New Age Music Reviews

New Age Review: Deepak Chopra, Kabir Segal, Paul Avgerinos-Home- Where Everyone Is Welcome

Release Date: August 29, 2017

Label: Grand Central Publishing

We face changing times and different movements all over our planet. I do not believe that we have to suffer to get the end result of what we all need. Music is the universal healer and voice of the people. Home- Where Everyone Is Welcome offers many different aspects of a listening experience. You will hear good music with a sincere message.

Deepak Chopra, Kabir Segal, Paul Avgerinos came together to produce music and an accompanying book with poems to give us hope for world peace and equality for all. This is a reminder of who we are, one people, one earth with one future.

Home- Where Everyone Is Welcome is the one musical project this year that everyone needs to absorb on every level. Physical, emotional and mental, the three elements that make us the sentient beings that populate our planet - that is the core of what this all means to each individual listener.

The old saying “Home is where I hang my hat” no longer resonates with our populace. Our great country became what it is through the hard work of immigrants and I think it is safe to say that anyone that plants their feet on American soil is because of an immigrant. Today we must be more aware of what goes on around us and we must unite to protect our country’s sovereignty. This can be accomplished in an intelligent and respectable manner. I will leave it at that and any political beliefs out of this because this is about music and poems. There are two specific art forms merging with this project to give us one cause to celebrate.

Everyone deserves a chance for a better life, to live their dreams freely and with the support of their loved ones and country speaking in one voice. I believe this but we must make sure we still have a place where a democratic government is in place to give everyone that opportunity.

Home is where everyone is welcome, it is more than a word or an idea it is a spiritual place that comforts and allows growth through a special listening experience. Home is where the heart is and some amazing musical experiences that resist being put in box. This is a project that stands alone with significant importance to all human beings that walk the face of this earth. It is all here, great music, words and poems with depth and good cause. This will have impact upon anyone that is willing to experience it.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 8, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:

01. Home
02. Border
03. Survivor
04. Queen
05. River
06. Whisper
07. Compass
08. Candle
09. Father
10. Orbit
11. Beyond
12. Infinity

Instrumental New Age Review: Lynn Trudeau-Shifting Sands

Release Date: May 19, 2017

Label: Independent

Website

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Shifting Sands is Lynn Trudeau’s 4^th proper release.

Instrumental New Age and Contemporary Instrumental has been intersecting for quite some time now. In fact, it is getting hard to tell where the differences are at times. One of the clear differences from my musical listening experiences is a clear cut classical influence.

Although you will hear Shifting Sands, or ever-changing tempos if you will, in this music, there is a clearly defined line drawn. That invisible line is the one that new age and classical cross over and then merge into one.

Lynn Trudeau’s music does exactly that. The challenge is to tell a story in each song with one solitary instrument. How that is exactly accomplished is beyond my comprehension. I can say unmistakably that she is able to get the job done on the 11 tracks presented here.

The other factor that is a key is how to keep a listener’s attention with the simplicity of one instrument. For my pleasure, this is what I find attractive about a recording such as this. I do enjoy a wide array of music that features one instrument accentuated by many others as well but I do like to switch things up. I am here to tell you that this music and presentation is perfect just the way it is.

Shifting Sands is an album that remains true the artist and her intent. Without traveling off course, she tells her story through her fingers and it is translated by the ivory keys most beautifully. This is music to contemplate with, relax or meditate…basically at any time of the day or night it can be enjoyed. It serves many purposes but mainly it is a healing listening experience that must be experienced to be fully appreciated.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 25, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01.Lost in Familiar Surroundings
02.Shifting Sands
03. Warm Embrace
04.Dance of the Unknown
05.Looking to Lowman
06.Travel Me Home
07.Life at Four
08.To Breathe at Last
09.The Last Mile
10.Oasis
11.Whispers of Hope

New Age Instrumental Review: Richard Dillon-Irish Mist

Release Date: July 11, 2017

Label: Independent

Website

My introduction to Richard Dillon was the 2014 release The Land of Nod and Lullabies for The Listless. I covered it in April of this year and I did not expect to have another opportunity to hear this music so soon. I of course welcome that experience.

Irish Mist is contemporary new age instrumental with a Celtic theme weaved in the fabric of its musical output. Richard plays elegantly and with an underlying current of passion that is recognized by this listener. You would never recognize that when you just “hear” the music however there is more to it. The music carries with it emotional substance and purpose. Without words, it steadily enters your consciousness and travels to the heart and then into your soul.

Inside the music are stories interpreted through this talented man’s fingers. The most prolific example is the life and times of an Irish immigrant toiling away “Into the Mines” to feed his family. The song echoes of the past and the violin enters the track almost weeping, asking for relief as the ivory keys beckon it again and again. The song bends your heart strings as you envision the hard and dangerous work of men in the mines.

This is the kind of picturesque movie that flickers inside your head while you listening to a tale that comes alive in the music. That is not an easy thing to accomplish, and to do it with such impact and feeling is what makes it so real. That is what great music should do, move you, push you to a state of consciousness and introspection. A place that cannot be reached when laser focused by your work or by the events of a day.

Call it what you will - new age, instrumental, contemporary, classical or meditation, this is chicken soup for the soul music. If you have the inkling or the need to listen to something spiritual and relaxing and soothing, well then, this is your ticket to all those moods in one sitting.

Irish Mist intersects with culture, history and the psyche of a human mind and then sets it free.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 21, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Irish Mist
02. Mother Ireland
03. Smiles
04. My Bed Is a Boat
05. Shadows on the Wall
06. Freckles
07. Dancing on the Light
08. Dying of the Light
09. A Different Time a Different Place
10. Skye Boat
11. Into the Mines
12. Wild Mountain Thyme
13. Mother's Eyes
14. The Long Goodbye
15. Deidres Dance

Instrumental New Age Review: Holland Phillips-Under A Second Moon

Release Date: August 25, 2017

Label: Ageless Records

Website

Around the same time last year, I got some music in from Holland Phillips. I had the pleasure of hearing and reviewing his Circles of 8 recording.

It is now 2017 and Under A Second Moon is getting set to arrive on our doorsteps. Where Holland began his first journey he now continues, well in fact he never stopped. He just kept creating and recording. Again, he decided to concentrate on harmonics and vibrations. The results are superlative once again!

The production values are top notch and the use of keyboards and synths are brilliantly utilized by this creative maestro. Holland is not only a musician but an author as well. This is an outlet, a place where anyone can escape to. If its fantasy or real, or just a space in time to occupy for you to recharge your batteries, it is available through this music.

Each track seemingly blends into the next, gently beckoning your soul to participate in this atmosphere of sounds, textures and wonderlands of the mind. And most importantly it belongs to you the listener. Here is your chance to create your own little slice of heaven through music.

I believe Holland is an excellent composer, a multi-talented artist that can paint a picture visually with either words in a book or through his fingers into the instruments he uses.

I found Under A Second Moon to be a very pleasant listening experience and just as enjoyable as last year’s offering. This a coloring book for the soul, the music are your crayons and you are the book. The title track was the one song that cemented the concept and meaning of this project for me, it colored my heart and mind. Adding the saxophone (Paul Christensen) was the finishing touch. And this was at the midpoint of the recording and I was already thinking that it could not get much better. That track was hard to top however the consistency and quality of the music held up as the stories weaved their spell throughout each succeeding track.

Each track was a different shade or color, a variation of moods that danced with the music. It all made me feel invigorated, joyous and glad to be alive. I do not always feel that way so once again the magic of music casts its spell and it won me over again. Interesting enough “Long Way Home,” reminded me of early progressive rock or even band’s like Tangerine Dream and Kraftwerk. I would really like to hear more of that style on the next album.

Thanks again for the trip far away from stress and worry Holland, your creative genius soothes my soul and wets my appetite for your next project.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 9, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Out of the Frying Pan
02. Taking the Road Not Taken
03. A Moment in Time
04. Possibly Maybe
05. Under a Second Moon
06. Love Comes Gently
07. Long Way Home
08. Deepening Skies
09. Looking Back
10. It Comes to This
11. Fairytale Nights

New Age Jazz Fusion Review: Christopher James-The Sad Waltz

Release Date: 2017

Label: Vai Gardena Music

Website

There is one word that can explain what you will hear on the new Christopher James release The Sad Waltz, diversity!

Listening to instrumental music is a wonderful thing and at times it becomes similar, then I crave for something fresh and different. Well I got just what the music doctor ordered with The Sad Waltz.

The list of contributors on this recording is quite impressive. This is the reason the 14 tracks sound so complex and different. There is brass, percussion, acoustic bass, different layers of keyboards and many other sounds that make for a symphony of sound. This beautiful work is a real journey for the artist. James wanted to explore harmonics and different approaches to every track. The result is a constant flow of change with perceptions and colors that only music such as this can provide.

The opening track is very exciting and it sets the tone for the entire album. “Consequence of Intention” has some excellent guitar lines provided by the guitar maestro David Torn. While listening I was sincerely appreciating the sound and particularly the guitar. I nodded my head in recognition of Mr. Torn, whose name I recognized instantly. He is well a respected musician in the world of jazz rock fusion.

Where the album goes from there is hard to explain but I can tell you it is very good! The changing sounds and textures in each track is like watching different scenes in a movie. The movie playing is the thought patterns and feelings the music will create for each individual listener. For my listening pleasure, this is what makes this recording so special. And speaking of soundtracks, the bonus track is an alternate take of “How Can I Change Your Mind?” And it is a fantastic way to close the curtains on this amazing listening experience.

I found nothing sad about this music as the title may indicate. Of course, this can be interpreted by some as the word sad in literal sense or it can mean different things dependent upon your own perception. The album title and track was inspired by Randy Newman’s “Ragtime Theme.” The simplicity of the main theme was the core of the track but fair warning, to expect simplicity consistently with this music is way off base. The title track invites you to listen some more. The balance is finite and focused and what you will discover is an inventive and refreshing sound throughout the entire listen.

