Contemporary New Age Instrumental Review and Interview (Theresa Bentley): The Bentley Project - Blossoming of Ancient Beauty

Release Date: January 16, 2026

Label: Wayfarer Music Group

Website

The Bentley Project is a talented ensemble of musicians led by the husband-and-wife duo Theresa and Mark Bentley. Their latest release, Blossoming of Ancient Beauty, offers light in the darkness, delivering hope and transformation through their music.

Beyond the captivating vocals, the instrumentation is truly impressive. Harp, piano, synth, French horn, classical guitar, acoustic guitar, fretless bass, cello, crystal sound bowls, and flute are masterfully woven into the tracks. Also notable are the guest appearances of Sean O'Bryan Smith (fretless bass) and Dino Pacifici (Composer, Guitar, Synth).

“Realm of the Crystal Room, Featuring Sean O’Bryan Smith” takes listeners on a musical journey into another realm of existence. The harp and ethereal, wordless vocals gently guide and soothe you, allowing your consciousness to shift into deep relaxation or meditation. Nearly five minutes is the ideal duration to reach this state.

“Breathe” is a powerful word—one we should all remember when stress threatens to overwhelm us. This track continues the journey begun by the opener, offering a sanctuary for release and renewal. The harp is exquisitely inviting, its ethereal quality conjuring a sense of magic and serving as a doorway to bliss.

“Labyrinth of Love” is the shortest track at 2:55, yet it accomplishes so much in that brief span. Its melody, tinged with Celtic flavor, gently carries you along, as if fairies in the forest await your arrival. Sweet and full of wonder, this piece offers a delightful change of direction.

“Sun on My Face, Featuring Dino Pacifici” opens with a flowing acoustic guitar, soon joined by other rich elements. A distinct jazz tone weaves through the track’s new-age foundation, inducing the “quiet storm” aesthetic often found in smooth jazz. Subtle Latin flavors blend seamlessly with delicate guitar picking, creating a captivating listening experience.

The title track, “Blossoming of Ancient Beauty,” takes center stage. The cover art brings its name to life, depicting a face reminiscent of ancient Greek sculpture, with orange hues that suggest the patina of time while preserving its beauty. Jazz inflections intertwine with contemporary new-age sounds, creating a sublime piece that leaves a lasting impression.

“End at the Beginning” is a thought-provoking phrase—one that resonates personally for each listener. The music gently encourages introspection, with soft guitar lines and a mesmerizing harp-like sound that lull’s you into a dreamlike state.

“Give Me Life, Featuring Sean O'Bryan Smith” brings the fretless bass to the forefront, its resonant tone serving as a pillar of strength. At the same time, the gorgeous vocals serenade the supporting instruments. Here, the French horn makes its debut, adding a distinct texture and essence to the piece.

“Lost in the Water Garden” offers a measured tempo, radiating warmth and softness consistent throughout the album. The simplicity of the harp’s strings creates an enchanting soundscape that draws you in. This track is ideal for relaxation or meditation, both in its music and duration.

“Sanctuary of Dreams” concludes the album as its longest track, spanning 6:08. The music envelops you, giving ample time to settle into deep relaxation or meditation. Lush synths create a floating layer of ambient texture and color, opening a window in time for your consciousness to rejuvenate. Influences of legends such as Vangelis and Tangerine Dream are evident, whether intentional or simply resonant with the band’s own style.

Blossoming of Ancient Beauty reaches back across millennia. The combination of evocative cover art, intriguing track titles, and the seamless merging of instruments and voice creates a contemporary new age instrumental journey that invites repeated exploration.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Review Founder

January 16, 2025

Tracks:

1. Realm of the Crystal Room, Featuring Sean O’Bryan Smith 4:48

2. Breathe 4:24

3. Labyrinth of Love 2:55

4. Sun on My Face, Featuring Dino Pacifici 4:01

5. Blossoming of Ancient Beauty 3:29

6. End at the Beginning 2:46:

7. Give Me Life, Featuring Sean O'Bryan Smith 3:18

8. Lost in the Water Garden 4:15

9. Sanctuary of Dreams 6:08

Contemporary New Age Instrumental Review & Interview - Wayo Hogan and Aritra C- Flathead Lake: A Montana Album (Interview with Scott Hansen - Producer & Jennifer Ortiz-Immersive Engineer)

Note: Included with this review is a fascinating interview with Producer Scott Hansen and Jennifer Ortiz, the immersive engineer for Dolby Atmos.

Release Date:  August 5, 2025

Label: Bigfork Bay

Website

I had the pleasure of hearing Wayo Hogan’s Montana Stillwater last October.  Almost a year has passed, and Flathead Lake: A Montana Album has been released; this time, Wayo has Aritra C joining him.

Immersing myself in the entire album in Dolby Atmos with the special headphones the producer generously sent me was a unique and thrilling experience. As a first timer, I was eagerly anticipating the depth and richness of the sounds that this format would bring.

 

The engineering and production values must be top-notch to make this format work, and based on what I’ve heard, they’ve done just that.

 

“Whitefish” opened the recording. The sound was clear and crisp. There is a lot of melodicism in this song, particularly with the piano. There is also a synth layer that drives the track along with a strong rhythm section. I felt this was a very colorful and energetic way to kick off this listening experience.

 

“Going-to-the-Sun” begins with a lovely piano introduction, followed by a steady rhythm that features keyboard, drums, and bass. An acoustic guitar lends its ambiance to the mix. An electric guitar arrives to give a new rock edge, sounding very progressive once it’s in place. That segment ends, and there is the quiet of the just the keys doing their work, then it circles back to the original driving rhythms and melody. The composition is excellent, with smooth transitions from soft to more energetic and rocking sections. Once the electric guitar kicked in at various junctures, I thought of Mike Oldfield. Those familiar with his work may recognize it in this track.

 

“Glacier” begins with a rolling piano accompanied by an acoustic guitar, then quickly transitions to a more orchestral sound as layers are formed, and the electric guitar reenters, lending another element of excitement and anticipation for what may come next. Then, the bells chime for a bit, and another transition occurs, with all the sounds merging into a complete composition. I enjoyed how it all came together in the end.

 

“Stillwater” opens with a nice acoustic guitar, setting the stage for another musical journey. And that is precisely what each track is: a dissimilar journey of audio excellence. I really appreciated the different layers of music at work and the insertion of the electric guitar; however, this time, it was accompanied by fuzztone, which was a distinct difference. One moment you are immersed in the magic of the music with a softness, then another elemental force comes in. I heard the influence of Celtic music in this. The music’s keyboards are the foundation upon which they build their sound. Lush layers of ambient atmospheres populate this track.

 

“Bigfork Bay” begins with an acoustic piano, and immediately, a synth is added to provide an additional layer, allowing the keys to float over. The acoustic guitar returns once again, providing a solid backing for each part to take off and grow within the song. If you listen via Spotify, the images in the videos enhance the experience, highlighting the theme of Mother Nature. It is so relaxing and interactive at the same time.

 

“Flathead Lake” is the closer, and it begins with a much different approach and sound. The influence of legends such as Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk, Vangelis, and others is unmistakable, adding a layer of intrigue to the listening experience. This track is a testament to the album’s eclectic nature, characterized by its well-defined rhythm and predominant keys. Yet, all the layers are distinctly heard, making the separation of the instruments in this format quite extraordinary.

 

Flathead Lake: A Montana Album is a superb follow-up to their previous album, showcasing the artist’s growth and evolution. Listening to it with headphones in Dolby Atmos was a fantastic experience, and it’s clear why this format has gained such popularity.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

August 30, 2025

Tracks:

1. Whitefish

2. Going-to-the-Sun

3. Glacier

4. Stillwater

5. Bigfork Bay

6. Flathead Lake