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Ancient Isles Richard Searles   Aimed at a New Age listening audience, most of the tracks on Ancient Isles sound like little more than backing tracks to which someone has forgotten to overdub the lead vocal. With titles like "The Shaman" and "Elfin Dance," Searles' compositions come across as flat and, at times, pretentious. Aiming for an eclectic mix of various musical epochs and cultural influences, most of the CD's tracks are heavy-handed and uninspiring. This is a shame, since Searles is both a talented guitarist and music arranger. However, Ancient Isles does have its moments. "Sylvan Revels" is charming, warm, and evocative of the dance tunes of the French Renaissance. Another bright moment is provided by "The Coronation," with its hints of the pomp and pageantry of Europe's ancient royal courts. And "Song of the Wind" is a pleasant interplay between an ethereal-sounding recorder and guitar. Otherwise, the remaining tracks are entirely forgettable, proving that Searles' talents are as an interpretive artist, not as a creative force. If Emerald Castles showcased his gifts in the former area, this CD only serves to highlight Searle's deficiencies in his original compositions. At best, Ancient Isles is an uneven compilation of musical meanderings.

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