Contemporary New Age Instrumental-Classical Review: Christopher Boscole-Isle of Shadows

Release Date: July 18, 2022

Label:  ‎Independent

Website

I have not covered a recording by Christopher Boscole since the 2018 release Soul Dreams. The sands of time move faster each year, and your perception changes so much that it almost becomes irrelevant. We live by the ticking away of seconds, minutes, hours, and days. Then that transforms into months, then years. This perception depends on your age and how busy your days are.

 

Amazing how one thought and music can unravel an idea and how it forms and becomes your truth. Music is that powerful and persuasive. So how did Isle of Shadows work its magic when I listened?

 

Classical music holds so much tradition and everlasting beauty. Its importance goes beyond what words can say. So why not do what countless others have and will again, sit at a piano and give the nod to the great composers and compositions? It makes sense and finds validation in each talent and interpretation of those timeless pieces. Respect for the music is imperative. The legacy of the music and composers must be handled very carefully, and above all, you must be an outstanding musician.

 

Starting with the dreamy artwork on the album cover, with the lovely pastels that are pleasant to the eye and senses, is a good start. Rest assured; the painting perfectly matches the relaxing meditative sounds you are about to enjoy. It is identified as new age classical piano, which is an appropriate assessment.

 

Christopher Boscole has answered the call of the greats and played all these tracks with the utmost care and precision. The artist, in this case, has transformed into a different kind of piano player, one that can take the sublime beauty of the title track and create his rendition from a blank canvas. The composition by Selim Palmgren, is significant because the entire recording is named after it. That name does not come up when someone discusses Chopin, Bach, and Debussy. Perhaps that is why the composer, and the track are getting the spotlight. It will bring forth an awareness of the talent of this otherwise unrecognized master.

 

The more I hear recordings like Isle of Shadows, the realization that these compositions' brilliance and musical perfection attain full recognition from my point of view. This happens when an artist takes each track into a solo piano excursion. It is much more meaningful and appreciated by this listener. It makes me wonder why I have not explored classical music on a more profound level. Perhaps after absorbing this superb recording, I will reevaluate my music collection and endeavor to reach out further to explore this music that I found so appealing.

 

After paying tribute to all the masters, the artist closes the curtain with an original saying, "Until We Meet Again." A perfect ending and as close to perfection as one can get on an album.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

August 31, 2022

Tracks:

01. Romance Sans Paroles in Ab major, Op. 17 No. 3 (3:21) (Arranged by Christopher Boscole)

02. Nocturne in Eb Major, Op. 9 No. 2 (5:11)

03. Sonata No. 8 Op. 13 “Pathetique”II. Adagio Cantabile (4:45)

04. 6 Lyric Pieces, Op. 28 “Isle of Shadows”II. Skuggornas O (5:56)

05. Pavane, Op. 50 (4:32) (Arranged by Christopher Boscole)

06. Préludes, Book I, L. 117: Vii. La fille aux cheveux de lin (3:30) (Arranged by Christopher Boscole)

07. Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 “Moonlight”: I. Adagio sostenuto (5:31)

08. Suite No. 3 in D Major: II. Air (4:44) (Arranged by Christopher Boscole)

09. 24 Preludes, Op. 28: No 17 in A-flat major (4:15)

10. Solace: A Mexican Serenade (5:21)

(Arranged by Christopher Boscole)

11. Kinderszenen, Op. 15: No. 7, Traumerei (2:59)

12. Until We Meet Again (5:41)

Contemporary Instrumental-New Age Review: Dan Chadburn-Always

Release Date: August 1, 2022

Label:  ‎Independent

Website

When you have performed for audiences at Carnegie Hall (New York), Symphony Hall (Boston), and The Kennedy

Center (Washington, DC), there is a level of acceptance recognized worldwide by the music community. For Dan Chadburn, these are just a few of his accomplishments over the years.

He released Always in August of this year. The keyboard's colors are illustrated on the release artwork and in his music. 

With tracks like "Yesteryear," he paints the picture suggested in the title without words with poignancy and beauty.

The twelve tracks on Always are like walking through a musical spiral staircase of life's emotions and events. The track "Uncertainty" puts that idea into perspective with grace and purposefulness. The pace and rhythms are moving with a genuine feeling that finds a way to soothe your doubts with the simplicity of solo piano music. Its pure beauty and message are clear as day and the blue sky above. It is also one of the most extended tracks on the album, giving the listener time to absorb the meaning entirely.

