Contemporary Instrumental Review: Doug Hammer-Swim to America, Vol. 2 (une rétrospective Stephan Eicher au piano)

Release Date: September 22, 2023

Label: ‎ Independent

Website

“Swim to America, Vol. 2 (une rétrospective Stephan Eicher au piano) is Doug Hammer's second installment of a three-part series from the original music of Stephan Eicher. I found the first volume enjoyable and anticipate feeling the same regarding this release. Vol. 3 is expected to be released next year.

 

"Confettis" starts the proceedings in a very bright and upbeat manner. The arrangement is fast-moving and simply a delight for the senses, setting up the listener for a complete journey through the piano's keys.

 

"Pas d'ami (comme toi)" begins in a more subdued way, then proceeds to pick up the pace. Doug's brilliance on the keys shines bright as he picks up the melody and delivers the bass with one hand and the lead with the other. Doug's talented fingers bring both parts of the song to your ears. I like the skill and variety of his compositions. 

 

"Combien de temps" is another excellent example of how solo piano can hold your attention by sounding utterly different than the previous track. There are never any similarities that I can hear. There are a few parts where Doug shows his talents with that rapid rolling of the keys, which sounds fantastic.

 

What continually gets my attention consistently is the flow and clarity of every track. Also, the artwork on the cover cleverly shows the artist getting caught in the rising surf. This is the metaphor related to the title. And interestingly, I find myself swimming in the music; my entire person is surrounded and consumed by the rhythm and beauty. 

 

As things move further into the tracks, like on "Wider Da," I heard the sentiment and sadness in the music. I can listen to a story being played inside my mind and how it's affecting my feelings. It is simpler than previous tracks, however, very purposeful, thus the space in the music to reflect. As I have often said, I found the beauty in the sadness.

 

"Rien n'est si bon" is a gorgeous composition based on classical (as all this music is) with a convergence of contemporary with the pace of a slow walk in the park while you breathe in the cool air as the sun sets beyond in the mountains. It is dramatic yet picturesque.

 

All those tracks offer a mental escape from reality and continue to the end. There is nothing wrong with taking the time to let the music remove you from your current state or mindset, if you will. The music you will hear is unique because it is simply piano and with no need for lyrics. The passion with which they are presented and played will have you going back for another listen to revisit all the emotions and mostly good feelings you can experience. 

 

Thirteen tracks, all stand-alone stories, are played perfectly. After covering Doug Hammer's music for so many years now, it is no surprise how much I appreciate this wonderful music and must come to expect a certain level of excellence. For my ears, this is what I needed to hear.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

September 8, 2023

Tracks:

01. Confettis 3:45

02. Pas d’ami (comme toi) 3:06

03. Combien de temps 3:24

04. Rivière 3:40

05. Wider Da 3:08

06. Rien n'est si bon 3:40

07. Clear My Throat 4:25

08. Je n’attendrai pas 2:16

09. Monsieur - Je ne sais pas trop 3:07

10. Rêverie 4:23

11. Où Sont Les Clés ? 4:04

12. Du 2:34

13. Wie Einem Der Gewissheit Hat 2:21

New Age World Meditation Review: Samir Bodhi- Memories of Empathy

Release Date: July 14, 2023

Label: ‎ Independent

Website

Samir Bodhi has become prominent in the new age genre with his music and particular recording brand. It is a splendid fusion of new age, Indian, classical, and modern, all rolled into one prolific package.

Memories of Empathy is ready to capture current fans and gain some new ones along the way.

I had the pleasure of covering his debut EP in 2021 titled Stairway To Nirvana. As I recall, it was an impressive piece of work. So, setting the bar high for the artist and his work is not unusual, particularly when you start with such a good impression.

When you look at the compelling artwork for the album, it fits the title. To have empathy, or to be an empath, is a beautiful gift to give another human being or any living thing. Self-absorption with cell phones and social media can be the degradation of humankind if we do not utilize them properly. And many people do not, unfortunately.

“Have and Have Nots” start the recording. It points to that very thing, the difference between the haves and the have-nots is widening in our societies. While very unfortunate, the music and imagery this music creates will make people rethink who they are and how they conduct themselves. The vocalizations are in a different language than English. However, it does not matter as the warmth and feeling come across with passion and purpose. Bodhi’s wife, Madhumita Chatterjee, provides the vocals along with Supriyo Dutta.

“Compassion-Karuna” has a very old-school guitar sound (Co-Produced by David Vito Gregoli), the kind you would hear traveling down the waterways in Italy during a movie. The atmosphere is very soothing and romantic, if you will. It is undoubtedly a big step away from the first track. This is what makes Samir’s music so captivating. He likes to mix things up and keep it interesting. Keeping your musical ears on their toes.

“Heaven So High” is a gorgeous instrumental. The acoustic guitar is sublime; additional instruments like the flute and some soft percussion give the listener a ready-made easy chair to sink into and forget their troubles for a while. That is the purpose of this type of music.

My favorite track is “Affinity” (Co-Produced by Sanjoy Das). I had to listen to it several times. The invitation to beauty starts from the very beginning and holds throughout the entire 6:30 minutes. Madhumita provides the heavenly wordless vocals on the track, and the mix is divinity in motion. Everything about the track breathes spirituality and the innate goodness we all have inside us to share.

“Indifference” features Madhumita once again accompanying Samir’s instrumentation. It has a definitive Middle Eastern flavor that weaves an impactful thread through the song. Her voice is so smooth and precise, and although I don’t understand the words, I can still feel the impact of them and know in my heart there is a meaning and message.

The recording closes with the “World of Empathy,” the longest track on the album, at 6:48. Some excellent saxophone and gentle piano are in the mix. It has a definite jazz flavor to it. All the elements of Samir’s music exist in this track, thus the advanced length. All the complexities of his music need room to stretch out and capture the listener’s attention from start to finish, and it does.

Memories of Empathy will be revered and recognized globally; I have no doubt. It is a triumph of music and social justice that needs to be heard.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-TFOV Founder

June 2, 2023

Tracks:

1. Have and Have Nots 5:53

2. Heaven So High 4:28

3. Affinity 6:30

4. Compassion-Karuna 5:38

5. Indifference 4:43

6. World of Empathy 6:48

New Age Meditation Review: Charleene Closshey -ALIGNED: A Planetary Mantra & Gong Shower

Release Date: September 30, 2022

Label: ‎ Independent

Website

I saw on Charleene Closshey’s website that she had released diverse music. That gets my attention when I see an artist working, releasing a significant amount of music, and covering several genres. That speaks to an overall talent that not everyone can command or have the courage to release.

 

ALIGNED: A Planetary Mantra & Gong Shower is a different type of release. From the artist’s website, it says: Charleene’s meditation music compositions often incorporate binaural beats. Binaural beats are two slightly differently tuned frequencies played simultaneously, one in each ear, to create a third perceived by the brain as its own “beat” pattern. Binaural beats are known to reduce anxiety and nurture relaxation.

 

She incorporates all nine planets and the sun for a celestial dream on the astral plane (of the stars) into this mesmerizing collection of tracks. The voice of Charleene is quite beautiful. Along with her music, she is working on her Ph.D. in Natural Health. The recording frequencies have scientific proof that they can heal the mind and body.

 

I don’t usually sit to listen to a recording like this; it has a higher purpose. And I think most folks would use it for focus and meditation. The repetitive nature of mantras is for your intense focus (A mantra is a sacred utterance, a numinous sound, a syllable, a word or phonemes, or a group of words in Sanskrit, Pali, and other languages). The sounds and vibrations intend to relax the body so that healing can occur. That is my interpretation; however, it may differ for everyone. It is a tool to use as you wish. Everyone has different needs and thus seeks out those sounds and vibrations that will lead them to enlightenment. 

 

The longest track is “Jupiter” (15:24), and the shortest is “Pluto” (5:58). Regarding meditation, you may want to take one long track or combine two for your needs.

 

Some of the information provided here is familiar to those already meditating and utilizing similar methods to attain the transcendent state of mind to reach the desired effects. For those uninitiated seeking a way to meditate for renewal of the mind, body, and spirit, then ALIGNED: A Planetary Mantra & Gong Shower would be a marvelous way to begin your journey. 

 

This aspiring work of art combines ancient language, science, and technology. Those three elements, appropriately used, can combine into a powerful message. And it indeed does from beginning to end.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

April 30, 2023

Tracks:

01.Sun-12:39

02. Mercury-9:28

03. Venus-8:03

04. Mars-11:53

05. Jupiter-15:24

06. Saturn-12:12

07. Uranus-9:23

08. Neptune-7:01

09. Pluto-5:58

10. Sedna-13:14

11. Deep Space-8:45

New Age Instrumental-World-Jazz Review: Peter Sterling-Mystic Voyager

Release Date: June 2, 2023

Label: ‎ Independent

Website

Mystic Voyager is the fifth studio album I have covered for Peter Sterling. Most people who appreciate music, particularly the kind that fits into the new age genre or subgenre, would agree that the harp is a beautiful instrument. It sounds heavenly and magical.

 

The cover art is colorful, with giant crystals and the light beam shining down. The person standing there looks so tiny in comparison to the wonderment they are witnessing,

 

So, the challenge for anyone with the harp as a lead instrument is to create an accessible group of tracks with enough variance so that many listeners would stop and listen. Over the years, Peter has accomplished that with diverse selections on his recordings. 

 

An excellent example of that diversity is “Cosmic Lover,” which has a jazz flavor with some lovely vocals. It proves that the harp can fit into any genre if played correctly. It is the gentle, inviting sound that allows that to happen. 

 

I am sure it must be a complex instrument to master and then be able to create music that most people would feel pleased to hear. If you ever watch any of the old Marx Brothers movies and see how the crazy Harpo would stop and play, it was the only time he looked serious during filming. That told me that concentration is vital when playing any instrument; however, the harp differs exceptionally from your typical guitar, bass, and drums. 

 

I appreciate all kinds of music and admire the people that create it; in this case, I am amazed at how Peter can do this album after album. There are so many elements that merge on Mystic Voyager. To give proper credit, this is an excellent amalgamation of new age, jazz, and world. It is primarily instrumental, with the touch of female vocals to give it that extra layer of rhythm and beauty. The harp accentuates everything, but in this case, everything else heightens the harp’s color and absolute perfection.

 

There are not many things that life offers that are perfect; well, here is that time that it is. Every track is entirely different from the one you just heard. That will keep your interest and make you curious about the next track. For my ears and taste, that is what I live for. All the eclectic albums you can enjoy do not always turn out to be unique. In the case of Peter Sterling and Mystic Voyager, it is unique; all of his work is. Add another to the list.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

May 4, 2023

Tracks:

1. Invocation 4:22

2. Night Wind 4:39

3. Cosmic Lover 4:44

4. Across the Great Divide 5:47

5. Bahia Del Sol 6:22

6. The Long Cold Winter 4:49

7. Light of Your Love 5:17

8. Angels Ascending 3:39

9. Wings Of Light 3:15

Contemporary Instrumental Review: Terry Lee Nichols-Metamorphosis

 Release Date: May 8, 2023

Label: ‎Independent

Website

Terry Lee Nichols has released a significant piano-based instrumental recording.  Metamorphosis takes the listener on a worldly adventure. It is a story about humans and their history, including migration and beginnings. To be more specific, he traced his ancestors, which makes for an exciting recording. There is more to it than that, but that is the general idea.

When you listen to the music on Terry's site, you can click on the note beside the first track, and it will automatically tell the story of each composition with artwork to accompany it. For instance, the joy in "Grandma's Good Ol' Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits" is an upbeat, happy tune.

 

As one would anticipate, the pace and color within each composition mirror the track titles. The music is contemporary instrumental with strong influences of classical and all its ebbs and tides. The combination is stunning.

 

"Once Upon a Time" has a picture of a hand reaching down in a wheat field, and to the right is inscribed "If I know what love is, it is because of you." - Hermann Hesse. It is a delicate track, as soft as the woman's hand in the picture. 

 

You will enjoy a multimedia presentation; everything fits together. Music, art, and video are the perfect combination. However, a talented artist must make this something new and fresh as it is commonplace. Terry Lee accomplishes that quite successfully. 

 

I also appreciated how touching some images were on "Bedtime Stories." The music is perfect while taking the explanation of Dad, an otherwise ordinary man, and turning him into a hero, storyteller, and singer of songs. It makes you remember those precious moments of child-rearing and those you may be fortunate enough to enjoy right now.

Terry Lee's piano is gorgeous, fluid, and very telling of each storyline. The pictures will give a little nudge in figuring out why the music flows. The piano playing is very intent on emotionally moving you; it certainly did me. And you can tell the artist was in this heart and soul; you can feel it with every touch of the keys. And that my music-loving friends are what I would describe as prolific. 

 

While I gave you a glimpse into what to expect, I will leave the rest to each listener. It is essential to let you, the potential listener, find the gifts in each offering. This music has happiness, pure joy, and sadness, which is how it should be. It makes you pause and reflect on the meaning for you.

 

Terry Lee does go through a Metamorphosis inside the music, and I believe you can as well if you decide to follow along on his website here https://www.terryleenichols.com/metamorphosis.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

April 25, 2023

Tracks:

01. Metamorphosis 04:16

02. Out of Eden 03:03

03. Let Us Rest Beside the Cool Waters 03:08

04. Grandma's Good Ol' Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits 02:06

05. A Day in the Life of a Cocktail Pianist 03:11

06. Once Upon a Time 04:42

07. Bedtime Stories 03:50

08. This Was Once a Love Poem 01:17

09. The Dangling Conversation 02:20

10. Barcelona 05:09

11. Mom, which picture will you use for me? 03:45

12. Thinking Back 03:59

13. One Molecule Away from Madness 02:45

14. The Long Goodbye 5:17

Electronic-Ambient-New Age-World Review: Michael Whalen-Our April Tigers

Release Date: April 21, 2023

Label: ‎ Sprout/MWM

Website

Emmy Award Winning composed, and internationally renowned recording artist Michael Whalen had an idea about creating a group of composers and players to collaborate on a new instrumental recording that would defy style or genre. He wanted to pick people who had careers in soundtrack global ambient alternative and beyond that, including Bassist Michael Manring, guitarist Michael Brook, trumpeter Jeff Oster, percussionist/remixer Karsh Kale with Whalen starting the tracks collaborated on seven songs with the musicians doing their engineering in their studios in New York City, India, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. So, Our April Tigers was born. (Information from artist press release)

 

Even though I am classifying it as Electronic-Ambient-New Age-World, and it is a refreshing combination of those genres, I think Michael Whalen and his collaborators succeeded in creating something so original and different. Still, it does make it difficult to point to one genre expressly. For my listening pleasure, that makes it inviting and unique. 

 

Working remotely and separated by many miles is common today in putting together a recording, so it is nothing new, so what is going to make this release stand out? Michael started by creating melodic snippets that went from one musician to another, each adding their parts. Listening to it now makes it more unique and quite impressive. Creating the music would be easier if everyone were in a face-to-face studio (although I don’t think it is ever easy). The talent of each artist comes shining through on every track. Michael is the keyboard wizard and music master; every other partner is masterful with their respective instruments.

 

Never was that more apparent than on tracks like “Morning Bell.” Michael Manring’s hypnotic bass and Jeff Oster’s trumpet provide the textures and colors that mix beautifully with Michael’s array of keys. It sings instrumentally and pulls you in with ease, like meditation music. Many types of ambient instrumental music do serve that purpose, and Michael has been one of the more eclectic musicians with each release. As a person fortunate to provide coverage of his music, I wonder what he will come up with subsequently and anticipate an entirely new adventure each time. I am happy to say that he never disappoints.

 

Diversity is the key to the excitement of each next track. After “Morning Bell,” then “Visceral Organ” comes on. It sounds like it could be an entirely different album. It is a funk fest with a colorful atmosphere with the wonder of every second pouring out of it. That is one of the best examples of complete transitions going from one track to another. You better strap yourself in because that is the modus operandi of the release. Don’t expect a steady flow of the same thing; because of that, expect to feel a smile develop from the inside out.

 

Our April Tigers is indeed Michael Whalen and his significant contributors. As spring is happening and the flowers blooming are right around the corner for those in the Northeast, this music will fully bloom, inspiring listeners, and musicians worldwide.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

March  21, 2023

Tracks:

1. Over Water 5:27

2. Disappear 5:09

3. Morning Bell 4:43

4. Visceral Organ 4:29

5. So Fragile 3:59

6. Hope Haunts 4:54

7. Temporality 4:17

New Age Ambient Instrumental Review: Stephen Peppos-Celestial

Release Date: February 20, 2023

Label: ‎ Independent

Website

Celestial will be the fifth release from Stephen Peppos that I have enjoyed listening to. His new-age ambient journeys are the musical chicken soup for the soul we all need.

There are eighteen tracks on Celestial. You get the complete treatment of the new age ambiance he so expertly produces album after album.

Ce·les·tial-Positioned in or relating to the sky or outer space as observed in astronomy: "a celestial body"

That is the primary term and title of this album. And beautifully illustrated on the cover art with a giant bright moon behind a tree. It was likely the stone age when the moon was that close to the earth, and what a sight that must have been!

I had always had a fascination with astronomy going back to when I was a little boy. That interest has never waned. It has become stronger over the years. I always look to the stars to feel a sense of wonderment about what kind of life could be millions and billions of miles away. It makes you feel small in the big picture of the universe.

Music makes a person feel whole, and at times the sounds put you into a trance-like state or in the space of meditation. Whatever your choice, instrumental music filled with synths, color, the tinkling of bells, etc., presented on Celestial, will allow you to move on to a different level of freedom and existence. For my tastes, that is very important to find that release point where the thoughts of the day melt away, and the focus is on the music alone.

If you are looking for calm, serenity, and the magic healing powers of music, it's time to take a trip on the "Celestial Highway." That is how this recording starts with that track, and it is a beautiful introduction to what you will hear and experience along the way. Track by track, you can take the journey with Stephen and listen to (what I call) experiential music. You, the listener, decide how the door opens and closes on this recording.

There are stars and galaxies so far away that we will never discover them, even with the most powerful telescope. Here is your chance to create your universe with the sounds to soothe and penetrate your being. Your mind and body become one with the music, and you can discover new worlds within your mind's eye and realize you could not go during a typical day without the help of this music. That is the point of music such as this, to step away from the norm and experience something out of the ordinary, relax, and recharge those batteries for another day.

Celestial gave me pause to reflect. All the layers of ambient keyboards reminded me of some of my favorite artists, such as Jean-Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream, and similar groups. 

As all artisans were appreciated thousands of years ago, they are still today. People like Stephen Peppos are an intrinsic part of our lives and help to enhance our world. So, please sit back, listen, and let the chaos of our planet and perhaps your day, disappear with music from Celestial.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

March 16, 2023

Tracks:

01. Celestial Highway

02. Night Sky Revealed

03. The Sun Sphere

04. Ambrosia

05. Celestial Interlude part 1

06. Look To The Quivering Sky

07. Celestial Longing

08. Fields Of Stars

09. The 4th Dimension

10. Celestial Interlude part 2

11. Heavenlies

12. Celestial Joy

13. Wonder

14. Beautiful Cry to the Universe

15. Celestial Interlude part 3

16. Celestial Dawning

17. Celestial Traveller

18. Celestial Dance

Instrumental New Age-Meditation Review: 2002-Clouds Below

Release Date: January 7, 2023

Label: ‎ 2002 Music

Website

 

Introduction from the artist: Clouds Below was inspired by opposites - contrary forces that depend upon each other to exist and evolve. The sun above by day and the moon at night share a magic moment when they briefly mingle before one yields to the other. 

Clouds drift along regardless of day or night, and they appear below when we soar in an airplane, climb above them on a mountain, or a chance to see them reflected in a pond. The songs on this album explore the beauty found all around us, above and below. The music reveals unexpected paths, inviting us to follow.

 

Are you ready to follow? It is another blessing when I can cover a familiar artist. Music is a gift to all humanity, and animals and plants enjoy it. Listening and following can be a spiritual experience; with this family group of Pamela, Randy, and Sarah Copus, that has always been the case for my tastes and needs. I need music daily to inject energy into my body and uplift my spirits. It’s like wearing a watch your entire life, then one day, you forget to put it on, it becomes a part of you, and you feel incomplete. Music soothes our souls and completes the circle of life. 

A family relationship like this is a beautiful thing to develop in music as they (and us) go on an aural journey.

 

I know that sounds prolific, and it can be for everyone. Walk through that door and find your “Soulmate,” whether that is a person, a cat or a dog, or the music itself. It can all be interchangeable. If there is a “Glimmering Hope,” you can find your “Landing.” It is not intentional that I find a connection to tracks like that; it just happens and makes sense as they unfold and dovetails into one message. I hope this makes sense to many of you. It’s not complicated if you just let the music and you become one. 

 

The ethereal layers and colors presented on each track on Clouds Below are meditative examples of new-age ambient instrumental music with an objective. For instance, the interspersing of a saxophone on “City Blue” gives you a glimpse into the eclectic world of the Copus family. The quiet storm of jazz creates an alternate universe and takes a listener elsewhere. However, it does remain relaxing and meditative. Each member’s contributions are significant and in sync from beginning to end. 

 

At the “First Light of Dawn,” the cosmos grants you another day of life on this beautiful planet, and as you take “The Flight Home,” the “Clouds Below” reveal the beauty and awesomeness of our world and the “Everyday Miracles” that we can witness. We must open our eyes, hearts, and minds and let the music in. It’s simple and direct, resulting in healing and a feeling of blessedness we cannot find anywhere else. 

The Copus family are gifted purveyors of magical instrumentations and sounds you will appreciate. Their journey as artisans continues, and I am grateful to join them on their cloud for a short time and rejoin them any time I choose, and so can you!

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-TFOV Founder

March 5, 2023

Tracks:

01. Soulmate 4:53

02. Glimmering Hope 5:38

03. Landing 4:16

04. City Blue 5:56

05. First Light of Dawn 4:35

06. The Flight Home 4:12

07. Clouds Below 4:33

08. Air and Light 4:26

09. Riding the Current 4:32

10. Everyday Miracles 4:28

Contemporary Instrumental-New Age Review: Orchestra Indigo-Requiem

 Release Date: March 10, 2023

Label: ‎ Independent

Website

Last fall, I had my introduction to Orchestra Indigo-the creation of long-time blues artist Rick Randlett. His first album was titled Farewell To Memories. I was impressed with the musical paradigm shift that Rick successfully made. 

Now Requiem, his sophomore release, is ready for release. 

Rick Comments: Requiem comes from a lifelong fascination with the form, growing out of college performances of both the Verdi and Mozart requiems. In my version, I've tried to create the same flow and emotions without using any Latin text but with piano, synthesizers, and vocal sounds.

 

Those who can appreciate classical music's importance and timelessness undoubtedly appreciate what was accomplished in this release. And in some instances, listeners that enjoy contemporary instrumental, ambient keyboard-based, and new-age music will find appreciation with this listen. I can feel gratitude from all aspects; however, I am unfamiliar with Rick's inspirations that propelled him to a place of creative essence. After listening to his progressive versions, I understand his fascination and passion.  

 

I remained focused and relaxed listening to this fantastic concept and tribute to some great composers without previous knowledge. And therein lies the key for listeners who may be like me. If you can present a thought process or feel about anything and use music to make it come to life and be believable, then you have completed the circle and reached your goal as an artist. That is what Orchestra Indigo achieved on this release.

 

I felt transported from an existential plane to the ether in the eleven tracks. The dreamy synth sequences and wordless vocals felt regal and heavenly, making me think of centuries ago when incredible people created great classical music. Telling a story is very important in most music and challenging in instrumental music.

 

So how does a lifetime of the blues transform into something like Orchestra Indigo? I don't have an answer to that. I know one thing; Rick Randlett is a very talented individual who stepped out of his comfort zone, took a big chance, and created something beautiful that all listeners can enjoy and appreciate any time of day or evening. 

 

Requiem is quite different from Farewell To Memories. I did not know what to expect but was genuinely impressed.

 

The tracks have a nice flow, and I found it easy to get into that rhythm and sense what this means to the artist and realized what it became for me. I felt moved emotionally and spiritually. In essence, I found everything I hoped to see inside the music. That is all anyone can ask.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

February 23, 2023

Tracks:

01. Introit 4:00

02. Kyrie 3:34

03. Dies Irie 4:34

04. Hostias 3:29

05. Lacrimosa 5:12

06. Offertorium 4:09

07. Sanctus 4:00

08. Agnus Dei 3:43

09. Lux Aeterna 3:51

10. In Paradisium 3:27

11. Libra Me 4:46

Contemporary Instrumental Review: Michele McLaughlin-Luminous

Release Date: November 25th, 2022

Label:  ‎Independent

Website

This will be the seventh release I have listened to and covered by Michele McLaughlin. I had not given it any thought, but she must be the most frequent artist I have had the pleasure of hearing since 2015. Luminous, based on the first glance of the album art, gives the impression of something spiritual coming right from the soul. It is a commonplace for this artist, however. 

Her solo piano works are portraits of a grounded individual with the innate ability to speak to listeners through music.

 

Michele said this about the new release:

This is a special edition album written and created using a softer and more delicate playing style by utilizing some of the more expressive features of my piano in order to change the tone and timbre of the sound and to illuminate the more expressive aspects of how it can be played. In doing so, I was able to immerse myself into a softer and quieter style of writing to compliment the changing elements of my beautiful piano. The music on this album is themed around different aspects of light and dark.

 

And indeed, that does put it all into proper perspective. You will feel the sadness of "When You Hurt, I Hurt," and the ever-changing colors of the bright "Kaleidoscope" will lift your spirits. Thus, the experiential journey through the dark and the light. And masterfully depicted may I add. I am not surprised by this in the least. Michele has been one of the most consistent and on-point artists I have enjoyed.

 

This year, more than any previous, I have heard more sadness in the music. I am sensitive to what is happening worldwide, which certainly has much to do with my perception. I am not mistaken, however, as many artists have released "pandemic" themed recordings. The many pressing issues we now face on our planet reflect our times. Hence the music that you will hear will envelop your consciousness. Even though there is that element of sadness, we can always find hope and healing in this talented individual's simplistic beauty.

 

With Luminous, you will find the light inside just like Michele did. She offers you that doorway to where it is and helps you realize that music is just a tool to get there. We all have it inside, and some of our light has been extinguished by life events over the last three years that changed us forever. I feel blessed that I have not got sick, lost anyone, and kept my job. That doesn't mean I don't feel the world's pain daily and realize my mortality with each passing year. It makes me very concerned and sad.

 

Hearing Michele making her way through these ten tracks of instrumental contemporary grace and beauty puts a different perspective on everything. And honestly, that is the goal of any artist, so mission accomplished once again, Michele!

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

November 1, 2022

Tracks:

01. Droplets of Grey 5:06

02. When You Hurt, I Hurt 5:12

03. Kaleidoscope 3:56

04. Shimmer 3:20

05. Moonlit Shadows 2:59

06. The Golden Hour 3:43

07. Luminous 3:09

08. Fireflies 3:37

09. Adrift 2:22

10. Lanterns In The Sky 3:40

Contemporary Instrumental Classical Reviews: Dream Cloud Orchestra-Nocturnes

Release Date: November 15, 2022

Label:  ‎Independent

Website

Dream Cloud Orchestra is the music project of Michael King, a composer and recording artist. Nocturnes is his debut release.

 

Michael found a fascination with the progression of piano and then heard that same music set to a live orchestra. He endeavored to create Nocturnes to emulate that same sort of energy. 

 

Creating the entire album at home with the unique technologies we now have available was a key to accomplishing what he envisioned. When he saw some silent films accompanied by an orchestra, it amazed and inspired him.

 

Every track is complete with beautiful orchestrations, pianos, and synthesizers. Painting music onto a blank canvas and picturing the movie unfolding in his mind, Michael creates ten tracks, which encompass an hour and a half. Tracks like "Summer Night Wonders" and "A Slumber Journey" clock in at 10:57 and 13:33, respectively, while the curtain closer roles in at a substantial 14:55. Those three tracks push this beyond the typical 45 to 60 minutes most recordings are.

 

The strength of the music is well suited to an extended relaxation period, or I can see it used for soundtracks and other media uses. The absolute beauty in this music will give any astute listener satisfaction of time well spent.

 

I began watching silent films at a very young age, found appreciation for their art, and felt compelled to know more. I sought books about these artists, such as Chaplin, Keaton, etc. I can understand Michael's fascination with how the music related to what he was watching and how it added to the story and created another ongoing element of emotion to fit the scenes. Understanding that relationship helped him complete this project and attain the desired results.

 

In "A Slumber Journey," you will hear laughing to ensure the element of humanity is present. The laughing tone creates different moods that, in turn, go with the ever-changing flow of the music. The artist portrays his silent movie in his mind, accompanied by music. With the concept of the nocturnal world encompassing his thought process and the music to match, you have a blended script perfected.

 

At first, I was a bit daunted by the length of the tracks and was concerned I might lose interest too soon. That did not happen. The reason is that the artist created something so accessible and exceptional musically that you find it hard to resist listening to each track to its completion. It is all enjoyable and very relaxing and, at times, thought-provoking. What helped me was understanding the project, what inspired it, and the previous references to my similar interests. To enjoy this music to its fullest (not a necessity, just a recommendation), read the about section on Michael's website. It will give you food for thought before listening.

 

The fact that Nocturnes is a debut release bodes well for the future in music for Michael King and his Dream Cloud Orchestra.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

October 30, 2022

Tracks:

01. A Twilight Walk

02. Night Clock Waltz

03. The Gates of Dreamland

04. Summer Night Wonders

05. A Slumber Journey

06. Sleepy Dog Lullaby

07. A Mysterious Dream

08. Traversing the Darkness

09. A Handful of Stars

10. Slumber’s Wisdom