Contemporary Instrumental Review and Interview: Wayne Bethanis-Sonic Bloom

Release Date:  May 30, 2025

Label: King Tut

Website

Wayne Bethanis, a prodigy who earned his PhD in Music in his 20s, is a celebrated new-age artist with awards for his music. His most recent release, Sonic Bloom, is a captivating journey through diverse musical themes, each offering a unique listening experience.

Of course, the first thing that caught my attention was the cover artwork. The artwork is both eye-catching and thought-provoking. The fact that it's in black and white makes it striking, and you can see what is coming out of his head. That is the first doorway a musician must decide upon for their creation. The key is getting the potential listener to walk through it, and here I go…

 

“We Will Rise Once More” begins the journey softly, then launches into a cinematic melding of sound and color. The changes happen quickly, with some singing from a choir and a nice guitar line as the piano rolls gracefully and elegantly. It reverts to the softness of the beginning, then the building of the sound and voices once again, finally, a beautiful outro before moving on to the next track.

 

“Don't Look Back (The World is Changing).” And is it ever? As our globe spins, change is continual and unrelenting. The piano speaks volumes with its notes impressing your consciousness as you ponder the prolific statement the track title makes. The music flows out and in, like the ocean's changing tides. The piano emulates that with the changing tempos.

 

“You Know I Will Remember You (Room 112)” has a bittersweet sadness in the keys, pulling you right in. The synth orchestration adds more emotion and reflection on a time that has passed and will never return. Its beauty and gentleness can bring a tear to your eye.

 

“There is a Place Beyond the Heart” continues with the melancholy mood of the last track. Less than a minute later, there is a definitive change in tempo and mood. There is a confidence in the tone, like you just climbed one of those mountains in life and reached the top, and now you are looking down above the clouds with elation and joy. Wordless vocals and orchestrations make it cinematic and triumphant, as the melancholy has melted away.

 

“These are More than Memories” infuses you with more energy and hope. The melody is joyful and full of rhythm. Your feelings are instantaneous, and your mood swings into another frame of reference. The ladies begin singing like a choir of angels, beckoning you to join. The piano is superbly placed with elegant notes.

 

“Dream of the Golden West” is the longest track at 6:57. It begins with coyotes, the wind blowing, and a horse trotting back to the stable. This all feels like pure cinema. The piano starts to play, telling its story. As the sound of the synths and orchestrations arrives, it changes again into something new and exciting. More changes develop as the layers combine, as Wayne lets his piano dance over the top of the sounds. His playing is fast and furiously beautiful, as your interest never has a chance to wane for one second. It's like watching a movie with a continual change of scenes. It winds down as it started, then finishes with one more quick burst of energy.

 

“My Father Never Saw Paris” is a title that makes you think this may have some sadness and regret. The music tells the story again with hints of the music you may hear from that legendary city. The piano has a look back with the optimism of a chance at another life and another time. Reflection of memories haunts the keys with exceptional imagery and beauty, hoping that maybe wherever father is now, he can see Paris through this composition—a lovely tribute.

 

“Waltz of the Sirens” is a title evoking a different age, centuries ago, when life was much simpler. Its classical undertones and foundation lead the fingers of this piano player into a musical time machine of regality and elegance that we will likely never witness again in this world. The orchestrations and synths again make their magic, creating a heavenly layer of exquisiteness for the piano keys to find a home.

 

“Ten of Hearts” takes on a different atmosphere and upbeat approach. The sounds are light and happy, as the piano sets the tempo with quick rolling bursts. The additional sounds make it all sound like a huge step away from everything you heard prior. It has a jazz pop feel with a saxophone, giving you a taste of eclecticism from the artist and an unexpected delight.

 

“New Age Music Box” winds up and then goes in an entirely different direction. The beauty of the music transcends time, and the inanimate object becomes alive once again after you wind it up and let it play. It is like a lullaby of love from the piano to you. The sweetness and innocence of youth are heard in the piano keys as it winds down and ends with a flair of joy.

 

“St. Declan's Dulcimer Candy Corp” is quite the title and surely holds some meaning for the artist. The sounds are rhythmic, and they have a strong melody. This is the briefest track at 2:54. Even so, the airy atmosphere and tinkling keys steal your heart away once more.

 

“That's How We Say Goodbye” is the perfect way to end the recording with the title and music. There is always a mixture of happiness and sadness in goodbyes. Wayne’s piano speaks to this in the simplest yet significant way. The subtle background orchestrations allow the piano keys to resonate in all their pride and beauty. After hearing all this music, you know that the piano is the one instrument that can tell a story better than any other.

 

Wayne Bethanis' meticulous artistry and storytelling create a compelling listen on the appropriately titled Sonic Bloom. Like blooming flowers, the music resonates with deep emotions and fantastic beauty, inviting you to press play and embark on an emotional journey.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

June 6, 2025

Tracks:

01. We Will Rise Once More 03:49

02. Don't Look Back (The World is Changing) 03:12

03. You Know I Will Remember You (Room 112) 04:21

04. There is a Place Beyond the Heart 03:45

05. These are More than Memories 04:13

06. Dream of the Golden West 06:57

07. My Father Never Saw Paris 03:51

08. Waltz of the Sirens 03:21

09. Ten of Hearts 03:55

10. New Age Music Box 03:31

11. St. Declan's Dulcimer Candy Corp 02:54

12. That's How We Say Goodbye 03:51

Instrumental New Age Review: Peter Sterling-Heaven Sent

Release Date: November 29, 2024

Label: Harp Magic

Website

Peter Sterling has consistently released music for years, and I have been the fortunate recipient of many of his works. I have enjoyed his heavenly sounds five times over the years, and Heaven Sent will be his 17th proper studio release.

 

The message of this recording is evident from the first look at the cover art. This music is spiritual, healing, and filled with positive energy and light. As I have often said, the harp is the perfect instrument for this message if you seek something to fill your spirit and soul with healing tones, sounds, colors, and frequencies.

 

"Golden Leaves of Fall" begins the journey with Peter's harp and soft, wordless vocal in the background that beckons to you. Remember, there are various violin variations, Tibetan bowls, Cello, piano, Irish Flute, Ocarina, Irish Penny Whistle, Ilium pipes, Native Flute, keyboards, percussion, and Free Note Chimes.  You won't hear all of that in the first track; however, it is a beautiful start, and you get the feeling looking at all the credits and instrumentation that this is new-age world music. It's so intricate that you must listen closely to pick out all the tools to create each track. That is a good thing and something I look forward to.

 

"The River Runs Deep" is the longest stretch of instrumentation at 7:31. As with all the tracks Peter records, they start beautifully with that fantastic harp. The addition of other instruments is always a bonus. This track is exceptional with the way it comes together piece by piece and fits so perfectly as it belongs as part of this transitional composition. All music is transitory somehow; however, in this instance, it is prolific and absolute with pureness and beauty. An acoustic guitar adds to the mix and is played delicately to fit nicely with the ambiance of the harp. The river of music runs deep indeed, and it will enlighten your spirit.

 

"Timeless Heart "is a great title. The meaning is accurate. A pure and faithful heart stays that way. There is no change of timeframe involved. Like this music attached to the track title, the sounds are perfected to hold time in a place; it neither goes backward nor forward and keeps your attention in the moment. Adding the pennywhistle gives it that "off in the distance" feeling, like something that is happening either just changed or going through a change, like the music you hear. It makes you think or become more reflective and aware of the place you are in; you are now mindful.

 

"Silver Lining" can mean many things in one's life or situation. The old saying that every cloud has a silver lining has a positive connotation that can be very helpful in assessing the whole picture of what is going on at the time. The music immediately brings you to that string of thoughts; it guides you there as you listen and focuses on its beauty and what it can be. Like a flower opening in the morning responding to the first warm rays of the sun, its attraction is the delicate petals and a miracle of nature. It is very much like the incredible music you are hearing right now.

 

"Forever My Love" is a tune that resonates with familiarity. It intertwines romanticism with spirituality, for true love is a spiritual bond. With the harp and violin merging to convey sincerity and hints of sadness weaving in, the music evokes a profound sense of eternity. It's a poignant reminder of the seemingly unattainable nature of forever, yet it also kindles a deep connection with the listener, stirring up thoughts and questions.

 

"The Rain Will Fall" is inevitable in the world of plants and Mother Earth and, in a literal sense, our lives. It is time for relaxation and thought. The music's gentle touch pulls you in, suggesting this, giving you the reality and the miracle of nature at work by providing life from rainfall. The essence of all life is water, and to accept that is to become one with the earth that gives us so much life. And in human life and what can happen, a little rain must fall before the sun shines again—an interchange of times encouraged by the title and the music.

 

"Together Forever" returns you to that theme of eternity and how real it can or cannot be. If you believe, it is your truth, and forever is precisely that, whether in the physical or spiritual worlds of existence. The music continues to enchant and give you the reason for hope and belief that forever can exist, and the harp is a tool used to convince you it is possible. Keep playing, Peter; I am starting to believe.

 

"After Glow" happens when a particular person touches your heart and soul, or you are in a surreal and unbelievable experience. After all the previous tracks and titles, much thought and meditation has been given to the word's meanings. The harp can create a certain glow and vibrance yet delicate beauty to bring a picture into your mind's eye, the lens to the soul. The track is very deliberate in its delivery of this message. The wordless vocals give it a heavenly, angelic touch.

