New Age Music Review: Chakuna Machi Asa - Auroral Magic

Release Date: June 11, 2021

Label:  Independent

Website

I am always in search of something different and inspiring when it comes to my listening experiences. That is something I do not expect before any listen but when it happens, I am filled with joy and anticipation throughout the entire listen.

I felt blessed once again when Chakuna Machi Asa started singing the first track “Blood of Our Ghost” on her recent release Auroral Magic. I understand the title of that track is not typically new age, but then again this is not your typical new age recording.

There is tremendous creativity and variety on this album. From new age, chill, meditation, piano-based, ambient, and everything else, like sounds of nature, comes together splendidly. It is primarily instrumental for focus although hearing vocals is a nice change at times.

The opening track got my interest and attention right away. That is exactly the way to start an album. As I mentioned earlier, I found the title quite striking and prolific at the same time. Chakuna’s voice is very effective and you will warm right up to it. It is a very catchy tune.

I particularly liked the way “The Wind” was so relaxing and natural and how ethereal and mysterious “Time Womb” was. Now that is another thought-provoking title. Are you in your own “Time Womb” or can you create a new one while listening to this music? I suppose each individual has to find out for themselves. I believe that music is a very personal experience and if it is good enough, it can heal you and become your own story.

Keep in mind what the artist is trying to accomplish with her music. She wants to invite all listeners to take a deep dive into their spirituality and to discover our gifts. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses and music such as this can bring you to more realizations regarding your humanity and capabilities. The key to the kingdom here is to allow the sounds, vibrations, colors, and atmospheres to guide you down the necessary path to your enlightenment. Again, it is an individual thing for each listener as it should be.

This album comes exactly as advertised, magic, Auroral Magic, for all its colors, complexities, simplicity, beauty, and wonderment. For many listeners, including myself, these wonderful sounds will be a journey of discovery and awakenings. I would think that is exactly what the artist would like you to experience once you have enjoyed this powerful musical creation and artistic statement.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
July 14, 2021

Tracks:
01. Blood of Our Ghost (4:03)
02. Elven Magic (3:07)
03. Planet Xeron (6:19)
04. Dancing Reflections (2:41)
05. The Wind (6:40)
06. Time Womb (5:45)
07. Blue Moon (6:20)
08. Space Shift (5:02)
09. Our Escape (7:46)
10. The Whale Song (5:45)
11. John (7:28)
12. Auroral Magic (4:51)

New Age Meditation Review: Yuval Ron-kids sanctuary (Volumes 1, 2 ,3)

Release Date: May 7, 2021

Label: Metta Mindfulness Music

Website

Metta Mindfulness Music and Yuval Ron have joined once again to release kids sanctuary. This set comes in three sections.

These three albums make up this comprehensive group of tracks:

Album 1: Healing Music For Your Child and Your Inner Child
Album 2: Guided Mindful Listening and Sound Remedies
Album 3: Mindfulness Practices With Healing Soundscapes

With Yuval Ron are master musicians Radha Prasad (Bansuri flute,) Adam del Monte (guitar), Marcia Dickstein (harp), and Brien Engel (glass harmonica). The combination of these enlightened spirits is very effective.

This is a brilliant production carefully crafted to engage your youngsters in listening, focusing, and a meditative reflective state of consciousness. For a child certainly, the level of attainment in these areas is quite different with each individual and nothing like an adult experience. And to that point, it is created to reach that demographic.

The point here I believe is to introduce your child to a different experience other than computer games or television. It is a paradigm shift for the parents and the children without a doubt. The age group that I would consider introducing this to would be toddlers to as high as the sixth-grade level.  

To start the journey the music is the focus on Healing Music For Your Child and Your Inner Child. This is a good way to get comfortable and familiarize yourself with all of the sounds, textures, and colors that being created for your own healing process.

The second segment Guided Mindful Listening and Sound Remedies, can be an awakening for the child and adult while listening. The key here is your inner child, which in retrospect can apply to any age as far as I am concerned. This is perceived through my own listening experience and lens if you will. We are unique individuals that respond differently to sounds, vibrations, and colors. This music is full of all three attributes to engage a new audience that finds encouragement from their parents. One of the key components is the child’s voice leading the way with an introduction to what sounds to listen for and then a sample of that particular sound. In other instances, with the third volume, Mindfulness Practices With Healing Soundscapes, the lovely adult voice of Ms. Alicia Goyal of the BBC, provides the same instruction but this time regarding colors to look for.

If you go to the website, you will find many options and opportunities to expand upon this body, mind, and spirit sojourn. There is a 15-day kids sanctuary course, videos, and French, Hebrew, Mandarin, and Spanish versions. So, there you have it, wonderful music and diversity and inclusion a part of the entire presentation.

Listening through this set I found peace, enlightenment, and a great relaxing experience in all the music being offered on the three sets. I could understand how this could work very well with developing children and how it would be an effective method of sparking their neuropathways. The people involved with creating and producing this impressive project know what they’re doing and the musicians are superb. It is a collective partnership that has an amazing result and the people that will benefit from this are all the parents and children looking for an alternative method of learning, relaxation, and the mindful listening experience that can be so important before they go to school and when they are already there.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
June 16, 2021
 

Tracks/Notes From The CD:

1. Kids Sanctuary

Healing, soothing and relaxing music to cultivate inner peace, and help children self-regulate.

Based on the wisdom of Chinese and Ayurvedic traditions and recent advances in modern neuroscience,
this track was crafted for children’s wellbeing.

2. Sleepy Time

Mesmerizing and soothing sounds, perfect for deep relaxation, nap time, or before going to bed.

3. Enchanted Waters

A track to cool down, unwind and be invited to relax with the magical sounds of kalimbas.

Four different kinds of water sound: bubbles, creek, rain, and ocean waves, create a cooling down experience, to wash away stress and anxiety.

You can play it before bedtime or during your child’s cool down routine.

You might even let it play in the background when you feel your child is over activated, to help their body regulate.

4. Bye Bye, Belly Ache

This flowing and bubbly music track is an invitation to relax, let go, and move the blocked air in your body and your life.
It can be especially helpful for children with tummy aches or for colicky infants and toddlers.

The main instrument featured in this track is a glass harmonica, chosen for its flowing qualities, representing the element of air.

5. Focus Pocus

A relaxing track created to nurture the flow of creativity and concentration.

The sweet and flowy sound of the harp promotes the stimulating and sharpening of the senses.
A great track to play in the background while your child is studying or playing.

Track Feature: The Song Gardeners-Harmony of Contrast

"Harmony of Contrast" is the latest musical seed flowering and blooming to perfection for The Song Gardeners. Their music and positive vibes picks up where the last single track release left off.All of the beautiful lead and backing vocals of Mary Gospe and the backing vocals of Corrie Dunn (piano) give their sound a warm invitation to any listener. David  Scheibner steps in to provide the guitars on this outing. 

The words this group provides are always thought provoking and enlightening. 

They get their point across with impactful lyrics like:
Wouldn't life be dull and gray, if we all looked the same way?
Wouldn't life be dull and gray, if we all thought the same way?
Wouldn't life be dull and gray, if we all lived the same way?

The message does not get any clearer and more concise than that. And with the truth flowing through the music and words, you end the listen with a new perspective. Where would we be without "Harmony and Contrast?"

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

 

 

Buy/Streaming Link: https://dashgo.co/debndvb

Harmony of Contrast (Official Lyric Video) - https://vimeo.com/565052884 

Visit The Song Gardener's Website: https://www.thesonggardeners.com

The Song Gardeners is a musical duo from the San Francisco Bay Area featuring singer/songwriter Corrie Dunn (vocals, piano, guitar) and singer/songwriter Mary Gospe (vocals, guitar, percussion).

Their original songs are filled with positive, empowering messages and beautiful harmonies.

New Age Review: 2002-Hummingbird

Release Date: June 11, 2021

Label: myndstream

Website

https://myndstream.fanlink.to/Hummingbird-2002 

 

A little over a year ago I covered the 2002 album Celtic Fairy Dream. Now at the beginning of June Hummingbird will be released. There are no coincidences in life and I have always loved to watch birds. And hummingbirds are fascinating little creatures. Friends of mine have a feeder for them and I was thinking about getting one. This was a mere two weeks ago. So now I am sitting here listening to an album dedicated to those very birds. 

2002 is a wonderful family group and immensely talented. They are the mother, father, and daughter team of Randy Copus (guitars, bass, keyboards, vocals), Pamela Copus (flutes, Celtic harp, keyboards, vocals), and Sarah Copus (Celtic harp, vocals). They are totally in sync and their productions bear out that synchronicity time after time on Hummingbird.

”Gathering the Clouds” is a good example of the great music this family can create, engineer, and then produce. The orchestrations and wordless vocals on the track are gorgeous. It swept me away into their cloud of sounds and I just floated away with them. What more could a hardworking, anxiety-ridden, stressed individual ask for at the end of the day? Yes, I can fit that profile some days. I tend to be highly self-motivated, focused, and push too hard at times. This takes a tremendous amount of energy and I need a space to call my own to step outside that realm. Even knowing this, at times I have a hard time leaving my conscious mind behind for a reprieve.

I do need to climb the “Sacred Mountain” for relief. But don’t we all? This track featured some nice ambient keyboard layers and flute. The underlying orchestrations are always the key to this music. They give the tracks a meaningful foundation to build on and you cannot help but feel some elation and the profoundness of this music. This is new-age music at its very best. All the right combinations come into play to set your mind and spirit at ease amidst all of the elevating sounds and textures that create all the colors and visions in your mind’s eye.

Everything about Hummingbird speaks to the sacredness of life and nature and our interdependence and connection. Each track takes you to a different place and it’s all about the beauty and pureness of nature and all its bounty. The music expresses that fully in a very distinct way. On “Through the Rainbow” you can hear the gentle fluttering of the hummingbird’s wings through the sounds of the instruments and the lovely inviting acoustic guitar lines.

These are some examples of the many facets and talents of the Copus family and how many sounds three people can put together. At times it sounds like a choir accompanied by an orchestra. The clean and crisp recordings having some fine production values and this team utilizes all of their talents to great advantage to make Hummingbird one of the best new age releases of 2021. I would count on it receiving a lot of praise and some awards for its efforts and contributions to humanity. This is musical meditation for a new age and universal healing for the world. Welcome to Galactic Playground Music.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
June 11, 2021
 

Tracks:

01. Rainbow Cove (5:39)  
02. Walela (4:12)  
03. Gathering the Clouds (5:04)  
04. Sunlight in Rain (4:20)  
05. Sacred Mountain (4:46)  
06. Through the Rainbow (5:02)  
07. Courting the Moon (5:37)  
08. Jasmine Rain (4:09)  
09. Wind Dancer (5:19)  
10. First Day of Spring (4:57)
 

New Age Acoustic Review: Ryan Michael Richards-More Than Time

Release Date: February 20, 2021

Label: Independent

Website

 

Ryan Michael Richards started playing guitar at 14 and was influenced by artists on Will Ackerman’s Windham Hill label like Ackerman himself and Alex De Grassi. The acoustic guitar performances of the EP More Than Time, echo those influences in a most profound and appealing way.

I enjoyed all of that Windham Music myself back in the early 90s so have some familiarity with the artists he references on his bio and in his approach and style. For this listen that is a door I willing walked through without any hesitation. Not to say I knew exactly what to expect but had some idea.

The five tracks on the EP are beautifully presented with Ryan Michael’s precision acoustic guitar playing.

“Moving Forward” starts off the proceedings with a warm introduction to the acoustic bliss you are going to experience from beginning to end. A little over 3 minutes gets the atmosphere set with some very nice and infectious notes. The sound of one man playing acoustic guitar and sounding like two is an amazing thing to hear. I most certainly appreciated his abilities straight away and anticipated more of the same.

“At Your Leisure” continues with the relaxing ambiance and the exquisite addition of Premik Russell Tubbs (Lyricon) and Michael Manring (Bass). The additional instrumentation is added layers of serenity that are easily created by the joining of all three instruments. Ryan’s guitar permeates the track and invites the other sounds to intermingle with his acoustic guitar like it was simply meant to be. In case anyone was wondering, the Lyricon is an electronic wind instrument that sounds similar to a flute. The track is the longest on the EP clocking in at 5:18. It was my favorite track.

Charlie Bisharat (violin) and Jill Haley (English Horn) join Ryan on “May I Have This Dance.” The title is very insightful into the question being asked of a prospective dance partner. I think what brings that element out more than ever is Charlie’s violin. It sounds elegant and with the appropriate addition of Jill’s English Horn, the track takes on a very majestic aspect, like watching the King and Queen dancing in the ballroom to start the coronation of the new prince in the castle.

“Friday At Five” is quite different than all the other tracks. It has a distinctly different rhythm to it, as all the others do, however, this one caught my ear as a different style of picking than what I heard previously. It is very purposeful and succinct but once you hear it, it definitely feels like a step away from the flow you heard prior.

“Timeless” which is the second-longest track at 4:01, closes out the EP. Premik returns to play but this time a lovely “quiet storm” saxophone gives the track a nice acoustic new age jazz feel. This I absolutely love and have appreciated for many years now. The interface of the genres, Ryan’s beautiful playing, and Premik’s lovely sax make this one a real gem and superb way to close out the album.

Although More Than Time is a brief excursion of acoustic ear candy, it is enough to satisfy any musical palette. It was done well by all involved including the unbeatable production team of Will Ackerman and Tom Eaton.

So, grab your favorite comfy chair, pop in the CD “At Your Leisure” and enjoy every second offered on More Than Time. I know I did.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
June 2, 2021

Tracks:

1. Moving Forward
2. At Your Leisure
3. May I Have This Dance
4. Friday At Five
5. Timeless 

Acoustic Contemporary Instrumental - New Age Review: Shambhu-Heart Awakening

Release Date: May 31, 2021

Label: Independent

Website

 

The Heart Awakening EP features 5 full-bodied tracks of instrumental acoustic guitar.

*I have provided an insightful look into each track directly from the artist. This is a nice addition to have available while streaming and deciding to support the artist by purchasing the CD.

Like many musical recording artists, this is a time for reflection and healing if you are fortunate enough to still be here and healthy at the moment. The scourge of the pandemic took its toll on all of us in one form or another. Of course, we do not think that kind of event inspires talented people like Shambhu to make great music, it is a stepping-off point. The driving force behind this is the need to hear healing sounds. In the five tracks on this EP, there will be a Heart Awakening.

The variety on display is engaging and very enjoyable from my perspective. I do appreciate fine musicianship on display showing all the facets and colors that can be brought forth through the various instruments. The main instrument is Shambhu’s inviting acoustic guitar playing. He is a standout player with a lot of talent and he spreads the wealth of that blessing in all five tracks.

The title track opens things up with a nice slow entrance down the path of relaxation and enjoyment. Every track is a tasteful treat of aural escape, to another mindset or space in time if you will. Then for a complete change of direction “Infinite Eyes” takes on a worldly feel inspired with an Indian flavored melody.

For yet another twist, “Preparing for Flight” is a jazz-new age journey that brings your spirits high so get ready for takeoff. The combination of those two genres always works so well, as witnessed yet again in this quiet storm meets the new age foundation at the musical crossroads. “Little B’s Poem” is acoustic beauty personified with piano and poignant guitar lines punctuated with a mellow jazz inference.

“Song For You” is similar in jazz tones, however, the acoustic guitar is more contemporary and then the saxophone gives it that all in jazz ambiance. It lights the inner spirit and keeps that fire burning from start to finish. It is tastefully done and could easily be a crossover to different genres and enjoyed by all.

The Heart Awakening EP will be a welcome addition to your collection this year and your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.

*ABOUT THE SONGS FROM THE ARTIST:
Heart Awakening - Slow, Reflective, Hopeful, and Heartfelt. Features Shambhu's shining and radiant guitar like a devotional prayer.

Infinite Eyes - Upbeat, enchanting Indian-inspired melody with a gorgeous piano / guitar dreamscape that touches the heart. Features Geoffrey Menin, a pianist and friend from college days. And Matteo Palmer, an inventive, young guitarist and composer who invited me to play on his last album, “The Minstrel’s Return.”
Preparing for Flight - Laid back Brazilian / Jazz / New Age groove with an easy melody and tasty horns. A post Pandemic song for the road ahead. The song had its first life as the theme song for a JVC Jazz Festival nationalradio commercial. Features a wonderful flute solo by Premik Russell Tubbs and tasty marimba, percussion, flutes and horns.

Little B’s Poem - A cover of a song by Bobby Hutcherson written for his son, Barry, three years old at the time. "The melodic line reminds me of how he used to play," said Bobby. Features a lush arrangement by Shambhu and a gorgeous piano performance by Frank Martin.

Preparing for Flight - Laid back Brazilian / Jazz / New Age groove with an easy melody and tasty horns. A post Pandemic song for the road ahead. The song had its first life as the theme song for a JVC Jazz Festival nationalradio commercial. Features a wonderful flute solo by Premik Russell Tubbs and tasty marimba, percussion, flutes and horns.

Song for You - A magical saxophone and guitar duet that beams with warmth and light. Celebrates all listeners and features saxophone virtuoso Premik Russell Tubbs, who I first met when we were a mere 20 years old. A love of soulful music has sustained a long and productive friendship and that warmth is indeed reflected.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
May 29, 2021
 

Tracks:

1. Heart Awakening
2. Infinite Eyes
3. Preparing for Flight
4. Little B’s Poem
5. Song for You

Contemporary Instrumental Review: Masako-Wanderlust

Release Date: June 11, 2021 (on artist site)

Label: Independent

Website

 

Wanderlust will be my fourth recording covering Masako’s music. When the announcement comes through for such an artist you feel instant gratification and anticipation. For my listening experience, this initiates comfort and knowing. Not so much knowing what to expect but to know that what I will hear I will be completely immersed in.

While I enjoyed all of Masako’s releases to this point, I believe Wanderlust exhibits an exceptional advance in maturity. I say this because each track is brilliant and quite different. She has mastered the art of diversity and utilizes the other instruments in the mix to her advantage.

The one track that caught my ear as different than anything she has ever done was “Forestology.” It is like a cool breeze, a lovely mixture of ambient, contemporary, jazz, and electronic. It sounded like something I may have heard on another album from a jazz innovator like Ponty, Corea, or one of those luminaries. I loved it of course, and feel now the sky is the limit for this artist.

Then there is the cello and horns in gorgeous and poignant tracks like “Shades of Memory.” Speaking of “Diversity,” as I mentioned earlier, I did not realize it was a track until it came up. It is quite simple and direct with just Masako and her piano. I think the message here is different than the one I was conveying. I believe what she is saying with the track is that the world is a diverse place of many cultures, religions, and backgrounds. With the beauty and soft invitation of her piano, she extends a worldly handshake to all listeners. Reaching out with music is very powerful and words can be a strong statement in the track title alone. This is all accomplished in a little over three minutes.

To coincide with that thought process, “Year of Love,” perhaps speaks to the virus that invaded our lives last year. The love of each other and the healing powers of music are a very effective combination. My inner being acknowledges music as such, as I am sure it does with many listeners. The music speaks to you in many ways. The connection we have with it is universal and spiritual. This track evokes the tides of the ocean and the sounds pull you out to the sea of sound and sweep you away for some time of relief. Over six minutes of excellent musicianship and emotion is tied into this track. It is a masterful instrumental and one of the best on the album.

Wanderlust is an amazing achievement for a solo piano artist. Masako continues to push the musical envelope with each successive release. As a very particular and hard-to-impress listener, I found it an absolute joy to experience from start to finish.
 
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
May 22, 2021

 

Tracks:

01. Lily of the Valley (2:10)
02. Ocean and You (7:18)
03. Wintering Birds (4:56)
04. Forestology (5:13)
05. Wanderlust (4:54)
06. Lake Willoughby (3:34)
07. Shades of Memory (5:02)
08. Diversity (3:12)
09. Year of Love (6:04)
10. Aquifer (4:34)
11. Wisdom of The Heart (4:45)
 

New Age – Ambient Instrumental Review: Deborah Martin and Jill Haley-The Silence of Grace

Release Date: April 23, 2021

Label: Spotted Peccary

Website

 

Deborah Martin and Jill Haley have combined their efforts on the Spotted Peccary label and released an atmospheric recording titled The Silence of Grace. While Deborah is a long-standing member of the label this is Jill’s first time working with that team. The collaboration brings the sonic pleasures of an immersive and relaxing audio journey.

Jill Haley’s tools are the English horn, Oboe, Yamaha Motif, and percussion. Deborah Martin provides instrumentation with the Yamaha Motif; Roland V-synth GT; Roland Integra; Spectrasonics Omnisphere; Taos Drums, and percussion.

What we have as an end result here is the melding of the natural sounds of the horn, Oboe, drums, and the electronic ambiance of the synths and computer-generated sounds. This creates a symphony of audio delights to match with natural surroundings that each track title is asking you to picture in your mind. With the artist, it first emerges from the inside, deep in their souls, travels to their heart, then their intellects and then talent translates it all through their instruments. I think I have validated that process through many interviews with artists from several genres. Although I must say this mindset is more prevalent and impactful when speaking of new age artists and what their intent is when recording the music and reaching out to the world inviting them to listen.

What you will receive in these many blessings of aural transmissions are nothing less than four minutes and over seven minutes with the longest track. These are not short jaunts for a listen, the tracks presented here have a higher purpose and they give you time to absorb each one to use as a tool for healing, relaxing, or whatever you wish at the moment. In the end, the result that is desired most certainly can be reached with all these wonderful sounds, colors, and textures being painted into your being.  

One track that really can serve as a testament to my own feelings and appreciation is “The Stillness of Forest Bathing.” My first thought was picturing myself in a stream with cool clean water bathing then I quickly reverted to the subject matter of the forest itself. All of the flora and fauna bathe silently in the morning dew and the rising sun. Besides the event of rain, which is not silent, this is how the living unit of the forest continues to flourish and provide all kinds of resources living in the trees, below it, and in the ground. They are all interlinked in a complex system that works with a flow and force that is not unlike their human counterparts that are interdependent upon so many factors to survive. The music blends so well with Jill’s gorgeous horn and Oboe and the adding of the soundscapes from Deborah gives it the final link, the last essence of completion that each track needs from the beginning to completion. This again can be compared to an ecosystem functioning on an interlinked system that helps each segment to not only survive but grow and provide resources for other living creatures. That to me says it all and it shows you how the artist has taken all of those complexities and related to their music and beliefs and transferred it to a significant auditory contribution for us sentient beings to absorb and enjoy.

“From Fire Into Water” was a very interesting tune as well. I loved the way the sound starts emulating a didgeridoo, then as it fluctuates like transmissions from the cosmos. The track takes different roads as percussion is added and some beautifully layered synths and horn arrive that feels changing and uplifting, like leaving the ground to go explore another part of your world for a time. You will find a lot of those experiences in this music and I highly recommend a complete listen before any sampling to put any tracks on your playlist.

There is so much to enjoy and ultimately appreciate on The Silence of Grace.  It is a precious work of complete art that I found a spiritual connection to that could not be denied.  

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
May 11, 2021

 

Track List:
01. The The Silence of Grace
02. Indian Heaven
03. Verdant Sanctuary
04. The Stillness of Forest Bathing
05. Fountains
06. Earth Stone Water Sky
07. From Fire Into Water
08. Water Flows of Clouds and Thunder