Instrumental New Age/Classical Review: Terry Lee Nichols-At Peace Beneath the Shade of My Father’s Tree

Release Date: August 19, 2016

Label: Heart Dance Records

Website

Terry Lee Nichols first release has a very long and descriptive title. At Peace Beneath the Shade of My Father’s Tree is a great title actually, and if you look at that title and the cover of the CD, you can see a story. So without ever hearing the music there is something happening. I would have to say that is a very good start.

Terry said: “I tried to create a soundscape/film score backdrop that reflected specific events throughout my life.” That statement tends to put it all into proper perspective for the listener.

There are 17 tracks that move along at a brisk pace. It seemed like before I knew it I was on track 6. This is because I was really enjoying what I was hearing. Being swept away by the music and hearing the story narrated by all the instruments is a beautiful thing.

The title track opens the door to the great outdoors pictured on the cover of the album. The music ushers in the atmosphere and sets the tone like any good opener should. First impressions are everything when you are listening to an album. I have always believed when you open that curtain to your audience, you better make an impact real soon or you will lose them…Terry Lee gets the job done. He captivates you and captures your spirit and imagination. Personal experiences of joy and emotional pain bring about many things and music can be the universal translator.

“Timekeeper” clocks in, no pun intended, at 3:07 and the pace is like that of a watch keeping good time. The piano rolls along but ever so delicately while bringing the listener to the end of the line in the most intentionally gentle way. The ride goes by much too fast but you are so appreciative. Short and sweet, this track makes a good impression from start to finish much like all of its predecessors.

The musicianship is outstanding on this recording and it definitely is the kind of quality music you would hear on a grade A film. It also provides deep relaxation and a thought process that is more clear and precise than you could have during a busy day at work. It is not easy to empty out what is between your ears, and music such as this gives you carte blanche to do so.

I have heard such gorgeous instrumental music this year, it moves me, makes me reflective, grateful, happy, sad, reminiscent, basically the entire range of human emotion is prompted to rise within me and the music is my escort. That to me is the key to success with any recording.

“On My Way To See The Dancing Sisters Figg” is an upbeat track with Celtic World flavor with a nod to the classical genre however it ends up an amalgamation of them all and then becomes an instrumental new age masterpiece. It is a short jaunt coming in at 2:57 but I felt an injection of joy with a hint of the past smiling at me as it faded away. This was one of my favorites for its sparkling movements and how it changed my melancholy mood into joy in an instant. Once again the power of the music took me away and had a strong influence on my senses and reaction to the vibrations. 

“Sailing” is wonderful melody like a bright sunny day with a clear blue sky and I did just sail away with it. It also gave me the gift of freedom and spirituality. I always loved sailing on the lake with my father, god rest his soul. Joy with a hint of sadness is what I felt but the thoughts of freedom of the wind and waves gave me chills. It was all good so thank you Terry Lee.

At Peace Beneath the Shade of My Father’s Tree is real triumph for the maiden voyage of artist Terry Lee Nichols. Putting out something so inspired and precise for a first album is an amazing accomplishment. The future certainly looks bright for this gentleman.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: At Peace Beneath the Shade of My Father’s Tree, Timekeeper, On My Way To See The Dancing Sisters Figg


Tracks: 
01. At Peace Beneath the Shade of My Father's Tree
02. Only You
03. Follow Me
04. Reflections
05. Appassionato
06. Timekeeper
07. Train to Dachau
08. Pamela's Time
09. On My Way To See The Dancing Sisters Figg
10. A Winter's Tale
11. Sailing
12. Crossroads
13. A Curious Life
14. Last Train Home
15. Autumn
16. Lullaby
17. Requiescat
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 23, 2016

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New Age Instrumental Review: Bill Wren-Road To Chiang Mai

Release Date: July 26, 2016

Label: Independent

Website

Bill Wren has a story for those who may be going through a tough spot in their lives and he gives you inspiration once you find out more about his life and music. Bill’s latest release Road To Chiang Mai was inspired by his trip to Thailand and finding his soul mate and starting a new life. This is a collaborative effort between several musicians and the two main composers Bill Wren and Frank Ralls.

The first track I had the pleasure of hearing was the magical trance like “Enchanted Kingdom” which was featured on our Rate The Tracks site. This is a magnificent and picturesque track that lifts you up and never lets you down. Of course the musicianship is beyond reproach and always timely and rhythmic, like the heartbeat of mother earth in sync with all living things.

“Harmonia” is another amazing and inspiring track. It sounds like a soundtrack to enlightening movie about traveling in some far away land and witnessing all the wonders you have never seen before. The blend of instruments creates a gorgeous wall of sound. The orchestration is what carries everything else in this track and it holds its head high like a noble warrior after victory.

Some of the instruments used are acoustic and electric guitars, cello, bass, live strings, mandolin, banjo, penny whistle, drums, piano and orchestral programming. It is a mind boggling variety of sounds and color splashes on the musical canvas that continually paints a masterpiece.

As Bill says “Music is the way I express what is in my heart without words.” And with that the Road To Chiang Mai is a direct link to your mind, body and spirit or in other words it goes straight to the heart and radiates out into the triangle of life. You can tell the artist is a gentle soul and the music speaks that with clarity and purpose.

“The Other Side” is a good example of the gentle touch within a track. Female vocals are added to give it a touch class and more of pop flavor than the other tracks however the orchestration gives it the necessary foundation to build the rest of the track. There is a certain element in every composition that the rest of the instruments float over and melt into and this one really stands out.

Road To Chiang Mai is a great album. I really appreciated all the elements that came together to make it such a wonderful music flight.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Enchanted Kingdom, Harmonia, The Other Side

Tracks:
 01. Enchanted Kingdom - (Feat. Frank Ralls)
02. The Other Side - (Feat. Frank Ralls)
03. Ponder Dust - (Feat. Ann Marie Calhoun)
04. The Beginning
05. Road To Chiang Mai
06. Harmonia
07. Journey Around The Sun - (Feat. Frank Ralls)
08. Longing - (Feat. Frank Ralls)
09. Memories - (Feat. Frank Ralls)
10. The Way It Was
11. Land Of Smiles
12. Today In Paradise
13. Ebb And Flow
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 16, 2016

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Instrumental New Age/Classical: Samer Fanek-Wishful Thinking

Release Date: July 22, 2016

Label: Independent

Website

Samer Fanek’s first release Wishful Thinking was just released a few weeks ago. It is with great pleasure I introduce this talented young pianist to an audience eager to hear an emerging talent playing instrumental new age music with a definitive classical influence.

Just as his website indicates, Samer's compositions blend the piano and orchestral instruments with the more contemporary, including synthesizers, rock and ethnic instruments. He cites Yanni and others as an influence and you will most certainly hear that panoramic and cinematic sound as the curtain opens on this ambitious recording.

The title track engages you right away providing a marvelous introduction to Samer’s sound. “Freefall” is exciting track filled with keyboards and orchestrations. When you look at the cover of this CD it projects simplicity however this music is far from that. It is definitely a “Freefall” into a wall of sound and oh so beautiful.

If you are “Ready to Go” this track is a whirling dervish of textured keyboards and colorful nuances. It is tastefully done as he presents it with a forcefulness to push the music out but with a determination and grace that only an accomplished keyboard maestro can provide.

To make sure you see all the emotions and a different side of his musical interpretations he creates a touch of divine inspiration with tracks like “Fantasy.” Picture yourself floating up to the heavens as the other spiritual beings come down to greet you and carry you away. The song creates a nice floating sensation that made me feel connected and spiritual thus making it easy for my own interpretation of the track.

You have to be a true visionary to create instrumental music so full of life and emotion. Samer Fanek has recorded a superlative debut and I would expect that he will be recognized in short order. I think the folks in not only in the music industry but in films need to take notice of this young man’s talent. It is a nice relaxing experience to hear this music but I sure can hear it playing as a soundtrack in a movie as well. So the options are endless for music such as this.

The anticipation for more great music already begins once the CD is finished playing. For now you will have to hit play again until he returns with a second installment of instrumental bliss.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Freefall, Ready to Go, Fantasy

Tracks:
01. Wishful Thinking
02. Universe
03. Freefall
04. Fairytale
05. Lost Waltz
06. Ready to Go
07. Left Behind
08. Fantasy
09. Desperation
10. Escape
11. Remember Me
12. Exhibition   
13. Finding Closure
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

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August 5, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental New Age Review: Crystalline Dream-Threshold

Release Date: July 10, 2006

Label: Solovey Music

Website

Crystalline Dream is a band with the intent to craft a vision with every album they perform. Threshold is the entryway to a journey of enlightenment, with each album gaining the listener increased wisdom.  The main band members for Crystalline Dream include Richard Ross, Korey Ross and guest artist Peter Phippen.

The first track on the album is "Threshold." Ethereal and drifting with flutes and an electronica based backdrop, the music brought me to a place of introspection far away from the swirling chaos that makes up most of my days. It was as if I were perched on a threshold to another place…a place of peace and tranquility that if I just took another step, it could be mine. The flute urges you forward even as the cosmic wave of the electronica pushes and whispers you to a dwelling where that elusive joy is hiding. Voices break over you and the music funnels you down a new rabbit hole…the journey is just beginning.

"Inner Peace" is another song that captured my attention at the onset. Harp sounds and chirping insects make it seem as if you, the listener, are in the middle of a forest, being lulled forward toward an enchanted paradise. Just one step closer toward the pool…just one more. The ethereal music drifts in the background like a hidden current pushing you along toward your destination. This is what happiness sounds like and if sound could be painted in color, it would be a spiraling ribbon of shimmering blue, wrapping around and around in layers of gossamer silk, one delicate note at a time.

"Borealis" urges you toward the end of your comfort zone. Icy and grinding, you mark your passage with effort and are ever working toward your next destination. The price of enlightenment comes with great perseverance. The sound of flutes and the bitter winter wind skitter along the top of the ice as you reach for the next fork in the road…the next vision of flickering lights to direct your path forward. Beautiful and treacherous, the way ahead will not be an easy one. Growling and grinding electronica and percussive elements mark your progress and the undying urge to find enlightenment at any cost.

Crystalline Dream have begun a journey of sorts with Threshold. Using the ethereal and at times sparse elements of electronic music, it is blended with percussive elements, flute, harp and other sounds such as whispered chants or insects. This instrumental New Age experience focuses on enlightenment and is the beginning of what so far is a five album progression toward grace. It is a pleasant sounding album that any fan of New Age music will vastly enjoy.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Threshold, Borealis, Inner Peace

Tracks: 
01. Threshold
02. Ethereal Gauze
03. Solar Flight
04. Evensong
05. Inner Peace
06. West Wind
07. Crystalline Dream 1
08. Crystalline Dream 2
09. Crystalline Dream 3
10. Borealis
11. Threshold (Reprise)
 

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

July 9, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

New Age Review: Heather Houston-Prayers for the Water

Release Date: November 6, 2015

Label: Independent

Website

Heather Houston’s fourth recording is Prayers for the Water. Most of the new age recordings that I listen to are instrumental so this was quite a change for me. All the tracks feature Ms. Houston’s beautiful voice. The album also features guitarist, multi-instrumentalist and producer Todd Boston, internationally acclaimed artists Jami Sieber on cello and Tammy Hall on piano.

This music like much of the new age music I hear is a tribute to what Mother Earth provides for us. With the subject being water the giver of life, I would like to focus on the three most prolific tracks that tie this album together nicely.

“Wade In The Water” starts off with an atmospheric intro, the kind you would hear during a reflective moment in a film then Heather’s voice joins in to make it whole and very real. As she invites the children to wade in the water then cleanse and bathe in the water it seems so innocent…perfect. Everything about it has a natural progression and flow like the water that rushes down a river.

“I Dreamed Of Rain” is my favorite track on the album. Something about the melody in Heather’s voice and the piano tinkling in perfect time that really hit me straight in the heart. It’s all about the earth, the seasons and how perfect an unblemished mother earth once was and remains in some areas of the world. 

Although that is our reality it is up to us to restore her back to her original pristine state. I could feel the energy and strong meaning of this song and even though it touched me deeply I felt some sadness as well.

“The Sea” is simplistic and gorgeous. Words like “She is the sea, she is this moment, she is the air I breath”….and another line “Breath deep, breath consciously” really struck a place inside me. Todd’s acoustic guitar is the wave that Heather’s voice rides on all the way to the shores in your mind’s eye. The way she takes an element of earth and makes it one with humanity makes for a perfect meditation piece, then to finish it with sounds of the ocean waves puts the final touch on the track.

Heather Houston has the voice of an angel and she knows how to weave a story from beginning to end on Prayers for the Water. This is a voice that needs your attention and the music provides a great setting for what she has to offer. I do not think I would change a thing about this recording, it is flawless just the way it is.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Wade In The Water, I Dreamed Of Rain, The Sea

Tracks:
1. Calling The Whales
2. Surrender
3. Chant To Oshun
4. Wade In The Water
5. I Dreamed Of Rain
6. Om Mani Padme Hum
7. Tutane
8. The Sea
9. Chant To Yamaya
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

February 18, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

World-New Age-Rock Review: Blackmore’s Night-All Our Yesterdays

Release Date: September 18, 2015
Label: Frontiers
Website

Blackmore’s Night is a legendary band that blends together the most modern contemporary rock with the rhythms and feel of a Renaissance Faire. I fell in love with them the first time I heard their unique flavor of music and I have to say this latest installment in their catalog of albums is another five star piece of awesome. From well-known and loved cover songs to original ballads and instrumental pieces that will curl your toes; this album is lush with visual imagery that blurs the line of fairy tale and reality.

Blackmore’s Night is comprised of Ritchie Blackmore (guitarist and songwriter), Candice Night (vocals, lyricist), Bard David of Larchmont (keyboards, piano, organ, harpsichord, accordion and pipe organ), Lady Kelly DeWinter (voice, piano, French Horn, and various other musical instruments), Troubador of Aberdeen (percussion), Scarlet Fiddler (violin) and Earl Grey of Chimay (bass, mandolin, guitar). All Our Yesterdays is their newest album and focuses heavily on medieval rhythms.

“Allan Yn N Fan” is the second track on the album and is very Celtic in nature. Just listening to this vibrant composition, I felt like I was walking between the colorful tents of a Renfest, just waiting to catch a glimpse of a maiden fair or a knight in shining armor-but wait! An electric guitar amidst the eclectic jamboree. This piece is exactly why I adore this band. Even without the vocals, it shows the dedication each performer holds for their art. The music is full to bursting with love, life and a never ending search for that special zing that makes you beg for more.

“Moonlight Shadow” is an epic song leaning more toward the modern end of the spectrum. Electric guitar and a whirlwind of multi-instrumentation and percussive elements craft a journey on the wings of night. Candace’s vocals tell of adventure under the cover of darkness drafting a landscape of adventure under the shadow of the moon…

“Queen’s Lament” is an eloquently played piece you will want to savor with your eyes closed. A fine lady walks along, her heart in turmoil by a nameless worry. The strumming guitar simple in its majesty, a hint of ethereal sound in the background to illuminate the piece, like a great pearl in a setting of gold. This composition is a ghost story of a sort and will linger in your mind long after the last note ceases. It is deceptively simple but unyieldingly complex all at once.

“Will O’ The Wisp” is a journey through wild forests filled with sorcery. Candice’s angelic voice details a descent into darkness, following a will o’ wisp into the great beyond. The blend of instruments carries you to another time and if you close your eyes, you can feel the pulse of the excitement as you trail behind the ghostly being, intent on finding what it is you seek. Magic. Secrets. Mystery…

Blackmore’s Night has a catalog of albums but I find their newest to be their most impressive of all. All Our Yesterdays takes the finest of old and new and whips it together for a sugared concoction of medieval might and ethereal wanderings. From cover songs that ring familiar-but with a new flair you won’t be able to resist, the vocals of the angelic Candice to the instrumental antics of a band who can tempt even a writer with deadlines to listen just a little longer, this album is a must have. Take a break from your life and find a moment to spare for these bards. If you listen closely, you might hear the rustle of a fine lady’s gown and the clang of a jousting match in the background. Bring on the magic!

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Will O’ The Wisp, Moonlight Shadow, Allan Yn N Fan, Queen’s Lament

Tracks:
01. All of Our Yesterdays
02. Allan Yn N Fan
03. Darker Shade Of Black
04. Long Long Time
05. Moonlight Shadow
06. I Got You Babe
07. The Other Side
08. Queen's Lament
09. Where Are We Going From Here
10. Will O' The Wisp
11. Earth, Wind & Sky
12. Coming Home
 

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

November 16, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

New Age Instrumental Review: Agrelia’s Castle-Elders & Ancestors

Release Date: September 1, 2015

Label: Mysterium Music

Website

My introduction to Agrelia’s Castle was their title track “Elders & Ancestors.” It was featured on Rate The Tracks and made quite an impression on me. When I found out the story behind the music it became even more powerful of an experience for me.

The songs on Elders & Ancestors have grown from the journey of Paul and April Brown together through the challenges of cancer. They come from the desire to create peace, joy, and hope. In that creative experience in music that was the final outcome. I believe many people can benefit from a life’s journey translated through sounds.
 

The couple combines the sounds of a vintage Fender Rhodes B3, sounds of nature, and beautiful angelic vocals. The vocals are indeed heaven sent from the heart of the giver directly to the recipient. Also there are Native American style flutes, guitars, cello, and sitar. They are very earthy tones and inviting sounds to pull in the listener. In this amazing life it takes the people dealing with the most adversity at times to create exceptional beauty through their artistry. This is a case when those of us more fortunate become grateful and more appreciative for what we have.

“Breathe” is a superbly layered presentation of instruments and vocals. The sitar, percussion and vocals have a mystical element that is simply mesmerizing and comforting. The act that gives life, breathing, takes on an entirely different meaning through this song. Middle Eastern influences permeate the essence of this track and it is like talking a walk through a vast desert of emotion that heals and renews your soul.

“Spirit Dreaming” is another track that just took me away to another place, a safe haven for the heart, body and soul. I feel blessed to have the opportunity for this music to enter my life and give me some solace. Every fear and worry just melts away while listening to this. This particular track features the flute and it gets one in touch with the connection humans have with mother earth and all her wondrous gifts.

Music has always been a spiritual experience for me regardless of the genre. This type of music takes that feeling to another level entirely. Look at the cover of this album and you will get an idea of the places the music can take you. The combinations of what surrounds us in nature and instruments made from the earth becomes one breathing and living entity that invites you in and never lets you go.

I did not want this recording to end as it gave me such peace and contentment, the kind one feels when the stars align and all is right in the world. Enter Agrelia’s Castle and I promise you will never want to leave. The song “Sonnet” delivers a profound message about how life is just time passing by and how it’s just “you and I,” referring to one’s soul mate whether human or one with four legs, it does not matter. I know when I look in my dog’s eyes I see love, purity and the essence of who we are and what we were meant to be. The love of that creature has no bounds or expectations, it’s unconditional. We all can learn a lot from them. 

This music inspires, heals, and creates visions and reminders of who we are or what we can be. The Brown’s have created a masterful presentation of nature and music that is certain to move you in some way and give you a renewed perspective of your existence on this planet.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Elders & Ancestors, Breathe, Spirit Dreaming

Tracks: 
1. Elders and Ancestors
2. Adrift
3. Breathe
4. Spirit Dreaming
5. Sonnet
6. Wayfaring Stranger
7. Agrelia's Lullaby

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

October 26, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental New Age Review: Joanne Lazzaro-Under The Stars

Release Date: March 1, 2015

Label: Indie

Website

The flute must be one of the hardest instruments to master. I have a deep respect for any musician however there are certain instruments that seem more difficult to produce an entire album with. I definitely think the flute is one of those that qualify.

Joanne Lazzaro took on the task of mastering this mystical instrument and created a fine album titled Under The Stars.

“Path of the Departed Souls” was my introduction to Joanne’s music and it was featured on the Rate The Tracks site. There is something simplistic and beautiful about this music. The flute is the only instrument being played so you cannot help but focus on that. The difficulty for this type of recording is to pull in the listener and keep them interested. For my ears it worked as every track has a different tone and ambiance to keep it interesting. Although I enjoy rock music I am drawn to this kind of music more all of the time for its healing qualities. I find that I can get more focus on thoughts and feelings that are dismissed during the course of a busy and sometimes frenetic day.

There is a lot of great music to enjoy on this album and each track is an individual offering from the artist for you to use as you see fit. “Zuni Sunrise (extended version)” is as mesmerizing and relaxing as one track can possibly be. It has a mysterious element to it and reminded me of a time far away, perhaps ancient China. Like watching a movie as the scenes flicker by, you conjure all kinds of thoughts and images. This is what music of this sort is supposed to do and I think the artist accomplishes this consistently throughout the run of this recording.

I love the way Joanne closed out the album making her flute sing like a bird, literally. In the appropriately titled “Lark Who Sang His Song to the Sun Every Morning” she demonstrates the capabilities and power of her instrument by emulating a bird saying good morning to the sun. What a perfect way to close the curtain on a magical journey provided by a very talented flautist. If you want to feel like you are Under The Stars I highly recommend listening to this album.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Path of the Departed Souls, Zuni Sunrise (extended version), Lark Who Sang His Song to the Sun Every Morning

Tracks:
01. Evening Star Song
02. Sky Chief   
03. Medicine Wheel
04. Moon Dances With New Star   
05. Giant Cactus-Gathering Hook   
06. Path of the Departed Souls   
07. Bear Who Wanted a Mango   
08. Rabbit Tracks
09. Spirits of the Long-Eyes   
10. Amazing Grace - Trail of Tears   
11. Zuni Sunrise (Extended Version)   
12. Lark Who Sang His Song to the Sun Every Morning
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

October 18, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews