New Age Instrumental Review: Neil Tatar-After The Rain

Release Date: January 19, 2018

Label: Independent

Website

After The Rain is the upcoming release of Neil Tatar. And it comes as advertised on the cover-it is Peaceful, Reflective Instrumental Music.

What does a person do After The Rain? I am not sure but I know what I do during the rain, I watch it and appreciate it. It is the sustenance of life. The title of this recording can mean many things. In life situations for instance, After The Rain comes a little sunshine? Whatever your interpretation is it can fit to this music.

After The Rain features Neil sharing his equal talents on both guitar and piano, and the usual procession of stars in Will Ackerman’s Imaginary Roads Studios. Tony Levin (NS & Electric Bass), Jeff Oster (Flugelhorn), Jill Haley (English Horn) and Tom Eaton (Piano and Keyboards), who also mixes and masters the recordings at the studio, are some of the talented artists that are present to make this recording a work of art. I have had the distinct pleasure of covering all of the solo works of every one of those folks as well. It is a treasured gift and I feel honored to do so.

After, before, or during the rain, it is all a natural force of nature, and whether it is the climate or life situations, this music can put everything into perspective for the listener. The 10 tracks that are offered on this recording are as tranquil as the water that appears on the cover of the CD. It immediately sets your mind and soul at ease. Water is from whence we and all living things came. We need to cherish it, respect it and protect it.

Perhaps it is no coincidence that Neil Tatar is a longtime student of Tai Chi, for the songs – while varying in style - feel instilled with meaningfulness. Many thoughts came to mind for me while listening to After The Rain. It always feels right for me to share my thoughts on the music I am hearing. It moves me in the most prolific ways, and I know I am listening for a reason. The talent that comes together on this album is incredible, and the end result is an album you will want to hear frequently for the many values it holds and the lessons it can teach you. All you have to do is listen, then the heart and mind will follow in step to make it all come together. At least that is how it works for me and I hope it does the same for you. 

This is fantastic music, it is like the masterpiece painting that you have been looking for. One listen of After The Rain will bring that expectation to life.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

January 6, 2018

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Tracks: 
01. Gentle Steps
02. Sunsets
03. Reflections
04. When I Was Young
05. Rush Pond
06. Nightwalk
07. Freedom
08. Welcome Home
09. After the Rain
10. Sidewalk Jam

 

New Age/Contemporary Instrumental Review: Neil Tatar-Learning To Fly

Release Date: June 2015
Label: Indie

Website

They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. However, in this case the beauty comes to you through your ears and then works its way to your heart and soul on Learning To Fly. This 9 track album from Neil Tatar offers the listener an audible journey of the soul. As he says in the CD notes “Each track on this album comes from memories of life experiences, reflections on personal and meaningful moments that have ultimately shaped my world.” That says it all and you can take that to heart and find your own way through these musical journeys.

So how does one translate these life experiences through instrumental music you may ask? I experience this frequently and can say without any doubt that I can feel more and envision so many different things while I listen to this type of new age instrumental music. To be more precise, the artist refers to this music as contemporary instrumental which is like a “blanket” term that covers everything on the recording. I think that is appropriate considering what a potential listener has in store once they give it a spin.

To say this album is laden with talent would be a good place to start. Besides Neil’s gorgeous and effective guitar and piano playing he has the incomparable Tony Levin on various basses, Jill Haley on English Horn, Jeff Haynes handling percussion and Mr. Will Ackerman on guitar (“Summer Strut”). Also Michael Manring, another bass player that shows up on a lot of albums, plays on one track (“Twilight Dance”).

I honestly do not know where to start with bringing attention to certain tracks as they all are stunning works of art and beauty. As I made my way through the first four tracks I was mesmerized when “Twilight Dance” began to play and I realized that I was hearing one of the best new age CDs of the year. The guitar leads you into another world with layers of sounds that have jazz and world undertones bubbling to the surface. It is the most eclectic and interesting track on the recording.

What I heard on Learning To Fly  was the perfect blend of instruments and atmospheres. If you already know how to fly (and that interpretation is up to each individual listener) or want to learn, this music will enhance that experience. For this listener it held a few meanings. I felt as if I could appreciate the beauty of life itself and reflect upon my life and all the love and gifts that surround me. It is a journey without question, it just depends where you want to go and what you need to accomplish along the way. I found peace and transcendence in this music and I hope every listener can be open to that type of experience.

Because every track was so outstanding I have to say that each was a key track in its own right. Again personal preference rules the day here and each individual will find certain tracks to have more impact as with any album new age or otherwise.

“Summer Strut” is the quiet storm of jazz taken a path of exploration and the music spreads its wings and takes flight. It is definitely something that would sound right on a summer’s day. It’s light and airy and brings a smile to your inner being.

I especially enjoyed and appreciated the combination of jazz, new age and world music. Like a strong and divergent tree this music grows and spreads out to give every listener something to connect with. And with that my music loving friends I highly recommend Learning To Fly.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Tracks: 
1. Wait For Me
2. Breeze In Blue
3. Ode To My Mentors
4. Missing You
5. Twilight Dance
6. Learning To Fly
7. Morning Peace
8. Summer Strut
9. Falling For You

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music  Reviews Founder

June 10, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

New Age Instrumental Review: Neil Tatar and David Darling-Where Did The Time Go

Release Date: August 23, 2013

Label: Indie

Websites: http://neiltatar.com / http://www.daviddarling.com

Neil Tatar plays guitar, piano, hand drums and percussion and cellist David Darling accompanies him on their recording Where Did The Time Go. Once I read Tatar’s biography and understood all of his talents it was easy to pay attention to everything happening in each track. In essence every note played from any instrument stands out as relevant when you can listen in such a manner. The duo complements each other beautifully on all nine tracks.

Tatar is a diverse artisan that uses several years of experience to his advantage playing the guitar and other instruments with grace and strength while Darling provides his cello lines to make each piece a complete work of art.

The music set me at ease when the first track “Journey” started and I noticed a definite distinct sound coming from Tatar’s guitar. I found it engaging and so pleasing that it made want more. 

“Where Did the Time Go” came across as a lament to life itself and the reality of how fleeting it can be. I felt very sad while listening but also recognized the inner beauty and reflection so obvious in the music presented.

“Last Dance” is a slow burner with a sense of reflection and sadness but the beauty and elegance override those emotions as with the previous tracks. As the saying goes-beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. What I behold and translate while listening certainly would be different for someone else so it depends how it can relate to your own life before any particular emotion makes sense.

Where Did The Time Go is beauty in motion and in the same instance brings the listener an entire range of memories and emotions. Only powerful music has the ability to engage an audience in such a way. This is real gem and a must have acquisition for your instrumental library.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Journey, Where Did the Time Go, Last Dance

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

November 16, 2014

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews