Showing posts with label Indie Music Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indie Music Reviews. Show all posts

Instrumental Ambient-Electronic Review: Carlos Dengler-The After

Release Date: December 8, 2023

Label: ‎Independent

Website

According to Carlos Dengler's website, The After is a meditation on timelessness, ethereality, and their relation to the vanishing moment we call life. Looking back on one's life can sometimes seem like a flash. Your perspective will evolve as you get older, and I promise you that.

 

Music can put you into another realm, plane, or mindset. I always felt this way, and that was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with sounds. Indeed, artists who create that music sound like they are also reaching for something. It is the same goal, to get somewhere with the music. If they can accomplish that, they can do the same for a potential listener.

 

In most cases, it works for me. With instrumental music, it is more than tracks with vocals included. Ambient electronic music is moldable, stretching into diverse sounds and frequencies. Carlos manipulates all of his tools for the listener who enjoys instrumental music that allows the mind, body, and spirit to stretch out without the clutter of lyrics pulling you away into another frame of reference. It is all about focus, relaxation, and what may lie ahead for us in the ether or The After. If you look at the cover art, light, and many colors blend in, suggesting a multiverse ahead if our surviving souls want to find it. Or many planes exist right beside us that we are unaware of. It is possible.

 

There is not one track below six minutes in the eight tracks offered on this recording. Each one stands on its own, separate from the previous. Looking at the track titles and stopping momentarily to absorb the meaning will allow a clearer picture of what the artist is trying to convey. "Silent Veil," for instance, has spiritual connotations. It provides over seven minutes of electronic ambiance and mystery. What you cannot hear in silence, you can envision it within your mind's eye. Tracks like that prompt a listener in the right direction. There are the wordless vocals that call to you and ask you to find the answers that this veil has behind it.

 

The After holds the beauty of life within and keeps the reality of it and the afterlife real. As you listen to the light as a feather traces, the layers of colors and sound beckon you into the artist's world. Listen, feel, and look. You won't be disappointed. It may put another spin on your thoughts about what happens when we leave our physical bodies and enter another eternal existence without the limitations of a physical body to hold us. At that point, it is no longer the before, the present, or the after; it is a perpetual state of consciousness with no reference to time segments. That, in essence, is complete freedom. The music frees us to think along this path and opens us to the many possibilities.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

January 31, 2024

Tracks:

1. Extremophile

2. Mirrored Moss

3. Silent Veil

4. The Harvest

5. Preparation

6. Gift to the Fire

7. Tomorrow's Halls

8. The After


New Age Instrumental Review: David Wahler-Blue Rose

Release Date: December 1, 2023

Label: ‎Independent

Website 

David Wahler's story of recovery from near-death cancer of the lungs is a miracle. I experienced the same last year at this time when I got sepsis and recovered in time to be home on Christmas with my family. David and I could have died, and many do. Yet here we are celebrating the man's music on Blue Rose

 

What I found different and interesting was how each track had its cover art, and it broke down one by one on iTunes. So, in addition to the thought of what you were hearing, you could look at the message of each cover.

 

The significance of blue roses holds many meanings; however, in the Japanese language of flowers, blue roses mean "a dream come true," which is appropriate for David.

 

"Once Upon Another Time" starts the recording with a delicate dream-like atmosphere. Its soft, entrancing entrance into your consciousness is a welcome 4:33 minutes. The artwork is a person walking on a barren landscape with the time to tell the story or create one in the loneliness or serenity of the moment, whichever may apply.

 

"Bernadette's Dream" continues the lovely patterns of unearthly flow; it is a touch of grace knocking at heaven's door, so beautiful. The artwork is mystical and universal in a thought process.

 

"II Addio (The Farewell)" shows a heart-shaped sunset with several birds flying over the water towards the light. In this track, after fighting for four years for his life, the artist was getting ready to accept his flight to a new life, and then he received his once-in-a-lifetime miracle that changed everything. The sadness of the music draws you in and makes you reflective and thoughtful.

 

"Just A Thought" is soft and warm, gently inviting you into the space and time of an artist expressing his emotions through his talented fingers on the keyboard and following his muse. Will you follow, too?

 

"Blue Rose," the title track, is the most significant. A steady back rhythm has the keys floating over the top like a cloud floats by on a beautiful bright day in the summer. Wordless vocals accompany the notes, giving it all a nice touch.

" Red," with its simplistic yet striking artwork for the track, shows a lighter image behind the text, the heart. The heart is a magnificent organ in the body that interconnects everything we are inside and out. The pace of the music is like a heartbeat going slowly, then faster, then smoothing out for a more regular flow. The music emulates the most critical organ in the body and paints the necessary picture.

 

"Dark Eyes" is a stark black-and-white photo of a person from India. The eyes are black and deep as the music digs down into your soul with the tinkling of a bell, the harp sounds, and echoing synths to capture the importance and feeling of the image and a track title. Will the darkness of the eyes find the light it seeks?

 

"Come" shows a vast cement wall with an extensive yet thin opening in the middle of the structure with intense light in the door. The light beckons you, and the walls will disappear as you walk through the space. The artist may have acknowledged it was okay to reach for the light. A woman's voice says, "Don't be scared." The music is very deliberate, with the sound of a violin and the lovely keys with different textures, and towards the end, the voice enters again and says, "Come." 

 

"Soliloquy" is a picture of a person on cracked and weathered marble, as seen in an ancient Roman temple. The music holds sadness and unmatched beauty, like that temple still standing after thousands of years. The meaning of the word is an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers, especially by a character in a play. Is life a play, and we are the actors? In this case, it's the reality of life spoken through gorgeous music. Is the music speaking to you?

 

"Little Sparrow" finalizes this incredible journey of a man facing death and finding a way to deal with it day and year by year and finally getting his wings to fly again to continue life. What a blessing and the lessons that he learned on his travels. The piano sounds like it's calling to you and letting you know it's time to move on. The synths enhance the layers of color and energy as you joyously fly away with the music.

 

Blue Rose was unexpectedly presented to me differently than usual and was a pleasant surprise. The invitation to look at each track as a separate entity and the corresponding artwork flowed like a storybook, creating a complete experience.

 

If you enjoy keyboards with various other instruments intermingled amongst the keys, this will be one you will want to take advantage of.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

December 22, 2023

 Tracks:

01. Once Upon Another Time (4:33)

02. Bernadette’s Dream (3:04)

03. II Addio (The Farewell) (4:52)

04. Just A Thought (3:16)

05. Blue Rose (3:53)

06. Red (3:18)

07. Dark Eyes (3:26)

08. Come (3:46)

09. Soliloquy (5:44)

10. Little Sparrow (4:07)


Contemporary Instrumental - Classical: Paul Barton-Mayumi Kato Piano Works, Volume 1

Release Date: December 16, 2023

Label: ‎Independent

Website

Paul Barton's Mayumi Kato Piano Works, Volume 1, was released in 2016; however, it was released for streaming on December 16, 2023. The music was brought to my attention because of the quality and importance of the works. Paul is a multi-talented artist who plays the piano as a concert pianist, is classically trained, and is a prolific painter. Those two elemental artistic expressions go hand in hand. Mayumi Kato is a superb composer who deserved to have her compositions translated and performed by such an eloquent and precise instrument as the piano and played by Paul Barton.

 

"Butterfly" is the first track. It is just under two minutes; however, its gracefulness and beauty epitomize the flight of that gentle and colorful insect. The length of the track is inconsequential as its beauty is stunning and goes straight to your heart.

 

"Summer Breeze," like the previous track, symbolizes its title. The warmth and rhythm of the music sweep you away in the 2:26 time frame. It proves that the artist expertly utilizes time and space to leave a lasting impression on the listener.

 

"Alone" is complex and rhythmic and gives you the impression of loneliness happening rapidly; as the track is played while thinking of that state of mind, it comes across with emphasis and power, although beautifully played on the piano. Is there beauty and complexity in loneliness? It depends on who you are, how you interpret it, and what it means.

 

Living in the U.S. Northeast, you find "Snow" to be a very relatable topic. Although December is almost over, and the temperature is hovering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, we all know it's coming. The keys on the piano are the snowflakes falling in your mind's eye.

 

"Kyoto" sounds like a person stepping gently along a pathway to their destination. It is very gentle and inviting.

 

"Three Etudes" starts with a dark chord and then launches into a rolling piano verse. The pace changes quickly, becoming more emotional and purposeful to depict the storyline. Each very brief break offers a different section of the composition, showing the versatility and incredible talent of the artist.

 

"Heaven" is whatever you see it as. Individually, we all have our vision and process. Unfortunately, we must wait to see and experience it, or can we create it here on Earth? It's a choice. Paul expresses his version of the composition through his nimble fingers. A touch of heaven indeed.

 

"Lovely Snow" brings us back to the weather but in a different context. It can be viewed as a nuisance and dangerous; however, anyone can see it as one of nature's gifts. The track expresses that natural exquisiteness that falls upon the evergreens to form a painting of quiet beauty and loveliness.

 

"Destiny" is a powerful word that implies the meaning and path of one's life on this planet. Paul's playing is enduring and expressive, immersing you in the word's meaning and implications. The sound is majestic.

 

"Kite in the Wind" (Mayumi's maiden work) is about freedom. The different shapes, sizes, and colors decorate the blue sky like a portrait of life. In just under two minutes, the artist puts the vision of a kite into your mind and relaxes you, allowing you to let go of stress and tension through the music.

 

"Cherry Blossom in Spring Wind" is another track relating to nature and all its wonders, beauty, and odors that capture your attention, and you find appreciation for all of it. The track is another outstanding rhythmic journey that paints that picture so wonderfully. Paul's rapid playing is precise and thoughtful.

 

"Little Princess" is as gentle and perfect as a child princess can be in real life, as in royalty or memories of one's daughter dressing up like a princess and living the part in their imagination. I hold those memories, and my daughter will always be my little princess regardless of age—such a warm and tender composition. It is one of the longer tracks, clocking in at 5:24 minutes, allowing many thoughts and images to cross your mind. I particularly enjoyed some of the changes within that timeframe. It goes from slow and meaningful to quicker pacing to inject excitement into the story. It touched my soul.

 

"Life - That's Not True" is upbeat, colorful, and full of life. It is trying to get your attention to listen to the music and look at the meaning of the words. Mission accomplished, and the music got the point across.

 

"Geisha - My Story" is 6:06 minutes of the purest form of piano to tell this important story. 

 

(Geisha (芸者) ( / ˈɡeɪʃə /; Japanese: [ɡeːɕa] ), [1] [2] also known as geiko (芸子) (in Kyoto and Kanazawa) or geigi (芸妓), are a class of female Japanese performing artists and entertainers)

 

I appreciated the complexities of the composition and how it sounded like more than one person playing the piano. It is a masterwork of contemporary and classical music that the composer and musician should take great pride in presenting. The piano playing is extraordinary, and you will love it if you enjoy instrumentals of this kind. The changes are dramatic and compelling.

 

"Winter Waltz" brings that magnificent season back to close out this fifteen-track instrumental recording. I could picture a ballerina gliding across the stage gracefully, this music playing in the background, choreographing every step and movement. This track and the entire recording are about sound, color, and movement, just like Mother Nature.

 

Mayumi Kato Piano Works, Volume 1, was a joy to listen to. Every recording element was on point from beginning to end, including composition, substance, meaning, engineering, clarity of sound, and, most importantly, musicianship beyond comparison.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

December 28, 2023


Tracks:

01. Butterfly 

02. Summer Breeze 

03. Alone 

04. Snow 

05. Kyoto 

06. Three Etudes 

07. Heaven 

08. Lovely Snow 

09. Destiny 

10. Kite in the Wind 

11. Cherry Blossom in Spring Wind 

12. Little Princess 

13. Life - That's Not True 

14. Geisha - My Story 

15. Winter Waltz


New Age Instrumental: Michelle Qureshi-A Day On Venus

Release Date: January 19, 2024

Label: ‎Independent

Website


Michelle Qureshi is an established artist in the new-age community. Her music has touched the souls of many people through an extensive catalog of releases.

 

A Day On Venus will bring in the new year with the grace and style her listeners are accustomed to.


Michelle’s acoustic guitar playing will resonate with a wide range of listeners even though it has a new-age foundation with elements of ambient and world mixed in. I can tell you that every track is entirely different.

 

“Luminous Fields” is one fine example of the music she can produce. The track is ambient and ethereal, with a nice touch of the Native American flute, synths, and acoustic piano. It is the kind of music that can be a relaxing listen or used for meditation. 

 

Whatever way you decide to enjoy this music, it will enlighten your soul and free your mind. That is the primary purpose of music created specifically for the new age genre. There are eighteen tracks to absorb and process in 52 minutes. However, ten tracks are under three minutes, which is just perfect. The way to approach music like this is with an open heart and mind, and then it will flow seamlessly to you, in you, and through you. The three parts are mind, body, and soul, all interconnected to experience the audio sensations presented. 

 

Within This Night” has Michelle commanding some of her best playing. It is delicate and soft, will leave its imprint upon you, and only takes 2:48. I thought that was very impressive. The next track, “Electric Blue,” is one of my favorites, with its echoing sounds and reverberating acoustic guitar. I loved it.

 

“Rain In Heaven” was another favorite and quite different from previous tracks. It had a spacey feel, yet it was easy to acknowledge it immediately and focus on its uniqueness—this is where the realizations of gratefulness are realized repeatedly in this recording.

 

I appreciated the brevity of the tracks as the recording moved along. The impact of the music is apparent regardless of the time for each song. That is one of the more prolific aspects of her music. She knows how to create a composition that does not go too far, too long, or for too short a period. Most listeners would appreciate that approach. For my listening pleasure, I can go either way with the times of songs depending on what type of music it is. 

 

There is so much to enjoy on A Day On Venus; what is most important is what it can do for each listener. It depends on your approach, mindset, and what you seek in the music. There is plenty to discover within the music and yourself.

 

When music can find a place in your consciousness and heart so quickly, it makes the transition or transformation from one space in time to another more meaningful and feels like it was meant to be all along. Thank you for the blessings of your beautiful artistry, Michelle.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder

December 14, 2023

Tracks:

01. Stars By The Pocketful (3:27) 

02. American Prelude (3:01) 

03. Luminous Fields (4:07) 

04. Being There (3:01) 

05. Within This Night (2:48) 

06. Electric Blue (2:59) 

07. Belonging Here (2:14) 

08. Before You Speak (2:21) 

09. Slipped Away (3:12) 

10. Rain In Heaven (2:48) 

11. Dusty Springs (2:12) 

12. Mayan Trails (2:41) 

13. Warm Waters (4:42) 

14. Sliding Away (2:53) 

15. Light Rain (2:47) 

16. Without This Night (3:01) 

17. Wondrous (4:34) 

18. Walk At Dusk (2:47) 

Featured Track: Paul Adams and Elizabeth Geyer-A Journey of Dreams

Paul Adams and Elizabeth Geyer are an excellent musical team. They have partnered with each other on many recordings over the years.

“A Journey of Dreams” is their latest track release.

The Native American Anasazi Flute and slide guitar provided by Paul and Elizabeth’s keyboards and vocalizations are a superb marriage of sound.

The title and artwork are engaging and give you a good idea of the journey you are about to partake. The music is suitable for relaxing and meditating, and if you choose to do some dreaming during the day or evening, it is perfect for that as well. And that is the point of this music.

The flute is so beautiful with its earthy tones, and the slide guitar calls out to you with purpose and emotion. The mix is clear and crisp and sounds great even with small speakers connected to your laptop. That says it all regarding quality and getting the message of the music over to the listener.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

December 7, 2023






More About Paul and Elizabeth

Websites:

https://pauladams.org

https://elizabethgeyer.com

New Age Holiday Instrumental Review: Paul Avgerinos-Shanti Noel

Release Date: November 17, 2023

Label: Round Sky Music

Website

Stream Now


Paul Avgerinos released his interpretation of classic holiday songs on his new recording Shanti Noel. The word “shanti” means a profound level of peace.

I have covered Paul’s work in the past and found it enjoyable as it benefited my well-being. I felt compelled to hear these different versions of holiday tracks, as I always look for something new and refreshing. I found what I was seeking on Shanti Noel.


The created music contains many sounds you will find in new-age ambient. One of the other essential factors is the heavenly wordless vocals. While typically relaxing and meditative, the layers of sound retain their appeal and the originality of the tracks as you would expect to hear them every year during the holiday season. 

 

If anything, they become enhanced with new energy and focus. You will recognize all this from the commencement of the opening track, “O Holy Night,” to the closer, “There Is No Rose of Such Virtue.” However, I must say that the entire recording entranced me. The most unique track was “Christmas Caravan” for my ears.

 

Shanti Noel will pull you in and immerse you in light and beauty. Only then will the true meaning of Christmas be recognized by your soul. Those who give the gift of music have talents that some of us cannot comprehend. I like to accept the gift of this music as something spiritual and divine. That is the message I received from Paul Avgerinos on Shanti Noel. Open your hearts and minds to this music; you will realize the reward with the grace and spirituality you deserve.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

November 26, 2023


Tracks:

01. O Holy Night 4:47

02. Silent Night 4:25

03. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 4:44

04. We Three Kings 4:21

05. Christmas Caravan 5:06

06. Snowfalls 4:47

07. Angels We Have Heard On High 10:42

08. In The Bleak Midwinter 7:18

O9. Come Emmanuel 5:01

10. Shanti Noel 7:54

11. Coventry Carol 2:56

12. Carol of Love 5:26

13. What Child Is This 9:38

14. There Is No Rose of Such Virtue 4:17


Instrumental World New Age Review: Russ Jones- At The Edge of Space

Release Date: November 17, 2023

Label: Independent

Website

Russ Jones is a self-taught flutist. He started his journey in 2011. Jones' flute collection includes historical Native American Flutes, including the Shakuhachi and the Kaval.


At The Edge of Space is the recently released recording featuring 12 tracks. 

 

The music presented is atmospheric, ambient, and, at times, drone-like, which I picked up on with the title track. All of it is instrumental World-New Age. One of the most moving features of Ross's music is the ability to get an echoing effect, which then makes it sound like more than one person is playing. 

 

On "Reaching For You," parts of the track sound like a bird calling out to the flock. It aligns well with the typical earth tones and connection with nature that the Native American Flute has. It is, for me, the essence of the flute's sound and purpose. 

 

This music's emphasis is to provide tremendous relaxation and a meditative effect. The utilization of the flute reaches its highest total capacity by Russ. It allows a listener to disengage from their current space and or state of mind. That allows a complete detachment of one's surroundings on the physical plane. You then are offered total focus on what you hear and become very aware of where it can take you. That is a powerful and healing exercise from my point of view and how it worked for me.

 

I understand that everyone is an individual with different needs; however, if you give this collection of tracks an opportunity, it can and will change you in some way. I know meditation takes time and practice. Indeed, what is most impressive is that this artist taught himself to play an ancient and sacred instrument. 

 

The music on At The Edge of Space has a definite hypnotic, decisive effect. Music is primarily a valuable tool for giving me time to heal the mind, body, and spirit. And that is the quintessential nourishment we all need at times. Accessing it regularly would be a good idea.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

November 19, 2023


Tracks:

01. At The Edge Of Space 3:14

02. Reaching For You 3:45

03. On The Plains with Bigbow 3:05

04. Perfect Stars 2:50

05. Cullys Universe 3:06

06. Rolling Thru 3:30

07. Love of my Heart 3:11

08. Grains Of Sand 3:52

09. Airstreams 5:13

10. In Another Time 3:32

11. Particiles 2:38

12. Firecrow Memories 2:29


Featured Track: Contemporary Instrumental -Terry Lee Nichols-Finding Annie

Terry Lee Nichols is known for his contributions to the new age and contemporary instrumental world. The latest track released is “Finding Annie.”

The track is a beautiful contemporary instrumental with its roots in classical music. Terry's piano playing reflects that in the most eloquent way.

If you note on the cover in smaller text, it reads, “Love is coming in 2024.” It is a precursor to a full-length project available after we usher in the new year.

If “Finding Annie” indicates what is to come, then instrumental music enthusiasts will have something to look forward to. I know I will, and I always enjoy the music that Terry releases. His excellence and years of experience always set high expectations of what will come next.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

November 9, 2023



You sometimes read the phrase "he/she was born to it" when describing how a person came by their particular calling. Such is the case with Terry Lee Nichols. By the time he was four, he had already decided that composing and performing music was his true life's goal (discovered while playing popular tunes on his grandmother's piano) …READ MORE…

 

 

Featured Track: Rebecca Harrold-Chorean

Pianist Rebecca Harrold's new single "Chorean" supports her The Tree of Life album. It is also her tribute to the legendary pianist Chick Corea, who inspired many musicians during his long career. Since his passing, many folks continue to recognize the impact he had.

The rhythmic piano playing is superb. Rebecca's abilities are tremendous, as it sounds like she is playing two tracks at once. The composition continues to grow and change in complexity as it moves along, entrancing the listener.

 

The combination of jazz and classical elements merge for 2:38 minutes of blissful instrumental piano music. The music the artist fits into under 3 minutes is remarkable and a tribute to her talent with her instrument and the love for the man that inspired the track.

 

You will be compelled to listen to The Tree of Life after listening to the track.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

October 12, 2023


Check out Rebecca’s Discography here
https://www.rebeccaharroldmusic.com/discography

Instrumental Ambient Review: Frore-Biome

Release Date: April 21st, 2023

Label: Spotted Peccary Music

Website

Frore is the ambient music project of Paul Casper. His first solo project for Spotted Peccary Music was Biome, released in April this year. The principle of this project is fundamentally sound and essential to us all.

biome is a biogeographical unit consisting of a biological community formed in response to the physical environment in which they are found and a shared regional climate. Biomes may span more than one continent. Biome is a broader term than habitat and can comprise a variety of habitats.

 

How does that explanation relate to the music? Take one look at the track title as a starting point. But where do you go from there in putting the pieces together of what this artist is trying to do with his music?

 

The sounds produced are ambient, always in motion, and you can hear the growth as the tracks move along. This is like what happens in nature: the process is constantly in motion. You can see the growth of plants in your garden or watch the development of a sapling into a beautiful, strong tree with roots deep into the soil where it connects with other elements of nature and communicates with other trees (yes, that is true). 

 

To look at another side of the music, for instance, "Trapped in Amber." It sounds organized and progressively industrial-like progress made in the name of money. In other words, we are all somehow trapped in the economy's machinations. Or "Trapped in Amber" with no way out like a prehistoric bug. That was my read on that; however, that may not necessarily be the point of the track. Everyone hears things differently. 

 

There are many layers of sounds included in Biome. Some of it is very rhythmic and repetitive, which sets the table for other layers of sound to enter the mix. This isn't meditative but focuses on listening for essential enjoyment or contemplation. It would help if you also had a certain mood or mindset to appreciate this music. Again, that is my perspective and may not be someone else's. Its computer-generated sounds would be a perfect soundtrack to a science fiction movie. It has that futuristic feeling and atmosphere to it all.

 

With ambient music, it is either something you like or need to acquire a taste and appreciation for. I value the time and effort that goes into creating this kind of music. The artist combines it all, becomes one with the instruments and equipment, and has proven to have mastered that. I anticipate another exciting release with the artist harnessing his knowledge and talent to create something entirely different. That is the beauty of electronic music and all it has to offer.

 

I recommend Biome for those who enjoy the music of Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk, and similar artists that set a specific mood and listening experience; you need the right mindset to enjoy it. 

 

Biome features lengthy tracks, the longest clocking in at 13:50 (Mycelium Dreams) and 8:59 the shortest (Algae Bloom). So, prepare for an immersive listening experience to melt into your easy chair.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

October 2, 2023

Tracks:

1. Algae Bloom 8:59

2. Trapped in Amber 9:48

3. Protozoa 9:46

4. Fern Cluster 8:11

5. Luminous and Tangled 9:13

6. Mycelium Dreams 13:50


Acoustic Instrumental/New Age Review: Carlos Dengler - Private Earth

Release Date: June 2, 2023

Label: Independent

Website


Carlos Dengler's Private Earth is your seat to appreciating our planet and all its wonders. Carlos has personally tapped into the transformative powers of music, and you will realize that within minutes once you listen.

"Violet Night" enters most beautifully and gently after the introduction of "Desert Flora" to set the mood and proper thought process for what this is all about. The acoustic guitar, flute, and keyboards mold into your private magic carpet ride around the beauty of Mother Earth. The music seeks to take you into the place where we all should be, in total respect and awe of our planet. It is an impactful way to catch the listener's ear and maintain interest. It's like heaven in your backyard with a precise, crisp recording mix and birds chirping happily. Just wait there is more.

 

Each track is an extensive and immersive experience of nature that is ours to enjoy. This music prompts awareness and appreciation differently than you may be accustomed to. The shortest track is "Rising Mountain" at 7:02, and the longest is "Ancient Lake" at 9:31. The artist ensures the experience is long enough on each track to leave a mark on your consciousness and perhaps a different way of thinking about our environment.

 

When "Golden Dawn" begins to play, you can feel the atmosphere and ambiance of the music sweeping you away. The acoustic guitar has a nice rhythm and consistency; all the other elements combine to build the song into something you will remember. The music is transient and prolific in that you begin to think about the cycles of nature, the seasons, and all the beauty it beholds for us. Every living thing is here for a reason and purpose, and we quickly forget that going about our daily lives. Music on this track puts things into a different perspective and sheds light on the truth of who we are and the importance of our connection to our planet. From the earth, we originated, and from the land, we shall return. 

 

I am only two tracks in, and I am thinking about all of these points and facts about our humanity and the inhumanity of our lives on this planet. We are destroying the earth for progress and the almighty dollar. We should have a universal wake-up call before it's too late. 

 

Think for a moment about the title "Ancient Lake" and how long it has been in existence and all the creatures and vegetation and insects that have kept it alive, not to mention the people that may have used it for survival for water, a source for food and many other things. The strong connection between that source of nature and all the living things that depended upon it is sacred. Native Americans lived by it, respecting all the earth and its creatures and what they provided. While the music plays, I am in a mode of reflection on all of this and enjoying taking in all the beautiful sounds Carlos has produced to initiate all those thoughts. The gentleness of the piano, guitar, and ambient sounds intermingle, bringing a rainforest of sound to your senses. It is refreshing and spiritual. 

 

Many people understand the delicate balance of the rainforest, which is another way to look at the big picture. The sound of water hitting the shoreline at the end of the track is the final element that hits home and cements those thoughts in your mind.

 

"Solemn Cavern" and "Rising Mountain" continue the path of reflection to engage the listener and to give reason for thought and consideration. As with previous tracks, the music gently invites you into that mindset. 

 

Soft, beautiful, and inviting, Carlos Dengler gives you your Private Earth. You can use the music to reflect and think about the message, meditate, or both. Whatever you seek, the music will allow you to go there if you can give pause to your life and absorb all the sounds. I felt moved by the music in many ways and expressed that to interested listeners and those concerned about the life of our planet and all its inhabitants. It's time to listen and receive the message. 

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

September 29, 2023

Tracks:

1.  Desert Flora 

2.  Violet Night

3.  Golden Dawn

4.  Ancient Lake

5.  Solemn Cavern

6.  Rising Mountain