Holiday/New Age Review: Steven C.-Christmas Beyond

Release Date: November 26, 2014

Label: Steven C Music

Website

It never seems too early for Holiday music when artists like Steven C. (Anderson) release a set of recordings that combine elements of classical and new age to formulate something beyond what one would normally hear this time of year. In fact, the best way to describe it is Christmas Beyond. So forget about everything you know that is associated with this type of music, open your mind and heart and listen intently to what this talented man has to offer. It was very appropriate that the artist recorded this album in the majestic Cathedral of St. Paul, MN featuring his Bosendorfer Grand Piano.

My glimpse of the new vision of the traditional Holiday season was on our Rate The Tracks site when the focus was “Still,Still, Still.”  This track is a perfect blend of Holiday, New Age and Classical music. It gives the listener a crossover appeal and opens the door to some opportunity for a larger audience than what the genre would normally command. This is not clearly defined music as it stands alone and allows each listener’s own personal interpretations, which any good instrumental music will do. The difference is this release is special because of what it stands for. When I first heard “Still, Still, Still”  it initiated a sequence of feelings internally, first sadness that summer had past, then the joy and beauty of the annual foliage…as if God had a huge paint brush and carefully designed each tree with its own color. Now with those two seasons behind me my thoughts turned to Christmas, the most special and sacred time of year. This is when one wants to be surrounded by loved ones, friends, and thoughts of all those that have passed that built those yearly traditions long ago.

Music engages you and brings forth many feelings and visions, if it accomplishes that it has completed its mission, Christmas Beyond does that and so much more. 
 

“The Angel Gabriel” draws the curtain open to a story and it unfolds before you. The significance of Gabriel is documented in the Bible and in the story of Christmas. I think it was a great choice to start the recording. I like the way Steven intersects the winter season with the Holiday and how it is forever linked, particularly for those not living in year round warm climates. He also makes sure the importance of Thanksgiving is not forgotten and how it segues into the birth of Jesus. There is a lot to think about in this music and what actually makes it more contemplative is the fact that it is all instrumental. Without words there is one less thing to be distracted with or focus on, this way the music is completely absorbed and you reflect back on your own life and personal experiences of the Holiday.

“Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Winds” is an invitation to the elements of earth to work freely and perhaps is an indication of something on a spiritual level that says “Let the winds of change come through, we welcome them and the season and the beauty it offers us all.” This can be looked upon as a change in life or the effects it has on an individual. It is all in the way you perceive things happening in front of you. I thought the pace of the song was gentle and inviting even though winter winds can be brutally cold and wreak havoc, this gave me a different perspective on what it can mean.

As with anything in life it is all in your attitude, and what you believe is your truth or can be. Steven C. has created a masterful interpretation of the winter season and the most cherished Holiday of them all through beautiful piano based music. It is spiritual, relaxing and in sync with the upcoming Holidays right around the corner. I highly recommend you give it a listen; you may step away with some different ideas of what this time of year means. There is nothing like great music to reveal the truth and put a different spin on things. Christmas Beyond can be your North Star to follow to enlightenment this year.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Still, Still, Still, The Angel Gabriel, Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Winds         

Tracks:
01. The Angel Gabriel   
02. Sing We Now of Christmas   
03. Still, Still, Still    0
04. Ah, Bleak and Chill the Wintry Winds
05. In the Bleak Midwinter
06. Blow, Blow Thou Winter Winds
07. Infant Holy, Infant Lowly   
08. Carol of the Birds and Bells   
09. Little Drummer Boy   
10. Beyond a Midnight Clear   
11. Ave Thanksgiving   
12. Angels Heard: Do You Hear? I Heard!   
13. The Road Home
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

November 11, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

New Age/World Instrumental Review: Bill Leslie-Across The Water

Release Date: October 4, 2015

Label: Capitol Broadcasting Company

Website

Bill Leslie has won numerous awards for his recordings over the years and it stands to reason that momentum will continue with the recent release of another instrumental classic titled Across The Water.

Across The Water is a 12 track tribute to Ireland including 10 songs composed by Leslie and two traditional tunes. The album features superlative musicians performing on acoustic guitar, grand piano, violin, cello, oboe, accordion, Celtic whistles, flutes, harp, uilleann pipes and stand-up bass. 

The title track turns the page on the story that unfolds to a gracious and inviting introduction and from that point each track seamlessly blends into the next as the colors and textures change as the journey moves along. The combination of several instruments makes for a new age/world treat for the senses.  

“Gaelic Ghost” which was featured on the Rate The Tracks site, really sets the tone and atmosphere for the premise of this recording. If you are not recognizing the Celtic essences of this track you are either oblivious to the world around you or just ignoring the beauty that is enveloping you at the moment. This is all about the long lineage and history of the people that shaped a land far away from our shores here in the U.S. but also a reminder of the immigrants that helped to make our great country.

I hear a longing and sadness and in the same instance a joyful remembrance of days long past in this music. The emotion and meaning found in these instrumental compositions are what stand out the most. "Irish Girl” framed it all for me with one listen. The precise piano playing, longing violin and enchanting flute give it a traditional feel helped along with today’s marvelous studio techniques and superb mastering.

I think it’s safe to say that Bill Leslie has created yet another masterpiece that will garner plenty of attention on a global scale. Inside this music is history, tradition and a beauty that has been lost in our high tech society. If you are feeling numb, listless and need some culture and colorful sounds to brighten and enhance your day give this album a spin, it is likely to change your perspective on things that you never considered before. Thought provoking music has a way of doing that.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Across the Water, Gaelic Ghost, Irish Girl

Tracks: 
01. Across the Water
02. The Boatman
03.Connemara
04. Miriam
05. Lorica
06. Gaelic Ghost
07. Stephanie
08. Irish Girl
09. Ring of Kerry
10. Cloud of Witnesses
11. Gougane Barra
12. Irish Blessing
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

October 28, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

New Age Instrumental Review: Agrelia’s Castle-Elders & Ancestors

Release Date: September 1, 2015

Label: Mysterium Music

Website

My introduction to Agrelia’s Castle was their title track “Elders & Ancestors.” It was featured on Rate The Tracks and made quite an impression on me. When I found out the story behind the music it became even more powerful of an experience for me.

The songs on Elders & Ancestors have grown from the journey of Paul and April Brown together through the challenges of cancer. They come from the desire to create peace, joy, and hope. In that creative experience in music that was the final outcome. I believe many people can benefit from a life’s journey translated through sounds.
 

The couple combines the sounds of a vintage Fender Rhodes B3, sounds of nature, and beautiful angelic vocals. The vocals are indeed heaven sent from the heart of the giver directly to the recipient. Also there are Native American style flutes, guitars, cello, and sitar. They are very earthy tones and inviting sounds to pull in the listener. In this amazing life it takes the people dealing with the most adversity at times to create exceptional beauty through their artistry. This is a case when those of us more fortunate become grateful and more appreciative for what we have.

“Breathe” is a superbly layered presentation of instruments and vocals. The sitar, percussion and vocals have a mystical element that is simply mesmerizing and comforting. The act that gives life, breathing, takes on an entirely different meaning through this song. Middle Eastern influences permeate the essence of this track and it is like talking a walk through a vast desert of emotion that heals and renews your soul.

“Spirit Dreaming” is another track that just took me away to another place, a safe haven for the heart, body and soul. I feel blessed to have the opportunity for this music to enter my life and give me some solace. Every fear and worry just melts away while listening to this. This particular track features the flute and it gets one in touch with the connection humans have with mother earth and all her wondrous gifts.

Music has always been a spiritual experience for me regardless of the genre. This type of music takes that feeling to another level entirely. Look at the cover of this album and you will get an idea of the places the music can take you. The combinations of what surrounds us in nature and instruments made from the earth becomes one breathing and living entity that invites you in and never lets you go.

I did not want this recording to end as it gave me such peace and contentment, the kind one feels when the stars align and all is right in the world. Enter Agrelia’s Castle and I promise you will never want to leave. The song “Sonnet” delivers a profound message about how life is just time passing by and how it’s just “you and I,” referring to one’s soul mate whether human or one with four legs, it does not matter. I know when I look in my dog’s eyes I see love, purity and the essence of who we are and what we were meant to be. The love of that creature has no bounds or expectations, it’s unconditional. We all can learn a lot from them. 

