Release Date: March 12, 2025
Label: Independent
One of the things I read that Alexander Sussman said about his latest release, Sonic Calm- Part One, was the following:
"The music is my attempt to describe deep meditative
states, not losing sight of my classical roots," says Sussman, whose years
of composing orchestral arrangements have shaped his unique and captivating
sound.
Now, it's off on my listening journey once again to see if the
music can create a space for reflection and relaxation, as the information
about the recording suggests.
"Hope" begins with a very soothing introduction and a
tinkling bell. The strings of a harp are heard as the keyboards take over the
foundation of the track. Layers begin to form as the composition continues.
There is a synthesizer that gives the piano a partner in a place where the mind
and soul are at rest, reenergized, and reflected upon. The beauty of this music
holds you from start to finish, setting the bar high for the other tracks and
instilling a sense of calm and relaxation.
"Stillness" is a highly expressive word and an
important concept to cultivate in the world of meditation. As it begins, the
stage is set, and the music is ambient and soothing, allowing one to settle
into a comfortable space immediately. The synthesizer and piano are crucial in
this music, as they are in most recordings like this that I've heard. They play
off each other, and the strengths of each instrument complement each other.
This artist utilizes that aspect to its fullest in the tracks.
The first two tracks are over five minutes in length, and as
"Tranquility" arrives, you stay on the path of relaxation. This time,
3:38 minutes are covered, and it would be an excellent way to get into the
right frame of mind and body before listening to the longer tracks, if you
intend to use this music for its primary purpose. The swooshing synth sounds
can gently transport you into another state of consciousness. If that is the
goal, you are still on the right path with this music.
The longer tracks don't come back until you get to "Serenity," "Contemplation,"
and "Lullaby," the final track, which is over nine minutes. You have
a variety of running times to choose from with different textures and varying
tempos (although it consistently stays true to its relaxing core sound),
depending on how you want to use this music. It can be a tool for another state
of mind and being or something beautiful and discreetly playing in the
background as you go about your other activities, or for simple relaxation in
your favorite chair. That is the beauty and advantage of this type of music.
"Lullaby" is a critical track on this recording. The
length alone suggests that you need to pay attention to what is happening from
start to finish. A lot can happen in almost ten minutes of music. It starts in
a calm but contemplative way and puts you at ease, just as all the other tracks
have. In the background, amongst all the layering, is a sound like a door
closing, softly though. That is my interpretation of it, and yours may be
entirely different, of course. Reflecting on it from that perspective recalls
the saying, "One door closes and another one opens." From a musical
and listening standpoint, that can be a prolific thing. The music opens your
heart and mind, bringing love. Love for thy self as it were in seeking something
different that you hope to find in the music when you turn within with the help
of the sounds being created by this man, Alexander Sussman.
Sonic Calm - Part One marks the beginning of a series,
although I am unsure how many parts will be released. This series marks a
significant milestone in Sussman's career, as it incorporates elements of his
orchestral work and delves deeply into the ambient and new age genres. There
are similar and dissimilar aspects in every track (most music is like that!)
however you can count on the fact that every composition that is offered on
this recording will do what it intends, to get you relaxed, more focused, and
in a better state of being while clearing your mind, making way for the inner
spirit to take over and rejuvenate you.
What I have discovered over the years, listening to
keyboard-based instrumental music, is this: whether I think I need to hear it
or not, I always do need to listen to it, and I am glad I did.
It's sonic and it's calm; that's a very descriptive and accurate title for this recording. The music has a profound effect on the listener, inducing a sense of tranquility and focus. If you appreciate listening to ambient new age instrumental music, this will be the perfect choice, offering a transformative musical experience.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR
Reviews Founder
May 7, 2025
Tracks:
1. Hope 5:40
2. Stillness 5:26
3. Tranquility 3:38
4. Peace 3:30
5. Balance 4:31
6. Simplicity 3:16
7. Serenity 5:19
8. Contemplation 5:32
9. Lullaby 9:32
No comments:
Post a Comment