Release Date: November
21, 2018
Label: Laughing Cat Records
Perihelion is
the newest offering from Al Jewer and Andy Mitran.
Perihelion is a
scientific term used in astronomy. I learn something new all the time when I
listen to music and sometimes I get a science or history lesson. In this case,
I got both.
In case someone reading this review is not familiar with
the term like I was, here is some basic info for you so perhaps when you listen
to the music it will make more sense.
per·i·he·li·on
[ˌperəˈhēlēən]
The point in the orbit of a planet, asteroid, or comet at
which it is closest to the sun. An example would be as such "today the Sun
is at perihelion." Its origin is the Mid-17th century, an alteration of
modern Latin perihelium (by substitution of the Greek inflection -on), from
Greek peri- ‘around’ + hÄ“lios ‘sun’. Or as the artist puts it so beautifully on
their website: The burning off of artifice and unconsciousness is our moment of
enlightenment. Spiritual awakening is the perihelion in our life’s orbit. This
album is about these moments in human life.
Perihelion
brings together some of the best and brightest talents in the new age genre
including Sherry Finzer, Erik Scott, Miriam Stockley, Michelle Qureshi, Peter
Phippen, Bob Lizik, Richard Gannaway, Biff Blumfungagne, Lisa Downing and Ian
Maksin. That is quite a lineup of musicians that Al and Andy had to assist them
in creating these 14 tracks. This music can transport the listener on a musical
trip around the sun and back. Of course, you must open your heart and mind to
the idea before that can happen.
If you are feeling tired, stressed or your mind is racing,
perhaps it is time for your Perihelion
to take place? The music will first invite you then allow you to take the
emotional restraints off that keep you suspended in a state of tenseness and
restlessness. This is excellent music performed by world-class musicians, every
note played has meaning and when it all coalesces into colors, layers,
atmospheres, and earthy tones, you can find an instant spiritual connection.
Although I do speak for myself, I do hope when you hear this music you will
find a path to enlightenment. I am so blessed to find this each time I hear
music like this. I just let the concept, art, track titles, and music take me
away, it’s that easy.
When the first track “Gathering Light” began and heard that
bass I knew it was familiar. It was Erik Scott, who is a superlative player and
genuinely spirited soul filled with the love for this music. He becomes one
with his instrument, which everyone on this album does as well. The flutes play
a major role in leading the way and then everything falls right into place
right where it should be.
Al and Andy do a multitude of things with many different
instruments to build each track and bring in all the other instrumentation to
make it whole with substance. If I was to coin a phrase just looking at the
track titles while listening to Perihelion
I would say that the “First Step” is an “Awakening” then your “Ascendance” will
arrive and then “Renewal” to a “Welcoming Light” and when the listen is over
you would have come “Full Circle,” just as the earth does as it orbits the sun.
Perihelion
certainly
has a world flavor to it and yet the modernization of recording gives it a
crisp air like feel on a fall day. The
clean sound allows each instrument and nuance to come through beautifully,
filling your space with an ambiance and tastes of other lands and worlds beyond
our own.
Al Jewer and Andy Mitran, with the help of the close-knit
new age community, have delivered a masterful performance with Perihelion. It will surely receive rave
reviews from whoever has the opportunity to give their opinion of what they
have heard.
For this listener, it was another wonderful combination of
music, earth, the stars, and a genuine appreciation for all that I am privileged
to know and be surrounded by. Yes, life is good when I hear music like what I
heard on Perihelion.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
October 25, 2018
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
01. Gathering Light
02. First Step
03. Eternal
04. Reflection
05. Awakening
06. Space Between
07. Ascendance
08. Perihelion
09. Renewal
10. Welcoming Light
11. Redshift
12. Journey with the Moon
13. Sacred Space
14. Full Circle
