Review by Val Vaccaro for Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
http://www.newagemusicreviews.net/
Release Date: December 12, 2016
Independent Label: Nuance Music Group
Website
If
you find yourself waxing sentimental and in self-reflection at the end
of the year, and seek solace in the comfort of soothing music, you’re
not the only one.
Matt Marshak’s Year’s End CD is a solo acoustic
guitar New Age album with 14 new original songs inspired by his
philosophical perspective on life and the change of seasons. Marshak’s
Year’s End CD offers beautiful, relaxing, instrumental acoustic guitar
melodies with the healing power to lift your spirits at any time of year
- to provide refuge from a hectic holiday season, or simple solace from
the busy demands and ordeals of everyday life.
As proof of the
restorative nature of Marshak’s Year’s End music, it has recently been
licensed to Healing Healthcare Systems’ C.A.R.E. music channel to
hospitals across America for relaxation, healing, and recovery of
patients and their families and to provide a pleasant atmosphere for
hospital staff. That is a good example of ‘music therapy’ for the
mind, body and soul. Marshak’s Year’s End CD is also on the Top 100
Radio Airplay chart for Zonemusicreporter.com (formerly
NewAgeReporter.com).
During a recent snowy winter evening in the
New York, Marshak said (on his Facebook “Live” video to friends and fans
from around world), “This time of year I get sentimental, more
introspective. There’s something about the wintry weather and (playing)
acoustic guitar that makes me more creative…the writing process often
starts for me on the acoustic guitar.”
According to Marshak, “the
introspective music on Year’s End is a big contrast from what I’ve done
(before).” Marshak’s Year’s End CD can appeal to both New Age
listeners, and to smooth jazz fans alike. Since 2003, Matt Marshak has
recorded 9 smooth jazz instrumental CDs, with his music topping
Billboard and other jazz charts. Marshak performs at jazz venues and
music festivals in the U.S. and around the world.
On the Year’s
End album, Matt Marshak skillfully plays two acoustic guitars- a
Larrivee Parlor P-05 guitar and a Taylor S12 grand concert guitar -
sometimes sounding like an Indian sitar. Marshak draws upon numerous
sources of inspiration for this CD. The pretty instrumental melodies on
Marshak’sYear’s End CD are easy-to-listen-to tunes featuring an eclectic
mix of influences from new age, pop, country, jazz, folk, medieval, and
classical music, reminiscent (without the vocals) of the genre-bending
music of Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, acoustic guitar riffs from Led
Zeppelin, the warm sounds of James Taylor, and a variety of movie
soundtracks. Marshak recently said after playing his “Thanksgiving Day”
song that: “I’ve always been a big fan of James Taylor… he was a big
influence on me… his chords, his movements (on songs) like “Carolina on
My Mind.”
The music on Matt Marshak’s Year’s End album also has
some melodic elements similar to other New Age music such as Jim
Brickman’s Sooth CDs, but without vocals, nature sounds, or a typical
new age production. The acoustic guitar songs on Marshak’s Year’s End
CD are self-sufficient – they are aural soundscapes which paint their
own poetic pictures.
Listeners may also want to check out videos
of songs from Year’s End on YouTube. For example, there is a video is of
Matt Marshak’s “Baby’s First Snowfall” with some nice photos posted by
The SmoothJazzLoft. Another video features Matt Marshak playing acoustic
guitar on the song “Rest My Child” - Matt Marshak (Live).
Overall,
Marshak’s Year’s End CD can gracefully bring the gift of calm, with its
aural soundscapes to enhance your life for any time of year. Matt
Marshak’s Year’s End CD is available on various websites including
CDBaby.com.
5/5 Stars
CD Review by Val Vaccaro
December 17, 2017
Tracks:
01. Peace and Joy
02. Thanksgiving Day
03. Walk in the Forest
04. Great People
05. Winter's Day
06. The Light of Spring
07. Leave Your Worries
08. Deep Within
09. Rest My Child
10. This Old Barn
11. Echo
12. Harvest Song
14. Baby's First Snowfall
Contemporary Instrumental New Age Review: Richard Dillon-Ring Around The Moon
Release Date: October 15, 2014
Label: Independent
This is my third Richard Dillon album I have covered this year. Previously I had the pleasure of hearing and commenting on Irish Mist and The Land of Nod Lullabies for the Listless.
Now I
get to turn the clock back to 2014 and enjoy Ring Around The Moon. This comes at the right time of year. Although
you folks that live where the sun is shining and its warm may not feel the same
hearing this music, you have my personal guarantee it will warm your soul.
One
look at the cover of Ring Around The Moon
and you can feel the cold crisp Winter air hitting your face. The moon
shines brightly like a nighttime sun and the ring emanates around it like something
spiritual and magnificent. This is something so simple yet so beautiful and
amazing…only if you take the time to look at it and let it infuse your spirit.
The same goes for the music you hear on this recording.
The 13 tracks on Ring
Around The Moon are naturally connected just like the moon and the stars
are connected to mother earth and all its inhabitants. I know the joy of “Walking
Through the Woods On a Snowy Evening” and getting home for “Hot Cocoa By the
Fire.” There is some magic and truthfulness in this music. I live in the
perfect setting for this music and I found an instant connection just looking
at the track list before I listened. New England has four seasons, each one
offering its own distinctness.
“Scattering of Stars” I found quite stirring, with its
changing paces and sentiments flowing through me. It reminded me of the saying
“Stardust We Are.” How pure and true the meaning of all this music came to me.
This is the way instrumental music should affect you. Its authority and majesty
just glide from one track to the next, owning the titles the creator gave them.
It is just the way it was meant to be.
Ring
Around The Moon encapsulates the Winter season and everything
you can enjoy about it. There is beauty in the eyes of the beholder, if in fact
those eyes are clear and see what is in front of them. Sometimes it takes a
little nudge from talent like Richard Dillon to make you see it all.
4.5/5
Stars
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
December 22, 2017
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
01. Groundhog Saw His Shadow
02. Ring Around the Moon
03. December Sunset
04. Dying of the Light
05. Midnight Sleigh Ride
06. First Snow
07. Dreaming of Hawaii
08. January Moon
09. February
10. Walking Through the Woods On a Snowy Evening
11. Scattering of Stars
12. Whiteout
13. Hot Cocoa By the Fire
Tracks:
01. Groundhog Saw His Shadow
02. Ring Around the Moon
03. December Sunset
04. Dying of the Light
05. Midnight Sleigh Ride
06. First Snow
07. Dreaming of Hawaii
08. January Moon
09. February
10. Walking Through the Woods On a Snowy Evening
11. Scattering of Stars
12. Whiteout
13. Hot Cocoa By the Fire
Instrumental Guitar Review: Gerhard Daum Guitar & String Ensemble-Rural Renewal
Release Date: August 16, 2017
Label: Tone Work Records
Gerhard
Daum is an artist that is inspired by his surroundings. The idea is to put
yourself in the right place to find that inspiration. I think Gerhard did just
that when he recorded his album Rural
Renewal. The cover story is staring at you on the front of the CD. It does
not take long to see where the man derives the impetus to pick up a guitar and
create music.
That is the first part of the story, the second is to focus
on the various sounds of the guitar. He does so beautifully on the twelve
tracks afforded the listener. As he indicates in the CD liner notes, each track
tells a story. He is very good at that and his expertise has been used in the motion
picture industry for soundtracks as well. In fact, he is an award-winning film
composer. He also adds multi-instrumentalist to that resume.
I would not hesitate for a second to describe the movement
and consistency of this recording. It is excellent from start to finish with no
apparent weaknesses. I do appreciate instrumental music in general and
particularly guitar oriented compositions. It was an easy sell for me but that
does not give an album a free pass. It has to be excellent for me to really
appreciate it. I am here to tell you that Rural
Renewal is superb.
The gentle guitar sweeps that you hear throughout this
album are quite inviting and relaxing. There are some other elements mixed in
to give it all some layers and color including the violin and dobro. Those are
factors that support the delicate yet stimulating guitar work being presented.
I found the title track stunning and picturesque. It was
the kind of track the perks up the senses. Actually, every composition had a value
and a distinctness all its own. I am sure that is why it was over so quickly.
It is the kind of music that has you saying once its over “That’s all? I don’t
want it to end.” And that my music listening friend are the keys to the kingdom
as far as I am concerned.
When a listener, any listener, takes in a complete
recording and enjoys it that much it normally fly’s right by. It is kind of
like a job you really enjoy and before you know it the day is over. If you are
fortunate to be listening to music like this or have a job where the days just
disappear in the flash, well consider yourself blessed.
Gerhard Daum is a very special talent that deserves all the
credit for creating a top notch instrumental guitar album.
5/5
Stars
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
December 20, 2017
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Instrumental Holiday Review: Michele McLaughlin-Christmas Plain and Simple III
Release Date: November
24, 2017
Label: Independent
Having
the opportunity to cover an artist like Michele McLaughlin is always an
absolute joy. Her artistry without words via the piano can be an uplifting
experience.
Especially
for the Holidays we now have Christmas
Plain and Simple III. The timing of its release around Thanksgiving was
perfect. That is when most folks start looking towards Christmas, going to
stores, sending cards and whatever else is their yearly traditions.
Some people struggle with their emotions this time of year. I being one of those people, can certainly appreciate anything original and from the heart. That is exactly what you get when you listen to the tracks on this recording. There is nothing commercial about it and someone on a screen is not trying to sell you something. Yes, there is sweet relief available, just kick back and listen.
The good thing about this collection of songs is the fact that you can recognize them if you happen to have any familiarity with classic Holiday songs. I cannot assume everyone does however a majority of folks that celebrate Christmas sure will. It was nice to hear these songs get new life breathed into them. They all shine like a Christmas tree at night. The shining beacon at the top of that tree in this instance is Michele.
Michele’s effortless flowing fingers lead you down a path of renewal and optimism. Her playing is so fluid and precise. I could not help but feel I was walking down a path of evergreens and watching my breath blow into the cold winter night. The difference here is I am not cold at all, I warm and toasty all over thanks to this beautiful music.
Thank you for lifting my spirits to higher ground Michele. I look forward to volume four next year. As the years continue to pass by quicker as I get older, I realize more and more just how precious life is and how blessed I am. Music like this brings me closer to my maker and remind me from whence I came. I am humbled and appreciative of this blessing of music once again this year.
5/5
Stars
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
December 13, 2017
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
01. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
02. Good King Wenceslas
03. What Child Is This?
04. The Holly and the Ivy
05 In the Bleak Midwinter
06. Sing We Now of Christmas
07. Jingle Bells
08. Up on the Housetop
09. Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
10. Christmas Canon
11. O Come All Ye Faithful
12. Peace
Tracks:
01. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
02. Good King Wenceslas
03. What Child Is This?
04. The Holly and the Ivy
05 In the Bleak Midwinter
06. Sing We Now of Christmas
07. Jingle Bells
08. Up on the Housetop
09. Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
10. Christmas Canon
11. O Come All Ye Faithful
12. Peace
Instrumental New Age Review: Matthew Labarge-Spiriti
Release Date: December 1, 2017
Label: Cynelic Gast Music
Matthew Labarge ushered in December with a new set of songs for all the instrumental piano lovers to enjoy. Spiriti is his sixth proper release.
When I saw Matthew’s name come up I found an instant recognition within my memory. In 2013 one of my staff members covered Larkenlyre’s Extraordinary Voyage. I have an amazing recollection of music and I wish I could apply that to daily life with the small things. Music is at the top of list for importance and that is the reason why I remember so well.
Music is my savior, my own slice of heaven on earth that I can turn to time and time again and get the results I am looking for. In the case of Spiriti, knowing what to expect before I started was a bonus. I knew exactly what I would be looking for. This is music to soothe the mind, body and spirit - the three most prolific parts of what makes us all human.
Somehow, I feel more in touch with who I am and my relationship with humanity when I am “alone” listening to music. Which is kind of a paradox but it works. Matthew has some shorter tracks on this release and some real stretches of ivory wizardry to offer a listener. For instance, the closing track “Love Song” is over 9 minutes long. I do believe there is some magic in this music.
Silence is golden but it becomes an enhanced experience while listening to the singularity of a piano played by musician that is one with his instrument. This music is gentle and expressive in the same breath which I ultimately find very attractive.
Matthew’s Spiriti is a man channeling his own spirit to his fingers directly to our senses. It is such a gift to play music in such an emotive way. It moved me gracefully and effectively, something I have learned to respect and appreciate more over the years. This is 12 tracks yet it is so seamless that it felt like one ever changing piece if music. This music offers healing sounds for those in need and simple relaxation and enjoyment. It is all dependent on your needs and it just may help you along your way to a new day.
When I saw Matthew’s name come up I found an instant recognition within my memory. In 2013 one of my staff members covered Larkenlyre’s Extraordinary Voyage. I have an amazing recollection of music and I wish I could apply that to daily life with the small things. Music is at the top of list for importance and that is the reason why I remember so well.
Music is my savior, my own slice of heaven on earth that I can turn to time and time again and get the results I am looking for. In the case of Spiriti, knowing what to expect before I started was a bonus. I knew exactly what I would be looking for. This is music to soothe the mind, body and spirit - the three most prolific parts of what makes us all human.
Somehow, I feel more in touch with who I am and my relationship with humanity when I am “alone” listening to music. Which is kind of a paradox but it works. Matthew has some shorter tracks on this release and some real stretches of ivory wizardry to offer a listener. For instance, the closing track “Love Song” is over 9 minutes long. I do believe there is some magic in this music.
Silence is golden but it becomes an enhanced experience while listening to the singularity of a piano played by musician that is one with his instrument. This music is gentle and expressive in the same breath which I ultimately find very attractive.
Matthew’s Spiriti is a man channeling his own spirit to his fingers directly to our senses. It is such a gift to play music in such an emotive way. It moved me gracefully and effectively, something I have learned to respect and appreciate more over the years. This is 12 tracks yet it is so seamless that it felt like one ever changing piece if music. This music offers healing sounds for those in need and simple relaxation and enjoyment. It is all dependent on your needs and it just may help you along your way to a new day.
4.5/5 Stars
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
December 11, 2017
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
01. Spiriti
02. Entrance
03. Each Quiet Sound
04. Between the Stars
05. Children's Song
06. Breeze from the Courtyard Garden
07. Bells and Dwindling Light
08. Six Hundred Years
09. Elegy
10. Kindness
11. Weightless, Timeless
12. Love Song
Tracks:
01. Spiriti
02. Entrance
03. Each Quiet Sound
04. Between the Stars
05. Children's Song
06. Breeze from the Courtyard Garden
07. Bells and Dwindling Light
08. Six Hundred Years
09. Elegy
10. Kindness
11. Weightless, Timeless
12. Love Song
Holiday-Folk Review: Blackmore's Night-Winter Carols
Release Date: October 6, 2017
Label: Minstrel Hall
Music
Blackmore’s Night is ready to usher in the Holiday season
with their latest release Winter Carols.
They do it all like nobody else and that one factor makes it more intriguing. The
perspective listener has an opportunity to enjoy some seasonal music in an entirely
different way.
This band has had me mesmerized since day one. Richie
Blackmore’s incredible guitar and his wife Candace Night who sings like an
angel every step of the way, it just sweeps me away. Her voice is so warm and
positive you cannot resist smiling and tapping your feet to all their music.
For me it takes awhile to get into the spirit of the
Holidays every year because of the overuse of commercialism pushing over eating
and over spending. I can forget about all that and focus on the music and those
I love. I get there with a little help from these wonderful musicians
delivering their very special music into my home. I have a lot of different
emotions this time of year for many different reasons. Music helps me to smile
inside and heal any hurt I may be feeling while thinking about those I have
lost over the years.
This two CD set is a great way to kick off the Holiday’s
and it did just that for me. Blackmore’s Night has a special blend of rock,
folk and Celtic that takes the nod from some ancient tunes. What is the best part of that? It is putting
their own flavor and spin on the tracks and taking you on quite a musical
journey to enjoy. They create a lot of their own music however they have
reworked some from songs that were written centuries ago as well.
If all this great music was not enough, Candace sings
“Christmas Eve” in German, and perfectly I might add. This is a band of musical
perfectionist that know how to get it done in one take. If you listen to tracks
from “Live from Minstrel Hall” you hardly can tell the difference between the
polished studio work and live recordings. Of course, the live music allows for
some interesting improvisation on more than one occasion. I have had the
pleasure of seeing them live and it is truly an incredible experience.
Blackmore is a real craftsman and a master
of the six-string. His
acoustic playing is perfected and beautiful. Every once in a while, he cuts
loose on the electric guitar reminding everyone that he can still rock if he
chooses to. I always have enjoyed this music and prior to this band Deep Purple
and Rainbow, in fact I still enjoy it all.
Winter
Carols is not only a worldwide tribute to Christmas it is a
portrait of musical history intermingled with modern technologies. It is everything
that I could have asked for to persuade me into the joy and love of the
upcoming Holidays. I have a lot to be grateful for and that includes amazing
music from one of the best bands in the world.
5/5
Stars
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
December 6, 2017
Founder of:
Review Provided By Write A Music Review
Tracks:
CD 1:
01. Deck the Halls
02. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
03. Oh Christmas Tree
04. Hark the Herald Angels Sing / O Come All Ye Faithful
05. I Saw Three Ships
06. Winter (Basse Dance)
07. Ding Dong Merrily on High
08. Ma-o-Tzur
09. Good King Wenceslas
10. Lord of the Dance / Simple Gifts
11. We Three Kings
12. Wish You Were Here
13. Emmanuel
14. Christmas Eve
15. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
CD2:
16. Hark the Herald Angels Sing / O Come All Ye Faithful (Live from Minstrel Hall)
17. Emmanuel (Live from Minstrel Hall)
18. We Three Kings (Live from Minstrel Hall)
19. Ma-o-Tzur (Live from Minstrel Hall)
20. Good King Wenceslas (Live from Minstrel Hall)
21. Christmas Eve (2013 Version)
22. Christmas Eve (German Radio Edit)
23. Christmas Eve (English & German Radio Edit)
24. Christmas Eve (English Radio Edit)
Acoustic Instrumental/New Age Review: Camille Nelson-Lead Me Home
Release Date: August
18, 2017
Label: Stone Angel Music
Camille Nelson’s recent release is hard to put into a neat
little box. Some music is actually like that and not very memorable. With Lead Me Home she plays the acoustic
guitar and violin. She offers a multitude of colors and flavors for a
perspective audience.
This music is atmospheric and something you may here as the
soundtrack to Western type of movie. It does cover a lot of ground including
spirituals, roots, blues, folk and new age.
That kind of eclectic selection for one album holds a
listener’s interest from start to finish. It certainly did the trick for me.
Camille and her many talents will keep you spellbound. This
is a complete soundtrack, one that could fit into any listener’s lifestyle or
musical preference. It is like getting in an easy chair and just letting your
hair down for a while. Music such as this prompts this kind of feeling as the
movie in your mind flickers away. Additionally, if you want to empty your mind
this can be accomplished as well.
Some of the highlights for my ears was the outstanding
picking on the acoustic guitar and the slide playing. The slide of course gave
the tracks a definite blues and roots feeling to them. I could picture rustic
scenery, or a cowboy riding into the sun setting off in the distance (like one
of those old Clint Eastwood movies). That is what this music did for me.
Everyone is different and for my tastes and interpretations that is the movie
that I could see in my mind.
Camille Nelson is the kind of talent that could get noticed
by more than one industry and I look forward to what she will create next. Lead Me Home should make plenty of ears
perk up along the way before she decides to go back into the studio again.
5/5
Stars
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
November 27, 2017
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
01. Amazing Grace
02. How Great Thou Art
03. Nearer My God to Thee
04. Be Thou My Vision (feat. Alex Sharpe)
05. Adelia
06. Be Still My Soul
07. Israel Israel God Is Calling
08. Come Come Ye Saints (feat. Steven Sharp Nelson)
09. Lead Me Home
10. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
11. Patterns of Light
12. Count Your Many Blessings
Tracks:
01. Amazing Grace
02. How Great Thou Art
03. Nearer My God to Thee
04. Be Thou My Vision (feat. Alex Sharpe)
05. Adelia
06. Be Still My Soul
07. Israel Israel God Is Calling
08. Come Come Ye Saints (feat. Steven Sharp Nelson)
09. Lead Me Home
10. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
11. Patterns of Light
12. Count Your Many Blessings
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