Philip Wesley's "Union" is the meeting of a man and his piano and how the sounds produced through that instrument can create beauty and reverberate in the human spirit.
This song will touch your soul in some way, and that is exactly what the artist wants to do. His goal is for people to listen and Transcend any problems or obstacles one may have in their lives through his music.
MuzikMan Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
More About Philip Wesley:
http://philipwesley.com
Philip Wesley’s music has been featured in radio, TV, film and print. It can be found on many of today’s most popular platforms including Pandora, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, and CDBaby. His music continues to dominate his genre of ‘New Age’ music and reached #1 on the iTunes charts, The Top 100 on Amazon, Best Seller at CD Baby, and most recently #12 on the Billboard Charts (New Age Catalog Chart) Charting with ‘The Piano Guys’ and ‘Jim Brickman’ The music reviewer ‘Reviews New Age’ recently called Philip’s album Dark Night of the Soul one of the “50 Greatest New Age Albums of All Time.”
Transcend
is Philip Wesley's 7th solo piano album and is about overcoming
problems and obstacles in life. Not just overcoming them, but rising so
far above and beyond them that they seem insignificant and a distant
memory. This album is also about having the courage to change, to face
and overcome your fears, and pursuing the people, places, and things in
life that captivate you.
A dynamic album with a rich, dark
ambient piano sound. Ranging from contemporary/new age to classical
crossover. An emotionally powerful album from start to finish.
New Age/Pop Review: David Arkenstone and Charlee Brooks-Inamorata
Release Date: February 3, 2015
Label: Green Hill
Website
Some performers stick in your heart long after the last note is played. David Arkenstone and Charlee Brooks are two of those. After their last album, Lovéren, I fell in adoration and was thrilled to find out about Inamorata. David Davidson performs the violin and his contributions as always are beautiful. The release in February 2015 couldn’t have been timelier. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this album is a spell of love and longing with eight original tracks along with renditions of the Game of Thrones main theme as well as, “Did I Make the Most of Loving You” from Downton Abbey, Zedd’s “Clarity” and “Harem” from Sarah Brightman. The last song on the album is dedicated to Arkenstone’s niece who was born during the recording of the album.
Label: Green Hill
Website
Some performers stick in your heart long after the last note is played. David Arkenstone and Charlee Brooks are two of those. After their last album, Lovéren, I fell in adoration and was thrilled to find out about Inamorata. David Davidson performs the violin and his contributions as always are beautiful. The release in February 2015 couldn’t have been timelier. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this album is a spell of love and longing with eight original tracks along with renditions of the Game of Thrones main theme as well as, “Did I Make the Most of Loving You” from Downton Abbey, Zedd’s “Clarity” and “Harem” from Sarah Brightman. The last song on the album is dedicated to Arkenstone’s niece who was born during the recording of the album.
Inamorata
begins with the earth shattering song, “Believe.” Stains of gorgeous
multi-instrumentation paint a celestial canvas of fairy tale proportions.
Twinkling bells and piano sequences make way for Charlee’s angelic voice.
Strong and clear, her singing brings to mind Disney princesses and epic
journeys. Castles in the air filled with love and optimism radiate outward with
these transcendent lyrics and seamless harmonies.
The second song on the album is the theme from Downton
Abbey. “Did I Make the Most of Loving You” is presented flawlessly with
orchestral quality sound and Charlee’s gossamer vocals. Radiant and vibrant
with percussive elements that inspire imagination, the piece is magnificent.
“Inamorata” is the title track for the album. A ballad of
love and hope, this song is the light in the window of the soul. This is an
original work and personifies a love that lasts forever. It leads into the
“Main Theme” from Game of Thrones. I found it fitting that they were next to
each other on the track lineup. With the Celtic strains and magical imagery
invoked, this piece brings to life a world of adventure just in time for a new
season to arrive on DVD. Every fan of the show will love this rendition. Clear
and melodic with harmonies that reach up and grab you, this piece will make
your blood pound and your fingers itch to grab the remote to watch more of this
epic series.
“Clarity” is filled with breathy wisps in the background,
piano and multi-instrumentation. Charlee’s sparkling vocals echo in the heart.
We don’t always want to fall in love but sometimes the very person we fight
against is the one who will be our salvation. Poignant and full of emotion,
this piece will warm the heart of romance readers everywhere. It reads (sounds)
like a romance novel and that makes this one of my favorite songs on the album.
