David Wahler's music transports you to another place, where it is serene and beautiful, unencumbered by any outside influences.
This is healing music. Get ready to relax and take a trip to heaven! Listen to "Night Sky of Orion" for a taste of what is to come.
His upcoming album Spiritus is sure to make waves as its predecessors did.
More About David Wahler:
http://www.davidwahler.com
David Wahler began his musical career at the age of 7 playing the piano “by ear.” Years of summer music clinics and academies at various universities culminated in his studying piano performance at Lawrence University Conservatory of Music and Mannes College of Music in New York. David then began serving as a musical director off Broadway. In the Chicago area, he played with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra as well as teaching music appreciation to disadvantaged and handicapped children.
David released his first album, Antiquus, in the spring of 2009. The CD was met with instant accolades from the reviewers. He placed number one on ZMR (Zone Music Reporter) charts for the month of July, and was the highest ranking debut album in the history of the charts. Antiquus was selected by numerous websites as “one of the best New Age CD’s of 2009”, as well as placing third on ZMR’s Top 100 Most Played Albums of 2009. Antiquus was also nominated for four Zone Music Awards for 2009, including Best Album and Best New Artist, going on to win Best New Artist.
David’s second album, A Star Danced, released March 1, 2010, was met with the following praise from RJ Lannan, reviewer with Zone Music Reporter. “Contemporary ambient artist David Wahler, musically takes us beyond earthly boundaries on his newest release, A Star Danced . It is music that celebrates the joy of living on a celestial scale. I give it a stellar recommendation.”
Nominated by ZMR Awards as Best Album, Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, A Star Danced went on to win Best Meditation & Relaxation Album of 2010.
Secret Dream, David’s third album, was released in 2013 by New World Music.
New Age Review: Reneé Michele-Seasons of the Heart
Release Date: December 20, 2014
Label: Independent
Seasons
of the Heart is a journey that begins with a memory.
Bitter and sweet, the days of our lives are full of winters and springs. Of
summers where we dance and stark autumn moments when we grieve. In this
beautiful celebration of the artist’s memories we walk with her through some of
life’s most personal moments. Produced by Will Ackerman at the legendary
Imaginary Road Studio, this album is also graced by Jill Haley (English horn), Charlie
Bisharat (violin), Eugene Friesen
(cello), Jeff Haynes (percussion), Noah Wilding (vocals), Tom Eaton (bass), and
Michael Manring (fretless bass) and of course Reneé Michele at the helm of the piano.
“Gone” is the devastation of a loved one’s passing. The
loving memories of a life well spent, but the absence where there once was a
presence. Some voids simply cannot be filled. Fluid piano movements and tender
whispers call out to those we love in remembrance and thankfulness that our
lives touched, if only for a moment.
“Forgiveness” is an evocative piece that tears into the
tender places in the heart where some of the deepest emotions dwell. Who has
not been hurt by a loved one or been the one to cause the pain? Love is a scary
and beautiful thing, much like the resonating melodies presented in this piece.
Careful piano movements and string presentations delve deep. Tear stained
cheeks and eyes that smile through the pain that only true love can cause bring
the joy of forgiveness.
“Seasons of the Heart” is an all-encompassing voyage
through the dark hour of the soul and back to light again. Our lives, like this
vision of melodic wonder, are rife with challenges, hurts, victories and
celebrations. Love, life and laughter walk with us even as death and
unfortunate events bring us to our knees. The seasons change and with it the
ebb and flow of our inner tides. Poignant piano playing combined with
multi-instrumentation brings out the deep emotion that only Reneé Michele can.
She finds the perfect note and spins her song, leaving us breathless with the
beauty of truth.
Our lives truly are seasons. Memories come to us from the
summer and winter of our lives. Some are bountiful and some haunt us with
broken promises and hurtful actions whether from ourselves or others. In true
artful fashion, Reneé Michele takes each feeling and brings it to the surface
in melodious fashion. These are the seasons of our lives; the sun, the moon,
the seasons…new beginnings and bittersweet endings. It is the breath in our
bodies and the secret smile on the lips. It is music. It is…life.
