Video/Track Feature: Celestial Temple-Rasamayi and Paradiso
"Celestial Temple" is the focus track of the latest installment from Rasamayi and Paradiso. It is exactly what it claims to be. The title is very descriptive and when you hear the music or view the video the effect and purpose is transcendental.
The end result is achieved through the sounds and music that this duo create. Using unconventional instruments such as the Didgeridoo certainly presents a challenge, however they make it sound so natural and flowing with their presentation.
I highly recommend listening and viewing the video to get the full meaning and effect of this music. Welcome to the temple of the soul through Celestial Resonance.
Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck 4.5/5 Stars
Jazz World Fusion Review: Randy Armstrong & Volker Nahrmann-Beyond Borders
Genre: Jazz
World Fusion
Release Date: April
15, 2014
Label: UMP
Records
Randy Armstrong & Volker Nahrmann have released a
jazz world fusion album that reminded me of why I fell
in love with jazz back in the early eighties listening to Al DiMeola, Jean Luc
Ponty and Stanley Clark. Those artists showed me the way and invited me to
explore a complex genre of music that offers a journey that never ends.
With
Beyond Borders, one of many releases
that this duo has brought to the masses over the years, they have reestablished
their place in the world of music. Several songs on Beyond Borders are tributes to jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie,
sitarist Pandit Ravi Shankar, and Beatle George Harrison.
I do
not use the term world lightly; if you look at the fascinating and expressive
cover it says it all for these artists. To me,
the cover conveys that we are one people on this vast globe and music can unite
us. So, let’s try to make our own music as a sentient race and make
this a better place to live. This of course leaves the door open to your own
personal interpretation and that is the beauty of such a stunning work of art
as portrayed on the cover of this CD and all the music that it contains. As
quoted from the artist page “Beyond
Borders is considered their “Magnum Opus” featuring a collection of songs
composed over a 40-year span of creative output, dedicated to the belief that
music has the power to uplift the human spirit and be a catalyst for change in
the world.” I think that puts it all into a proper perspective.
The
term jazz world fusion comes into perfect focus with the opening track “Ciao
Bella” (which was featured on Rate The Tracks). In Italian it translates to "Hi/Bye
Beautiful," and what a hello it is. The first time I heard the sitar in
popular music was back in the 60s when George Harrison introduced it into The
Beatles music. I cannot say it is an instrument that fascinates me like some
others however in this particular case I was amazed how beautiful and appropriate
it sounded in “Shanti Om,” the dedication to Harrison and Shankar. It is one of
the best tracks on the recording. The myriad of instruments employed throughout
this project make it one of the more eclectic listens of the year.
There
is something to take into account regarding the flow and energy in life, it is
crucial to the balance of the body, mind and spirit. With that in mind I
realized after a few listens to this captivating album that this brought this
concept to the forefront of my consciousness.
“White
Cloud Black Thunder” is another prolific change during the course of this
album. It is a reminder of from whence we came and encourages us to honor our
Native American brothers and sisters that gave us so much while receiving so
little during the development of our great nation. It serves as a rain dance of
life with tribal beats and chants accompanied by music that will mesmerize you.
For this listener Beyond
Borders was like a guide to syncing my soul with my surroundings and
finding more appreciation for the beauty of the human spirit and how Mother
Nature can be one with us. The key is that we honor her rather than interfere
with that delicate balance and synchronicity that is necessary for a spiritual
partnership, one that has always been there. All of that and more can be
discovered in the music, it invites you and cajoles you into a perfect blend of
sound and textures that bring you to another place that is pure and feels
right. In essence everything about this release reaches Beyond Borders, in fact any lines in the sand or self-imposed
restrictions melt away, they all disappear after one listen. Randy Armstrong
& Volker Nahrmann have created a masterpiece of jazz world fusion that will
surely receive high praise for quite some time.
5/5
Stars
Key Tracks: Ciao Bella, Shanti Om, White Cloud
Black Thunder
Tracks:
01. Ciao Bella
02. Fear Not Fear
03. Unidad Anthem
04. Unidad
05. Wherever You Are
06. Shanti Om
07. White Cloud Black Thunder
08. There's Always Hope
09. Love Letters (The Story of Abelard & Heloise)
10. Fun in the Sun
11. Unidad Epilogue
Tracks:
01. Ciao Bella
02. Fear Not Fear
03. Unidad Anthem
04. Unidad
05. Wherever You Are
06. Shanti Om
07. White Cloud Black Thunder
08. There's Always Hope
09. Love Letters (The Story of Abelard & Heloise)
10. Fun in the Sun
11. Unidad Epilogue
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
August 6, 2015
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
New Age/Meditation Review: Paradiso & Rasamayi-Celestial Resonance
Genre: New
Age/Meditation
Release Date: June
16, 2015
Label: 5th
Element
New Age music artists Paradiso and Rasamayi have devoted
their musical careers to developing sound for the purpose of energy enhancement
and healing. Their newest album Celestial
Resonance does just that. Using world music, sounds of nature and a
multitude of instruments, their sound weaves into a seamless blend to spur the
listener’s relaxation.
“Love’s Repose” was like being in a cathedral. Open and
airy, but filled with much thought and emotion, this song is truly beautiful.
Ambient music paves the way for breathless female vocals and the buzzing
texture of world music sounds. This is the world as defined by a celestial
being. Not just one religion, but many. We are all people. A pebble dropped
into the ocean of the living. Deep and wide. Poignant and full of longing. With
expert artistry, this piece reaches out to the dormant parts in all of us that
fall into human traps of disregard for others suffering and instead teaches us
to instead reach for joy. The sound of water cleanses us whole and leads us to a
new beginning.
“The Growing Light” brings bells and the promise of
newness. A heavenly awakening with the crispness of early morning and the wet
kiss of dew in the pale sunlight. Chimes whisper on the breeze, tinkling their
delight at the hum of voices just out of range. The ambient occurrence of a
presence watching with benevolent joy. We are awakening to what we will become.
Joy. Love. Bright and shiny with newness and positive thoughts. Each gong of
the bell proclaims a rebirth and a promise of a brighter path ahead.
“Infinite Resonance” is water and essence of the sea. The
tides come and go and with it the circle of life. Fluid world music joins the
ocean sounds and they are both joined by chanting vocalizations that reminded
me of angels singing to the dawn. A woodwind instrument calls out the morning’s
majesty as the holy light of the infinite shines down upon us all. The music
swirls in a sometimes brooding resonance that speaks to the patterns of life.
You must know dark to recognize the light. To live through the trials to see
the victories. To love and be loved. For this is life. This is awakening.
This album is a tapestry of world music, New Age and
nature sounds all wrapped up in a neat little package. It incorporates vocals
and instruments of all kinds paired with ambient sounds. Each track presents a
story. A path to peace and healing. Some with a buzzing resonance and others
without. Those were my favorite. This album is a good choice if you want
something to get you away from the world for a little while. So grab yourself
some green tea and settle in for a relaxing listen. You may find yourself
hitting the play button again on this one.
4.5/5
Stars
Key Tracks: Love’s Repose, The Growing Light,
Infinite Resonance
Tracks:
01. Genesis
02. Childlike Faith
03. Love's Repose
04. Across the Threshold
05. The Journey Through
06. Celestial Temple
07. Liberation
08. The Growing Light
09. Spirit Embodied
10. Light Ascendant
11. Infinite Resonance
Tracks:
01. Genesis
02. Childlike Faith
03. Love's Repose
04. Across the Threshold
05. The Journey Through
06. Celestial Temple
07. Liberation
08. The Growing Light
09. Spirit Embodied
10. Light Ascendant
11. Infinite Resonance
Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer
August 1, 2015
Review
Provided By New Age Music Review
New Age Instrumental/Neo Classical Review: Kerani-Equilibrium
Release Date: May
18, 2015
Label: Indie
Kerani was influenced and inspired by
some of my favorite artists such as Jean-Michel Jarre, Vangelis, Kraftwerk,
Electric Light Orchestra and Mike Oldfield. It came as no surprise
that I immediately identified with her music.
Equilibrium
is
dedicated to women and their role in this world and how the artist wants to see
a fundamental change, a balance shift or equilibrium transfer to equality
between men and women. Turning back the clock to the way things were when the
human race began is going to be quite a task but there is hope. Perhaps if we
all get on the same frequency with the help of music like Kerani creates we
once again can unite so all human beings walk on equal ground.
Kerani played piano and synthesizers on the recording,
handled all the female vocal parts, and also arranged, orchestrated and
produced. Artist such as this have my admiration and respect and they always
have. Then when a work of art is created...something that touches your soul,
then it all becomes special.
The elemental force that inspires the creation of this
music is a thing of beauty and then translated and discovered within each
track. The title track which was featured on our Rate The Tracks site is a fine way to open the curtain to this wondrous
music. There is new age, classical and world all mixed together on this strong
release.
“O, Aeterne Deus” is a medieval chant by Hildegard Von
Bingen. I found this track to be quite beautiful and moving. It is most definitely
a slice of heaven on earth and serves the purpose of the original intent to
heal.
There is so much about this recording to enjoy. I do not
think it is a prerequisite to be a fan of new age music to find something to integrate
into your life with this music. I did not hear one track that I did not
absolutely love. This music transforms me, it’s magical, and all of my worries
and stress just evaporate like a drop of water in the hot sun.
“Ladys Grace” is significant because of the title however
the music is elegant and moving and it envelops you in its movement and
spirituality. All of the right instruments are utilized to make this one of the
most outstanding tracks on the album.
I think the goal was reached on this project and the
message Kerani is delivering will be received. This is a lovely representation
of new age and classical music that should not be missed.
5/5
Stars
Key Tracks: Equilibrium, O, Aeterne Deus,
Ladys Grace
Tracks:
1. Equilibrium
2. Fragrant Mountain
3. Anchoress
4. Bouddica, Heart On Fire
5. Hypatia's Universe
6. O, Aeterne Deus
7. Lady's Grace
8. Avane
9. The Wyse Wytch
Tracks:
1. Equilibrium
2. Fragrant Mountain
3. Anchoress
4. Bouddica, Heart On Fire
5. Hypatia's Universe
6. O, Aeterne Deus
7. Lady's Grace
8. Avane
9. The Wyse Wytch
Keith “MuzikMan”
Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
July 30, 2015
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
New Age Solo Instrumental Review: Kori Linae Carothers-Fire In The Rainstorm
Release Date: May
15, 2015
Label: Indie
Kori Linae Carothers is an award winning artist and has
worked with the legendary greats at the Windham Hill recording label. A
composer since the age of fourteen, Kori has mastered her disability of being
deaf in one ear and turned a weakness into strength. She is an acclaimed
keyboard player and pianist with four albums and hopefully more to come. Her
album Fire in the Rainstorm is a
testament to the joy of everyday. From the hidden beauty in the little things
that surrounds us to the burn of a riotous sunrise to the cool splendor of the
stars that grace the night skies the music sweeps you away on a journey of
audible bliss.
The album begins with “The Day” and the tender shoots of
life that reach their leafy arms to the sky in search of the bountiful light of
the sun. Each delicate keyboard stroke paints a visual picture of the newness
of life and the first breath of morning. Every day is a wonder with much to
behold if only we open our eyes to the possibilities.
“The Kindly Beast” reminds me of the story of Beauty and
the Beast. The thought provoking piano composition creates a story in my mind
of a bookish young woman transported to a beast’s castle only to find the heart
of a lamb resides inside the façade of a lion. Tender is the heart that loves
and perseveres when life becomes difficult. This also brought to mind the
battles the artist faced as a young girl and the extreme inner strength she
used to overcome what could have taken her dream of music away. Instead, like
any great thing of value, it comes with work and dedication…but most of all,
love.
“Winter’s End” is another piece that brought images of
nature and romance. The swirling piano strokes evoke a theater of ice and snow,
the crystals graceful and magnificent as they fall. Young lovers cascade across
icy ponds, hearts full of joy but a little sadness as they know the winter is
coming to an end. As with the tale spun with music, their love will go on with
fond memories of winter’s kiss and the chill of snow as it drifts down for
perhaps the last time.
Kori Linae Carothers is a talented composer and
independent artist. She has worked with many greats in the industry, including
the legendary Will Ackerman from the Windham Hill label. Kori is the epitome of
showing what hard work and dedication can bring. Fire in the Rainstorm is a fluid album filled with natural beauty
and wonderment by an artist I will be watching for again. If you want a respite
from the day with some gorgeous piano composition, I highly recommend it.
5/5
Stars
Key Tracks: The Day, The Kindly Beast, Winter’s
End
Tracks:
01. A Day Like No Other 04:09
02. NuNu's Sunrise 02:49
03. Meadow 03:53
04. Tidal Rift 04:20
05. Fire in the Rainstorm 02:58
06. Time Passages 04:10
07. The Day 04:22
08. Winters End 02:31
09. Liberty 04:05
10. The Kindly Beast 03:18
11. Whispers of the Heart 03:13
12. When the Trees Fell 03:52
Tracks:
01. A Day Like No Other 04:09
02. NuNu's Sunrise 02:49
03. Meadow 03:53
04. Tidal Rift 04:20
05. Fire in the Rainstorm 02:58
06. Time Passages 04:10
07. The Day 04:22
08. Winters End 02:31
09. Liberty 04:05
10. The Kindly Beast 03:18
11. Whispers of the Heart 03:13
12. When the Trees Fell 03:52
Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer
July, 8, 2015
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
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