This music inspires, heals, and creates visions and reminders of who we are or what we can be. The Brown’s have created a masterful presentation of nature and music that is certain to move you in some way and give you a renewed perspective of your existence on this planet.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Elders & Ancestors, Breathe, Spirit Dreaming

Tracks: 
1. Elders and Ancestors
2. Adrift
3. Breathe
4. Spirit Dreaming
5. Sonnet
6. Wayfaring Stranger
7. Agrelia's Lullaby

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

October 26, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Featured Track: Blackmore's Night-All Our Yesterdays

The tile track of Blackmore's Night new release is All Our Yesterdays. From his days in Deep Purple and Rainbow to present day, legendary guitarist Richie Blackmore remains a relevant force in music. With his enchanting wife Candice Night on vocals, they present an entertaining mixture of Rock, Celtic, World and New Age Music.

The track and video presented here is a superb representation of their unique music. The song starts sadly then breaks into a gala festival of dance and song.

Enjoy the visuals and music that will take you back to simpler times in our history when castles ruled and there was no technology to complicate lives.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck


All Our Yesterdays was released on a variety of formats: CD, CD/DVD and Digital versions on September 18th and in LP and Box Set configurations on October 16th (in North America).


The Band's Bio (Courtesy of their website)

 

 Ritchie Blackmore

British guitarist and songwriter, began his professional career as a session musician as a member of the instrumental band The Outlaws and as a backing musician of pop singers Glenda Collins, Heinz, Screaming Lord Sutch, Neil Christian, etc.. Blackmore was also one of the original members of Deep Purple, playing jam-style rock music which mixed simple guitar riffs and organ sounds During his solo career, he established neo-classical metal band called Rainbow which fused baroque music influences elements with hard rock. However, Rainbow gradually progressed to catchy pop style hard rock. Blackmore formed the traditional folk rock project Blackmore's Night transitioning to vocalist-centered sounds.Click here to read more about Ritchie.

Candice Night

Although she's done back-up vocals for such major bands as Deep Purple, Rainbow, and Twang (the Hank Marvin Tribute album), Candice Night's success was anything but overnight. In 1997, the talented lyricist and lead singer of Blackmore's Night completed a musical project with legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore titled Shadow of the Moon. The album features acoustic renaissance music, a direction she thoroughly enjoyed. "This music is feel good, soul searching music," says Candice. "Listening to it makes me appreciate the beauty in simple things that most of us overlook everyday. It has a magical effect. It makes me smile and it makes me cry, but listening to it always takes me on a different journey somewhere else. Being a part in creating such music is a reward in itself." Click here to read more about Candice.

Bard David of Larchmont

The spine tingling melodies of classical composers wafts through the rehearsal halls as Bard David prepares for his performances. This extremely talented virtuoso has been delighting audiences for the past 20 years on keyboards, piano, organ, harpsichord, accordion and pipe organ. He is a graduate of Purchase University in piano performances and Blackmore's Night is proud to add him to our Minstrel Band.

Lady Kelly DeWinter

Kelly was just a wee babe when she first found herself singing tunes – and it wasn’t long after that she discovered what joy music could truly bring those around her. Classically trained in voice, piano, French Horn, and various other musical instruments, she was clearly drawn to perform - and soon found herself a graduate of the Musical Theatre program at Shenandoah University. Thus far, her professional career has allowed her to perform on stages across the United States, but no indoor theatre ever gave her the same magical feeling as portraying Queen Elizabeth I at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. It was during this time that she truly discovered “All the Fun of the Fayre". She is thrilled to be joining Blackmore’s Night playing French Horn and singing harmony vocals. Lady Kelly says she owes a debt of gratitude to her Renaissance family for introducing her to such a wonderful group.

Troubador of Aberdeen

The percussionist for Blackmore's Night is truly of Scottish descent. His ancestors resided in a castle fortress near Aberdeen during Medieval times. The moonlight beckoned to him and he embarked upon a midnight journey -wandering the countryside, listening to and echoing the rhythms of the night. He spent a lot of time camping in the woods- playing percussion with the otters and badgers- and pitching acorns with the squirrels. Always atune to the rhythms that surround the country side- natural rhythms and sounds of nature abound in his soul, Blackmore's Night came across him in England- we picked him up hitchhiking to London on his way to see the Queen. He instantly felt a comaderaderie with the Band of minstrels and the group invited him to join and share his many talents with them.

Scarlet Fiddler

Our amazing violinist received her MM in violin performance at The Boston Conservatory where she studied with Masters. She has performed at the Amherst Early Music Festival , Oberlin’s Baroque Performance Institute,Trinity Baroque Orchestra and Choir, amongst many other prestigious performances. This Renaissance Fiddler is Concertmaster of the Astoria Symphony and Sinfonia Celestis, and can also be found performing with Greenwich Symphony, Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, Di Capo Opera Company, Bronx Opera Company and the Orchestra of the Bronx. She has graced the stages at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Town Hall the Apollo Theater and Lincoln Center. She has been seen on tv on “Saturday Night Live,” “David Letterman” and “The View”.

Her heart called out for the simplicity of less technological times - and the beauty of nature. She longed to join a group where she could participate with Medieval/Renassiance music from within the castle walls. She found herself delightfully challenged by the music she heard from Blackmore's Night. We welcome this very talented musician to our group.

Earl Grey of Chimay

Bass, mandolin, guitar. Often enchanted with a musical spirit he can be found performing his music throughout medieval forests and cavernous terrains where they echo the melodic sounds resonating from the instruments played by Earl Grey of Chimay. Assimilating an alchemistic approach to a variety of instruments , he brings to Blackmore's Night his music, camaraderie, a plethora of potent ale, and an extraneous habit of being a bit verbose., yet a dash of humor emanates through the serious facade-but he is always passionate about his love for the music of Blackmore's Night.

Instrumental New Age Review: Anne Trenning-The Sunflower Waltz

Release Date: October 9, 2015

Label: Shadetree Records

Website

Anne Trenning greets us with her fourth album, The Sunflower Waltz. This album focuses on solo piano workings and is comprised of ten original compositions and six re-imagined pieces. All of the songs are played on the spectacular Shigeru Kawai piano, each note presented in clear and crisp fashion, tempting the listener with each keystroke.

The first piece on the album is “Max’s Birthday.” Floating and light with all the potential a new year of life can bring, this track frolics and dances to the music of life in all of its mysteries. A puppy racing through the lawn, a young boy chasing after him with laughter trailing in the wind. The gentle imagining of this piece invokes musical nuance that carries through the entire album.

“In the Gloaming Light” is the eighth track on the album. It is a walk through a sea of memories, a bittersweet blend of nostalgia, longing and regrets. A collection of photographs under the bed from an era gone by, this piece resurrects the voices of the past. Note after note, a composition emerges of lives lived and bonds forged to last forever.

“The Sunflower Waltz” is the title track to the album and one that is lush and filled with joy. The whimsical dance of each note summons the child in all of us, freely dancing in a field of sunflowers. The sun shines down on us as we spin and let the vast blue sky envelope us. Such a happy tune and one of my favorites on the album.

“A Prayer for the World” is the last piece on the album. Tender melodies comprise this composition. Each stroke of the keys is a prayer for humanity in all of our foibles and shiny imperfections. It is the air we breathe, the decisions we make both good and less stellar. Each twisting and turning chapter of the song inches us closer toward unity with our maker.

Anne Trenning is a talented artist and composer. Her work with the solo piano in The Sunflower Waltz is mesmerizing and a soothing experience that I highly recommend. Twisting melodies that embroil you in their simple grace, each of the sixteen tracks takes you on a journey outside of yourself. A great listen.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Max’s Birthday, The Sunflower Waltz, In the Gloaming Light, A Prayer for the World

Tracks:
01. Max’s Birthday
02. The Sunflower Waltz   
03. Claire of my Heart   
04. Just Fly   
05. Fade to Blue   
06. Letting Go   
07. Cowgirl Daydream
08. In the Gloaming Light   
09. Sing to the Lord   
10. Backyard Dreamer
11. Where Rivers Run   
12. Days Gone By
13. Ben’s Song   
14. How Fair My Love
15. The Welcome Song
16. A Prayer for the World

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

October 21, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental New Age Review: Joanne Lazzaro-Under The Stars

Release Date: March 1, 2015

Label: Indie

Website

The flute must be one of the hardest instruments to master. I have a deep respect for any musician however there are certain instruments that seem more difficult to produce an entire album with. I definitely think the flute is one of those that qualify.

Joanne Lazzaro took on the task of mastering this mystical instrument and created a fine album titled Under The Stars.

“Path of the Departed Souls” was my introduction to Joanne’s music and it was featured on the Rate The Tracks site. There is something simplistic and beautiful about this music. The flute is the only instrument being played so you cannot help but focus on that. The difficulty for this type of recording is to pull in the listener and keep them interested. For my ears it worked as every track has a different tone and ambiance to keep it interesting. Although I enjoy rock music I am drawn to this kind of music more all of the time for its healing qualities. I find that I can get more focus on thoughts and feelings that are dismissed during the course of a busy and sometimes frenetic day.

There is a lot of great music to enjoy on this album and each track is an individual offering from the artist for you to use as you see fit. “Zuni Sunrise (extended version)” is as mesmerizing and relaxing as one track can possibly be. It has a mysterious element to it and reminded me of a time far away, perhaps ancient China. Like watching a movie as the scenes flicker by, you conjure all kinds of thoughts and images. This is what music of this sort is supposed to do and I think the artist accomplishes this consistently throughout the run of this recording.

I love the way Joanne closed out the album making her flute sing like a bird, literally. In the appropriately titled “Lark Who Sang His Song to the Sun Every Morning” she demonstrates the capabilities and power of her instrument by emulating a bird saying good morning to the sun. What a perfect way to close the curtain on a magical journey provided by a very talented flautist. If you want to feel like you are Under The Stars I highly recommend listening to this album.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Path of the Departed Souls, Zuni Sunrise (extended version), Lark Who Sang His Song to the Sun Every Morning

Tracks:
01. Evening Star Song
02. Sky Chief   
03. Medicine Wheel
04. Moon Dances With New Star   
05. Giant Cactus-Gathering Hook   
06. Path of the Departed Souls   
07. Bear Who Wanted a Mango   
08. Rabbit Tracks
09. Spirits of the Long-Eyes   
10. Amazing Grace - Trail of Tears   
11. Zuni Sunrise (Extended Version)   
12. Lark Who Sang His Song to the Sun Every Morning
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

October 18, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental/Electronic Review: AeTopus-When

Release Date: Sep 10, 2015

Label: 12ton Productions

Website

Bryan Tewell Hughes is the man behind the music and the name AeTopus. Last month he brought the world When. I featured the track “Burst” on the Rate The Tracks site. That was the beginning of my journey with Hughes.

His music has many colors and textures. It is like watching ice cream melt in your mind’s eye. The music reveals layer after layer, as if the ice cream had a different flavor underneath each layer that melted away. That is the beauty of any music; you can use your own correlation when listening.

I was mesmerized by this album When. I had to listen several times with great joy to what I was hearing and absorbing and then translate it into something that made sense (on an individual level rather than all inclusive). I like the way each track starts so simply then continues to build into something wonderful…like an artist taking a blank canvas, starting with an idea then assembling it into an explosion of colors and sound, this is what Hughes accomplishes on this recording.

“Gather” sounds like it could be a soundtrack to a movie. I can envision a group of people on a long sojourn to their destination when I hear this track. Keep in mind this my own personal vision. Or it can be more on the lighter side of the spectrum of emotions and meaning, like taking a hot air balloon ride along a massive mountain ridge. The point is, it all means something and you can let it happen. Thoughts, feelings and the inner spirit “Gather” to form a medley of life.

“Protean” has a mystical and magical feel to it. The subtle percussion elements and keyboards blend into an alluring mixture. It is like the unknowns of the jungle and all its dangers beckon you to explore and then ask you to trust every step you take. I found “Apostasy” to be similar with the pace and atmospheres. Again here is the cinematic reference…it is like an intriguing soundtrack to a movie playing frame by frame inside your head.

This music speaks to me and says let the music lead and your heart and soul will carry you to the destination you seek to arrive at. That is comparable to life itself and all its challenges staring you in the face and then in the music you find the grace and solace to handle it all calmly.

The most important factor is the way the artist utilizes various forms of keyboards and synthesizers. The combination of ambient, electronic, new age and world is a mixture that works very well within these tracks. It is a purposeful focused work of art. The fun part is you get to hear it all like it’s a work in progress, the curtain rises and the show begins! So it is up to you When you decide to listen!

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Burst, Gather, Protean

Tracks: 
01. Hypersuns
02. Sashay
03. Hindsight Axiom
04. Gather
05. Dubious Numbers
06. Protean
07. Apostasy
08. Neverwheel
09. Quietus Est
10. Burst
11. Metanoia
12.Sage

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

October 8, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews