Stephen Peppos’s
piano playing is a unique blend of his body, mind, and soul. Having had the
privilege to listen to numerous great players over the years, his style stands
out as truly exceptional.
Music
that resonates with you leaves an indelible mark. If a single track can achieve
this, it has succeeded in making a profound impact on you.
Here, you’ll
find two distinct versions of the track. One features the piano, while the
other is solely strings. Both versions, while individually captivating, offer a
unique listening experience.
Stephen’s
touch is graceful, precise, and technically sound.
“Ballerina”
projects what is intimated on the cover art. The notes float beautifully
through the air as a ballerina would, gracing and gliding from one side of the
stage to the other. The tracks are picturesque and atmospheric, taking the listener
away on a separate journey devoid of distractions.
Stephen’s
consistently stand-out recordings will resonate with anyone who enjoys contemporary
instrumental-based piano recordings.
Stephen has released eight
contemporary instrumental albums in the New Age genre. In 2008, Stephen’s debut
album "Vertigo" debuted at #3 on the World New Age Top 100 Chart, and
his next release, "Follow The Mist," was a 1st round GRAMMY ballot
choice for Best New Age Album in 2009. In 2017, his ambient
album "Leaving Terra Firma" was a final ballot
choice for the 60th Grammy Awards in the Best New Age Album category. His music
has garnished him 6 Telly & Rim Awards. And he received the "Best
Instrumental Album-Piano" award from Lifestyle Music Awards for his
"Follow The Mist" album. Stephen also spent years playing guitar and
keyboards in popular cover bands in the Virginia Beach, VA, resort area and in
other East Coast clubs, which garnered him valuable musical experience.
Celestial will be the fifth release from Stephen Peppos that I have enjoyed listening to. His new-age ambient journeys are the musical chicken soup for the soul we all need.
There are eighteen tracks on Celestial. You get the complete treatment of the new age ambiance he so expertly produces album after album.
Ce·les·tial-Positioned in or relating to the sky or outer space as observed in astronomy: "a celestial body"
That is the primary term and title of this album. And beautifully illustrated on the cover art with a giant bright moon behind a tree. It was likely the stone age when the moon was that close to the earth, and what a sight that must have been!
I had always had a fascination with astronomy going back to when I was a little boy. That interest has never waned. It has become stronger over the years. I always look to the stars to feel a sense of wonderment about what kind of life could be millions and billions of miles away. It makes you feel small in the big picture of the universe.
Music makes a person feel whole, and at times the sounds put you into a trance-like state or in the space of meditation. Whatever your choice, instrumental music filled with synths, color, the tinkling of bells, etc., presented on Celestial, will allow you to move on to a different level of freedom and existence. For my tastes, that is very important to find that release point where the thoughts of the day melt away, and the focus is on the music alone.
If you are looking for calm, serenity, and the magic healing powers of music, it's time to take a trip on the "Celestial Highway." That is how this recording starts with that track, and it is a beautiful introduction to what you will hear and experience along the way. Track by track, you can take the journey with Stephen and listen to (what I call) experiential music. You, the listener, decide how the door opens and closes on this recording.
There are stars and galaxies so far away that we will never discover them, even with the most powerful telescope. Here is your chance to create your universe with the sounds to soothe and penetrate your being. Your mind and body become one with the music, and you can discover new worlds within your mind's eye and realize you could not go during a typical day without the help of this music. That is the point of music such as this, to step away from the norm and experience something out of the ordinary, relax, and recharge those batteries for another day.
Celestial gave me pause to reflect. All the layers of ambient keyboards reminded me of some of my favorite artists, such as Jean-Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream, and similar groups.
As all artisans were appreciated thousands of years ago, they are still today. People like Stephen Peppos are an intrinsic part of our lives and help to enhance our world. So, please sit back, listen, and let the chaos of our planet and perhaps your day, disappear with music from Celestial.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
Botanical carries
the theme of nature and all its beauty through the music. Based on my
experience with Stephen’s music, I expect to find intrigue everywhere
throughout my listen. I am glad to report that is what happened.
“Sun
Dancer” and the title track “Botanical” were the peak of this musical
evolution for my ears. The different sounds, rhythms, and various
instrumentations merge into a burst of color and light. With that
thought and perception, you can see how the connection to nature and its
bounty aligns with this expressive music that brings different shades,
colors, and light to you aurally.
This magnificent artistry
found through the eleven tracks on this recording offers individual
listeners their soundscape to create images that come to mind,
hopefully, those suggested through the track titles.
What you will enjoy on Botanical
is an eclectic musical diversion that will enrich your soul. From
contemporary instrumental, world, and all built from a new age
perspective, Stephen Peppos invites you into his magical musical garden
of delights. He brings you “Sunshine” to enlighten you and nurture and
uplift your spirit. And that track, in particular, has a world flavored
ambiance injected with vocals from another country would be Africa. That
kind of ability and worldly diversity keeps it all fresh and inviting
from start to finish.
I noted all of the fantastic rhythms and
bass that run like a tapestry intrinsic to every track. A giant
cross-section of listeners will enjoy music like this, and it knows no
boundaries, only those that are self-inflicted by a listener. You can
find a true sense of joy and hope on Botanical with an open mind and heart. I certainly did, and with an immense amount of respect for its creator.
Stephen Peppos knows how to create exciting music. It is hard to define but delightful to listen from track to track. Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder October 1, 2021
Tracks: 01. MORNING 5:17 02. ABOVE THE TREES 5:01 03. DANCING DAHLIAS 5:39 04. SUN DANCER 6:38 05. BOTANICAL 5:41 06. PEPPERMINT GARDEN 5:15 07. SUNSHINE 5:03 08. JOY IN THE SUMMER 4:56 09. NOCTURNAL 4:11 10. THE FLOWERS WILL BLOOM EARLY THIS YEAR 5:36 11. HOPE A NEW 5:57
Release Date: January 20,
2020 Label: Sonic Bear Records Website
And Then Came Love is the third release I have had the opportunity to hear from Stephen
Peppos. The all-instrumental new age and contemporary piano selections are all
about the same topic, love.
Interesting enough the title track is the very last track. I have not noticed
that too much on releases in the past. It is a good idea however, as it reminds
you once again what the title of the recording is and the entire meaning of the
fourteen tracks being offered. There is a reason for the order of tracks, I
think if you asked any artists that, their reply would yes, and for many different
reasons.
There is a common-sense thread with the way the tracks are titled and a
definitive meaning and progression. Some folks may think that is not that
important or even notice, but I do. I try to look at the entire package being
presented including artwork, track names, and order or any lyrics. In this
case, it is all instrumental so it is entirely up to each listener to find
their meaning and interpretation of every track and in the end, what it means
personally. After all, isn’t the subject of love a separate meaning for
everyone? Whether it is for another person, place, event or a family pet. The
word love can be applied to all of that and more.
Stephen plays a very expressive and poignant type of piano. The title and the
track do fit if you can look beyond the music, then let it encapsulate your
being and open your heart to whatever comes your way. Music like this has no
barriers of time and space, it inhabits the space you’re in and moves you to
another plane of thought and existence. And thank god for that. With all of
those thoughts prevailing, the power and healing that this kind of music can
bring you is boundless. You can call Stephen the Doctor of Music on And Then
Came Love. Love is coming your way by the end of this recording, and yet
another reason why to have the title track as the curtain closer!
The beauty and grace of the music contained on this album will be enjoyed by
all those that come within listening distance intentional or not, it will catch
your ear and warm your heart. To know there is such magnificence in one
instrument is one of the wonders of life. Because of that realization, I find a
tremendous amount of gratitude when I listen to this music. My suggestion would
be to listen to this as much as you can, particularly if you need a reprieve
from stress or a very busy day. And Then Came Love will turnit
all around and put a smile in your heart and soul. Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck January 11, 2020
Atmospheric and ambient music can be used as a tool for any
type of focus or mindset.It takes a
talented artist like Stephen Peppos to create music that allows that process to
happen. I got a good taste of his capabilities two years ago on Leaving Terra Firma. With
a title like that it would certainly indicate that the music allows you to
leave the earth, you stand on. The music backs that thought with conviction.
Deep
Listen is another foray into the ether that will satisfy anyone
that is looking to meditate and have a spiritual and perhaps an out of body
experience. This music is very spacey but smooth and relaxing at the same time.
Its calming effect works well on a tired soul, bringing solace with synth and
keyboard sounds, and at times, the sound of the ocean waves hitting the
shoreline. That is exactly what you will find on “Aural Mists.” The track is a
solid 9:07 minutes of music meets natures blissfulness. The sound of waves
alone is a wonderful thing however if you add the right sounds with your music,
a beautiful marriage is consummated and you the listener are the
recipient.It is like a blossoming
flower feeling the first rays of the new day sun.
I really like the title of the CD because what you take is
a “deep dive” right into a Deep Listen.
The cover is very inviting and the colors are immediately soothing to the eye.
It unconsciously connects with your mind to set you up for the musical journey.
Fans of Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk, and Jean Michel Jarre will love this album.
I personally enjoy all of that music so it was easy for me to get swept away by
this recording and find a meaning that made sense and felt just right.
The masterwork is “Algorithm” which runs for 12:56. By
definition, an “Algorithm” is a process or set of rules to be followed in
calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer. Our
brain functions like a computer when necessary so why can’t this music be
something to process and calculate? In a sense that is what I am expressing
with my words. And it just made me think in those terms by saying the word.
Right away the title implies something scientific and
hi-tech. Is it thinking man’s music? I guess it depends on who you are what
your interest is and what exactly challenges your mind. I do not feel
challenged listening to this track in particular, it has the same purpose and
effect on me like all the others. I think something needs to be said for taking
a track and spreading out the composition with some diversity in sounds and
textures. This is the mark of a true artisan, a craftsman of his trade. Stephen
is able to make this a real masterpiece of ambient nuances that weave together
and make it whole.
In the end, Deep
Listen lives up to its name and gives the listener 1 hour and 18 minutes of
musical chicken soup for the soul. It is onerecipe that you will be reaching for more than once to chill and
let the day just melt away.
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews Tracks: 01. Twilight 02. Break of Dawn 03. Tonality 04. Aural Mists 05. Wide Open 06. Awake 07. Transmogrify 08. Vivid 09. Algorithm 10. Breathe
Leaving
Terra Firmais 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 Firmanot
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 ambienttextures 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.
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
