Contemporary Instrumental - New Age Featured Track: Soul Improvisations-Inner Joy

Devorah Maho Lewin is the Pianist & Composer, founder of Soul Improvisations. Her journey in life brought her to us through her moving solo piano recordings,

Her latest gift, “Inner Joy,” is clear and something she hopes you can find within the music she creates.

The track continues along the same lines as her recent full release, FromThe Depths, which I had the honor and pleasure to discover.

Her innate talents and strong sense of melodicism, while blending the firm foundation of classical improvisation, exude her inner light and joy.

Through those talented fingers emerges a memorable track that exudes optimism and energy, which is contagious. With over six minutes of piano instrumental diversity, Soul Improvisations reminds us of what lies within us all.

“Inner Joy” is not just a listening experience; it’s a feeling, an emotionally moving piece that will touch your heart and soul.

This saying is posted on her site and sums up where she came from:

“The universe will reward you for taking risks on its behalf.”

– Shakti Gawain

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Review Founder

October 7, 2025

https://www.soulimprovisations.com/about/

Devorah is a talented pianist, composer, athlete, lawyer, and single mother of three. In 2023, after working for seventeen years as a lawyer, she stepped down from her position due to her declining medical condition. She received five surgeries from 2022 to 2024, which enabled her to begin building a new life to focus on her childhood love of the piano and composing.

Contemporary New Age Instrumental Review & Interview - Wayo Hogan and Aritra C- Flathead Lake: A Montana Album (Interview with Scott Hansen - Producer & Jennifer Ortiz-Immersive Engineer)

Note: Included with this review is a fascinating interview with Producer Scott Hansen and Jennifer Ortiz, the immersive engineer for Dolby Atmos.

Release Date:  August 5, 2025

Label: Bigfork Bay

Website

I had the pleasure of hearing Wayo Hogan’s Montana Stillwater last October.  Almost a year has passed, and Flathead Lake: A Montana Album has been released; this time, Wayo has Aritra C joining him.

Immersing myself in the entire album in Dolby Atmos with the special headphones the producer generously sent me was a unique and thrilling experience. As a first timer, I was eagerly anticipating the depth and richness of the sounds that this format would bring.

 

The engineering and production values must be top-notch to make this format work, and based on what I’ve heard, they’ve done just that.

 

“Whitefish” opened the recording. The sound was clear and crisp. There is a lot of melodicism in this song, particularly with the piano. There is also a synth layer that drives the track along with a strong rhythm section. I felt this was a very colorful and energetic way to kick off this listening experience.

 

“Going-to-the-Sun” begins with a lovely piano introduction, followed by a steady rhythm that features keyboard, drums, and bass. An acoustic guitar lends its ambiance to the mix. An electric guitar arrives to give a new rock edge, sounding very progressive once it’s in place. That segment ends, and there is the quiet of the just the keys doing their work, then it circles back to the original driving rhythms and melody. The composition is excellent, with smooth transitions from soft to more energetic and rocking sections. Once the electric guitar kicked in at various junctures, I thought of Mike Oldfield. Those familiar with his work may recognize it in this track.

 

“Glacier” begins with a rolling piano accompanied by an acoustic guitar, then quickly transitions to a more orchestral sound as layers are formed, and the electric guitar reenters, lending another element of excitement and anticipation for what may come next. Then, the bells chime for a bit, and another transition occurs, with all the sounds merging into a complete composition. I enjoyed how it all came together in the end.

 

“Stillwater” opens with a nice acoustic guitar, setting the stage for another musical journey. And that is precisely what each track is: a dissimilar journey of audio excellence. I really appreciated the different layers of music at work and the insertion of the electric guitar; however, this time, it was accompanied by fuzztone, which was a distinct difference. One moment you are immersed in the magic of the music with a softness, then another elemental force comes in. I heard the influence of Celtic music in this. The music’s keyboards are the foundation upon which they build their sound. Lush layers of ambient atmospheres populate this track.

 

“Bigfork Bay” begins with an acoustic piano, and immediately, a synth is added to provide an additional layer, allowing the keys to float over. The acoustic guitar returns once again, providing a solid backing for each part to take off and grow within the song. If you listen via Spotify, the images in the videos enhance the experience, highlighting the theme of Mother Nature. It is so relaxing and interactive at the same time.

 

“Flathead Lake” is the closer, and it begins with a much different approach and sound. The influence of legends such as Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk, Vangelis, and others is unmistakable, adding a layer of intrigue to the listening experience. This track is a testament to the album’s eclectic nature, characterized by its well-defined rhythm and predominant keys. Yet, all the layers are distinctly heard, making the separation of the instruments in this format quite extraordinary.

 

Flathead Lake: A Montana Album is a superb follow-up to their previous album, showcasing the artist’s growth and evolution. Listening to it with headphones in Dolby Atmos was a fantastic experience, and it’s clear why this format has gained such popularity.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

August 30, 2025

Tracks:

1. Whitefish

2. Going-to-the-Sun

3. Glacier

4. Stillwater

5. Bigfork Bay

6. Flathead Lake 

New Age Instrumental Reviews: Kirsten Agresta Copely-Kuruvinda

Release Date:  August 1, 2025

Label: Independent

Websites: https://www.kirstencopelymusic.com/ https://linktr.ee/kcopelymusic

Kuruvinda, a rare type of red ruby, is the title of Kirsten Agresta Copely's latest release. The ruby pictured on the album art symbolizes love, wealth, and devotion to Vishnu, a Hindu deity. This profound spiritual connection is intricately woven throughout the music, inviting listeners to embark on a spiritual journey.

Kirsten's harp playing, a central feature of the album, has been found on several releases over the years, which I have covered previously.

 

The ambience you hear, similar to a synth, is all created through a multi-effects processor and vintage outboard units. 

 

"Shadow Light" gently ushers in the recording with a soft, measured approach, showcasing Kirsten's harp playing. This mellow introduction sets a tranquil tone, inviting listeners to relax and immerse themselves in the music.

 

"Ratnaraja (feat. Ismael Lumanovski)" features a Turkish clarinet to set the atmosphere. The harp enters in all its magnificence slowly and resolutely as the flute moves in and out between those notes.

 

The title track, "Kuruvinda," is very atmospheric. The plucking of the harp strings feels like it's leading you down a road to enlightenment. An ambiance layer adds extra texture and sound, making the track more delightful and entrancing.

 

"Intertwined (feat. Dave Eggar, Jessica Meyer)" radiates a mesmerizing beauty. The cello's addition transforms the piece into a cinematic and mysterious experience, captivating listeners and leading them through anticipation and enchantment.

 

"Wordless Voice" is Kirsten's harp, which adds more significance and attention to her artistry's brilliance—the tones and colors of her music swirl around you, encapsulating you with their magic. The ambience layer is woven into all that, giving it a more spacey feel. This was one of my favorites.

 

“Quiet Core” is a good description of this music. It gently moves its audience to a better emotional and spiritual place. The harp's elegance and perfect beauty, a consistent feature throughout the album, demonstrate why it relates to the heavens and is a central element in Kirsten's artistry.

 

'Samskāra', a term of significance in Hindu Philosophy and some Indian religions, refers to mental impressions that shape one's thoughts and actions, forming the basis for the development of karma theory. In line with this concept, the music takes the listener on a reflective journey. The harp's tone and vibration enhance one's contemplation of the track title, fostering a sense of enlightenment and understanding.     

                                   

"Threadline" is a term that recalls different things; however, first, I thought of walking on a thin line as it relates to a situation or predicament one may be in. Depending on the coloring, it can also be something delicate and beautiful that shows in hand-woven tapestry. In this instance, the harp creates this image and whatever may come to mind.

 

"Untold Story (feat. Dave Eggar, Jessica Meyer)" uses the cello's longing sound to enhance the harp's shining light. Although the cello hovers with sadness, the harp leads you to a brighter place. Now the story is revealed and can never be called untold. What you find in the notes of the instruments and the tempo are yours alone to keep.

 

"Saṃtoṣa" means "completely", "altogether”, or "entirely", and Tosha means "contentment", "satisfaction", "acceptance", or "being comfortable". I think the message is that the artist wishes you to feel that way with her music. The harp does allow that instantly once you hear it. Kirsten feels that way about her instrument and plays it with the passion and grace that only the harp requires. As those lovely notes enter the air and fall upon you, the instant relaxing mode begins, and you have reached your comfort zone to absorb the music's message thoroughly.

 

As the cover of Kuruvinda indicates, it is a beautiful gem, and so is Kirsten Agresta Copely's music.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

August 1, 2025

Tracks:

01. Shadow Light 4:33

02. Ratnaraja (feat. Ismael Lumanovski) 3:48

03. Kuruvinda 3:53

04. Intertwined (feat. Dave Eggar, Jessica Meyer) 3:27

05. Wordless Voice 4:32

06. Quiet Core 3:58

07. Samskāra 3:25

08. Threadline 3:47

09. Untold Story (feat. Dave Eggar, Jessica Meyer) 3:54

10. Saṃtoṣa 3:38

New Age-Ambient Instrumental Review: Rudy Adrian-Reflections on a Moonlit Lake

Release Date: March 22, 2024

Label: ‎Spotted Peccary

Website

New Zealand artist Rudy Adrian said Reflections on a Moonlit Lake is a quiet accompaniment for the listener as they rest, read, meditate, or sleep. If your first impression of the cover art is any indication, that statement would hold a lot of truth. As I readily discovered, the music is a wondrous combination of the new age and ambient sounds, and sounds of nature are also interspersed with some of the tracks.

“Dawn Across the Southern Ocean (Remix)” is an excellent example of that, with birds chirping (seagulls) and waves rolling over your consciousness to calm and ensure that what you are hearing is peaceful and healing. One of the points made in promoting the recording is that the music is a formidable respite for the restless mind. That statement is so true, and the music helps with the necessary elements that calm the mind. My philosophy is if you calm the mind, the body and spirit will follow.

 

Rudy started making electronic music while studying Forestry Science at the University of Canterbury and, in the following years, completed a degree in botany at the University of Otago. It is interesting how one thing leads to another, and everything is connected. Whether we are aware of that happening or not, it is accurate, and sooner or later, that realization does hit home if you are not initially experiencing those feelings or thoughts.

 

Three of the songs are extensive, including “The Belt of Orion” at 6:11 minutes, “Rising Moon” at 7:51 minutes, and “Summer Night Rain” at 7:59 minutes. While “Tantalised” is the shortest track at 2:48 minutes. The longer tracks have exceptional artistry and sound, and I quickly found the significance of each piece as I listened and absorbed all the textures and colors. Ambient always sounds that way to me. It is like an artist with a blank canvas painting the soundscape as I listen intently and let the music take me to whatever space in time in my mind or body wants to go. That, to me, is a meditative state.

 

“The Belt of Orion” is significant in name and meaning for those of you who are stargazers or have any knowledge of astronomy, history, and ancient civilizations that use the skies for many purposes here on Earth. I was enjoying the serenity and blissfulness of the track so much that over six minutes of it did not seem enough. I felt I was being carried away into the ether and beyond to the stars. I believe the artist would be glad to know how it affected me, and I hope that many listeners would have the same experience.

 

“Rising Moon” is soft, flowing, and anticipatory all at the same time. Watching a rising Moon is one of the wonders of our solar system. That could also apply to the sun and solar eclipses as well. You can hear the movement of the music. The short, elapsed time of a ringing bell enters here and there as the music has a deep and steady tone that will allow for meditation rather quickly, or you can listen to relax. If you let it work that way, it is over seven minutes of healing.

 

“Summer Night Rain” and lightning sounds are the perfect backdrop for lulling a person into a meditative state or relaxing enough to fall asleep. Once the crackle of the lightning stops for a few minutes, the cool rain falls as the music begins to enhance that natural sound and beauty. The ambient tones, sounds, and colors perfectly merge nature and music. They are interlinked for nearly eight minutes of spirituality and a connection to the world outside your thoughts that never seem to stop inside your brain. The chatter will dissipate, and all the music you hear will empty your mind and let your soul open and be refreshed. It is like eliminating one kind of energy and reenergizing with another. Towards the end of the track, the rains stop. However, the sound of water moving in the river or a babbling brook occurs. That sound is also very relaxing.

 

Reflections on a Moonlit Lake was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed listening and sharing my feelings and thoughts, which is the entire experience I can appreciate for this music lover.

Please Note: As a special 30-day promotion, a limited edition CD of MoonWater will be included for free with physical shipments of Reflections on a Moonlit Lake, available exclusively through Bandcamp and the Spotted Peccary Music web store. 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

March 11, 2024

Tracks:

01. Mirror Island 3:10

02. Dawn Across the Southern Ocean (remix) 5:32

03. Papanui Lagoon (remix) 3:50

04. Lunar Shadow 3:47

05. Tantalised 2:48

06. The Belt of Orion 6:11

07. Midnight Angel 4:15

08. Within the Darkness 4:10

09. Rising Moon 7:51

10. Reflections on a Moonlit Lake 4:51

11. Summer Night Rain 7:59

New Age World Review: Deborah Martin & Erik Wollo-Kinishba

Release Date: February 16th, 2024

Label: ‎Spotted Peccary Music

Websites: https://deborahmartinmusic.com/ https://www.wollo.com/

Kinishba is a large pueblo ruin containing nine masonry buildings constructed between 1250 and 1350 A.D. by the pre-Columbian Mogollon culture. The pueblo is situated on the upper end of a grass-covered valley and originally had 400-500 ground-floor rooms standing two or three stories high.

Deborah Martin and Erik Wollo found that Kinishba became a pathway of continuing to honor the Apache and American Indian culture.

I do not believe we could do enough to honor our American Indians and atone for the way they have been treated for so long. Efforts and any action to support them and create awareness are necessary. I tip my hat to Deborah and Erik for composing this impactful message of music, lyrics, sounds, and authentic Indian vocalizations.

What you will hear is very spiritual and connected to all living things. The Indians respected nature, the animals, and the bounty they provided to their tribes. If the world adopted their way of life hundreds of years ago, we would not be in so much danger of destroying our environment.

Most tracks feature beautiful sounds of nature that get you closer to what is real and meaningful and what should be to us all. The rhythms of the music (particularly the drum) and the heartbeat of nature will instantly connect you to the purpose of this recording.

Kinishba is an opportunity to listen and learn. While feeling all the vibrations through the various instruments, voices, and natural sounds, you will reconnect with your inner voice and once again realize that all things are connected and that music can be the link to all of that.

So, stop, listen, and feel the music and the sounds; let it relax and disconnect you from outside distractions, and you will find it easy to focus quite quickly. This healing music intends to make us realize we are all one because we are and will always be.

Kinishba is a prolific new-age world release that sends a powerful message to humankind.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

March 7, 2024

Tracks:

01. Burial Ground 05:42

02. Creation Story 05:18

03. Kinishba 05:50

04. Voices of Nature 03:50

05. Fort Apache Meadowlarks 05:33

06. Heart of the Warrior 04:53

07. Prayer Song 04:40

08. Nature's Paths 05:13

09. Mountain Spirit 05:42

10. Life Spiral 05:35

New Age Ambient Instrumental Review: Liquid Mind XIV-Simplicity

Release Date: October 17, 2022

Label:  Independent‎

Website

How important is it for you to rest, relax, and recharge? Or find something you can ease into a meditative state? If you answered yes to these questions, then you are likely aware of the healing powers of music. The advances made over the years in science to find the many different uses have become more than an art form. 

 

People like Chuck Wild, the creator of Liquid Mind, are the artisans who create this music. While he does not claim that this will be your cure or work for you and help you with your struggles, research suggests that this type of music can help you. The soft synths and textures in his most recent offering, Simplicity, will have you floating away in minutes.

 

When I stop to think about how many issues we have around us that have the potential to stress us out, well, that seems to be growing every passing year. Computers and programs can do that when they don’t work, pushing my blood pressure up. I need this music. It relieves all those distractions, empties my mind, and puts me into an entirely different frame of reference to move on to.

 

The benefits provided in Simplicity are immeasurable, and every track is long enough, so it stands alone as one guided meditation if you choose to use it that way. It all depends on your need now. Sometimes, subconsciously, just having it play in the background while doing something else will work its magic. For me, that is the power and positivity of this project from top to bottom.

 

The sound values are significant enough that it can either fill your entire room or serve as a soft audio delight turned down just enough to enhance your current space. The title says it all; Simplicity is the key to making your life easier and more manageable, not to mention enriching your mental health. Make sure you give this recording a chance to change your life.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

October 11, 2022

Tracks:

1. Transcendence 10:50

2. From My Heart to Yours 8:09

3. Simplicity 7:34

4. The Child in Me 12:09

5. In The Moment 8:03

6. Hymn for Peace 7:14

7. A Gentle Rain In My Soul 9:56

New Age Meditation Review: SUKHA-Fire

Release Date:  February 22, 2022

Label:  ‎Super Symmetry Records

Website

 

Sukha (Sanskrit: सुख) means happiness, pleasure, ease, joy or bliss, in Sanskrit and Pali. So, when you kick off your shoes, take a deep breath and sit back in your favorite comfy quiet place, Fire will live up to the name of the artist meaning. The album is inspired by content and the mantras contained in the book by Deepak Chopra The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, A Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams.

The artist’s name SUKHA is from the husband-and-wife team of Nicole Sukhaman (vocals) and Steven Sukhaman (yogi/guitar).

I like how the tracks are translated to their English equivalent meaning. This kind of translation will help listeners make their interpretation of each selection. And that will provide a window the artist is attempting to open to reach whoever is listening.

Right from the start, I felt comfort when I heard the music of Steven and the voice of Nicole channeling their spirituality. I do not understand the language; however, I find it quite beautiful and relaxing and thoroughly understand the meditative value of this kind of artistry. Nicole's voice has a superb flow and gentleness that perfectly complements the music.

The one thing you need to get used it the repetition of the words, which is understandable because it's chanting and meant for focus in meditation. Those who understand reflection and the direction you need to attain will make sense. Everyone works at different levels of attainment, and this music will guide you regardless of where you are at in your practice.

Fire is a valuable tool and not meant for a casual listen like putting on your favorite record to get in a groove. The repetitiveness of the lyrics is not designed for casual listening. Admittedly, I am one of those listeners who does not have that kind of patience listening to any music that way. The reason for that is I am listening to write about it and not using it for what it was meant for. That makes total sense, and it allowed me to practice patience, which happens to be an asset to learning how to meditate.

The meaning and absolute beauty that this talented couple produced found instant gratification through my senses. Furthermore, if you intend to do some mediation practice, I highly recommend starting this Fire right away. It is an eternal flame of two souls working hard to lead you down a path of discovery and inner meaning that you will not find going through your daily lives and routines.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
February 21, 2022

Tracks:
1. OM BHAVAM NAMAH - Pure Potential
2. OM VARDHANAM NAMAH – Cosmic Momentum
3. OM KRIYAM NAMAH – Action and Reaction
4. OM DAKSHAM NAMAH – Efficiency and Flow
5. OM RITAM NAMAH – Truthful Intention
6. OM ANANDHAM NAMAH – Non-Attachment
7. OM VARUNAM NAMAH – Harmony

New Age Instrumental Review: Kathryn Kaye-Solace of Mountains and Clouds

Release Date: June 1, 2019

Label: Indie

Website

Solace of Mountains and Clouds is the fifth release I am covering by the exquisite piano player Kathryn Kaye. It was like visiting an old friend when I gave this new recording my first listen. I received everything I have come to expect from an album created by this exceptional artist, top-notch musicianship, production, and sound.

If those three factors are in place consistently on your recordings there is a very good chance you will garner the praise you deserve and all the respect from your peers in the industry. You can tick off all the boxes in that category for Kathryn as well.

Solace of Mountains and Clouds is a direct reflection of the surroundings of the artist where she lives and creates all of her compositions. The inspiration of mother nature can be found in many different segments of the artistic communities. I must say after several years of listening to instrumental piano and new age music, that the images and music presented most definitely go hand in hand. The production elements are superb thanks to the Imaginary Road Studios and the fine stable of artists that contribute to this and many other recordings. The partnerships created are absolute bliss, with Kathryn’s recording being no exception.

A few of my favorites are “Slow Waltz at Summer's End” and “While The Mountain Sleeps.”  The track titles are as moving as the music. The images created by the titles and music are all at once prolific, calming, spiritual and rhythmic. There is an innate sense of musicality and tones emanating from those talented fingers that touch the ivory keys.

Solace of Mountains and Clouds is the soul of nature mirrored in the music and the colors, atmospheres, and vibrations of this wonderful music. It starts by touching all of your senses then it finds a way to your heart and soul. Any good instrumental music holds that magic but to do it so well and for so long is an incredible achievement and a gift to all that have the pleasure of hearing it.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

June 2, 2019
 

Founder of:

The Final on Vinyl

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. Luna's Dream 3:57
02. For Love of Earth and Sky 5:12
03. We'll Be Home Tomorrow 4:13
04. Slow Waltz at Summer's End 4:24
05. Solace of Mountains and Clouds 6:06
06. Mountains Touching Sky 4:10
07. Finally Spring 5:16
08. Warm Sun, Gentle Rain 4:00
09. While the Mountain Sleeps 4:27
10. Stories Told by Trees 4:55

New Age-World Review: Grayhawk-Voice of the Ancestors

Release Date: February 1, 2019

Label: Deep Space Music

Website

Grayhawk (David Gibney) recently released Voice of the Ancestors, the third and final album in a Shamanic Trilogy.

He is a man that has been healing from the tragedy of losing his toddler son. He has transitioned from that pain and loss and transformed his life with more purpose to help those that have special needs. Also created is a foundation in honor of his son to help those with neuroblastoma, a catastrophic pediatric cancer of the sympathetic nervous system that took his life.

Obviously, his music holds many meanings but the primary goal is to ascend to a higher place, heal the soul, and in essence become reborn with new life and purpose.

Voice of the Ancestors features the usual lineup of stars from the New Age genre that find their way on to most of the releases I have the honor of hearing. Grayhawk plays the synthesizers as a base instrument then there is so much more that contributes to the overall sound and textures of this release. To say it is World music is correct but with a New Age concept and approach. The ancients held many traditions and ceremonies all over the world. What this recording captures is the very spirit and color of that diversity and beauty.

There are native flutes, worldbeat percussions, viola, ambient guitar lines, and gorgeous vocalizations, particularly on “Peace Prayer.” The track runs over 10 minutes and takes 160 tracks of invocation of English, Hebrew, Farsi, and Arabic. There is also the shorter version, a little over 5 minutes for the internet streaming stations to play. Honestly, I have heard similar tracks but nothing like this before. The blend of all the languages balances with the English word, which is still heard so you can listen to the translations at the same time, amazing. This is the kind of track that deserves worldwide attention and should be heard on every inch of the globe. 

Grayhawk has created a work of genius that encompasses music, words and a powerful spiritual message. This is a brilliant example of a man taking his personal tragedy and using it to give back to the universe his love and healing. I can hear this playing in the background of a cinematic tribute to the different peoples of the world and how they worship and provide music for their people. 

Voice of the Ancestors is an incredible gift for all to enjoy. Listen closely, you may hear the whispers of your own ancestors in this music.

February 8, 2019

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Founder of:

TheFinalonVinyl

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
1. Transcendent Soul 3:12
2. The Banteay Srei Temple 4:57
3. Guardians of Goddess Thien Hau 6:08
4. Voice of the Ancestors 8:40
5. Peace Prayer A’ Cappella 1:50
6. Peace Prayer 10:11
7. Ambient Meditation 8:08
8. Peace Prayer (short version) 5:06

New Age Contemporary Instrumental Review: Acoustic Ocean-Blue Moon Rising

Release Date: September 9, 2018

Label: Natural Health Source Publishing, Natural Health Source, Inc

Website

Acoustic Ocean is the collaboration of two veteran musicians and recording artists, Peggy Morgan and Bette Phelan. The music of Acoustic Ocean reflects the musical and healing arts backgrounds of the artists as well as the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, which helped to inspire the music. After a successful touring career that spanned 20-years, Morgan and Phelan relocated to Hawaii to pursue careers in the healing arts. (Past Tense Excerpt from Artist Website). 

Blue Moon Rising is the most recent release and the first since the passing of Peggy. The album is dedicated to the memory of Peggy Morgan, Bette’s music partner of 40 years, and to Nancy Phelan, her mother.

Bette is joined on Blue Moon Rising by Kay Aldrich, on cello. Additional instruments, played by Bette, augment all the arrangements. The music is very earthy and pure. The acoustic instruments are wonderful and used with just the right instances within each track. The use of the ocean hitting the shore adds to the natural sounds that are presented.

The acoustic guitar is the primary instrument. It is played flawlessly and with the addition of the cello, you get a new age world classical sound that will please anyone’s musical palette. If you are into relaxing meditative music you will love Blue Moon Rising. The layers of guitar work are exquisite.

One look at the cover of this recording sets you at ease and gives you the thought of inner light, spirituality and the connection we have with mother earth. The ocean is the most prolific thing to human life because that is where all of life came from. And purposely the name Acoustic Ocean falls in line with that thought process not mention that is exactly what you will hear on Blue Moon Rising. There is an ocean of acoustic sounds all melded together to create a musical nirvana for the soul. The eleven tracks offered the listener, flow together seamlessly and hit you gently like an ocean wave on a warm summer day.

What is there not to like about any of this? I appreciate what has been presented here and the meaning of the music along with the heartfelt dedication from the artist. It all goes hand in hand.

Here is a passage from the artist website that ends this review in a thoughtful and spiritual way:

The moon is associated with women’s mysteries, intuition, and the divine aspects of the sacred feminine. Some modern magical traditions associate the Blue Moon with the growth of knowledge and wisdom within the phases of a woman’s life.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

October 11, 2018

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. A Hui Hou (Until We Meet Again)
02. Blue Moon Rising
03. Recalling Beauty
04. Deep Grace / Scarborough Fair
05. Spirit Awakening
06. Lotus Petals Falling on the Pacific
07. Love Is a Force Field
08. The Silent Storm
09. Sweet Mana from Heaven
10. Shadow Dancers
11. All Things Made New

New Age-Classical Review: Christine Brown-Ascend

Release Date: October 1, 2017

Label: Key Image Music

Website

It has been 4 years since I had the opportunity to enjoy writing about a Christine Brown recording. I covered Souvenirs in 2014. Looking back into the archives I see that I was ill at the time of my first listening experience and her music helped me get in a positive frame of mind and get well again.

Ascend was released in October of 2017, which now seems ions away with the warm weather upon us in May. As people find ascension in life it can come in many different forms, and it also can be disguised as something else that is happening. Even the definition of the word can take different forms such as to move upward, to slope upward, or to conduct nerve impulses toward or to the brain.  

I think in this case those definitions can apply to all fourteen tracks offered on the recording. The beauty and simplicity of solo piano music is something special. I look at it as an uplifting and pure representation of an instrument. The ivory keys in the right hands can bring heaven to earth and peace to one’s soul. I realize that is a prolific statement to make about music however that is the way I truly feel.

Ascend had a positive effect on me. The nerve impulses to my brain engaged my thought process and released all of those good endorphins.  I liked the way Christine explained the process of making the album. She stated in one passage in a sentence in the liner notes “Creating music is a beautiful and evolving process. Each piece develops through many stages, slowly transforming until each song is ready to be released, just like the life cycle of a butterfly, until it finally emerges from the chrysalis.”

That is a brilliant comparison to one of the miracles of nature. This is an accurate statement to make, in my opinion, about the birth of a track from start to finish. I have always looked at the creation of each track as a bit of a miracle, and those that are able to create on such a level are the blessed that walk this great planet of ours.

If you want to Ascend from daily life, relax, absorb, reflect and heal, music can get you there, just let it take you. Christine Brown will gently push you there if you cannot just fall into it and be swept away like some fortunate listeners. This is a journey and one that can be therapeutic in several ways. Ascending from self, sidestepping the ego of our humanity, and letting the music take over is the best choice you can make. Look what happened when Christine let the music flow through her fingers…

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

May 14, 2018

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. Ascend
02. Love’s Legacy
03. Magic Carpet
04. Gravity
05. Closer
06. Forest for the Trees
07. Ivory Wings
08. Lotus Breeze
09. Floating Colors
10. Soar
11. Cherish
12. The Departure
13. Amethyst Sky
14. Safe and Sound