July 24, 2018

New Age-World Review: Caro Pampillo-Sindhu

Release Date: September 1, 2018
Label: Independent
Website




Going into my first listen of Caro Pampillo’s Sindhu (her alter ego) , I had predetermined, based on the title and cover art, that this could very well be a meditation album. Well, it is that and a lot more. It is not hard to do that if you have been reviewing new age music for a while and the same would go for the avid listener.

Based on Caro’s website I was given some indication of who she is and what to expect on the new release.

Here is some insight into the artist from her website: As a self-taught musician, she has developed her own unique sound as a composer and a producer, combining her South American roots with many other world influences, live looping her voice and other instruments. Caro’s studies in Buddhist and Zen philosophy and practice of Kung Fu and Meditation led her to the name "SINDHU" (Sanskrit for sea, ocean, river, or water) for her alter ego and this musical project.

I feel this sort of information will enrich the review and make the potential listener’s experience more all-encompassing. That is my vision of the complete listening experience and it also allows me to dig a little deeper and express my feelings on another level that relates to the music.

Just to give you an idea of the world influences on this recording, this is what Caro alone contributed: Her gorgeous vocals, background vocals, acoustic guitar, Venezuelan Cuatro, programming, looping, and Tibetan bowls and chimes. She also had some help from other talented people that contributed keyboards, electric guitar, piano, strings, classic and electric guitar, Moog synth, and Theravox and many more. Well, you get the idea; the list goes on and on. Saying this was “World” music is definitely the genre, or new age world to be more specific.

I found the music to be lush, inviting and very complex. Caro’s vocals blended well with the music. At first, hearing her sing in a different language threw me off a bit, however, I was able to focus on the music at hand and the eclectic approach she took. I sincerely appreciate that kind of special touch and all-around talent one artist can lend to a recording session.


I especially appreciated the tracks “OM” and “Har Hari,” which was like listening to a pop tune in a different language (ancient Sanskrit). At that point it really hit me, this one has more crossover appeal than most recordings I have heard this year. Regardless of the language barrier I could relax (this is where your meditation can take place), and let the music flow. You will then arrive at a different level of consciousness. For this listener that means Sindhu accomplished the mission!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

July 22, 2018


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Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
 

01. Om Namah Shivaya
02. Om Shanti
03. I Shin Den Shin
04. Om Mani Padme Hum
05. Gate Heart Mantra
06. Nai’a Narayanaya
07. Har Hari
08. OM
09. Signos de Amar
10. Signs of Love

July 23, 2018

New Age Instrumental Review: Peter Calandra-Carpe Noctem

Release Date: August 3, 2018
Label: Pecamusic

Peter Calandra has been one of the more productive artists for several years. It seems like I finish one review than in a short span of time I am writing another one for him. That works for me as I believe he has been one of the most creative and eclectic artisans I have had the pleasure to work with.

I went into this listen of Carpe Noctem (translation Seize the Night) with a lot of anticipation based on the input Peter provided prior to my first experience listening to the recording.

Peter informed me of the following: Carpe Noctem is an album of ambient-sacred-orchestral music. When I was in undergrad school singing in the choir, we performed quite a bit of sacred music with the text in Latin. Music by Mozart, Bach, Beethoven etc. It was always inspirational to learn and perform this music and it's always been in my mind to write and record orchestral music with the choir. 

This is some of the most moving music I have heard this year in the new age genre and or sub-genres. Peter is the composer and author of all the orchestrations, digital sequencing, synthesizer and the cover artwork. I think it is safe to say that he is a multi-talented artist that brings a lot to the table regarding entertainment value.

What made this Carpe Noctem so special was not only the privilege of hearing it before so many listeners, it was the added bonus of all the Latin interpretations of each track. The cover art is another addition that makes this a complete experience of art, culture, and music. For my tastes that is the ultimate trifecta that makes any listen like a freshly brewed cup of aromatic coffee topped off with creamer and a spot of sugar. If you are a coffee drinker you will be able to relate better to that statement.

Carpe Noctem you could say is religious or spiritual experience, whatever fits your comfort zone or terminologies. Personally, I felt it was both, it negated any voids of my day with exceptional grace and beauty. Peter’s exceptional talents allow him to touch your soul significantly, with a brilliant use of the tools he brings to bear in each track. The use of synthesizers, orchestrations, and a choir creates a gorgeous and powerful combination that will embrace you in so many ways. 

From the opening of “Agnus Dei (Lamb Of God)” to the closing “Spiritus Mundi (World Spirit),” Peter takes you the listener, to a heavenly level of existence that transcends daily life. For this listener, that is all I could ask for is a transitory experience that is pleasant and memorable.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
July 23, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks: 
01. Agnus Dei  (Lamb Of God)
02. Carpe Noctem  (Seize The Night)
03. Aurora Scanderé (Dawn Rising)
04. Crucifixus  (Crucfixion)
05. Ars Vitae (Art Is Life)
06. Illuminare  (Illumination)
07. Invictus Bellator  (Unconquered Warrior)
08. Mane Pacificae  (Peaceful Morning)
09. Luna Benedictus  (Moon Prayer)
10. Sacrum Spera  (Sacred Trust)
11. Spiritus Mundi  (World Spirit)