Instrumental Ambient/Electronic/New Age Review: Stephanie Sante-Clear Light

Release Date: July 20, 2018
Label:Sante Music
Website

According to Stephanie Sante’s website her newest offering, Clear Light is as follows:

Clear Light, a tribute to the beauty, mystery and power of earth’s oceans, from ancient times to the present. The music ranges from buoyant, jubilant and energetic to softer, gentler, floating pieces. Clear Light takes the listener on an underwater journey of exploration and fascination.

After hearing the first few tracks of this album it was sounding more ambient and electronica than new age. It is more like Jean-Michel Jarre than say Kitaro for instance. Here is a point is well taken, music such as this borders on being new age or very close to it. I think if I were to put any kind of label on it I would choose ambient/new age instrumental. The ambient for its obvious textures and layers of synths and keyboards, and the new age in slices that line up with the image on the cover of the album, the title, and the relaxing elements that would allow a listener to sink into a chair a float away inside their mind or meditate. I think that is a fair enough assessment of what I heard on Clear Light.

I am not saying all this in a negative context at all, it is quite the opposite. I love music like this and the two artists I mentioned are favorites of mine along with others such as the work Bowie and Eno did on Low. When I was younger and first heard that I thought Bowie had gone off the deep end. Now I absolutely love it and can see the genius in what the man created. Music that is explorative and reaching out to find different realms of consciousness, can be found on Clear Light. It becomes an extension of that beginning process every listener goes through. For me now it through the ears of a more mature and advanced listener, not to mention a more spiritual and wise man (which took me many years to arrive at and many mistakes and obstacles).

It truly is amazing how music triggers so many emotions, thoughts, and good feelings. It stimulates every part of me, my brain, body, soul, and breathing. It is only music with different tones, colors, and rhythms that can make that happen. If there is repetitiveness in the background for rhythm and many other things coming in to keep it interesting and attention-getting, then I am good to go. Stephanie does an excellent job of keeping it all fresh and interesting. I think it can be difficult to do that as a solo artist working with various synths, computer-generated sounds, and keyboards.

Clear Light carries on the tradition of thoughtful and creative music as it the busyness of the day melts away. All of those thoughts and tasks of the day just flow away, then are replaced by joy, warmth, love, and clarity. Stephanie takes you there with her music. In 9 tracks of an enchanted journey through time, space and nature, you are delivered to another world, perfect for those of you seeking simple solace or an opportunity to meditate.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 29, 2018

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Tracks: 
1. Clear Light
2. Deep Impression
3. Salacia's Dream
4. Jade Resonance
5. Melt Like Snow
6. The Color Of Coral
7. Fractured Echoes
8. Moonlit Starfish
9. Mariana

New Age-Meditation-Chill Review: Valerie Romanoff-Healing Music Volume 2

Release Date: October 10, 2017

Label: Valrock Music

Website

There is a lot to know about Valerie Romanoff. The multi-instrumentalist has been involved in music since she was a child. Valerie was also the co-founder of the group Starlight Orchestras in 1998. Her resume is impressive and as I was soon to find out, so is her recorded music.

This is what Valerie has to say about music:

“Music has the power to heal, transform, evoke emotion, underscore and enhance our lives. By consciously aligning with elements of music, we can affect deep changes in our world.” -Valerie Romanoff

I completely agree with her and have been advocating the healing abilities of music for many years in my reviews. 

After playing several different instruments, Valerie fell in love with the guitar. On Healing Music Volume 2 she plays the guitars, piano, synth and provides the chanting. Stevin McNamara adds a most beautiful sitar to give the music a distinct worldly feel. Tom Rossi adds the flute, kora, percussion and chanting as well. The entire album was produced and composed by Valerie.

I fell right into this album like it was a natural thing to do. All the instruments that are intermingled into each track give it a nice rhythm and vibe. I found it very relaxing and pleasing, so much so, it felt like I was smiling from the inside out. Now that feels really good! 

I found this recording an instrumental wonder, the combination of instruments is very complex. It is mixed to perfection and the production is top notch from start to finish.  Keep in mind this is two-disc set so there is a lot of music offered. With 17 tracks in total and only a few under 5 minutes in length. With that thought in mind, it raises the bar for keeping you focused on the music, all of it. This is why I found it amazing how appealing all of it was. The main reason is that it was done in the most diverse way possible. The entertainment factor is in place, then comes all the other pleasantries available while listening.

Most notably, the guitar gives it all a modern chill feel to it and the other instruments support that with layers of percussion, sitar, flute and at times chanting. For my listening tastes it is the guitar lines that give it that extra soft but effective edge and energy that takes my interest to another level entirely. One of the best examples is track 4 “Dawn of Tao.” It runs for 17 minutes and 42 seconds. It is like a magnum opus of instrumental, new age, meditation, chill, and rock all brought together into one tight package. It held my interest all the way through and when it ended, I knew that I wanted to hear more. I also need to hear Volume 1 now. Nobody wants to start with 2 but in this case, I am glad that I had the opportunity and became aware of this fantastic music.

If there is such a thing as meditation that knows how to rock (softly) then this is it. If you were in search of that sort of diversity then look no further than Healing Music Volume 2.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 20, 2018

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Tracks: 
01. Pink Skies Over Still Water
02. Pink Skies Over Waves
03. Beyond the Bend
04. Dawn of Tao
05. Backdrop
06. Moving Glass    
07. OM Shanti Shalom
08.  Prelude Went Beyond The Bend
09. Pink Skies Over Still Water
10. Pink Skies Over Waves    
11. Beyond The Bend
12. Dawn of Tao
13. The Bend
14. Backdrop
15. Moving Glass 
16. OM Shanti Shalom
17. Prelude Went Beyond
 

New Age/Contemporary Instrumental Review: Timothy Crane-The Fall of a Sparrow

Genre: New Age/Contemporary Instrumental

Release Date: 2017

Label: Independent

Website

This is my first exposure to Timothy Crane’s music. The Fall of a Sparrow is as prolific as it may sound. It can be a cross reference to many instances in life if you think about it for a moment. Leonard Cohen came to mind when I looked at the title. I am fond of his poetic music and was saddened by his passing. In this case that was a fallen sparrow for me.

Timothy is an expert with the ivory keys and the additional instruments added to the mix play an important role as well. The viola for instance is like the violin. It provides a certain melancholy and atmosphere that accentuates the pace of the piano and the mood that is being projected onto the listener.

The orchestration of the tracks is a good mix and the opening track “Albion” is an electrifying way to get a listener’s attention. I felt uplifted by the richness and images of the track. It truly was an epic beginning to a very strong recording.

I look for the flow and consistency in an album and The Fall of a Sparrow certainly provided me with what I was looking for. The music swept away any possible mood I was in and put me in a different space.  I simply fell naturally into it without a thought. The flow of rain, snow, or a river is a natural occurrence and my belief is that instrumental music such as this should be the same. I believe it fits that description.

In the 15 tracks on The Fall of a Sparrow Timothy proves to be a virtuoso leader. While his piano takes charge it also allows the other aspects of the music to blend in nicely. Like a musical blender each ingredient is added to formulate the final product.

This is a beautiful soundtrack to relax and take your personal inventory to. It allows an individual to focus entirely on the sounds being absorbed and yet it leads you to introspection and reflection through your soul. As dreams are the window to the soul, so is music if you can let happen, it is as right as rain.                             
      

The Fall of a Sparrow is the closest thing to musical perfection one could hope for.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

May 8, 2017

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Tracks:

01. Albion
02. Come Holy Spirit
03. The Sound of Snow
04. To Rise and Go
05. Father and Son
06. Alone
07. Star Cross Moon
08. The First Day
09. Festival De Musique
10. Slowly Awaken the Dawn
11. The Fall of a Sparrow
12. Promise
13. Daniel's Dream
14. Chansonnette
15. At Home in the Garden
 

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

Release Date: January 8, 2017

Label: Sonic Bear Music

Website

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

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

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

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

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 5, 2017

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

New Age-Classical-Electronica Review: Anaya Music With Live Symphony Orchestra-Eternity

Release Date: August 19, 2016

Label: Anaya Music

Website 

Anaya Music and the latest release titled Eternity is all about collaboration. Anaya Music is Anaya, Tania Mara Botelho, Steve Salani and members of the Prague Symphony Orchestra. 

I am one of the first to admit you cannot match the experience of being at a concert as to sitting and listening to CD. There are instances in my listening experiences inside the confines of my home that have elevated my spirit and given me positive energy and hope. Eternity turns out to be one of those instances. The parts from the orchestra are live however, so we get the best of both worlds. This is where technology and live off the floor music collide to explode into sights and sounds that will stir your soul.

What I found interesting was how the use of technology made this project come together. Over the oceans these artists added their parts and eventually it became a whole. With the help of many talented people and the sum of its parts scattered about the globe coming together through the advances of communication and modern recording, this became a musical entity. It truly is amazing how all of that works. It is even more of a celebration when it all meets to make the most beautiful and picturesque sounds and colors arriving through your speakers. 

Anaya ends the liner notes by saying “Our best instrument is the universal harmony of being.” That one thought and the vibrations it creates is the perfect lead in to this cinematic recording. The soundscapes shaped and molded are things of beauty and grace that can take your spirit to a higher plain. I do believe that is the intent of music like this. Enlightened spirits leading others down the path of light and love…it works well if you allow the music to transport you as the pressures of the world melt away.

The entire listening experience was so enjoyable and uplifting that I felt disappointed that it ended and it seemed to end much too soon.  From where I sit that is the highest compliment I can pay to any artist.

Eternity is a blessing to all that will hear it so make sure you give it a few spins and find what I found inside the music.

4.5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

January 9, 2017

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Tracks: 
1. Dharma
2. New Skies
3. Cosmos
4. For Love
5. Love's River
6. Gaia
7. Once in Time
 

Contemporary/New Age/ Instrumental-Jazz Review: Shambhu-Soothe

Release Date: February 1, 2017

Label: Acoustic Shine

Website

Shambhu has a new recording arriving on the first day of 2017 titled Soothe.  For this listener, I think it is a great way to kick off the beginning of another day of life that quickly turns into another in the books.

Soothe most certainly lives up to the title. Shambhu takes parts of jazz, new age and contemporary music and stirs the pot until it is simmering with the most wonderful aroma. He creates a mood of calm that is initiated then sustained throughout the recording.

Soothe features many instruments including electric and acoustic guitars, acoustic primarily, percussion, English horn and soprano sax, keyboards, the incredibly talented Michael Manring on bass and a host of other very talented contributors that make this album everything it could possibly be.

The more I listen to a fully realized recording like this it makes me think that mentioning some key tracks is the wrong road to take. Looking at this album as one continuous thought flow and creative process is the best way to enjoy it. If you are writing a review or just kicking back for a listen, I feel it needs to be processed as such (but as I do most of the time will mention a few “key” tracks).

The acoustic guitar is the focus on Soothe then everything else that joins in just lifts that instrument to new levels and that includes some lovely vocals provided by Kristin Hoffmann.  “Gaia Sweet Divine” is a blend of new age or spiritually oriented music wrapped as a special gift for those who are centered and connected with some higher power other than themselves. If you want to hear something that aligns your soul (or chakras which is one in the same in my world) with the heavens above this track would be it. 

The title track brings the recording to an apex of satisfaction with more positive energy that flows like a river through your ears to your inner being with ease and purpose. The entire recording felt that way to me. 

The jazz elements are very important to the fabric that weaves the cloth of this album together. It is like the quiet storm meets its spiritual brother and they merge and explode into a burst of light and energy and take you away. It is the ideal way to let music consume you and Soothe you.

5/5 Angels for the Holidays and Your New Year!

Key Tracks: Gaia Sweet Divine, Soothe

Tracks: 
1. Knowingness
2. Time Travel   
3. Days Like Falling Stars
4. Devotion Tears
5. Prelude 2   
6. Through New Eyes
7. Gaia Sweet Divine 05:08   
8. Soothe   
9. Walking Through a Dream
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

December 11, 2016

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New Age/Classical/World Review: Rebekah Eden-Rowing in Eden

Release Date: March 28, 2016

Label: Path of Gold Records

Website

Rebekah Eden’s release this year is a made for movie soundtrack.  Rowing in Eden is 12 tracks of new age music backed with classical vocals. There are also some elements of world influences in her music that make it that much more compelling.

Her tracks were being considered for The Hobbit movies however they never made it to the final production. After hearing what she has to offer I must say it is a shame they did not follow through. Her voice is the most powerful instrument on the recording and everything else, to coin an old phrase, serves as the cherry on top of the ice cream. There is a gorgeous addition of a 41-piece Czech Orchestra to her amazing voice as well. Not to take anything away from other critical parts of this music that makes it complete, I am just amazed how clear and stunning her vocal talents are.

“A Message From The Stars” is superb way to open the curtain and eventually close it with a different version of the song. I like the transitions in the track with both songs and the second version, the impactful closer, is a heavenly melding of many voices. It will give you a greater appreciation for the ultimate instrument, the vox humana.

Rebekah recognizes her influences and shows that in the most prolific way with covering Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble’ On” (from Zeppelin II) and more specifically Robert Plant’s strong influence. She does this song in her own way and I have to say I found it quite fascinating. This one would have been perfect for one of The Hobbit movies. Her operatic vocal style just soars over the music and every note as if the song was written especially for her. That pretty much says it all considering it is a cover.

“Light of Destiny’ is a very stirring track. Rebekah’s vocals are angelic, rhythmic, and it gave me a chill, the good kind that makes you realize you are feeling something spiritual and special. These are the moments I cherish when listening to music.

More and more I am hearing a fantastic combination of instruments found in new age, classical and world music. The amalgamation is spectacular and all three genres are so closely related it sounds like everything comes to together to form one powerful style that cannot be denied. Artists like Rebekah Eden are leading the way, blazing a path for others to follow. Rowing in Eden is one of the better examples I have heard of genre mergers this year, predominantly one that included vocals.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Ramble On, Light of Destiny, A Message From The Stars (Virtual Choir)

Tracks:
01. A Message From The Stars
02. Iachtach / Prince Caspian's Prayer
03. The Wind
04. Ramble On
05. There And Back Again
06. Light of Destiny
07. The Two Trees
08. A King's Farewell
09. In The Days 
10. Wild Nights
11. A Message From The Stars (Virtual Choir)
   

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

October 5, 2016

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Audio Fidelity Inks Licensing Deal With Will Ackerman's West River Records

Ackerman's Grammy winning "Returning" coming on 180g vinyl for the 1st time!

Camarillo, CA - Marshall Blonstein, president of Audio Fidelity is pleased to announce an agreement with Will Ackerman and his West River Records. The agreement calls for Audio Fidelity, in conjunction with West River Records, to release the first 180g vinyl pressing of Ackerman's 2005 Grammy award winning recording, "Returning: Pieces for Guitar 1970-2004." Ackerman is universally recognized as the preeminent pioneer in the new age music movement, and the founder of Windham Hill Records.

In 2004, after years of growth and introspection, Ackerman re-recorded an album of his best-known songs. A greatest hits collection of all new performances.  The playing and recording of these New Age instrumentals are sharper now than on those original Windham Hill classics and Ackerman's most popular compositions have rarely sounded as poignant.

Blonstein felt one of the elements of working with Will Ackerman that would have great appeal to Audio Fidelity's music fans were simple words Will spoke at the time of the recording about why he wanted to make the album. "Today I'm recording in my own Imaginary Road Studios in Windham County, Vermont on utterly state of the art digital equipment. It all brings me closer to what I hear as I sit alone and play; touching the sound as it literally moves through my body as well as my ears. I guess I am trying to find a sound that lets you hear what I hear."

Will's goal was to take a series of 11 favorite songs and record them for posterity in a way that reflects the emotional nuances, precision, and maturing beauty they've picked up along the road. He includes the graceful and lushly melodic "The Bricklayer's Beautiful Daughter," the sweet and melancholy "Anne's Song", and two peaceful early gems from 1970, "Pictures" and "Barbara's Song." Some were written as celebrations ("Unconditional"), others as elegies ("The Impending Death of the Virgin Spirit"), but all are intricate snapshots of a vastly influential musical life that keeps inventive to this day.

ALBUM TRACKS:

SIDE 1
Bricklayer's Beautiful Daughter
Anne's Song
The Impending Death of the Virgin Spirit
Pictures
Hawk Circle

Side 2
Barbara's Song
Unconditional
Visiting
Processional
In a Region of Clouds
Last Day at the Beach

Will Ackerman official website: http://www.williamackerman.com/

For more information: www.audiofidelity.net

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Instrumental Meditation Review: Hennie Bekker-Beyond Dreams-Pathways to Deep Relaxation

Release Date: July 22, 2016

Label: Abbeywood Records

Website

Hennie Bekker has a new release titled Beyond Dreams. As explained in the most clear and concise fashion on his website…it combines rhythmic entrainment with melodies that listeners can enjoy while preparing for sleep, meditating, or practicing yoga or general self-exploration. The album contains six tracks comprising sixty minutes of continuous music that is designed to help the listener achieve a deep state of relaxation.

Here is a definition of entrainment: Entrainment in the biomusicological sense refers to the synchronization of organisms (only humans as a whole, with some particular instances of a particular animal) to an external perceived rhythm, such as human music and dance such as foot tapping..

This is not a typical review that I would present. More importantly the music itself is the main tool to reach a level of consciousness that simply cannot be attained in normal daily circumstances. I think to single out any one particular track would not make sense in this case. The six tracks offered, seamlessly flow into another in effect taking six tracks and making it one. I took in this experience a little at a time then all at once. The influences can be significant dependent on your approach. 

Just taking in a track or two is relaxing however if you are looking for sustained focus the best way to enjoy this CD is to get into a comfortable quiet area and put the headphones on and some blinders and then take it all in. I found it to be a beautiful and relaxing experience having the aid of the music to remove me from the stresses and thoughts that were going on inside and around me (in a peripheral sense). The high point of stress and worry in my life found this experience to be timed just perfectly to use the tools before me.

Brainwave Entrainment is the main objective of this music. We need to change the frequencies we are hearing to reset our thought patterns hence changing your overall attitude. It does work and I think what Hennie Bekker has presented here is a gift of music and an opportunity for healing and renewal. There is a lot of music I hear that serves this purpose but the difference here is the scientific aspect and the thought and care that went into how exactly this music will affect you.

This is definitely Beyond Dreams, it is reality, a reality that can change with a little help from Mr. Bekker. Even if you end up falling asleep while meditating there is a positive effect on your body, mind and spirit. The subliminal touches take over once you reach that plane of existence. Any way you look at it this is music that is helpful if you want to take the time to hear it and let your consciousness absorb it and process it.

Beyond Dreams is music that is multipurpose. If you just want to hear some good relaxing music it will serve the purpose, if you are looking for more, the options are there at your disposal.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Tracks: 
1. Self Connect
2. Floating to Forever
3. Letting Go
4. The Calm
5. Quiescence
6. Beyond Dreams
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 26, 2016

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