Showing posts with label Christmas Beyond. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas Beyond. Show all posts

11/11/2015

Holiday/New Age Review: Steven C.-Christmas Beyond

Release Date: November 26, 2014
Label: Steven C Music

It never seems too early for Holiday music when artists like Steven C. (Anderson) release a set of recordings that combine elements of classical and new age to formulate something beyond what one would normally hear this time of year. In fact, the best way to describe it is Christmas Beyond. So forget about everything you know that is associated with this type of music, open your mind and heart and listen intently to what this talented man has to offer. It was very appropriate that the artist recorded this album in the majestic Cathedral of St. Paul, MN featuring his Bosendorfer Grand Piano.

My glimpse of the new vision of the traditional Holiday season was on our Rate The Tracks site when the focus was “Still,Still, Still.”  This track is a perfect blend of Holiday, New Age and Classical music. It gives the listener a crossover appeal and opens the door to some opportunity for a larger audience than what the genre would normally command. This is not clearly defined music as it stands alone and allows each listener’s own personal interpretations, which any good instrumental music will do. The difference is this release is special because of what it stands for. When I first heard “Still, Still, Still”  it initiated a sequence of feelings internally, first sadness that summer had past, then the joy and beauty of the annual foliage…as if God had a huge paint brush and carefully designed each tree with its own color. Now with those two seasons behind me my thoughts turned to Christmas, the most special and sacred time of year. This is when one wants to be surrounded by loved ones, friends, and thoughts of all those that have passed that built those yearly traditions long ago.

Music engages you and brings forth many feelings and visions, if it accomplishes that it has completed its mission, Christmas Beyond does that and so much more. 
 
“The Angel Gabriel” draws the curtain open to a story and it unfolds before you. The significance of Gabriel is documented in the Bible and in the story of Christmas. I think it was a great choice to start the recording. I like the way Steven intersects the winter season with the Holiday and how it is forever linked, particularly for those not living in year round warm climates. He also makes sure the importance of Thanksgiving is not forgotten and how it segues into the birth of Jesus. There is a lot to think about in this music and what actually makes it more contemplative is the fact that it is all instrumental. Without words there is one less thing to be distracted with or focus on, this way the music is completely absorbed and you reflect back on your own life and personal experiences of the Holiday.

“Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Winds” is an invitation to the elements of earth to work freely and perhaps is an indication of something on a spiritual level that says “Let the winds of change come through, we welcome them and the season and the beauty it offers us all.” This can be looked upon as a change in life or the effects it has on an individual. It is all in the way you perceive things happening in front of you. I thought the pace of the song was gentle and inviting even though winter winds can be brutally cold and wreak havoc, this gave me a different perspective on what it can mean.

As with anything in life it is all in your attitude, and what you believe is your truth or can be. Steven C. has created a masterful interpretation of the winter season and the most cherished Holiday of them all through beautiful piano based music. It is spiritual, relaxing and in sync with the upcoming Holidays right around the corner. I highly recommend you give it a listen; you may step away with some different ideas of what this time of year means. There is nothing like great music to reveal the truth and put a different spin on things. Christmas Beyond can be your North Star to follow to enlightenment this year.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Still, Still, Still, The Angel Gabriel, Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Winds         

Tracks:
01. The Angel Gabriel   
02. Sing We Now of Christmas   
03. Still, Still, Still    0
04. Ah, Bleak and Chill the Wintry Winds
05. In the Bleak Midwinter
06. Blow, Blow Thou Winter Winds
07. Infant Holy, Infant Lowly   
08. Carol of the Birds and Bells   
09. Little Drummer Boy   
10. Beyond a Midnight Clear   
11. Ave Thanksgiving   
12. Angels Heard: Do You Hear? I Heard!   
13. The Road Home
 
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder
November 11, 2015
Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews



11/03/2015

Holiday Feature Track: Steven C.-Still, Still, Still

Steven C. has released a new album titled Christmas Beyond and it is just in time to get your mind, body and spirit into the right place to enjoy the upcoming Holiday season. Yes, it is right around the corner. 

When summer disappears there is always a touch of sadness however the beauty of the fall leaves and the oncoming Winter hold traditions of family and friends that warm the heart.

 "Still, Still, Still" is the focus track and it is filled with plenty of Christmas and beyond...The eloquence and beauty of the ivory keys are in all their glory on this gorgeous melody. A merging of classical, new age and holiday is the recipe for success.

Steven C. ushers in the Holidays with grace and beauty on  "Still, Still, Still." Sit back, take a load off and take in the comforting sounds of this talented artist.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck 



More About Steven C.

https://stevencmusic.com


Multi-platinum recording artist, Steven C is honored to bring forth

his long awaited release of Christmas Beyond (2014). This is a one of
a kind collection of timeless old world Christmas music, by pianist Steven C. Recorded in the majestic Cathedral of St. Paul, MN this album captures the beauty of the deep Cathedral's acoustics through Steven's Bosendorfer Grand. The sound is truly rich, lush and from "Beyond." With touchingly elegant solo piano selections by Steven C, to fully orchestrated songs, arranged by nationally renowned Adi Yeshaya, and with members of the MN Orchestra, Christmas Beyond is a moving experience that is deeply transformative. 


This collection also features music that takes us beyond Christmas and evokes the timeless magic that embraces the essence of winter, feeling the reverence of life in our lives beyond the Christmas message and season. As the
highlight of his career; a personal catharsis of enlightened moments
and as the most beautifully acclaimed work to date, Christmas Beyond
will be carried with him forever.