New Age Music Reviews

New Age/Jazz Instrumental Review: Joseph L. Young-Every Moment

Release Date: March 29, 2018

Label: Independent

It has been a few years since I covered Joseph L. Young’s Ethereum album. The focus on that album was the flute, now we have the arrival of Every Moment at the end of March. This time around there is a focus more on the saxophone, however, the flute is mixed in as well.

The many layers of instrumentation make the 12 tracks on this CD a delightful journey for the listener. I appreciated the mixture of all the instruments. The use of the synthesizer layered between the sax is brilliant. The atmospheres are a combination of new age and smooth jazz. I love that combination and most certainly would like to hear more. The variety is what draws me and keeps me interested.

When I looked at all of the influences of this artist it was a clarification of why I enjoy his music so much. Many of the artists mentioned, were some that provided an introduction to jazz and new age music for me as well.

Being pleased with a recording is acceptance. It is the first level of listening. I do not think you can go anywhere with the music unless you find commonality with it. For me, this was easy listening to Joseph’s offerings. The first thing is how you are stimulated by is the cover, which has many different meanings. It is placed before you to decide where you want it to take you. If Every Moment was precious to you and you felt grateful to be alive, don’t you think that your existence here on this earth would be more rewarding? So maybe this is what the artist is trying to say on the cover of the CD and in his music.

I think the cover is a work of art and the music that follows is as well. Elements of world, Native American, jazz, new age, and chill are all part of the package on Every Moment. This album was a nice change from what I normally hear when listening to new age. It is very original and inventive. I hesitate to say unique but it definitely is an eclectic mix that I enjoyed from beginning to end. That is a major accomplishment for any artist to achieve with a listener. When you hear so much music all the time it becomes harder to find originality and a step away from the norm. For my ears that is a fact.

A fine example of that kind of diversity I am referring to is the eleventh track (by no coincidence) titled “Eleventh Hour.” It starts off with a swirling synth emulating the wind then the track takes off and continues to evolve. With nearly 6 minutes of that sax mesmerizing you and the synth melting away your stress makes for a very interesting progressive composition that invites you to listen very carefully. It is more thought-provoking and energizing than meditative tracks, which many of the other tracks can be. This is what makes it all so intriguing, you never know what is coming next.

Joseph L. Young gives us another masterpiece of sound and color to listen to. Just remember one thing, savor Every Moment of this gift of music and spirituality and thank Joseph when you can.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 1, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Prism
02. Falling Through Time
03. Every Moment
04. Twilight
05. Time Traveler (feat. Cornell Kinderknecht)
06. Once in a While
07. Vicariously Blue
08. Continuum
09. Chronos Dreams
10. Letting Go
11. Eleventh Hour
12. Evening Repose

New Age Instrumental Review: Anne Trenning and Friends-Beautiful Song

Release Date: February 19, 2018

Label: Shadetree Records

Website

Beautiful Song is Anne Trenning’s fifth proper album. The “and friends” includes James Todd, Bill Leslie, David Meyer, Rick Dior, Jane Brendle, Ciro Hurtado, Jeff Oster, John Magnie (The Subdudes), Brandon Bush, Josh Daniel and Mark Schimick. That is a very impressive and talented group of friends!

Beautiful Song is a collection that includes five original compositions and six cover selections from a multitude of genres. The best part is that it is all done in Anne’s special way. Her talented fingers flow with a gracefulness and purpose throughout these eclectic offerings.

Anne’s talent is obvious from the very beginning and as she moves from strength to strength so does all of her guest musicians. Every contributing artist adds their distinct touch and own layer of instrumentation to make Anne’s piano playing deeper and brighter. It fits together so well.

I liked the Celtic flavored tracks such as the opener and title track. And with even more distinct Celtic influences, “Miller Gap“ caught my ear. Moving from one country to next, “El Farol” has a definitive Spanish flair to it. Every song has the ability to transport you somewhere. If you have familiarity with the parts of the world that each track brings to mind, it will certainly get you there a lot quicker. And hopefully, sweet memories will fill your thoughts and spirit. And if you have not traveled to these lands it will inspire you to do so! Only powerful and convincing music can accomplish painting those pictures so clearly in your mind’s eye.

Anne Trenning and her talented guest musicians build a monument of music on the 11 tracks. The charm, colors and the multiflavored musical journeys are like going to your favorite sweet shop and enjoying some tasty delights. Each one has its own characteristics and ambiance, and I think that is why I appreciated it so much.

