New Age Music Reviews

New Age World Review: Darlene Koldenhoven-Chromatones

Release Date: June 1, 2018

Label:TimeArt Recordings

It is a pleasure once again to have the opportunity to cover the musical journeys of Ms. Darlene Koldenhoven. It was nearly a year ago that I was introduced to her fascinating Color Me Home CD.

Now Chromatones has arrived. I figured it would be hard to top the previous release, however after 3 tracks I got the feeling that she has set the bar even higher. The new age and world elements come together in an explosion of sound and bright colors, painting your consciousness into the music effortlessly.

There are a number of important contributors from the New Age community that help to make this a great listen. Steve Shepherd (engineer, mixer, sound effects), Joanne Lazzaro (flute, alto flute, piccolo), Jeff Oster (flugelhorn), Al Jewer (English Horn), Tom Scott (clarinet), Wouter Kellerman (flute, bass flute), and there are many more. This is like having an all-star musical team to back her on this recording. And of course, the shining star of the show, Darlene, who not only composes, produces, arranges and engineers the tracks, she provides piano, keyboards, synths, and the Native drums and shaker.

The first track that really moved me was “Red Savannah.” Its complexities and textures are like an intricately woven patchwork quilt. The selection of instruments and the mix of them makes for an outstanding listen from the very first note to the last.

“Native Bloom” with its earthy tones, rhythms and select instruments like the Native Flute make you feel like you stepped into a time capsule back to the time when our first Americans inhabited the land. It’s a strong yet beautiful reminder of how important these gifted people were and how their influence and heritage shaped our nation. I would advise putting your headphones or earbuds in and sitting back and letting the music form the thoughts and images in your mind’s eye. It is so healing to hear this music and it is presented exceptionally well.

There is so much to offer on Chromatones and I only scratched the surface of what is in store if you get this music (you can pre-order it April 25th). I think Darlene Koldenhoven has hit a high watermark with this recording. As I said about Color Me Home, I think this will be in the running for a Grammy. This is music for the heart, soul, and mind of any listener.

For my ears, this kind of music and the quality of the production serves many areas in the world of media including soundtracks for nature specials, movies or sound bites for commercials, or for the most important audience, for those looking for solace and healing.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 2, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01.Golden Dawn
02. Morning Dew
03. Red Savannah
04. Swans on the Seine
05. Terra
06. Native Bloom
07. Vibrant Worlds
08.Chromatones
09. Prism
10. Painted In Time
11. Waltzing in Planetary Time

Instrumental New Age Chill Review: 7and5-The Lost Voice

Release Date: March 30, 2018

Label: Independent

Website

The name 7and5 (John Nixon) came from the fact that all musical notes can be expressed within an octave on a piano as 7 white keys and 5 black keys. That is the explanation I received from John Nixon over 3 years ago when I covered his album Themes For A Grey Day.

So, you probably got the hint that 7and5 is a keyboard player. Well, now you know if you didn’t. So, one day after its release I am listening to The Lost Voice. Now I remember why I enjoyed his music so much.

I got one step “Closer to Heaven,” with the atmospheric and intriguing opening track. I think we all get closer to the heavens when we let the music do all the work. For 7and5 it has been a musical evolution since the beginning when his first release In A Moments Time came out in 2006.

7and5 is a clever composer and musician. It is not always the easiest thing taking highly technical music and giving it rhythm and purpose. That is exactly what he does on The Lost Voice. The cover is very interesting and thought-provoking, which is yet another aspect of artistry that I appreciate. Some artist will tell that there is no meaning to the cover on the CD and say “I thought it was a cool picture.” I do not think that is the case here.

What you see is a pure white phone on what appears to be on the white sand of a beach. The main message here is the cord connecting the phone has no end to it. There is a voice, it is connected but for now, it is just lost. Perhaps the music will elevate the voice’s purpose so it finds its way home? Are the cords end at the beginning of the water's edge or at the skyline? Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe the answer is that we are all connected to Mother Nature and the significance of the cord leads back to the ocean from whence all life came from. Are we a lost human race looking for our way home?

