New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental Piano Review: Stephen Wallack-Chapters

Release Date: April 1, 2019

Label: Independent

A debut album can make you or break you in many ways. On the other side of that black and white outlook, it can change your entire life path regardless of what direction it takes you, change will prevail. Any way you look at it your music effects each and every individual.

For Stephen Wallack April 1, 2019, was a pivotal moment in his life. He released his first recording Chapters. He looks at his life as a story that has unfolded in different Chapters, and now his music reflects that outlook. Stephen, I can tell you the right person is hearing everything you are saying in your biography and in your music.

The spontaneity of a first listen launches my inspiration to talk about music and with Stephen’s music, it was an easy task, a natural flow of feelings. For this music fan, that is the very process that keeps the blood pumping and my fingers moving to type these words you read. Music keeps me alive 24/7 and at times makes me feel like I have already reached heaven.

For instance, “Cooper’s Song” is about the passing of a friend and you can feel the pain and sadness in the voice of the music. I also got a chill knowing that person’s spirit lives on through Stephen’s music, what a blessing to feel that and really hear the emotion of a song without words. It is indeed a beautiful thing that anyone can experience with the right mindset before you decide to hit “play.” There are many uplifting tracks on this release, however I thought mentioning the pure emotion of “Coppers Song” was a very good example of how powerful this music can be.

A lot of this instrumental piano-based music is thriving as a sub-genre of new age. This is for a good reason; it is very spiritually based music that touches the very soul of the listener. The individuality and on purpose simplicity are the strengths from which each story is composed then played through the fingers of an artist. In this case, it is Stephen Wallack that brings us all to that place we love to go, another dimension, space, feeling, emotion, or whatever you want to call it. This is what changes our view of our surroundings and the people in our lives.

Stephen mentions hearing George Winston’s classic piano instrumental album December when he was 12. I happen to love that album and after hearing it sought out more of the same. So right at the start of listening to Stephen’s music, I felt a connection that helped me to instantly bond to the sounds, vibrations, and colors he offered within the 10 tracks of Chapters.

Let Chapters into your life and write your own story to the music. This is a great tool for clearing the mind and to focus while de-stressing every second of the way.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 8, 2019

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Virginia 6:51
02. Oceans 6:29
03. Cooper’s Song 4:46
04. Trains 5:19
05. Dad 5:23
06. Chicago 4:26
07. The Traveler 5:33
08. Wedding Song 4:52
09. Holiday 4:55
10. Archer 5:45

Contemporary Instrumental Review: Christopher James-Grace From Persistence

Release Date: April 5, 2019

Label: Val Gardena Music

Website

I heard The Sad Waltz in 2017 and was very impressed with the talents and musical output of Christopher James. Two years on and my anticipation is mounting to hear the next offering titled Grace From Persistence.

From my perspective, it always helps to know the meaning and messages in the music. It makes my listening experience richer and fuller. Christopher took the title track and gave it some thought. The Native Americans’ belief about the Saguaro cactus came to mind. That album title is a perspective that each of these sacred Saguaros is considered to be a unique individual, surviving on its own despite nature’s extremes. This relates directly to mankind and how resilient we can be as well. It also makes you think about living things like trees and how important they are to our survival.

Christopher set out to continue his explorations into the more complex compositions and that is what he accomplishes on Grace From Persistence. I had to call it contemporary instrumental because of the diverse instruments that accompany the piano of the main artist. I got lost in this music so much that before I realized it, track 7 was playing and it was getting near the end of this musical excursion.

Christopher definitely achieves his own Grace From Persistence by continuing down the path of musical intricacies. Music like this you simply cannot pigeonhole. If the entire album was like “Cul-De-Sac” for instance, then you could classify it as jazz. Which by the way is a big step away from the previous tracks, and it is that kind of change done so well that makes this recording a special and an important contribution in 2019.