Beautiful Song will hold you mesmerized from beginning to end.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 27, 2018

Founder of:

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Tracks:
01. Beautiful Song
02. Helpless (N. Young)
03. You Will Know My Love
04. El Farol (C. Santana)
05. Do I Hear Christmas?
06. Miller Gap
07. It’s A Great Day To Be Alive (D. Scott)
08. Hard Times Come No More
09. Building The Barn (M. Jarre)
10. If I Could Be With You
11. Go Light Your World (C. Rice)

New Age Instrumental Review: Pam Asberry-Seashells In My Pocket

Release Date: October 13, 2017

Label: Independent

Website

Artist like Pam Asberry inspires me. I always travel a road to inner peace and inspiration with new age music, this time it was different.

Pam taught piano for 40 years and never believed she could create her own music. She finally decided to write her first song and one thing led to another and now we have her first album Seashells In My Pocket. That experience is a lesson to us all. A door will not open if you don’t make an attempt to open it. You must do the initial work to walk through it and to get to the other side.

I see that the beach and the ocean provided Pam with plentiful material to create her first album. The 13 tracks offered on her maiden voyage, are all about the ocean, its surrounding and solitude and clear thinking it provides those seeking it. It most certainly worked for her in many ways. Pam creates some simple and effective melodies throughout this recording. It is simple in regard to it being one instrument which is not a take away from the compositions she presents.

A lot of this music is very restful and healing, which is perfect for meditating or just sitting and listening, allowing your mind to empty. There are some tracks that do change the mood and atmospheres as well. For example, “Dunn's River Falls” picks up the pace considerably. It was like listening to a rolling tide hitting the shore via her piano. That is what I envisioned however she had something else in mind which was a river flowing into a fall. I was focused on the piano playing then letting it take me to wherever it wanted. That is what any listener would do I am sure.

The absolute beauty and personality of music like this will allow you to create your own movie in your mind then your soul creates a path. Instrumental piano music is singular yet diverse in its purpose. It lets us create something new in each song. It was like Pam handed me a virtual paintbrush and I decided to create my own masterpiece alongside her own. Simplistic, picturesque and personal - that is an encapsulation of Seashells In My Pocket.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 24, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Cozumel Blue Waters
02. Wishing Stones
03. Island Cathedral
04. Sleepy Tide
05. Moonlight over Moorea
06. Dunn's River Falls
07. Palm Trees Sway
08. Mysterious Caverns
09. Cadillac Mountain Sunset
10. The Mermaid's Tears
11. Monterey Morning
12. Ocean Stars
13. Sailing Home

New Age-Meditation-Chill Review: Valerie Romanoff-Healing Music Volume 2

Release Date: October 10, 2017

Label: Valrock Music

Website

There is a lot to know about Valerie Romanoff. The multi-instrumentalist has been involved in music since she was a child. Valerie was also the co-founder of the group Starlight Orchestras in 1998. Her resume is impressive and as I was soon to find out, so is her recorded music.

This is what Valerie has to say about music:

“Music has the power to heal, transform, evoke emotion, underscore and enhance our lives. By consciously aligning with elements of music, we can affect deep changes in our world.” -Valerie Romanoff

I completely agree with her and have been advocating the healing abilities of music for many years in my reviews.

After playing several different instruments, Valerie fell in love with the guitar. On Healing Music Volume 2 she plays the guitars, piano, synth and provides the chanting. Stevin McNamara adds a most beautiful sitar to give the music a distinct worldly feel. Tom Rossi adds the flute, kora, percussion and chanting as well. The entire album was produced and composed by Valerie.

I fell right into this album like it was a natural thing to do. All the instruments that are intermingled into each track give it a nice rhythm and vibe. I found it very relaxing and pleasing, so much so, it felt like I was smiling from the inside out. Now that feels really good!

I found this recording an instrumental wonder, the combination of instruments is very complex. It is mixed to perfection and the production is top notch from start to finish. Keep in mind this is two-disc set so there is a lot of music offered. With 17 tracks in total and only a few under 5 minutes in length. With that thought in mind, it raises the bar for keeping you focused on the music, all of it. This is why I found it amazing how appealing all of it was. The main reason is that it was done in the most diverse way possible. The entertainment factor is in place, then comes all the other pleasantries available while listening.

Most notably, the guitar gives it all a modern chill feel to it and the other instruments support that with layers of percussion, sitar, flute and at times chanting. For my listening tastes it is the guitar lines that give it that extra soft but effective edge and energy that takes my interest to another level entirely. One of the best examples is track 4 “Dawn of Tao.” It runs for 17 minutes and 42 seconds. It is like a magnum opus of instrumental, new age, meditation, chill, and rock all brought together into one tight package. It held my interest all the way through and when it ended, I knew that I wanted to hear more. I also need to hear Volume 1 now. Nobody wants to start with 2 but in this case, I am glad that I had the opportunity and became aware of this fantastic music.

If there is such a thing as meditation that knows how to rock (softly) then this is it. If you were in search of that sort of diversity then look no further than Healing Music Volume 2.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 20, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Pink Skies Over Still Water
02. Pink Skies Over Waves
03. Beyond the Bend
04. Dawn of Tao
05. Backdrop
06. Moving Glass
07. OM Shanti Shalom
08. Prelude Went Beyond The Bend
09. Pink Skies Over Still Water
10. Pink Skies Over Waves
11. Beyond The Bend
12. Dawn of Tao
13. The Bend
14. Backdrop
15. Moving Glass
16. OM Shanti Shalom
17. Prelude Went Beyond

Instrumental New Age Reviews: Robin Spielberg-On the Edge of a Dream - Music for Dreaming, Relaxation, Contemplation, Meditation, Medical

Release Date: March 2, 2018

Label: playMountain Music

Website

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On the Edge of a Dream - Music for Dreaming, Relaxation, Contemplation, Meditation, Medical Therapies is Robin Spielberg’s 18th album. That is a lot of recorded music! Piano-based music requires an imaginative mindset in order to give a potential listener some variety. A lot of this type of music seamlessly flows into each other making it sound like one piece of music. I find in most cases I feel that way because of my own tastes and interpretations, this could be entirely different for each listener.

Sometimes things come to you in your life at just the right time. For me it always comes with purpose, a good reason whether it is positive or negative. That is the way life is, however, it is all how you look at what is happening. This is where dreams come into it for me. This album is all about the dream state. Most recently I have had some amazing clear dreams and last year I started keeping a journal. This is exactly what Robin does and she wanted to share her dreams through the music of the piano. The other purpose in my estimation is that this music could help you to not only relax but get to a point where you are ready to enter the dream state or possibly all the way to REM stage. All of this I have found fascinating. I also believe that dreams are a window into your soul and we can learn lessons or be warned through them. It clarifies things and opens the door to change.

There is no doubt that science has a fascination with the different stages of dreaming. What I have learned through my own research has opened the door to an entirely different attitude about the subject. So how does music, particularly Robin’s new release, come in to play? I think this music is perfect for the dreaming experience before, during and after. So, during those three stages, you can utilize this beautiful music. Of course, there are more useful ways to use the music as a tool - for simple relaxation, contemplation or meditation. As I mentioned earlier, certainly the music can guide you beyond the meditative state into dreaming, particularly if you are listening with a good pair of headphones or earbuds (Bose makes a terrific set of earbuds that are reasonably priced on eBay).

On the Edge of a Dream is another example of how music can integrate with your daily life. The workspace I am in daily allows us at times to put on music like this recording. It can help you to de-stress as you continue with your multitude of tasks. If you are in an office setting you should try it, it really helps!

Another bonus offered for your experiences with this music is a dream journal, which can be purchased separately or as a companion item with the CD. I highly recommend getting both. It starts with the 14 tracks on the CD, then writing down what happened in your dreams. This process will allow a lot of insight you previously did not have. It is all part of a spiritual growth you can initiate if you choose.

I am grateful that artists like Robin Spielberg are willing to share their blessings with us, and shed some light on a human process that many folks are not looking at enough. On the Edge of a Dream could be the start of a new beginning. You can begin as a casual listener then evolve to meditation then dream interpretation. A tremendous wealth of information about your life and the future days ahead is at your disposal (there is a lot of info out there). And who would have thought one recording could lead to so much personal development? I highly recommend this path for those who are already aware and for those seeking more awareness.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 18, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. On the Edge of A Dream
02. We Meet Again
03. Drifting
04. Spellbound
05. Nightfall
06. The Secret Path
07. Stargazing
09. Illusion
10. Into The Night
11. Safe and Sound
12. Meeting Monet
1. We Meet Again (Recurring Dream)
14. Blue Moon Rising

New Age Instrumental/Contemporary/Jazz Review:Deborah Offenhauser-Soundscapes

Release Date: October 2, 2017

Label: Independent

Website

Soundscapes is Deborah Offenhauser’s eighth proper album. I was duly impressed regarding her solid resume. Deborah has a history as a musician back to when she first started taking lessons at 5 years old. She has been a teacher along the way as well, and a highly sought after and respected one. Her music has appeared in movies and several hit TV shows. She also plays the classical organ, mandolin, 5-string banjo, guitar, and violin. She is a totally accomplished musician and brings a lot to the world of music and media.

After listening to Soundscapes, I can understand why her music is so brilliant. The title is perfect for the music she presents in 13 tracks. For my ears, diversity is the main reason I would give kudos to any recording, particularly when it is all well done. In this case that applies to this very vibrant and diverse recording. The many Soundscapes you will touch upon include mixtures of jazz, new age, contemporary classical and world. To put it in proper terms, there are not too many areas the artist does not touch upon for this marvelous instrumental presentation.

“Irrational Exuberance” starts off with the sound of a horse running by and it ends the same way. This is all part of the music that Deborah presents. The sounds of life, people, nature, atmospheres and every day sounds that lead to her music and honestly, mix in equally well. You will hear water babbling and birds chirping. This is all works within each track and makes it more realistic and personal for a listener. It creates a feeling, mood and or atmosphere that makes you feel you are right there, taking part of all the interactions within the music.

“Tanz" is a worldly track that introduces a blend of sounds you would hear in the far east. Again, the music transports you to the place you see in your mind's eye. It is powerful enough to make you realize where you are. Many possibilities can arise for anyone with an imagination. If you have been fortunate enough to be a world traveler the music becomes even more lifelike and relatable. It is an instant kind of recognition you can experience if you have journeyed outside the U.S. I can personally attest to that as I have been in many countries and experienced the sounds, smells, and atmospheres, all unique to that particular place on the globe.

Those are just two examples of what is available in this fine recording. You get one track after another with beauty, textures, colors, and ambiance. They are all different standalone tracks that are ready to become your own private soundtrack.

Deborah Offenshauser has magic at her fingertips and what she is able to translate through her music is a god given talent. Where do you want to go today? Just put the Soundscapes CD, sit back, and take a trip courtesy of the artist. There are no long lines, wait times or cancellations, and the price is right!

4.5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 13, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Decidedly Joyful
02. Free Radical
03. Nothing Can Touch You Now
04. Irrational Exuberance
05. Tanz
06. Spacial Palace
07. Through a Glass Darkly
08. Rosemont Theme
09. Air
10. The Gloaming
11. It is Written
12. Tanninim
13. The Wonderful Unfoldment of Blue

Contemporary Instrumental/ New Age Review: Christopher Boscole-Soul Dreams

Release Date: January, 1, 2018

Label: Independent

Website

Christopher Boscole’s recent release titled Soul Dreams provides a thought provoking introduction with the colorful artwork on the CD cover.

If you look closely you will discover the many symbols relating to humanity and our soul’s travels. If you believe in reincarnation this would apply as well. I do have a belief that kind of experience is very possible. I think we all have Soul Dreams regardless if we hold a belief system that does not support more than one life in a physical existence. I try to look into and beyond the music when I see a title, artwork and listen to see if the music falls in line with the suggested theme on the cover (similar to a book). I want to see if it can transport me with the suggestions in front of me, in the form of pictures and colors and then of course the music, the most important element of all.

I have to say that Soul Dreams was a transporting experience and it really made me realize how many vivid dreams I have. I have experienced different periods of time in history or have been another person in my dreams. When I see myself as another person, there is my clarification and personification of a past life. Call it what you like, I think everything happens for a reason, similar to the science of cause and effect. To me all things are interrelated.

Christopher’s music is heartfelt and appealing. It prompts you to discover your soul and all its experiences. And why not? There is a lot we just brush off as every day occurrences or happenstance. Should we all look a bit harder at the images that come to mind in our awake and beta sleep? I think so. Music is the keeper of the gate and the one thing that can open it up. It can put a new perspective on our existence here on this planet. I know this is heavy food for thought but this is what the music sparked inside me.

Christopher’s music is simply piano, nothing more. And that my friends can be a wonderful offering and quite enough to engage any potential listener in my estimation. At times I think I will run out of things to say about instrumental piano music but somehow the magic happens and the words just flow. I think my evaluation will line up with the creative relationships between music, nature, and photography through multimedia videos that the artist has explored in the past and presently.

Is it time for you to look into the mirror of life - your Soul Dreams? I hope the music inspires you all to do so and that you will find the peace and contentment that this music can provide.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 8, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. New Hope
02. Polyana
03. Heart Traveler
04. Happy Day
05. To See You Again
06. Empathy
07. The Question
08. Souls Journey
09. Soul Dreams
10. Peace of the Soul
11. Mistery
12. Suite Sunshine

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