Showing posts with label MuzikMan..net. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MuzikMan..net. Show all posts

Neo-Classical/New Age Review: Sharon Fendrich-Red Sky Prairie

Release Date: August 1, 2019
Label: Independent

Red Sky Prairie is the debut album of Sharon Fendrich. It is a mixture of gorgeous new-age inspired neo-classical instrumentals and influences of the opera that the artist witnessed growing up at live presentations. She has been a student of music since the age of 3. There are not too many people in this world that can say that. The strong influence of family brought Sharon to this point in life to bring listeners her first recording.

Red Sky Prairie carries with it a message of the calm after the storm. The picture you see on the cover is an example of the beauty of transformation and strength of mother nature. And how the nature of our human spirit grows, learns, and rises above the storms of life and comes out the other side stronger and ready to face whatever comes our way. Hopefully, this process is a learning experience for every listener. 

The meaning of this album is just as important as the music, it is one entity reaching out like the branches of a tree growing higher towards the sun. While this is happening, the roots grow deeper and give the tree the anchors in the ground to remain with us for many years. Note the one tree standing in the picture fully intact after the storm. The image provides insight and a clear message to those that are receptive to it.

This is what the entire experience will do, it will continue to grow and establish its roots in your psyche and soul. Most trees and music for that matter will outlive us all and their permanence and importance go beyond words and our understanding. The music can interpret the oneness mankind should feel with the nature that sustains us. Red Sky Prairie serves as a reminder of that one prolific meaning in all our lives. 

The core of the music is the piano. Sharon lays down the foundation with exceptional passion and grace. Her piano gives the other instruments in the mix an opportunity to join in seamlessly. Like the flow of water from a stream to the ocean, it is natural and effortless. The violin, flutes, cello and the voice of Anna Emelyanova in some of the tracks allow for a very cinematic reach. The classical roots remain intact and the new age flavor will give it an ambiance and texture that allows for a crossover appeal to several audiences that would find a deep appreciation for what is being presented in the eleven tracks.

I chose “Within Whispers” to add to my New Age Music Reviews Spotify Playlist for its simplicity and stunning beauty. It was like walking on a cloud in my mind’s eye. The track draws you in immediately and provides that deep breath and subsequent exhale of relief and comfort. This is what music such as this can provide to a listener. That is but one example of many that you will enjoy on Red Sky Prairie.

For a debut, I do not think it could be any better. If this was a veteran artist releasing their second, third, or fourth release, it would be praised as a major accomplishment. I think that says it all.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
November 2, 2019

Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks: 
01. L'dor Vador
02. A Secret's Song
03. Within Whispers
04. Red Sky Prairie
05. Song of the Dove
06. Never Alone
07. Moonswept
08. Bittersweet Memory
09. Last Tears  
10. In Memoriam
11. That September Day

New Age World Instrumental Review: Jonny Lipford-Migration

Release Date: May 1, 2019
Label: Independent

If you look up Jonny Lipford on Spotify you will see quite a collection of album releases. In fact, I was quite amazed at how much music this man has out there.

On May 1st Migration will be available. Those who appreciate new age and world music with the flute or a genuine combination of both will appreciate the nine tracks for your listening pleasure.

You will hear Native American flute, Mojave flute, Mayan harmony flute, Irish flute, Persian flute, and Bansuri. That is quite an array of flutes giving each track an identity, sound, and texture that distinguishes itself as a standalone artistic achievement. I do not know any other way to put it.

For Jonny, this is a Migration of sights and sounds from track to track. As the birds fly in their patterns it shows nature taking its yearly course. In this instance, this artist follows his instincts and creates something truly beautiful. I really enjoyed the entire album but with the way it ended was what really just swept me away. There is 9:13 minutes of amazing enchantment that awaits a prospective audience. A nice touch is appropriately adding the chirping birds with about 2 minutes to go before it closes out.  Poetry in motion through music, what a wonderful artistic expression.

The purity and earthy tones are what bring me into each track and hold me. I am touched by the sincerity of the recordings and the heart and soul that went into making such an impressive group of tracks. It was like opening a book with an interesting cover then turning each page (or track) and reading another story. That, my music loving friends is a great example of the power of music, tones, vibrations and the honesty of an artist painting and picture we can all step into and make our own. 

For these ears Migration was a journey to complete peace and happiness. Now only if I could hold that feeling 24/7, now wouldn’t that be amazing to reach a level of spiritual attainment like that? This music and other similar recordings could help us all on our way to that level of existence.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
April 20, 2019

Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews


Tracks:
 

01. Fly in Beauty
02. Hunt of the Nighthawk
03. Emerging Vision
04. Migration
05. Masked Ibis
06. At First Light
07. Wisdom in the Wing
08. Poet's Awakening
09. Peace Within

 

New Age World Review: Larisa Stow & Shakti Tribe-There Is A Light That Will Remain

Release Date: March 12, 2019
Label: Prema Shakti Music

This is my introduction to Larisa Stow & Shakti Tribe. After a seven-year wait, we have There Is A Light That Will Remain. I am not familiar with the back catalog of this artist but judging from this album, it is likely I would enjoy exploring it. 

This may be one of the few new age albums I have ever heard that rocks. It is very rare but it does happen on occasion. It is not an album for rockers though, the term in this light has an entirely different meaning. Let me say it is unique and nothing like I have ever heard before. When you listen to “Maha Mantra” you will come to understand what I am trying to say.

Larisa Stow has a very powerful voice, one that would be well suited for a rock band actually. But I do not want to misguide all the readers, this is definitely a new age world recording that is very spiritual and uplifting. It is actually what I love about music and a recording in the new age genre. There is an entire list of all the positives I could go through.

There are many tracks that stood out. “Aham Prema” is a highly energetic and colorful track that typifies what you will hear on this album. The track that just lifted me right out my chair was “There Is A Field,” which is the poetry of Rumi. It is like hearing all the best of the new age, world and rock weaved into one track.

I know it is early in the year but There Is A Light That Will Remain is one of the most exciting releases I have heard this year and honestly, do not expect to hear anything like it again. It is that unique and exceptional. A recording like this I would hesitate to put into any category per se, it is like they create their own genre, which is quite impressive.

Fair warning, you will have waves of complete joy and satisfaction while listening to There Is A Light That Will Remain. Not only will the light remain, but the music will also leave an indelible mark upon your soul. I do think that is the intention of the artist, it is about being whole, spiritual and evolving into the being you were meant to be. We all cannot do that without being true to ourselves, pure and spiritual in our hearts. This music is a guiding tool to help you get there or enhance where you are or where you are going. If that makes any sense to those of you on any kind of spiritual journey, then great, I have made my point.

I can imagine there are several tracks that would be a great kick off songs on playlists and radios shows around the world. If you have a beating heart and a soul you will love There Is A Light That Will Remain.

 
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
March 5, 2019

Founder of:
TheFinalonVinyl

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews
 
Tracks:
 
01. Ong Namo Guru Dev
02. Aham Prema
03. Broken Temple
04. There Is A Field
05. Interlude: Longing For Light
06. Adonai
07. Jeanie’s Song (I Am Everything)
08. Maha Mantra
09. Waves Of Yemaya
10. Soliloquy Of R.H.


Instrumental New Age-Ambient-Electronic Review: Forrest Smithson-The Accomplished View

Release Date: September 22, 2018
Label: Sphere Music

If you look at the overview of artist Forrest Smithson on his Facebook page it says Soundscapes emerging from the integration of experiential intensities.”


“Lyrical and abstract elements converge to bring forth movement and expression of unity awareness.”

The release titled The Accomplished View has a very strong relationship to the music you will hear. The music Forrest provides for the students of meditation and those on a spiritual path, will understand the title of the recording once the music starts playing. And those of you searching for a new path can find it here within the music as well.

