New Age/Pop Review: David Arkenstone and Charlee Brooks-Inamorata

Release Date: February 3, 2015
Label: Green Hill
Website

Some performers stick in your heart long after the last note is played. David Arkenstone and Charlee Brooks are two of those. After their last album, Lovéren, I fell in adoration and was thrilled to find out about Inamorata. David Davidson performs the violin and his contributions as always are beautiful. The release in February 2015 couldn’t have been timelier. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this album is a spell of love and longing with eight original tracks along with renditions of the Game of Thrones main theme as well as, “Did I Make the Most of Loving You” from Downton Abbey, Zedd’s “Clarity” and “Harem” from Sarah Brightman. The last song on the album is dedicated to Arkenstone’s niece who was born during the recording of the album. 

Inamorata begins with the earth shattering song, “Believe.” Stains of gorgeous multi-instrumentation paint a celestial canvas of fairy tale proportions. Twinkling bells and piano sequences make way for Charlee’s angelic voice. Strong and clear, her singing brings to mind Disney princesses and epic journeys. Castles in the air filled with love and optimism radiate outward with these transcendent lyrics and seamless harmonies. 

The second song on the album is the theme from Downton Abbey. “Did I Make the Most of Loving You” is presented flawlessly with orchestral quality sound and Charlee’s gossamer vocals. Radiant and vibrant with percussive elements that inspire imagination, the piece is magnificent.

“Inamorata” is the title track for the album. A ballad of love and hope, this song is the light in the window of the soul. This is an original work and personifies a love that lasts forever. It leads into the “Main Theme” from Game of Thrones. I found it fitting that they were next to each other on the track lineup. With the Celtic strains and magical imagery invoked, this piece brings to life a world of adventure just in time for a new season to arrive on DVD. Every fan of the show will love this rendition. Clear and melodic with harmonies that reach up and grab you, this piece will make your blood pound and your fingers itch to grab the remote to watch more of this epic series.

“Clarity” is filled with breathy wisps in the background, piano and multi-instrumentation. Charlee’s sparkling vocals echo in the heart. We don’t always want to fall in love but sometimes the very person we fight against is the one who will be our salvation. Poignant and full of emotion, this piece will warm the heart of romance readers everywhere. It reads (sounds) like a romance novel and that makes this one of my favorite songs on the album. Love. Angst. Love. Can’t get much better than that.

David Arkenstone has been making music for twenty five years and is a performer that gives nothing less than perfection. The love and care he put into this album is truly beyond the pale and he surrounds himself with artists that give only their best. Love songs are always well met and this album takes eight original pieces along with four favorites and weaves a fairy tale mix of epic proportions that will hook you in the first few minutes of listening. 

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Believe, Inamorata, Did I Make the Most of Loving You, Game of Thrones, Clarity

Tracks: 
01. Believe
02. Did I Make The Most Of Loving You? (Theme From "Downton Abbey")
03. Never Forget
04. Inamorata
05. Main Title (From "Game Of Thrones")
06.Clarity
07. Beautiful Storm
08. Don't Let Me Go
09. Harem
10. Invisible
11. Great Love
12. Lullaby For Belina

DanaWright, Sr. Staff Writer

February 19, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

New Age Instrumental Review: David Wahler-Spiritus

Release Date: February 15, 2015

Label: Independent

Website

David Wahler is an award winning musician. He began his musical career playing by ear and has since grown to become an important and respected member of the musical community. He has been involved in Broadway, symphonies and has worked with disadvantaged and handicapped children. In his fourth and newest album Spiritus, he takes all of his hard won knowledge as a music reviewer and artist and brings us an album of deep reflection and spirituality. 

From the onset of “Spiritus” I was sucked into a vortex of elemental proportion. The crisp sensation of the atmospheric music gave way to texture and electronic multi instrumentation that led me on an inner journey of peace and tranquility. Breathless wisps of sound and deep imagery of the vastness of the universe brought home the feeling that we are not alone, no matter how much it can feel that way sometimes.

 

“Devi” made me feel like I was sitting in the middle of a church pew waiting for the homily to begin. The sense of belonging and contentment from the outset of the piece overflowed into a tender spiritual working. Delicate keyboarding morphs into electronic bursts of wonderment like the sun setting dust motes ablaze with light when they fall in front of a stained glass window. Essences of flute echo through the piece, bringing serenity and wonderment. A young girl sits next to her father and listens as the world opens up to all the possibilities of the future. School, her first date, marriage, a child of her own…life lived one day at a time. The tender moments are the most pure and stay with us as the days march on. 

“Chela” begins with a toe stepping into a pool of forever. The twinkling sound of chimes and the sound of water rushing by blends with elegant keyboard compositions and percussive elements to bring a tapestry of sound and a landscape to sink yourself into. This has to be my favorite piece from the album. If ever you wanted the sounds of a spa this would be the piece to play. Close your eyes and feel invisible fingertips drift over you body and soul and with them all the cares of the world fall away. 

David Wahler is a musical force to be reckoned with. Spiritus is a journey into the infinite universe, one human soul at a time. The compositions are fluid and each piece is done with care and precision. I highly recommend this album to anyone who needs a bit of respite after a particularly tough day. It will refresh you both body and soul-and that my friends I can attest to by experience.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Spiritus, Devi, Chela

Tracks: 
01. Spiritus
02. Mystic Voyage
03. Bhakti Heart
04. Whispers from Eternity
05. Ananda
06. Metamorphose
07. Devi
08. Veil of Maya
09. Spirit Dance
10. Chela
11. Ocean of Light
 

DanaWright, Sr. Staff Writer

February 15, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews