New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental Ambient/Electronic/New Age Review: Stephanie Sante-Clear Light

Release Date: July 20, 2018
Label:Sante Music
Website

According to Stephanie Sante’s website her newest offering, Clear Light is as follows:

Clear Light, a tribute to the beauty, mystery and power of earth’s oceans, from ancient times to the present. The music ranges from buoyant, jubilant and energetic to softer, gentler, floating pieces. Clear Light takes the listener on an underwater journey of exploration and fascination.

After hearing the first few tracks of this album it was sounding more ambient and electronica than new age. It is more like Jean-Michel Jarre than say Kitaro for instance. Here is a point is well taken, music such as this borders on being new age or very close to it. I think if I were to put any kind of label on it I would choose ambient/new age instrumental. The ambient for its obvious textures and layers of synths and keyboards, and the new age in slices that line up with the image on the cover of the album, the title, and the relaxing elements that would allow a listener to sink into a chair a float away inside their mind or meditate. I think that is a fair enough assessment of what I heard on Clear Light.

I am not saying all this in a negative context at all, it is quite the opposite. I love music like this and the two artists I mentioned are favorites of mine along with others such as the work Bowie and Eno did on Low. When I was younger and first heard that I thought Bowie had gone off the deep end. Now I absolutely love it and can see the genius in what the man created. Music that is explorative and reaching out to find different realms of consciousness, can be found on Clear Light. It becomes an extension of that beginning process every listener goes through. For me now it through the ears of a more mature and advanced listener, not to mention a more spiritual and wise man (which took me many years to arrive at and many mistakes and obstacles).

It truly is amazing how music triggers so many emotions, thoughts, and good feelings. It stimulates every part of me, my brain, body, soul, and breathing. It is only music with different tones, colors, and rhythms that can make that happen. If there is repetitiveness in the background for rhythm and many other things coming in to keep it interesting and attention-getting, then I am good to go. Stephanie does an excellent job of keeping it all fresh and interesting. I think it can be difficult to do that as a solo artist working with various synths, computer-generated sounds, and keyboards.

Clear Light carries on the tradition of thoughtful and creative music as it the busyness of the day melts away. All of those thoughts and tasks of the day just flow away, then are replaced by joy, warmth, love, and clarity. Stephanie takes you there with her music. In 9 tracks of an enchanted journey through time, space and nature, you are delivered to another world, perfect for those of you seeking simple solace or an opportunity to meditate.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 29, 2018

Founder of:

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Tracks:
1. Clear Light
2. Deep Impression
3. Salacia's Dream
4. Jade Resonance
5. Melt Like Snow
6. The Color Of Coral
7. Fractured Echoes
8. Moonlit Starfish
9. Mariana

Acoustic Instrumental Review: Ryan Judd-An Open Sky

Release Date: September 7, 2018

Label: Two Owls Music

Website

Ryan Judd is a board-certified music therapist with a master's degree in music therapy and psychology. He works with children with special needs and found it was his calling once the opportunity was put in front of him. Bless people like Ryan, where would we be without out these saints to help us?

He also happens to be a very good guitar player. His music led him to his education and his final destination. His service is called The Rhythm Tree, which is very appropriate for his chosen field. An Open Sky introduces his music that helps his clients.

With the exquisite cello playing of Kristen Miller to accompany him, the album offers 10 tracks of acoustic bliss. I wonder if the Two Owls (Music) are referring to the two folks making all the music on this album?

If the instruments are played well and the arrangements are right for the particular instruments it can work very well. In this case, it certainly turns out that way as this duo combine to create some heavenly sounds. The whole idea behind this is that music is healing - yes, it is! I think with this fairly new profession of music therapy, that has come into focus more prominently. I remember watching a story about Glen Campbell when he was in the earlier stages of Alzheimer's and how he could remember all the words to his songs but anything else was a struggle. That is the power of music. Before he died he recorded an amazing album called Ghost on the Canvas. That story and that music have made such an impression on me, I will never forget it. It totally changed my way of thinking when it comes to music, the healing kind.

All of those thoughts and feelings quickly coalesce for me when I hear music like I heard on An Open Sky. I think in this timeframe, the one that all of this was recorded, the artist opened his heart and soul to create this beautiful music. It does not take long for me to realize that after I understand why the music was made and for what purpose. I do not need that as an influence to hear and write about music, however, knowing more about how it came to be, made the listening experience that much more powerful. It is a tool to heal those that need help in any way, not necessarily for those that have special needs, anyone that needs some sort of healing can benefit from music like this.

Thanks to more and more people like Ryan Judd and recordings like An Open Sky I have evolved as a listener and spiritually. I am amazed at the power music holds for any listener. There is a lot of thought and effort that goes into making music so important to so many people. So, I say with all of my heart and soul, thank you, Ryan, for what you do for people and helping to make me a better person by listening to your music and reading your story.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 25, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Looking Back
02. The Embrace
03. An Open Sky
04. Heartstrings
05. Weightless
06. Autumn Light
07. Spanish Sunrise
08. Her Beauty Shines Through
09. Under the Willow Tree
10. Winter Harbor

New Age Instrumental Review: Alan Matthews-The Ineffable

Release Date: October 9, 2017

Label: Independent

Website

Ineffable is a word that means too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words. In my world I have not heard it used, in fact, this is the first time I have ever heard of this word. I am not ashamed to admit it and I always have an open door to learning every day.

This is the name that describes the music of musician Alan Matthews, whose first release came out last October, The Ineffable. I have to say, after reading his bio, that he is one of the more interesting and complex characters I have had the pleasure to cover in a music review.

As Will Ackerman so astutely makes us aware of in the CD liner notes, “Alan Matthews lives in a very cerebral world as a physician.” His transformation as a musician enters him into an entirely different realm.

It is important to note that Alan was influenced by his father who was also a doctor and jazz enthusiast and a player as well. As I have always said, you are a product of your environment. And lucky for us that he was influenced by his father as now we can enjoy his inspired and beautiful music all interpreted from the ivory keys. I acknowledge him for having the ability to separate himself from his daily work and stepping into a completely different world and fitting in so nicely.

So, we have music that is so powerful and meaningful to this man that it cannot be described in words. I can appreciate a thought like that and with all sincerity, can think of feeling that way many times throughout my life.

Alan Matthews plays his instrument with great skill and rhythm. I always find it amazing how an individual can have a feeling or thought process, play out a tune then name it, and sometimes very appropriately. I think that in and of itself is a tremendous gift to have along with being able to present music with form and substance without uttering a word.

The Ineffable is an incredibly successful and impactful debut for an artist that has now made himself available on a world level. I am certain that this is just the beginning of many amazing recordings that Alan Matthews is going to produce in the coming years. Right out of the gate he has a great start with this release. The bar is now set high but I have a feeling that will not phase him and he will just get behind the piano and let it go and let it flow, just like he did on the eleven tracks on this album.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 22, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Moiras Song
02. No Words Remain
03. The Resigned
04. The Conversation
05. The Second Goodbye
06. Strange to Me
07. Wistful
08. The Empty House
09. What She Knows
10. You Don’t Know What Day It Is
11. Moiras Song Reprise

New Age/World Instrumental Review: Marcia Watson Bendo-Woodland Moons

Release Date: August 17th, 2018

Label: Independent

Website

I love it when I am able to read about an artist and all their amazing accomplishments. It gets everything into proper perspective before listening. Then writing about what I heard becomes more meaningful.

Marcia Watson Bendo is a multi-talented artist that is accomplished in many disciplines including the violin and a large selection of Native American Flutes. Picking up a woodwind changed her life and her music.

Woodland Moons is her tribute to that instrument. In her own words, the artist explains what her music stands for….

“I strive to artistically create music that resonates with people by expressing an emotion, an image, a story, or reviving a memory.”

From where I sit, that wraps it all up in a nice package and puts a bow on it. This type of music has a magical and mystical essence that cannot be compared to any other genre that is within my realm. I know there is a lot to choose from in the globally connected world we live in, so the choices are made by personal tastes and or a drive for exploration. Back when I was a young teenager I would buy albums out of curiosity. I have not lost that part of my decision-making process I just refined it over the years a bit. In any instance, I would not hesitate to listen to music like what Woodland Moons has to offer. The feeling of discovering something new and stimulating consumed me with this album.

“Berry Moon” for instance, takes the flute and builds all the other instruments around it. The flute playing still stands out however the other music just enhances the entire track. The instrumentations and orchestrations are beautifully done and arranged. This track, in particular, illustrates the pliability of one instrument wrapping itself around everything else to create a bigger sound that reaches the listener. As I always say, it comes across differently for each individual yet it remains universal with no borders. That is the beauty and perfection of music and the one element that will never change. I am very grateful for that.

Even though each song is about a different moon, it most certainly works because of the thought process the artist goes through. We do have many moons that we see in our sky, however, looking at the varying degrees presented here gives it an entirely new flavor. This interpretation is related to nature and our precious mother earth and all it has to offer us. Also, this may serve as a reminder of how we need to take care of our planet and appreciate how it sustains all life.

Woodland Moons is twelve tracks of musical bliss that will serve every listener well. I highly recommend it for relaxing, meditation and for getting a spiritual connection. You can get a greater respect for your inner voice and purpose. If you listen enough, you will honor that inner voice and thank the music for bringing you to that realization.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 13, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Fallen Leaves Moon
02. Planting Moon
03. Strawberry Moon
04. Midsummer Moon
05. Forest Moon
06. Yellow Leaves Moon
07. Big Bear Moon
08. Snow Moon
09. Crane Moon
10. Maple Sugar Moon
11. Little Bear Moon
12. Berry Moon

New Age/Ambient/Electronica Review: David Arkenstone-Colors of the Ambient Sky

Release Date: July 13, 2018

Label: Dream Palace Publishing / BMI

Website

David Arkenstone is about to make the summer brighter with a new release in July titled Colors of the Ambient Sky. He is the author of an astounding 65 recordings!

David is primarily a keyboardist, plays the guitar, mandolin, flute, cello, percussion, and many other instruments. He utilizes all the tools of the music trade, including the computer to provide orchestrations that provide beauty and texture. On this album it is all David, there are no guest musicians. You soon realize what an amazing accomplishment this album is once you hear it for the first time.

If you look closely at the CD cover it is like lying on the ground looking up at the treetops and star-filled skies. The music fits well with the album cover. It takes you to a higher place of consciousness like the one beyond the treetops. What you hear is music that could easily be used for soundtrack or other media deliveries, but more importantly it gives you an outlet for relaxation. As the artist suggests, it is like dreaming with your eyes open.

I have been hearing much more of this type of ambient music lately and have thoroughly enjoyed it. As a matter of fact, it has prompted me to seek out other similar artists. Tracks like “Blue Lightning” reminded me of one of my favorite Tangerine Dream albums titled Le Parc. Colors of the Ambient Sky has pleasing spacey and relaxing ambient sounds with the hints of technology swirling around it. For me, there is just enough of all of that Colors of the Ambient Sky to keep me interested and quite satisfied.

I would expect Colors of the Ambient Sky to be one of the more popular releases of 2018 in the ambient and new age genres. I really appreciated the overall consistency and textures of the music from track to track. I was envisioning an artist painting with many different colors and taking the time to put them in the right place on the canvas to create another masterpiece. I felt like it was ear candy that was transformed in my mind’s eye into colors and images. For my musical tastes, this is the kind of experience I truly enjoy. I do not go into a listening experience with anticipation, it would ruin the birth of new thoughts and feelings it could possibly create. That is a good policy for any listener actually.

As the closing track “Ascension” brings the curtain to a close, you realize just how positive and uplifting a musical journey can bring. Your skies will be colored with a broad musical brush that will touch you in so many ways. That is all any listener could ask for.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 11, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Parallel World
02. Red Sun
03. Starlight Starbright
04. Darkness Descending
05. Rainbow Galaxy
06. Blue Lightning
07. Lonely Satellite
08. Visitors

New Age/Celtic/Pop Review: Cecilie-Fearless

Release Date: April 27, 2018

Label: Utmark

Website

There is a very good reason why Cecilie titled her debut album Fearless. This young lady has a strong belief that addresses fear and holding back. She believes the following “It’s about releasing, letting go of whatever is holding you back, being present and alive, and listening to the world around you until you find your own personal direction.”