This is pure creativity and energy coming together to form a super nova of sounds. The Sad Waltz just made it into my top 10 instrumental albums for 2017.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 3, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Consequence of Intention
02. The Steppes of Mora
03. Ostinato Piano, Percussion, Strings and Electronics
04. I Can See It Now
05. Intremezzo Simpatcico
06. The Mighty Quinn (Martin)
07. Claude’s Clouds
08. The Sad Waltz
09. How Can I Change Your Mind?
10. Reverie
11. One Last Time
12. Close Your Eyes
13. Guardian Angel
Bonus Track:
14. How Can I Change Your Mind? (alternate take)

New Age Instrumental Review: Peter Kater-Dancing On Water

Release Date: September 1, 2017

Label: Indie

Website

Peter Kater has quite a large catalog of music to offer. As his recorded works grow so does the audience desiring a peaceful transition from their day. It is artists like Peter that turn the ivory keys into a thing of magic and beauty. His variations on piano invite you warmly to experience the transitions to solitude.

To usher in the Fall, we have Dancing On Water. The parallel here is that the artist allows his fingers to dance over the keys which in turn will make your spirit dance. His playing seems so effortless and flowing and as you listen, one track blends into the next. It sounds like what it may be like when shifting from one dimension to the next. This is essentially what I do when I let this music sweep me away. My mind empties and then the body relaxes, which is a total paradigm shift for me. I can only speak for myself but I am sure there are many individuals that can understand how that is accomplished, particularly those that meditate.

I was just watching a show about the Akashic Records and how people can access parts of their brain that they rarely use. The idea of this is that if we can focus more and use that segment of our brains to access the universal knowledge of the cosmos then we would be living in a different world. This music makes me think of things like this. Humanity will certainly evolve and music can lead the way down that path if we let it. I have been espousing this for years now in my reviews. When I see all the turmoil in the world today I hope and pray that divine intervention will change it all. Heady stuff I know. The simple piano based music like you will find on Dancing On Water puts me at peace with a clear mind and spirit to envision the world and its people in a better place. The songs are about where all life emerged from, the water.

It is indeed a “Timeless Sojourn” (track 8) this life of ours. As the piano takes its steps to build the music you could shape a strong and resilient soul through the healing of the music, one step at time. It does sound as if a transition like this would be easy, however, it is not for most people. Being caught up with the day’s events and the numerous responsibilities to your job and other people can sap your energy.

I would highly recommend giving Dancing On Water the opportunity to change your mood, feelings, outlook and overall vibrations to a new frequency, a higher and evolved one that will shed the light on more than just one day. It works very well for me and I believe it can for any listener.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

July 26, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Dancing On Water
02. Waterfall
03. Rainfall To Rivers
04. Reaching For You
05. Rivers of Sunlight
06. Deliverance
07. Incandescing Voyage
08. Secret Ocean
09. Timeless Sojourn
10. Vastitude

Instrumental New Age-Classical Review: Kerani-Stardust

Release Date: May 8, 2017

Label: Kerani Music

Website

Stardust is Kerani’s 5th concept album, which was released in May 2017. This recording is a 10-track space-themed project. It was recorded with a symphonic orchestra, a mixed choir and 10 solo musicians. In total, a jaw dropping 60 musicians participated in this work of art.

Inspired by classical musicians, which many of the new age artists are, Kerani’s music would be the perfect music to have playing while in an observatory. I went to an observatory laser show back in the 80s and have not been since so I can only imagine how wonderful it is now. The mystery and vastness of space are captured in this atmospheric soundtrack.

The layers of keyboards and the orchestra are reminiscent of Vangelis, Yanni and Tangerine Dream (one of my favorites). That kind of familiarity and recognition provides a welcome mat for listeners to really dive in and absorb all the sounds more readily (assuming you are familiar with those artists). It breaks the ice if you will. I simply enjoy this kind of music and do not need any kind of comfort zone as I already found it many years ago. That kind of thought process and feeling certainly allows a certain vibe that creates some anticipation.

Artwork is another emotional mover and the CD cover is the doorway to where the music intends to take you. The leaps and bounds of science and technology are fascinating. This is another aspect that got Kerani’s attention and provided inspiration.

Stardust is a relaxing journey into the realm of the unknown however where you end up is inside your own head and then you begin to follow your heart and soul. The result is a deep feeling of satisfaction and certainty that you can trust this process any time you wish. It is a beautiful thing. Music is the universal language of healing and once again it is validated by this ambitious and fantastic project.

4.5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

July 6, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Stardust
02. Cosmic Sunrise
03. Rosetta
04. Perpetuum Mobile
05. Beyond
06. The Next Step
07. Infinity
08. Gravity
09. Worlds Unknown
10. Stars (Instrumental) [Remix]

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