Showing posts with label Instrumental New Age Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Instrumental New Age Reviews. Show all posts

Instrumental New Age /Ambient/Jazz Review: Jeff Oster-Reach

Release Date: October 5, 2018
Label: Retso Records
Three years ago, I covered Jeff Oster’s Next album. If you do a search on my New Age Music Reviews site it will show several other artist reviews as well. The reason is that Jeff is in demand to play on other people’s albums. There is a very good reason for this. He is one of the few Flugelhorn and Trumpet players in the genre that plays a chill ambient type of music that new age recording artists and listeners alike want to hear. He also is able to interject jazz and funk elements into his recordings. Besides that, it is a great partnership. Jeff is masterful with his instruments and with the new album out now titled Reach, he is in great form and so are the folks that accompanied him on the album.

Reach has nine tracks in total and it is a great mixture of sound and textures that will do many things to you while listening including relaxing, feeling energized and wanting to move, becoming contemplative, just about everything one person can think of or do during the listen of one album really. It invites you in at the outset and you never want to leave that “musical comfy chair.”

I love new age music when it combines jazz and world rudiments. “Le Caveau” is a great example of those sounds and atmospheres getting in sync. The music and sound clarity are amazing. The following track “Five Great Mountains” is just hypnotic. Jeff’s horn is superlative and the bass is incredible, in fact, I thought it might be Tony Levin, who seems to show up on everyone’s albums. It is, in fact, Benjamin J. Shepherd, who plays a huge role in the track, and the entire sound of the album actually. His rhythm and musical leadership in the track are exemplary. That kind of preciseness allows the star of the show to shine even brighter, so hats off to Benjamin for doing such a great job with his instrument. Everyone involved in this project is outstanding so I felt the need to list the credits below.

Some of the other instruments on this recording, besides the horns of course, that give it an overall world-jazz flavor, are the Erhu and Indian Flutes. Then there are very calming spiritual tracks like “The Lotus Within.” In my estimation, the reference would be the Lotus flower, a symbolically important aquatic Asian plant also known as the Indian or sacred lotus.  The emphasis is on sacred for this magnificent composition. 

To keep things fresh and on your “listening toes,” Jeff follows those two critical tracks with an upbeat jazz and funk-filled number titled “Troppo Y Boffo.” The Latin percussion and bass pulsate and drive the number while Jeff just glides through with his horn putting the veritable icing on the cake. It is Latin bliss, wonderful and colorful as it gets. This track could find a home on any good (worthy) jazz album.

Jeff Oster puts it all together on Reach. Every track is solid and consistent throughout. The combination of instruments, musical style and artistry of every contributing musician make this album one of the best in the genre this year. This comes as no surprise to me as everything I have ever heard from Jeff has been superlative from his own recordings to being a guest on other recordings. He is in a groove that keeps him at the forefront of the music industry and I can see that influence growing more all the time. In conclusion, I think that he will Reach a much larger audience with each successive release


Artists:
Jeff Oster – Flugelhorn, Trumpet
Ruslan Sirota – Piano, Keyboards, Guitar, Vocals
Robyn Ghosh – Guitar
Benjamin J. Shepherd – Bass
Tamir Barzilay – Drums
Pete Korpela – Percussion
Jenni Asher – Erhu (Track 4)
Ravichandra Kulur – Indian Flutes (Track 9)
Drew Allsbrook – Vocals (Track 4)

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
October 14, 2018

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Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks: 
1. Onward
2. Far Rockaway
3. Le Caveau
4. Five Great Mountains
5. The Lotus Within
6. Troppo Y Boffo
7. How Familiar
8. Velvet and Smoke
9. The Pink City

 

Instrumental New Age Reviews: Steve Rivera-Beyond Measures & Time

Release Date: September 7, 2018
Label: Independent

My coverage of Steve Rivera’s music began two years ago with Dividing The Darkness. Now a release that came out a few weeks ago titled Beyond Measures & Time has arrived. It was easy to notice the prolific artwork on the cover of the album. It looks very thought-provoking and the first artist I thought of was Dali. It is a mixture of modern with the old, the sands of time slip away the old-fashioned way or the modern way with the wristwatch. The hand looks more robotic than that of a mannequin. So right away the images are telling a story before you ever hear a note played.

This recording is all solo piano instrumentals. It is one of many I have heard this year. And as with the other recordings, I found so much enjoyment in the music. The simplistic approach serves some artists so well, in this case, it works beautifully for Steve. The adage of less is more certainly is applicable in this case.

Although the piano is the only instrument there is plenty of flow and rhythm, it fills the room you are in.  “Waves and Particles” is one of the better examples of a constant rhythm and destination for the music. It is all about the rhythm and flow of the music and where it can take you. From where I am coming from, it really fits that description. There have to be tones, vibrations, colors and rhythm for me to get in sync with the music. It all felt quite natural to fall into a pocket of sound and just go with it, then let my soul just float away with it. That is my form of release and meditation, it is very healing.

Beyond Measures & Time is the perfect title for this recording. The essence of time and measures is scientific, mathematical, it is in essence cerebral. I think what the artist may be saying here is that music transcends all of that thought process. This all part of our daily life - time and schedules, then measuring that time to fit into a schedule. 

Music so beautiful and properly arranged removes us from an equation and puts us in a space that finds a comfort zone with no particular cause or thought other than to center and relax, heal and eventually reenergize because the music took us to that point. For this listener, that is the perfect scenario.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
September 25, 2018

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Tracks:
01. Suspended Dream
02. Passing Shadows
03. Unlocking The Moments
04. Spectrum of Thoughts   
05. Falling Closer   
06. In My Own Memories   
07. Waves & Particles
08. From The Beginning
09. Dark Tides    
10. Fragmented Dreams
11. Measures & Time
 

Guided Meditation Review: Lucinda Clare & Yuval Ron - Voyage Through The Chakras (2 CDs)

Release Date: June 15, 2018

The Chakra system represents one of the great gifts from ancient India and yogic culture. Originating from Sanskrit, the sacred language of ancient India, the word Chakra literally translates as Dzwheeldz. Each Chakra functions as a vortex of spinning energy influencing the physiological and neurological systems in the body. (Excerpt from the label site http://mettamindfulnessmusic.com/chakrasalbum.html )

Life happens and brings us gifts when different causes and individuals paths intersect. That is exactly what happened when Meta Mindfulness Music, Yuval Ron (instrumentation) and Lucinda Clare (voice on CD 1) pooled their resources and created a two-CD set titled Voyage Through The Chakras.

My focus is the music on CD2, which is all the backing music on CD1 while Lucinda guides you through the selected meditations. I use the music to guide me to another place and always have. In this instance, I find it much more interesting to hear both sides of the project and one separate part or parts. Lucinda is A well-known actress and Yuval Ron is an award-winning musician, lecturer, and author. When you are invited to play your music for the Dalai Lama you have reached an apex in your career! What a great honor. I read from a book that quotes the Dalai’s inspirational words of wisdom for every day. I have found it enlightening and so very simple and true. 

As it mentions on the one-sheet that came with the Voyage Through The Chakras CD, this is music for the soul. I honestly believe all music is for the soul - to heal it, energize and just put a smile inside you.  Music, good music, is the path to better wellbeing.

Yuval Ron is a multi-talented artisan and he has many friends that help him with the amazing soundtrack to the heavens that awaits you. You will hear Gongs, Oud, Cello, Bansuri Flute, Jaws Harp, Flugelhorn, Sitar and Glass Harmonica, the list is quite extensive. It is literally like walking into a different world, all created by sounds, chanting and then some necessary focus and concentration by the listener is the only requirement. With those thoughts in mind prior to listening you will hopefully discover your own nirvana. There are even detailed instructions on the label website if you want to find out more prior to listening (take a few minutes to look at the video provided here as well).

Voyage Through The Chakras opens the door and it is up to you to walk through and discover what you came for.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
July 6, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
Disc 1:
 

01. Root Chakra Guided Meditation
02. Sacral Chakra Guided Meditation
03. Solar Chakra Guided Meditation
04. Heart Chakra Guided Meditation
05. Throat Chakra Guided Meditation
06.Third Eye Chakra Guided Meditation
07. Crown Chakra Guided Meditation


Disc 2:
 

01. Root Chakra (feat. Kenneth Goff)
02. Sacral Chakra (feat. Pandit Nayan Ghosh)
03. Solar Chakra (feat. Dennis Karmazyn)
04. Heart Chakra (feat. Shye Ben Tzur)
05. Throat Chakra (feat. Andrew Carney)
06. Third Eye Chakra (feat. James Hood)  
07. Crown Chakra (feat. Brien Engle)

Instrumental New Age/World/Jazz Reviews: Erik Scott-A Trick of the Wind

Release Date: August 10, 2018
Label: Erik Scott Music

Erik Scott is an incredibly talented bass player. He is true to his art form in so many ways. He continues with his string of solo releases with A Trick of the Wind

Previously I had the distinct pleasure of covering Spirits (2014) and In The Company of Clouds (2016). On A Trick of the Wind I heard a similar mix of new age, world and jazz, which I absolutely love. The mixture is superb and Erik’s bass playing is outstanding as usual. 

To put it into the most logical terms, I think Erik ranks up there with Michael Manring in the new age genre and on a larger scale, with Tony Levin. He has been around as long as those two marvelous players. That about says it all from my perspective.

The nine tracks encompassing this recording is indeed a prolific gathering of music. There is a constant flow of change and unpredictability, which I genuinely appreciate. I get bored very easily, especially with music that has no spark or change throughout it. This is never a problem with one of Erik’s albums.

“Ghost of Storyville” adds a little spice of jazz injections that is just enough to push it over the edge into a “worldly” sound. I do believe that taking any other instrument than the guitar or the keyboards as the lead instrument can be risqué at best. You had better be a complete master with whatever instrument you plan on introducing as the lead. There is no issue for Erik as the lead with his music. There is just enough ambiance and textures added with other instruments that allow him to keep bass in the forefront of the music. Not only that, he demands your attention and his sound is distinctly his own. This is where audiophiles and other musicians separate the men from the boys. 

I found “The Invisible Wand” storybook enchanting. The addition of the female vocals keeping time and a rhythm made it that much more special. If the voice is right for the music it then becomes another instrument. In this instance, it most certainly applied.

I always have to give a nod to the artwork on the album. The cover is self-explanatory. The satin-like red cloth is “A Trick of the Wind.” Notice the way it looks like a ghost behind the text with Erik’s name and the title of the album? I got what it was saying quite quickly and my eyes were attracted to the cover immediately. That is a good thing, so good job with that part of the presentation Erik!

“Born Dreaming,” which is a great title in any case, is a fantastic representation of the music that Erik does the best. It is flowing, bright, attention-getting, and the beauty just abounds from start to finish. If I had to pick one song that says Erik loud and clear it is this one.

Every track is a slice of the artist and for me, it was like saying hello again to an old friend. Two years is too long to wait for your phenomenal music Erik! You bring all listeners a sense of spirit, strength and hope with your sounds. You may see another album of the year from ZMR with this one.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
July 4, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews


Tracks:
1. Wings
2. The Wind Sings A Strange Song
3. The Ghost of Storyville
4. A Trick of the Wind
5. Solooka
6. Wing and a Prayer
7. The Invisible Wand
8. Born Dreaming
9. A Child Remains

 

Instrumental New Age Reviews: Jill Haley-The Waters of Glacier (Music For Glacier National Park)

Release Date: April 2, 2018
Label: Independent

The beauty that mother nature bestows upon is a gift. Many people feel this way and that is why we need to protect our lands and the environments that flourish there. Jill Haley is one of those people that appreciates and celebrates her surroundings wherever she is.

On The Waters of Glacier is her twelve track specifically for Glacier National Park. The area served as great inspiration.

Glacier National Park is located in the U.S. state of Montana, on the Canada–United States border with the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. The park encompasses over 1 million acres and includes parts of two mountain ranges, over 130 named lakes, more than 1,000 different species of plants, and hundreds of species of animals. This incredible pristine land is one of our wonders of nature that is protected and revered.
The Waters of Glacier was brought about by one simple choice. Jill was looking out the window of her residency there at the park and it was raining. Rather than complain and fall into self-pity she decided to enjoy the blessing of water. This was the beginning of creating some very beautiful music fit for such a grand location. The great outdoors can inspire many things but when you are a multi-faceted artist like Jill, it is literally music to her ears. And now that inspiration and vision are documented on CD with a booklet and some great pictures of the area of the park.

Jill Haley plays the oboe, English horn, piano, and handbells on the album and she is accompanied by David Cullen (guitar), Dana Cullen (horn), Tom Eaton (electric guitar, keyboards, and bass) and the incomparable Michael Manring and his distinct bass playing.

The Waters of Glacier continues a string of recordings dedicated to the environment. I have always enjoyed her offerings not only for the superb music but for the subject matter. Nothing is more precious than our planet, the giver of life. To see all pictures gathered inside the CD for this recording and the music telling each story, well, it was like I took the trip myself. The music is so engaging and picturesque and certainly, that is the intent here. I think Jill really did a great job putting this project together and making an impact on listeners in several different ways. It is emotional because of our ties to humans and the earth and the serenity found within the mountains of Montana and subsequently in the music. The music is alive and as it flows through each track, the feeling of your own personal connection to nature clicks instantly on the very first track then intensifies with each succeeding track.

The Waters of Glacier is a gorgeous representation of new age instrumental music with a divine purpose in mind. It is twofold, the first being the music to calm your soul and focus, and the second the moving sounds and atmospheres that reinforce the importance of national parks and the pristine nature that we can still find. In a world that is polluted and misused frequently, this is a wakeup call to reality. And first and foremost, it is a reminder of where we came from and what our job is as the stewards of this gift of life and beauty that is all around us..

Thank you for the reminder and the wonderful music again Jill.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
April 13, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews


Tracks:

01. Clouds on Apgar Range
02. Rain on Huckleberry Mountain  
03. Glacial Lakes
04. First Passageway
05. Running Eagle Falls   
06. Falling Gold   
07. Frost Tinged Evergreens   
08. Montana Rivers
09. Ox-Bow Point
10. Ripples on Two Medicine Lake   
11. October Snow
12. Solitude

Instrumental New Age Review: Michael Kollwitz-Serenity II

Release Date: April 13, 2018
Label: Independent

Michael Kollwitz is set to release Serenity II. I had a great pleasure last year of enjoying Serenity I.  This, of course, is a continuation of the first set of tracks. So, expect more of the same excellent relaxing music you heard before to be your experience this time around.

Kollwitz is one of the few masters of the Chapman Stick. Tony Levin comes to mind immediately when the subject of the stick arises. The instrument reminds me of the Sitar is some ways. It is a very versatile instrument that has the unique ability to combine the guitar and bass together to formulate one effective sound. Most impressive is the fact that the tracks for Serenity II were written, performed and produced by the artist.

The person that plays the stick must be extremely focused and versatile. Based on what I heard from the first Serenity album and what I am hearing on volume II, Michael is performing at a very high level.

The sixteen tracks offered on Serenity II are crisp and clear. They can melt away stress easily as the artist presents each of the tracks. The consistency is the key to the presentation on this recording. One track flows into the next seamlessly, like it was a force of nature, a normal occurrence. I found that kind of musical command is exceptional with this music.

Because of the way each track unites with the next I find difficult to pick anyone out in particular, they are all exceptional. This is more like one listen then a track by track experience. Although each composition may be dissimilar, the beauty and ease of the Chapman Stick allow such peacefulness with a listener that it becomes one piece of music. For my ears that is a powerful statement to make. It sets me at ease early on and maintains that hold on me until the music stops playing. 

Serenity II is a strong follow up to the first volume. I will be interested to see what direction Michael goes after this release. I would not expect a volume III, at least not without him releasing something that takes the listener in another direction. The thought of that alone peaks my interest. For now, I will kick back and let this music take over and let my worries of the day disappear.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
April 8, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks: 
01. The Presence
02. Wrapped In Love 04:14   
03. Climbing The Mountain
04. Clear Passage
05. Live And Let Live
06. The Balance
07. Blue Skies
08. Pure Signal
09. Welcome Home
10. A Greater Purpose
11. One With Nature
12. Shaman's Cave
13. Easy Does It
14. Breaking Free
15. Beyond The Clouds
16. Way Of Knowledge

 

Instrumental New Age-Chill-Classical Review: Richard Dillon-Terra Incognito-The Space Between Us

Release Date: February 14, 2018
Label: Independent

Before settling in and taking in Terra Incognito-The Space Between Us, I thought about the three albums I had the pleasure of covering last year.  I got to know Richard through Ring Around The Moon, Irish Mist and The Land of Nod Lullabies for the Listless. There is a saying…familiarity breeds contempt, in this that could not be further from the truth. Having a comfort zone before I started made it even easier for me to get into my mindset for listening.

Although I do have that zone with Richard’s music, I certainly never know what to expect from him one album to the next. The only realistic expectation I have is that his music will be a great experience from start to finish.

Terra Incognito is unfamiliar territory, a new path or journey one is experiencing. A similar term, Terra Incognita, is in reference to territories that have not be mapped. To put it in layman’s terms, this is the unknown. Like Captain Kirk and his crew aboard the starship enterprise, we embark upon a journey with wonder and excitement, with no prior knowledge of what will come our way.

Terra Incognito-The Space Between Us is everything that I just discussed. Such diversity presented so well deserves a hearty salute and tip of the cap. Richard manages to record 24 tracks and some redux’s with an energy and grace that comes flowing through the music like a steady running stream. 

The colors are changing all the time on this recording. From track to track you just do not know what is coming next. It is like having Christmas at your own private music shop and Richard is the sole proprietor. The reason this recording is so eclectic is that it takes past recordings and weaves them together to encompass orchestration and licensing going back to 1984 all the way to present day.

It is music for movies, documentaries, commercials, just about anything you can imagine. Instrumental music is much more flexible when it comes to using it for various media purposes. I really appreciated the ground covered musically and the titles range from “In Search of Chocolate” to “Leonardo’s Flying Machine.” There is no connection whatsoever with those two tracks but yet they find a home here in this collection.

Terra Incognito-The Space Between Us unites us as listeners and human beings even though it is unchartered territory, our similarities and the world around us is what makes us one planet and one people. It is like taking a “Light of Peace” to heal us and help us to grow in many ways. The universal healer and language of music once again can be the answer.


5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
April 5, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:

01. Whalesong (Redux)
02. Green Flash (Redux)
03. The Space Between
04. Dust Devil
05. Ice Dancer (Redux)
06. Color Me
07. In Search of Chocolate
08. Leonardo's Flying Machine
09. Beside Still Waters (Redux)
10. Papillon (Redux)
11. Lead Kindly Night
12. It's All Right (Redux)
13. Cars
14. Voyager
15. Into the Mines
16. He Leadeth Me Beside Still Waters (Redux)
17. A Different Time a Different Place (Redux)
18. Light of Peace (Redux)
19. Goodbye for Now
20. Sea of Forgetfulness
21. Ha Long Bay
22. Missing You
23. January Moon (Redux)
24. I Could Care Less



Instrumental New Age Review: Dan Kennedy-Mountains Made of Shadow Anthems Made of Light

Release Date: March 2, 2018
Label: Mt. Pollux Music

The forthcoming Dan Kennedy album carries with it a very descriptive title. That is one of the many factors that attracts me to this kind of music. A thought provoking title is a good way to start things off.

Mountains Made of Shadow Anthems Made of Light is very reflective title for a recording. It is Dan’s fourth proper album. And it is a solo album, you get nothing but the artist and his piano. 

Simplicity rules the day on any occasion for my ears. I don’t have to be in a certain mood to enjoy this music, it always soothes me and comforts me regardless of when I am listening.

Speaking of simplicity, just look at the album cover. It does not get more explanatory than what you see here. The title is in sync with the colors and picturesque mountain range and orange skyline. Dan’s piano helps to paint that picture in your mind’s eye and perhaps a bit more. That of course is all dependent on each individual listener, and that my music loving friends is a beautiful thing. The silence of a singular instrument invites a serenity and peacefulness.

As Dan’s piano leads you through his journey full of nature and its colors, you become enthralled within the 12 tracks offered. Nearly every track gives you time to absorb the emotion and atmospheres, all within a 4 to 5-minute time span. That is just right for my attention span and purposes of a thought process. It is like I am being plugged into a socket in the heavens where I can focus on what is really important in life.

I am to the point with my take on this type music, that I would rather not take out the reviewer’s scissors (which is applicable most of the time) and slice it up and piece it together in various ways. By doing that I usually choose 3 or 4 tracks to focus on as high points during the listen. I prefer to look at the instrumental albums as a complete work of art. Although each track is dissimilar, I find it more fully realized for someone that has not heard the music yet. This way they can get an understanding of how it all made me feel. It is more personal that way.

Mountains Made of Shadow Anthems Made of Light is an entity, a projection of another person’s soul to reflect off yours. The artist has a mirror to look into which is the instrument they are playing. The music is our mirror as we are the recipients of those sounds and vibrations created with that musical brush. This is my process and you as the potential listener, will find yours waiting inside the music. Open it up like it was your birthday or Christmas and enjoy!

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
January 31, 2018
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews


Tracks:

01. Chilly Morning
02. Give It All Away
03. Wintergreen
04. Backstory
05. Souvenirs
06. After The Heartache Is Gone
07. California
08. Ennio
09. Wildflower
10. Implying Flying
11. Allelu
12. The Fire Within

 

Instrumental New Age Review: Kathryn Kaye-Songs of Changing Light (A Compilation of Piano Solos)

Genre: Instrumental New Age
Release Date: January 1, 2018
Label: Independent

Kathryn Kaye is one of those artists in the New Age genre that is instantly recognizable. If you have any familiarity at all with this type of music you will understand where I am coming from.
I have covered several of her releases and I always anticipate a wonderful listening experience. Over the years she has obliged.

With Songs of Changing Light (A Compilation of Piano Solos) she selects fourteen of her favorite tracks covering the time span from 2011 to 2017.

The natural world that surrounds her gives her divine inspiration to create beautiful music. With this compilation she has stripped away any additional instruments that were on the tracks originally.  This will give each individual listener the opportunity to hear the stand-alone beauty of the ivory keys in all their glory. With the silky touch of Kathryn, you get some of the best examples of her artistry on this CD.

When I hear this music, it sounds to me like it is an extension of the individual delivering the music. Only an enlightened and spiritual person can create such beautiful sounds with one instrument. This woman is one of those with the gift. It flows through her soul to her fingertips, then the magic begins with the manipulation of the piano keys.

Each track is a separate testament to the natural talent of an inspirational artist. This music is very elegant, and ultimately it relaxes your entire body, then the mind will follow. It is a simple recipe for wellness of the body, mind and spirit.

Songs of Changing Light is a must have collection of tracks that any music lover could appreciate. If you do enjoy instrumental piano music, this is a real gem.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
January 28, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
 
01. Winter's Deepest Sleep
02. Summer Afternoon
03. Taos Song
04. Heavy as a Feather
05. A Rose in Winter
06. Distances
07. Dreaming Still
08. A Lark in the Last Light of Day
09. Willow Waltz
10. Adrift in Fading Light
11. So Much Sky
12. There Was a Time
13. Frost
14. Arctic Night
 

Instrumental New Age Review: Matthew Labarge-Spiriti

Release Date: December 1, 2017
Label: Cynelic Gast Music

Matthew Labarge ushered in December with a new set of songs for all the instrumental piano lovers to enjoy. Spiriti is his sixth proper release.

When I saw Matthew’s name come up I found an instant recognition within my memory. In 2013 one of my staff members covered Larkenlyre’s Extraordinary Voyage. I have an amazing recollection of music and I wish I could apply that to daily life with the small things. Music is at the top of list for importance and that is the reason why I remember so well.

Music is my savior, my own slice of heaven on earth that I can turn to time and time again and get the results I am looking for. In the case of Spiriti, knowing what to expect before I started was a bonus.  I knew exactly what I would be looking for. This is music to soothe the mind, body and spirit - the three most prolific parts of what makes us all human.

Somehow, I feel more in touch with who I am and my relationship with humanity when I am “alone” listening to music. Which is kind of a paradox but it works. Matthew has some shorter tracks on this release and some real stretches of ivory wizardry to offer a listener. For instance, the closing track “Love Song” is over 9 minutes long. I do believe there is some magic in this music.

Silence is golden but it becomes an enhanced experience while listening to the singularity of a piano played by musician that is one with his instrument. This music is gentle and expressive in the same breath which I ultimately find very attractive.

Matthew’s Spiriti is a man channeling his own spirit to his fingers directly to our senses. It is such a gift to play music in such an emotive way. It moved me gracefully and effectively, something I have learned to respect and appreciate more over the years. This is 12 tracks yet it is so seamless that it felt like one ever changing piece if music. This music offers healing sounds for those in need and simple relaxation and enjoyment. It is all dependent on your needs and it just may help you along your way to a new day.

4.5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
December 11, 2017

Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks: 
01. Spiriti
02. Entrance
03. Each Quiet Sound
04. Between the Stars
05. Children's Song
06. Breeze from the Courtyard Garden
07. Bells and Dwindling Light
08. Six Hundred Years
09. Elegy
10. Kindness
11. Weightless, Timeless

12. Love Song