Once you hear her voice you will believe what she believes. Her tasteful folk, pop, new age and Celtic styles are uplifting and carry a message. If you are looking for it or not, the message will be heard and received due her inviting angelic vocals. Her style and timbre reminded me fondly of Candice Night.

This is the kind of music I could imagine in a soundtrack for a movie or one of those great Disney films that deliver a positive message to an audience. This perception came as no surprise after reading about her love for plays like Cats etc. The elements of all the flavors that make this delightful ear candy are the keys to the kingdom on Fearless. This is a time and place created by the artist. The invitation to join her on the journey is inside her then translated through each song. What this woman has to share becomes transparent to anyone within listening range. It is a thing of beauty and a true work of art.

I think what impressed me the most was how each track was different musically and every time it was spot on to match her incredibly gorgeous vocals. Although the subject matter is about life, love and the trials we go through, you will hear sadness but at the time there are the silver linings inside those dark clouds. The clouds turn into a blossoming flower when Cecilie sings and expresses herself in each track.

Fearless is bound to stir your emotions and bring up things from your past and present but it is all good. Her music is healing from my point of view. I hope each and every listener can discover this incredible talent and have the opportunity to get past their own fears and feel the music.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 8, 2018

Founder of:

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New Age-World Review: Caro Pampillo-Sindhu

Release Date: September 1, 2018
Label: Independent
Website

Going into my first listen of Caro Pampillo’s Sindhu (her alter ego) , I had predetermined, based on the title and cover art, that this could very well be a meditation album. Well, it is that and a lot more. It is not hard to do that if you have been reviewing new age music for a while and the same would go for the avid listener.

Based on Caro’s website I was given some indication of who she is and what to expect on the new release.

Here is some insight into the artist from her website: As a self-taught musician, she has developed her own unique sound as a composer and a producer, combining her South American roots with many other world influences, live looping her voice and other instruments. Caro’s studies in Buddhist and Zen philosophy and practice of Kung Fu and Meditation led her to the name "SINDHU" (Sanskrit for sea, ocean, river, or water) for her alter ego and this musical project.

I feel this sort of information will enrich the review and make the potential listener’s experience more all-encompassing. That is my vision of the complete listening experience and it also allows me to dig a little deeper and express my feelings on another level that relates to the music.

Just to give you an idea of the world influences on this recording, this is what Caro alone contributed: Her gorgeous vocals, background vocals, acoustic guitar, Venezuelan Cuatro, programming, looping, and Tibetan bowls and chimes. She also had some help from other talented people that contributed keyboards, electric guitar, piano, strings, classic and electric guitar, Moog synth, and Theravox and many more. Well, you get the idea; the list goes on and on. Saying this was “World” music is definitely the genre, or new age world to be more specific.

I found the music to be lush, inviting and very complex. Caro’s vocals blended well with the music. At first, hearing her sing in a different language threw me off a bit, however, I was able to focus on the music at hand and the eclectic approach she took. I sincerely appreciate that kind of special touch and all-around talent one artist can lend to a recording session.

I especially appreciated the tracks “OM” and “Har Hari,” which was like listening to a pop tune in a different language (ancient Sanskrit). At that point it really hit me, this one has more crossover appeal than most recordings I have heard this year. Regardless of the language barrier I could relax (this is where your meditation can take place), and let the music flow. You will then arrive at a different level of consciousness. For this listener that means Sindhu accomplished the mission!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

July 22, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Om Namah Shivaya
02. Om Shanti
03. I Shin Den Shin
04. Om Mani Padme Hum
05. Gate Heart Mantra
06. Nai’a Narayanaya
07. Har Hari
08. OM
09. Signos de Amar
10. Signs of Love

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