Contemporary Instrumental Review: Doug Hammer-Melancholia

Release Date: October 28, 2022

Label:  ‎Independent

Website

The definition of Melancholia is severe depression characterized especially by profound sadness and despair. This is the title of Doug Hammer's latest release. Don't let that definition give you the wrong idea about what you will hear; there is more to that.

 

Doug has released many recordings over the years (14), and I have enjoyed my share dating back to the 2015 release Christmas Lights. I have never heard anything like this artist's 13 tracks on Melancholia.

 

The title is very descriptive, and the cover depiction is interesting. Looking at the lilies bursting out, the two wilted against the backdrop of a clock indicates the message transmitted. Does this suggest that your happiness can fade like a flower without water (as a matter of reference) over time? Or are we subject to reacting to the events that surround us daily, which include our personal lives and the influx of communications from various electronic means, whether you ask for them or not? I like to think all of the above apply, but that is a personal interpretation.

 

Doug Hammer's thoughts and feelings regarding this subject matter relating to being melancholy come through the keys of his piano. When you look at the track titles, they also tell a story. The opener, "Darkness Falls," is more than the disappearance of light; it purposefully sets the right tone going forward. There are two other tracks concerning the night as well. "Missing You," "Empty Chair," and "Farewell" also have a significant meaning and impact on the perception of a prospective listener. And that is the way this is intended. Although life has its beautiful times and memories that we can relive in our minds, we all fall upon darkness more than once in this life.

 

I don't think the intent here is not to depress anyone; it is about feelings I am sure we all have felt over the last three years due to the pandemic, inflation, and an ongoing war in Ukraine. Some, I am sure, have been overwhelmed and distraught. We all feel it in different ways. 

 

This music is simplistic yet effective in gently asking you to reflect, look inward at your soul, and be honest with how you feel. Once you take that step forward, the process begins. That process can vary, again, depending on who you are. For me, any of this kind of process is like healing. The music beckons me to listen, letting it take me away. That is as simple as it gets, for me, anyway.

 

Let me put this into perspective from where I sit. When you are "Winding Down," and it's "Almost Midnight," it is time to say "Farewell." My point here is that words and music, used correctly, can be so powerful and have meaning for so many people. In the case of Doug Hammer and his contemporary instrumental tracks from Melancholia, that very idea and journey are lived through each of us. This is soothing and thoughtful music to listen to at any time. That fact alone should tell you how sound this recording is.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

October 24, 2022

Tracks:

01. Darkness Falls 4:08 

02. The Long Night 3:17 

03. Long Ago 2:29 

04. Just A Memory 3:14 

05. Laika 2:29 

06. Monsieur Barre’s Carousel 1:58 

07. Empty Chair 2:32 

08. Missing You 2:53 

09. Dancing Alone 3:01 

10. Letting Go 4:10 

11. Winding Down 2:23 

12. Almost Midnight 2:56 

13. Farewell 2:41

New Age Ambient Instrumental Review: Liquid Mind XIV-Simplicity

Release Date: October 17, 2022

Label:  Independent‎

Website

How important is it for you to rest, relax, and recharge? Or find something you can ease into a meditative state? If you answered yes to these questions, then you are likely aware of the healing powers of music. The advances made over the years in science to find the many different uses have become more than an art form. 

 

People like Chuck Wild, the creator of Liquid Mind, are the artisans who create this music. While he does not claim that this will be your cure or work for you and help you with your struggles, research suggests that this type of music can help you. The soft synths and textures in his most recent offering, Simplicity, will have you floating away in minutes.

 

When I stop to think about how many issues we have around us that have the potential to stress us out, well, that seems to be growing every passing year. Computers and programs can do that when they don’t work, pushing my blood pressure up. I need this music. It relieves all those distractions, empties my mind, and puts me into an entirely different frame of reference to move on to.

 

The benefits provided in Simplicity are immeasurable, and every track is long enough, so it stands alone as one guided meditation if you choose to use it that way. It all depends on your need now. Sometimes, subconsciously, just having it play in the background while doing something else will work its magic. For me, that is the power and positivity of this project from top to bottom.