Love. Angst. Love. Can’t get much better than that.
David Arkenstone has been making music for twenty five
years and is a performer that gives nothing less than perfection. The love and
care he put into this album is truly beyond the pale and he surrounds himself
with artists that give only their best. Love songs are always well met and this
album takes eight original pieces along with four favorites and weaves a fairy
tale mix of epic proportions that will hook you in the first few minutes of
listening.
5/5
Stars
Key
Tracks: Believe, Inamorata, Did I Make the Most of Loving You, Game of Thrones,
Clarity
Tracks:
01. Believe
02. Did I Make The Most Of Loving You? (Theme From "Downton Abbey")
03. Never Forget
04. Inamorata
05. Main Title (From "Game Of Thrones")
06.Clarity
07. Beautiful Storm
08. Don't Let Me Go
09. Harem
10. Invisible
11. Great Love
12. Lullaby For Belina
Tracks:
01. Believe
02. Did I Make The Most Of Loving You? (Theme From "Downton Abbey")
03. Never Forget
04. Inamorata
05. Main Title (From "Game Of Thrones")
06.Clarity
07. Beautiful Storm
08. Don't Let Me Go
09. Harem
10. Invisible
11. Great Love
12. Lullaby For Belina
February
19, 2015
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
New Age Instrumental Review: David Wahler-Spiritus
Release Date: February
15, 2015
Label: Independent
David
Wahler is an award winning musician. He began his musical career playing by ear
and has since grown to become an important and respected member of the musical
community. He has been involved in Broadway, symphonies and has worked with
disadvantaged and handicapped children. In his fourth and newest album Spiritus, he takes all of his hard won
knowledge as a music reviewer and artist and brings us an album of deep
reflection and spirituality.
From the onset of “Spiritus” I was sucked into a vortex
of elemental proportion. The crisp sensation of the atmospheric music gave way
to texture and electronic multi instrumentation that led me on an inner journey
of peace and tranquility. Breathless wisps of sound and deep imagery of the
vastness of the universe brought home the feeling that we are not alone, no
matter how much it can feel that way sometimes.
“Devi” made me feel like I was sitting in the middle of a
church pew waiting for the homily to begin. The sense of belonging and
contentment from the outset of the piece overflowed into a tender spiritual
working. Delicate keyboarding morphs into electronic bursts of wonderment like
the sun setting dust motes ablaze with light when they fall in front of a
stained glass window. Essences of flute echo through the piece, bringing
serenity and wonderment. A young girl sits next to her father and listens as
the world opens up to all the possibilities of the future. School, her first
date, marriage, a child of her own…life lived one day at a time. The tender
moments are the most pure and stay with us as the days march on.
“Chela” begins with a toe stepping into a pool of
forever. The twinkling sound of chimes and the sound of water rushing by blends
with elegant keyboard compositions and percussive elements to bring a tapestry
of sound and a landscape to sink yourself into. This has to be my favorite
piece from the album. If ever you wanted the sounds of a spa this would be the
piece to play. Close your eyes and feel invisible fingertips drift over you
body and soul and with them all the cares of the world fall away.
David Wahler is a musical force to be reckoned with. Spiritus is a journey into the infinite
universe, one human soul at a time. The compositions are fluid and each piece
is done with care and precision. I highly recommend this album to anyone who needs
a bit of respite after a particularly tough day. It will refresh you both body
and soul-and that my friends I can attest to by experience.
4.5/5
Stars
Key
Tracks: Spiritus, Devi, Chela
Tracks:
01. Spiritus
02. Mystic Voyage
03. Bhakti Heart
04. Whispers from Eternity
05. Ananda
06. Metamorphose
07. Devi
08. Veil of Maya
09. Spirit Dance
10. Chela
11. Ocean of Light
01. Spiritus
02. Mystic Voyage
03. Bhakti Heart
04. Whispers from Eternity
05. Ananda
06. Metamorphose
07. Devi
08. Veil of Maya
09. Spirit Dance
10. Chela
11. Ocean of Light
DanaWright, Sr. Staff Writer
February 15, 2015
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
New Age Music Review: Michele McLaughlin-Undercurrent
Release Date: February 24, 2015
Label: Indie
If you have not heard of Michele McLaughlin yet you must
be living under a rock. You get a one-time excuse if you are not a fan of new
age instrumental music.
Undercurrent is
her 15th proper recording. That is an amazing body of work in a
fairly short period of time. And she did it all in approximately 15 years.
This is instrumental music that moves you. Emotion and a
sense of spirituality breaks through as if it were delivered on the wings of an
angel. If you say the title Undercurrent
out loud or to yourself you understand what it all means once you are immersed
in this gorgeous piano music. Underneath every note in every track is a
feeling, emotion, pain, joy, despair – quintessentially the undercurrents that
run our life and motivate us to make decisions, live and love. The title says
all of that when you make yourself an open book…the pages will turn and you
will understand.
One of the more meaningful songs for the artist is “The
Space Between.” It is about Michele moving 10 miles away from her sister after
living right next door. That family bond and the special relationship one can
have with a sibling is explored. 10 miles may not seem like a long way but when
you are close to a family member it can feel like an ocean separates you. I
understand the emotional pain involved and could feel how real that sadness was
in Michele’s piano playing. The fact that the music is so beautiful does allow
some consolation for the listener and hopefully a purging and healing process
for the creator.
“Starstuff” is elegant and universal. Star dust we are
indeed. I enjoyed the melody in this track, it is purposeful like letting go
and allowing your spirit to soar and explore the universe. It is a perfect
example of how music without words can hold so many meanings for each listener.
Let it take you away, breath deep and transcend all that may be holding you
back. I felt inspired and a few chills came over me while listening.
Speaking of inspiration, “Never Give Up” personifies that
message. Michele receives emails from folks that may be going through a tough
period and they say that her music heals and helps them to carry on and recover.
I can say with complete certainty that is a fact. I felt renewed and hopeful
after listening to this music; it brought me to another place. For this
listener that is the primary purpose of music and if that is accomplished then
it was a success.
Undercurrent
is
a standalone work of art that can be especially appreciated by anyone that understands
the effort that goes into the creative process, whether it be a piece of music,
a painting, or music that paints its own scenery like this fine album so
gracefully does consistently throughout. It is a perfect group of songs with
just the piano and Michele McLaughlin and I could not imagine hearing it any
other way.
5/5
Stars
Key Tracks: The Space Between, Never Give Up,
Starstuff
Tracks:
01. 11,000 Miles
02. Living in Awe
03. Changing Skies
04. Full of Love
05. The Space Between
06. Undercurrent
07. Starstuff
08. Never Give Up
09. Evolution
10. On My Own
11. Melody In Motion
12. Stepping Stones
13. Synesthesia
Tracks:
01. 11,000 Miles
02. Living in Awe
03. Changing Skies
04. Full of Love
05. The Space Between
06. Undercurrent
07. Starstuff
08. Never Give Up
09. Evolution
10. On My Own
11. Melody In Motion
12. Stepping Stones
13. Synesthesia
Keith “MuzikMan”
Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
February 12, 2015
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
New Age Featured Track: David Arkenstone-Inamorata
The title track is what we are celebrating here and fine choice for a feature indeed. It comes with all the trimmings...soaring vocals, textured and beautiful music for those vocals to float upon and more.
Everything is in place to prime you for full listen of the new album.
MuzikMan Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
More About David Arkenstone And The New Release:
http://www.davidarkenstone.com/cool-music.html
Copied From David's Website:
I'm really excited about my new album INAMORATA (released Tuesday, February 3rd!). It's another collaboration with gifted vocalist and lyricist Charlee Brooks… sort of a follow up to our Lovéren and our last collaboration, Celtic Garden. I had a lot of fun moving sort of into the pop vein a bit. Inamorata has eight original songs in addition to our renditions of the awesome themes from Downton Abbey and Game Of Thrones along with Zedd's "Clarity" and Sarah Brightman's "Harem.''
The release is just in time for Valentine's Day and this is an album of well, love songs! There's also the lullaby that I wrote for my little niece, who was born during the recording. Really enjoyed working with David Davidson again… he's an amazing violinist! Here's a little 'behind the scenes' look during the recording http://vimeo.com/112805828. It's coming out on the Green Hill label and is already available on Amazon and iTunes. I'm always deeply touched by your support of my music… Inamorata is a special album and I hope you all enjoy it!
Featured New Age Artist: David Wahler
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.
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
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