Contemporary Instrumental-New Age Review: Darlene Koldenhoven-The Grand Piano Spa

Release Date: May 14, 2020

Label: TimeArt Recordings

Website

Pre-Order Special $5 CD until May 14th  

Darlene Koldenhoven is one of those artists that has taken advantage of the virus lock downs. For musicians like her, they take a negative and turn it into a positive by creating music so we all can heal. Of course, everyone has different needs and has been affected by the virus. The one thing we all share in common besides how that event has changed our lives is the reliable source of energy and good vibrations from those who are creative.

Darlene has been on a creative path and an eclectic one at that. This time her release The Grand Piano Spa, will delight those listeners that enjoy the simplicity and directness of solo piano. I think the cover says it all. That makes this release that much more focused and special for the artist and her listeners.

With the two tracks that I have heard so far, I am hearing that classical foundation with a new-age approach and message. This combination has become very popular for piano or a range of keyboard players, in particular. The solitude of one person in front of the ivory keys can be mesmerizing for a listener. I can only speak for myself, however, I am quite sure there are a multitude of individuals all over the planet that find this type of music very enjoyable and a great tool for relaxation or meditation.

For those that need a change or an introduction into this world, The Grand Piano Spa can be the keys to the kingdom. There have been many strong releases over the years that can fall into that category. So, what can make this release any different or special for those of us that hear so much of this type of music? The first thing that comes to mind is your familiarity with the music and the artist presenting it. I know before the first note that 99.9% of the time I am going to love the music before I even hear it. I realize what to expect and many times find gems amongst the tracks that are a nice surprise.

The title itself promotes that feeling or renewing and the light of energy and hope. When one thinks of a spa you can envision how wonderful that can make you feel if you are there and if not, you can use the music to take you there as you relax into that state of mind or meditative focus. Whatever road you choose, the benefits of this music are immediate. A veritable “Spring Dance” will emerge and take you into its arms and give you relief. The relief can take many forms for each person but the reality is that this music is so beautiful and inviting that it’s a process everyone can enjoy on every level of the listening experience.

The Grand Piano Spa and all nine tracks will lift your spirits, provide an opportunity to receive all the positive vibrations of the music provided by this talented woman, Darlene Koldenhoven. I think the singularity of the cover photo provides an immediate sense of peace and an open invitation to what you can find inside the music. That fact alone sets me off on a journey that I am always very grateful for. And if you enjoyed this album there will be a sequel titled The Grand Piano Spa: Legacy.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
February 7, 2021

 Tracks: 

1. Wisteria
2. Into the Light
3. Delphi’s Dream
4. Quiet Read
5. Spring Dance
6. Reverie
7. Soliloquy
8. Clover Fields
9. Simple Life

Ambient Instrumental – New Age Review: Thierry David-Slow Motion

Release Date: March 15, 2021

Label: K-Vox

Website

Thierry David has a very large catalog of music displayed on his website. It makes me wonder why it took so long for me to discover him. He is from France and as the music started on his new release Slow Motion, the first thought that came to mind was Jean-Michel Jarre, the legendary keyboard maestro. Being a fan of Jarre for many years, it was only natural to think of him.

If you go to the artist website and take a look at the information regarding this release it states the following… In this twilight period made up of fears of the Unknown, Thierry David's album brings us back to fundamental values by wrapping us with universal and restorative benevolence.

So onward we go listening to this ambient musical spectrum and all the gifts found in every track. There is some really strong bass in some of these tracks, and I mean coming from the keyboard, not an actual bass. All of this music is the keyboards and computer-generated and quite good I must say. When you look at the cover it shows the essence of humanity, water, in you guessed it, Slow Motion. I look at music and as an audible journey, another page turned in a comprehensive book of sounds. And so, it is as this recording takes shape from one track into the next.

Each track is an exercise in color, layers, atmospheres, and collectively served to your senses as ambient electronica with a solid foundation in new age in regards to the artwork and the implications of each track title. This is the key for my listening experience, to look at the entire picture of what this project represents and is sending to the listeners. This is wonderful music with shifting sounds and colors weaving in and out of each delicately placed note. It gets you transfixed very rapidly once you accept the purpose of the music and the presentation as a sentient being of sound and light ready to transfer to your senses.

I think in many ways I enjoy this music because it all connects the dots. From track to track you effortlessly float and feel like you are going from one spiritual space to the next. Think of how a soul is released from a body at death, and how it makes its way to heaven. I think what happens is a gradual ascension through many layers as your life flashes before your eyes. This is my picture of what will happen when I die. I did not mean that statement to be foreboding or final, as I do believe it is a time of rebirth and a different dimension. I visit my deceased relatives in my dreams so to me that is another dimension, a peek at where I will go eventually, we only find out when our day arrives.

That may sound farfetched for some of you however it takes a good listen to this transcendental music to create that spark to bring those thoughts back to me. Like anything good for you, it’s a process, completed in steps, to reach your final destination.

Is it time for you to look at life in Slow Motion? That may be exactly what we all need in these uncertain and ever-evolving times we live in. The music is telling you that there are release and relaxation points to be found and time to stop and smell the roses, as the old saying goes. The roses are there, you just need some help to discover them again and the music of Thierry David will you get you there.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
March 3, 2021

Tracks:

1. CONVOLUTIONS
2. WILD HOPE
3. SLOW MOTION
4. DIAMOND DROPS
5. DIVINE SPARK
6. DAZZLING BLUE
7. WEIGHTLESS KEYS

World-New Age-Rock Review: Blackmore’s Night-Nature’s Light

Release Date: March 12, 2021

Label: Ear Music

Website

Nature’s Light is Blackmore’s Night 14th album and six years since the release of their last studio album All Our Yesterdays. I can say to those that would ask “Was it worth the wait?” I would say it was. I would also add that this is some of their best work to date. Musically it is mostly what one would expect from the band and lyrically, and with the title, they are coming from a new age and nature premise.

The idea behind the title of the album and what you will find in the tracks will enlighten the spirit. The thoughts of nature being the true queen in all its glory with the changing of the seasons. And all of the natural occurrences around us that should be appreciated every day. For instance, I stepped outside on this rainy day to let our dog out and I was watching a beautiful cardinal chirp and jump from branch to branch, going higher each time, and then over to the next tree. Simple things, but so enjoyable to watch nature at work and all the gifts she presents to us daily. I choose to take it all in with a great appreciation and joy. This is the kind of lyrical content and accompanying music that validates all of those feelings and keeps things in proper perspective. I do not need music to remind me of the wonder and respect I have always had for Mother Nature; however, it certainly is a nice reaffirmation of how important and blessed I am to be alive to enjoy it all.

Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night are an amazing husband and wife team. To open the CD booklet with all of the lyrics and to see the picture of Ritchie looking up at Candace smiling is a wonderful thing. How many pictures has anyone seen with him smiling? He is one serious man and I get that. It was just nice to see that kind of loving interaction between the couple.

“Once Upon December” kicks things off and gets the proceedings started. There is an entertaining mixture of world-rock-new age that unfolds, and it is something that always makes my heart smile and invigorates my spirit. The following track “Four Winds” is full of the color and energy that only Richie and Candice can coax out of their supporting casts and instruments. And it sure sounded like an upbeat choice for a single release, currently they went with the title track, which is just as good.

“Feather In The Wind” comes at you with a much faster pace with high energy, it is what I would call good mood music. My definition of that in this context would be that it makes my feet tap and puts a smile on my face.

There are two fantastic instrumentals on this album as well. “Darker Shade Of Black” features some fiery leads from Richie, which I always appreciated and some non-verbal vocals that are very high and heavenly. The heavenly part does not go along with the title of the track but that is what my ears heard. The other remarkable instrumental “Der Letzte Musketier” (translated The Last Musketeer), features Richie with an atmospheric bluesy electric guitar run which is supported by a rock-solid rhythm section. This was my favorite track from an overall musical perspective without any vocals. It reminded me of some of the leads Richie would play on all of those great Deep Purple albums, which I still treasure after all these years.

Getting back to nature, “The Twisted Oak” reminds us all of “Finding the peace of mind I have left behind.” If you stop and think for a minute how true that is, don’t we all leave behind any peace of mind we may have gained once we are back to the daily grind of work and stress? These are well thought out lyrics with a magnificent blend of music to drive home the answer with a resounding yes! This leaves no doubt in my mind as Candice sings - all in the glory of “Nature’s Light.” So, check out that light that is brought out in everything that surrounds you.

“Wish You Were Here (2021)” is another bluesy track with Richie setting the music afire with some fine six-string work to support the beautiful vocals. “Going To The Faire” is light and airy like a renaissance fair where you can step into a portal of time and let the worries of life melt away for a day. In that timespan you can enjoy the fact that “spring as sprung,” as Candice sings in only the special way that she can delivering the message in a song.

“Second Element” closes out the recording with some beautifully played acoustic guitar and yet another electric guitar run to remind us all that Richie Blackmore is one of the greats and that still has the mojo to deliver when needed.

Nature’s Light is a welcome return for Blackmore’s Night and will surely be enjoyed by fans all over the world. They have over a quarter of a million followers on the Spotify platform alone so far. This is one album you simply cannot miss this year. For a variety of music and uplifting lyrics, this is one of the best of 2021 and will remain a favorite for me throughout the year.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
February 25, 2021

Track List:

01. Once Upon December
02. Four Winds
03. Feather In The Wind
04. Darker Shade Of Black (instrumental)
05. The Twisted Oak
06. Nature's Light
07. Der Letzte Musketier (instrumental)
08. Wish You Were Here (2021)
09. Going To The Faire
10. Second Element

New Age-World Instrumental Review: Jonny Lipford-Balance

Release Date: March 1, 2021

Label: Independent

Website

My introduction to Jonny Lipford and his flute music began in 2019 with Migration. Nearly two years later and I have received the latest release Balance. You cannot help but notice the cover and how the title ties into the visual.

Music and its far-reaching capabilities meet and merge to create true meaning for the potential listener. I look at how the rocks are so perfect and how delicate the Balance is. Through my own personal interpretation, I see this how it relates to life itself, human, animal, plant, insect, any form of life and how it maintains a delicate balance and how one thing can break that chain. If were to go to that little tower of rocks it would be easy to knock it over. But my respect for what it stands for and my awareness of how quickly the formation can change makes me step back and take in its perfect beauty and peacefulness. This is as if nature and man are in sync and we are not on a path of destruction.

Thinking on this further is the core beliefs of Native Americans and their respect for all of nature and the gifts it provided for their survival. Jonny is an accomplished performing and recording artist and educator of Native American flutes. This is the visual and musical aspects that are presented on Balance. And the last thing the artist presents with this recording is a list of all the tracks are their meanings. This is more than a listening experience, it is three-fold, mind to ponder upon and have good thoughts, body to heal and regenerate our core energies, and for the soul, the purity of the music and internalizing it with the combination of the music and spiritual passages being offered with this complete experience.

You will hear the expertise of an enlightened individual playing the Native American flutes while implement a steady tribal drum along with sounds of nature and synths and keyboards. The mixture is absolute heaven and would give even the most stressed out individual a pause to actually stop and listen. How could a listener possible not feel better while hearing all of this music? Tracks with titles like “Clarifying Your Vision,” which is very possible while using this music for a meditative state. “Enlightening Your Spirt” and “Awakening Your Heart” will surely have you “Living In Your Power.” It says so much and with such conviction then the music solidifies those thoughts and meanings.

These track titles are exceptional in that they show you the way, it is the first door to open, you read the track name, process it, listen, then fall into that rhythm of the spirit and nature. My belief is that those two things go hand and in hand and they co-exist in peace and harmony. Without that we have companies tearing down our rain forest and populating the now open fields with cows to produce meat for consumption. There are other ways to get things done and feed the people without ravaging an entire eco system. That is but one example of many and I felt it important to discuss that and how it relates to the messages in the music. This is my own thought process and what the music made me feel. Everyone is different and will experience things in a different way and go do a path that is all their own.

We all could learn a lot from our Native American brothers and sisters. The music on Balance brings all of those realizations and beliefs back to the forefront of my mind. Listen closely to the music and how it is in harmony with nature and the true meaning of what our presence here on earth should accomplish.
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
February 2, 2021

Track List:
1. Sun Salutation
2. Believing Your Truth
3. Affirming Your Desire
4. Living In Your Power
5. Awakening Your Heart
6. Nurturing Your Word
7. Clarifying Your Vision
8. Enlightening Your Spirit
9. Moon Salutation

Acoustic Instrumental-New Age-Meditation Review: Ryan Judd-Soaring Together

Release Date: February 26,2021

Label: The Rhythm Tree

Website

Ryan Judd returns in 2021 with Soaring Together. My introduction to Ryan and his music was the 2018 release An Open Sky.  I was very impressed by how beautifully matched his acoustic guitar playing was with Kristen Miller’s cello. Once again that duo presents ten tracks of absolute blissfulness.

Judd’s delicate touch on his guitar and the sound of the nylon strings produce a very pleasing sound. The way his sound melds with Kristen’s cello is a match made in musical heaven. And the end result is like you are actually in another dimension or your own personal heaven, that suddenly became your reality thanks to the music.

I love the cover art and how the title shows you how we all can start Soaring Together. This is the kind of message that hits home rather readily when you look at the layers of colors in that picture. This is interpreted through the music in layers as well. As I always say, it is all in how you perceive the image and music being presented. What I hear in this instrumental acoustic new age meditation are all three of those elements joining hands to create this amazing soundscape for each listener to get some relief from stress, worry, exhaustion, all of those negative aspects of many lives these days. When you are weary of fighting those battles during the course of a 24-hour period you need something to pull you out of that void of negativity. This is music to soothe the savage beast of energy stealing emotions.

It is indicated in the artist's one sheet that he felt deep love and loss which is translated in the music. This can be heard in the tracks if you listen intently. On the other side of that is the joy and a child’s wonder to reflect upon. How often does an adult look through the lens of a child? I would think very rarely. For me it is being with furry friends or watching the simplicity of nature in front of you, like the wind in the trees, a bird singing, any number of things bring about that sense of wonderment I felt as a child. It really is not that hard to find, you just have to uncloud those emotions and flip that internal switch from being a serious adult to a care free innocent child. Everything becomes clear, focused, and unencumbered by the responsibilities of your life weighing on your shoulders.

This album was so seamless and flowing it was like one track as an entity in lieu of going from one track to another and singling any out. This is why I did not mention any particular track. Every track was beautiful music perfection as far as I am concerned. It all fell together for my listening experience. As the music led me down that path to feeling whole, I listened to it as one because it made me feel clear and uninfluenced by outside forces (noises of car doors slamming, a TV on etc.). I am not sure if that makes any sense to some folks but it sure did to me and that is how I could explain it.

Yes, music can get you to that place and it takes music from people like Ryan Judd and recordings like Soaring Together. So, come along for the ride with Ryan and Kristen because Soaring Together is better than going it alone.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
January 22, 2021

Track List:
01. Innocence Lost
02. A Child's Wonder
03. Sharing the Joy
04. Hearts Entwined
05. On Her Wings
06. Never to Return
07. A Waltz with Jena Lynn
08. Alone Inside
09. Soaring Together
10. A Look in the Mirror

Contemporary New Age Instrumental Review: Force For Good-Innocence

Release Date: February 1, 2021

Label: Sprout Recordings

Website

I had the pleasure of listening to and covering the Force For Good release Passions nearly one year ago. This is a group founded by Jonathan Sprout.

And just as I mentioned in that review, a new album would be forthcoming in February of 2021. They are right on schedule with his latest instrumental recording Innocence. That word is one that I did not hear in 2020. It was just the opposite all year long. How could you focus on the innocence of a child, or a beautiful animal with the world in turmoil? These things I am sure were presented to us at one time or another during the year. That is a decision we all can make to enjoy those pleasures in life regardless of what is going on around us or is on the news 24/7. If you need some music to help you I have just the right prescription.

We are going through a fundamental change worldwide, although I am unsure of where it all will end, I have hope in humanity, our resilience and common sense collectively. Music is the healer and it always has been, although I did not come to that realization until I reached adult life and was presented with spiritual music to gather my thoughts and emotions to change my outlook, only then would it change significantly.

So, what does all this have to do with the music of Force For Good and the album Innocence you may ask? It is the natural elegance of contemporary new age instrumental that brings all of these thoughts and emotions to the forefront and I feel compelled to share it. As this musician is immersed in his music and the meaning of it all, my experience follows that process. For me as a listener this all intersects and merges into one thought process and translates to spiritual awareness and growth.

I think many listeners looking for enlightenment and healing will find it in Innocence. In that one word we can find love, spirituality, humor, happiness, and above all a slice of heaven we all can use to our benefit.

There are fourteen tracks on the album and consistency and the flow prove to be some of Jonathan’s best work to date. Potential listeners must look at each track title and listen carefully to what is inside the music that relates to that inference. “Adirondack” which is the longest track clocking in at 8:19, is the culmination of one man’s beliefs, process, and innermost thoughts that drive the creative process. Certainly, the track is a tribute to the Adirondack Mountains and the essence of its natural beauty, colors, sounds, and the awesome power of natural occurrences and wildlife that populate the area. I believe the track captures the spirit of all of those thoughts within the song and because there is so much to discover in those mountains, he had to make sure the track flowed and gave the listener a glimpse of beauty held within nature.

Another high point was the orchestrations in “Plastic.” This is one that would be well suited for a soundtrack or documentary on our environment. The apex comes just before the four-minute mark and will leave you floating on a cloud as it transitions back in the softer layers of the track. “Oceans” was impressive as well with so many changes and the varied instrumentation made it inspiring and unforgettable.

Those are a few examples of a masterful performance and significant achievement for Jonathan Sprout and A Force For Good, it is what we need for these times. Innocence will surely be recognized as one of the best releases this year in the genre of contemporary new age instrumentals.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
January 31, 2021

Track List:
01. Natural    3:12
02. Uplifters    3:51
03. Reverence    7:10
04. Vinyasa    6:17
05. Wilderness    4:07
06. Adirondack    8:16
07. Hunger    4:25
08. Plastic    5:46
09. Homeless    7:10
10. Oceans    5:20
11. Wind    3:10
12. Force - Acoustic Version    0:15
13. For - Acoustic Version    0:22
14. Good - Acoustic Version    0:31

New Age Instrumental Review: Peter Calandra-Ambient Tuesdays

Release Date: January 29, 2021

Label: Independent

Website

The first thing I noticed on Peter Calandra’s new release Ambient Tuesdays was the texture of the album cover. If you look closely or blow it up larger you can see it has the same surface as the paper on canvas. It of course works very well because it is an oil painting and it looks like the image used was the actual painting. I think it was a clever idea to do it this way.

When I started to listen to the first track it was an instantaneous reaction of, yes, I know I am going to love this album full of ambient delights. It never hurts to be familiar with an artist, which I am with Peter. I go back to 2014 and here we are in 2021 already and the music just keeps coming, and I am very grateful for that.

Ambient Tuesdays will take you on quite a journey, with each track offering the listener all the variety one artist can assemble in a recording session. There is gracefulness in this ambient aural exchange. With each track, there are so many elements intersecting you quickly realize the immense effort that went into recording all eleven tracks.

The very interesting and progressive title track starts the proceedings then the exciting and cinematic “Walking The High Line” changes direction entirely. If you can picture a situation or actual physical presence of someone attempting such a daring feat, the music certainly gets you there quickly with emotion and suspense sprinkling the image in your head with various sounds and keyboards. On the other side of that “Spring Morning” is a shorter piece that brings instant relaxation and peace. It is contemplative and meditative all at the same time and I could see if it went on for a few more minutes it would serve as a doorway to another state of mind, that higher plane of existence that meditation can take you. Peter is no stranger to bringing that kind of composition to a recording as the next piece, “Quiet Romance,” is everything it says it is in the title and it runs for 6:28. It gives any kind of listener ample time to stretch out, relax, and let the stress or worries of the day just disappear. It is a wonderful thing this spiritual-based music we have at our fingertips any time or anywhere.

Now if all of that was not enough Peter invites you to create “Your Story” set to the most elegant and inviting sounds. This allows you to paint your picture on a blank canvas with the music as your spark to some creative essence otherwise not found. Maybe you have something inside that needs to come forward or you need to rewrite your story and make it real. The music is the golden key to bring you there.

I particularly enjoyed the way Peter wrapped up the album with the two “Matriarch Suites” prelude and postlude, coming in at 7:10 and 5:54 respectively. The first suite reminded me of the wizardry of keyboard legends like Rick Wakeman and Jordan Rudess. Peter stretched out and gave his audience an aural bag of goodies with over 13 minutes of his keyboard prowess on display. I thought it was an amazing two tracks and I thoroughly enjoyed how many changes and developments all this music went through. As a matter of fact, on the entire recording there was so much diversity, but more so in these two suites than I ever expected.

Ambient Tuesdays takes the core beliefs of the new age genre and community tenets and uses them as a springboard to create and deliver gorgeous ambient instrumental soundscapes. The production values of this recording are superb and the use of the keyboards and different sounds it can generate is masterful.

The truth is you can have all of this and it does not have to be Tuesday to fully enjoy it!

January 12, 2021
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

Track List:
01. Ambient Tuesdays (3:00)
02. New Renaissance (5:51)
03. Overlook Morning (4:24)
04. Rainy Mood (5:11)
05. Desert Skies (2:42)
06. Walking The High Line (4:04)
07. Spring Morning (2:47)
08. Quiet Romance (6:28)
09. Your Story (4:10)
10. Matriarch Suite, Prelude (5:54)
11. Matriarch Suite, Postlude (7:10)