I am consistently in awe of musicians that can take one main instrument, like the piano, and build these incredible musical stories. As I always say, music without words presents more of a challenge to convey a mood, atmosphere, ambiance, or message if you will. When I feel the impact of the music strongly like I did with Grace From Persistence it sets the bar higher for the next artist that is attempting to accomplish the same thing with their music.

All of these thoughts point in a positive direction because we need each other for inspiration and to set goals. Your interpretation of this music will be based on your own life situation and overall feelings and thoughts the moment you listen. I think it’s important to keep one thing in mind, and that is to listen to this music at different points in the day to see what it can do for you. It’s a wonderful listening experience that heals and brings joy. The musicianship is beyond reproach and every track will get and keep your attention.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 31, 2019

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Awakening
02. Get on with It
03. Mother Russia (Fantasy Based on a Theme from Scriabin)
04. Where's Frederick?
05. Beyond the Stars
06. Grace from Persistence
07. Yes and No
08. Weimar Blues (1929)
09. Cul-De-Sac
10. Neitherworld

New Age Instrumental Review: Timothy Wenzel-Running Away

Release Date: January 25, 2019

Label: Coyote Floe Music LLC

Website

What We Hold Dear is the first time I heard Timothy Wenzel’s music in 2017. What seems like a blink of an eye, 2 years have passed and now Timothy has released Running Away.

I have to say that I was enchanted right from the beginning with the new album. The 12 tracks kept me consistently interested and fascinated. That pretty much says it all for any type of listener I would think.

Running Away is very cinematic and it intends to be. Every track moves along at a good pace and offers a little something different and many times several different changes take place. It is mentioned on the artist site that some folks have said Timothy’s music is good for traveling, it changes so much it can fit the different scenes one sees on a trip. His music is like an ongoing journey and each song is like watching it through your own private looking glass.

I really appreciate the mixture of genres and even though I tag it as new age instrumental, there is so much more. New age is a generic term these days, with so much talent recording in the genre and mixing and creating their own sub-genres, makes it all quite fascinating from where I sit. Timothy does a phenomenal job with a combination of keyboards, synthesizers, compositions, and production. Friends Josie Quick (violin), Jeff Haynes (percussion) and Jill Haley (English horn and oboe) make their mark on the compositions as well. As Timothy lays down the foundation to build the musical castle the others join in to complete the construction, then the drawbridge opens up and all the wonderful sounds come flowing and rushing at your senses, making you feel alive and energized.

I would find it difficult to criticize anything about Running Away. At times it can be spectacular, colorful, relaxing, and down to earth. And then again, all those elements can come into play within one track. It was a great recording with a lot to offer a listener in one sitting. I think this is the kind of music you will reach for more than once, there is just too much going on within each track to get it all in one listen. I am sure it would be a challenge. I know I heard enough that I would highly recommend the recording to anyone interested in any sort of instrumental music.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 28, 2019

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Dream of Summer 4:11
02. Dancing in Darkness 3:20
03. A Bit About You 4:20
04. Running Away 4:13
05. Makes You Wonder 4:25
06. Traveling Light 3:59
07. Magical Pageant 5:52
08. A Friend of Mine 4:09
09. Breaking Free 5:45
10. Gazelle Dance 4:02
11. Past Presence 4:29
12. Coronal Rain 5:38

New Age Instrumental Review: John Otott-Unspoken

Release Date: March 1, 2019

Label: Independent

Website

Colors was my introduction to John Otott in 2014. So, 4 plus years have flown by since I had the pleasure of hearing the rhythm of this man’s soul via the ivory keys. Now we have Unspoken.

Sometimes words are not necessary and, in this case, it definitely applies to the music of John Otott. Unspoken is a collection of nine tracks that were recorded at Will Ackerman’s Imaginary Road Studios. You know if that happens you get an all-star cast contributing to your album.

The piano is the core instrument that drives the music and all the other instruments add a certain tasteful ambiance. The violin can be a prolific piece when added to the piano. “Meraki” is a great example of that marriage and how wonderful it can be. It is quite simply, sublime.

My favorite track is “Unbreakable.” The mixture of John’s piano, the violin, fluegelhorn, trumpet, bass, and percussion simmers then an overflow with magic and pure musical emotion engages you further. Who needs vocals when instrumental music can be so prolific and moving? Not an artist as talented as John and his accompaniment that is for certain.

For my ears, the mark of a great recording is how fast it goes by while I am enjoying every second. In the end, I am disappointed that it had to stop. That is a good sign as far as I am concerned, and it means I will be spinning it again real soon.

Unspoken is an excellent recording that creates a wall of sound that will grace your body, mind, and soul. The compositions are strong a quite diverse making this a very attention-getting listen. It will help you to relax, smile inside and then the weight of your world will just melt away. That is the perfect scenario for any hard-working man or woman at the end of the day, it is the Unspoken that says it all.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 15, 2019

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
1. A Beautiful Night
2. Sunrise In Avalon
3. The Dance
4. Pieces of Eight
5. Soliloquy
6. Unbreakable
7. Emerald Bay
8. As Now, As Then
9. Meraki

New Age World Review: Larisa Stow & Shakti Tribe-There Is A Light That Will Remain

Release Date: March 12, 2019

Label: Prema Shakti Music

Website

This is my introduction to Larisa Stow & Shakti Tribe. After a seven-year wait, we have There Is A Light That Will Remain. I am not familiar with the back catalog of this artist but judging from this album, it is likely I would enjoy exploring it.

This may be one of the few new age albums I have ever heard that rocks. It is very rare but it does happen on occasion. It is not an album for rockers though, the term in this light has an entirely different meaning. Let me say it is unique and nothing like I have ever heard before. When you listen to “Maha Mantra” you will come to understand what I am trying to say.

Larisa Stow has a very powerful voice, one that would be well suited for a rock band actually. But I do not want to misguide all the readers, this is definitely a new age world recording that is very spiritual and uplifting. It is actually what I love about music and a recording in the new age genre. There is an entire list of all the positives I could go through.

There are many tracks that stood out. “Aham Prema” is a highly energetic and colorful track that typifies what you will hear on this album. The track that just lifted me right out my chair was “There Is A Field,” which is the poetry of Rumi. It is like hearing all the best of the new age, world and rock weaved into one track.

I know it is early in the year but There Is A Light That Will Remain is one of the most exciting releases I have heard this year and honestly, do not expect to hear anything like it again. It is that unique and exceptional. A recording like this I would hesitate to put into any category per se, it is like they create their own genre, which is quite impressive.

Fair warning, you will have waves of complete joy and satisfaction while listening to There Is A Light That Will Remain. Not only will the light remain, but the music will also leave an indelible mark upon your soul. I do think that is the intention of the artist, it is about being whole, spiritual and evolving into the being you were meant to be. We all cannot do that without being true to ourselves, pure and spiritual in our hearts. This music is a guiding tool to help you get there or enhance where you are or where you are going. If that makes any sense to those of you on any kind of spiritual journey, then great, I have made my point.

I can imagine there are several tracks that would be a great kick off songs on playlists and radios shows around the world. If you have a beating heart and a soul you will love There Is A Light That Will Remain.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 5, 2019

Founder of:

TheFinalonVinyl

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Ong Namo Guru Dev
02. Aham Prema
03. Broken Temple
04. There Is A Field
05. Interlude: Longing For Light
06. Adonai
07. Jeanie’s Song (I Am Everything)
08. Maha Mantra
09. Waves Of Yemaya
10. Soliloquy Of R.H.

Acoustic Instrumental Guitar Review: Shambhu-Lilac Skies

Release Date: April 12, 2019

Label: Acoustic Shine

Website

Shambhu is a word that has many different meanings. In this case, we have to lean towards the spiritual essence of things. This Shambhu is a musician that creates some incredibly good music.

On April 12, 2019, he will release Lilac Skies. The title also holds meaning for the artist, which is infinite love. One look at the cover and you can feel the warmth, beauty, and the lovely smell of that flower when it blooms. It actually has always been one of my favorites, especially the purple ones!

You can call this music new age if you like but for me, it is much too eclectic to put it into just one category. Lilac Skies is acoustic six-string bliss and much more. All the music was composed, arranged and produced by Shambhu. This is a credit to his multitude of talents. And the final touch, mastered by Tom Eaton at Imaginary Road Studios. That is the icing on the proverbial new age cake.

You will hear new age, yes, but also some jazz and blues. “Open Your Heart Sky” was one of my favorites. It has many different elements and instruments intersecting to give it that “Quiet Storm” jazz vibe. “Inspired by The Night” has a similar feel to it with a great backbeat and rhythm and some nice electric guitar lines followed by a beautiful keyboard section, then if that wasn’t enough some excellent bass (think Jaco). The total run is 7:35 of excellence and every second is used with purpose. I think that is one crossover jazz track they will be streaming everywhere.

Honestly, I loved this entire recording. Lilac Skies offered everything I enjoy in one nice package, seriously good musicianship, some cool jazz, blues, and just enough new age for a kick back and relaxing time, with a definitive groove though. So, get ready for a special treat when you spin this one, it was a complete joy to listen to and it will be again

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 28, 2019

Founder of:

TheFinalonVinyl

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Lilac Skies
02. Unspoken Words
03. Blue Whispers
04. Dochas
05. Pondering When
06. Open Your Heart Sky
07. Dream Walk
08. Basis of It All
09. Inspired by the Night
10. Seeing You Again

New Age Word Instrumental Review:Scott August-Beyond Summer

Release Date: March 18, 2019

Label: Cedar Mesa Music

Website

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Beyond Summer is the seventh proper album for Scott August. This is my introduction album, so it is always exciting to discover another artist. That is the status quo for any true music lover.

For the astute listener, there is so much more to the music than popping a CD in your stereo and hitting play. For my ears, it is all-encompassing. I take the artwork of the album cover into account, the track titles, and then put that all together to see what the artist is trying to convey to the audience.

We are seeking what is Beyond Summer through Scott’s Native American flute. On the cover, you see the reflection of a butte (taken from the French word meaning small hill) in pools of water. If you flip over the CD there is the butte in all its colorful magnificence. The label name of the recording has mesa in it, which is a reference to another landform. So, what does one get from all this? What I glean from all the visuals, words and mainly, music, is that everything is interconnected. In the eleven tracks offered on the recording, all of the colors and journeys of the music take you to these landscapes. The beauty of what Arizona can offer us will come to the mind quickly, especially if you have been there, which I have.

The Native American flute has a mystical alluring sound to it. What Scott does is take his baseline of flute playing an add many layers of other instruments to complete each track. He is responsible for all the instrumentation on Beyond Summer including composing and producing. This is one man show, which makes it all that more remarkable after listening. Guitars, piano, synths, everything that intermingles with the flute, is finalized within each track. It takes a true artist to paint the right picture, and Scott uses broad brush strokes on his canvas.

One track seamlessly blends into the next as the journey continues. The only disappointment you will have is that it comes to an end. I could appreciate all the work and exceptional talent that went into Beyond Summer and how it brought to light so many things about the beauty of mother earth and how we are one with her and need to respect that partnership. There are many things that are going on now that are disturbing the ecosystems and how its delicate balancing is getting out of sync.

Music such as this is healing and makes you more aware of what you are truly feeling and how your surroundings are so precious. The ultimate healer is music and mankind should listen to these musicians delivering a powerful message without uttering a word.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 24, 2019

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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    Tracks:
    01. Spirit of the Canyon
    02. Empty Highways
    03. High Desert Dreams
    04. Beyond Summer
    05. A Day with You
    06. Buffalo Dance
    07. Chaco Mystery
    08. Valley of Gold
    09. Journey to Kashgar
    10. Temple at Dawn
    11. Shadow of Time

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