 

"Days Of Old" is the second most extended piece at 6:44. The harp begins and sounds like the opening of a large satin curtain as you hear the harmonica make its presence known. You immediately realize that this track will be entirely different than all the others. The track title is indicative of the setting when one reaches back into another place in time in their lives that is held close and dear to their heart. The laughter of children and birds singing is like heaven to parents. It makes life complete. The circle of life is the music by design, and it feels honest and sad simultaneously. Yes, it worked for me.

 

"The Sun Always Shines" on TV—oh wait, another band and another song! I could not help it; it was the first thing that came to mind! As Peter winds things down to bring you back to earth, the flute is as superb as the harp. The music continues and ends where it all started. It is all so exquisitely arranged and played, and this last track confirms the consistency you have witnessed in all the prior tracks. It was a perfect end to a perfect performance by everyone who contributed.

 

Heaven Sent was created for those who need its grace and gentle approach to enrich our lives by listening. And it does.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

November 21, 2024

Tracks:

01. Golden Leaves of Fall 5:14

02. The River Runs Deep 7:31

03. Timeless Heart 4:47

04. Silver Lining 4:01

05. Forever My Love 5:10

06. The Rain Will Fall 5:04

07. Together Forever 4:48

08. After Glow 5:17

09. Days Of Old 6:44

10. The Sun Always Shines 5:30

Contemporary Instrumental Review & Interview: David Franklin-One Day in Spring

Release Date: June 7, 2024

Label: Independent

Website

When one thinks of spontaneity, several things may come to mind. I start by saying this because David Franklin recorded this album spontaneously in one sitting. That is an incredible achievement. So, One Day in Spring, David sat at his piano and created ten tracks related to one season of nature that gives life back after a cold winter.

 

"Just Before Dawn" starts softly, as one would expect in the quiet of the morning when the first rays of the sun start shining through. It's a serene and peaceful moment, beautifully captured in this track. The notes fall off the keys like morning dew, creating a sense of tranquility and peace.

 

"The Gloaming" takes you to the twilight or dusk of the day. We fast-forward in time, opposite the previous track but just as picturesque and meaningful. The softness of the keys gives you comfort as another day ends and you look forward to a new day, instilling a sense of reassurance and hope that is both comforting and optimistic.

 

"Birds Start Their Songs" takes you back to another day filled with the joyous sounds of our feathered friends. I love birds and their different songs. The keys take you on an intimate exploration of their sounds during the early morning hours and throughout the day. Birds are one of God's miracles, and I appreciate them. David continues the flow of musical expressionism with his delicate touch.

 

"Another Bird in the Garden" continues the story of birds in a different light. The piano remains relaxing and inviting; however, some changes bring a different color and energy this time. If you are a gardener, you hope the birds are eating those pesky insects invading your food as you picture that scene. It is an exquisite tune with an untypical rhythm of the previous tracks.

 

Initially, I thought that "Grieving the Dreamscape" as a track title was a step away from the concept of this album. That thought was put to rest rather quickly as David played the tune as beautifully as all the others. It is slower and, thus, very purposeful to reflect upon the meaning. I am unsure of the meaning, but it means something to the artist, and you will find meaning in it just as you did all the others.

 

"As Light of Mourning Finally Flows" is a play on words. Previously, you were grieving, and now you are mourning. Is this the stage you must go through emotionally to get to the other side? Whatever that may be, there is light, providing a positive direction for one to go. The piano serenades your thoughts, feelings, and emotions as they merge. You listen to those beautiful keys, which take you to the next stage. It's time to leave, and so…

 

"Night Has Left Us All" is the logical next step in the composition process. These compositions follow a thought pattern and a particular flow as the artist moves his fingers to express what is in his soul. There is a sadness overshadowing the night as it departs.

 

"Remembering George Winston" takes a few minutes to pay tribute to one of the greats on the piano. David's appreciation for George Winston's albums, particularly those named after the seasons on Windham Hill, was a significant inspiration for this album. His work was instrumental in shaping David's musical journey, and this track is a short and sweet remembrance of that influence.

 

"Caffeinated and Reconsidering Slime Molds" is quite the title, and it did lose me for meaning. That was unimportant once I started listening, even though he helped me with the rest of the tracks. This is music for those who truly can appreciate the piano as an orchestra in and of itself. David "gets caffeinated" with the music towards the song's end as it picks up considerably. It is a lovely piece and very rhythmic.

 

"Trees and Silence are Living Beings" is a great title and is so true. They are living beings with a vast underground network where they create habits for insects and other creatures and communicate with each other. So, as they may stand there silently, they are busy beneath the earth. This is the curtain closer to the recording and very appropriate. It has color, liveliness, purpose, and meaning as David takes the instrument through the paces to end this musical journey with elegance.

 

David Franklin's One Day in Spring is a beautiful group of compositions that is relaxing, meditative, and often energetic with the waves of chord changes and tones. Like the season it represents, it brings warmth and life to the piano's keys, and new thoughts and hopes to emerge from your consciousness; like the flowers and other plant life sprouting their leaves from the trees and ground, a new season begins. The music will touch you and leave an impression.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

July 23, 2024

Tracks:

01. Just Before Dawn (3:23)

02. The Gloaming (3:24)

03. Birds Start Their Songs (3:20)

04. Another Bird in the Garden (4:30)

05. Grieving The Dreamscape (4:23)

06. As Light of Mourning Finally Flows (4:34)

07. Night Has Left Us All (2:32)

08. Remembering George Winston (2:51)

09. Caffeinated and Reconsidering Slime Molds (3:30)

10. Trees and Silence are Living Beings (2:34)

Instrumental Ambient Electronic Review and Interview: Hollan Holmes-Sacred Places

Release Date: January 12, 2023

Label: ‎ Spotted Peccary Music

Website

Sacred Places, the third release by Hollan Holmes on Spotted Peccary Music, encompasses eleven geographic

illustrations, each inspired by Holmes's travels to different locales of deep personal significance. It should be an exciting journey with that kind of inspiration behind the music.

 

Using variable hardware and software, Hollan creates the soundscapes in his mind and then moves them to music.

 

"Order Out Of Chaos" starts this incredible journey of sound. Right from the start, the track builds into crescendos of electronic grace and power. I found that combination colorful and refreshing. Its pure energy, set to musical emotion and movements, engaged me from start to finish.

 

"Temples Of Stone" conjures many images before the music starts: the pyramids, Stonehenge, Machu Pichu, all of that comes to mind, and the absolute wonder and possibilities of it so many thousands of years ago. The music starts, and those images become more apparent as the music enhances your sensory perception. The music is anticipatory, imaginative, and filled with the power of the past. The layers of sound merge to transport you, and as you near the end, the sounds mellow and start to fade away like you are in a dream state.

 

"Bristlecone" is ambient and delightfully airy and light. Picture a perfect white cloud moving slowly across the sky, and you are lying on it along for the ride. As the sounds increase in intensity, so does your ride as you pass over mountain ranges, bodies of water, and lush fields of grass and vegetation. It is music to create your own story with, and you go with whatever comes to mind first and get lost in the music. Beauty and elegance are all wrapped up nicely in one track.

 

"Drawn To An Intangible Energy" is thought-provoking as you listen. Are you drawn to what the music and energy of the sounds created? Is it intangible, as the title suggests? Only you, the listener, can decide what is doing for you or where it just took you. The energy that is intangible to me is something esoteric or spiritual; you hear it, recognize it, acknowledge it, yet where does it come from? The music is so engaging that you cannot help but think about being prompted by the track's title and exploring your thoughts. Music with so many layers and colors splattered on the canvas of your mind serves a purpose.

 

All of those tracks are examples of the imagery and consciousness music can create for a listener willing to hear everything happening in the music. When you are on the fifth track, you wonder what will be different; you will find it is quite a change from the previous track. And this happens consistently throughout. Those first four tracks hit home for me and implanted me into the experience so that I could enjoy the following tracks. The initial impact is significant when listening to a recording, and to have to continue in such a profound way with four consecutive tracks is impressive.

 

Some folks find instrumental music for use with the background or just daydreaming. The opposite is true for recordings like this; they engage my brain and thought process. For my listening pleasure, this is prolific and meaningful. It excites and ignites my senses and has me thinking of what the track titles mean and what the artist is trying to project to me. In a sense, the artist's story becomes my own, which is an attractive transformation as far as I am concerned.

 

It would be easy to make an album with very similar formats and sounds with this genre of electronic and ambient styles and lose a listener rather quickly. That never happened on the eleven tracks offered on Sacred Places. As it turns out, they are as varied as all the places the artist visited, which was the stimulus for this recording.

 

Fans of Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream, etc.- yes, that is me- will love this recording. It is intimate, beautiful, diverse, and, most of all, so creative and ambitious. Sacred Places will be a regular listening experience for people who appreciate this music. On the other hand, for those who love it, you will be very pleased.

 

Hollan Holmes has created an electronic ambient classic with Sacred Places.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

January 25, 2024

Tracks:

01. Order Out Of Chaos 6:06

02. Temples Of Stone 7:20

03. Bristlecone 5:19

04. Drawn To An Intangible Energy 6:37

05. An Elevated Life 5:53

06. Hallowed Ground 5:02

07. Walking Among Kings 7:11

08. The Divine Connection 6:39

09. Primal Instinct 7:56

10. A Light Unto The World 7:10

11. Sacred Places 6:06

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