New Age Contemporary Instrumental Review and Interview: Terry Lee Nichols-Love Is…

Release Date: July 3, 2025 

Label: Soundscape Productions

Website

Having had the privilege of covering several releases from Terry Lee Nichols over the years, I've come to appreciate the emotional depth of his compositions. His instrumental stories evoke a range of emotions, thoughts, and perceptions. His most recent release, Love Is…, is more than just a title; it's a journey of profound emotional exploration that unfolds as you delve into the tracks.

 

"Is This All Just a Dream? (Moon River Variations)" starts the album, and it's very atmospheric with beautiful vocals courtesy of Rebekah Eden. The piano and synth are gentle, yet their impact is significant. "Moon River," while a well-known track, can be profoundly moving emotionally, and being compassionate and emotional myself, made it difficult not to pause and reflect on some recent events that have affected my life and will continue to do so. I remember my father crying when he heard this song after my mother died; he was a WW2 veteran as well.

 

"Friendship" begins with an acoustic guitar, followed by the piano. It has a nice rhythm to it, and the percussion sets the pace. Bell sounds and other virtual effects have been added, which have a positive impact on the track.

     

"Lying Next to You" forms a lush soundscape as wordless vocals are added. Rebekah Eden sounds like an angel sent from heaven to soothe and ensure that the person next to you truly loves you.

 

"Morning Glory" and its orchestration, along with beautiful acoustic piano and an additional synth layer, create a spiritual experience that promises a new day. The wordless vocals add an ethereal element, evoking a sense of spiritual awakening or a glimpse into another world.

 

"I Remember Her Smile" is a look back at someone special in your life who may no longer be part of it, or one who already is. The memory is implanted into your consciousness forever. This is a love song, short and sweet with carefully placed notes from the piano and sweeping orchestrations to engage your consciousness.

 

"Finding Annie" has a flute accompanying the piano. This ongoing story of Love continues to build like a storybook romance set to music. It is one of the longer movements and features some rolling piano excursions; the foundation of classical music is evident throughout this piece.

 

"Trinity" starts with what sounds like the ruffling of feathers as a bird takes off. The piano continues to be the focus as the cello comes in (sounding sorrowful as it does a lot of the time), then the orchestration of the synths creates an additional layer of atmosphere. Rebecca joins once again, her wordless vocals sounding like she is performing a scene from an opera. And that was the finishing touch.

 

"Lullaby" sounds like something you might expect, given its tempo and melody. The tinkling sound of bells induces a sense of magical fairy dust in the air, lulling you into a relaxed state of consciousness. The piano is elegant and simply gorgeous, as the synth layer provides its orchestral elements.

 

"We've Had a Good Life" is a look back with gratitude for your life, one that is not only worth living but also sharing with loved ones, making it all complete. The tempo is perfect for those thoughts, and the piano and synth once again partner to formulate the ideal ambiance.

 

"Nella Fantasia" was not a song I was familiar with. John Riesen provides his tenor vocals to the mix. He sounds very commanding and owns the song, pouring every ounce of emotion and energy into it. The piano lays down the path, and he follows it. I do not appreciate opera; however, I can recognize pure talent when I hear it.

 

"The Winds of Time" is a fitting title and a perfect way to close these beautifully constructed compositions. Sometimes we don't have the time we want to be with the people we Love or do the things we've always wanted to do. As the winds blow through our short lives on this planet, the piano's keys remind us of its beauty and the opportunity to appreciate and have gratitude for all the things that enter our lives here, even though it may not be ideal, and there is suffering, the winds of time are still blowing.

 

Love Is…. It is a fine instrumental recording. I was deeply moved spiritually and emotionally, and that is all an artist could hope for. It's the entire purpose of making music like this.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

July 10, 2025

Tracks:

01, Is This All Just a Dream? (Moon River Variations) 3:54

02. Friendship 3:39

03. Lying Next to You 3:19

04. Morning Glory 3:15

05. I Remember Her Smile 2:45

06. Finding Annie 4:06

07. Trinity 4:40

08. Lullaby 3:00

09. We've Had a Good Life 2:55

10. Nella Fantasia 3:43

11. The Winds of Time 3:42