious and light introduction courtesy of the title track that slowly seduces the ears of the listener. Midway through the song it is very clear that this pianist has a very well trained yet warm technique. That warmth is even more obvious courtesy of the flow and ebb of the following track “Once Upon A Time”. There is instant gratification with a very strong and distinct melody that is immediately appealing. The same can be said for the lullaby found in “Bedtime For Little John” that is delicately embellished with some very organic sounding synthesizer strings.
 
Speaking of strings, check out “The Highlands” that opens with some sweeping yet still subtle strings helping you reach for the sky tucked up in a soft fluffy cloud as you drift to dreamland. Dulin does not hesitate to pick up the tempo a little with “A Song For Jan” that carries the pace of a waltz. Though classically trained and the influences are obvious throughout, Atmosphere is always grounded and down to earth

It should also be noted that Dulin released the outstanding, The One I Waited For, the year before Atmospheres. Since then he has released a tribute album and a Christmas affair. However, Atmospheres is a clear reminder that Dulin’s songwriter capability is simply out of this world. A return to his own material is long overdue thus the pending release of Follow The River next year will satisfy that longing. Meanwhile, reach for the sky and explore Atmospheres.

CD available at:
amazon.com
michaeldulin.com