The message here is all about becoming your best self from within, beginning with the music, it is a gestation period before the flower blooms. In other words, when your mind, body, and soul merge into one functional entity. The oneness of self-awareness and the life of one guided by music that takes you to that level of existence can be one interpretation if that fits for you. That is for me and what the music means to me, each individual opens their own personal door to enlightenment regardless of the vehicle used to attain it. I believe this very firmly and have learned so much over the years about who I am and what makes me tick. And along with that train of thought, what makes the inner clock tick too fast, slow or backward. That kind of parallel can be like watching pictures go through your mind, it is a diary of your thoughts and emotions merging with the brain to show you it all in living color.

The music of Forrest Smithson is all of that coming together to intersect with your soul, the prime motivator of all you do, think and feel every day. I call it my higher power speaking to me, the gut level answer whether something is right or wrong. We all have the innate sense of that within is us. This music is a combination of new age, ambient and electronic that soothes your being. The peace you receive will allow you to reach The Accomplished View regarding everything I previously discussed.

Once again, I find myself thinking of the great Jean Michel-Jarre or Tangerine Dream. Those two artists are some of my favorites of all time so my relationship to the music Forrest provides is natural and it feels good. It quickly became right for my listening pleasure and to use as a tool that sends me in a positive direction.

I do not think a listener could ask for more from one recording. To those who know and those that seek The Accomplished View, this is your time to listen.

January 3, 2019

Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
 

01. Calling Forward
02. Given
03. Indigo Source
04. The Lighted Way
05. Deep Blue View   
06. Tranquility Drops
07. Future Origins
08. Positional Grace
09. Luminous Resolve
10. Knowing in Octaves

 

New Age World Instrumental: Mikuskovics Baum-Timeless

Release Date: December 21, .2018
Label: Independent

Mikuskovics Baum has a new release titled Timeless. It is significant that the date of release is the beginning of the Winter Solstice.

I think it is imperative that I took a snippet of information from the artist website so you can understand a bit more about them and their music.

Bernhard Mikuskovics & Georg Baum present sensitive and intimate but yet passionate and wild early European and Indo-European songs, dances and tunes as well as timeless improvisations in a contemporary outfit using vocals, overtone singing, jodeling, harp, guitar, Jew’s harp, bowed psaltery, ocarina, ethnic flutes & instruments.

That is a fair introduction to these two talented gentlemen. There are seven tracks and none under 6 minutes in length. The first track comes in at a substantial 11:36. The harp is a slice of heaven, the sounds that it makes are mesmerizing and quite appealing. When the other instruments are mixed in, or should I say the plethora of sounds, it creates amazing results. I think it is fair to say that the title of this artistry is appropriate. The music you will enjoy hearing is simply put, Timeless.

Timeless is the perfect blend of ancient traditions and new technologies for sound. Taking worldly instruments and using the recording studio’s wizardry is a marriage that works very well. I have had the pleasure of hearing these types of recordings many times now. The combination of new age and world fits like a glove or your favorite pair of jeans, the ones with the worn-out knees so you see nothing but white thread. Now that is pure comfort.  That is the key element here, feeling comfortable with the music. The sounds of so many wondrous instruments make it an easy transition. It is a magic door to open into musical nirvana. You then begin to envision your own personal heaven with the music.

Admittedly there are some instruments listed in the tracks that I have never heard of. That does not phase me, I just endeavor to learn more about what is being presented. The Sruti Box, for instance, uses bellows to create the drone you will hear and the KouXian is a general Chinese term for any variety of jaw harp. So, you not only hear the traditional Jew’s Harp you get different variations and configurations of that type of instrument. I find all this fascinating. There is so much more inside the music than meets the ears (and inner eye). There are cultures, traditions, and endless information that you can be exposed to, all you need is a little curiosity. When one listens to this recording and does some research, not only does it enlighten you, you become well informed with a new-found appreciation of what went into this music and how it was created.

Timeless is beauty, serenity, earthy tones, colors, the sounds and sights of many different peoples of the world coming together, it is like tapping into a global spiritual vein of gold. This is one of the more unique and interesting albums I have heard all year and a wonderful way to close out 2018 and head into the Holidays and bring in the new year. 

