New Age Review: Heather Houston-Prayers for the Water

Release Date: November 6, 2015

Label: Independent

Website

Heather Houston’s fourth recording is Prayers for the Water. Most of the new age recordings that I listen to are instrumental so this was quite a change for me. All the tracks feature Ms. Houston’s beautiful voice. The album also features guitarist, multi-instrumentalist and producer Todd Boston, internationally acclaimed artists Jami Sieber on cello and Tammy Hall on piano.

This music like much of the new age music I hear is a tribute to what Mother Earth provides for us. With the subject being water the giver of life, I would like to focus on the three most prolific tracks that tie this album together nicely.

“Wade In The Water” starts off with an atmospheric intro, the kind you would hear during a reflective moment in a film then Heather’s voice joins in to make it whole and very real. As she invites the children to wade in the water then cleanse and bathe in the water it seems so innocent…perfect. Everything about it has a natural progression and flow like the water that rushes down a river.

“I Dreamed Of Rain” is my favorite track on the album. Something about the melody in Heather’s voice and the piano tinkling in perfect time that really hit me straight in the heart. It’s all about the earth, the seasons and how perfect an unblemished mother earth once was and remains in some areas of the world. 

Although that is our reality it is up to us to restore her back to her original pristine state. I could feel the energy and strong meaning of this song and even though it touched me deeply I felt some sadness as well.

“The Sea” is simplistic and gorgeous. Words like “She is the sea, she is this moment, she is the air I breath”….and another line “Breath deep, breath consciously” really struck a place inside me. Todd’s acoustic guitar is the wave that Heather’s voice rides on all the way to the shores in your mind’s eye. The way she takes an element of earth and makes it one with humanity makes for a perfect meditation piece, then to finish it with sounds of the ocean waves puts the final touch on the track.

Heather Houston has the voice of an angel and she knows how to weave a story from beginning to end on Prayers for the Water. This is a voice that needs your attention and the music provides a great setting for what she has to offer. I do not think I would change a thing about this recording, it is flawless just the way it is.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Wade In The Water, I Dreamed Of Rain, The Sea

Tracks:
1. Calling The Whales
2. Surrender
3. Chant To Oshun
4. Wade In The Water
5. I Dreamed Of Rain
6. Om Mani Padme Hum
7. Tutane
8. The Sea
9. Chant To Yamaya
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

February 18, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

World-New Age-Rock Review: Blackmore’s Night-All Our Yesterdays

Release Date: September 18, 2015
Label: Frontiers
Website

Blackmore’s Night is a legendary band that blends together the most modern contemporary rock with the rhythms and feel of a Renaissance Faire. I fell in love with them the first time I heard their unique flavor of music and I have to say this latest installment in their catalog of albums is another five star piece of awesome. From well-known and loved cover songs to original ballads and instrumental pieces that will curl your toes; this album is lush with visual imagery that blurs the line of fairy tale and reality.

Blackmore’s Night is comprised of Ritchie Blackmore (guitarist and songwriter), Candice Night (vocals, lyricist), Bard David of Larchmont (keyboards, piano, organ, harpsichord, accordion and pipe organ), Lady Kelly DeWinter (voice, piano, French Horn, and various other musical instruments), Troubador of Aberdeen (percussion), Scarlet Fiddler (violin) and Earl Grey of Chimay (bass, mandolin, guitar). All Our Yesterdays is their newest album and focuses heavily on medieval rhythms.

“Allan Yn N Fan” is the second track on the album and is very Celtic in nature. Just listening to this vibrant composition, I felt like I was walking between the colorful tents of a Renfest, just waiting to catch a glimpse of a maiden fair or a knight in shining armor-but wait! An electric guitar amidst the eclectic jamboree. This piece is exactly why I adore this band. Even without the vocals, it shows the dedication each performer holds for their art. The music is full to bursting with love, life and a never ending search for that special zing that makes you beg for more.

“Moonlight Shadow” is an epic song leaning more toward the modern end of the spectrum. Electric guitar and a whirlwind of multi-instrumentation and percussive elements craft a journey on the wings of night. Candace’s vocals tell of adventure under the cover of darkness drafting a landscape of adventure under the shadow of the moon…

“Queen’s Lament” is an eloquently played piece you will want to savor with your eyes closed. A fine lady walks along, her heart in turmoil by a nameless worry. The strumming guitar simple in its majesty, a hint of ethereal sound in the background to illuminate the piece, like a great pearl in a setting of gold. This composition is a ghost story of a sort and will linger in your mind long after the last note ceases. It is deceptively simple but unyieldingly complex all at once.

“Will O’ The Wisp” is a journey through wild forests filled with sorcery. Candice’s angelic voice details a descent into darkness, following a will o’ wisp into the great beyond. The blend of instruments carries you to another time and if you close your eyes, you can feel the pulse of the excitement as you trail behind the ghostly being, intent on finding what it is you seek. Magic. Secrets. Mystery…

Blackmore’s Night has a catalog of albums but I find their newest to be their most impressive of all. All Our Yesterdays takes the finest of old and new and whips it together for a sugared concoction of medieval might and ethereal wanderings. From cover songs that ring familiar-but with a new flair you won’t be able to resist, the vocals of the angelic Candice to the instrumental antics of a band who can tempt even a writer with deadlines to listen just a little longer, this album is a must have. Take a break from your life and find a moment to spare for these bards. If you listen closely, you might hear the rustle of a fine lady’s gown and the clang of a jousting match in the background. Bring on the magic!

