New Age Music Reviews: New Age Instrumental Reviews

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

New Age Instrumental Review: Pam Asberry-Seashells In My Pocket

Release Date: October 13, 2017

Label: Independent

Artist like Pam Asberry inspires me. I always travel a road to inner peace and inspiration with new age music, this time it was different.

Pam taught piano for 40 years and never believed she could create her own music. She finally decided to write her first song and one thing led to another and now we have her first album Seashells In My Pocket. That experience is a lesson to us all. A door will not open if you don’t make an attempt to open it. You must do the initial work to walk through it and to get to the other side.

I see that the beach and the ocean provided Pam with plentiful material to create her first album. The 13 tracks offered on her maiden voyage, are all about the ocean, its surrounding and solitude and clear thinking it provides those seeking it. It most certainly worked for her in many ways. Pam creates some simple and effective melodies throughout this recording. It is simple in regard to it being one instrument which is not a take away from the compositions she presents.

A lot of this music is very restful and healing, which is perfect for meditating or just sitting and listening, allowing your mind to empty. There are some tracks that do change the mood and atmospheres as well. For example, “Dunn's River Falls” picks up the pace considerably. It was like listening to a rolling tide hitting the shore via her piano. That is what I envisioned however she had something else in mind which was a river flowing into a fall. I was focused on the piano playing then letting it take me to wherever it wanted. That is what any listener would do I am sure.

The absolute beauty and personality of music like this will allow you to create your own movie in your mind then your soul creates a path. Instrumental piano music is singular yet diverse in its purpose. It lets us create something new in each song. It was like Pam handed me a virtual paintbrush and I decided to create my own masterpiece alongside her own. Simplistic, picturesque and personal - that is an encapsulation of Seashells In My Pocket.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 24, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Cozumel Blue Waters
02. Wishing Stones
03. Island Cathedral
04. Sleepy Tide
05. Moonlight over Moorea
06. Dunn's River Falls
07. Palm Trees Sway
08. Mysterious Caverns
09. Cadillac Mountain Sunset
10. The Mermaid's Tears
11. Monterey Morning
12. Ocean Stars
13. Sailing Home

New Age Instrumental Review: Michael Stribling-Union-Music For Lovers

Release Date: October 1, 2017

Label: Leela Music

Website

It has been a few years since I had the chance to enjoy and provide some coverage of Michael Stribling’s music.

Union-Music For Lovers came out this month. Michael went down the path of providing listeners seeking peace with an option to attain that. He does accomplish his goal within his capabilities and artistry.

Although the title may suggest something else dependent on your outlook, it remains relevant. These are atmospheric and ambient sounds for people to find a zone of comfort. And this can be accomplished in union or by yourself, that is my belief, not necessarily anyone else’s. The union you achieve could be with yourself and a higher power or existing on another plain of attainment for some time. It truly depends on what you seek in the moment you start listening to these 11 tracks.

Michael uses a combination of keyboards and other computer-generated sounds and beats to create something that sounds like a flowing tapestry of beauty. It is a slice of electronic heaven if you will. I know that may not sound very warm and inviting however this music really is. He is a master at molding and shaping these sounds into a magical wonderland of vibrations, colors and moods.

Union-Music For Lovers has many different shades of light and an ever changing pace. You will hear ethnic influences in his music as well, the kind that transport you. Those elements are the things that make this such an eclectic and enjoyable journey.

What Michael Stribling accomplishes is quite difficult, considering how he gets it all done and without help or support from anyone else. Union-Music For Lovers is a marvelous achievement of ambient and electronic new age instrumental music.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

October 24, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. New Day Dawning, Pt. 1
02. New Love
03. Letting Go / Afterthought
04. Seven Faces of Home
05. Longing
06. Veiled Dancers
07. Union
08. Expansion
09. Afterglow
10. Quiet Conversation
11. At the End of the Day

New Age Instrumental Review: Will Ackerman, Fiona Joy, Lawrence Blatt, Jeff Oster-FLOW

Release Date: October 6, 2017

Label: LMB Music

Website

Sit back and let the music FLOW. That statement could not be supported in a more creative way than on this recording. Four accomplished musicians got together to create something very special.

Will Ackerman, Fiona Joy, Lawrence Blatt and Jeff Oster, all well know names in the new age music industry, combined their skills and experience to produce 11 tracks of outstanding instrumental music. There are several other contributors as well to make this entire effort a reality.

I think what I enjoyed the most about listening to FLOW was how that title fit so well. This is eclectic and very tastefully done. Because of the blend of musicians contributing to this project you get a little bit of all of them, and the end result becomes greater than the sum of its parts. A team effort if you will, is what makes this music so different from track to track.

If it’s Will Ackerman or Tom Eaton’s guitar and the production values they bring to the table or Jeff Oster’s gorgeous trumpet or flugelhorn calling out for an answer, this music beckons you to partake in the experience. And Tony Levin, the most incredible and diverse bass player on the planet, is on the recording. He has become the resident bass player at Imaginary Road Studios, and god knows how he does it with all his other projects and live appearances on his schedule. All of the people involved seem to be in an endless cycle of creativity that has blessed us all for several years now.

The beauty of FLOW is the fact that individuals that have perfected their own sound and created their own legacy and styles have compromised that individuality to become one unit. This is a unit that has a spiritual connection and purpose that is undeniable.

If you listen, feel and absorb the FLOW, you will come to your own understanding of what was accomplished on this album. Let the river of sounds and textures take you away for a while, I can guarantee you will be back for a second trip down the stream.

Note: You can have the rare opportunity to see all of these artists together at Carnegie Hall on October 6^th! Tickets Here.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 12, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Arrival
02. Whisper Me This
03. Flow
04. Free Ascent
05. Waiting for Sunshine
06. Waters Gather
07. And the Sky Was
08. A Night In Nocelle
09. Tenth Life
10. Rest Now My Friend
11. For Rosita & Giovanni

New Age Instrumental Review: Richard Dillon-Irish Mist

Release Date: July 11, 2017

Label: Independent

Website

My introduction to Richard Dillon was the 2014 release The Land of Nod and Lullabies for The Listless. I covered it in April of this year and I did not expect to have another opportunity to hear this music so soon. I of course welcome that experience.

Irish Mist is contemporary new age instrumental with a Celtic theme weaved in the fabric of its musical output. Richard plays elegantly and with an underlying current of passion that is recognized by this listener. You would never recognize that when you just “hear” the music however there is more to it. The music carries with it emotional substance and purpose. Without words, it steadily enters your consciousness and travels to the heart and then into your soul.

Inside the music are stories interpreted through this talented man’s fingers. The most prolific example is the life and times of an Irish immigrant toiling away “Into the Mines” to feed his family. The song echoes of the past and the violin enters the track almost weeping, asking for relief as the ivory keys beckon it again and again. The song bends your heart strings as you envision the hard and dangerous work of men in the mines.

This is the kind of picturesque movie that flickers inside your head while you listening to a tale that comes alive in the music. That is not an easy thing to accomplish, and to do it with such impact and feeling is what makes it so real. That is what great music should do, move you, push you to a state of consciousness and introspection. A place that cannot be reached when laser focused by your work or by the events of a day.

Call it what you will - new age, instrumental, contemporary, classical or meditation, this is chicken soup for the soul music. If you have the inkling or the need to listen to something spiritual and relaxing and soothing, well then, this is your ticket to all those moods in one sitting.

Irish Mist intersects with culture, history and the psyche of a human mind and then sets it free.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 21, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Irish Mist
02. Mother Ireland
03. Smiles
04. My Bed Is a Boat
05. Shadows on the Wall
06. Freckles
07. Dancing on the Light
08. Dying of the Light
09. A Different Time a Different Place
10. Skye Boat
11. Into the Mines
12. Wild Mountain Thyme
13. Mother's Eyes
14. The Long Goodbye
15. Deidres Dance

New Age Instrumental Review: Peter Kater-Dancing On Water

Release Date: September 1, 2017

Label: Indie

Website

Peter Kater has quite a large catalog of music to offer. As his recorded works grow so does the audience desiring a peaceful transition from their day. It is artists like Peter that turn the ivory keys into a thing of magic and beauty. His variations on piano invite you warmly to experience the transitions to solitude.

To usher in the Fall, we have Dancing On Water. The parallel here is that the artist allows his fingers to dance over the keys which in turn will make your spirit dance. His playing seems so effortless and flowing and as you listen, one track blends into the next. It sounds like what it may be like when shifting from one dimension to the next. This is essentially what I do when I let this music sweep me away. My mind empties and then the body relaxes, which is a total paradigm shift for me. I can only speak for myself but I am sure there are many individuals that can understand how that is accomplished, particularly those that meditate.

I was just watching a show about the Akashic Records and how people can access parts of their brain that they rarely use. The idea of this is that if we can focus more and use that segment of our brains to access the universal knowledge of the cosmos then we would be living in a different world. This music makes me think of things like this. Humanity will certainly evolve and music can lead the way down that path if we let it. I have been espousing this for years now in my reviews. When I see all the turmoil in the world today I hope and pray that divine intervention will change it all. Heady stuff I know. The simple piano based music like you will find on Dancing On Water puts me at peace with a clear mind and spirit to envision the world and its people in a better place. The songs are about where all life emerged from, the water.

It is indeed a “Timeless Sojourn” (track 8) this life of ours. As the piano takes its steps to build the music you could shape a strong and resilient soul through the healing of the music, one step at time. It does sound as if a transition like this would be easy, however, it is not for most people. Being caught up with the day’s events and the numerous responsibilities to your job and other people can sap your energy.

I would highly recommend giving Dancing On Water the opportunity to change your mood, feelings, outlook and overall vibrations to a new frequency, a higher and evolved one that will shed the light on more than just one day. It works very well for me and I believe it can for any listener.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

July 26, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Dancing On Water
02. Waterfall
03. Rainfall To Rivers
04. Reaching For You
05. Rivers of Sunlight
06. Deliverance
07. Incandescing Voyage
08. Secret Ocean
09. Timeless Sojourn
10. Vastitude

New Age Instrumental Review: Fiona Joy - Into The Mist (Audiophile Edition-SACD)

Release Date: June 2, 2017

Label: Blue Coast Records

Website

Fiona Joy brings her magnificent solo piano work to the world once again. On her recent release and 10^th studio recording, Into The Mist, she reaffirms the status gained over the years. Fiona and her piano create some of the more prolific music an instrumental artist of her leanings could possible produce year after year.

This is a difference this time however, this is an SACD and special audiophile edition. It was recorded live to Direct Stream Digital 256 Quad DSD. Using the 1885 Steinway Piano, Fiona brings the listener closer to the live off the floor experience. It is referred to as a nearly holographic experience in the liner notes. I must agree with that assessment. It is a rarity to hear a new age instrumental album in this format and it certainly was an indulgence.

The thing about this recording is that the flow is seamless and seemingly effortless. Of course, anyone that truly appreciates how difficult it is to be a professional musician and create an album can look at the big picture. At least I have come to realize and appreciate that more with each passing year. One track invites the next and by the time it is done, and way too soon, it was like listening to one progressive composition.

So, with those thoughts in place it is not hard for me to garner great appreciation for solo artists such as Fiona Joy. What makes her art so pronounced and prolific is the fact that it is just her and the piano. It is like the merging of a soul with an inanimate object that suddenly comes to life. Her quintessential life force and spirituality shines brightly through the ivory keys. It becomes up close and personal in the SACD format, almost as if the artist is in the same room performing. These attributes make it so crystal clear in sound as well is the fact that it’s only the piano with no accompaniment or additional audio enhancements.

Into The Mist settles in and takes up all of your personal space in the most positive and enlightening way. This music is meant exactly for that - its vibrations, waves of colors and emotions that are interpreted through the fingers of one talented lady.

I cannot say too much more; this is a must have recording for anyone that appreciates new age instrumental music influenced by contemporary classical. It is a perfect 5/5 stars.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

June 24, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. A Walk in the Park
02. Moon over the Lotus Pond
03. Opus: Into the Mist, Pt. 1
04. Opus: Mist Rising, Pt. 2
05. Opus: Mist Before Dawn, Pt. 3
06. Through Cloud
07. Feeling Sunshine
08. Grey Sky Morning
09. Galloping
10. The Void

New Age Instrumental Review: Peter Calandra-The Road Home

Release Date: July 1. 2017

Label: PCM

Website

If you have a proclivity for instrumental music of the new age flavor, I have just heard a recording you will love.

Peter Calandra is ready to unveil The Road Home. It will be released just before the July 4^th Holiday. There aren’t a lot of fireworks going off on this album, it is more like a compilation of tracks meant for those of us that require an outlet to release tensions. An interval from all the thoughts, responsibilities and pressures of daily life.

The peace that Peter brings you is mainly through the keyboards however there are other instruments that successfully populate the compositions. Peter is a multi-hued professional adding percussion, acoustic guitars, synthesizers and melodica. The melodica gives the music a distinct European color and atmosphere. On “The Cat’s Eye” it creates a picturesque scene like you are floating down a river in Vienna. You can see the scene developing in your mind’s eye as the music plays.

Great music has the power to deliver thoughts, colors, emotions or a scene from an ongoing movie that comes to life inside your head. The style and pace are different in each track; the artist controls the flow beautifully and he uses the synthesizers to his advantage. He creates layers of textures that are soft yet impactful and at times sound like a mini orchestra pushing the music to higher levels.

The moods are ever changing on The Road Home and Peter is driving it all home with his musical expressions. I appreciated the variety offered in this listening experience. It is the mixture of instruments and varying degrees of intensity that made it so interesting for my ears.

Peter Calandra has my respect and he continues to impress me with each successive release. Let his music be The Road Home to a place that only you know and find peace in. It worked well for me so give it a listen and let it sweep you away for a while, day or night.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

June 16, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. The New Dawn (feat. Joy Askew)
02. Mi Amore
03. Morning Dove
04. The Road Home
05. Night into Day
06. The Cat's Eye
07. Points in the Sky
08. Nocturnal Moods
09. At First Sight
10. Distant Dreams

Merrill Collins-Ethereal Escapes-Echappées Ethériques II

Release Date: July 21, 2017

Label: Spiraling Music

Website

Ethereal Escapes-Echappées Ethériques II is a sequel album. I did not hear the first installment of this beautiful and healing music but I am sure it was a great experience. The recording features Pianist Merrill Collins with Laura Halladay (flute) and Maksim Velichkin (cello).

There are 16 tracks to take in and enjoy on this release. If you read all the tracks in sequence it is a poem and the first volume was set up the same way. I think it is a very clever way for artists to express themselves besides making the music. There is a very spiritual message delivered through Merrill’s poem. So, words are part of the overall presentation however you must take the time to listen, read the tracks like you were reading a story, in this case a poem. As the artist expressed to me, the words get lost in translation due to the digital age not allowing the font formatting (lower case letters and punctuation). It would be more obvious to the individuals looking at the back of the CD that it was a part of the presentation and a piece of artistic expression to accompany the music.

It is all a healing experience as I believe much of the music I hear is, even if it isn’t new age instrumental. This is very contemporary and strongly influenced by classical. This aspect of what I have heard over the years however prevalent, is the difference maker. The classical base takes the music and approach to another level that simply cannot be reached by adding some layers of synthesizer and some babbling brooks. Those elements are good however the foundation of classical music are the keys to the kingdom.

Merrill Collins holds the keys on Ethereal Escapes II and unlocks the door to your inhibitions and they just melt away with the sounds. The musicianship is superb from start to finish. Subtle yet powerful, this music works on you one note at a time with tenderness, energy and the true spirit of our human nature. The mystical flute is always a nice touch and the cello and piano set it up perfectly, it is reciprocal with all the instrumentation. Although Merrill is the featured artist she gives equal time to her partners so they all complement each other. It is like listening to a musical language that can only be interpreted by you the listener and it comes from the inside, there is nothing superficial about it. For my ears that is the pure beauty and focus of music like this.

The title of the tracks say a lot and the music is always right there in the forefront displaying the suggested images. This is music to contemplate, relax to, focus upon and just listen without a thought. Whatever your purpose happens to be now, Ethereal Escapes II is therapeutic in every way. It comes as no surprise that Merrill has a Master’s Degree in Music. She is a master and knows how to make the music to allow all the therapeutic values of it to take hold. Much like the label she created Spiraling Music, her recordings are like a spiraling staircase of sound with each step taking you into a different space and time effortlessly.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

June 3, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. The fountain of jewels activated!
02. Our ears tingled
03. with every heartbeat,
04. listening with our ancestors.
05. Our peaceful uprising continues
06. flowing directly to love.
07. We heard Earth weeping,
08. remembering the emerald.
09. In the bigger picture
10. with our timeless elders,
11. we are whole together,
12. living in harmonious worlds.
13. Particles in space
14. returning home,
15. riding on waves of gold,
16. triumphant upon arrival!

New Age Instrumental Review: Timothy Wenzel-What We Hold Dear

Release Date: April 25, 2017

Label: Coyote Floe Music LLC

Website

What Timothy Wenzel states is so true: “One of the most important lessons in life is to learn to concentrate on what we have rather than what we don’t have. As a reminder of that I titled my new album What We Hold Dear and each of the musical themes reflects various aspects of life that are especially meaningful to me.”

In January of this year I covered Perpetual Motion-RearView featuring a phenomenal violin player name Josie Quick. Timothy very wisely made Ms. Quick a part of his What We Hold Dear album as well as Jordan Schug, who was a great addition on Cello.

Timothy is a former scientist turned musician. That I would say is one of those paradigm shifts of life that immediately makes an impact on all concerned. Fortunately, those of us that enjoy contemporary music of the new age instrumental flavor, become the immediate benefactors of this enormous change one individual went through.

There is always a story behind the music. I have found over the years that ironically music without words has more depth and soul than most music with so called meaningful lyrics. Timothy solidly backs that statement with 12 tracks that capture you in the triangle of life - mind, body and soul. His keyboards lead the way while Josie and Jordan provide an excellent layer of exquisiteness. As with most music of this sort it has a strong foundation in classical that carves a path to other inroads, which becomes the contemporary new age instrumental sound that is the final product.

It takes patience and a natural gift to create and present music so close to heaven and our creator. My personal space is always ready to receive these wonderful gifts that recording artists such as Timothy give us.

Like a road to your destiny What We Hold Dear and the concept of that, can change with one listen to this music. There is a rhythm and cadence to each track that breathes life into a room. It is like a heartbeat you cannot physically hear or touch but you know it’s there pumping and giving you what you need. This is music that brings gratefulness and satisfaction with your surroundings, or should I say what you hold dear?

On the cover of this CD there is a storm off in the distance yet the sun is breaking through that storm, as you hang on to what you hold dear - family, friends, or a nice thought from the past or the day. If you have some sort of trouble or storm brewing inside remember that the truth and light can shine right through and clear skies are ahead. For me that is what the picture on the CD says and then the music plays the story out from track to track. Listen and find out what it means for you, that is the perfection and an invitation that great instrumental music can deliver.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

May 27, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Murmuration (feat. Josie Quick & Jordan Schug)
02. What We Hold Dear (feat. Josie Quick & Jordan Schug)
03. Appalachian Waters
04. Ascension (feat. Jordan Schug)
05. A Spring Day in Autumn (feat. Josie Quick & Jordan Schug)
06. Hypnotized (feat. Josie Quick)
07. Incantations (feat. Josie Quick & Jordan Schug)
08. Moon Dance (feat. Josie Quick)
09. In a Little While (feat. Josie Quick)
10. On a Quiet Night (feat. Josie Quick)
11. Desert Dream (feat. Josie Quick, Jordan Schug & Sarah Joerz)
12. Turquoise Sky, Emerald Sea (feat. Josie Quick)

New Age Instrumental/Meditation Review: Tom Grant-Sipping Beauty

Release Date: April 7, 2017

Label: Nu-Wrinkle

Website

Tom Grant has over 40 years invested in making music. His latest upcoming release is titled Sipping Beauty. If you happen to be in the market for eclectic music, then this can be your ticket to ride. Taking a journey with music is the only way to travel. They key here is to sip the beauty and enjoy it and not take it all in with one swallow.

Those of you that have a propensity for piano based music will find a lot to appreciate on this recording.

“Feathers Falling Up” was one of my favorite tracks. I am sure I heard the distinctive bass playing of Michael Manring. Have you ever seen a feather go up instead of down (when there is no wind of course)? That would be magical just as the track would lead you to believe. Besides, what is music if it doesn’t have some magic and wonder around it to engage a listener and challenge the imagination?

Tom Grant’s pedigree is an impressive one, playing with some of the jazz greats over the years such as trumpeter Woody Shaw and sax players Joe Henderson and Charles Lloyd, are an indication of his abilities. And that just names a few. His experience in the jazz realm can be heard in his music. That is but one element that you will hear. There are touches of ambient, new age, world, well just about everything under the musical sun you could think of for instrumental forays on one album.

“Wrapped In Love” with whispers and steady breathy background vocals reminded me of the 10cc classic “I’m Not In Love.” I am sure it is coincidental the word love is in the title of the track and I happened to relate it to that one song. 10cc happens to be one of my favorites so it was easy for me to find something in common with the track. I do what everyone else does while listening, I relate it my own life experiences and the different music I have enjoyed since arriving on this planet.

“Arms Wide Open” was another one that got my attention and touched me. The piano is so elegant and inviting along with some strumming jazz guitar fills and some carefully placed acoustic guitar picking lines. The sounds are accented with the culture of Spain. The music comes flying off the fingertips of the creator crafting the sounds, lighting up the song like firefly’s in the night sky.

Even though you can classify this music as new age instrumental and meditation music it is far more than that. The different flavors and colors that interweaves into each song gives it a strong crossover appeal. If you’re a musical purist in any sense of the word you will not appreciate Sipping Beauty. However, if you go into this with your eyes and ears opened wide ready to receive a constant flow of change and transition, then you will absolutely love this album as much as I did. And remember if it doesn’t hit you right upon the first listen, try it again and sip it a little at a time, and you will then discover the beauty waiting for you inside the music.

When the student is ready the teacher will show up, just listen.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 28, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Petrichor Perfume
02. Sun-Kissed Beings
03. Sipping Beauty
04. Feathers Falling UP
05. Wrapped In Love
06. Sighs n' Whispers
07. Arms Wide Open
08. Desire Unspoken
09. Moondrops
10. Where Time Disappears

Pages

In January of this year I covered Perpetual Motion-RearView featuring a phenomenal violin player name Josie Quick. Timothy very wisely made Ms. Quick a part of his What We Hold Dear album as well as Jordan Schug, who was a great addition on Cello.

It takes patience and a natural gift to create and present music so close to heaven and our creator. My personal space is always ready to receive these wonderful gifts that recording artists such as Timothy give us.