"Missing You" is another track that pulls on your heartstrings. I felt deeply moved by the way it was presented. While straightforward, the music has a hypnotic effect that draws you in, and you start reliving things in the corners of your mind and soul. That is what I call music doing its job well. 

Creating the sound and colors without words needs to be robust, clear, and concise to ensure you are paying attention and your mind does not drift elsewhere. That fact alone is the reason it can be so relaxing and used to help you reach a meditative state. I can see that mission was accomplished from the twelve tracks I enjoyed.

This music can be your "Wishing Well" and where you can realize "Synchronicity" with your mind, body, and spirit. And for this listener's ears, that is precisely what I seek when I listen to music like you will find on Always.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

August 28, 2022

Tracks:

01. Always 3:14

02. Uncharted Waters 3:22

03. OShenandoah 3:27

04. Turning Point 4:44

05. Yesteryear 3:12

06. Minuet 2:42

07. Uncertainty 4:12

08. Missing You 3:07

09. The Wishing Well 3:31

10. Sacred Breath 3:26

11. Synchronicity 2:48

12. Final Curtain 3:28

New Age Meditation Review: NTHNL-Tranquility Studies Vol. 2

Release Date: May 20, 2022

Label:  ‎Independent

Website

Jacob Rudin is the artist NTHNL(Nathaniel). The title Tranquility Studies Vol. 2 expresses what you will hear in this release, literally.

The artist makes a concerted effort to shoot for "low-alpha" or "high-theta" ((around 7-10 Hz). There are 114 minutes of sound in this recording. Each piece is an exceptional tool to focus and meditate, or if one prefers, relax.

The concept of taking electronics and mixing them with instruments is not anything new. The importance of the sound waves coming in at the 7-10hZ level is critical, giving it a substantial variance from the norm. That is the key to your "focus," and attention span. "Soundbath 1" is just the beginning. The frequencies your brain will adjust to and follow rather quickly, and while remaining in that state of consciousness, you take in the instruments, such as the principal flute, mixed in with the sound waves. It is repetitive, like a constant drone or the sounds a didgeridoo can produce. That mesmerizing Australian instrument can maintain a drone with variations of frequencies. That was the one thing I thought of while reading about how this music was constructed and presented in this way.

There are some natural sounds added in for good measure and to differentiate between everything else that is going on. That element is not meant for a refocus but for you to connect and find identification, make you feel good, or make you smile. I love the sounds of all the birds chirping. It is the sound of happiness in nature. That is my interpretation, and everyone identifies differently with the sounds we can hear during a 24-hour period. "Soundbath Two" ends with the sound of rain, which is synonymous with the replenishment of the earth's plants and the very element that keeps all living things alive.

I am pretty sure with all that there is to utilize that, every listener will find the right track or tracks to combine for their meditative healing sessions. There are six lengthy exercises of frequencies, sounds, and music to choose from. You will listen to what works best for you; how you choose to use it is the most crucial factor in getting the maximum out of this musical exercise.

NTHNL does create a bath of sound, and when you frame it in that context, it shines a different light on what Tranquility Studies Vol. 2 can and will do for the discerning listener looking for solace, comfort, healing, deep meditation, or undistracted relaxation.

All tracks are composed, performed, produced, mixed, and mastered by NTHNL. Once you take in the entire experience, you will be impressed by this artist's all-around talent. The flute, woodwinds, saxophone, and many ambient textures are all that you will find abundant in this musical expression. It's chill, new age, ambient, meditation, and all that combined. Every track is entirely different from the last, so do not expect much of the same. And that is a good thing from my listening perspective.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

August 7, 2022

Tracks:

1.Soundbath 1 23:37

2.Soundbath 2 19:18

3.Soundbath 3 18:28

4.Soundbath 4 16:08

5.Soundbath 5 16:58

6.Soundbath 6 20:30

New Age-Contemporary Review: Darlene Koldenhoven-Traveling the Blissful Highway

Release Date: October 14, 2022

Label:  ‎TimeArt Productions

Website

Darlene Koldenhoven’s instrumental new-age world release Traveling the Blissful Highway, will be another significant achievement to add to her impressive catalog of releases. 

There are several instruments utilized to create the tracks. Darlene is the producer, engineer, composer, and instrumental-vocal arranger. She played keyboards, provided background vocalese and spoken word, added quartz singing bowls, rainstick, shaker, and native drum, and did all the synth programming. It would take a considerable amount of space to list all the rest of the instruments provided by contributors' names that may be familiar to you in the genre, including Charlie Bisharat, Ron Korb, and Joanne Lazzaro to name a few. There are many more as well. I cannot understate the importance of collaboration with so many different instruments coming together in the tracks. Steve Shepherd provided the mixing and mastering, and his work shines from beginning to end.

It is some of the most relaxing and dreamy music you will have the pleasure of enjoying. The first single of the album, "Cheerful Mohana," sets the tone and atmosphere perfectly. The Mohana (Urdu: موہانہ), sometimes referred to as Mohanoمهانو, are Sindhi Mohana tribes called Mohano Mallah Mirbahar Mirani in the province of Punjab. 

I liked the play on the words "Dot Calm," it is a great way to take something that can be stressful or frustrating when things are not working right and flip it to the positive. The internet or dot.com space is a wonderful tool for millions of people. It takes that word and changes everything you think about cyberspace. That is the point here, I believe.

Even the title suggests a change of thought patterns when referring to the highway. The morning or evening commute can be a nightmare. The artwork would mean something entirely different with a view of beauty and colors. That kind of scenery is possible; however, I think you would get the idea here for those looking for another "road." Life can be bumpy and full of unforeseen potholes. This road is in your mind by following the music's power of suggestion. Music so peaceful and a slice of heaven has a way of changing you from the inside out. It starts with audio and vibrations, then adjusts your brain waves, which changes you physically. That is the healing power of music.

"Osmium Glow" (Osmium is a shiny, silver metal that resists corrosion) is one of the most serene and inviting tracks. The combination of instruments is superb (as they are on every track). Lovely piano, synth, violin, and some vocalese towards the end are the perfect complement to one of the more exciting songs. The world elements give it a flavor and spice all its own. If you are in the mood for Celtic influences, then "Highland Mist" will deliver with some alluring flute.

Traveling the Blissful Highway can become a daily trip to your paradise. This music exists to change you on so many levels. Ultimately it will succeed in doing so if you allow it. The key to enjoying any music is letting it envelop you, to be a place where you feel safe and loved, and most importantly, a place you can always go to get reintroduced to some well-needed rest. As always, music can lead us there. 

Darlene Koldenhoven is very talented, and every album I have heard and reviewed is entirely different. It is the fifth release to add to my collection and has already become one of my favorites. 

Being eclectic and using all the tools at your disposal is the way to record such a great album. With the addition of talented friends into the mix, this artist has found everything she needs to continue recording great music for years to come.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

August 6, 2022

Tracks:

01. Cheerful Mohana

02. Time Traveler

03. Jade Dreams

04. Gentle Soul

05. Birds in Paradise

06. Dot Calm

07. Tropical Chill

08. Sweet Peace

09. Osmium Glow

10. Native Star

11. Highland Mist

12. Blissful Highway

New Age Instrumental Review: Peter Kater-Soul Story

Release Date: August 25, 2022

Label:  Independent

Website

Part of being a recording artist and remaining successful is to move forward in developing a signature sound. In some cases, it is a matter of trying something entirely different. Or what I like to call “thinking out of the box,” which happens to be one of the things I want to do myself. It keeps things fresh and feels like an adventure.

Soul Story is one of those exciting turns in the road that Peter Kater took while playing for people. He would sit down and talk to folks then they would lie underneath his piano while listening to the melodies created while recalling their stories. So then, piano readings were born. The experiences are recorded and given to the folks with the reading. From my point of view, this is innovation and using your instrument to provide people with their Soul Story.

The dance of the solo piano is one of my favorite things to enjoy. I find it one of the best relaxing and contemplative types of music to enjoy. In the case of this album, it holds a special meaning for many different souls. They are also segments of some of Peter’s favorites. In fact, this should make it much more special for the recipients of his piano readings. I would be immensely grateful to have had the opportunity, as I am sure all those people are.

The beauty and simplicity of these tracks are what make them so listenable. When I am feeling stressed and exhausted from the day, the evening arrives, and I can listen to music from artists like Peter Kater to help me feel rejuvenated and hopeful for a new day. I can always count on it to be there for me. Music is timeless; it fills the void of space around us and changes the feeling and atmosphere of an entire room. The power of music goes far beyond what words can say. In this case, it is expertly performed solo instrumental piano played in a very contemporary way with the foundation of new age ideology, the driving force to create it.

The title track I found very moving. It is 4:39 minutes of pure emotion and thought. It is a very effective track; you can feel and process the emotions as Peter’s piano ebbs and tides throughout, connecting you with it every step. Music like that touches your soul, and you realize what a miracle it is that one may convey so much with one instrument and no words. Every track will leave a lasting effect on you. However, I found that one the most moving for me.

Soul Story and its depictive artwork do indeed tell a story, many of them. It will be one of the most beautiful and meaningful recordings in 2022. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself listening to it quite regularly to finish out your day.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

July 25, 2022

Tracks:

1.  Starry Night

2.  Touch of Rain

3.  The Path is Clear

4.  Spiral Outward

5.  Find Me

6.  Soul Story

7.  Majesty Falling

8.  Full Circle

9.  United

Instrumental Ambient Chill Review: David Helping-In

Release Date: April 15, 2022

Label:  ‎Spotted Peccary

Website

When I interviewed (included here) David Helping to discuss IN, I knew I would have to wait for the vinyl to arrive. That was over three months ago. The wait was long, but worth it to hear this release in glorious vinyl. After talking with David, I knew this would be a fantastic listening experience.

IN was filled with ambient and chill textures transcending time and space.

I absorbed each track as something new and fresh musically as I made my way through the two LPs. The LPs come housed in gatefold sleeves with all the track listings and credits. Also included was a sheet with the names of the contributors and David’s tribute to each one.

Side A starts with “Waves Dream of Breaking,” and it serves as a grand opener to set the tone. This beautiful and exciting mixture of color and sound was just the beginning but a great start that filled a listener with anticipation for what could be next.

“This Burning Sky” includes wordless chant-like vocals from Nidhi Bhatmuley. It gave the track a world flavor while maintaining its core ambient foundation. “Only What’s Been Taken” is dreamy, layered synths with an interesting backbeat that transitions to a quieter interlude and then back again. Side A closes out.

Side B begins with “Here All Along” which features some nice rhythms, and you find yourself relaxing on a smooth wave of sounds. “Still As Stone” has tinkling bells with echoing notes from the keys layered upon soft synths. Perhaps the mesmerizing effect would make you as still as the track title would indicate. The side closes with “The Bliss You’ve Always Carried” featuring Benjy Wertheimer on the Esraj, a stringed Indian instrument. It looks similar to a sitar but sounds entirely different. It gives the track a uniqueness that others do not have. It runs for 8:01 minutes, allowing the instrument to provide you with a taste of its capabilities and different ranges of sound, which is then enhanced by synths, ambient guitar, and other instruments. Side B closes out.

Side C opens with “Slipping” featuring Miriam Stockley’s wordless vocalizations. This one also runs for 8:01 minutes. It is silky smooth from start to finish with Miriam’s addition. “The Cold Distance Between” could indicate many things; however, the one thing it accomplishes is hypnotic spacey sounds with a sense of drama bubbling underneath. “You Already Are” features Matthew Schoening’s electric cello. A flair for the classical is arrived at with his instrument while adding a feeling of warmth. Side C closes.

Side D begins with my favorite track, “Bending Towards the Night.” It clocks in at 8:21 and resembles a prog rock magnum opus. Eclectic sounds abound and delight straight through every second. It has a purposeful pace bringing me back to the thought that time has no relevance in the space of this music. The track continues to build with color, light, and frequencies that engage the listener. It takes the concept of the day and bends you towards the night. 

The track reminded me fondly of Tangerine Dream (a reference I often make if the music is good enough within this genre). The built-for- soundtrack-music and energy come with “In Waves of Fire.” The curtain closes on this ambient chill journey with “I Too Am Coming Home.” The track has elegance and beauty reserved for prolific instrumental music. In addition, the angelic vocals of Miriam Stockley accompany the music, making an appropriate ending to a marvelous listen.

You will be totally IN the music once you start listening. It will capture your consciousness and revitalize your spirit. The outstanding musicianship and production values make this one of the best recordings I have heard on vinyl this year.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

July 18, 2022

Tracks:

Side A:

01. Waves Dream of Breaking 07:32

02. This Burning Sky (Featuring Nidhi Bhatmuley) 07:20

03. Only What’s Been Taken 06:26

Side B:

04. Here All Along 06:24

05. Still As Stone 06:11

06. The Bliss You’ve Always Carried (Featuring Benjy Wertheimer) 08:00

Side C:

07. Slipping (Featuring Miriam Stockley) 08:00

08. The Cold Distance Between 05:55

09. You Already Are (Featuring Matthew Schoening) 06:42

10. Following the Lines 05:30

Side D:

11. Bending Towards the Night 08:21

12. In Waves of Fire 05:49

13. I Too Am Coming Home (Featuring Miriam Stockley) 06:44

Contemporary Instrumental Review: Vicente Avella-Physics of Light

Release Date: August 8, 2022

Label:  Pandora’s Boombox Records

Website

Physics of Light is about many things besides what the title would indicate. For Vicente Avella, there is a story behind the music; there always is. If you have a curious disposition and want to know the how and why of a recording, then you will love the story behind the music. 

Vicente recorded during COVID. For most artists, this was a blessing in disguise if it did not affect them in other ways, like contracting the virus or losing someone because of it. It was an opportunity for this artist to do all the recording himself because everything was closed. So, he went to the Boston GP 163 piano to start his process. The piano he had wanted to play to record on for some time.

It was destiny, and Physics of Light was born. Sixteen tracks of instrumental piano music to calm the nerves and refresh your being are now alive and well for everyone to enjoy.

The recording started with some trepidation from Vicente, but he did a fine job and then sent it off to be mastered. And now he has this beautiful recording, knowing he does not need a studio to get an album done. The world works in mysterious ways; there was a roadblock at the time. After further investigation and taking a chance, another door opened. He just needed the faith to walk through it.

What I found interesting was the thought that went into the entire presentation. The artwork Vicente envisioned was to be something that Da Vinci had created. If you are familiar with that, the attained visual is perfect. It had to be scientifically and mathematically correct, so he had it checked by a composition student and now who is also a Physicist. After that, an artist in Italy (of course) was commissioned to take Vicente’s chicken scratch and make it look like a work of Da Vinci’s. Once again, it hit the mark. It was essential to convey the images and thought process encompassing all aspects of light while listening. Then looking at the track titles and hearing how they came out in the audio spectrum is the next step. It is up to you to delve further to compare the similarities or differences between the two ranges.

So, for me, the listener and reviewer, reading about the story was fascinating and made the music more enjoyable and thoughtful. Yes, it is very scientific, and there was a process; however, once you hear the music and its sheer beauty and simple perfection, you will wholeheartedly agree that this makes sense in all its totality.

Sometimes I wonder what else to say about another solo piano instrumental album. The truth is, I always find enjoyment and something new. My fascination with how this all came together and the thought and care that went into making it a “complete” artistic rendering of audio recordings was the key that unlocked my mind. It all connects and makes sense. And to think one man’s fascination with the Physics of Light could create such beauty and picturesque sounds through one instrument. It was a lonely process, but that is the X factor in creating a successful recording. It would be best if you were alone with your thoughts, the process of creation, and no distractions to take you off the course that brings it all home.

Vicente Avella has triumphed over all the obstacles to release one of the most rewarding albums of his career. And for the listeners and followers, this is to be enjoyed for many years. Physics of Light will be your beacon to some well-deserved musical fulfillment and relaxation.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

July 13, 2022

Track List:

01. LIGHT PARTICLES                            

02. RADIANCE                                       

03. WHERE LIGHT AND SHADOW MEET        

04. ULTRAVIOLET                                  

05. OSCURO                                          

06. RESISTANCE                                    

07. COLOR SPECTRUM                          

08. CLARO                                             

09. PENUMBRA                                     

10. REFLECTION                                  

11. INTERMEZZO                                

12. OPAQUE OBJECT                                    

13. UMBRA                                         

14. INFRARED                                     

15. ANTUMBRA                                  

16. VISIBLE LIGHT