4.5/5
Stars
Key
Tracks: Seasons of the Heart, Gone, Forgiveness
DanaWright, Sr. Staff Writer
January 7, 2015
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
New Age Instrumental Review: Lawrence Blatt-Emergence
Release Date: March
11, 2014
Label: Independent
Produced by Will Ackerman of the incomparable Imaginary
Road Studios and written by Lawrence Blatt, Emergence
is an album that will keep you company for many long hours. It is an album
filled with images of the natural world in all of its wonder. Patterns. Diverse
and seemingly simple, they can create masterpieces of form and function. Such
is the case with Emergence. Artists
involved in this project are: Lawrence Blatt (guitar, accordion, mandolin),
Charlie Bisharat (violin), Lila Skylar (viola, violin), Eugene Friesen (cello),
Sam Bevan (double bass), Jill Haley (English horn) and Richard “Gus” Sebring
(French horn).
“Emergence” is the title track to the album. It features
violin and guitar movements that evoke images of a new seedling bursting forth
from the cocoon of mother earth. The trembling growth of a frail tulip as it
stands straighter each day and turns its face to the light. One day at a time
it grows stronger until it stands tall away from the green stems and leaves,
bursting into burgeoning crimson glory. Violin and guitar dance as the
repeating majesty of life and finally death and renewal comes again and again.
Beauty. Grace. Life.
“Gar Du Nord” is the third piece on the album and it
struck me utterly when first I heard it. Double bass, cello, viola, violin and
guitar twist and undulate in chord progression and scale theory to craft a
spiral of thought provoking effervescence.
“Poloyne” is a pulse pounding dance that could be the
background to a well-crafted romantic drama. Eyes meet across the room. Hands
join as two flames connect on the ball room floor. Sweeping movements bent on
seduction win the increasingly rapid beating heart as the tempo increases.
Violin and guitar create passion with flamenco influences. A powerful piece
filled with evocative imagery.
“Green Corn” is the last piece on the album and has a
combination of French horn, guitar and violin. Truly artful, this is a tale
that unwinds into wide open spaces and the freedom of land and prosperity.
Jaunty and full of life, this track is as regal as it is masterful. The
American Dream of land, independence and prosperity. This is our land. Green
corn and fields of plenty…
Lawrence Blatt has succeeded in comforting the savage
beasts in my household. Even as the thunderstorm rages outside, the soothing
tones of Emergence have brought the
canine residents of my abode into happy slumber. (Thank goodness for small
miracles!) The exploration of patterns and progression of chords has truly
crafted each work into a snowflake like accomplishment. I find it amazing that
no written music was given to individual performers, letting them rely on music
theory and the talents that come from deep within. This is a project all the
participants should be very proud of and is one that will be in my collection
for a very long time to come.
5/5
Stars
Key
Tracks: Emergence, Gar Du Nord, Poloyne, Green Corn
Tracks:
01. A Promise in the Woods
02. Emergence
03. Gar Du Nord
04. Walking Among Tulips
05. Passing Up Bridges
06. Entering the East Gate
07. The Place Where Monarchs Go
08. Poloyne
09. Where the Pines Once Stood
10. Say Hello Again
11. Illuminations
12. Green Corn
Tracks:
01. A Promise in the Woods
02. Emergence
03. Gar Du Nord
04. Walking Among Tulips
05. Passing Up Bridges
06. Entering the East Gate
07. The Place Where Monarchs Go
08. Poloyne
09. Where the Pines Once Stood
10. Say Hello Again
11. Illuminations
12. Green Corn
December 19, 2014
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Contemporary New Age Instrumental Review: Michael Dulin-My Beloved
Release Date: January
20, 2015
Label: Indie
Michael
Dulin has released several recordings over the years but never one as personal
as My Beloved. It is his special ode
to his wife.
Dulin’s style is flowing and purposeful and it always has
been on all of his releases. He is an extremely talented pianist that is adept
at translating his feelings through the ivory keys.
Each track focuses on an enduring love and the beauty and
passion that it can bring in a couple’s life. Relationships are a work in
progress and too many people run away at the onset of difficulties. This is a
testament to his commitment to marriage and his wife.
“Beloved” is the most poignant and meaningful to the
artist and as a listener I can understand why. Its sheer beauty and
magnificence transcends all barriers and time becomes merely a concept to
ponder.
“Devotion” has a title alone that supports the meaning of
holy matrimony. It is the perfect follow up to “Beloved.” It goes hand in hand
with the meaning and purpose of this recording.
The album closer “Rhapsody” exudes clarity and beauty
with a definite accent on the different colors a musician such as Dulin can
create within the music. The pace creates joy and peace but it maintains an
energy and buoyancy that closes out the album with strength and definition.
Michael Dulin has produced a brilliant palette of
tasteful instrumentals that brings one instrument to the forefront without a
single distraction. The only focus is the piano and I found it very enjoyable
and quite amazing how one remarkable instrument can convey so many emotions and
a lifetime of love and devotion.
5/5
Stars
Key Tracks: Beloved, Devotion, Rhapsody
Keith “MuzikMan”
Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
December 14, 2014
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
New Age Instrumental Review: Kathryn Kaye-Patterns of Sun and Shade
Release Date: January
1, 2015
Label: Independent
Kathryn
Kaye is a composer, organist and pianist. She has been classically trained but
draws from her experiences in jazz, folk music from the Appalachian Mountains
where she grew up and crafts music both simple and evocative. Each piece is
created with feeling and always leaves me longing for more. The album was
recorded at Imaginary Road Studios and was recorded and mastered by Tom Eaton.
Contributing artists include Gus Sebring (French horn), Jeff Haynes
(percussion), Tony Levin (Chapman stick), Tom Eaton (percussion, accordion,
bass), Eugene Friesen (cello), Jill Haley (English horn), Will Ackerman
(percussion), Charlie Bisharat (violin) and of course the talented fingers of
Kathryn Kaye (piano).
In her newest album, Patterns
of Sun and Shade, Kathryn again pulls her imagery from nature and paints an
audible picture of landscapes adrift in light and shadow. This album has a
lighter feel than her first three, and has a lot of imagery of leaves, forests
and trees. Just the kind of place I love to be…
“Elk Creek in the Fall” is the second track on the album
and features Gus Sebring (French horn), Jeff Haynes (percussion), Tony Levin
(Chapman stick), Tom Eaton (percussion), Kathryn Kaye (piano) and Eugene
Friesen (cello). Effervescent, this piece is a tapestry wound together to
seamlessly create a vision of backwoods Kentucky and the glorious forests that
grace the land. Sweeping piano sequences are paired with the cello, horn,
percussive elements and the Chapman evoking a lush composition of harmony and
light.
“Willow Waltz” is a tender piece that urges me to close
my eyes and walk through the lit path into the forest, surrounded by the
majesty of color and the changing seasons. No matter the day, the crisp scent
of autumn burns down the back of your throat and the smoky ghost of burning
leaves fills the air. It is a time of change. The willow trees are a bountiful
and grace filled oasis inside the woods. They bend and sweep, whilst other
trees reach for the sky, determined to shed their seasonal colors in a riot of
burnt orange and flame yellow. The willows dance under the sky and your fingers
intertwine with the long and sinewy branches. Pieces and artists heard on this
track include Kathryn Kaye (piano), Jill Haley (English horn), Tony Levin
(Chapman stick) and the legendary Will Ackerman on percussion.
“Patterns of Sun and Shade” is the title track to the
album. When you look into the trees and squint your eyes, what do you see?
Little patterns of light and dark-the shady places and the kiss of sunshine
beaming through the leaves. That is the essence of this piece. Light peeks
through finely veined leaves illustrated by the skillful playing of Gus Sebring
(French horn), Jill Haley (English horn), Tom Eaton (bass) and Kathryn Kaye
(piano).
Since the first time I heard Kathryn Kaye’s work, I fell
in love with her vision of nature via sound and substance. Well placed fingers
on the keyboard, combined with a love of the natural world and her home in the
woods of Kentucky show just like the dappled light through a bevy of leaves.
The fellow artists she chooses are her branches and the tree is firmly planted
in the ground. This album was soothing and hasn’t stopped playing since I
received it and won’t be any time soon.
5/5
Stars
Key
Tracks: Elk Creek in the Fall, Patterns of Sun and Shade, Willow Waltz
Tracks:
01. Julia's Eyes
02. Elk Creek in the Fall (feat. Gus Sebring, Jeff Haynes, Tony Levin, Tom Eaton & Eugene Friesen)
03. The Hills That Lead Me Home (feat. Jill Haley, Gus Sebring & Tony Levin)
04. Something Like a Dream
05. Festival of Leaves (feat. Tony Levin, Gus Sebring, Jill Haley & Jeff Haynes)
06. Willow Waltz (feat. Will Ackerman, Tony Levin & Jill Haley)
07. Adrift in Fading Light (feat. Charlie Bisharat, Tony Levin & Jeff Haynes)
08. Mom and Pop's Waltz
09. Tiny Sliver of a Moon (feat. Charlie Bisharat & Tom Eaton)
10. Patterns of Sun and Shade (feat. Gus Sebring, Tom Eaton & Jill Haley)
11. Distances
Tracks:
01. Julia's Eyes
02. Elk Creek in the Fall (feat. Gus Sebring, Jeff Haynes, Tony Levin, Tom Eaton & Eugene Friesen)
03. The Hills That Lead Me Home (feat. Jill Haley, Gus Sebring & Tony Levin)
04. Something Like a Dream
05. Festival of Leaves (feat. Tony Levin, Gus Sebring, Jill Haley & Jeff Haynes)
06. Willow Waltz (feat. Will Ackerman, Tony Levin & Jill Haley)
07. Adrift in Fading Light (feat. Charlie Bisharat, Tony Levin & Jeff Haynes)
08. Mom and Pop's Waltz
09. Tiny Sliver of a Moon (feat. Charlie Bisharat & Tom Eaton)
10. Patterns of Sun and Shade (feat. Gus Sebring, Tom Eaton & Jill Haley)
11. Distances
December 9, 2014
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
New Age Instrumental Review: John Otott-Colors
Release Date: November 3, 2014
Label: Indie
I think John Otott has been referred to as an emerging
artist. I am officially stating that he has arrived with Colors. The cover of the album is a mirror into the soul of the
artist and within the music you will find yourself everywhere amongst the 13
tracks.
For creating music without words I really do not know how
much more beautiful and prolific it could possibly get. Otott’s brilliance
shines brightly in every track and when the music starts and “Tesoro” begins, you know you are in for a lot
of special moments. The track was featured on our sister site RateThe Tracks.
If you are interested in getting a look inside some of
these compositions I would recommend checking out http://www.johnotott.com/music-store/colors/.
John takes elements of new age and classical music and
brings forth all the magic through his fingers seemingly without effort. We all
know and recognize putting together an album is quite a project and I am not
taking away any of that hard work and the trials one goes through but it all
sounds so flowing and easy.
“Song of the Willows” brings you closer to nature, its
heaven and earth merging in the music. I found it so moving, I was feeling
happiness and sadness then joy all at once with the ebb and flow of those ivory
keys and the atmospheric sounds that weaved themselves into an unforgettable
tapestry of sound and wonder. How one instrument can create so many textures
and moods amazes me.
“A Memory” is an emotionally moving piece taking you
through the life of John’s mother who is suffering from Alzheimer’s. John
explains that he conveys all the emotional highs and lows one can go through
watching a loved one overtaken by such a life stealing disease. Even with all
the sadness the artist finds the light at the end of the tunnel were his music
is the only release, then finally acceptance arrives and you move on to the
next track. I was forced to take stock of my own life and realized how much I
have to be grateful for after I read about what the song meant, then it hit
home one step further.
John Otott’s piano improvisations are a gift from his
soul to his listeners. When I take in this type of music the only thing I can
think of is that when my time comes to leave this planet I think I will hear
this kind of music playing as the angels invite me to join them. Music is the
closest thing to heaven we have here on earth and Colors is another brilliant reminder of that.
5/5
Stars
Key Tracks: Tesoro, Song of The Willows, A Memory
Tracks:
01. Tesoro
02. The Wind Song
03. Illusion
04. Colors
05. The Journey
06. Song of the Willows
07. Interlude
08. I Will Sail Away
09. A Memory
10, August and Life
11. Santa Cruz
12. An Evening Thought
13. Soaring
Tracks:
01. Tesoro
02. The Wind Song
03. Illusion
04. Colors
05. The Journey
06. Song of the Willows
07. Interlude
08. I Will Sail Away
09. A Memory
10, August and Life
11. Santa Cruz
12. An Evening Thought
13. Soaring
Keith “MuzikMan”
Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
December 5, 2014
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
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