Instrumental New Age Review: David Lindsay-Nightbound

Release Date: November 6, 2015

Label: Fallingfoot Records

Website

With simplicity there comes beauty, spirituality and peace. David Lindsay released Nighbound late last year and with that music, his acoustic guitar to be more specific, he created 13 tracks of pure instrumental tranquility.

With the help of stellar artists such as Tony Levin and Jill Haley to name but a few, and the amazing talents of Will Ackerman and Tom Eaton at Imaginary Road Studios, another masterpiece was created for the lovers of new age instrumental music.

The music is a exquisite combination of acoustic, instrumental, new age and classical. All of these genres find a way of enhancing the other and the sounds you will hear are like watching butter melt on a hot dish of your favorite food. The ambiance and texture delights the senses and the very spirit you hold within. One track leads to the next inviting you on your own personal journey, as you ride the wave of sounds you will be instantly relaxed and motivated to hear it all.

The album opener is “Bright Stars,” which is self-explanatory. The music is clear and bright like a winter’s night sky and the light of the brightest star gets your attention instantly. Lindsay’s acoustic guitar reels you in and keeps you focused on what you are hearing without ever letting go. That is the goal of every artist, if that is accomplished then the mission is complete. The first track is the most important one for any album as it sets the precedence for the listener. In this case that point is proven with authority.

“Nightbound” is the all-important title track and it an essential part of any release. It starts off very slow and methodically to make you pay attention so you will anticipate how it develops. After about the 2:40 mark it starts to change in pace, it picks up and moves in another direction as the cello is introduced and some percussion. As each instrument comes in it adds more depth and color to the track making it sound like a potential soundtrack to a film or video - or if you wish thoughts that may be going through your mind. I appreciate the way the song provided a very purposeful introduction to set you up for a climatic ending. Even though this is graceful and thoroughly relaxing music it still provides a listener with a storyline and the hope of change in a musical sense. It does not disappoint at all.

“What The Wind Said” is another track that got my attention, at first simply for the title as it sounds so very mystical and spiritual. After listening, that train of thought was indeed confirmed. The guitar is delicate and steps lightly as it leads you to the whispering wind with strokes of the strings that help you envision what the title is saying. Just like a cool breeze brushing up against your face it speaks to you and invites you along for a journey of the soul.

For a wonderful musical experience that will leave a lasting impression and uplift your spirit I would highly recommend listening to Nightbound.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Bright Stars, Nightbound, What The Wind Said

Tracks: 01. Bright Stars 02. Dreamwalk 03. A Boy and a River 04. Nightbound 05. Ila’s Lullaby 06. Vermont 07. Unspoken 08. Bluewater Beach 09. What The Wind Said 10. Nocturne 11. Vanishing Point 12. Protectress Moon 13. Bright Stars Reprise Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder January 11, 2016 Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

 

Instrumental Piano/New Age Review: Tim Neumark-Moments-Solo Piano, Op. 7

Release Date: October 1, 2015

Label: Independent

Website

Moments is Tim Neumark’s seventh album release. A solo piano endeavor, this album looks at the small but important moments in our lives that can often go unnoticed. The conversations had between father and daughter or millions of tiny occurrences that we take for granted while they are happening, only to remember them fondly later when the moment has passed-in some cases, forever.

“Beauty” is the first track on the album and it immediately garnered my attention. The steady and heartfelt playing is an emotive experience that captures the love the artist has for his wife and daughter. Poignant and rife with appreciation for the women in his life, Neumark crafts an eloquent portrait of his loves, one keystroke at a time.

“And Then” is the second piece on the album and it struck me for the somber and thoughtful tone. It wasn’t until I read the inside notes on the cover that I realized why. It is the story of a woman who had talks with her father over the phone that always included “and then?” When her father died, she missed those dialogs. My father wasn’t a part of my life growing up. I treasured the moments when we reconnected and had those same kinds of phone conversations. I grew to know him again and when we finally got to reconnect for real it was amazing. To lose him so soon after that broke my heart. It was the talks that connected us and started it all. This song illustrates the stirring of emotions from bitter to sweet and all the echoes of emotions in between. It is truly the small moments that matter in very big ways.

“Eight-Paw Waltz” brings us to the food bowl. Oh yes. The fun moments where furry paws dance and twirl all for the love of kibbles and crunchy bits. This fun little song was written for the moments of doggie appreciation and canine food induced bliss. I have a pack of my own and to observe the delight and anticipation on my furry kids’ faces when they know it’s time for a cookie or their breakfast is one of the highlights of my day. Every keystroke is an ode to puppy-dom and the tromp of four legged feet and the joy they bring to us each and every day.

If you are searching for an album that reaches into the real moments of our lives then you have just found it. In between the big events there are the small ones. These are the ones that matter and the ones most easily taken for granted until they are gone. A conversation with a loved one, a goofy doggie smile, a few seconds of a dream before it is taken from you or even the consideration of memories that may have been. All of these things are part of our lives. The key to it is to appreciate what we have-and who we have- while they are still with us. Take a moment and listen to this amazing walk through the hidden corners of our lives…you might just find yourself hidden within the notes.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Beauty, And Then, Eight-Paw Waltz

Tracks: 
01.Beauty
02. And Then
03. Little Renée
04. Daughters
05. Waiting for Ella
06. Eight-Paw Waltz
07. 11 Seconds
08. Double in the Sun
09. What If
10  Meditation: Remembrance
11. The Orange Bridge
12. You Are Here
13. Beginnings (For Orchestra) [feat. Doug Hammer]

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

January 10, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Holiday/New Age/Classical Review: Jennifer Thomas-Winter Symphony

Release Date: November 20, 2015

Label: Tickled Ivory Music

Website

Jennifer Thomas is a talented multidimensional artist. She is a composer, pianist and violinist with a lot of respect coming from her peers in the industry. With Winter Symphony she takes tradition and several genres and creates a magnificent soundtrack. The album is titled appropriately as it is a shimmering and magical journey. At times certain parts did remind me of Trans-Siberian Orchestra. I knew after hearing the first track that this recording was going to be prolific and moving.

The curtain opens to a spectacular unraveling of sound and color with “Angels We Have Heard On High (feat. The Ensign Chorus),” and the chorus indeed sounds like it was heaven sent.

The brilliance of “Carol of the Bells” opens the door to the Holiday with parts of a legendary track that come alive with cascading piano and orchestrations. Classical and New Age music merge with tradition for an entirely new universe of music for a listener to enjoy.

As an individual that gets inundated with Holiday music every year it becomes harder and harder to get my attention and any particular release to make a lasting impression. I have been fortunate this year to hear several great unconventional recordings that gave me a new perspective and outlook on this special Holiday season.

“Ice Dance” is a musical ballet with the grandeur of orchestrations, a choir and Jennifer’s tinkling and alluring piano strokes. It is quite beautiful…you can envision a lone ice skater joined by others as the song reaches its apex then winds down like a snow globe in your mind gently bringing it back to the singularity of purpose this dance represents.

As mature and distinct as this music is it can most certainly bring to light the child inside all of us. Remember when you were the wide eyed little girl/boy full of the wonder of Christmas morning? It is all here for you to absorb and hold in your heart for as long as you wish or to listen to again and again.

Winter Symphony needs a stage with actors to play out the parts of this engrossing musical story. I would not be surprised to see it all come to life on a stage or on the screen someday soon. If that does not happen I will surprised. There is so much going on in this music, it makes you feel alive and grateful for life and all there is to enjoy. The power of music proves once again that it can heal and change an attitude within minutes. The spirit of humanity and the holidays are alive and breathing in this music, do not miss it!

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Carol of the Bells, Angels We Have Heard On High (feat. The Ensign Chorus), Ice Dance

Tracks:
01. Angels We Have Heard On High (feat. The Ensign Chorus)
02. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
03. Carol of the Bells
04. Alleluia (feat. Felicia Farerre & The Ensign Chorus)
05. Ice Dance (feat. The Ensign Chorus)
06. I Saw Three Ships
07. Breath of Heaven
08. Theme from Home Alone (Somewhere in My Memory)
09. What Child Is This (feat. Taylor Davis)
10. Silent Night (feat. The Ensign Chorus)
11. Winter Symphony
12. O Holy Night

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

December 22, 2015

Provided By New Age Music Reviews

New Age/Classical Review: David Lanz & Kristin Amarie-Silhouettes Of Love

Release Date: October 6, 2015

Label: Dkl Records

Website

Grammy nominated David Lanz has been thrilling fans for decades. His newest album with Kristin Amarie, Silhouettes of Love is a jazzy blend of classical and New Age sound.

“The Soaring Heart” is the first piece on the album. Filled with chimes, bells, string, piano movements and the playful sound of Kristen’s voice as she highlights the already perfect multi-instrumental experience. This track is a landscape of audible artistry and one I never get tired of listening to. Beautiful. Simply beautiful.

“Circles Round the Moon” begins with tender piano movements and the kiss of chimes. Kristen’s voice descends watching over her loved one like an angel. She hears her love singing, melodies drifting by as she ponders whether it is stardust or merely a dream. This song is a tender fairy tale of moments buried deep in the night as her true love’s arms wrap her in his embrace.

“Beatrice and Dante” is a song based on the Divine Comedy written by Dante Alighieri and the woman that haunted him during her life and her untimely death. Dante met Beatrice as a child and never forgot her, leading the two to fall in love despite being married off to different people. When she died at the young age of twenty four, he was devastated. His only recourse was poetry and he invokes her in two portions of his trip through the levels of Hell. 

This piece has a haunting quality, with the twisting piano and string combinations. Down and down into the bowels of the earth Dante wanders as he hears his true love’s breath on his ear. Waiting. Longing. Eternity in a state of passion that can never fully be fulfilled. Only words remain but neither can let go of their love for the other, despite one being dead and the other trapped in the land of the living. Dante is deep in contemplation of the nature of Hell and those who deserve to reside there. The sweet song of Kristin Amarie gives voice to the lovely Beatrice as the music swirls around her and she vanishes into the darkness. “Want me. Need me. Speak to me words of love…”

“Silver Threads” is a song of grief. The threads that hold us together are not severed when death lays its cold hand on our lives. Love endures and sweetness envelopes the heart as moments are remembered. Piano blended with multi-instrumentation bring the stark feeling to life. Kristin’s voice is the sound of a breaking heart desperately clinging to the happy moments and facing the future without the person you held so dear. 

Silhouettes of Love is a journey of emotion that covers many musical genres. At times Classical, jazzy and New Age it touches us all with memories and tender, wistful sentiments. David Lanz, Kristin Amarie and the host of musicians working with them on this project have outdone themselves. The melodies constructed are masterful and exude emotion and Kristin’s voice…as I have said before, an angel must be missing from heaven.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: The Soaring Heart, Circles Round the Moon, Beatrice and Dante, Silver Threads

Tracks: 
01. The Soaring Heart
02. The Promise
03. Circles Round the Moon
04. Falling
05. Found By Love's Return
06. Lady On the Shore
07. Silhouette of Love
08. Our Illusion
09. Amore Eterno (Redux)
10. Beatrice and Dante
11. Waiting for the Sun
12. So in Love
13. Silver Threads (Without You)
 

DanaWright, Sr. Staff Writer

December 17, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental/New Age/Classical Review: Tim Neumark-Galaxy-Solo Piano, Op.6

Release Date: May 1, 2015

Label: Indie

Website

Tim Neumark’s sixth release Galaxy-Solo Piano, Op.6 came out this May. The solo piano works of this talented musician are starting to stack up and it is most impressive. This is the second album I have had the pleasure to enjoy since the 2014 recording Storm.

Most recently we featured the beautiful track “Starlight” on Rate The Tracks. This would serve as an excellent introduction to this album and a fine way to pull you into the entire project.

  

This is very straight forward solo piano music that consist of parts new age and classical while doubling as a meditation guide or relaxation tool. Everyone needs to retreat from a hard day of work and let all of the stress and worrying role off your back and melt away. I wish I could just carry this calm and assuring feeling with me everywhere I went and with everything I do. When I hear music like this it provides a course to take and then I have the hope that I can attain that state of being.

The idea here is clear, one look at the cover of the CD and you get. Neumark calls this an Opus and indeed it is. The more I listen to each track as they flow into each other like a river with a purpose; you can understand why he calls it an Opus. “Orbit” illustrates this in the most profound way as it takes the listener from baby steps into the vastness of space to take a trip around the globe. In a musical sense that is exactly what it conveys and becomes. The progressions of his playing are nearly 5 minutes. Its beauty and pureness transcends anything that gets in the way whether it be a busy mind or unhealthy thoughts, the music prevails.

“The Inner Light” is another tapestry of delicate sounds and movement…like the stars, planets and vast galaxies in the universe. Your inner light will come shining through and you will be taking the voyage with Neumark through his fingers to the piano and directly to your soul, like a musical umbilical cord it connects you and feeds you as you grow in the womb of the music. 

I always connect the stars and the endless universe with birth and life itself - stardust we are indeed. I once had an experience on a birthday the year after my mother died that solidified this belief. I woke up and heard my mom say my entire name then I fell half asleep and felt a silver umbilical cord connecting me to the universe beyond. I know this sounds a little far-fetched for some folks but this really did happen to me and I will never forget it. 

The music on Galaxy-Solo Piano, Op.6 allowed me to remember that spiritual experience that changed me forever. Thank you Tim Neumark for seeing the beauty beyond humanity and how intrinsically connected we are to the stars. Bringing it to us through your music is a beautiful thing.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Starlight, Orbit, The Inner Light

Tracks:
01. Preludio
02. Starlight
03. Orbit
04. Perspective
05. Vast
06. Traveling Music
07. The Inner Light
08. Tapestry
09. Sweet Little Evening Melody
10. Night
11. Time's Arrow
12. What You Leave Behind
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

December 13, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Holiday/New Age Instrumental Review: Doug Hammer-Christmas Lights

Release Date: November 27, 2015

Label: Dreamworld Productions

Website

Christmas Lights, Doug Hammer's tenth release, is a follow-up to his award-winning Christmas album, Noel. It contains seventeen traditional favorites and a new original composition, Christmas Lights. There is a combination of new age, holiday, classical and more mixed into the compositions.

Over the last year I have become more appreciative of piano-based music than ever before. I find it simplistic and complex, moving and emotional, relaxing and uplifting…those are a few of the prominent terms that come to mind.

Doug’s piano playing invites you into a world filled with the wonder of Christmas through the eyes of a child who is now an adult. With all the bright colorful lights and the joy of taking a drive with your family to see different houses and how their lights and decorations displayed in all their splendor… the music sweeps you away to a magical place removed from your current reality.

What is presented here is simple and straightforward piano music with different elements sprinkled in, kind of like Grandma’s special recipe for Christmas cookies. Doug’s talented fingers do all the talking through this instrumental journey. With the stroke of each note the Holiday is right at your doorstep beckoning you to come in and let it absorb your being. If that is the intent here, it surely accomplishes that.

“Away In A Manger” is beautifully done. Doug’s fingers delicately stroke the keys and you instantly envision the little Lord Jesus in the manger. The effect is seamless, powerful and effective, taking you away to when this event actually took place so long.

“Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella” is an upbeat track; it is like dancing on the rooftops on a crisp winter night, thus asking the fair ladies to bring along some light to lead the way. This probably has nothing to do with the meaning of the song; however that is what it did for me. Everyone is affected in different ways by music. The sheer beauty of unencumbered instrumental music is the fact that you can paint your own picture as you go.

”Deck The Halls” is another age old-classic done in a way you will likely hear for the first time. The piano playing is amazing. The artist builds the song into his own by playing layer upon layer of keys and at a very quick pace. It is like a tidal wave of music with one instrument serving as the featured star. I absolutely loved it.

Doug closes the curtain on this newly born Christmas classic recording with his original title track. It is a step away from the norm as he turns the page on all the classic compositions and gives each listener a taste of his own Christmas and his incredible talent for capturing the moment. I found it a wonderful way to close out the album and it leaves it open for another chapter to come perhaps?

It usually does not take me long to get my fill of Christmas music because of the commercialism and it all kicking in prior to Halloween now. This music however allows me to actually find the true meaning of the Holiday and appreciate a talented artist pouring his heart and soul into something that carries a message and heartfelt meaning. This is great instrumental music that I think can be enjoyed any time of year, but for now you are well advised to enjoy it and usher in the Holiday. 

4.5/5 Stars

Tracks:

01. Angels We Have Heard On High

02. Joy To The World

03 It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

04. Away In A Manger

05. Il Est Né Le Divin Enfant

06. Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella

07. Deck The Halls

08. O Come, All Ye Faithful

09. What Child Is This?

10. Once In Royal David's City

11. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring

12. Good King Wenceslas

13. Jingle Bells

14. Still, Still, Still

15. Coventry Carol

16. O Holy Night

17. Toyland

18. Christmas Lights

Key Tracks: Away In A Manger, Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella, Deck The Halls

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

December 5, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Holiday/Christmas/New Age Review: David Lanz & Kristin Amarie-Forever Christmas

Release Date: November 11, 2014

Label: DKL Records

Website: http://davidlanz.com/ https://www.facebook.com/KristinAmariesmusic

David Lanz & Kristin Amarie are frozen in time with their release Forever Christmas. The recording was released last November and rings true a year later and certainly will well beyond that. After all what is time but a ticking clock? Good music is timeless, and this particular album is a thing of beauty and grace to usher in one of the most sacred Holidays celebrated the world over.

Lanz is a world renowned pianist and the talented vocalist Amarie become one on Forever Christmas. The two artists are also life partners and that bond is evident in their musical partnership. The synergy and flow of this music is exceptional.

The music presented is traditional, new age and classical all fused together to make a non-traditional listen. I mean that in a very positive way. This is not what you are hearing blaring over the speakers every year at your local retail store. This music is precise with a lot meaning. It is enlightening and relaxing and in the same instance as uplifting as Holiday music could possibly be.

The title track leads the way into the magical time of Christmas. It is not only special to children but to everyone that celebrates it. People gather to exchange gifts and show their love and appreciation for each other. The music itself is a celebration.

As you make your way through this newly discovered Holiday classic, a traditional ageless song is revisited. “Silent Night” is one of the most memorable tunes ever crafted and David and Anmarie do it justice. The piano is delicate and inviting and Amarie sounds like the angel singing it, bringing with it the light of love and creation with every breath. This is a magnificent rendition that I will not forget.

Then there is always the one instrumental that catches my ear, lifts my spirit and moves me. That track was “What is Christmas.” David’s piano playing is superb. As his fingers glide across the ivory keys as the meaning of the season and the Holidays consume you.

Christmas is forever and with one listen to Forever Christmas you will feel that is your reality, at least for as long as you are listening. Alternatively, if you decide to carry those feelings and meanings with you every day then this can serve a twofold purpose. This kind of music makes us all realize how important friends and family are and if you let the music flow through you so will the spirit of giving and the Holiday.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Forever Christmas, Silent Night, What is Christmas (instrumental)

Tracks:
01. Winter Prelude
02. Forever Christmas
03. Snow Dance
04. Oh Holy Night
05. La Estrella de la Navidad
06. Jubilate
07. Sweet Winter Love
08. What is Christmas
09. Winter Star
10. A Thousand Lights
11. Sweet Winter Love instr.
12. Silent Night
13. What is Christmas (instrumental)
14. Heavenly Peace

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

December 5, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

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