Contemporary Instrumental-Holiday Review: Mark Barnes-25

 Release Date: October 31, 2025

Label: Independent

Website

25 is the 15th and latest studio album of new original music from Mark Barnes, as well as his own take on Christmas classics.

The album celebrates his recent induction into the Indie Music Hall of Fame in Los Angeles, 25 years of making music, and his love for all things Christmas.

25 is a diverse selection of musical interpretations, and the artist reflects his emotions from the Holidays and the turmoil of our times through the music.

“Believe” begins this recording with a soft synth layer backing a slow, acoustic piano tempo. The sounds give you an immediate pause as the sweet notes fill your space and perception with a sense of reflection and spiritual significance. The synth layer adds a modern twist to the traditional piano, creating a unique and captivating sound.

“Mary Did You Know” is one of my favorite Holiday tracks. The melody is beautiful, and I recall the lyrics as equally significant in accompanying it. The song, which reflects on the miraculous birth of Jesus, is particularly poignant when played on the piano. This served as a powerful reminder of the blessed holiday and the birth of Jesus.

“O Come O Come Emmanuel” commences with ethereal sounds and an orchestral synth backdrop. It conjures a vivid scenery in your mind’s eye. This rendition, a unique take on the original, showcases the transformative power of electronic synths and sounds. It offers a fresh perspective on the original melody, revealing the beauty of improvisation.

“We 3 Kings” continues with the flow of traditional holiday classics performed on the keys in the most exceptional way. The tone is fantastic, with the synths swirling in the background. As I have come to recognize over time how important that synth layer can be, I am again reminded of its fitting place. It’s like how a drummer follows the bass player. It’s a partnership that is essential to any composition, and here it shines like a bright star.

“Snowbound” shifts from traditional classics to seasonal memories for those of us who grew up in all seasons. When you’re a child, being bound by snow is exciting because you are not out there shoveling and using the snowblower. Your only concern was playing in that winter wonderland, building snow forts, sliding, and just breathing in the cold, crisp air. I recall being out all day and coming back with frozen toes. Sweet memories are induced by the lovely touch of Mark Barnes on his acoustic piano. To me, it sounded like a lullaby of love and time that I will never be able to recapture, so some sadness is part of what I felt—emotionally moving music.

“Slumber For The Sleepers” continues with the tone and texture of a sweet lullaby-like composition. As I age, I am feeling more sentimental and appreciative of my childhood, wishing I could turn back the clock to see my own children as little ones again. This brings me to the thought of being grateful for my life, living it to the fullest, and having two wonderful adult children who bring me light and joy, just as they did when they were little. Once again, I was moved emotionally and spiritually by these magnificent keyboards, that combination of acoustic piano and synths.

“Innocence Lost” takes on different meanings in various contexts. This, of course, depends on the listener and their own experiences, as it would apply to any music. The excellence of the solo piano is the continuous thread that weaves into a colorful patchwork quilt of music.

As I have been listening, I can hear the influence of classical music deeply steeped in the playing, and that is what makes it all so wonderful.

“Shipwrecked” takes you on a different journey and a step away from the themes you had heard previously. Although that is true, the piano remains as gorgeous as ever. The tempo moves carefully along as the synth provides a gentle backdrop. I found it surprising how calm this all sounded, given the title, which would suggest something tragic and a more robust approach. But after further contemplation, you could ponder on the ship run aground and its silence and solitude, no longer riding the ocean’s waves alive and free. This would bring a touch of sadness to any sailor (of which I am one from many years ago).

“Abandoned” is a logical progression from the previous track, inviting you to capture the essence of each track and the story it tells. The piano’s keys, regardless of the track’s title, are a testament to the artist’s ability to shape potentially tragic themes into emotional reactions. It’s a reminder that beauty can be found in the eyes and senses of those who choose to behold it.

“All of Us” closes out this piano solo instrumental recording. Looking at the title brings it all together as a cohesive whole and makes all the listeners one. Hearing all this music is for everyone. And this time, some vocals arrive in the form of a choir, giving it a spiritual, church-like feel.

Mark Barnes’ 25 brings light and joy to a dreary day. His talented fingers and compositions will engage a listener, allowing you to reflect on the past, the future, and the present, and offering hope for a new day that awaits just around the corner.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Review Founder

October 31, 2025

Tracks:

01. Believe

02. Mary Did You Know

03. O Come O Come Emmanuel

04. We 3 Kings

05. Snowbound

06. Slumber For The Sleepers

07. Innocence Lost

08. Shipwrecked

09. Abandoned

10. All of Us

Track Feature and Interview: Monster Taxi-Japanese Onsen - Chill-New Age-Ambient Instrumental

“Japanese Onsen” is a track by Monster Taxi, the innovative creativity of Miami composer, producer, and musician Jason Klein. It was inspired by a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan with his son.

The video presented here is a unique blend of music and visuals that recreates a special time together. It also reminded me of watching the animated series Samurai Jack as my son was growing up, which touched a special place in my heart.

First, gaze at the cover art. It begins to form that journey in your mind’s eye and flips that internal switch to enter a different, engaging reality.

The music is not just beautiful; it’s a personal journey. The strings induce a walk through a Japanese garden of tranquility and beauty. The underlying layer of synths, where the strings float, is like a vision of yourself walking across the clouds —a dreamlike experience. The melody traces each step forward, mirroring the journey of life.

Monster Taxi has created a visual and audio diary of his trip to the Far East, giving his son and listeners a treasure to hold for eternity.

Take a few moments to immerse yourself in this multimedia short story. Watch and listen as it transports you to where it all happened —the beauty of Japan.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Review Founder

October 21, 2025

https://www.monstertaxi.com/

In addition to electronic dance music, Jason (Monster Taxi) is heavily inspired by artists such as Vangelis, Air, Massive Attack, Khruangbin, Radiohead, and Lana Del Rey.  He is currently composing several Trip Hop, New Age, Downtempo, and Cinematic songs, of which two, Reflect and Field of Dreams, are in heavy rotation on Sirius XM’s SPA Channel and other radio and streaming programming.  He has over 1.8 million streams on Spotify and over 115 playlists in the chill, new age, trip hop, and deep house genres.

Contemporary New Age Instrumental (Classical) Review and Interview - Barry DeGroot - Unspoken Conversations

 

Release Date: October 10, 2025

Label: Independent

Website

After years of hearing this kind of music, my interpretation of it has changed into something I can express in words, but not to its fullest extent. You can only express so much with a word; however, feelings, emotions, or passing thoughts cannot always be put into proper context. I like to call it contemporary new age instrumental with a classic underpinning.

Barry DeGroot is one of those rare individuals who has captured everything I have expressed about instrumental piano music on his album Unspoken Conversations. The influence of classical music is more than apparent and a critical foundation from which every composition is born and reaches fruition.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of solo piano music, where each note conjures up a myriad of thoughts, images, colors, and memories. The piano’s notes are not just sounds; they are an entire orchestra within an orchestra, creating a rich listening experience.

 

“Serenity” is the perfect opening track as it moves along slowly, like a gentle stream of water bubbling up from a spring. Its notes float over your consciousness with seamless effort. It feels like the beginning of energy focused on total relaxation or a meditative state.

 

“Reminiscent” is such a prolific title. It holds a lifetime of memories. In one breath, you can say the word; however, there is an entire book to be written inside it. How can one instrument convey that kind of mindset or imagery? That is not an easy task, but Barry’s melody sufficiently captures the sentiment and the whole meaning.

 

“Clever Conversation” is a track that needs to be animated because of its implications. Conversing is what people do all over the world, and being clever is not something everyone can be. It is the longest track at 4:04 and rightly so. In the grand scheme of things, a conversation in under five minutes is short; however, in song, it goes into another category entirely. The piano’s melody and timing make it feel as if it’s speaking to you through the elegance of the musician and the sounds emanating from the keys. Hence, the meaning of the album itself!

 

“Somewhere” has a light-hearted, joyful feeling. You are neither here nor there; you are on your own somewhere where you exist in the moments of listening to this music. In between those places, it is tuneful and consistent, with abbreviated transitions alongside the main melody.

“While You’re Here,” listening to the Unspoken Conversations, there is a lot to be said via the piano’s keys. Thanks to Barry and his talented fingers, we can be reached this way. I heard a call to action in this piece even though its tempo was soft and slow, like a beautiful waltz of the fingers across the keyboard. The dance plays out in your mind’s eye.

 

“The Pendulum” swings back and forth, indicative of consistent change. That factor is present in this music. The shifting tempos add depth to the piano’s ambiance as the artist blends high and low notes, creating a sense of beauty like a ballerina dancing across the inside of your mind. She sways back and forth as the notes echo off each other.  

 

“All That Was” is now behind you in this listening experience. This will be musical expressions that you will not forget. This last track takes a slow walk and briefly picks up the pace to remind you of the power and movement of a single instrument. It is a fitting end to a marvelous exploration of the piano keys.

 

Barry DeGroot takes the singularity of the piano and broadens the scope of every note on Unspoken Conversations. This is a solo piano recording that you must hear to understand and appreciate what has been accomplished.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Review Founder

October 27, 2025

Tracks:

1. Serenity (3:38)

2. Reminiscent (3:38)

3. Clever Conversation (4:04)

4. Somewhere (3:02)

5. While You’re Here (2:05)

6. The Pendulum (3:24)

7. All That Was (3:24)

 

Contemporary Instrumental Review: John Otott - Invictus (Classical)

Release Date: July 10, 2025

Label: Independent

Website

It’s been eleven years since I explored John Otott’s Colors. I anticipated a distinct experience with Invictus, and I was not disappointed.

Before listening, keep in mind that Invictus is a short poem about overcoming adversity and self-mastery, written by the British poet William Ernest Henley in 1875.

“A Warrior’s Song” begins this new journey with orchestral arrangements and a cinematic soundscape, featuring rising tempos and wordless vocals. We are off to an exciting and colorful start!

“Giuseppi’s Dream” begins softly, then builds like the previous track, engaging your senses and creating an atmosphere that feels authentic and deeply emotional. The piano’s beauty is not overshadowed here; it is enhanced with uplifting orchestrations and powerful percussive elements.

“Invictus” maintains the continuity of emotion and music, shaping a soundtrack that becomes a picture in your mind. The piano takes the lead right from the start, with higher tones and textures, as the orchestrations are melodious and energetic. As the composition progresses, it becomes more layered and complex. For a title track, the expectations are high and easily met on this masterpiece.

“Into Dark Into Light” is a journey of transition, and it is indeed transitory. For music to capture the essence of that human condition, it must move constantly and change quickly, and it does. The piano takes center stage in leading the orchestral maneuvers. Wordless vocals are interjected once again for more emotion and substance. This is drama set to music, a captivating experience.

“Highlands Rhapsody” immediately sounds like classical-based piano interplay. Its beauty is perfection in notes that effortlessly float into your space and consciousness. The tempo is fast-paced and colorful, upholding the standard set in the previous tracks, with some excellent orchestrations that find a distinct place within the composition while enhancing the solo piano runs—a gorgeous soundtrack with melodicism and an enduring foundation in classical music.

“The Storyteller’s Journey” is the perfect title for music like this. The emotion and skillful musicianship administered in every track, and here, bring any story to life. Things start at a slower tempo and then gently move into a higher tempo, accompanied by a layer of synths that adds an orchestral, dramatic touch. The melody is distinct as the piano keys move with strength and presence, continuing to hold the foundation from which everything else is built.

“A Valentine Waltz” is the dance of the piano keys on your heart. It is the shortest track at 3:44. It captures the essence of the track’s meaning immediately, then builds upon that with short bursts of energy and varying tempos. Music that equals pure love through the keys.

“Call of the Canyons” recalls something organic or the vision of the wonders of nature’s work. The Grand Canyon, with its magnificence and mystery of layers and colors, is what came to me quickly. Being there is something surreal and quite memorable. The music’s sweeping orchestrations and melodies help evoke those memories.

“Remember When” pulls on your heartstrings within seconds. Every listener is different; however, music is universal, and its effects on your being are guaranteed if you look at the meaning of the track title. Reminiscing can vary depending on your age. In my opinion, it can hold happiness and sadness at the same time. That is what music like this does: it moves you emotionally and spiritually. When you hear someone say, “remember when?” that is what the piano and synths are saying loud and clear.

“Dare to Fly” straight away asks you that very question. John Otott is flying high in his music. His compositions ended here; however, what you are hearing—and have listened to—is life in motion, masterfully composed and performed by a talented composer and musician. This is drama and cinema, crafted to engage your mind, spark your imagination, and immerse you in the present.  What a grand finish—a treat for the ears and mind.

Invictus will hold different meanings for many listeners. If you focus on the meaning of the album title or immerse yourself in every track and let the music shape your thoughts and emotions, either way works.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Review Founder

October 22, 2025

Tracks:

01. A Warrior's Song 4:17

02. Giuseppi's Dream 4:24

03. Invictus 4:15

04. Into Dark Into Light 3:47

05. Highlands Rhapsody 5:43

06. The Storyteller's Journey 4:05

07. A Valentine Waltz 3:44

08. Call of the Canyons 3:53

09. Remember When 4:04

10. Dare to Fly 4:35

New Age Instrumental Review: Richard Theisen - Whispers of Selene

Release Date:  November 14, 2025

Label: Wayfarer Music

Website

I have heard three recordings from Richard Theisen over the years. All of them were extremely enjoyable. Whispers of Selene is his latest release. His previous release, Shambhala, was released in April of this year. The man is going through a notable creative renaissance.

 

One look at the cover art (by Dieter Spears) conjures the image of a goddess, a large moon behind her, illuminating her. In fact, “Selene” refers to the ancient Greek Titan goddess and personification of the Moon, who drove a moon chariot across the night sky. She was the sister of the sun god Helios and the dawn goddess Eos and the daughter of Titans Hyperion and Theia.

 

So, with all those thoughts, that movie will play out in your mind, setting the stage as the story unfolds.

 

“First Breath” is the definitive beginning of the story. The sounds are soft, and the invitation to enter another world is present. The plucking of strings, the orchestration layers, and synths all combine to create a portal to this magical world.

 

“Avalon” is a musical masterpiece, renowned for its beauty and desirability, much like the mythical island it is named after. The piano, orchestrations, synths, and violin sounds flow through your speakers gracefully as if you’re being transported to a place of pure enchantment. More than halfway through, wordless vocals are added, further enhancing the music’s beauty and depth. The music paints the picture so beautifully that you can’t help but be captivated by its elegance.

 

“Whispers of Selene” begins with strings evoking a banjo, as the piano responds with measured steps. Then, an orchestral element emerges, resembling violins. It has a mystical feel to it all. The synth layer is always so important in these tracks; it’s the foundation on which everything is built. Notably, Sean O’Bryan Smith is on bass for this track.

 

“Light of the Ancients” evokes images of the past and lore that will endure for eternity, pronouncing the antiquity of the moment. The synths merge to create a floating cloud of sound as the wordless vocals enter, adding a heavenly texture. There is a modality of spirituality as you absorb the tapestry of color and sound.

 

“Blood Moon remix” is a cinematic masterpiece that focuses on stringed instruments, giving the moon and its colorful transformation a strong presence and meaning. The dance of the music now belongs to the skies and the moon above. The orchestration behind the strings lends it a cinematic quality that immerses you in the grandeur of the moon’s transformation.

 

“Silver Tears” is piano-based, beginning before introducing the cello. The piano’s elegance is on display here, as the other elements serve as additions to its musical path. The keys suggest the tears are falling, and the orchestrations lend greater emphasis to the emotion.

 

“The Inner Flame” is a significant title that underscores the spark of life within us all. This is the magic in our lives that makes things happen. The strings and orchestration are upbeat, instilling a sense of positivity and optimism about life. The beauty of the sounds reflects that light inside us all, forming the soundtrack of our lives. It is very melodic and joyful.

 

“Eternal Dawn” is the magnum opus of this recording, a musical journey that feels eternal, just like the dawn it represents. The softness of the approach helps you envision the idea of an “Eternal Dawn.” Thanks to the picturesque soundtrack, the beauty is in the heart, mind, and soul of the creator and the listener of this tale. It’s a piece that invites introspection and a sense of connection to the eternal nature of life.

 

“Sangreal” is another name for the Holy Grail, a legendary sacred vessel associated with divine revelation and divine power, with origins tracing back to the Last Supper. With that thought in mind, you need the music to conjure those images in your mind’s eye. The piano and strings articulate that thought process as the synth orchestration is added.

 

Whispers of Selene is a gorgeous soundtrack designed for introspective listeners and those seeking a path to slow down their lives and pause to enjoy the gifts of life around them, rather than rushing past them without a second thought.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

OcTober 23, 2025

Tracks:

01.  First Breath

02.  Avalon

03.  Whispers of Selene

04.  Light of the Ancients

05.  Blood Moon remix

06.  Silver Tears

07.  The Inner Flame

08.  Eternal Dawn

09.  Sangreal

Contemporary Instrumental New Age (Classical) Review and Interview: Joshua Zimmerman-Light Beyond the Shadow

Release Date: October 17, 2025

Label: Independent

Website

In June, I heard Joshua Zimmerman’s "Finding Peace" and had the opportunity to interview him in July, as well as again this month. Now we have Light Beyond the Shadow.

Zimmerman, a classically trained pianist, draws inspiration from his spiritual journey and his love for nature to create his music. Already, another release is ready to go with Light Beyond the Shadow. He presents instrumental solo piano music for his current fanbase and potential listeners.

The elegant and eye-popping cover art of Light Beyond the Shadow surely grabs your attention right away!

As I recall, Joshua’s music his very relaxing, coming from a spiritual place of the artist, and knowing that I would anticipate another healing experience through the music. This is a contemporary new age instrumental with a strong influence from the realm of classical music.

“What’s Meant to Stay” begins your listening experience with lovely notes flowing out of the acoustic piano. The melody carries through splendidly, allowing the transitions to be smooth and natural as the tempo changes. It felt like a modern classical lullaby at times when he focused on the more simplistic strokes of the keys—a beautiful way to start.

“Beneath the Surface” has a soft touch and a sweet, yet sad, ballad atmosphere. When you look or reach beneath the surface of anything, it can come as a surprise what you discover, particularly in the context of the human condition. Because music is so directly connected to us in this way, this composition’s tempo and melody capture the essence of a reflective, introspective individual.

The title track, “Light Beyond the Shadow,” is a beacon of hope and positive energy. Just as the cover art would convey.  Here we find the artist delving into an area that can be real as we desire (even though you cannot “see” it), whether in the mind or the space you are in this moment, there is always light to be found. The piano’s keys evoke a sense of warmth and positivity we all need, lifting the spirits of the listener.

“Whispers of Hope” continues the path of positivity and light. The music is more than a whisper; it hints at all our personal journeys that we hold dear to our hearts. With that, though, comes optimism and clarity, and the keys of the piano pronounce those thoughts. The tones and colors are clear and concise as each note resonates within your consciousness.

