New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental Classical-New Age Review: Summer Swee-Singh & the Crazy 88-Self Titled

Release Date: June 21, 2016

Label: Independent

Summer Swee-Singh is veteran performer that presents a polished sound in each track on her latest self-titled release Summer Swee-Singh & the Crazy 88.

Her sound resonates with a self-assurance and gracefulness that instantly attracts you and vitalizes your senses, or revitalizes, whatever your need may be. For me it usually is the batteries that need to be recharged in most cases. It always is a good time to listen to music like this for that reason alone.

Summer reminds me of a proud and confident solo pianist that takes the stage and holds the audience in complete silence and awe until she stops playing. It is only then when the audience releases its energy with a loud roar of approval. The music is simplistic and it holds you spellbound like a religious ceremony, the people come to the church of music to pay tribute to the one who is the object of their affection. That may sound just a bit over top however it is only an analogy, a thought or parallel if you will.

Some of the tracks are heavily influenced by classical that develop into new age and others have bits of rolling piano that sound more like a movie soundtrack injected with elements of jazz such as “Apples and Tea.” Then there are stunning and colorful compositions like “Berkeley.” Anyone who knows music can figure out from whence the title of that track came.

For my ears and overall experience the way this music was recorded, its eclectic and simplistic style, all fit together like a puzzle you know by heart. All the pieces just fall right into place. Everything you are hearing was meant for you the very moment you are hearing it. It made me feel that way. It is all as pure as a hot spring or freshy fallen snow at the highest peak of a mountain. It is musical perfection in progress, I would not change a thing.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

January 5, 2017

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Tracks:
01. Hello, My Name Is Summer
02. Berkeley
03. JFN
04. Samina
05. Selina & Dil
06. Mikael (For Irina & Sarkis)
07. Alexandra y Servando
08. Seabird (For Brittaney)
09. Apples and Tea
10. 27

Instrumental New Age/Piano Review: Kathryn Kaye-Reflected in a Flowing Stream

Release Date: December 31, 2016

Label: Overland Mountain Music

Website

Kathryn Kaye is continuously creating and recording music. It must be my concept of time but it feels like I just complete a review and then another release awaits my attention once again. That is all good for sure, it is probably the fact that time just escapes me so much faster than when I was a young man. With all that considered I need music to keep the energy of youth inside me and thus it is expressed outwardly to the people around me in a positive way.

While listening, it becomes easy to wax philosophically once I get into the flow of some good instrumental music, especially with talented artist like Ms. Kaye.

Kathryn is a few weeks away from releasing another masterful creation of piano tracks titled Reflected in a Flowing Stream. Once again we see a recording artist making the important connection to our surroundings, more specifically to nature. The sheer beauty of shimmering water gives us the reflections of life and our own image looking back at us. The river serves as the perfect mirror particularly one that looks so calm like on the cover of this CD. It looks like a natural shiny glass window that implores you to consider it as your own way of expressing your deepest thoughts and feelings. Like a sounding board that does not speak back but only observes, the water initiates and completes a process. It calls to your soul and inner spirit.

I do not think you could possibly go wrong with such a group of talent assembled in one studio. Besides Kathryn’s talented fingers at work you get Will Ackerman (guitar) and Tom Eaton (bass, accordion) at the helm producing, engineering and recording and Tony Levin (bass), Jeff Oster (flugelhorn), Jill Haley (English Horn), Eugene Friesen (cello), Jeff Haynes (percussion) and Charlie Bisharat (violin) adding their talents to the mix. It is like an all-star cast that usually comes together at the Imaginary Road Studios. Most of the artists I work with record there and every time a new recording is released it is of the highest quality without exception. Reflected in a Flowing Stream is another one to add to the list.

Kathryn’s piano is very much like a flowing stream. Her music reflects the listener’s personality and mood; it brings it to the surface encouraging a good look at a window to the truth. It is absorbed then bounces off you with positive vibrations and touches everyone within listening distance. Every track offers a different aspect of nature that we each recognize, enjoy and ultimately relate to in our own way.

Deeply moving and expressive, the piano and every instrument that joins in makes each track a complete experience that can be enjoyed more than once. I would think each time you hear it you may find something different you did not notice before, perhaps a subtle nuance that either makes you feel happy, sad, melancholy or at peace with an internal calmness that can only be achieved by listening and letting the tones and atmospheres of the music take you to each special place the track titles suggests.

Kathryn, you have done it again; Reflected in a Flowing Stream is beauty and perfection all in one package topped off with a big red bow for the Holidays and a great way to start the new year.

5/5 Stars

Tracks:
01. A Lark in the Last Night of Day
02. As Seasons Change )
03. Procession of Moon and Stars
04. The Stillness Before Dawn
05. No Reason Not to Dance
06. Winter’s Deepest Sleep 07. As Summer Fades to Fall
08. April Rain
09. A Shower of Summer Nights
10. Reflected in a Flowing Stream
11. Arctic Night

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

December 21, 2016

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Instrumental New Age/Meditation Review: Byron Metcalf-Inner Rhythm Meditations

Release Date: September 30, 2016

Label: Sounds True

Website

For thousands of years people have been using drums and other acoustic instruments to create sounds and rhythms. There were many reasons to create these sounds other than for the pure enjoyment of generating different sounds. They would gather to summon spirits, gods, the dead and go into a trance-like state or vision quest.

Enlightened spiritual individuals like Byron Metcalf take those ancient traditions and use today’s technology to create a canvas to paint a musical picture upon. He brings you into his world with his latest release Inner Rhythm Meditations. The subtitle of the release is “Music for expansive awareness & inspired movement.” All those words certainly put everything into focus, and then when you listen, it all comes to life as you enter an entirely different space or reality, if you will. You get to make the choice how you want to enjoy this music, it is a gift and tool to use for what you request and it’s all positive, or as they say “it’s all good.”

Byron uses several instruments to put together six tracks of considerable length. Peter Phippen and his incredible flutes add to the mix and overall ambiance throughout this release, and the multi-talented Metcalf plays a variety of percussive instruments. He takes the old and new to make meditation easier for anyone seeking to reach that state. Easy rhythms and relaxing sounds will melt your stress away like ice on a warm spring day. Erik Wolllo also brings a multitude of talent to the table, playing all sorts of electric guitars, bass and keyboards.

Every track represents a doorway to your soul. The keys to this kingdom is to unlock each door and walk through to see what you can find. Are you thirsty for inner knowledge? Do you seek wisdom from a higher self? Or are you seeking sanctuary and relief to obtain a calm and peacefulness so that you can re-energize? The answers lie within, and the only way to that path of discovery is through the music that is represented on Inner Rhythm Meditations.

We always have the answers; it is our built-in mechanism and ability to either block out the truth or let it in and accept it. I have found this to be true more and more as my life tick tocks away like a clock that never needs rewinding or another battery. To be honest, it’s my mind that has a hard time shutting off. I need to calm my mind before my body will follow. Music like this is a magnificent healer, it brings us closer to our meaning here and what we truly belief is our own path to real freedom, physically and spiritually.

I think the music of Inner Rhythm Meditations is like a continuing story, your story, and how you write it. It only ends when the music stops, but you can begin again right from the start upon next listen. Simple as that seems, there is more to it than meets the eye or spirit. I cannot break this down into favorite tracks, I find that impossible to do with music like this. Although it is six tracks, it is one story, one journey for you in the music; just hit play. Each one is a space in time and long enough to hold you to explore different textures, tones, ambiances and colors. This demands your focus because there is no one pulling you away with vocals and words to ponder upon.

Breathe deep, relax and take the magic carpet ride of percussion and its heartbeat to your own special place with Inner Rhythm Meditations. You will get there, be patient and listen, it does work.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Tracks:
1. Garden of the Peaceful Warrior
2. As Clouds Dance
3. Patterns of Awarenes
4. A Perfect Place
5. The Awakened Heart
6. Presence of Longing

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

December 16, 2016

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Contemporary/New Age/ Instrumental-Jazz Review: Shambhu-Soothe

Release Date: February 1, 2017

Label: Acoustic Shine

Website

Shambhu has a new recording arriving on the first day of 2017 titled Soothe. For this listener, I think it is a great way to kick off the beginning of another day of life that quickly turns into another in the books.

Soothe most certainly lives up to the title. Shambhu takes parts of jazz, new age and contemporary music and stirs the pot until it is simmering with the most wonderful aroma. He creates a mood of calm that is initiated then sustained throughout the recording.

Soothe features many instruments including electric and acoustic guitars, acoustic primarily, percussion, English horn and soprano sax, keyboards, the incredibly talented Michael Manring on bass and a host of other very talented contributors that make this album everything it could possibly be.

The more I listen to a fully realized recording like this it makes me think that mentioning some key tracks is the wrong road to take. Looking at this album as one continuous thought flow and creative process is the best way to enjoy it. If you are writing a review or just kicking back for a listen, I feel it needs to be processed as such (but as I do most of the time will mention a few “key” tracks).

The acoustic guitar is the focus on Soothe then everything else that joins in just lifts that instrument to new levels and that includes some lovely vocals provided by Kristin Hoffmann. “Gaia Sweet Divine” is a blend of new age or spiritually oriented music wrapped as a special gift for those who are centered and connected with some higher power other than themselves. If you want to hear something that aligns your soul (or chakras which is one in the same in my world) with the heavens above this track would be it.

The title track brings the recording to an apex of satisfaction with more positive energy that flows like a river through your ears to your inner being with ease and purpose. The entire recording felt that way to me.

The jazz elements are very important to the fabric that weaves the cloth of this album together. It is like the quiet storm meets its spiritual brother and they merge and explode into a burst of light and energy and take you away. It is the ideal way to let music consume you and Soothe you.

5/5 Angels for the Holidays and Your New Year!

Key Tracks: Gaia Sweet Divine, Soothe

Tracks:
1. Knowingness
2. Time Travel
3. Days Like Falling Stars
4. Devotion Tears
5. Prelude 2
6. Through New Eyes
7. Gaia Sweet Divine 05:08
8. Soothe
9. Walking Through a Dream

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

December 11, 2016

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New Age/World Review: Micki Free-The Native American Flute as Therapy

Release Date: October 28, 2016

Label: Mysterium Music

Website

Music created by those who have mastered the Native American Flute are in command of something very special. The Native American Flute as Therapy by Micki Free is clear about what you are getting right from the start. This is a guided meditation by the artist Micki Free with the sounds of the flute, running streams, and a guide to another state of consciousness, including a short explanation of each track telling exactly what certain elements can accomplish.

For instance, the track “Lavender Kiss,” goes through a short dissertation on the uses of Lavender and what it can treat, depression and anxiousness to mention a few. I found the entire presentation as one of the most original and different I have had the pleasure to enjoy and experience. “Lavender Kiss” is not a typical track however; the flute is consistently soothing and leading the way, while the other instrumentation is an acoustic guitar and organ. It is like modern rock interspersed with the flute. Two worlds intersect nicely to allow a crossover audience to consider listening. I personally appreciated the track quite a bit. The title track serves as one of the keys to unlocking the gifts in this music as well.

Based on my past experiences listening to any new age or world music, I would have to say that this unique. That is not a word I use lightly or very often when discussing music that I listen to. I thought the sound of running water was a bonus to the sounds of the flute. That is one sound that always soothes us. It is from where we came and eventually return. Your spirit will connect with this music quite quickly if you allow it to happen. For me, it was a natural transition.

I listen to a lot of music every year in the new age and world genre and The Native American Flute as Therapy by Micki Free will be an experience you will not forget and certainly will have a reason to revisit.

The package comes with 2 CDs, a video DVD, an extensive behind-the-scenes booklet, and a generous helping of music and meditations.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Lavender Kiss, The Native American Flute As Therapy

Tracks:
01. White Candle Light
02. The Healing Bath
03. Lavender Kiss
04. The Native American Flute As Therapy
05. Positive Energy
06. Feet & Toes
07. Essential Oils
08. Jasmine Rain
09. Sacred Sage
10. Heart Release (Peregrine Lane)
11. Down By The River
12. BONUS MIX: Heartbeat Meditation Yoga Mix

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

November 28, 2016

Founder of:

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New Age Instrumental Review: Karen Olson- A Hero’s Journey

Release Date: August 28, 2016

Label: Innerview Records

Website

Karen Olson has released a new album titled A Hero’s Journey. Most recently I featured a select track on my Rate The Tracks site. “Inner Wanderings” was the stream provided. And that served as a taste of what was available on the full recording. The track suggests the human condition and what we find when we look inside for the truth.

The main instrument is the viola throughout this extraordinary recording. Admittedly, featuring a stringed instrument as the lead would be and is most difficult. Ms. Olson accomplishes this with a distinctness and quality that is exemplary. High praise goes to her collaborator Crispin Barrymore as well for helping to make this project what it evolved into.

I particularly enjoyed the use of the layers of keyboards to accentuate and put an exclamation point on her musicianship.

My three favorite tracks came in succession “Life Force,” “Inner Wanderings,” and "Heaven’s Gate.” They seemed intrinsically linked to each other and the titles certainly got my attention. This music serves the listener well as it is meant to. It is soothing, contemplative with a hint of sadness and then there is hope and a shining bright light at the end of the musical tunnel. Karen Olson has a multitude of talents that she brings to bear. It is all on display on 11 tracks that are presented here.

This can be your journey or A Hero’s Journey. Whatever the music can provide you at any time day or night, it has the power to do so. With such clarity and command Karen Olson brings her music to you with grace and the knowledge of an enlightened spirit willing to share her own glimpse of heaven.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Inner Wanderings, Heaven’s Gate, Life Force

Tracks:
01. Horizon's Calling
02 Life's Persuasions
03. Promising Hope
04. Still Crying
05. Dream Quest
06. Facing Fear
07. Going Beyond
08. Life Force
09. Inner Wanderings
10. Heaven's Gates
11. Epilogue

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

November 23, 2016

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Instrumental Jazz/World Review: Pablo Embon-Funky Side of The Road

Release Date: December 19, 2016

Label: Independent

Website

The last album I heard from Pablo Embon was The World Within back in March. It rapidly became the most read review and remains at #1 on my Write A Music Review site. So, at this point my expectations are already set, I expect more of same…great music, quality sound and a good mixture of genres. So now we have the arrival of Funky Side of The Road coming out in December. It lived up to my expectations in every way possible.

Some of the tracks serve as a good jam session and others have more middle of the road run times. The mixture of jazz, rock and world is very enticing to a listener seeking a variety of sounds or all of them combined. Pablo keeps it fresh and moving from start to finish on this recording.

There is a lot to take in amongst the 12 instrumental tracks on Funky Side of The Road. The operative phrase that is best suited to encapsulate this project is “variety is the spice of life.” Pablo puts ample amounts of spice in his music to give it a life all its own.

“Midnight Blues” reminded of me of a favorite album from the Al Di Meola Project titled Soaring Through A Dream. That was also the year I saw him in San Francisco playing cuts from that album. The track is atmospheric and landing right in the middle of jazz and blues. They are in the same family traveling the same road but take different exits if you will. There is nothing more powerful in a listening experience than validation and familiarity with other favorite artists. It is like being in the here and now and looking back to the past all at the same time.

The tastefully done “Misfortune” has a late night smoky club vibe to it. Delicate and pronounced keyboards make their entrance and pull you away into dreamland. Not quite the funky side until the next track starts.

The playful and provocative “Naughty Lucy” sounds a little Steely Dan goes to the carnival and never gets off the ride. Or better yet, you the listener has a free pass to stay on and you decide to get off (when the track ends!). The carefree playful mood of the track puts a smile in your heart and gets your feet tapping or doing an outright dance on floor, whatever comes first, it works on you and gets you up and out of your seat.

“Our Last Dance” seems like it would be a fitting way to close out the album because of the track name alone. However, this is not the case here, Pablo keeps you guessing and more importantly entertained throughout the run of this album. This one is more of a traditional jazz number that is as smooth and pristine as a shiny new car on the showroom floor. It hollers out to you and invites you to sit down and take a test drive.

Funky Side of The Road is indie music at its very best. A multitude of talent is presented and you get a front row seat to some tastefully done tracks, some have a slower pleasing pace while others grab you and take you for jog around the block and keep you energized. When all is said and done you just heard a very solid and entertaining album full of instrumental jazz and world music.

I took more than a test drive I was there at the starting gate and went to the finish line listening to a fine group of tracks presented by one multi-talented artist.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Midnight Blues, Naughty Lucy, Our Last Dance

Tracks:
01. Is that You?
02. Golden Peak
03. 2222
O4. Wedding Day
O5. Green Lizard
O6. Our Last Dance
07. The Time Has Come
08. Naughty Lucy
09. Misfortune
10. One Day Left
11. Midnight Blues
12. Fools Game (Unplugged)

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

November 15, 2016

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