I look forward to 2019 with the anticipation of many more journeys offered by so many talented individuals like Mikuskovics and Baum. This is one recording you cannot miss out on if you enjoy instrumental world music with a variety of instruments. 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
December 20, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
 1. Timeless Zenith (B. Mikuskovics / G. Baum)
Bernhard Mikuskovics: Parmupill, Mojave Flute, Native American Flute, Sruti Box, Georg
Baum: Harp

2. Intuition Element (G. Baum / B. Mikuskovics)
Georg Baum: Harp, Celtic Harp, Bernhard Mikuskovics: Sound Bowl, Mexican Log Drum,
Overtone Harp, Overtone Singing, KouXian, Sruti Box, Native American Flute

3. Mirror Ideal (G. Baum)
Georg Baum: Harp, Bernhard Mikuskovics: Dvojacka, Quenacho, Fujara, Jew´s Harp

4. Emotion Trance (G. Baum / B. Mikuskovics)
Georg Baum: Harp, Bernhard Mikuskovics: Sruti Box, Native American Flute, Khomus,
Horn Pipe, Ocarina

5. Life Land (B. Mikuskovics)
Bernhard Mikuskovics: Sound Bowl, Overtone Singing, Sruti Box, Fujara, Quenacho,
Dvojacka, Georg Baum: Harp

6. Endless Ozean (G. Baum / B. Mikuskovics)
Georg Baum: Harp, Bernhard Mikuskovics: Native American Flute.

7. Same Source See (G. Baum / B. Mikuskovics)
Georg Baum: Harp, Bernhard Mikuskovics: Khomus, Quenacho, Mojave Flute, Sruti Box,
Parmupil

Contemporary Classical Instrumental Review: Dulce Joya-Reality of Dreams

Release Date: September 8, 2017
Label: CD Produktion und Vertrieb

Dulce Joya is an accomplished pianist from Cuba. She started her studies of the instrument at age 6. It looks like the early start and all the hard work has paid off for this artist in many ways.

She released Reality of Dreams a year ago. This is my first opportunity to hear Dulce’s music. I must say that I am very impressed with the talent I heard on all 12 tracks of this recording.  I find great joy in discovering artists I have not heard before.

If you stop and think about the title for a moment it becomes clear what the artist is conveying to you. Your dreams do become reality, and the reality of those dreams are communicated through the music you will hear on this recording.

I have heard countless piano instrumental albums and it takes a lot at this point for me to become interested and stay focused. I am not saying that I do not enjoy most of what I hear, it just has to be excellent to make me feel like I just had a great musical experience.   

This is definitely contemporary classical that could easily cross over to new age as well. The new age genre has become very interesting over the years and many of the sub-genres have found a way into the ever-broadening classification as well. This is one album that anyone that appreciates new age would love, I have no doubt.

So, after listening to Dulce’s music I felt very positive and refreshed. Her music is crisp, pinpoint and mesmerizing. Every track is intriguing and full of emotion. This is music that could easily be a soundtrack for a film. It is a quality listen from start to finish.

Perhaps one of the better examples of a story set to moving instrumental music is “Shadows of my Soul.” It builds and builds as the track gets deeper into movements that are pulsating with life and anticipation. It runs over six minutes and what Dulce accomplishes in that timeframe is a brilliant exhibition of musical transitions within one song.

“Call of the King” was another one of my favorites. The title is perfect. The ivory keys and Dulce’s talented fingers introduce a grand marching of the king’s entrance. It was a very picturesque track. 

Those are a few tracks that really hit home with me, I really loved the entire album though. Every composition is beautiful and something I would enjoy hearing any time of day or night. 

As I listened to each track my interest grew and I was fascinated with all the progressions that Dulce went through in every track. Even without any accompaniment, I was completely engaged with her music. That says it all for me and the music presented on Reality of Dreams

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
October 2, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. Romantic Power
02. Call of the King
03. Lights and Shadows
04. Sad Moments
05. Magical Ride
06. Pride of Love
07. Shadows of my Soul
08. Stormchild
09. Winter Dreams
10. Bleeding Heart
11. Fallen Angel
12. Goodbye