“Unseen Path” would indicate that what we cannot see physically has no bearing on where we can go or not go—relating to the previous tracks, I see how they are all connected in the tapestry of sound and emotion. The piano’s rhythm and innate melodicism pull you into the “path,” making it real and your own to follow. So elegant and beautiful, creating a sense of continuity and unity in the album.

This music is meant to make you feel “Made New.”  As you intently listen to the oneness of the solo piano and how the sounds embrace you, the feeling, every time, feels new. It sounds like the piano is singing to you alone, without a human voice to accompany it; it demonstrates that it has its own unique voice, with its own distinct sounds. The person manipulating the keys has every intention of bringing you into the story. The consistent flow and melodies capture you.

“Everything in Time” would suggest that patience will bring us what we desire in life. However, you must seek it for it to know when to come. Time is irrelevant when it comes to music. To my ears, it’s immortal and ready for me at my fingertips with one push of a button or a click of a mouse. The absolute beauty of the piano’s keys shines once again as the artist takes his internal compass to guide him to the place where gentle raindrops of melody and rhythm intersect. It sounds like a love song being played to everyone who will take the time to listen.

“Breathing Still” can have a few meanings. Breathing in stillness or still breathing is what you could discern. Breathe in motion or stillness, and you will create two entirely different scenarios. Without complicating the meaning, I think this is meant to encourage you to be still and listen, watching your breathing as it relates to your level of stress or lack thereof. This gorgeous music not only suggests it, but it also creates that thought and concept through the keys of the piano.

The piano is “Grace Without Words” on this recording. The track emulates this in so many ways, as does the entire album. The music actualizes emotions, visions, thoughts, a sense of warmth and belonging, all of that and more. This is the shortest track, at three minutes and five seconds; however, it conveys a great deal—another stroke of beauty and relaxation found through the music.

“From Here” we go to the end of this musical presentation. The piano’s instinctive resonant tones permeate your being every time with Joshua Zimmerman at the helm. There is a bright and rhythmic sense to this composition. The overall feeling of this entire recording seems to be encapsulated in this one track. I felt a sense of joy and lightness all around me as I listened.

Joshua Zimmerman is here to remind us that there is Light Beyond the Shadow.

On Light Beyond the Shadow, Joshua Zimmerman achieves a seemingly effortless blend of time and space through his compositions, which are filled with melody and smooth transitions that consistently convey the meaning of each track. It’s time to stop, listen, and enjoy the music of this talented individual.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Review Founder

October 10, 2025

Tracks:

01. What’s Meant to Stay 3:38

02. Beneath the Surface 3:38

03. Light Beyond the Shadow 4:04

04. Whispers of Hope 3:51

05. Unseen Path 2:52

06. Made New 4:36

07. Everything in Time 4:11

08. Breathing Still 4:02

09. Grace Without Words 3:05

10. From Here 3:4

Contemporary New Age Instrumental Review and Interview: Robert Linton-Away into a Memory

Release Date:  October 17, 2025

Label: Independent

Website

Robert Linton plays finger-style nylon-string guitar on his latest album, Away into a Memory. The sound is a unique blend of ambient and instrumental music, with a focus on the delicate, intricate melodies of the guitar.

 

In addition, there are several other talents on the album, including Graham Cullen (cello), Premik Russell Tubbs (EWI- wind machine), Trevor Gordon Hall (guitar), Sara Milonovich (violin), Jennifer DeFrayne (clarinet), Jill Haley (English horn), and Jeff Haynes (percussion). 

 

The title track, “Away into a Memory,” marks the beginning of this musical journey. As the soft guitar lines (note the significance in sound with the nylon strings) open the track within a minute, other instruments are added to accompany and accentuate the beautiful notes coming off the guitar’s strings. The cello and EWI sing their own song to answer Robert’s notes, adding another layer of ambiance and texture. With 5:51 minutes, there is ample time to explore how each piece of the composition is built as the movements come together.

 

Based on this opening track, there is a lot to look forward to as you move through each composition. The additional instruments add significantly to the piece in terms of color and variety of instrumentation.

 

“Times of Gathering” continues the album’s theme of providing a calming and immersive experience. The track begins with a tempered approach and a leisurely tempo, like a gentle warm breeze flowing over you, creating a sense of comfort and relaxation. The guitars, with their soothing notes, take the lead on this track, further enhancing the calming and immersive experience.

 

“Reaching The Field’s Edge” creates a bit of anticipation to reflect the arrival at the place indicated. The guitar serves as a guiding post to the eventual destination, while the violin creates its own path and atmosphere, making the track complete. As they merge and accentuate each other’s playing, it becomes increasingly beautiful as it unfolds to a finality.

 

“Covering the Pathway” has a distinctive melodic sense, with the guitar as the primary instrument, and the cello is added almost immediately to create a drone-like sound. The clarinet is also introduced. As you think about the meaning of the track title, it feels like the cello is covering the path as the guitar glides over the top of it like it were a carpet, receiving the help it needs along the way. It is instrumental bliss as the story unfolds before you, igniting your senses and imagination. The guitar playing is very methodical, and it holds its place well within each composition.

 

“In the Quiet of the Trees” brings you closer to nature and our connection with it. The guitar leads the way in each track, and so it does once again here with purpose and a quietude to reflect the meaning of the song. This time, Jill Haley’s English Horn brings its elegance to the piece, evoking a sense of tranquility and beauty. It is the perfect instrument to accompany the acoustic guitar and make the song complete and gorgeous, like the trees that are in tribute here. As it ends, you feel you have just walked through a wooded area, feeling refreshed with a new meaning of nature to hold on to. It is the longest track at 7:31 and just enough time to allow each instrument its space to move and grow within the composition. This was my favorite track, as it took me on a journey of introspection and appreciation for the natural world.

 

“Aglow in the Windowpane” maintains the gentleness of strings that have been established in every track. The strength of that is shown in how there is nothing given up for fullness or melodicism. If anything, you discover that those factors are present and completed by the guitar and cello.

 

“Searching for Clovers” is the second-longest track at 7:03. As the plucking of the strings makes their entrance, the violin joins in. It brings a new flavor resonance to the overall sound. There is ample atmosphere here as it takes on more color and emotion with each additional layer. It has a definitive Celtic hue to it at times and, as such, brings your thoughts and feelings along with the soundscape to somewhere else besides the space you are currently in. You can now travel inside and with the music. That is powerful and impactful. The track follows the same path as “In the Quiet of the Trees” in terms of its length and constant shifting and building to maintain your interest until the final note.

 

“Shaping the Moment” is what good music can accomplish for an attentive listener. The guitar, cello, and violin begin this journey with drama and feeling. The cello instinctively possesses a timbre that creates a mood, with edges of sadness and deep thought. The guitar propels it along with all its grace and purpose, bringing it to a place of rest, just as it has in all the previous tracks. Just sit back, listen, and let it shape your moments for you.

 

“Flickering of Summer Light” completes the trilogy of more extended and more complex compositions, clocking in at 6:40. This appropriately concludes the journey of light, sound, auditory stimulation, color, and emotion. Every track title has a significant meaning, and the instruments do a phenomenal job in making each track come alive. The EWI and percussion add an ambiance and lightness to the guitar’s sound. As the guitar flickers, the other instruments are the light of summer, making for a perfect blend of sound.

 

This music will put everything Away into a Memory because of its impact and beauty. It is an easy path to walk through to the end.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

October 17, 2025

Tracks:

1. Away Into A Memory (5:51) 

2. Times of Gathering (3:55) 

3. Reaching The Field’s Edge (5:34) 

4. Covering the Pathway (5:42) 

5. In the Quiet of the Trees (7:31) 

6. Aglow in the Windowpane (4:06) 

7. Searching for Clovers (7:03) 

8. Shaping the Moment (5:08) 

9. Flickering of Summer Light (6:40)