Ok, that is a lot of thought about one picture, I know. That is positive proof that images can be powerful and when you combine images and sound you can find your way home. You find your “Presence” is necessary to receive the messages inside the music. That makes sense to me because I let the music envelop me, which allows relaxation and complete freedom of thought and expression. That is what the listening “experience” is for me. It is different for everyone.

I know one thing for sure, The Lost Voice is a very good album. Once again, this kind of music reminded of some of my favorite ambient and atmospheric bands like Tangerine Dream and Kraftwerk. The elements of simplicity with the piano combined with the synths and computer-generated sounds is like the meeting of the best of both worlds. It takes vision and intelligence to stand alone and create music like this. It all flows together from one track to the next like our brain synapses growing with each thought. The more you use it the stronger and more useful it becomes.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 31, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Closer to Heaven
02. Life at Once
03. Father
04. Mi Deh Yah
05. Glistening
06. Blue Flame
07. Open Up
08. Presence
09. Winter Frost
10. Heart to Heart
11. Man Plans, God Laughs
12. Distant Memory
13. Wavecrest
14. Epilogue

New Age Instrumental Review: Emilee Hartley- Illuminate

Release Date: December 8, 2017

Label: Independent

Website

Emilee Hartley started playing piano at 4 years old. She soon realized as time passed and her love for it, became an expression of thought, forms, and sounds. Not unlike a painter, a musician has an idea in their mind before music is created.

Emilee has a fascination with light and nature and its effects on the surrounding areas. She has some favorite places and decided to create music to match those fond memories and how each one was dominated by light.

That kind of observation is very astute and interesting at the same time. With all of those thoughts, feelings and different shades of light, Illuminate was born. So, the title befits the artist and the one who painted those images through the ivory keys is surely illuminated. To notice the distinctness of different shades of light in such a manner I find not only observant but spiritual and blessed to do so.

There is something about stand-alone piano music that allows more focus and serenity to take hold quicker than music that is more complex. That is not to say the complex music does not have great value. Simplicity rules with new age music, influenced by classical as a foundation to work from. Although there is plenty of classical music that is complex and intense that was created by some of the great composers. With that thought, you can hear that in music from people like Ms. Hartley. She and many others like her tip their caps to the composers of days gone by and shape and mold their compositions into something new and refreshing.

Emilee’s music is like “Raindrops on the Lake,” or in your mind if you will. Either way, it is a song that goes to the heart and spirit that will engage you and keep you until it stops. That is a relational experience when you take a deep dive into the music. You first learn a bit about the artist and what compels them to make this music in the first place, then you have a jumping off point that you did not have before you started. It all makes perfect sense to me.

I have to say that not only do I love Emilee’s music, I think the choice of titles is perfectly matched with each track. Take “Serene Sailing” for instance, I imagined feeling a warm summer breeze hitting my face as I sailed along the waters. For me personally, anything to do with water - a brook, pond, lake or ocean, equal serenity and a oneness with mother nature. That was easy for me to assimilate those feelings and atmospheres while listening to that track.

If you enjoy piano music, particularly solo instrumental, this is a gem of an album. Have a listen and let it Illuminate your life!

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 29, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Raindrops on the Lake
02. Prelude to Dusk
03. Shimmers
04. The Unicorn (Enchanted Forest)
05. Lunae
06. Path of Shining Lights (Enchanted Forest)
07. The Abandoned Castle
08. Chasing Sunbeams
09. Morning Twilight
10. Amare
11. Serene Sailing
12. Turning of Time
13. A Night of Winter
14. Journey

New Age Instrumental Review: Lynn Evers Yew-Sunset Breeze

Release Date: March 1, 2018

Label: Independent

Website

Lynn Evers Yew has just released her newest offering titled Sunset Breeze. The recording’s production values are outstanding, making it a listen beyond reproach.

My immediate thought was how a Sunset Breeze feels against your face. I think it becomes even more eventful when you are at the ocean watching the sun go down on another day.

The one factor that I can relate to the most with a recording like this is the intentional simplicity. I think the focus is prevalent while listening to music with just one instrument. The piano is the key to opening the door to any avenue one wishes to take. To be more specific, it is a tool to either relax, meditate or have played in the background while you are doing something else. You could say any music serves that purpose however that would be a generic outlook on what you can actually discover “inside” the music.

I also can feel the profoundness of Lynn’s music and how relates to life itself, in an all-encompassing way. The rhythm of the compositions is akin to the heartbeat of a human, an animal, all life that abounds through Mother Nature. That is quite prolific in terms of how music can be perceived and or interpreted.

Music such as this is a universal language. It has no boundaries or preconceived lines in the sand per say. That does not imply that it is homogenized, however. Piano music can take many different forms and create atmospheres depending on the listener's mood, temperament or expectations. So many different factors come into play prior when listening to any new age instrumental track, particularly piano based.

Sunset Breeze is designed and created for the soul seeker, the contemplator, the lovers of life. Whatever applies to you, there is something that you can picture in your mind while listening to the music of Lynn Yew Evers. The beauty of the CD cover becomes evident once you hear the music.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 12, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. The Dancing Doll
02. Ocean Wind
03. Sunset Breeze
04. Oriental Moon
05. Soaring
06. Sunset Breeze
07. Where Do I Go From Here
08. Without Words
09. You Are The Promise, You Are My Home
10. Reminisce
11. Khai Qin's Song
12. Heim Angelus
13. A Walk In A Chinese Garden
14. Prelude in D Minor

New Age Instrumental-Classical Review: Heidi Breyer-Moonlight In Empty Rooms

Release Date: January 23, 2018

Label: Independent

Website

Moonlight In Empty Rooms is Heidi Breyer’s fifth proper album. She worked exclusively with Charlie Bisharat, a superb violinist. The combination of piano and violins are not strange bedfellows. They both complement each other exquisitely, just like it was meant to be. It most certainly sounds that way to me when I hear that combination, which is often in the new age genre.

The album is a musical tribute to her husband Alexander Volkav’s artwork. I saw a few of the pictures of his work and they are absolutely stunning. They are so lifelike and crystal clear, that you will find it hard to believe that a human being actually painted them.

Moonlight In Empty Rooms is like a river of songs moving along as nature would have it. When you see the water from far away it does not look like its moving too fast, as you get closer you can see what is really happening. This music is comparative to that. It is calm and engaging as it gently invites you in. Once you step through that door of complete envelopment in the tracks, you are now moving right along with it, up close and personal.

Like the art that Alexander creates, it is placed on a canvas of different shades and colors. Each track is a separate work of art just like her husband’s paintings. I often describe music in this fashion and honestly think the comparison is relative. Art comes in all forms and colors and so does music. You, the listener, are the open canvas ready for the music to create something within your heart, mind, and soul. I think Heidi accomplishes that with this gorgeous music. It comes presented with strong musicianship and accomplished production values.

Moonlight In Empty Rooms sets the standard at a high level for instrumental new age and classical recordings. This is as good as it gets.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 9, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Unfinished Conversation
02. Autumn Snowfall
03. Autumn in Bruges
04. Christian's Workshop
05. Moonlight in Empty Rooms
06. Eastertide
07. Rainy Day
08. The Sound and the Fury
09. Winter Rose
10. Half Hour Before Spring
11. Faith
12. End of Summer

Classical-New Age Review: Symphonex Orchestra-Music That Tells A Story

Release Date: March 1, 2018

Label: Music with No Expiration

Website

Peter Xifaras is the creative force behind the Symphonex Orchestra. All the music on Music That Tells A Story was written, mixed & produced by Peter. Guest Artists include Felicia Farerre, Scott Jackson, Trammell Starks, Nic Xifaras, TheLivingPen and Joan Jacobs.

The one thing that rings true about this recording is that it is very ambitious. The twenty-one tracks encompass 2 CDs. This is like watching a Broadway play in your mind with all the music to accompany the visuals.

The music is a kaleidoscope of sound. The violins, violas, percussion, bass, guitar, piano and the orchestrations are absolutely beautiful. Peter is the creator and master conductor of all this music. It fits together quite nicely. The one thing you have to keep in mind is that the listening experience may be a bit unconventional for some folks. The first disc is more about the instrumentals. The emphasis for my ears was all the layers of instruments coming together to create this magic carpet ride of sound. The elegance and stunning pictures it can create is the charm of this music.

The opening track “Dreams in Bloom: The Encounter” is an ear opening experiencing with all the impactful instrumentation to lead the way. It is full of life and energy and the perfect way to open the curtain to this musical journey and story.

Disc two has music but a lot of narration, which puts more emphasis on the story that is being told. It was like listening to an audio book with music. As I said before, this is quite different for a listening experience. I could see this music being a musical/opera or a soundtrack to a movie. The possibilities for Music That Tells A Story can be a multitude of things because each disc is quite different.

I think the most impressive elements of this mixture of poems, stories, classical and new age music and the plethora of instruments involved, makes this project very compelling. For my personal tastes I would likely be reaching for disc one more often than disc two. To each his own. There is quite a lot for a listener to digest in the two CDs offered, including the beautiful vocalizations of Felicia Farerre.

If you are in the market for an entirely different listening experience, and, you are an appreciator of the arts (all inclusive), then give Music That Tells A Story a spin.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 6, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Dreams in Bloom: The Encounter
02. Dreams in Bloom: Falling
03. Dreams in Bloom: Garden by the Sea
04. Dreams in Bloom: The Letter9
05. Dreams in Bloom: The Quest
06. Dreams in Bloom: Reunion
07. Dinner with Friends
08. Variations on a Theme of Tromboncino-#1
09. Variations on a Theme of Tromboncino #2
10. Variations on a Theme of Tromboncino #3
11. Gymnopédie Variations: Jaune
12. Gymnopédie Variations: Blu
13. Hevene Quene: Introduction
14. Hevene Quene: Edi Beo Thu
15. Dreams in Bloom: Introduction (Story)
16. Dreams in Bloom: The Encounter (Story)
17. Dreams in Bloom: Falling (Story)
18. Dreams in Bloom: Garden by the Sea (Story)
19. Dreams in Bloom: The Letter (Story)
20 Dreams in Bloom: The Quest (Story)
21. Dreams in Bloom: Reunion (Story)

New Age Instrumental-Ambient Review:David Wahler-MOSAIC

Release Date: Feb 15, 2018

Label: Independent

Website

Mosaic is the art of creating images with an assemblage of small pieces of colored glass, stone, or other materials. It is a technique of decorative art or interior decoration. That is how that word is defined. So how is it defined in a regard to music? You can think of it in the same way except this artist took pieces of music and put it all together to create his own work of art or musical painting if you will.

MOSAIC is the title of David Wahler’s latest release. The 11 tracks encompassing this record gives the potential listener a slice of utopia. This is a place one can go and forget about their troubles and live in peace and harmony with their surroundings.

I can see how it can take some time to write, produce and record an album. The new release is filled with piano, synthesizer, and various electronic textures, colors, and sounds of nature. The effort that went into this solo voyage incorporates all the tools an artist like David needs to record the music he intended. I would say that this recording turned out to be everything he could have wished for.

When I hear music that reminds me of artists like Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk and even some of the instrumentals on David Bowie’s Low, it gives me a pause to reflect. Brian Eno’s work was also influential in the ambient and synth-oriented genres. He partnered with Bowie on that release and others. When “Fou d'amour” started playing, it sparked all of those feelings and thoughts in me. Inside I was smiling. This was recognition for David and all the others that came before him to lay the groundwork for him to forge his own path.

The music that you will find on MOSAIC will endure the passing of time because it is transcendental. It crosses over and blurs the self-imposed lines in the sand some listeners may have. For my ears, it immediately lets my guard down, relaxes me and helps me to remember where this music originated in the first place. From where I sit that is very important and makes my experience that much more richer and enlightening.

Thank you, David, for the beautiful music that touched me in ways so many other genres simple cannot.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 3, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Mosaic
02. Afterain
03. A Promise to Keep
04. Child of the Universe
05. August Cloud
06. Elysian Dawn
07. Heading Home
08. Sakura
09. Lone Sky Night
10. Fou d'amour
11. Why?

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