Tracks:
01. First Light
02. The Pleasure of the Mourning Dove
03. Kalahari Calls
04. Song of the Swans
05. Eternal Love's Song
06. Indian Summer
07. Embracing This Moment
08. Ode to Our Orb
09. Until
10. Open Skies
11. Color Me Home
Label: Ponderosa Music Records
Website: https://www.rickykej.com
https://www.stewartcopeland.net
This year, there was quite a buzz about Divine Tides from the Stewart Copeland and Ricky Kej collaboration. Stewart is a renowned drummer with The Police and many other projects over the years. Ricky Kej has made his impressions in the new age realm with award winning releases. I was about to experience what all the excitement was about…
Divine Tides brings the color of humanity and all its cultures into the album covers artwork. It is one of the more imaginative, eye-catching works of art I have viewed this year.
The nine tracks encompassing this recording is a new age world montage with superb vocals from a range of talented individuals, including Rasika Shekar, Varijashree Venugopal, Sangeeta Kaur, Vidhi Sharma, Salim Merchant, and Charanraj MR. These are the lead vocalist on the tracks.
There are several other key contributors on backing vocals, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performs on "A Prayer," which is a fantastic track. It is full of uplifting energy and color, much like the artwork depicted on the cover. I have to say, even though I could not understand the language they were singing in, I found it very enjoyable and spiritually moving. The entire album is a masterpiece of new age world, and I would expect it to win a Grammy in the new age or world category for 2021. I have heard some incredible music this year that would be difficult to displace on my top 10 for the year in the new age genre; however, I have to say this one just moved into the #1 spot for me.
The previously mentioned attributes, such as the artwork, is the first aspect then from there are the superb arrangements from Ricky Kej and the incredible percussive elements from Stewart Copeland. Stewart mentioned that he harnessed his aggressive drum playing into a gentle beauty. That was quite a transition for him, and I can imagine a life-changing experience.
The production of each track is outstanding; it is bright, flows well, and gets your attention from start to finish. The musicianship is unparalleled. The CD comes housed in a tri-fold cardboard case with a booklet in the adjacent sleeve to the clear CD tray, which has a picture of the percussion instruments with a kaleidoscope of color emerging from it. That description would express all the music and artwork in this package and how it intersects into a beautiful work of all-encompassing art.
Here is the message from Kej regarding the title: ONE WITH SELF, ONE WITH TIME, ONE WITH OUR PLANET. Is that the reason we are all here? Is it to become one, merge with our fellow humans, and find peace and harmony for all? Imagine a world with no wars, no starvation, or diseases?
It could happen if we listen to these enlightened artists and follow the music to realize a new reality; we all can have it.
The Divine Tides of nature, the planet, humanity, and the innate goodness within our hearts will help us find our way back to oneness. Together with all the elements around us, we can positively influence life now and in the future. This music is awe-inspiring, and it delivers the truth and spirit of us all directly to our ears and then to our souls. Listen to Divine Tides, and I am confident you will agree.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
December 15, 2021
Tracks:
1. Wonders Of Life
2. Himalayas
3. Our Home
4. Art Of Devotion
5. Pastoral India
6. I Am Change (2021 Remastered)
7. A Prayer
8. Gandhi
9. Mother Earth
Label: Ear Music
Nature’s Light is Blackmore’s Night 14th album and six years since the release of their last studio album All Our Yesterdays. I can say to those that would ask “Was it worth the wait?” I would say it was. I would also add that this is some of their best work to date. Musically it is mostly what one would expect from the band and lyrically, and with the title, they are coming from a new age and nature premise.Track List:
01. Once Upon December
02. Four Winds
03. Feather In The Wind
04. Darker Shade Of Black (instrumental)
05. The Twisted Oak
06. Nature's Light
07. Der Letzte Musketier (instrumental)
08. Wish You Were Here (2021)
09. Going To The Faire
10. Second Element
Release Date: April 15, 2022
Label: Spotted
Peccary
When I interviewed (included here) David Helping to discuss IN, I knew I would have to wait for the vinyl to arrive. That was over three months ago. The wait was long, but worth it to hear this release in glorious vinyl. After talking with David, I knew this would be a fantastic listening experience.
IN was filled with ambient and chill textures transcending time and space.
I absorbed each track as something new and fresh musically as I made my way through the two LPs. The LPs come housed in gatefold sleeves with all the track listings and credits. Also included was a sheet with the names of the contributors and David’s tribute to each one.
Side A starts with “Waves Dream of Breaking,” and it serves as a grand opener to set the tone. This beautiful and exciting mixture of color and sound was just the beginning but a great start that filled a listener with anticipation for what could be next.
“This Burning Sky” includes wordless chant-like vocals from Nidhi Bhatmuley. It gave the track a world flavor while maintaining its core ambient foundation. “Only What’s Been Taken” is dreamy, layered synths with an interesting backbeat that transitions to a quieter interlude and then back again. Side A closes out.
Side B begins with “Here All Along” which features some nice rhythms, and you find yourself relaxing on a smooth wave of sounds. “Still As Stone” has tinkling bells with echoing notes from the keys layered upon soft synths. Perhaps the mesmerizing effect would make you as still as the track title would indicate. The side closes with “The Bliss You’ve Always Carried” featuring Benjy Wertheimer on the Esraj, a stringed Indian instrument. It looks similar to a sitar but sounds entirely different. It gives the track a uniqueness that others do not have. It runs for 8:01 minutes, allowing the instrument to provide you with a taste of its capabilities and different ranges of sound, which is then enhanced by synths, ambient guitar, and other instruments. Side B closes out.
Side C opens with “Slipping” featuring Miriam Stockley’s wordless vocalizations. This one also runs for 8:01 minutes. It is silky smooth from start to finish with Miriam’s addition. “The Cold Distance Between” could indicate many things; however, the one thing it accomplishes is hypnotic spacey sounds with a sense of drama bubbling underneath. “You Already Are” features Matthew Schoening’s electric cello. A flair for the classical is arrived at with his instrument while adding a feeling of warmth. Side C closes.
Side D begins with my favorite track, “Bending Towards the Night.” It clocks in at 8:21 and resembles a prog rock magnum opus. Eclectic sounds abound and delight straight through every second. It has a purposeful pace bringing me back to the thought that time has no relevance in the space of this music. The track continues to build with color, light, and frequencies that engage the listener. It takes the concept of the day and bends you towards the night.
The track reminded me fondly of Tangerine Dream (a reference I often make if the music is good enough within this genre). The built-for- soundtrack-music and energy come with “In Waves of Fire.” The curtain closes on this ambient chill journey with “I Too Am Coming Home.” The track has elegance and beauty reserved for prolific instrumental music. In addition, the angelic vocals of Miriam Stockley accompany the music, making an appropriate ending to a marvelous listen.
You will be totally IN the music once you start listening. It will capture your consciousness and revitalize your spirit. The outstanding musicianship and production values make this one of the best recordings I have heard on vinyl this year.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
July 18, 2022