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Will O’ The Wisp, Moonlight Shadow, Allan Yn N Fan, Queen’s Lament

Tracks:
01. All of Our Yesterdays
02. Allan Yn N Fan
03. Darker Shade Of Black
04. Long Long Time
05. Moonlight Shadow
06. I Got You Babe
07. The Other Side
08. Queen's Lament
09. Where Are We Going From Here
10. Will O' The Wisp
11. Earth, Wind & Sky
12. Coming Home
 

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

November 16, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

New Age Instrumental Review: Agrelia’s Castle-Elders & Ancestors

Release Date: September 1, 2015

Label: Mysterium Music

Website

My introduction to Agrelia’s Castle was their title track “Elders & Ancestors.” It was featured on Rate The Tracks and made quite an impression on me. When I found out the story behind the music it became even more powerful of an experience for me.

The songs on Elders & Ancestors have grown from the journey of Paul and April Brown together through the challenges of cancer. They come from the desire to create peace, joy, and hope. In that creative experience in music that was the final outcome. I believe many people can benefit from a life’s journey translated through sounds.
 

The couple combines the sounds of a vintage Fender Rhodes B3, sounds of nature, and beautiful angelic vocals. The vocals are indeed heaven sent from the heart of the giver directly to the recipient. Also there are Native American style flutes, guitars, cello, and sitar. They are very earthy tones and inviting sounds to pull in the listener. In this amazing life it takes the people dealing with the most adversity at times to create exceptional beauty through their artistry. This is a case when those of us more fortunate become grateful and more appreciative for what we have.

“Breathe” is a superbly layered presentation of instruments and vocals. The sitar, percussion and vocals have a mystical element that is simply mesmerizing and comforting. The act that gives life, breathing, takes on an entirely different meaning through this song. Middle Eastern influences permeate the essence of this track and it is like talking a walk through a vast desert of emotion that heals and renews your soul.

“Spirit Dreaming” is another track that just took me away to another place, a safe haven for the heart, body and soul. I feel blessed to have the opportunity for this music to enter my life and give me some solace. Every fear and worry just melts away while listening to this. This particular track features the flute and it gets one in touch with the connection humans have with mother earth and all her wondrous gifts.

Music has always been a spiritual experience for me regardless of the genre. This type of music takes that feeling to another level entirely. Look at the cover of this album and you will get an idea of the places the music can take you. The combinations of what surrounds us in nature and instruments made from the earth becomes one breathing and living entity that invites you in and never lets you go.

I did not want this recording to end as it gave me such peace and contentment, the kind one feels when the stars align and all is right in the world. Enter Agrelia’s Castle and I promise you will never want to leave. The song “Sonnet” delivers a profound message about how life is just time passing by and how it’s just “you and I,” referring to one’s soul mate whether human or one with four legs, it does not matter. I know when I look in my dog’s eyes I see love, purity and the essence of who we are and what we were meant to be. The love of that creature has no bounds or expectations, it’s unconditional. We all can learn a lot from them. 

This music inspires, heals, and creates visions and reminders of who we are or what we can be. The Brown’s have created a masterful presentation of nature and music that is certain to move you in some way and give you a renewed perspective of your existence on this planet.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Elders & Ancestors, Breathe, Spirit Dreaming

Tracks: 
1. Elders and Ancestors
2. Adrift
3. Breathe
4. Spirit Dreaming
5. Sonnet
6. Wayfaring Stranger
7. Agrelia's Lullaby

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

October 26, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental New Age Review: Joanne Lazzaro-Under The Stars

Release Date: March 1, 2015

Label: Indie

Website

The flute must be one of the hardest instruments to master. I have a deep respect for any musician however there are certain instruments that seem more difficult to produce an entire album with. I definitely think the flute is one of those that qualify.

Joanne Lazzaro took on the task of mastering this mystical instrument and created a fine album titled Under The Stars.

“Path of the Departed Souls” was my introduction to Joanne’s music and it was featured on the Rate The Tracks site. There is something simplistic and beautiful about this music. The flute is the only instrument being played so you cannot help but focus on that. The difficulty for this type of recording is to pull in the listener and keep them interested. For my ears it worked as every track has a different tone and ambiance to keep it interesting. Although I enjoy rock music I am drawn to this kind of music more all of the time for its healing qualities. I find that I can get more focus on thoughts and feelings that are dismissed during the course of a busy and sometimes frenetic day.

There is a lot of great music to enjoy on this album and each track is an individual offering from the artist for you to use as you see fit. “Zuni Sunrise (extended version)” is as mesmerizing and relaxing as one track can possibly be. It has a mysterious element to it and reminded me of a time far away, perhaps ancient China. Like watching a movie as the scenes flicker by, you conjure all kinds of thoughts and images. This is what music of this sort is supposed to do and I think the artist accomplishes this consistently throughout the run of this recording.

I love the way Joanne closed out the album making her flute sing like a bird, literally. In the appropriately titled “Lark Who Sang His Song to the Sun Every Morning” she demonstrates the capabilities and power of her instrument by emulating a bird saying good morning to the sun. What a perfect way to close the curtain on a magical journey provided by a very talented flautist. If you want to feel like you are Under The Stars I highly recommend listening to this album.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Path of the Departed Souls, Zuni Sunrise (extended version), Lark Who Sang His Song to the Sun Every Morning

Tracks:
01. Evening Star Song
02. Sky Chief   
03. Medicine Wheel
04. Moon Dances With New Star   
05. Giant Cactus-Gathering Hook   
06. Path of the Departed Souls   
07. Bear Who Wanted a Mango   
08. Rabbit Tracks
09. Spirits of the Long-Eyes   
10. Amazing Grace - Trail of Tears   
11. Zuni Sunrise (Extended Version)   
12. Lark Who Sang His Song to the Sun Every Morning
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

October 18, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews