New Age Music Reviews

New Age/Classical/World Review: Rebekah Eden-Rowing in Eden

Release Date: March 28, 2016

Label: Path of Gold Records

Rebekah Eden’s release this year is a made for movie soundtrack. Rowing in Eden is 12 tracks of new age music backed with classical vocals. There are also some elements of world influences in her music that make it that much more compelling.

Her tracks were being considered for The Hobbit movies however they never made it to the final production. After hearing what she has to offer I must say it is a shame they did not follow through. Her voice is the most powerful instrument on the recording and everything else, to coin an old phrase, serves as the cherry on top of the ice cream. There is a gorgeous addition of a 41-piece Czech Orchestra to her amazing voice as well. Not to take anything away from other critical parts of this music that makes it complete, I am just amazed how clear and stunning her vocal talents are.

“A Message From The Stars” is superb way to open the curtain and eventually close it with a different version of the song. I like the transitions in the track with both songs and the second version, the impactful closer, is a heavenly melding of many voices. It will give you a greater appreciation for the ultimate instrument, the vox humana.

Rebekah recognizes her influences and shows that in the most prolific way with covering Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble’ On” (from Zeppelin II) and more specifically Robert Plant’s strong influence. She does this song in her own way and I have to say I found it quite fascinating. This one would have been perfect for one of The Hobbit movies. Her operatic vocal style just soars over the music and every note as if the song was written especially for her. That pretty much says it all considering it is a cover.

“Light of Destiny’ is a very stirring track. Rebekah’s vocals are angelic, rhythmic, and it gave me a chill, the good kind that makes you realize you are feeling something spiritual and special. These are the moments I cherish when listening to music.

More and more I am hearing a fantastic combination of instruments found in new age, classical and world music. The amalgamation is spectacular and all three genres are so closely related it sounds like everything comes to together to form one powerful style that cannot be denied. Artists like Rebekah Eden are leading the way, blazing a path for others to follow. Rowing in Eden is one of the better examples I have heard of genre mergers this year, predominantly one that included vocals.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Ramble On, Light of Destiny, A Message From The Stars (Virtual Choir)

Tracks:
01. A Message From The Stars
02. Iachtach / Prince Caspian's Prayer
03. The Wind
04. Ramble On
05. There And Back Again
06. Light of Destiny
07. The Two Trees
08. A King's Farewell
09. In The Days
10. Wild Nights
11. A Message From The Stars (Virtual Choir)

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

October 5, 2016

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Instrumental New Age/Jazz/World Review: Lawrence Blatt-Longitudes & Latitudes

Release Date: August 9, 2016

Label: LMB Music

Website

When I saw that Lawrence Blatt’s latest release Longitudes & Latitudes was produced by Will Ackerman it totally made sense. Ackerman is a great acoustic guitar player that I have enjoyed over the years particularly when he was running his Windham Hill label.

Right from the outset of this album I could hear Ackerman’s influence however now he is more of an influence on the production side of the house. Tom Eaton is the engineer on the album as well, a consistent partner of Ackerman.

As stated on his website Lawrence often plays in an open tuning to create a nice rhythm then adds the other instruments. It is a very effective combination. He plays electric and acoustic guitars and synthesizer (and like any good musician has many to choose from). Many of the guests appearing on the album help to make this journey complete including Ackerman and the marvelous brass of Jeff Oster. Because of the diversity offered on the album it is clearly an instrumental foray into new age, jazz and world.

The percussive elements on the track “Ima” along with various earthy tones, switch the albums path to a worldlier flavor when prior tracks were bubbling over with a definite new age/jazz flavor and inspiration. The beauty of many of the recordings I have heard this year pay tribute to Mother Earth and that is the route Lawrence took as well on several tracks. With 15 tracks there is plenty to process and it’s a beautiful thing.

“Upon Griffy Lake” carries a gorgeous melody with the equally attractive female vocals of Noah Wilding. The lady seems to call out to you from beyond as the music lets you float to your destination via the acoustic and electric guitar lines of Lawrence. He uses a intriguing and impactful combination of acoustic and electric instruments with the young lady’s voice serving as an instrument as well. It is one my favorite tracks. So much beauty and gracefulness packed into one song is hard for the mind, body and spirit to miss.

The other component I recognized on this album is the excellent restraint exercised when needed to accentuate each instrument allowing for the best compliment to each. Each track moves from strength to strength.

“Noches de Barcelona” is full of the embodiment that is Spain and the video with the track is beautiful. It was featured on our Rate The Tracks site and is provided here as well. We have also included a preview of the album with a video and a Soundcloud stream so you can get a good idea of what this talented artist can offer.

This is 5-star recording session that is both relaxing and exciting at the same time, not an easy task to pull off. It is all done extremely well and the tastes of genres is most appealing including the mixture of them all in one single track.

Add Longitudes & Latitudes to your list one of the very best instrumental recordings of 2016. It’s not hard to do if you appreciate new age, jazz or world or all three combined, the choice is obvious so give it a good listen!

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Ima, Upon Griffy Lake, Noches de Barcelona

Tracks:
01. Two Shades of Sunshine
02. Longitudes and Latitudes
03. A Place in Your Heart
04. Hyde Park Bench
05. Open Fields and Running Water
06. Two Steps Down the Line
07. I.M.A.
08. Morning in Beerse
09. Upon Griffy Lake
10. The Places Left Behind
11. Park Lane
12. Noches De Barcelona
13. Flying over Ellis Island
14. Slow Walk Past the Bank
15. Over the Rainbow

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 30, 2016

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Audio Fidelity Inks Licensing Deal With Will Ackerman's West River Records

Ackerman's Grammy winning "Returning" coming on 180g vinyl for the 1st time!

Camarillo, CA - Marshall Blonstein, president of Audio Fidelity is pleased to announce an agreement with Will Ackerman and his West River Records. The agreement calls for Audio Fidelity, in conjunction with West River Records, to release the first 180g vinyl pressing of Ackerman's 2005 Grammy award winning recording, "Returning: Pieces for Guitar 1970-2004." Ackerman is universally recognized as the preeminent pioneer in the new age music movement, and the founder of Windham Hill Records.

In 2004, after years of growth and introspection, Ackerman re-recorded an album of his best-known songs. A greatest hits collection of all new performances. The playing and recording of these New Age instrumentals are sharper now than on those original Windham Hill classics and Ackerman's most popular compositions have rarely sounded as poignant.

Blonstein felt one of the elements of working with Will Ackerman that would have great appeal to Audio Fidelity's music fans were simple words Will spoke at the time of the recording about why he wanted to make the album. "Today I'm recording in my own Imaginary Road Studios in Windham County, Vermont on utterly state of the art digital equipment. It all brings me closer to what I hear as I sit alone and play; touching the sound as it literally moves through my body as well as my ears. I guess I am trying to find a sound that lets you hear what I hear."

Will's goal was to take a series of 11 favorite songs and record them for posterity in a way that reflects the emotional nuances, precision, and maturing beauty they've picked up along the road. He includes the graceful and lushly melodic "The Bricklayer's Beautiful Daughter," the sweet and melancholy "Anne's Song", and two peaceful early gems from 1970, "Pictures" and "Barbara's Song." Some were written as celebrations ("Unconditional"), others as elegies ("The Impending Death of the Virgin Spirit"), but all are intricate snapshots of a vastly influential musical life that keeps inventive to this day.

ALBUM TRACKS:

SIDE 1
Bricklayer's Beautiful Daughter
Anne's Song
The Impending Death of the Virgin Spirit
Pictures
Hawk Circle

Side 2
Barbara's Song
Unconditional
Visiting
Processional
In a Region of Clouds
Last Day at the Beach

Will Ackerman official website: http://www.williamackerman.com/

For more information: www.audiofidelity.net

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Instrumental Meditation Review: Hennie Bekker-Beyond Dreams-Pathways to Deep Relaxation

Release Date: July 22, 2016

Label: Abbeywood Records

Website

Hennie Bekker has a new release titled Beyond Dreams. As explained in the most clear and concise fashion on his website…it combines rhythmic entrainment with melodies that listeners can enjoy while preparing for sleep, meditating, or practicing yoga or general self-exploration. The album contains six tracks comprising sixty minutes of continuous music that is designed to help the listener achieve a deep state of relaxation.

Here is a definition of entrainment: Entrainment in the biomusicological sense refers to the synchronization of organisms (only humans as a whole, with some particular instances of a particular animal) to an external perceived rhythm, such as human music and dance such as foot tapping..

This is not a typical review that I would present. More importantly the music itself is the main tool to reach a level of consciousness that simply cannot be attained in normal daily circumstances. I think to single out any one particular track would not make sense in this case. The six tracks offered, seamlessly flow into another in effect taking six tracks and making it one. I took in this experience a little at a time then all at once. The influences can be significant dependent on your approach.

Just taking in a track or two is relaxing however if you are looking for sustained focus the best way to enjoy this CD is to get into a comfortable quiet area and put the headphones on and some blinders and then take it all in. I found it to be a beautiful and relaxing experience having the aid of the music to remove me from the stresses and thoughts that were going on inside and around me (in a peripheral sense). The high point of stress and worry in my life found this experience to be timed just perfectly to use the tools before me.

Brainwave Entrainment is the main objective of this music. We need to change the frequencies we are hearing to reset our thought patterns hence changing your overall attitude. It does work and I think what Hennie Bekker has presented here is a gift of music and an opportunity for healing and renewal. There is a lot of music I hear that serves this purpose but the difference here is the scientific aspect and the thought and care that went into how exactly this music will affect you.

This is definitely Beyond Dreams, it is reality, a reality that can change with a little help from Mr. Bekker. Even if you end up falling asleep while meditating there is a positive effect on your body, mind and spirit. The subliminal touches take over once you reach that plane of existence. Any way you look at it this is music that is helpful if you want to take the time to hear it and let your consciousness absorb it and process it.

Beyond Dreams is music that is multipurpose. If you just want to hear some good relaxing music it will serve the purpose, if you are looking for more, the options are there at your disposal.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Tracks:
1. Self Connect
2. Floating to Forever
3. Letting Go
4. The Calm
5. Quiescence
6. Beyond Dreams

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 26, 2016

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental New Age/Classical Review: Kevin Kern-When I Remember

Release Date: September 9, 2016

Label: Kevin Kern Music

Website

People that are given obstacles in life either give in and give up to them or use that as motivation to push forward and become successful in spite of it. Kevin Kern took the positive path and used music as his voice of expression. Kevin has poor eyesight but judging by what this album titled When I Remember sounds like, that is not a disability.

The artist is influenced by Mozart, Chopin and Bach, all the great composers. He gained his tools by learning pieces by these legendary musicians when he was young. This is what and when he remembers as the title suggests (at least that is my interpretation). The tracks mirror that foundation in the most elegant and beautiful way.

I have heard countless standalone piano recordings this year and there is something about the simplicity and peacefulness it can bring to a listener that has intrigued me and given me the desire to accept it with an open heart and mind.

One track seamlessly flows into the next offering a road to renewal. The ivory keys deliver a touch of heaven to your senses. For my listening experience it is a threefold process…sound, color and spirit. All three elements combine to ease my mind and soul and give me the comfort I seek at the end of each day.

Because of the way each song connected to the next with different variations in tempo and approach I found it very difficult to pull out a few tracks that really stood out. This is not to downplay the recording but it is quite the opposite, it is actually complimenting the artist on his consistency and approach from start to finish.

It is music like this that always seems to come to me at the right time day or night, it is a gift from the gifted. Kevin Kern is an enlightened spirit with the gift of music inside and he offers an audience his translation through his talented fingers and energy.

When I Remember is musical perfection that heals and offers so much if one can focus long enough to stop and listen. I think that practice of stopping and listening could really be helpful in everyone’s daily life in these tumultuous times we live in. Thank god for musicians transporting the universal language of love and joy through music and that is exactly what Mr. Kern does on this recording.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Tracks:
01. We Should Waltz
02. Once Upon a Time
03. Say You Love Me
04. Chance Encounter
05. Dreaming of Home
06. When I Remember
07. Rise and Shine
08. By My Side
09. Off to the Races (For Grampa Norm)
10. Chopin’s Touch
11. A Walk in the Sun
12. A Lonely Heart

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 19, 2016

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental New Age Review: Genevieve Walker-Walking Home

Release Date: January 2016

Label: Independent

Website

Walking Home is produced by Chris Gartner and features Genevieve Walker on violin, viola, guitar, and piano. It is her debut recording after spending years on the international stage with other acclaimed musicians such as Krishna Das.

The music is referenced as minimalist which I can agree with however the combination of instruments creates beautiful soundscapes. The atmospheres are inviting and bring you a sense of calm and peace within.

The cover of the CD can project many images for the listener. It looks simple enough with the artist on a dirt road holding her instrument (walking home?). The orientation to Walking Home could be your own road in life or home and then it could be a physical or spiritual place held deep within your soul. I think for the most part the human race is so caught up in their daily lives and events happening around them that we tend to forget our place and from whence we came. It gets more difficult to find that place of enlightenment and recharging we so desperately need sometimes. This music brings things back to basics.

I found “Embryonic Voyage” to be very interesting. It is very rhythmic in nature and something as simple as the snapping of fingers changes the entire song. Simplicity rules yet it manages to get your attention while still making the track seem more every day without complexities. These are things we all need to hear after a busy day. The little things in life can make a difference. If you experience the voyage within the song and look at what the word embryonic indicates, it totally makes sense. It is a start, a beginning that leads to something more.

“Falling” offers the beauty of emotion even if there is sadness. The music paints the colors of drama and the aching heart as it falls to the bottom of your stomach. Even so the music certainly carries hope and the awesome beauty of it shows the light shining at the end of a journey, like a beacon brightly leading the way.

The emotion of this music is apparent at every turn. It really could be an effective soundtrack for the right movie or serve as a guide post for your soul to align with your thoughts and bring clarity. It is all instrumental so the absence of words allows for complete focus and reflection hence bringing a renewal to your spirit.

“Mountain Refuge” is the important closing number. As you picture a place where you can go to find your peace it’s not hard to imagine. A place like Tibet where the Dali Lama and his followers learn to become one with their creator came to mind quickly. The beginning and end of the track has the echoing voice of those chanting to find their focus and connection to a higher power. It is a beautiful way to close out the recording but once you think it’s over the laughter of a child comes in to remind you of that innocence we all once had and how it can be easily recalled with the right attitude and music.

I found all of the musical multitasking of the artist quite impressive. Genevieve Walker has a great start to a solo career with Walking Home there is no doubt about that. Take a walk with her, you never know what you may discover.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Embryonic Voyage, Falling, Mountain Refuge

Tracks:
1. Still Meadow
2. Walking Home
3. Train North
4. Wisdom Lake
5. Embryonic Voyage
6. Cicadas and Light
7. Falling
8. Sweep
9. Mountain Refuge

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 14, 2016

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Progressive Instrumental/Ambient Review: Trevor Gordon Hall-Late Night with Headphones Vol. 1

Release Date: August 1, 2016

Label: Independent

Website

Trevor Gordon Hall is a prolific guitarist. His legacy will continue to grow long after the release of Late Night with Headphones Vol. 1. His sound reminds me fondly of some of the California Guitar Trio’s work I used to enjoy so much. The variety of sounds and tones afforded the listener make this recording a real keepsake.

“Roots and Branches” is quite a finger picking workout. The sound has a definite jazz flavor to it and is very progressive, shifting and changing every few minutes. The title of the track is a perfect explanation of where the song goes from beginning to end. The focus is the ever changing progression of chords presented by the artist.

“The Comfort of Doubt” is a fast moving track, the drums kick it in to push it all along right from the start. What I can picture in my mind’s eye is a train rolling down the tracks and finally reaching its destination. The slide work is a thing of beauty and the lightning fast fingers of Trevor keep it going nonstop. It sounds like a real country barn burner that gets you in a very uplifting mood even though the subject is about living on the edge and being comfortable in that frame of mind, at least that is how I would interpret it.

“Embracing the Lack” is a beautifully done tasteful instrumental, the kind that I always love to hear. It reminded me of the phase I went through in the 90s with instrumental surf music (although it does not sound like surf) then moving on to the more complex pieces from the likes of Danny Gatton and similar artists that caught my ear. The melodicism and rhythm in the track is amazing and it’s the kind of music that makes you want to keep hitting repeat. It has a magical aura to it that is irresistible to my ears and I am sure it will be for many others. Again Hall provides some incredibly diverse guitar playing that would grab any aficionado’s ear and hold on until the song was finished.

The closer is “Himinn,” which steps away from the flow of the album and presents another side of the performance with an ambient new age sound that serves as a nightcap. It is that final relaxing number that pulls you into another state of consciousness just before going to sleep. The music is light and airy and it kind of floats you to another place. All of this happens after hearing more upbeat tracks with precise guitar work that got all the good endorphins flowing, then it sets you up to call it a night. It is the perfect ending to an all too short venture into instrumental paradise. I certainly did not want it to end but I guess I will have to wait until Volume 2 arrives.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Roots and Branches, The Comfort of Doubt, Embracing the Lack

Tracks:
1. Uthaf
2. Roots and Branches
3. Cerebral 3.0
4. She's Almost Here
5. The Comfort of Doubt
6. Embracing the Lack
7. Himinn

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 8, 2016

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Pages