Showing posts with label Instrumental New Age Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Instrumental New Age Reviews. Show all posts

Instrumental New Age Review: Dan Chadburn-Held In The Light-Solo Piano Improvisations

Release Date: September 15, 2017
Label: Independent

Held In The Light-Solo Piano Improvisations is a 13 track instrumental new age solo album from Dan Chadburn. Just about a year ago I covered his 2016 release Beyond Words.  

I find music such as this to be so relaxing and comforting any time I listen to it. There never is the wrong time to listen to beautifully played music, particularly on the ivory keys.

Indeed, the piano is the tool which Mr. Chadburn uses to soothe your soul. At the risk of sounding redundant in what I say in my reviews…I reiterate the importance of music, the universal healer, and the reason it should be part of our lives on a daily basis. Frequently as possible I might add!

We need a oneness and commitment to mankind around the globe, especially now. Music without words (or beyond) is critical in the aspect of just “listening.” It’s not unlike listening to your inner voice or a power that is higher than yourself really. Everything else comes afterwards, and hopefully what arrives at the doorstep of your inner being is peace and healing. This is the blessing I receive while enjoying the simplicity and focus of the music that Dan Chadburn creates. 

Simply put, listening to this is like being Held In The Light. 

It is not difficult to notice the transitions and improvisations that are created in these tracks. And I know from my own viewpoint and listening experience it is because there is one instrument to focus on. Granted, sometimes we all want much more than that however each recording does serve its own purpose. I think in this instance Dan Chadburn serves his purpose and gives a listener a chance to reflect on their self, surroundings and anything else that needs attention and thought. Complete focus, even mediation is achievable while taking in Held In The Light-Solo Piano Improvisations.

This is completely enjoyable experience from start to finish that I recommend highly.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
October 10, 2017
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks: 
01. Breathe on Me, Breath of God
02. Be Thou My Vision
03. Amazing Grace
04. Wondrous Love
05. Love Divine
06. Were You There
07. Lo, How a Rose
08. Breath of Life
09. Morning Has Broken
10. Refuge
11. How Great Thou Art
12. Beautiful Savior
13. Held in the Light

 



Instrumental New Age Review: Michael Kollwitz-Serenity

Release Date: September 1, 2017
Label: Independent

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Michael Kollwitz has a large body of work that includes 21 recordings. This collection of gorgeous sounds is his first journey into the age of new age music. It is aptly titled Serenity.

Michael’s artistry comes in the form of sound waves, vibrations and beauty with the Chapman Stick. It is a very unique and mesmerizing instrument to say the least. I have associated it mostly with Tony Levin over the years and now I can add another master to list.

Michael had the great fortune of being tutored by the creator of the stick Emmett Chapman. What a blessing that was for us all. Now to hear the result of 40 years of hard work is just an amazing musical trip. 

I have to say I have never heard the stick played like this. It truly is amazing. It’s like listening to a guitar and bass at the same time. He definitely has perfected the virtuoso abilities of his chosen tool. Actually, the artist likes to call it the piano and guitar playing together. If you listen you can hear that similarity. The give and take of one instrument answering the call of another. I am not quite sure how his fingers accomplish all of the amazing sounds you hear on Serenity. I can tell you one thing, it is the only instrument he needed to record this sublime group of tracks.

The sounds resonant from the tip of your toes, to your heart, then to the mind. The triangle of mind, body and spirit surely find Serenity through these 14 tracks.

With the all of insanity of this world going on around us in these times, we must have refuge. We all need a place to unwind, center and gather our strength for a new day. With the music of Michael Kollwitz you become engaged and surrounded by the beauty of the sound. It will pull you in without effort and before you know it you it you will have reached a higher consciousness with a smile on your face. I can already see you smiling now! This is a must have for any lover of the guitar, bass or any stringed instrument for that matter, don’t miss it.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
October 4, 2017
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks: 
01. Mountain Sanctuary
02. Mystic Vista
03. Greatest Possible Gift
04. The Four Pillars
05. A New Life
06. Best of Everything
07. Joyful Reunion
08. Simple Pleasures
09. Warm Lasting Embrace
10. Never Alone Again
11. Quiet Full Moon
12. Higher Power
13. The Seven Canyons
14. No Hurry No Worry

 

Contemporary/Classical Instrumental Review: Faith Angelina-Reaching 12

Release Date: August 19, 2017
Label: Independent
A young lady by the name of Faith Angelina has so much talent to offer the world. At a very tender age of 11 this amazing child wanted to end her life. I simply cannot fathom that.  However, my own daughter was on a path of destruction when she was 16 and almost died starving herself (you can get her story here).  Personally, I am a recovering alcoholic going on 35 years now so I can relate so much to these feelings that take a person to a dark and lonely place.

Faith Angelina is now 12 years old and her album Reaching 12 is a beautiful tribute to her path leading to a full enriched life via the ivory keys. 

Music is the universal healer and it can accomplish amazing things. I did not realize what this CD was about until I opened it up and read the liner notes. I found an immediate connection to this young lady and it made me very emotional. What turned it all around for her was the music and for me as a listener, based on my own life experiences, I was able to rejoice in her triumph.

Reaching 12 is a story that celebrates her life and how she overcame the negativity and turned it all around. Again, I can relate to all of this in so many ways. The path to your answers are always within, sometimes they are locked away so tight they are hard to reach. With the realizations of the love and energies that surrounded her, she found her way back. What better way to convey this journey than through music?

This music is beautiful and flowing like a stream of life gaining momentum with each successive track. Without words the story comes alive. There is so much more to this than the music. Although it is the focal point of one’s experience you have to look beyond all that. You must read the heart wrenching letter to her mother and the explanation of each track.

Faith Angelina can help so many others through sharing her story and music. Through this music she found another purpose and a God given talent to share with the world. What a blessing you are Faith. Your story and music are amazing!

Through these wonderful melodies, this bright young talent transmits a powerful message of hope and healing.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
September 25, 2017
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. Run with the Wind
02. Sunday Morning Rain
03. Easter Lilies
04. Finding Hope
05. Lost
06. Seasons
07. Eye of the Storm
08. Abuelita
09. Chasing Rainbows
10. Sunny Day
11. Saying Good
-Bye
12. Twelve


Instrumental New Age Review: Lynn Trudeau-Shifting Sands

Release Date: May 19, 2017
Label: Independent

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Shifting Sands is Lynn Trudeau’s 4th proper release. 

Instrumental New Age and Contemporary Instrumental has been intersecting for quite some time now. In fact, it is getting hard to tell where the differences are at times. One of the clear differences from my musical listening experiences is a clear cut classical influence. 

Although you will hear Shifting Sands, or ever-changing tempos if you will, in this music, there is a clearly defined line drawn. That invisible line is the one that new age and classical cross over and then merge into one. 

Lynn Trudeau’s music does exactly that. The challenge is to tell a story in each song with one solitary instrument. How that is exactly accomplished is beyond my comprehension. I can say unmistakably that she is able to get the job done on the 11 tracks presented here.

The other factor that is a key is how to keep a listener’s attention with the simplicity of one instrument. For my pleasure, this is what I find attractive about a recording such as this. I do enjoy a wide array of music that features one instrument accentuated by many others as well but I do like to switch things up. I am here to tell you that this music and presentation is perfect just the way it is.

Shifting Sands is an album that remains true the artist and her intent. Without traveling off course, she tells her story through her fingers and it is translated by the ivory keys most beautifully.  This is music to contemplate with, relax or meditate…basically at any time of the day or night it can be enjoyed. It serves many purposes but mainly it is a healing listening experience that must be experienced to be fully appreciated.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
August 25, 2017
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks: 
01.Lost in Familiar Surroundings
02.Shifting Sands
03. Warm Embrace
04.Dance of the Unknown
05.Looking to Lowman
06.Travel Me Home
07.Life at Four
08.To Breathe at Last
09.The Last Mile
10.Oasis
11.Whispers of Hope

 

Instrumental New Age Review: Holland Phillips-Under A Second Moon

Release Date: August 25, 2017
Label: Ageless Records

Around the same time last year, I got some music in from Holland Phillips. I had the pleasure of hearing and reviewing his Circles of 8 recording.

It is now 2017 and Under A Second Moon is getting set to arrive on our doorsteps.  Where Holland began his first journey he now continues, well in fact he never stopped. He just kept creating and recording. Again, he decided to concentrate on harmonics and vibrations. The results are superlative once again!

The production values are top notch and the use of keyboards and synths are brilliantly utilized by this creative maestro. Holland is not only a musician but an author as well. This is an outlet, a place where anyone can escape to. If its fantasy or real, or just a space in time to occupy for you to recharge your batteries, it is available through this music.

Each track seemingly blends into the next, gently beckoning your soul to participate in this atmosphere of sounds, textures and wonderlands of the mind. And most importantly it belongs to you the listener. Here is your chance to create your own little slice of heaven through music.

I believe Holland is an excellent composer, a multi-talented artist that can paint a picture visually with either words in a book or through his fingers into the instruments he uses.
I found Under A Second Moon to be a very pleasant listening experience and just as enjoyable as last year’s offering.  This a coloring book for the soul, the music are your crayons and you are the book. The title track was the one song that cemented the concept and meaning of this project for me, it colored my heart and mind. Adding the saxophone (Paul Christensen) was the finishing touch. And this was at the midpoint of the recording and I was already thinking that it could not get much better. That track was hard to top however the consistency and quality of the music held up as the stories weaved their spell throughout each succeeding track.

Each track was a different shade or color, a variation of moods that danced with the music. It all made me feel invigorated, joyous and glad to be alive. I do not always feel that way so once again the magic of music casts its spell and it won me over again. Interesting enough “Long Way Home,” reminded me of early progressive rock or even band’s like Tangerine Dream and Kraftwerk. I would really like to hear more of that style on the next album.

Thanks again for the trip far away from stress and worry Holland, your creative genius soothes my soul and wets my appetite for your next project.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
August 9, 2017
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. Out of the Frying Pan
02. Taking the Road Not Taken
03. A Moment in Time
04. Possibly Maybe
05. Under a Second Moon
06. Love Comes Gently
07. Long Way Home
08. Deepening Skies
09. Looking Back
10. It Comes to This       
11. Fairytale Nights 

 

Instrumental New Age-Classical Review: Kerani-Stardust

Release Date: May 8, 2017
Label: Kerani Music

Stardust is Kerani’s 5th concept album, which was released in May 2017. This recording is a 10-track space-themed project. It was recorded with a symphonic orchestra, a mixed choir and 10 solo musicians. In total, a jaw dropping 60 musicians participated in this work of art.

 
Inspired by classical musicians, which many of the new age artists are, Kerani’s music would be the perfect music to have playing while in an observatory. I went to an observatory laser show back in the 80s and have not been since so I can only imagine how wonderful it is now. The mystery and vastness of space are captured in this atmospheric soundtrack.

The layers of keyboards and the orchestra are reminiscent of Vangelis, Yanni and Tangerine Dream (one of my favorites). That kind of familiarity and recognition provides a welcome mat for listeners to really dive in and absorb all the sounds more readily (assuming you are familiar with those artists). It breaks the ice if you will. I simply enjoy this kind of music and do not need any kind of comfort zone as I already found it many years ago. That kind of thought process and feeling certainly allows a certain vibe that creates some anticipation.

Artwork is another emotional mover and the CD cover is the doorway to where the music intends to take you. The leaps and bounds of science and technology are fascinating. This is another aspect that got Kerani’s attention and provided inspiration.

Stardust is a relaxing journey into the realm of the unknown however where you end up is inside your own head and then you begin to follow your heart and soul. The result is a deep feeling of satisfaction and certainty that you can trust this process any time you wish. It is a beautiful thing. Music is the universal language of healing and once again it is validated by this ambitious and fantastic project.

4.5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
July 6, 2017
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:

01. Stardust
02. Cosmic Sunrise
03. Rosetta
04. Perpetuum Mobile
05. Beyond
06. The Next Step
07. Infinity
08. Gravity
09. Worlds Unknown
10. Stars (Instrumental) [Remix]

 



Instrumental New Age Review: Gina Lenee-Red Diamonds

Release Date: April 7, 2017
Label: Independent

Red Diamonds is Gina Lenee’s 7th studio album. 

Here is some essential information from the artist website to get an idea of how effort went into the recording and who contributed…

Red Diamonds was produced by Will Ackerman and Tom Eaton and engineered, mixed and mastered by Tom Eaton. Featured guest artists appearing on the album are Charlie Bisharat (violin), Eugene Friesen (cello), Jill Haley (English horn), Jeff Haynes (percussion), Jeff Oster (flugelhorn), Marc Shulman (electric guitar), Premik Russell Tubbs (EWI and sax), Tom Eaton (fretless bass, guitar, vocals) Will Ackerman (acoustic guitar and vocals) and Noah Wilding (vocals).

The status quo for Imaginary Road Studio is to bring in the best group of musicians to help each artist create their own musical masterpiece. This was no exception to the rule as superb musicians gathered to create Red Diamonds. The collaborative effort brings out the best in everyone. The goal and result is always the same, to create music with a purpose and vision.  I think this was accomplished successfully and the passion and storytelling in the ivory keys comes flowing through Gina’s soul. The entire album sounds like an invitation to a romantic getaway. And whatever you consider romantic becomes real while listening to these tracks.

The English horn, violin, cello, sax and flugelhorn lay down a bed of textures and colors that Gina takes full advantage of. Some of the subtle vocals added were a real nice touch on tracks like “The Moment” and “River.”  The angelic and trance like female vocal persuasions are just right, like the proverbial icing on the cake as it were.

Listening to Red Diamonds was like free form artistic expressionism in motion. The canvas in this instance is you, the listener. As Gina paints the music with broad strokes, it eases you into your own comfy chair that lives inside your mind and soul. This is not a physical object; this is something that is esoteric. I have always felt the need to express the spiritual power that music possesses and ultimately that energy translates to a healing for this listener. If you have not found that place yet I would advise listening to this music and use it as a guide to get there.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
May 17, 2017May 19, 2017
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews


Tracks:
01. A Thousand Days Without You
02. Soulmates
03. Carry Me Away
04. The Moment
05. River
06. Red Diamond
07. The Beautiful, the Broken
08. Art of Life
09. What No One Knows
10. Forever
 

Instrumental New Age Review: Tony Chen-The Mighty Heroes (英雄神威)

Release Date: March 24, 2017
Label: Tony Chen Music

Tony Chen puts things into proper perspective on his website regarding his new release The Mighty Heroes. He says it in such an elegant and distinct manner that it needs to be heard.

Chen: This album comprises creations from 2014 to 2016, encompassing a variety of styles that reflect the path I have walked during this time. You will experience melodies and musical arrangements from both East and West, taking you to different realms.

 I could not have said it any better than the artist. Tony is not a newcomer; this is his fourth release. The title of album is a direct reflection of the music. It all sounds so grandeur, proud and cinematic. I would put the emphasis on cinematic as I could see it easily being a movie soundtrack to an epic film. Well at least the first three tracks paint that kind of picture in your mind’s eye. 

"The Mighty Heroes, "Memory of Time-Space" and "A Merry Pace" are befitting their titles. All three get the listener excited and mesmerized, as one would be watching a fast moving and important scene in a movie. I do not want to put Mr. Chen’s music in a box and call it soundtrack music but it sure would make a great backdrop for the right motion picture. And that is not all, “Will You Hold My Hand?” walks down a different path of peace and beauty, the parallel world of the previous tracks. This provides a listener with a definitive change of pace and an understanding of the abilities of the artist to be diverse and expressive as much as one can from one track to the next. Tony has the talent to pull off the big changes with his keyboard prowess.

The music on The Mighty Heroes lends itself to the human condition and the many changes one can experience during a 24-hour period. The textures, atmosphere and colors created expresses everything the artist indicates on his website and as I noted.

The many flavors of cultures worldwide are touched upon, the far east, our western hemisphere and the traditional music combined with the elements of new recording technologies initiates the formation of each track.

I appreciated the value and worldliness that the artist could convey throughout his music. Our world becomes one when we listen to music. The internet can have the same effect on us all just as the music does. With all the negative things that go on in our world and a tool like the internet to reach a wider audience we have the artistry, pageantry and good vibes of music from people like Tony Chen that can change things for the positive. 

Although I appreciated the slower paced and more simplistic tracks and always do, I enjoyed the faster paced and more picturesque tracks on offer in the collection even more. It reminded me of some of the greats that came before Tony like Vangelis. If you like a mixture of instrumental music with a contemporary approach and new age foundation, then you will enjoy what The Mighty Heroes delivers.


4.5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
April 24, 2017
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. The Mighty Heroes
02. Memory of Time-Space
03. A Merry Pace
04. Will You Hold My Hand?
05. A Nostalgic Melody
06. Glorious Celebration of Heaven & Earth
07. Flower Scent
08. Taste Asia - Delicious Chinese Cuisine
09. Heavenly Elegance
10. A Nostalgic Melody (Piano Solo)
 

Instrumental New Age-Classical Review: Keith Gehle-Space and Time

Release Date: June 15, 2016
Label: Independent

Keith Gehle is a classically trained guitarist. From my experience listening to those that come from that realm, it does make a difference and has a very positive effect on the music presented. Everything started with classical music. There is always that foundation from which everything is born and then a wellspring of creativity is then realized. Many different genres have sub genres however classical remains the rock that holds it all together.

With Space and Time Keith Gehle practices that very principal of building from a core foundation with great success. It is like taking a book filled with blank pages and populating it with images, thoughts and atmospheres to create the all-encompassing work of art. This process can only be imagined through each individual artist and then translated to the strings of a guitar or any other instrument. 

If you are familiar with the famous instrumental by Mason Williams titled “Classical Gas” you can hear the potential to create something like that on this recording. Keep in mind that song is unique and played at a very high level of proficiency. Even though most of Keith’s music comes at you in a leisurely pace, I can still envision him playing a song like that. His fingers do all the talking and invite you to let your mind do all the walking. Walking in a relative sense…in sync with the music as it pulls you in and influences a good feeling and sense of wellbeing.

Each track melts into the other seamlessly. There are 11 tracks in total on Space and Time and each one is a gorgeous representation of the new age and classical genre meeting half way to create a successful marriage of sound.

“Walking” was a favorite among an entire album of favorites. There was not one track I could not appreciate. The simplicity, delicacy and arrangements were superb.  “Walking,” which I mentioned previously had an impact because of the title and what it implies. It is like taking that inner journey yet floating along on your feet to another destination with complete satisfaction and joy. Although in this instance it was a mental exercise, I can see myself listening to this music walking, sitting or driving. This is what I can get from one track by looking at the title and listening to the music and putting the two together. I then find a relation or common ground through my own thought process and spirituality. There are no instructions or preconceived ideas to expect before playing this music, just turn it on and let the process happen.

Thank you, Keith Gehle for the nice walk and the atmospheres you created along the way.


5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
March 10, 2017

Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks: 
01.  Waiting for the Sun
02.  Lavender Sky
03.  November Memories
04.  The Escaping Light
05.  Thanksgiving Day
06.  Tone Poem No. 6 (Space and Time)
07.  Girl on a Swing
08.  Walking
09.  My Setting Sun
10.  Cooper’s Creek
11.  Tone Poem No. 2 (Stars of the Desert Sky)

 

Instrumental New Age/Ambient Review: Stephen Peppos-Leaving Terra Firma

Release Date: January 8, 2017
Label: Sonic Bear Music

Leaving Terra Firma  is the fifth studio release for Stephen Peppos.  He has also produced over 2000 tracks for his original music libraries, composed national TV jingles, and worked with some of the best music library companies in the world. To say that the man has talent and experience is an understatement.


The recording came out at the beginning 2017 and it offers a listener an opportunity to escape the everyday life syndromes we fall into at times.  Life can be routine, boring or utter chaos, and regardless of the state we are in now, we do need help to refocus or just get some “me” time. The time to center, relax and drift off into another reality empties out the mind and the soul, which brings a sense of calm.

Leaving Terra Firma not only suggests that we leave the ground it helps you to do so for your own wellbeing. Stephen orchestrates the soundscapes that are created then you gradually find yourself falling away into the ambient textures and layers. I would classify this music as ambient however the new age qualities are very strong as well. The lure and power of the spacey sounds and orchestrations are as inviting as they could be. There is a different place that awaits us when we leave this earth and perhaps this a preview of what it will be like.

Although the 13 tracks are dissimilar, the ultimate result is they all have the same effects and results. The subtle nuances of the keyboards are heightened by the supporting orchestrations and instrumentation. The universal language of the soul coincides with the music. This is not coincidental; it is a fact and if you listen to this entire recording you will realize the importance and relevancy of what artists like Stephen Peppos accomplish with his music.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
March 5, 2017
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. Leaving Terra Firma    
02. Magnetic Fields    
03. Vita Secundom Vita    
04. Everlast    
05. Sea Of Joy    
06. Translucence    
07. Praesentia Animi
08. Moth On A Purple Flower
09. Affluere (Adrift Toward)
10. Amor Dei
11. To See
12. Finalis
13. Cold But Warm Peace
 

Instrumental New Age-Classical-Jazz Fusion Review: Psychic Equalizer - The Lonely Traveller

Release Date: January 20, 2017
Label: Milvus
Website


Hugo Selles provides much of the instrumentation on The Lonely Traveller, from his Psychic Equalizer project. Along with a host of other musicians Selles performs on piano, keyboards, and synths; electric and classical guitar, drums, and vibraphone. He has also composed two movie soundtracks along his journey. Selles has been a student of music and has attained degrees and a wealth of practical experience.

This is expressionism to its fullest extent. The musical canvas provided is as diverse as the people on the cover of the album. Of course, this the whole point. There are no barriers creatively while creating a crossover sound that is bound touch many listeners. The music touches upon the spectrum of the human condition while growing up. The meaning, moods and atmospheres could easily reflect the many changes we go through in life.

The Lonely Traveller stirs the musical pot with new age, classical, jazz, and rock. I think it’s a wonderful thing that one man could add each layer of musical parts to each track and successfully create a cohesive entity.

A few of the tracks are workouts such as “Lovers Meet,” “Mezuz,” my favorite track and “An Ocean of Changes 1-1V,” which is literally filled with so many changes it is hard to keep track. Bordering on Acid Jazz/Rock, it is a wall of sounds. “An Ocean of Changes V-V1” is lot shorter and palpable for the average listener. Keep in mind however this is not music made for the “average” listener. This is a thought provoking mind expanding journey. A journey that I think you will find quite incredible knowing one man created it on his own.

The Lonely Traveller comes up in iTunes as Unknown Genre, now that is befitting what this music offers the listener looking for originality. I think any artist would take that as a compliment. The music cannot be categorized because it stands on its own as a work of art and sincere craftsmanship. There is true talent at work here and to think this is only the beginning for Mr. Hugo Selles.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
February 22, 2017
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks: 
01. Mezuz
02. An Ocean of Changes (I-IV)
03. The Lonely Traveller
04. Lágrimas
05. Adrift
06. Peña Labra
07. Flying over the Caucasus
08. Lovers Meet
09. A Collection of Marbles
10. An Ocean of Changes (V-VI)
11. A Visit to Adelaide
12. Nørrebro
13. Never Lose Hope (Bonus Track