 

The sound values are significant enough that it can either fill your entire room or serve as a soft audio delight turned down just enough to enhance your current space. The title says it all; Simplicity is the key to making your life easier and more manageable, not to mention enriching your mental health. Make sure you give this recording a chance to change your life.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

October 11, 2022

Tracks:

1. Transcendence 10:50

2. From My Heart to Yours 8:09

3. Simplicity 7:34

4. The Child in Me 12:09

5. In The Moment 8:03

6. Hymn for Peace 7:14

7. A Gentle Rain In My Soul 9:56

New Age Contemporary Instrumental Review: Kurt Reiman-A Glimpse of Grace

Release Date: September 22, 2022

Label:  ‎Independent

Website

Kurt Reiman’s North Maple Road was released in 2018, and I had the opportunity to hear that debut. For people working full-time in an entirely different profession, it is more difficult to record an entire album, hence the wait for his sophomore release, A Glimpse of Grace.

When world events like the pandemic happen (can you believe we are in the third year of this pandemic?), it closes some doors and opens others, depending on who you are. 

 

Many recording artists over the last few years have used this time to focus and record some prolific releases, of which I have heard many. The result and whatever prompted them to record came about for different reasons. Mainly it was because of healing we all needed, some more desperately than others. And in the process, they found healing in the creation of their music.

 

Kurt Reiman had quite the team assembled for this project. Charlie Bisharat (violin), Tom Eaton (bass), Eugene Friesen (cello), Jill Haley (English horn), Jeff Oster (flugelhorn), Premik Russell Tubbs (saxophone), Noah Wilding (vocals), and produced by Will Ackerman and with executive producer Michael Whalen. All names are well known in the new age community and collaborators on many recordings. This tight-knit community is all on the same page with what and how to present their recorded music. The benefit is the leading artist on piano Kurt Reiman and the many listeners that will find solace, healing, and A Glimpse of Grace.

 

Kurt’s piano playing is fluid and rhythmic. Those two elements are always crucial in presenting sixteen tracks of primarily instrumental music. Instrumental music demands a particular strength and flexibility that other types of music do not. If you are accustomed to listening to this kind of music and how it can be a tool for growth, you will love this album. If this is new to you, expect to be amazed at how beautiful this will sound and affect you. I am continually in awe of these musicians, and I find it natural to listen, absorb, and understand the message without words.

 

Kurt’s piano weaves many colors and textures while the additional instruments complete each pattern unfolding within the compositions. What happens is that a musical patchwork quilt within each track comes alive for you to cover your senses. Sounds lovely. It is, and every time I heard the piano accompanied by the violin or cello, I felt a sense of sadness that the pandemic brought us all. It leaves you feeling melancholy; however, there is a lot of healing. I believe that was the intent of this music. 

 

Whether that can happen for each listener is based on a decision you make before listening for the first time. It is as simple as that, and you will not be disappointed once you let this music take you away from everything for a while. We all need that relief and focus for a short time. After being bombarded daily by all the forms of media, it becomes more challenging to concentrate on any one thing. Our attention spans have disappeared gradually over time. 

 

It is now time for you, each listener, to get A Glimpse of Grace. Trust me, and you need this. You may not know that yet, or it may be painfully obvious; either way, listen and let it heal you. I am sure that you will find this to be a new age-contemporary instrumental gem.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

October 1, 2022

Tracks:

01. Dawn to Dusk (4:31)

02. Quiet Confidence (3:38)

03. Goodbye for Now (5:06)

04. Blessings (2:55)

05. Dreams of My Return (4:07)

06. Set Free (3:37)

07. Triumph (3:32)

08. The Way Home (3:14)

09. Pathways (4:20)

10. River’s Edge (2:39)

11. Elegy for Justice (3:50)

12. A Glimpse of Grace (4:01)

13. Joyous (3:52)

14. With Every Step (3:20)

15. This Dance (3:06)

16. Dawn to Dusk (Reprise) (4:32)

Contemporary Instrumental Review: Stephen Wallack-Wondering

Release Date: October 14, 2022

Label:  ‎Independent

Website

I covered Stephen Wallack’s Chapters and the Colors albums which gave me that feeling of familiarity. Although that does not necessarily mean the music will be what I would expect to hear. Wondering is an all-instrumental solo piano recording, which I would have anticipated. It does not always work out that way; in this case, I am glad it did. I was ready to hear this music in its entirety and knew that I would enjoy it.

 

The ten tracks on Wondering are contemporary instrumentals that will definitively brighten your outlook and spirit, which other types of music cannot.

 

“Beyond” starts things off with a very positive vibe with solid rhythms and a pace that immediately gets your attention and appreciation. “Castles” follows with a different style that prompts introspection. “Deep” has the same vibe with hints of seriousness, reminiscing, and sadness. As you progress through the recording, you discover different moods and pathways to seek answers to questions that may have been troubling you. Our solutions are within; music is a tool that will assist us in getting on the right path. There are no distractions, just the purity and undeniable honesty of the music.

 

The guiding force behind this music is for you to listen and find the answers you seek. We are living in very uncertain times now with many problems worldwide. When you stop and think about everything, it can be overwhelming and scary, leaving you with a sense of uncomfortableness and helplessness. Music is the ultimate universal healer and communicator for anyone from wherever you are on the planet. You can realize fulfillment through the sounds, colors, and vibrations provided through one instrument. Music without words needs no translating; it speaks to you regardless of your language. That is the beauty and the poignancy of instrumental music.

 

I found “Remember” to be so beautiful, healing, and filled with hope. If we could connect all over the earth one day at the same time, play just one song and pray for a positive change, think of how powerful that would be. I think a piece like this would be ideal. There are many tracks on this album that could serve that purpose. The continuity and consistency are so strong that you will find appreciation in every composition.

 

The singularity of one artist playing one instrument with grace and purpose sends a message and one that Stephen felt compelled to complete. The piano is universal in sound and presentation. With the gift of learning music by ear and the ability to create compositions readily, Stephen Wallack now presents his fifth studio album, Wondering, with a message we can all understand.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

September 27, 2022

Tracks:

01. Beyond 4:44

02. Castles 5:22

03. Deep 6:29

04. Remember 5:23

05. Sorry 4:26

06. Bridges 4:59

07. Games 3:55

08. Royals 4:24

09. Wolves 4:34

10. Goodbye 2:54

Instrumental New Age Review: Shambhu-Life Passage

Release Date: September 29, 2022

Label:  ‎Sacred Love Music

Website

Life Passage will be my fifth journey into the world of Shambhu (pronounced 'SHOHM-boo') and his gorgeous acoustic guitar compositions. What strikes me right away is the significance of the recording's title and the cover image. With that already creating an immediate impact, I found it easy, as usual, to melt into this music.

The artist's website states: Shambhu transforms stillness and silence into calming sounds. That statement puts his music in a proper point of view. He is a respected guitarist that emanates magic from those fingers. 

As you find yourself floating on the clouds while listening to Life Passage, it goes by very quickly, as life itself does (total correlation). Five tracks would be considered an EP by industry standards. Although true, it will be irrelevant because of the simple beauty offered throughout these tracks. The timeline of each composition is from 3:47 to 6:24, so what you get is everything that this artist can give. Once the music stops playing, you will realize that it is accurate and find great joy and satisfaction while listening.

"Mars Dawn" has a mesmerizing effect. It is a soundscape you want to hear multiple times, and if there is one track that hits the mark more than any, it's this one. It is beauty and compassion personified that transforms into a spiritual journey.

The title track is a lovely tribute to the late Chick Corea. It is nice to see so many artists remembering him and his importance to music and the legacy he left behind. And I must mention the lead-off track "Because of You," featuring the amazing Michael Manring on bass. His sound is so significant, and you recognize him when he is on any track. He is one of the greats and reminds me fondly of Erik Scott (rest his soul), whom I had the pleasure of knowing and enjoying for many years. 

"Gentle Flower" starts with a nice piano, and then that fantastic acoustic guitar arrives; as the piano continues to accompany the guitar, you feel that musical nirvana has come again. Then his name, "Shambhu," is the title of the track that concludes another exceptional release. It has a definitive world sound featuring Indian percussion and flute. It is the perfect way to end the album.

Life Passage is a superb example of acoustic guitar playing with suitable mixtures of other instruments to support the primary device of joy and light and accentuate how lovely it can be if appropriately presented. As always, Shambhu does not disappoint.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

September 29, 2022

Tracks:

1. Because of You (featuring Michael Manring) 6:24

2. Gentle Flower 4:02

3. Life Passage (dedicated to Chick Corea) 3:47

4. Mars Dawn 5:33

5. Shambhu 5:51

New Age Instrumental Meditation Review: Raphael Groten-Great Blue

Release Date: October 1, 2022

Label:  ‎Independent

Website

Raphael Groten, known for his exceptional guitar instrumental music, has reached a long-time goal of releasing a flute recording. Twenty years after discovering the flute and playing it, Great Blue has arrived. Its artistry and exceptional sound will surely be a success in many ways.

I am sure this music will sound incredible as I have not heard the final master. That fact alone gave me pause to reflect; on how substantial these tracks are. The artist provided the track list to illustrate the different flutes he chose as he recorded.

While utilizing various flutes, each track is in that same flow (in the order it was recorded). Raphael is a very spiritual man, and he believes the instruments he plays have a unique way of expressing themselves through him. They speak, he listens, and then you have all the music ready for the people to hear and immerse themselves in.

All this music is new-age instrumental meditation. As it speaks to the artist that created it and can and will talk to you if you approach it for what it is. My meditation combines listening, feeling the music, then putting it all into words for the prospective listener. I feel blessed to have this opportunity, which puts a different perspective on my overall listening experience. It is what I would consider a gift.

Each flute individually carries a history, tradition, personality, and sound. If you are paying attention while listening, you will find this true. With three tracks under three minutes and the lead-off track "Raven Heart" clocking in at 8:51, you will find a comprehensive overview of each flute. It is apparent and essential to make this a complete experience with each instrument focused on this exercise. While the lead-off track is exceptional in length it is not too much nor too little. It feels just right. 

The next track, "Caduceus," is outstanding as it is mesmerizing. The meaning of the track title is an ancient Greek or Roman herald's wand, typically one with two serpents twined around it, carried by the messenger god Hermes or Mercury. It is the symbol you see in medicine. So, the flute, in this case, is the wand, and the music is your medicine. It makes sense to me; I just needed to investigate what the word meant. This frequently happens in music, particularly in a genre that references nature, spirituality, and mythologies. The entire recording is exceptional; however, those two tracks are my favorites for their meanings and content.

As the saying goes, Raphael leaves no stone unturned in his journey with the simple yet unique instruments. The mystical and magical flute can do many things that include capturing your attention and imagination while soothing and relaxing. I have enjoyed it in music for many years, more recently on recordings like this. 

Great Blue is a personal and professional triumph for Raphael Groten. I congratulate him for stepping out of an established format of music and comfort zone and trying something different, then turning it into a great success.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

September 23, 2022

Tracks:

01. Raven Heart - unknown maker - cherry, Native American style 

02. Caduceus - El Búho Flutes - bamboo, transverse, “The Mystic” 

03. Roots - Zacciah Blackburn - bamboo, Native American style 

04. Sanctuary - High Spirits Flutes - walnut, double flute (with drone) 

05. Great Blue - El Búho Flutes - bamboo, transverse, “The Zen”

06. Far Beyond - El Búho Flutes - bamboo, Native American style

07. White Bear - Mary Stone Clay Whistles - 3 hole polar bear whistle

08. Eagle’s Tale - High Spirits Flutes - cedar, Native American style 

09. Invocation - hand made by Raphael - bamboo, Native American style 

10. Hermit Thrush - Blue Bear Flutes - cedar - Native American Drone

11. Quiescence - El Búho Flutes - bamboo, long transverse, “The Mystic” 

Contemporary Instrumental New Age Review: Orchestra Indigo-Farewell To Memories

Release Date: September 9, 2022

Label:  ‎Independent

Website

Rick Randlett is a blues artist with five albums in circulation. Orchestra Indigo is a separate project he created playing synthesizers and piano. His new journey began when COVID shut the world down, and he began exploring ambient new-age music. Farewell To Memories is the result of his studies and creations. When you look at the captivating view provided by the cover art, it is very suggestive. Are you ready to walk down that dock and jump in to see what will happen? I was prepared to go and take a swim through this music.

Just for a point of reference, the name of this project you may find has some interesting cross references. Indigo children, according to a pseudoscientific New Age concept, are children who are believed to possess unique, unusual, and sometimes supernatural traits or abilities. So, this music is the orchestra's child since it is the first release of this type of music. And, it certainly does have some magic and special abilities to change your feelings, brain waves, and well-being.

Farewell to Memories reflects on growing up in New England, with the title track and album title a direct reference to a return visit upon the passing of his mother several years ago. So, seeing this passing of a parent was his farewell to many things. I lost both my parents many years ago, and I have to admit that many memories have faded with time; however, there is not a day that goes by when I do not think of them. Life goes on, and death happens. It is our destiny to live and die; we do not know when that time will be. I saw a saying the other day that made sense, "Live life like it's your first day and your last." Some sound advice, to be sure. 

Rick used synthesizer strings to create his orchestra of ambient sounds and colors. Some of it does have a feeling of sadness and letting go. Such as the resolute piano in "Daybreak," which gently introduces the layers of synth for a pleasant feeling of floating on top of the primary instrument. I imagine the artist's intent with this type of composition would be that you are very relaxed and have that feeling of detachment from the physical world. In your mind, you can float away to another frame of reference or plane of existence, if you will. All tracks on offer here give the listener something to feel and find inside their soul. That sounds deep, I know, music is a powerful tool that can let you dig down and pull things out that need to be looked at, and then you can process it and move on.

Buddhists refer to our suffering as samsara, and we can reach dharma (In Buddhism, dharma means cosmic law and order but is also applied to the teachings of the Buddha-i.e., karma) through meditation and removing the thoughts of attachment to all things physical on this plane. I discovered a strong correlation between new-age music and the practice of Buddhism. And from there sought more knowledge and have continued to do so. Music like this, any instrumental recording made for relaxation or meditation, brings me to another discipline. That is just one example that is worthy of note.

As I made my way through each track on Farewell to Memories, it engaged me in many ways, triggering a thought process of feelings, including sadness, hope, joy, and the promise of a new day. This music can and will renew your spirit. You are the door that either opens or closes to this opportunity. It was my choice to listen and open the door. The result was a healing of my consciousness, direct and indirect thought process, and, most of all, my heart. As the track says, "Hope Is Eternal," it never rests. It is a part of us all; whether you acknowledge that or not, that is your choice. I always find some hope every day regardless of what transpires. And this music brought those thoughts to the forefront of my mind.

This is a distance away from the blues music this artist typically creates. For him, it was a creative and healing process; for the listeners, it can be whatever you need it to be. That is music's beauty and eclectic nature and the sounds you will hear on Farewell to Memories.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

September 9, 2022

Tracks:

01. Farewell To Memories 5:57

02. Distant Worlds 4:57

03. In The Aftermath 3:30

04. A Time Of Solitude 4:42

05. Twilight Falls 3:49

06. Daybreak 4:25

07. Lights On A Distant Shore 3:46

08. A Perfect Summer Day 4:44

09. Mysteries 4:18

10. Hope Eternal 4:37

11. First Snow 4:02

12. One Last Look 5:16