New Age Instrumental Review: Marika Takeuchi-Colors in the Diary

Release Date: April 1, 2016

Label: Independent

Website

In November of 2014 I covered Marika Takeuchi’s album Rain Stories. Here it is April 2016 and the latest release from this most talented pianist and composer titled Colors in the Diary is now available. Her 4th album is produced by the Grammy-winning producer Will Ackerman and features the world-class cellist Eugene Friesen and violinist Si-Jing Huang. Even though the piano work is good enough to stand alone the addition of these two musicians most certainly accentuate every note produced by the ivory keys.

The colors that populate this lady’s world are what surrounds us all, the beauty of Mother Nature. And through her music Marika paints a most lovely picture and goes from strength to strength to record a solid album. 

With winter disappearing and the spring bringing warmer weather “Frozen Lake” was a quick reminder for folks that experience one of the four seasons. The elegance of Marika’s playing was like watching an ice ballerinas perform on the local lake. It was like a private performance from entertainers, one real and the other imagined thanks to the music brining it all to life.

As “White Mountains” come cascading down through Marika’s talented fingers you use the music as a bridge to the great outdoors. Like an avalanche of emotions, I could imagine looking out my window or driving by to see the beauty and strength of the mountain that sits protecting our beautiful valley. To see something so awesome every day and to watch the changing seasons from afar seems more prolific than seeing it up close, it almost surreal at times yet always appreciated.

The two most important elements of this recording, classical and new age merge to create each piece like it was an individual painting. I think the cover puts that very thought into proper perspective. With tracks like “Remembrance” the cello comes in and creates a longing or sadness if you will. This however is not a negative; it is very meaningful and purposeful. As Marika lets the cello set the tone she introduces a very pragmatic melody and this creates a more upbeat and reflective mood. Remembering a place, person or special day in one’s life comes to mind. This is a very powerful word and so is the music to make it more so.

Marika Takeuchi and her music befit the title of the album Colors in the Diary. The colors are hers but they belong to those that listen to the music at any given moment in time anywhere on earth and certainly easy to relate to for anyone who appreciates and respects the wonders of our natural world. So let this talented lady invite you to paint your own picture and color it with what you will…the colors of life, the outdoors, your emotions, whatever color you are feeling, the music lets you go there. This music is perfect just like the nature that surrounds us and you don’t have to look far to enjoy it.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Frozen Lake, White Mountains, Remembrance

Tracks: 
01. Frozen Lake
02. Green Field
03. Blue Falls
04. White Mountains
05. Gray Clouds
06. Remembrance
07. Nostalgia
09. Into The Storm
10. Sparkling Sky
11. Colorful Mind
12. Morning Light
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

April 9, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

New Age Instrumental/Vocals Review: Fiona Joy-Signature-Synchronicity

Release Date: Mar 18, 2016

Label: Blue Coast Records

Website

Fiona Joy is an internationally renowned musician, known primarily for her angelic voice and ballet style performances. In her newest album, Signature Synchronicity, Joy blends modern day fairy tales into her wispy vocals and solo piano performances. The ten works on the album are all original pieces, some solo piano and others combined with vocals and hints of multi-instrumentation.

Contributing artists are: Borbala Bodonyi (vocal layers), Eugene Friesen (cello), James Englund (percussion), Jeff Haynes (percussion), Jeff Oster (flugelhorn), Marc Shulman (electric guitar), Nick Hawkins (beat-box), Noah Wilding (vocal layers), Paul Jarman (Irish whistle, tarogato), Premik Russell Tubbs (EWI), Rebecca Daniel (violin, soprano vocal layers), Tom Eaton (percussion, keyboard pads, NS bass, electric and bass guitars, Tony Levin (NS bass, electric bass) , Will Ackerman (acoustic guitar),  and of course Fiona Joy provided solo vocals, vocal layers, and her work on the James Englund Australian made Stuart & Sons piano. The album was produced by Will Ackerman and Tom Eaton (Tom also mixed the recording).

"Ceremony" is the first piece on the album, and it gasps to life with stunning piano sequences and breathy vocals. An easy beat floats along in the background, adding even more layers to this invigorating composition. Bold and electric, this is a song to give you courage as you stand before the masses, giving a presentation or even just finding the courage to deal with the challenges of the every day. Set to the backdrop of fairy tale splendor, this song is filled with grace and wonder.

"Grace" is done twice on the album, once with a straight out version and the other a chill version. The first bears more of a classical bearing, deliberate in its movements like a flower unfurling. The second is more electronic with a modern beat. They are both enthralling, but loving the flavor of the more classical pieces, I found myself falling for the first one. Hard. Vocals that whisper like angels sing of grace and it isn't difficult to imagine a scene with celestial beings with their faces turned to heaven, listening for the voice of God. Cello music slips in, giving the piece texture and resonance.

"Little Star" is the last song on the album. Tentative piano sequences play hide and seek like a night sky falling over the land, one small star flickering in the broad expanse of gathering dark. Tender spirals of sound drift up, the universe at play with the tiny being. Like a puppy learning to play, the star drifts along, finding its place in the vast, big world. Very simple and stark, this piece is thought provoking and elegant. 

Known in China as the Piano Angel, Fiona Joy is a force of nature. Will Ackerman founder of Windham Hill Records sees her as one of the top New Age performers of her time. She has her own studio, Little Hartley Music and a line of jewelry, which she wears while performing on stage. Signature-Synchronicity is a marvelous joint effort by a group of performers of the highest caliber, making this album one any classical or solo piano music lover should have in their collection. Fiona Joy is a musician to watch and she is very much on my list of must haves.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Ceremony, Grace, Little Star

Tracks: 
01.Ceremony
02.Grace
03.Fair Not   
04.Once Upon Impossible v
05.Calling Earth
06.Invisible Train   
07.Grace (Chill Version)
08.Signature
09.From the Mist 
10.Little Star
 

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

April 4, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental New Age Review: John Fluker-11:11

Release Date: May 1, 2016

Label: Retribution Records

Website

Composer, musician and vocalist, are a few of the titles that the multitalented John Fluker holds. He has backed folks like Beyoncé, Dionne Warwick, Mavis Staples, John Legend, Boyz II Men, etc. The list goes on and on. So to say that the man is a seasoned artist is putting it mildly.

With the release of 11:11 he showcases his diversity with musical styles using the piano as the foundation where every track finds its path through careful construction. From the colorful atmospheric opener “Awaken,” with classically influenced piano strokes and ambient textured keyboards, the music gives you a wakeup call to this immense talent and pulls you into another world. The theme here is indicative of the title of course so you can focus on that one meaning, look at the track titles then take it from there.

“Artificial Time” is a gorgeous soundscape taking the bounty of that classical influence then pushing the envelope to make it an instrumental new age journey through your own personal space and time. The title reminds us that we invented time so it thereby is artificial in every sense of the word. What we really know is that we are all stardust and our lives are but a bat of an eyelash in the grand scheme of things…indeed.

I love albums like this; the ability to take music and no words then unravel a story through one concept and create an aural painting that freezes in time forever is a gift. Music is everlasting and so are the memories we hold dear. Life and what we know is what keeps us alive and the will to live another day for more wonderful life experiences. Music makes it all that much more enjoyable and when its great piano based instrumentals that are on offer we get the chance to write the story.

Speaking of time and stories, “Tick-Tock Tale” encapsulates everything I just said. The hands of time move ever so fast or much too slow depending on your life situation. With each passing second you change and so do your surroundings however it takes us a while to notice the change happening before us. The tick tock of the clock is our compass to the past and the future. Listen to John’s fingers make another piece of paradise with the ivory keys. It is short and sweet yet poignant and impactful. The title makes you think and then the music ends to fast like our time here on this earth.

11:11 has the genius and presence to get your attention, make you focus and think about all the things that matter in life. I really appreciate what music like this does for me; it is truly a spiritual experience that brings out the very best in me. Give it a listen to see what it can do for you.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Awaken, Artificial Time, Tick-Tock Tale

Tracks: 
01. Awaken
02. In The Beginning
03. Artificial Time
04. The 4th Dimension
05. Piano Story
06. Tick-Tock Tale
07. Moments
08. Age of Eternity
09. Piano Story
10. Hour of Prayer
11. 11:11
12. The Joyful Clock Unwinds
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

March 31, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

New Age/World Review: Logical Drift - Pacific Journey

Release Date: February 25, 2016

Label: NYCMusic

Website

John Matarazzo is Logical Drift and his album Pacific Journey is a tribute to the beautiful islands of the South Pacific Ocean.

There is nothing like good instrumental music to create scenery for your mind’s eye to put you at peace and center you. It always comes to me at the right time and makes me feel more connected to our world.

This Pacific Journey certainly has the ability to transport you to another place and time. The music you will find on this aural journey is as diverse and colorful as the flora and fauna you will find in the islands that are the subject matter.

For my ears I liken this kind of music to a musical story and I allow my heart and soul to be an open book to its pages. It is my objective to convey the premise of this recording through a few choice tracks and discuss whether or not it delivers what it promises in reference to the title and the CD cover.

“Himalayan Heights” is part of the travels you take while listening. Matarazzo takes several instruments to create his sounds so they coalesce into something that is musically palpable. On the artist’ website it is explained as such: Combining his knowledge of ancient spiritual systems, psychoacoustics and aural imaging, he creates soundscapes that heighten the listeners’ sense of wellness and tranquility. The stimulation of the Chakra portals carries listeners on a journey toward greater awareness and aliveness. That puts it all into proper perspective as far as I am concerned. The synths, drums and other worldly sounds and textures added make it all sound so real like you are there enjoying everything in real time. “Himalayan Heights” made me feel that way.

“To Meet The Sky One Must” is another beautiful soundscape that puts you in touch with your spirit and mystical places of mother earth. The soft drums and their rhythm in this song are like your heartbeat and the sitar sounds are alluring and magical. The female vocals added gently invite you in. It is like a slice of heaven knocking at your door. All you need to do is listen and transport from your current state of existence. I think this place of peace lies inside us all, we just need some help to find it and music like this puts us in touch with that other self that awaits our call. It is that easy. 

“Rainy Jungle” helps one to get in sync with the nature that abounds around us. We are all connected to mother earth and water is the essence of life. In the jungle there are many different types of animal and plant species and without the rain they do no survive. It is the life blood of our planet. This track is very atmospheric using layers of keyboards to create a symphonic walk through the complexities of the jungle and all its offerings. Perhaps those of us that have not had the pleasure of witnessing this place on earth can still understand the absolute beauty and perfection that lies within this wondrous place. Allow the music to take you there and it will.

That is but a taste of some of the marvelous music found on Pacific Journey. The listening experience brings you many thoughts and feelings and hopefully delivers you to the beauty of the south pacific islands. It certainly worked well for me and I would recommend you listen and take the journey yourself.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Himalayan Heights, To Meet The Sky One, Rainy Jungle

Tracks:
01.Pacific Journey
02. Dance In The Lotus Garden
03. Himalayan Heights
04. To Meet The Sky One Must
05. Sanur Beach
06. Rainy Jungle
07. Open Skies Are
08. Mediation On A Blue String
09. Darker Dreams
10. Once Upon The Horizon

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

March 23, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental New Age Review: Lynn Yew Evers-Elysian

Release Date: Mar 18, 2016

Label: Lynn's In-Concert Productions (ICP)

Website

A Global Music Awards winner and professional musician, Lynn Yew Evers is an accomplished artist of international renown. Primarily performing in the US and Malaysia, she has worked closely with Will Ackerman at the renowned Imaginary Roads Studio in Vermont. Her third album, Elysian is a beautiful addition to her musical repertoire, focusing on classical sounds as reflected in nature, sometimes with a splash of contemporary improvisation. Contributing artists to this album include Will Ackerman, Eugene Friesen, Charlie Bisharat and Wouter Kellerman, many of which may be familiar to fans of classical and New Age music.

The album begins with a piece called "As the Train Leaves." It is a piece of observation. Of hurrying to the train station, boarding and watching as it follows along the tracks to the verdant countryside. Leaves of green and trees burst forth, spreading their arms to the sky, joyous for the sun that shines down upon them. We watch the people around us, busy in their lives and wonder about them, even as our eyes are drawn once again outward to nature in its majesty. Each note, each melody reflects the glorious hues shining under the big sky and we are but a small piece of the puzzle.

"Dream Chaser" is just that. It is the edgy moment just before you fall asleep, teetering down the precipice of your most ardent wants and hidden cravings. Sometimes pale and timid, with notes that drift ghost like and others more intentional, this solo piano piece encompasses the innermost melodies of the heart, spun inside our dreams. Graceful as a ballerina, this track shimmers and glides through the human condition in all of its foibles. Waking and sleeping, dreams are what we make of them but if we learn to listen, we might just find the right path to our heart's deepest wish.

"Night Owl, In a Style of a Nocturne" was a riveting performance. String meets whispery vocals and classical style piano made contemporary. His arms grasp your shoulders, swinging you out from the busy ballroom, out into the night. The pulse of your blood in your veins sings sweetly as he spins you around the balcony, lost in a music all your own. Sweet, sultry and mesmerizing, this piece struck me from the very first note. The multi-instrumentation and breathy female sighs were a romance reader's soundtrack, if ever I heard one. At times sedate and other, the piece peaked to a frenzy indicative of forbidden passion and the longings of things that may never be. Astounding and marvelous, this tender and complex composition won my heart and I can't stop playing it.

Lynn Yew Evers is a talented artist, teacher, musician, solo pianist, performer and more. She began her path to musical proficiency at a mere four years old and since then has never wavered in her conviction and love of the craft. Will Ackerman has said that Lynn "has the heart of a romantic and the hands of an artist." Each song is an illustration of that very truth. She has performed for the king and queen of Malaysia and has the ability to take everyday sights and sounds and artfully arrange them in a garden of fresh musical interpretation. I highly recommend this album to anyone who has a love for solo piano and music that takes you away.

5/5 Stars 

Key Tracks: Stars As the Train Leaves, Dream Chaser, Night Owl in a Style of a Nocturne

Tracks: 
01. As The Train Leaves 
02. Remembering Love 
03. Kindred Spirit
04. Shrouded Hope 
05. Finding You 
06. Dream Chaser 
07. Bluebird Day
08. Crosswalk To Maplehurst
09. Enchanted Stroll
10. Urban Trekking
11. Beautiful
12. Night Owl, In the Style of a Nocturne
13. As The Train Leaves (Reprise) 

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

March 11, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental New Age/Ambient Review: Tom Eaton-Abendromen

Release Date: February 8, 2016

Label: Riverwide Records

Website

Abendromen is Tom Eaton’s latest release. The title comes from the Dutch. It is actually two words combined, "Abend" is evening and "Dromen" is dreams. Tom is a very busy producer collaborating constantly with Will Ackerman in his Imaginary Road Studios to help New Age artists find their sound. Somehow he found the time in December 2015 and January 2016 to get this recording completed.

This is an album about dreaming and the different forms it can take on a daily basis. Some sweep you away from reality and some become reality. Listen to the music and create your dreams.

Tom composed, mixed, mastered, engineered and produced the recording using textural electric guitars, fretted and fretless basses, synthesizers and piano miniatures. All the piano, keyboards, guitars, basses and percussion where played by the artist making this a true “solo” work.

The ever important opening track draws the curtain back and sets the tone for any recording. And Tom introduces his style of music perfectly by easing you into his world with “Sunday-Slow Rotations.” It is atmospheric and features ambient textures with keyboards floating on top, promoting the traditional day of rest. It is the face of magnificence and elegance found in music all packaged in one track. The elements of new age and classical are injected with some ambient chill to make for delectable treat for the senses. 

Oddly enough “Monday-Midwinter” is exactly where we are at in the northeast. Usually every year we have those nightmare days with the weather but it has been a winter only imagined by those hoping for warming temperatures and a lot less snow and ice. That dream came true. 

“Tuesday-The Compass” is one of my preferred tracks. It reminded me of some of my favorite artists over the years like Tangerine Dream (Le Parc). The dreamy floating on cloud effect is there except the pace picks up a bit more right at the start. There is lovely melody weaved into the fabric of this track. It has inspired me to start listening to some of my favorite music again that I have not heard in so long. Tangerine Dream, Jean Michel Jarre and Mike Oldfield come to mind right away. The compass showed me the way.

I think the one track I could relate to most was “Friday-Patience.” The saying T.G.I.F. comes to mind and how you need to be patient and work your way through the day looking forward to the weekend to do what you really desire. It does require patience to make it through to Friday each week, some weeks require more than others. That is how the title hit me and the music felt right as well. The pace is even and peaceful while carrying the hope of a new day right around the corner.

I knew Tom Eaton was an incredibly talented producer and now I know for certain that the music is in every molecule of his being. With Abendromen his gives proof positive that his fingers hold the key to capturing the imagination of an audience in desperate need of unwinding and appreciating a relaxing atmosphere to decompress. It worked for me. 

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Monday-Slow Rotations, Friday-Patience, Tuesday-The Compass

Tracks:
01. Sunday: Slow Rotations
02. Monday: Midwinter
03. Tuesday: The Compass
04. Wednesday: In Stillness
05. Thursday: For Orion
06. Friday: Patience
07. Saturday: Long Lonely Light

Bonus Tracks:
08. Wednesday Night
09. The Eighth Day
10. Saturday Night
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

February 27, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

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