New Age Music Reviews

New Age Instrumental-World Review: Peter Sterling- Magic Kingdom

Release Date: October 1, 2018

Label: Harp Magic Music

Website

It has been two years since I covered Peter Sterling’s superb Sacred Visions. I am more than ready to go on another magical musical journey, on to the Magic Kingdom. Or as I like to refer to it as “Peter Magic.”

Magic Kingdom is the following musicians: Peter playing keyboards, harp, recorder, Freenote chime, Peruvian wooden flute, and percussion. Richard Hardy is on Irish Pennywhistle and Soprano Sax and Anthony Mazzella on Guitar. The album was recorded in Sedona from 2017-2018.

I have concluded after several years of listening to various incarnations and fusions of new age music that the combination of world and new age is the most interesting and colorful listen I could hope for. It is always different and just about any instrument can serve as the lead if the mix is right. Peter’s main instrument is the heavenly harp. It is so precise and delicate, and it easily mixes with the other music and sounds provided on Magic Kingdom.

Peter defines the term indie musician and the do it yourself attitude that is so strong amongst the folks that make up that culture and work ethic. It takes tremendous dedication, commitment and talent to produce a recording such as Magic Kingdom.

The blend of instruments is simply sublime and the few tracks where you hear some vocals it is impressive as well. The vocals are an instrument as far as I am concerned and it is quite evident when listening to the tracks that provide that. The closer and title track “Magic Kingdom” and “Tomorrow’s Child” are two fine examples of world-instrumental new age with just enough vocal styles to make it a meditative piece that you want to hear more than once. “Over the Bridge” features a sweet child’s voice, contributing to the purity and innocence of this listening experience.

“Everlasting Love” starts off with Peter’s harp inviting the rest of the instruments into the mix then a jazzy tone comes alive with some soprano sax. I love that combination absolutely, it always works for me. I do love jazz so that makes the transition that much more delightful for my ears.

So, in the end, what I got to enjoy was another musical stew brought to a simmer by many talented artists. Make sure you listen to Magic Kingdom and let it bring you joy and good vibrations, it is there waiting for you now.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

October 5, 2018

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Contemporary Classical Instrumental Review: Dulce Joya-Reality of Dreams

Release Date: September 8, 2017

Label: CD Produktion und Vertrieb

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Dulce Joya is an accomplished pianist from Cuba. She started her studies of the instrument at age 6. It looks like the early start and all the hard work has paid off for this artist in many ways.

She released Reality of Dreams a year ago. This is my first opportunity to hear Dulce’s music. I must say that I am very impressed with the talent I heard on all 12 tracks of this recording. I find great joy in discovering artists I have not heard before.

If you stop and think about the title for a moment it becomes clear what the artist is conveying to you. Your dreams do become reality, and the reality of those dreams are communicated through the music you will hear on this recording.

I have heard countless piano instrumental albums and it takes a lot at this point for me to become interested and stay focused. I am not saying that I do not enjoy most of what I hear, it just has to be excellent to make me feel like I just had a great musical experience.

This is definitely contemporary classical that could easily cross over to new age as well. The new age genre has become very interesting over the years and many of the sub-genres have found a way into the ever-broadening classification as well. This is one album that anyone that appreciates new age would love, I have no doubt.

So, after listening to Dulce’s music I felt very positive and refreshed. Her music is crisp, pinpoint and mesmerizing. Every track is intriguing and full of emotion. This is music that could easily be a soundtrack for a film. It is a quality listen from start to finish.

Perhaps one of the better examples of a story set to moving instrumental music is “Shadows of my Soul.” It builds and builds as the track gets deeper into movements that are pulsating with life and anticipation. It runs over six minutes and what Dulce accomplishes in that timeframe is a brilliant exhibition of musical transitions within one song.

“Call of the King” was another one of my favorites. The title is perfect. The ivory keys and Dulce’s talented fingers introduce a grand marching of the king’s entrance. It was a very picturesque track.

Those are a few tracks that really hit home with me, I really loved the entire album though. Every composition is beautiful and something I would enjoy hearing any time of day or night.

As I listened to each track my interest grew and I was fascinated with all the progressions that Dulce went through in every track. Even without any accompaniment, I was completely engaged with her music. That says it all for me and the music presented on Reality of Dreams.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

October 2, 2018

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Tracks:
01. Romantic Power
02. Call of the King
03. Lights and Shadows
04. Sad Moments
05. Magical Ride
06. Pride of Love
07. Shadows of my Soul
08. Stormchild
09. Winter Dreams
10. Bleeding Heart
11. Fallen Angel
12. Goodbye

Instrumental World-New Age Review: Doug Hammer-Celtique

Release Date: September 21, 2018

Label: Dreamworld Productions

Website

Doug Hammer must be an old soul. To write instrumental songs about ancient lands and fisherman of the world, you have to dig down deep. You have to get the feeling of a place and time, then look inside yourself where that spark can turn into a flame. I think Doug does that with his music. Keep in mind that every track has double meanings and it ends like it starts, an unbroken circle. That will give you something to ponder while listening.

Celtique is dedicated to all fisherman that have risked their lives for our survival. There are 15 tracks to enjoy on this release. I found it most interesting just how many albums were released on September 21st this year. I think there is a connection with that date, being the introduction of another season is significant and the new music ushering us in. I notice subtle nuances like that but to me there is nothing subtle about it. And here is why - it's also a Celtic Holiday called Mabon, a mid-Harvest celebration. There was a fact I did not know so thank you Doug!

The perfect track to encapsulate the feelings, atmospheres, sights, and sounds that this music delivers to you is “Wind and Waves.” The music is like the wind blowing against your face and the rhythms and force of the sounds are like waves combing across your body, making their way inside to your heart and soul. Suddenly you realize that this man and his piano has put you right where he wanted to.

I think an album cover sets the tone and atmosphere of what you are about to hear, and with an entirely instrumental album, it is absolutely key. The flavors of the world are what this artist is all about, and the title (and fonts) tell you where you are about to arrive. Every album is a celebration of a place or timeframe. For my listening experience, the time is now, however, I am able to go back as far in time as I wish because this kind of music allows it. The intrinsic element of instrumental music is the focus it provides, not to mention how intensely focused the person presenting the music must be!

The way Doug plays those ivory keys is something to behold, his sound is so full and alive. One would think just one piano could not tell such an interesting story but he gets it done. It actually sounds like more than one piano at times, which is quite amazing.

That, my music loving friends, is the power of music. Celtique is an awesome expression of art. The talent it takes to create a recording like this is beyond my comprehension. To be a listener and feel the music like it was intended is something special. That is all any recording artist could ask for.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 27, 2018

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Tracks:
01. Celtique (Daybreak)
02. Through the Mist
03. Wandering Path
04. Crumbling Wall
05. Ancient Stones
06. She Beckons
07. To the Sea
08. Wind and Waves
09. Calm Water
10. Safe Harbor
11. Voices of the Past
12. Golden Land
13. Moss and Earth
14. Journey Home
15. Celtique (Twilight)

Instrumental New Age Reviews: Steve Rivera-Beyond Measures & Time

Release Date: September 7, 2018

Label: Independent

Website

My coverage of Steve Rivera’s music began two years ago with Dividing The Darkness. Now a release that came out a few weeks ago titled Beyond Measures & Time has arrived. It was easy to notice the prolific artwork on the cover of the album. It looks very thought-provoking and the first artist I thought of was Dali. It is a mixture of modern with the old, the sands of time slip away the old-fashioned way or the modern way with the wristwatch. The hand looks more robotic than that of a mannequin. So right away the images are telling a story before you ever hear a note played.

This recording is all solo piano instrumentals. It is one of many I have heard this year. And as with the other recordings, I found so much enjoyment in the music. The simplistic approach serves some artists so well, in this case, it works beautifully for Steve. The adage of less is more certainly is applicable in this case.

Although the piano is the only instrument there is plenty of flow and rhythm, it fills the room you are in. “Waves and Particles” is one of the better examples of a constant rhythm and destination for the music. It is all about the rhythm and flow of the music and where it can take you. From where I am coming from, it really fits that description. There have to be tones, vibrations, colors and rhythm for me to get in sync with the music. It all felt quite natural to fall into a pocket of sound and just go with it, then let my soul just float away with it. That is my form of release and meditation, it is very healing.

Beyond Measures & Time is the perfect title for this recording. The essence of time and measures is scientific, mathematical, it is in essence cerebral. I think what the artist may be saying here is that music transcends all of that thought process. This all part of our daily life - time and schedules, then measuring that time to fit into a schedule.

Music so beautiful and properly arranged removes us from an equation and puts us in a space that finds a comfort zone with no particular cause or thought other than to center and relax, heal and eventually reenergize because the music took us to that point. For this listener, that is the perfect scenario.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 25, 2018

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Tracks:
01. Suspended Dream
02. Passing Shadows
03. Unlocking The Moments
04. Spectrum of Thoughts
05. Falling Closer
06. In My Own Memories
07. Waves & Particles
08. From The Beginning
09. Dark Tides
10. Fragmented Dreams
11. Measures & Time

New Age-Classical-World Review: Sangeeta Kaur-mirrors

Release Date: September 21, 2018

Label: Sangeeta Kaur Music

Website

This time last year I was introduced to Sangeeta Kaur with her amazing album Ascension - Niguma Vol. 2 The Mantra Project. It was easy for me to tag it as a 5-star album. I was genuinely moved by her music.

Mirrors is Sangeeta Kaur’s third New Age/Classical Crossover album. The album features renowned composer and producer, Nicolas Neidhardt on piano and keyboard as well as the multi-instrumentalist, Dat Nguyen on guitars and flute. These excellent musicians become the quintessential element that elevates the vocalist to where she needs to be.

Once again, I am mesmerized by this woman’s voice. Mirrors can give a listener so much potential. I found it to be relaxing assurance, peace, and a smile was inside me just bursting to come out. This music and Sangeeta’s voice is something to celebrate.

The music is an effective combination of new age, classical, world and vocals. The difference in this recording is it was not recorded to match a stage presentation on the level of the last album. I can envision a multi-media project built around this music, however. The strongest instrument is Sangeeta’s voice. The musicianship is precise and quite beautifully arranged to accompany and accentuate a great vocalist. This combination worked well and at this point, there is no doubt there is a great vocalist that we all need to discover. Well, here she is, if you have not heard her, you need to. Even if you are not a fan of this type of music you can appreciate the talents of Sangeeta.

With Mirrors, I heard some more music presented in a different language and again, I was very pleased. I felt it was done just right, her warmth and sincerity come through the music with tremendous impact while at the same time gently inviting you in to partake in the festivities.

I think Mirrors says a lot through the music and the CD cover. This really does mirror the soul of a woman that wants to give you every ounce of energy that she can give. This music can mirror you the listener, it can give you purpose, validation, and clarity. That is the purpose of any good meditation or relaxation music. If you can sync with the music and feel the vibrations and tones, you will be swept away instantly, I can promise you that, and you will love it!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 19, 2018

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Tracks:
1. Bring It Down
2. Dust In The Wind
3. I'm Not Gonna Break
4. Adoro Te Devote
5. Mother Earth
6. If Time Stood Still
7. Sa Ta Na Ma Meditation - To Make The Impossible, Possible
8. Thank You

New Age World Review: Monica Williams-Journey of Tears

Release Date: September 21, 2018

Label: Heart Dance Records

Website

Journey of Tears is a collection of original works by flutist/composer Monica Williams with guest artists on the album including fingerstyle guitarist Darin Mahoney, New Age flutist Sherry Finzer, and vocalist Alexa Nadramia.

There are 10 tracks to absorb on Journey of Tears. It reflects humanity, our daily struggles, our victories, our pleasure, and our pain. It is all about the growth one can experience through all the human emotions. This how Monica Williams relates to her listeners through her music. Hopefully, after we listen our realizations and experiences become clearer and more purposeful.

Monica’s love for the flute started while attending Eastman School of Music. The worldly colors and textures the instrument could produce with calming soundscapes were what attracted her. I was never a real big fan of the flute, sometimes in the context of rock music it sounded good but then I started hearing it in a different way.

This type of world music is sprouting and growing via the new age genre and culture and it has opened many doors for me. To put it in an all-inclusive perspective, the way I usually do is to say it touches my mind, body, and spirit. This is the quintessential triangle of life. It is through recordings like Journey of Tears where I discover and rediscover new realities and levels of spiritualism.

Monica plays beautifully throughout all the tracks and it reaches an apex on the curtain closer “The Great Beyond.” It is gorgeous flute solo with the angelic voicings of Alexa Nadramia. The vocals add another element that is not found in the previous tracks and it is an amazing way to end the musical journey that this talented lady offers. The tracks run is over eight minutes, and every second of it is pure new age world music heaven. If this music does not give you a glimpse of a way to get closer to your higher power then I do not know what would.

Monica Williams is a multi-talented individual that has so much to offer in her music. She is also an accomplished teacher with 35 students currently. So not only is she sharing the sounds of various hybrid flutes, she is sharing her knowledge with others. That is the true meaning of passing the torch to the next generation of musicians.

Journey of Tears is an enormous success and although I am setting the bar high for folks that have not heard the album yet, I am certain that you will not be disappointed in any way. If you happen to enjoy earthy textured flute music, you will think your nirvana has finally arrived.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 14, 2018

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Tracks:
01. Raining Tears
02. Conversations Within
03. New Horizons
04. Unconditional Love
05. On the Edge
06. Finding Peace
07. Constant Change
08. Wandering
09. Love From A Distance
10. The Great Beyond

Contemporary Instrumental Review: Holland Phillips - Leaning Toward Home

Release Date: September 21, 2018

Label: Ageless Records

Website

My experience with the music of Holland Phillips is Circles of 8 and then I went on another journey with Under a Second Moon. Now another year has already passed and Leaning Toward Home will be arriving within a matter of days.

I get off easy calling Holland’s music contemporary instrumental. It is hard to define so that is the best tag to put on it. It is a fusion of sounds. You can call it whatever you want but I do highly recommend giving it all a good listen.

All the music was composed and performed by Holland. The man is a magician on the keyboards and he generates enough instrumentation to sound like an entire band on this recording.

I like being challenged with music, in a sense that it makes me think, it allows me my own space inside my head and in my soul. That is the complete circle for this listener. It takes a special kind of music to allow that to happen. Holland could not have said it better when he referred to this production as magic. To me, that is the beauty and perfection of music, more importantly, instrumental music that has the ability to sweep you away to an altered consciousness, a better state of mind, body, and spirit.

The title track said it all for me. It has that magical and mystical atmosphere that takes you right in and hangs on until the track fades away. There are so many sounds, consistencies, and bright colors to be discovered on “Leaning Toward Home.” In fact, the entire recording offers so much diversity in sound that each track brings another feeling and atmosphere to light, it is like watching an ever-changing colorful lava lamp except this is translated to sounds, vibrations, something that is more meaningful and spiritual.

I think what Holland Phillips wants more than anything is for you, the listener, to discover the magic that he did in the music. Your realizations that are found inside the music can be joyous, revealing and mind-expanding. It is what you make it, the choice is yours.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 11, 2018

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Review Provided By MuzikMan Music Reviews & News

Tracks:
01. Prelude to a Dance
02. Before the Epilogue
03. Roadside Brew
04. Time Travels
05. A Sip of Potion
06. Moving Forward
07. Leaning Toward Home
08. Full Circle
09. Surprising Turns
10. Along the Way
11. Bedtime Stories

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This time last year I was introduced to Sangeeta Kaur with her amazing album Ascension - Niguma Vol. 2 The Mantra Project. It was easy for me to tag it as a 5-star album. I was genuinely moved by her music.