Sonic Calm – Part One by Alexander Sussman

 Every so often an album comes along that brings such a sense of peace and calmness to the listener that it’s truly an amazing experience. Simply put, that is “Sonic Calm – Part One” by Australian based composer, pianist, orchestrator, and performer, Alexander Sussman.

Every track on the album offers a unique auditory experience that transcends traditional musical forms and invites the listener into a deep state of profound “sonic stillness.” This is an experience of “sound slowed down.” It’s a place where one can fully reconnect with oneself and leave the cares of the earthbound reality behind.

Alexander studied classical piano and composition at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. He has extensive experience re-scoring orchestrations for smaller ensembles. In a career spanning over thirty years on stage as a performer, pianist, and musical director, Alexander has performed in every notable cabaret venue across Sydney and Melbourne. Australia.  His classical foundation and orchestral scoring work are quite evident in his music.

Since 2022, Alexander has channeled his passion for meditative practices and his deep exploration of Buddhism into his music. You see, having immersed himself in monastic life through training in Myanmar, Thailand, and Missouri, USA, Alexander's musical compositions blend meditative essence with his skilled orchestral understanding.  Inspired by Buddhist mindfulness principles, “Sonic Calm – Part One,” Alexander’s second full- length album, encourages a shift in perception, inviting the listener to simply embrace and fully immerse in the rich tapestry of sound. It’s easy to do. This is a beyond beautiful album all through.

The nine-track album opens with the absolutely gorgeous, “Hope.” This is softly melodic and angelic in ambiance. It’s just beautiful, soothing, and aptly named, as here we can literally feel the sense of optimism flow through our whole body, mind, and spirit.

“Stillness” follows, invoking an even deeper sense of calm. Breathy synth gives us again a feeling of heavenly peace. Gentle, twinkling piano adds to the layers of tranquility.

Did I say “tranquility?” I did. The song “Tranquility” comes next and this is very deeply relaxing. Soft synth soothes the soul in every way. This is wonderful. In fact, the whole album is wonderful and evokes a sense of being bathed in glowing light and cradled in the arms of safety. So, yes, it’s impossible to choose a favorite. You will want to get the whole thing.

By the time you get to “Peace” you’re deeply immersed in exactly that. Very soft piano, perfectly paced synth, and super gentle gong bring peace to the heart, and we can feel every chakra opening and clearing.

“Balance” is quite beautiful with its gently flowing strings layered with piano. Here we have an atmospheric, expansive experience as well. This is perfect meditation music as we are not only effortlessly balancing the physical “self” here but aligning with the higher self as well. Seriously beautiful.

Sometimes, we perhaps make things harder than they need to be. “Simplicity,” again with peaceful strings, angelic voices, and some gently interspersed bells, brings a feeling of how simple things really are unless we insist upon complicating them. This is lovely and brings a deep sense of serenity.

Okay, I did it again, without meaning to do so. . .the next piece on the album is “Serenity.”  You see? The album put me into a meditative state without me even noticing. This is another beautiful track and, you guessed it, beyond serene. Here, we may begin to realize there is something truly special and magical about this album.

As I am contemplating this thought – and I kid you not – up comes the next piece, “Contemplation.” Simple piano with full, enduring pedal plus super soft strings, all perfectly paced, give us room to just breathe.

This beautiful album that we don’t want to end, closes out with the lovely “Lullaby.” Atmospheric, angelic, and slowly paced, I think it’s just perfect.

This from the one-sheet, says it better than I ever could: “This album explores the essence of sound through radical deceleration, transforming familiar melodic contours into expansive washes of sonic texture.” I agree completely and I can say unequivocally that this has been a profoundly peaceful experience. Yes, indeed, get the entire thing.

Get it here or your favorite digital platform:

https://alexandersussman.bandcamp.com/album/sonic-calm-part-one