Instrumental World Review: Marla Leigh-Rhythms Of TOF Miriam

Release Date: May 15, 2020

Label: Independent

Website

Marla Leigh is one of the few female professional frame drummers in the world. She is all about helping people to find an alternative mindset, and her music puts you in that state of change readily.

Rhythms of Tof Miriam was recorded in Israel and is her debut album and music video. Based on what I saw on her website, Marla has quite a presence in the world and is very busy with a number of things that relate to a healthier mind, body, and soul. With that thought, it brings you to the conclusion that a healthier and happy life through her teachings and incredible world instrumental music is possible.

Marla went to an ancient, sacred land to record this album and made it all the more appropriate by introducing equally timeless instruments to accompany her on the frame drum.

Marla’s Bandcamp Notes: At its core, Rhythms of Tof Miriam is about staying positive through challenging times by using the universal language of rhythm to help us rediscover our genuine connections.

I think that is a very true statement. The rhythm of life is the key component that inspires the creativity of this music. I found it very enjoyable and quite fascinating, in fact magical. There are many tracks that I felt in sync with. “Desert Prophecy” made me feel I was there in Israel with her on that mountaintop, watching her play. This music is not only rhythmic, it is spiritual, original, and meditative. I made it a priority to list the credits in this review, so that listeners can identify, or try to pick out, which instruments are being played besides the frame drum.

Marla also plays the flute on one of my favorite tracks, “Awakening.” In a manner of speaking, as well as in a literal sense, it will be an awakening for many of the listeners. This could happen without seeking anything in particular or anticipating any result. I believe this is a process that can be as natural and flowing as the music you are hearing. Personally, I just let it happen: I accept the invitation and let the music take me away, and, even though I never know what mind space it will put me in, I trust it implicitly. Everyone is different, so some people will relate and others will not and will have different approaches to the music. In the end, the result will always be positive; when the music ends, you will know you’ve just had an experience that you will not forget.

The combinations of the instruments are mystical and breathtaking. I think the use of the flute and drums Marla employs is superb, along with the mixture of the other instruments. “Dawn of Truth (Flute Savasana)” is the longest track, coming in at 9:08. The atmosphere and textures are beautiful and it draws you in deeper and deeper. It is the track that has everything, and the length of the song was needed so all the instruments could breathe and build in the track as it continued to evolve. This of course would be perfect for meditation and falls right in line with that particular process.

Rhythms of Tof Miriam is an excellent example of world instrumental music with varying degrees of intensity that mirror the changing tides of human emotion. It is indeed the rhythms that make this so appealing. The drum serves as the heartbeat of the tracks and everything else is like the blood of life flowing through your veins. Let it flow!

Credits:

Marla Leigh: Percussion (all songs but Track 8), Flute (Tracks 2, 6)

|Yair Dalal: Oud (Tracks 1, 7)

Meira Segal: Ney (Tracks 1, 4, 7)

Shahar Kaufman: Mandol (Track 3)

Ori Werner: Kimenche (Track 3)

Gavriel Fiske: Frame Drum + Riq (Tracks 3, 7)

Leat Sabbah: Cello (Track 8)

Oren Tsor: Violin + Viola (Track 8)

 
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-TFOV Founder

December 10, 2020

Track List:
1. Rhythms of Tof Miriam 06:10
2. Awakening 03:47
3. Longing 03:47
4. Desert Prophecy 03:57
5. Miriam's Well 03:06
6. Dawn of Truth (Flute Savasana) 09:08
7. Rhythms of Tof Miriam (extended version) 07:02
8. Ahava Abba (bonus track) 03:55

Howard Givens Interview With The Final On Vinyl

This was a wonderful experience speaking to Howard Givens, an amazing man does that simply does it all in the music industry. Listen for some great insight into the process of making music!

Contemporary Instrumental-New Age Review: Michele McLaughlin- Sketches

Release Date: December 4, 2020

Label: Independent

Website

Michele McLaughlin just released her latest studio album Sketches just a few days ago. These are musical sketches created on a blank canvas and improvised on the first take. That sounds like it was quite a challenge however I believe this talented lady would be ready for a challenge. One listen will advise you that she was.

Michele Commented: Several of the songs were completely improvised during the recording process for this album and several were inspired by my “Monday Morning Improvisations.”

I had previously enjoyed the last three releases from Michele and would anticipate nothing but excellence. To anticipate with music at times can end in disappointment but I must stress that has never happened with this artist. Michele is smooth, precise, and she articulates her compositions clearly and crisply which can easily reach a listener.

“One Life” caught me with just the name and then the music was absolutely beautiful and fitting. It filled me with gratitude for the life I have. It also made me ponder the possibilities of having more than one opportunity to have a physical presence here on earth. Possibilities, I love that word and what it means. Michele uses her imagination and digs down deep into her soul to create this spontaneous group of tracks she calls Sketches. Look at the many colors of the piano keys on the cover of the album and it gives you some insight into what she is presenting for her listening audience.

I am taken with the simplicity and clarity of all the tracks on Sketches. The emotion for instance on “The Right Choice,” is remarkably real and touching. Michele is so gifted to be able to release such an amazing recording, and the way it was done makes it that much more incredible. My appreciation for true art runs deep and this is something that moved me for all of the reasons I have mentioned.

I could never properly express in enough words the impact of such a recording as this. It humbles me and reminds me that what I do is my way of giving back to all the artists that share their talents and incredible music with us. I am one voice of hundreds that likely feel the same way about this music.

There is joy, beauty, and sadness that are all tied into this music. The human condition is no stranger to the accompaniment of music, it has gone on for centuries. There has to be something conveyed to a relatable audience. I know that this is more difficult when you are listening to music without words. If the music has enough power and emotion then any barriers will come down and the need for lyrics melts away as you, the listener, melt into every track, becoming one with the artist and the sounds being created.

The majesty of a track like “Lost,” cannot be understated. The piano says come listen to me now! This is how music paints a picture for you with a memorable impact.

The musical Sketches created by the artist then in your mind will come to life in seconds. This is a masterful display of musical virtuosity and undeniable talent. Michele McLaughlin reaches for the stars on this group of tracks and now you can find your star by just listening. She is indeed “Unshakeable” and always has been.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews
December 8, 2020

Instrumental Meditation Review: Ivan Valles-Meditation Music 4: Deep Theta

Release Date: December 4, 2020

Label: Musical Spa

Website

Before listening to meditation music do you ask yourself a series of questions to justify it or does happen with the natural flow of the day? That is the way I have always looked at life when doing certain things. Things do change as time passes; I still do that in some instances especially on my day job. I have to constantly ask myself “What is the most important thing you can do right now?”

With music things are much different. It has become a matter of fact part of my life that I enter into naturally without much thought. So, looking at that from my perspective, that is healthy and good for my mental and spiritual wellbeing. Music, any music, is a spiritual journey for me.  

Music like what you will find on the new Ivan Valles recording Meditation Music 4: Deep Theta could easily become a quintessential part of any day. Many of us need this kind of music to unwind from the day, clear our minds, and get into that space or time capsule if you will and experience a different kind of existence. It is a dimension of peace and can be a spiritual center for many listeners. I know meditation is a discipline, at first it is, then it becomes something you look forward to, kind of like a daily workout, you do it because it gives you good energy and a sense of accomplishment. Music pulls you into a nonphysical space and allows you to focus on mind, body and spirit. This is the core of who we are and it brings us home. I think it can be a glimpse of what our existence will be once we leave our physical bodies.

So, what will one find taking in the sixteen tracks on Meditation Music 4: Deep Theta. First of all, what is Deep Theta? I know many people that are reading this right now know exactly what that is but for those who do not here is some info to explain the difference between different types of music that engages different states of mind…

Theta brainwaves occur most often in sleep but are also dominant in deep meditation. Theta is our gateway to learning, memory, and intuition. ... In theta we are in a dream; vivid imagery, intuition and information beyond our normal conscious awareness.

Starting at the age of eleven years on the piano to present day through Musical Spa, Ivan Valles has had over 30,000 albums sold, 170,000 song downloads, and 78 million streams. And certainly, that number will exponentially rise.

Based on that information it certainly sounds like it can be a very healing and enlightening experience. This fourth volume of meditation music from Ivan Valles should get you to that deep state of awareness and healing. Think of it as the portal into the soul, our dreams, it is similar to that. Different things are presented to us in our dreams, such as answers to questions, a look into the future or a warning, it is up to us whether or not we take the guidance. This is what this music is, a guide to reach a certain point of consciousness. It is very light and ambient and it gently invites you in and once you are fully relaxed it will sweep you away naturally, it will happen when you have accepted the path and have the full desire to get to that state of mind.

Along the way while listening to these tracks, you will hear sounds of nature folded into the music. After all, it would not be complete without adding the natural sounds we know and love. Those are sounds that touch our inner soul, our humanity and our distinctive connection with Mother Earth.

Meditation Music 4: Deep Theta  is the teacher and you are the student but you become the master of your destiny by accepting the invitation to another realm of thought and being. It works beautifully if you let it. Think of the music as your magic carpet ride to new and fulfilling destinations. That is the promise of this beautiful journey with the music of Ivan Valles, who holds the key to unlock that doorway.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Review
September 21, 2020

Track List:
01. Sunrise
02. Breathe
03. Inner Balance
04. Lotus
05. Mindfulness
06. Love and Kindness
07. Reflections
08. Seeds of Wisdom
09. Soothing Vibrations
10. Equilibrium
11. Searching for Paradise
12. Intuition
13. Namaste
14. Into the Light
15. Ocean Dreams
16. Warm Embrace

Instrumental New Age-World Review: Bodhi-Deep Dream-Shamanic Flute Journeys

Release Date: November 1, 2020

Label: Independent

Website

Deep Dream is my first Shamanic Flute Journey with Bodhi. This prolific artisan has 14 albums available at Bandcamp. I did notice he is offering all the albums in one package at 20% off right now if anyone has an interest. I thought that fact was noteworthy and he deserves attention to his recorded works.

Bodhi Setchko (Flutes, Keyboards, Bells, Chimes, Charango, Guitar, and Drum), Christopher Krotky (Drums, Drum programming), Jen Rund (Bass), and Spencer Nielson (Didgeridoo) are the vital combination of talent and spirituality that is the focus of Deep Dream.

The first and title track “Deep Dream,” got me engaged and attentive immediately. The mystical sound of Bodhi’s flute and the subtle drone of the Didgeridoo was very mesmerizing as well. That ancient instrument can sound like a worker bee just buzzing and inviting you to the center of the hive where everything is happening. That is what I felt and envisioned after just one track. I immediately added it to my New Age Music Reviews Spotify Playlist. I feel honored to have this opportunity to hear this music and provide my input so I am returning the good karma.

It comes as no surprise that Bodhi has been working with sound meditation, sound healing, and sacred sound journeys for over 40 years. Around the globe, his music is used in yoga studios, health spas, and health practitioners’ offices. I can understand the therapeutic effect this blessed music can have, experiencing it first hand is the best way to be able to convey your interpretation or simply use it for meditation, relaxation, or listening enjoyment and let those in your circle, or should I say bubble these days, take their journey and decide how it works for them.

The beautiful combination of the flute, drums, sounds of nature, bells, keyboards, guitar, bass, etc. is what makes this music so exceptional and alluring. Having that present drone to focus on for meditative purposes is helpful. Once focus is attained then it becomes natural to let all the colors, textures, and amazing sounds permeate your soul.

Whether it’s the sounds of crickets or water it fits so well with what they are presenting. This is very complex to put all of this together for it to make sense and have the ability to pull you in. This process will allow you to open that portal to your mind, body, and spirit for the complete audio experience Bodhi and his band members are offering you.

The shortest track is “Behind The Buddha,” clocking in at 6:34 and the longest is “Gathering Dawn” at 9:55. This gives each listener ample time to settle in and utilize the therapeutic tools on offer. If you are a novice or old pro at meditation, or you can get in focus readily or it takes you some time, Deep Dream will serve you well.

Congratulations to Bodhi and the band for making an incredible album and presenting such a wonderful gift to humanity. I think that puts it all into proper perspective.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
November 30, 2020

Track List:
1. Deep Dream 08:57
2. Gathering Dawn 09:55   
3. Every Breath 08:05
4. Desert Canvas 09:54
5. Alone 07:30
6. Surrounding Mountains 07:14
7. Waves Of Color 09:26
8. Behind The Buddha 06:34
9. Purple Shadows 08:24

Contemporary Instrumental Review: Samer Fanek- Polarized

Release Date: December 2, 2020

Label: Independent

Website

Samer Fanek is one of those solo artists that you are happy to see release another album. The sooner the better as far as I am concerned. This music is a reminder that life is a daily process of learning and the music is here to help us heal and move on to the next phase of that experience called life.

Previously I had the pleasure of covering Guide Me and Wishful Thinking. Knowing how much I enjoyed those two releases gave me plenty of reason to anticipate that Polarized would be equal or better than its predecessors. As I would soon find out, I would have every reason to believe that. The album was created and recorded in Samer’s home studio and mixed and mastered by Miklos Malek.

Samer has once again established himself as a serious solo artist that knows how to put together his music, relying on his talent to play the main instrument, the piano, and other keyboards, to create all the sounds you will hear on this recording. It is amazing all the sounds one keyboard can produce these days, basically an entire range to make your music sound like a full band rather than one talented and clever instrumentalist producing everything.

To give you some insight into the thought process that went into this recording Samer commented: The album is titled Polarized, referring to the sometimes sharp contrast/polarization between our highs and lows as we go through different events in life. You can hopefully hear the ups and downs unfolding with the songs and their titles as the album progresses.

When you listen to this music your top of mind should be the human condition and all the ups and downs, we can feel, sometimes several within one 24-hour period. Samer makes it known that he is just like everyone else except for sending his message and the tide of emotions through his fingers. I can relate in total to this music. It pushes you to feel the music then translate it with an open mind and heart. In other words, be as honest and pure as the music you will be hearing, and then you can take an interesting voyage along with the presenting artist.

“Tides” is a wonderful opening track. Its sweeping and cinematic beauty gives you pause then the wonder and excitement of the music take hold. You can tell Samer was feeling complete joy on the track. Then on the other side of life and its ever-changing emotions and thought patterns, the softer “Starting Over” is reflective and purposeful yet the beauty held within is something to behold and cherish. With those thoughts of a fresh start, the message is quiet but effective, then you are ready to step forward into the future. “Some Days Are Cloudy” gives you a reminder that life is not perfect but there are always the miracles of nature at work to create “Raindrops” that give our land and waterways essential life and growth. Without the clouds, there can be no rain, and once the rain is through the next day can be sunny and bright with hope and positivity. In all of this, if you listen closely to the music and pay attention to the track titles, you will see all of the emotion, learning, and gratitude, and the flow of life found in every track.  

When you hear the fantastic symphony of “Life Goes On,” and how it embraces everything then jumps back into this thing called life without hesitation, the melodies of the music will carry you. Hope and inspiration are the intents here, the alternative is to give up and not live at all, not a very good choice!

Polarized is realistic and true to the heart of one artist by the name of Samer Fanek. His message comes through very clear and his musicianship is exquisite and as heartfelt as one artist could convey within a recording of contemporary instrumental songs. Life does not have to be two steps forward and one step back but sometimes that is the path we have to take to get to the other side and see the bright shining light at the end of the tunnel.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews
November 29, 2020

Track List:
01. Tides
02. Do You Remember?
03. Broken Dreams
04. Life Can Be Beautiful
05. Starting Over
06. Some Days Are Cloudy
07. Raindrop
08. Dearest of All
09. Life Goes On
10. Just Like the Wind
11. Wishful Thinking (Piano Solo)

 

Experimental Instrumental-Ambient-Acoustic Review: Constance Hauman-The Quarantine Trilogy - The Third Wave

Release Date: October 20, 2020

Label: Isotopia Records

Website

A world-renowned classical singer, Constance Hauman, can shift gears at an alarming pace and entertain music listeners from the opera, funk, soul, pop, and rock audiences. Diversity and talent are the operative words here.

With The Quarantine Trilogy - The Third Wave the album is a series of improvisations that originated with her on piano and drummer and longtime collaborator Ross Pederson on midi drums and synth.

This is another instrumental venture into the ambient and atmospheric sounds that have helped so many of us deal with the restrictions and unrest of the pandemic this year. I have heard several that have assisted in calming and healing from my listening perspective.

Piano and synths are the main instruments that take you on this ride through the ether or possibly the unknowing parts of your brain, memories, or something that has been locked away inside that needs release. There is something to be said regarding not just the overall power music holds but the certain instruments that are being used to grab that source of energy and convert it into sounds.

Constance and Ross are gifted partners. They present different types of listening within each track. Every track has the room to grow and move around. That approach works very well. For instance, “The Quarantine Trilogy 3rd Wave": I. Solar Eclipse Symphony,” clocking in at 13:49, offers solo acoustic piano and some synths come in to add to the layers and colors of the music. This long stretch of improvisation takes you into successive changes as it builds and builds. At times this kind of progression reminded me of legendary performers such as Vangelis. The track takes you to a crescendo of sounds then back down to earth for a safe landing however you still have that feeling of floating on a soft cloud through the ambient and acoustic mixture of sound, especially with the way the song closes.

Then to switch things up you move on to starting things off with some very futuristic and space sounds. “The Quarantine Trilogy "3rd Wave": II. The Last Century,” gets you back in flight, back to that mindfulness state to leave your earthly surroundings behind, unattached and free. What a beautiful thing how music can change your entire frame of reference. The synths get thicker and more pronounced as the track progresses through all its changes. Along the way, the acoustic piano of Constance holds firm and serves as an equal response to the synths. The mixture is brilliant and I also appreciated the pauses where there was just the solitude of that acoustic piano, which are brief but recognized for their poignancy and beauty. Things get even more interesting at around the nine-minute mark and take an entirely different direction. It reminded me of the way progressive jazz and fusion can be within one song. When you have more than 13 minutes to stretch out musically a lot can be accomplished. In one track it goes from cool spacey ambient sounds to more pensive interludes bordering on cacophony. That part of the track may surprise you and the way it abruptly ends with the sound of a scratchy radio frequency that you would hear going between stations. I thought the entire thing was innovative, risky, and satisfying.

The trilogy closes out with “The Quarantine Trilogy "3rd Wave": III. Solemn Feels Good Right Now.” The continuation of that progressive nature gets things off to an interesting start. The synths sound like they are holding down the rhythms being created by the synth drums and at times oddly timed piano notes. It is a challenging listen for any audience, albeit interesting, filled with the color and embodiment of testing the boundaries of keyboards and their extraordinary reach when combined acoustically and electronically. By the time that track ended the only way I could put a name on this music was to dub it Experimental instrumental-ambient-electronica-acoustic. Then again, why does it need a tag or label? It is music both unique and complicated yet very entertaining.

The Quarantine Trilogy - The Third Wave is a superb diverse instrumental album that will awaken your senses and make you think. The thought process will be different for each listener and I believe pleasant and rewarding at the same time. I am not surprised that I enjoyed this group of tracks. I do hope to hear more in the future from Constance Hauman and Ross Pederson.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
November 27, 2020

Track List:
1. The Quarantine Trilogy "3rd Wave": I. Solar Eclipse Symphony 13:49
2. The Quarantine Trilogy "3rd Wave": II. The Last Century-13:03
3. The Quarantine Trilogy "3rd Wave": III. Solemn Feels Good Right Now 12:53