New Age Music Reviews

New Age Instrumental/Classical Review: Lisa Downing-The Wisdom of My Shadow

Release Date: July 24, 2016

Label: Vision Quest Entertainment

The Wisdom of My Shadow is Lisa Downing’s fourth official studio release. Those who can appreciate solo piano music will fall in love with this recording. Her sound is influenced by prolific classical music with a mixture of new age for a combination that is both heavenly and majestic at the same time.

Lisa’s solo compositions are elegant and at times stark but always natural in regards to flow and impact. The word stark is not associated with new age or classical, at least that is not the norm that I am familiar with. When you look at a track title like “Black Wedding” you get some different ideas of what that could mean. It is not necessarily a negative connotation but it does get your attention. When you hear the opening of the song and the tolling of the bell you feel the blackness of the atmosphere. The very strong pounding of the ivory keys sounds like a movie soundtrack of sorts. However as you intently listen to the piano, Ms. Downing has a way of turning something black into white, a personification and purification of the track with the instrument taking emotions and putting a spin on the story for you to tell and interpret. I for one appreciated the impact of this instrumental gem. There is a lot of food for thought between the notes of this song. I appreciated how different the track was and hearing something so original and unexpected within the realm of the genre.

“The Torii Gates” and the rolling tides of the keys sweep across your consciousness, the sheer beauty and presence puts you in another space in time. It is like a story as the ocean tides softly hit the shoreline and your footsteps are the music that leaves the impression in the sand or in the case your very spirit and soul. The music serves as the waves. What good is the music for your psyche if it does not move you in some way or fashion? Much like the ebb and tides of the ocean which can be comparable to the range of emotions we all can feel in the span of a 24 hour period. Music can be the mirror of your soul at the highest level and all that is needed is the music, no words, instrumentation can do it all for you. This music still sings to you without any narrative.

“The Dragon Within” is another very strong title that can imply many different things. When I look at the title my first impression is a reference to a strength within that we all have. It is something summoned when called upon and with some folks it is always there. Silent, confident and with purpose the strong make their way through each day, through life, leaving a legacy for others to admire and follow. The dragon flies and breathes fire but this creature has another purpose. Through the ivory keys Lisa takes you down a different path, one you create for yourself as you allow the music to let you fly with this mythical creature, it becomes yours for the taking, just listen.

For this listener every track offers me a chance to pause, reflect, to let my feelings flow free like a river into an ocean. I let it take me and the end result is so natural that I feel connected and spiritual and more than I do at any time in my daily life.

The Wisdom of My Shadow is a masterstroke of piano based music that has a foundation of classical influence with slices of new age in between for a perfected blend of sound and harmony. It is a must have for anyone that enjoys and appreciates piano music.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Black Wedding, The Dragon Within, The Torri Gates

Tracks:
01. Forbidden Dance
02. Tragic Dream
03. Black Wedding
04. Mischief
05. Mad World
06. Postludium
07. Cloudwalker
08. The Torii Gates
09. Harlem Nocturne
10. One More Day
11. Moonrise
12. Sad Lisa
13. The Dragon Within
14. Diaphanous Breeze

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

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New Age Music Reviews

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July 13, 2016

New Age-World-Instrumental Review: Al Jewer & Andy Mitran-Transmigration... a journey with friends

Release Date: March 4, 2016

Label: Laughing Cat Records

Website

Al Jewer and Andy Mitran have been musical partners for 15 years now. The multitalented duo released Transmigration...a journey with friends in March this year. It is culmination of 2 years of hard work. They had some help along way, their friends were 22 luminaries such as Miriam Stockley, Tony Levin, Jeff Oster, Jeff Pearce, Ricky Kej and Richard Gannaway to name just a few. The new age community is a tightly knit group that likes to join their talents to form powerful and meaningful collaborations. This recording was no exception.

There are 14 tracks to enjoy on this album and every one is a diverse slice of new age world instrumental fusion. They have a worldly meditative atmosphere that draws you in.

“Council Fire” is one that really got my attention; it features the talented horn player Jeff Oster. The brass certainly adds another welcome element to the mix. The feeling of finding one of those ancient civilizations comes to mind with elders gathered around a fire for deep and moving discussions are pictured.

The multitude of instruments that are used gives it that world fusion sound and that is what makes it so eclectic and each track a new adventure. “Cloudwalker” is another track that summons certain visions. Clouds are soft, light and they paint the blue sky with their natural beauty. The music takes you away as you float with the dreamy sounds of piano and flutes. They fill the air as other sounds are mixed in to complete the walk across the sky with the clouds. It sounds like it could be a Native American name given to a spiritual leader or it can be anything you see with your mind’s eye. That is the gift of music, its purity and beauty speaks to you.

“Transmigration” is the all-important title track. This one lands at number 8 but it does not overshadow the importance it carries for the album. Many times a title track can open the curtain for an album and set the tone however in this case it was not necessary as every track is a standalone piece of art. I think the many instruments and the way that they are presented make the difference with this recording. It is evident that this was quite a journey for all involved and the fact that it took two years makes sense once you take in all of this incredible music. It is very complex and moving. The title track is the longest and most prolific clocking in at 7:17 minutes.

Beauty lies in the eyes and in this case, the ears of the beholder. Behold Transmigration...a journey with friends one of the best new age and world releases of 2016.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Council Fire, Cloudwalker, Transmigration

Tracks:
01. Talking Stone (feat. Miriam Stockley & Tony Levin)
02. Portal (feat. Richard Gannaway & Adam Ben Ezra)
03. First Crossing (feat. Jeff Pearce)
04. Council Fire (feat. Jeff Oster)
05. Rendezvous (feat. Ricky Kej)
06. Cloudwalker (feat. Lisa Downing)
07. Red Road (feat. TC Furlong & Biff Blumfumgagnge)
08. Transmigration (feat. Vito Gregoli & Kimberly Haynes)
09. Unfolding Path (feat. Biff Blumfumgagnge)
10. Passage (feat. Muriel Anderson)
11. Higher Elevations (feat. Kraig McCreary)
12. The Intention (feat. Paul Von Mertens)
13. Quiet Waters (feat. Muriel Anderson & Sherry Finzer)
14. Event Horizon (feat. TC Furlong & Biff Blumfumgagnge)

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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July 11, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental New Age Review: Crystalline Dream-Threshold

Release Date: July 10, 2006

Label: Solovey Music

Website

Crystalline Dream is a band with the intent to craft a vision with every album they perform. Threshold is the entryway to a journey of enlightenment, with each album gaining the listener increased wisdom. The main band members for Crystalline Dream include Richard Ross, Korey Ross and guest artist Peter Phippen.

The first track on the album is "Threshold." Ethereal and drifting with flutes and an electronica based backdrop, the music brought me to a place of introspection far away from the swirling chaos that makes up most of my days. It was as if I were perched on a threshold to another place…a place of peace and tranquility that if I just took another step, it could be mine. The flute urges you forward even as the cosmic wave of the electronica pushes and whispers you to a dwelling where that elusive joy is hiding. Voices break over you and the music funnels you down a new rabbit hole…the journey is just beginning.

"Inner Peace" is another song that captured my attention at the onset. Harp sounds and chirping insects make it seem as if you, the listener, are in the middle of a forest, being lulled forward toward an enchanted paradise. Just one step closer toward the pool…just one more. The ethereal music drifts in the background like a hidden current pushing you along toward your destination. This is what happiness sounds like and if sound could be painted in color, it would be a spiraling ribbon of shimmering blue, wrapping around and around in layers of gossamer silk, one delicate note at a time.

"Borealis" urges you toward the end of your comfort zone. Icy and grinding, you mark your passage with effort and are ever working toward your next destination. The price of enlightenment comes with great perseverance. The sound of flutes and the bitter winter wind skitter along the top of the ice as you reach for the next fork in the road…the next vision of flickering lights to direct your path forward. Beautiful and treacherous, the way ahead will not be an easy one. Growling and grinding electronica and percussive elements mark your progress and the undying urge to find enlightenment at any cost.

Crystalline Dream have begun a journey of sorts with Threshold. Using the ethereal and at times sparse elements of electronic music, it is blended with percussive elements, flute, harp and other sounds such as whispered chants or insects. This instrumental New Age experience focuses on enlightenment and is the beginning of what so far is a five album progression toward grace. It is a pleasant sounding album that any fan of New Age music will vastly enjoy.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Threshold, Borealis, Inner Peace

Tracks:
01. Threshold
02. Ethereal Gauze
03. Solar Flight
04. Evensong
05. Inner Peace
06. West Wind
07. Crystalline Dream 1
08. Crystalline Dream 2
09. Crystalline Dream 3
10. Borealis
11. Threshold (Reprise)

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

July 9, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental New Age/Meditation Review: Peter Sterling-Sacred Visions

Release Date: June 21, 2016

Label: Harp Magic Music

Website

Peter Sterling’s Sacred Visions album is music that is transformational. This statement on his website holds the absolute truth. If you listen to the 9 tracks on this recording you will find your own truth in the music.

The music has to move me shortly into the first track to feel any sort of inspiration. This feeling is translated to joy and then my words flow about the music. If it does not unfold that way then there is not a lot to say.

With Sacred Visions there is plenty to feel joy about and to translate to abundant feelings and words. Peter plays one of the most magical instruments in the world, the harp (he also contributes percussion, keyboards, loops, ocarina, recorder and vocals). Peter is also an artist that creates a thing called Portals of Light Crystal Frosted Art which adorn the cover of this CD. That is one example of many. This multitalented man used his art as an inspiration on canvas to create a musical canvas with his harp. This was obviously a very intense creative period for Peter. Many folks that make music paint as well however this is a blend of spirituality, music and art that transcends the norm. It sounds like divine intervention.

“Sedona Sunset” opens the album and it mesmerized me and made my soul smile. The sounds are full of beauty and good energy; it beckons you to come along for the journey. I was all ears and found it quite easy to let myself just melt into the music becoming one with the sounds. For my listening pleasure that is the goal, to allow the sounds to let the day and thoughts disappear and feel complete blissfulness with all of creation. Music such is this is so powerful and spiritual and that is the reason I love it so much.

“Eclipse (Featuring 3rd Force)” was another track that swept me away with the alluring harp intermingled with a smooth jazz like saxophone. That combination when placed properly within in this type of music is a perfect blend just like the right combination of coffee and creamer in the morning; it’s a pause that refreshes. Jazz and new age always sounded compatible to me if done well and properly and in this case it was.

“Dance of Saraswati” has all the essential elements of the previous tracks however the difference here is the female vocalizations that give it that gentle angelic touch that takes the spirit to a higher plane. Peter also adds his vocalizations as well. The balance is exceptional with perfectly placed harp textures for the vocals to ride along, like a billowing cloud floating across the sky it all seemed so natural and flowing.

We all seek solace from the pressures and stresses of daily life. We endeavor to reach the end of the day when we can put on some music like Sacred Visions and recharge our batteries for another day. It works very well; you will find what you need just let the music lead the way.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Sedona Sunset, Eclipse (Featuring 3rd Force), Dance of Saraswati

Tracks:
1. Sedona Sunset
2. Shaman’s Cave
3. Starlight and Moonbeams
4. Bombay Boogie
5. Eclipse (Featuring 3rd Force)
6. Dance of Saraswati
7. Mystic Rose
8. Thru the Valley and Over the Hills
9. Remembrance

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck” Hannaleck

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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July 7, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental World Fusion/New Age Review: David Clavijo-From the Depths

Release Date: May 13, 2016

Label: Independent

Website

When I look at a fascinating cover on any recording it makes me feel like we are getting off to a good start. But almost as soon as that thought goes through my mind it leaves and the questions pops in “Will the music be representative of the art or anywhere as compelling as the cover art?” The answer to that question lies in the 11 tracks on the latest David Clavijo recording titled From the Depths. The final answer to the equation is a resounding yes! This is a fine recording with a lot of different colors and textures for all the senses to absorb and process.

Anyone seeking a listening challenge would welcome the prospect of an eclectic listen such as this.

I think “Fragile World (feat. Laura Powers)” is a prolific track. First and foremost is the meaning of the song. It has the power to compel a listener to think outside the box. That is the best circumstance for any artist trying to get your attention. And with that it gives us impetus to pay more attention to the world we live in. It also is very different from all the preceding instrumental tracks.

The title track is critical to any recording, it sets the tone for the entire album actually and either opens or closes the door on many listeners. I look at every album as an open book ready to flip through the pages and some I go back to again for another chance in the event there was any doubt. This is my process however that thought of doubt never occurred to me on this listen. The opening title track was different enough to grab my attention. I heard world, rock, new age and a tone that distinctly was coming from inspirations of our Native Americans. A lot of New Age music features the earthy tones and this album is full of them.

“Sitting On The Sea Wall” is another step away from the norm. Clavijo is from Spain and this track is the sound of his land peppered with smooth saxophone to open things up then a very distinct flavoring of guitar picking that puts you right in that beautiful country. I also took note of the tremendously infectious percussion that was quite appropriate for finishing the picturesque tune. It sounds like it would be the perfect accompaniment to a scene in a movie. It ends with sounds of seagulls on the shoreline, a perfect closing for a beautiful picture painted with a broad musical brush.

As the saying goes variety is the spice of life and From the Depths is as spicy as it gets from a musical standpoint. From a multitude of instruments to angelic vocalizations, this recording will please your ear, satisfy your soul and leave you hungry for more. That is the whole idea so mission accomplished for Mr.Clavijo (Viva!).

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: From the Depths , Fragile World (feat. Laura Powers), Sitting On The Sea Wall

Tracks:
01. From the Depths
02. When We Were Together
03. Fly With Me
04. The Song of Wisdom
05. Fragile World (feat. Laura Powers)
06. Sanctus Dominus
07. Sitting on the Seawall (feat. Premik Russell Tubbs)
08. The Journey (feat. Charlee Brooks)
09. Où Est Mon Bonheur? (feat. Chad Lawson)
10 Out of the Depths (feat. Charlee Brooks)
Fragile World (Bonus Track) [feat. Rosa Cedrón & Chad Lawson]

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck” Hannaleck

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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July 1, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Review

New Age Instrumental Review: Crystalline Dream-Journeyman

Release Date: 2013

Label: Solovey Music

Website

The Crystalline Dream project started in 2006. It is a series of 5 albums telling a musical story of a personal journey, discovery and growth. Crystalline Dream takes you on a spiritual journey of music, emotion, and sonic soundscapes with Journeyman and the other releases available. This is how it’s explained (abbreviated) on their website and I would have to say that is quite accurate.

Richard Ross (keyboards, flutes, recorders, percussion and voice), Korey Ross (acoustic & electric guitar) and Peter Phippen (Shakuhachi and Native American Flute) come together to create beautiful relaxing sounds.

I can listen to music like this on any day or evening and feel it move me is some way. I enjoy the relaxing sounds of the flute… it is enchanting, and it calls to you. The masterful touch of Peter Phippen and the multitude of talents from Richard Ross come into play on each track.

Journeyman was released in 2013 and three years later it still sounds relevant. It resonates with textures, atmospheres, mysticism and earthy tones. The 10 tracks flow into each other with great ease. The title track leads the way.

Tracks like the atmospheric “Lady of the Meadows” is soft but enduring the you find yourself “Drifting” into another time and space with this fine music. That is the purpose from what I can determine, at least that is the effect it had on me. Once you make your way to when the curtain closes a subtle reminder closes out with a reprise of the title track.

Journeyman is a fine instrumental recording. It is by design made for those who wish to center themselves, relax and get in tune with what is around them. All of that and more can be accomplished through this music.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Journeyman, Lady of the Meadows, Drifting

Tracks:
01. Journeyman
02. Serenity
03. Robin in the Wind
04. Shadowlands
05. Lady of the Meadows
06. Vassillia
07. The Far North
08. The Gloaming
09. Drifting
10. Journeyman (Reprise)

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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June 30, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

New Age Fusion Review: Monica Logani-Secret Garden

Release Date: April 22, 2016

Label: Independent

Website

Monica Logani began her journey into music as a seven year old child. Off and on over the years her wanderings continued, but the music bug bit hard when a friend gave her an abandoned Weber piano. From there she went on to study and Secret Garden is the compilation of her five year journey. At times New Age, rock, world music and classical, this album reaches across genre borders and creates an emotive journey that speaks of a mother's love for her children, day to day experiences and the people that have made a difference in her life. The album was mastered by the Grammy award winning Corin Nelson.

"The Gardener" is the first track on the album and is a bittersweet glimpse into the life of a man dear to Logani's heart. Her personal gardener was a man who loved his craft and the flowers he tended. Each whimsical note depicts both beauty and sadness. With edges of rock and classical strains, we can envision a brightly colored garden, rich with life and love. When the gardener passed away, it left a hole in the artist's life but gone is not forgotten if you keep the person alive in your heart. Flowers bloom and life goes on. In each delicate note beauty unfolds.

"Bali Bells" begins with a piano movement and blends with electronic elements of Indonesian and Indian origin with classical influences. Fluid and organic the three genres blend together to create a seamless composition of life, love and happiness. Children dancing in a brightly colored garden, the happy smiles bringing life and love even during the bumpy times, family are where the heart is.

"Between Two Worlds" has a world music sound that captured my attention immediately. The sitar morphs into a tender piano sequence that speaks of introspection. Caught between two forces, Western and Eastern or perhaps two lovers, the conflict and bursts of hope are effervescent in every note. The moody nature of the piece calls to me as a writer and I can't help but listen to it over and over again.

Monica Logani's debut album Secret Garden is a shining example of the fusion of many different styles of music. They are blended together to craft a sound all her own that is both emotive and uplifting. New Age, rock, world music and classical all blend together for a sound that any connoisseur of music will appreciate. Logani is going on my watch list and I expect to see even more great things in the years to come.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: The Gardener, Bali Bells, Between Two Worlds

Tracks:
01. The Gardener
02. Anthem
03. Autumn Sky
04. Amber Rust
05. Starboard
06. Carousel
07. Butterfly
08. Bali Bells
09. Nonlinear Love
10. Second Hand
11. Journey's End
12. Between Two Worlds

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

June 17, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

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