New Age/Classical Review: David Lanz & Kristin Amarie-Silhouettes Of Love

Release Date: October 6, 2015

Label: Dkl Records

Website

Grammy nominated David Lanz has been thrilling fans for decades. His newest album with Kristin Amarie, Silhouettes of Love is a jazzy blend of classical and New Age sound.

“The Soaring Heart” is the first piece on the album. Filled with chimes, bells, string, piano movements and the playful sound of Kristen’s voice as she highlights the already perfect multi-instrumental experience. This track is a landscape of audible artistry and one I never get tired of listening to. Beautiful. Simply beautiful.

“Circles Round the Moon” begins with tender piano movements and the kiss of chimes. Kristen’s voice descends watching over her loved one like an angel. She hears her love singing, melodies drifting by as she ponders whether it is stardust or merely a dream. This song is a tender fairy tale of moments buried deep in the night as her true love’s arms wrap her in his embrace.

“Beatrice and Dante” is a song based on the Divine Comedy written by Dante Alighieri and the woman that haunted him during her life and her untimely death. Dante met Beatrice as a child and never forgot her, leading the two to fall in love despite being married off to different people. When she died at the young age of twenty four, he was devastated. His only recourse was poetry and he invokes her in two portions of his trip through the levels of Hell. 

This piece has a haunting quality, with the twisting piano and string combinations. Down and down into the bowels of the earth Dante wanders as he hears his true love’s breath on his ear. Waiting. Longing. Eternity in a state of passion that can never fully be fulfilled. Only words remain but neither can let go of their love for the other, despite one being dead and the other trapped in the land of the living. Dante is deep in contemplation of the nature of Hell and those who deserve to reside there. The sweet song of Kristin Amarie gives voice to the lovely Beatrice as the music swirls around her and she vanishes into the darkness. “Want me. Need me. Speak to me words of love…”

“Silver Threads” is a song of grief. The threads that hold us together are not severed when death lays its cold hand on our lives. Love endures and sweetness envelopes the heart as moments are remembered. Piano blended with multi-instrumentation bring the stark feeling to life. Kristin’s voice is the sound of a breaking heart desperately clinging to the happy moments and facing the future without the person you held so dear. 

Silhouettes of Love is a journey of emotion that covers many musical genres. At times Classical, jazzy and New Age it touches us all with memories and tender, wistful sentiments. David Lanz, Kristin Amarie and the host of musicians working with them on this project have outdone themselves. The melodies constructed are masterful and exude emotion and Kristin’s voice…as I have said before, an angel must be missing from heaven.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: The Soaring Heart, Circles Round the Moon, Beatrice and Dante, Silver Threads

Tracks: 
01. The Soaring Heart
02. The Promise
03. Circles Round the Moon
04. Falling
05. Found By Love's Return
06. Lady On the Shore
07. Silhouette of Love
08. Our Illusion
09. Amore Eterno (Redux)
10. Beatrice and Dante
11. Waiting for the Sun
12. So in Love
13. Silver Threads (Without You)
 

DanaWright, Sr. Staff Writer

December 17, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental/New Age/Classical Review: Tim Neumark-Galaxy-Solo Piano, Op.6

Release Date: May 1, 2015

Label: Indie

Website

Tim Neumark’s sixth release Galaxy-Solo Piano, Op.6 came out this May. The solo piano works of this talented musician are starting to stack up and it is most impressive. This is the second album I have had the pleasure to enjoy since the 2014 recording Storm.

Most recently we featured the beautiful track “Starlight” on Rate The Tracks. This would serve as an excellent introduction to this album and a fine way to pull you into the entire project.

  

This is very straight forward solo piano music that consist of parts new age and classical while doubling as a meditation guide or relaxation tool. Everyone needs to retreat from a hard day of work and let all of the stress and worrying role off your back and melt away. I wish I could just carry this calm and assuring feeling with me everywhere I went and with everything I do. When I hear music like this it provides a course to take and then I have the hope that I can attain that state of being.

The idea here is clear, one look at the cover of the CD and you get. Neumark calls this an Opus and indeed it is. The more I listen to each track as they flow into each other like a river with a purpose; you can understand why he calls it an Opus. “Orbit” illustrates this in the most profound way as it takes the listener from baby steps into the vastness of space to take a trip around the globe. In a musical sense that is exactly what it conveys and becomes. The progressions of his playing are nearly 5 minutes. Its beauty and pureness transcends anything that gets in the way whether it be a busy mind or unhealthy thoughts, the music prevails.

“The Inner Light” is another tapestry of delicate sounds and movement…like the stars, planets and vast galaxies in the universe. Your inner light will come shining through and you will be taking the voyage with Neumark through his fingers to the piano and directly to your soul, like a musical umbilical cord it connects you and feeds you as you grow in the womb of the music. 

I always connect the stars and the endless universe with birth and life itself - stardust we are indeed. I once had an experience on a birthday the year after my mother died that solidified this belief. I woke up and heard my mom say my entire name then I fell half asleep and felt a silver umbilical cord connecting me to the universe beyond. I know this sounds a little far-fetched for some folks but this really did happen to me and I will never forget it. 

The music on Galaxy-Solo Piano, Op.6 allowed me to remember that spiritual experience that changed me forever. Thank you Tim Neumark for seeing the beauty beyond humanity and how intrinsically connected we are to the stars. Bringing it to us through your music is a beautiful thing.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Starlight, Orbit, The Inner Light

Tracks:
01. Preludio
02. Starlight
03. Orbit
04. Perspective
05. Vast
06. Traveling Music
07. The Inner Light
08. Tapestry
09. Sweet Little Evening Melody
10. Night
11. Time's Arrow
12. What You Leave Behind
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

December 13, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Holiday/New Age Instrumental Review: Doug Hammer-Christmas Lights

Release Date: November 27, 2015

Label: Dreamworld Productions

Website

Christmas Lights, Doug Hammer's tenth release, is a follow-up to his award-winning Christmas album, Noel. It contains seventeen traditional favorites and a new original composition, Christmas Lights. There is a combination of new age, holiday, classical and more mixed into the compositions.

Over the last year I have become more appreciative of piano-based music than ever before. I find it simplistic and complex, moving and emotional, relaxing and uplifting…those are a few of the prominent terms that come to mind.

Doug’s piano playing invites you into a world filled with the wonder of Christmas through the eyes of a child who is now an adult. With all the bright colorful lights and the joy of taking a drive with your family to see different houses and how their lights and decorations displayed in all their splendor… the music sweeps you away to a magical place removed from your current reality.

What is presented here is simple and straightforward piano music with different elements sprinkled in, kind of like Grandma’s special recipe for Christmas cookies. Doug’s talented fingers do all the talking through this instrumental journey. With the stroke of each note the Holiday is right at your doorstep beckoning you to come in and let it absorb your being. If that is the intent here, it surely accomplishes that.

“Away In A Manger” is beautifully done. Doug’s fingers delicately stroke the keys and you instantly envision the little Lord Jesus in the manger. The effect is seamless, powerful and effective, taking you away to when this event actually took place so long.

“Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella” is an upbeat track; it is like dancing on the rooftops on a crisp winter night, thus asking the fair ladies to bring along some light to lead the way. This probably has nothing to do with the meaning of the song; however that is what it did for me. Everyone is affected in different ways by music. The sheer beauty of unencumbered instrumental music is the fact that you can paint your own picture as you go.

”Deck The Halls” is another age old-classic done in a way you will likely hear for the first time. The piano playing is amazing. The artist builds the song into his own by playing layer upon layer of keys and at a very quick pace. It is like a tidal wave of music with one instrument serving as the featured star. I absolutely loved it.

Doug closes the curtain on this newly born Christmas classic recording with his original title track. It is a step away from the norm as he turns the page on all the classic compositions and gives each listener a taste of his own Christmas and his incredible talent for capturing the moment. I found it a wonderful way to close out the album and it leaves it open for another chapter to come perhaps?

It usually does not take me long to get my fill of Christmas music because of the commercialism and it all kicking in prior to Halloween now. This music however allows me to actually find the true meaning of the Holiday and appreciate a talented artist pouring his heart and soul into something that carries a message and heartfelt meaning. This is great instrumental music that I think can be enjoyed any time of year, but for now you are well advised to enjoy it and usher in the Holiday. 

4.5/5 Stars

Tracks:

01. Angels We Have Heard On High

02. Joy To The World

03 It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

04. Away In A Manger

05. Il Est Né Le Divin Enfant

06. Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella

07. Deck The Halls

08. O Come, All Ye Faithful

09. What Child Is This?

10. Once In Royal David's City

11. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring

12. Good King Wenceslas

13. Jingle Bells

14. Still, Still, Still

15. Coventry Carol

16. O Holy Night

17. Toyland

18. Christmas Lights

Key Tracks: Away In A Manger, Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella, Deck The Halls

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

December 5, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Holiday/Christmas/New Age Review: David Lanz & Kristin Amarie-Forever Christmas

Release Date: November 11, 2014

Label: DKL Records

Website: http://davidlanz.com/ https://www.facebook.com/KristinAmariesmusic

David Lanz & Kristin Amarie are frozen in time with their release Forever Christmas. The recording was released last November and rings true a year later and certainly will well beyond that. After all what is time but a ticking clock? Good music is timeless, and this particular album is a thing of beauty and grace to usher in one of the most sacred Holidays celebrated the world over.

Lanz is a world renowned pianist and the talented vocalist Amarie become one on Forever Christmas. The two artists are also life partners and that bond is evident in their musical partnership. The synergy and flow of this music is exceptional.

The music presented is traditional, new age and classical all fused together to make a non-traditional listen. I mean that in a very positive way. This is not what you are hearing blaring over the speakers every year at your local retail store. This music is precise with a lot meaning. It is enlightening and relaxing and in the same instance as uplifting as Holiday music could possibly be.

The title track leads the way into the magical time of Christmas. It is not only special to children but to everyone that celebrates it. People gather to exchange gifts and show their love and appreciation for each other. The music itself is a celebration.

As you make your way through this newly discovered Holiday classic, a traditional ageless song is revisited. “Silent Night” is one of the most memorable tunes ever crafted and David and Anmarie do it justice. The piano is delicate and inviting and Amarie sounds like the angel singing it, bringing with it the light of love and creation with every breath. This is a magnificent rendition that I will not forget.

Then there is always the one instrumental that catches my ear, lifts my spirit and moves me. That track was “What is Christmas.” David’s piano playing is superb. As his fingers glide across the ivory keys as the meaning of the season and the Holidays consume you.

Christmas is forever and with one listen to Forever Christmas you will feel that is your reality, at least for as long as you are listening. Alternatively, if you decide to carry those feelings and meanings with you every day then this can serve a twofold purpose. This kind of music makes us all realize how important friends and family are and if you let the music flow through you so will the spirit of giving and the Holiday.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Forever Christmas, Silent Night, What is Christmas (instrumental)

Tracks:
01. Winter Prelude
02. Forever Christmas
03. Snow Dance
04. Oh Holy Night
05. La Estrella de la Navidad
06. Jubilate
07. Sweet Winter Love
08. What is Christmas
09. Winter Star
10. A Thousand Lights
11. Sweet Winter Love instr.
12. Silent Night
13. What is Christmas (instrumental)
14. Heavenly Peace

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

December 5, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

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New Age Instrumental Review: Brian Kelly-Butterfly Rapture

Release Date: October 1, 2015

Label: Skylight Music

Website

Brian Kelly is a composer and recording artist who began his musical career when he was a child. Butterfly Rapture is his third album done in the neoclassical tradition with influences ranging from Celtic, gospel and jazz. The album is a crisp solo piano experience, with sparkling composition and a resonance that sticks with you long after the last song plays. If you can stop listening. My play button is getting worn out on this one and what a joy that is.

“Lilac Horizon” is a tender and fluid piece, with layered piano work that evokes imagery of the poignant life moments that linger. Pensive and thoughtful, the winding nature of this track flows together like the never ending gears of time. Always moving forward, no matter what. The horizon is always just out of reach and we struggle to grasp that elusive glimpse of what is to be.

“Winter Aura” has a starkness about it that captures the essence of winter. Cold beauty claims the ruddy umber flavor of autumn and covers the land with delicate ice crystals and a blanket of soft white snow. The deep keystrokes and elemental playing delve deep into the introspective nature of this season of the year and bring forth the longing for home and hearth; of family and the familiar. At times playful and others more contemplative, this encapsulates all that winter has to offer, all from the masterful keystrokes of Kelly’s fingertips.

“Butterfly Rapture” is the title track and last piece on the album. Tumultuous like a butterfly beating its wings against the vast expanse of sky, it opens its wings and shines beauty down upon us all. Vibrant colors move within each well-crafted portion of the composition. The melodies twist and frolic like a meadow filled with small beating wings and the brilliant majesty brought with every nuance and flutter.

Butterfly Rapture is his first solo piano album and what a magnificent accomplishment it is. Solo piano can, in some instances, feel like a very long extension of the same song but not this album. Each track has its own flavor of music and takes the listener on a journey inside the mind of the artist. From snowy jaunts in “Winter Aura” to the first track “Piano Escapades” where we are first introduced to Kelly’s dazzling style, this album is a many faceted jewel any piano connoisseur will be thrilled to have in their collection.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Lilac Horizon, Winter Aura, Butterfly Rapture

Tracks: 
01. Piano Escapade
02. Room for Sky
03. Flowers at Her Feet
04. Lilac Horizon
05. Chasing a Breeze
06. Spiral Moon
07. Hills in Bloom
08. Niko's Delight    
09. Playing My Heart
10. View from the Swing
11. Winter Aura
12. Butterfly Rapture
 

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

November 29, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

New Age Instrumental/Classical Review: Rodney Wilson-For His Good Pleasure

Release Date: 2015

Label: Indie

Website

Everyone gets a needed jolt at some point in their life that serves as a wakeup call. Rodney Wilson got one that saved his life. He was experiencing some physical issues and found out he needed bypass surgery. To say this album is about matters of the heart is an understatement to be sure.

For His Good Pleasure is an awakening from another source, God, a higher power or the voice from within that some folks refer to as the higher self. Whatever concept of a higher power that works for you is a fit for this album. For Rodney this approach worked and he recovered completely and decided to dedicate this album to that experience.

"Healing In His Wings" was my first focus track on the album and featured on the Rate The Tracks site. It brings a lot of those thoughts and feelings about centering your inner self and reaching out for help from another source and then coming to the realization that something saved you. Essentially, if you want to look at it from this perspective, it is an invitation to open the door to the healing powers of faith.

“Joy After The Storm” is overcoming a difficulty and rejoicing in the rebirth of your life. It is about getting to the other side of any difficulty and reaping the benefits of seeing it all through, believing in yourself and the process. This music holds all the joy for you and the title of the track says it all.

The artist draws influences from the likes of Ennio Morricone and the music in turn that is created is very cinematic. It came as a natural process for this listener to envision this music playing during a movie, or one’s own life story if you will flickering inside your mind. In this case it applies strongly to the creator of this very music.

“Springs of Living Water” is also very picturesque as the piano playing is like a waterfall of emotions and the added instrumentation makes it more impactful. With all the feeling and movement you could imagine in such a track it got my attention quickly and was another one that stood out. Water is life, and it is from whence we came and it serves as a reminder of the spring of life in a physical sense related to the earth. It is what we hold inside, the spark within. The powers of healing are available to us and are self-evident we just need to open our eyes.

For His Good Pleasure is an inspirational story set to a soundtrack regarding one man’s journey and the miracles of self-awareness and paying attention to the guide posts that come graciously and unconditionally to us in life. I for one am a grateful and appreciative listener so thank you Mr. Wilson for all of your talents and offering your story and making the music to capture the awakening.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Healing In His Wings, Joy After The Storm, Springs of Living Water

Tracks:
01. Healing in His Wings
02. Take Me Safely Home
03. Hannah's Song
04. Springs of Living Water
05. The Father's Love
06. Joy After the Storm
07. Where Honor Stood
08. Faithful to Save
09. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
10. To Dance for His Pleasure

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

November 23, 2015

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