READ THE LATEST ISSUES 117 PAGES!
Showing posts with label The Bentley Project. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Bentley Project. Show all posts
February 22, 2026
January 16, 2026
Contemporary New Age Instrumental Review and Interview (Theresa Bentley): The Bentley Project - Blossoming of Ancient Beauty
Release Date: January 16, 2026
Label: Wayfarer Music Group
The Bentley Project is a talented ensemble of musicians led by the husband-and-wife duo Theresa and Mark Bentley. Their latest release, Blossoming of Ancient Beauty, offers light in the darkness, delivering hope and transformation through their music.
Beyond the captivating vocals, the instrumentation is truly impressive. Harp, piano, synth, French horn, classical guitar, acoustic guitar, fretless bass, cello, crystal sound bowls, and flute are masterfully woven into the tracks. Also notable are the guest appearances of Sean O'Bryan Smith (fretless bass) and Dino Pacifici (Composer, Guitar, Synth).
“Realm of the Crystal Room, Featuring Sean O’Bryan Smith” takes listeners on a musical journey into another realm of existence. The harp and ethereal, wordless vocals gently guide and soothe you, allowing your consciousness to shift into deep relaxation or meditation. Nearly five minutes is the ideal duration to reach this state.
“Breathe” is a powerful word—one we should all remember when stress threatens to overwhelm us. This track continues the journey begun by the opener, offering a sanctuary for release and renewal. The harp is exquisitely inviting, its ethereal quality conjuring a sense of magic and serving as a doorway to bliss.
“Labyrinth of Love” is the shortest track at 2:55, yet it accomplishes so much in that brief span. Its melody, tinged with Celtic flavor, gently carries you along, as if fairies in the forest await your arrival. Sweet and full of wonder, this piece offers a delightful change of direction.
“Sun on My Face, Featuring Dino Pacifici” opens with a flowing acoustic guitar, soon joined by other rich elements. A distinct jazz tone weaves through the track’s new-age foundation, inducing the “quiet storm” aesthetic often found in smooth jazz. Subtle Latin flavors blend seamlessly with delicate guitar picking, creating a captivating listening experience.
The title track, “Blossoming of Ancient Beauty,” takes center stage. The cover art brings its name to life, depicting a face reminiscent of ancient Greek sculpture, with orange hues that suggest the patina of time while preserving its beauty. Jazz inflections intertwine with contemporary new-age sounds, creating a sublime piece that leaves a lasting impression.
“End at the Beginning” is a thought-provoking phrase—one that resonates personally for each listener. The music gently encourages introspection, with soft guitar lines and a mesmerizing harp-like sound that lull’s you into a dreamlike state.
“Give Me Life, Featuring Sean O'Bryan Smith” brings the fretless bass to the forefront, its resonant tone serving as a pillar of strength. At the same time, the gorgeous vocals serenade the supporting instruments. Here, the French horn makes its debut, adding a distinct texture and essence to the piece.
“Lost in the Water Garden” offers a measured tempo, radiating warmth and softness consistent throughout the album. The simplicity of the harp’s strings creates an enchanting soundscape that draws you in. This track is ideal for relaxation or meditation, both in its music and duration.
“Sanctuary of Dreams” concludes the album as its longest track, spanning 6:08. The music envelops you, giving ample time to settle into deep relaxation or meditation. Lush synths create a floating layer of ambient texture and color, opening a window in time for your consciousness to rejuvenate. Influences of legends such as Vangelis and Tangerine Dream are evident, whether intentional or simply resonant with the band’s own style.
Blossoming of Ancient Beauty reaches back across millennia. The combination of evocative cover art, intriguing track titles, and the seamless merging of instruments and voice creates a contemporary new age instrumental journey that invites repeated exploration.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Review Founder
January 16, 2025
Tracks:
1. Realm of the Crystal Room, Featuring Sean O’Bryan Smith 4:48
2. Breathe 4:24
3. Labyrinth of Love 2:55
4. Sun on My Face, Featuring Dino Pacifici 4:01
5. Blossoming of Ancient Beauty 3:29
6. End at the Beginning 2:46:
7. Give Me Life, Featuring Sean O'Bryan Smith 3:18
8. Lost in the Water Garden 4:15
9. Sanctuary of Dreams 6:08
February 7, 2025
New Age-Contemporary Instrumental-Ambient Review and Interview: The Bentley Project-Kind As The Shade
Release Date: February 7, 2025
Label: Independent
Theresa Bentley provides the Harp, Voice, Synth Keys, and Piano.
Mark plays the guitars; other contributors include Dana Woolard (Cello) and
Amado Espinosa (Quena Andean Flute).
The first track,
"Distant Thunder," is a gentle beginning to
your auditory journey. Instruments in the mix include synths, beautiful
wordless vocals from Theresa, harp, piano, a little cello towards the end, and
the sound of thunder twice near the beginning and end. It is short and sweet
but long enough to set the tone for the album.
"Chant of the Sunset" begins with the
cello and acoustic guitar sounding so sublime it could have been the harp! They
call each other and mix nicely. The cello resonates steadily as the harp glides
over the top of the notes. The music is calming and picturesque, mirroring the
soft blue colors of the album artwork. I enjoyed the rhythmic pulse of this
composition.
The title track, "Kind As The Shade," features Theresa's
singing voice. Her voice is angelic and inviting and soars when necessary. The
harp provides the perfect background for her vocalizations.
"Morning Shall Sing For You" starts with an acoustic
guitar strumming away, and then it plays some pleasant notes as you can hear
the birds singing off in the distance. The harp and its ever-present sound of
the ether give it a floating feeling and softness that eases the mind and body,
making it an ideal meditation guide.
"Dance Of The Rose" continues the flow of ambient
textures with the harp beginning and the longing sound of the cello for the
emotive aspect of the composition. The flute arrives to lead you down the path
of enlightenment as it soothes your soul. I heard some elements of Celtic
music, with the flute adding a mystical worldly flavor.
"Earth's Fragrance Remembered (Eolyn)" starts with
echoing notes from the acoustic guitar where once again it was so beautiful and
delicate it could have been the harp. It pulls at you gently; the wordless
vocal adds to its personality and appeal. The acoustic guitar provides some
well-placed notes and rhythm.
"My Whisper To You" is a very descriptive track title,
which was my first impression. As the music began, it felt like an invitation
to a sunny place you can find in your mind's eye. The piano comes in for a
beautiful solo before the harp enunciation of its heavenly notes. The cello
sounds subdued and lovely as it whispers to you and then fades out.
Of course, "Language Of The Hills" relates to nature
and how it speaks to each of us in a way that we alone understand. The harp
playing is exquisite and impactful. The sounds resonate through your body,
mind, and spirit. It has such a gorgeous sound and is composed brilliantly.
"Kiss Of The Stars" is a great track name for the
closer on the recording. It's as if to say that the music is ending, so it's
time to say goodnight and give the wonders above a kiss until the next visit.
There is a floating synth layer that the harp carefully places its strings
upon, and the music lulls you into a calm state as you prepare to close your
day. It is like a new age lullaby for meditators.
Kind As The Shade seems to go by quickly. I noticed that more after listening to a similar recording with tracks that lasted much longer. It was so beautiful and warm that I did not want it to end. The benefit of the track lengths makes the album a perfect tool for a meditation session and a chance for spiritual exploration and growth. That value goes beyond anything measurable in the space of time.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR
Reviews Founder
January 25, 2025
1. Distant Thunder (2:59)
2. Chant of the Sunset (3:16)
3. Kind As The Shade (2:33)
4. Morning Shall Sing For You (3:05)
5. Dance Of The Rose (3:51)
6. Earth’s Fragrance Remembered (Eolyn) (2:16)
7. My Whisper To You (3:00)
8. Language Of The Hills (3:12)
9. Kiss Of The Stars (3:33)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)