Americana Review: PD Adams-This Curious Wonder

Release Date: April 7, 2022

Label: ‎ Independent

Website

PD Adams (AKA Paul Adams) released the album, Curious Wonder. Forty years is a long stretch to put the unknown side of your music out to your admiring public. With many genres explored successfully over the years, PD still needed to prove one thing to himself, that he could release an Americana album with a good response.

From the start, I noticed that his voice reminded me of a combination of Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits. He is very seasoned as a musician and singer, which becomes readily apparent when “Sometimes I Feel” starts.

Besides PD Adams (Paul Adams) on guitar, harmonica, mandolin, dobro, and voice, Elizabeth Geyer provides flugelhorn and vocals that add and echo Paul’s vocals. Andy Hatfield plays some fine mandolin to give the tracks a roots bluegrass element, and Bradley Harper makes more country and blues with his steel guitar. The combination of these instruments and musicians makes for a perfect blend.

If you look at all the pictures provided by the artwork, it tells a story that connects to the tracks and their stories. This is a kind of Americana with truth and soul. You know the words sung mean something, and it relates to a real human being and his experiences. One man’s curiosity and wonderment made this music and lyrics come alive.

“Winter’s Year” is one of the most touching songs. It brings the season of winter and the Holiday some of us celebrate on the 25^th of December back to life. The feeling and the grace with which it is presented will touch you. And, of course, it emphasizes the words effectively, as it does throughout this release.

“Freaks” is a protest to those who need awareness to watch out that they will “become just like them.” Those freaks of heavy burden need to release the chains that hold them down. The rhythm of the track is one of the best on the album. Regardless of the profound lyrics, it is toe-tapping and enjoyable.

I also loved the slide guitar on “Western Wind,” it is a fine country and Americana number that will stay with you long after the last note is played.

Those are a few highlights of a recording that provides great heartfelt lyrics and superb musicianship. An acoustic strumming on nearly every track lays the groundwork for all the other instruments to build upon. That constant rhythm is simplistic, but the most crucial point is how the music takes off from that point.

The other intrinsic element is PD’s vocals. The way he delivers the lyrics is so passionate and authentic. The rough edges of his style are perfect for the music and ensure a listener feels every word. Yes, this all works beautifully. You can relate to this recording if you have ever felt Curious Wonder before. And more importantly, if you enjoy the country, Americana, blues, and sing/talk style of vocals, you will be fully engaged on this album.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder

April 18, 2023

Tracks:

01.Sometimes I Feel 04:12 

02.Man At 4th & Vine 04:51 

03.Spark 03:57 

04.You Are Not That 03:59

05.I'm Alone 04:12

06.Winters Year 04:17

07.Freaks 04:17

08.Western Wind 04:26

09.Old Faded Photo 04:26

10.Songbird 04:04

11.Somewhere In Time 04:19

12.The Picnic 02:01

New Age Ambient Instrumental Review: Stephen Peppos-Celestial

Release Date: February 20, 2023

Label: Independent

Website

Celestial will be the fifth release from Stephen Peppos that I have enjoyed listening to. His new-age ambient journeys are the musical chicken soup for the soul we all need.

There are eighteen tracks on Celestial. You get the complete treatment of the new age ambiance he so expertly produces album after album.

Ce·les·tial-Positioned in or relating to the sky or outer space as observed in astronomy: "a celestial body"

That is the primary term and title of this album. And beautifully illustrated on the cover art with a giant bright moon behind a tree. It was likely the stone age when the moon was that close to the earth, and what a sight that must have been!

I had always had a fascination with astronomy going back to when I was a little boy. That interest has never waned. It has become stronger over the years. I always look to the stars to feel a sense of wonderment about what kind of life could be millions and billions of miles away. It makes you feel small in the big picture of the universe.

Music makes a person feel whole, and at times the sounds put you into a trance-like state or in the space of meditation. Whatever your choice, instrumental music filled with synths, color, the tinkling of bells, etc., presented on Celestial, will allow you to move on to a different level of freedom and existence. For my tastes, that is very important to find that release point where the thoughts of the day melt away, and the focus is on the music alone.

If you are looking for calm, serenity, and the magic healing powers of music, it's time to take a trip on the "Celestial Highway." That is how this recording starts with that track, and it is a beautiful introduction to what you will hear and experience along the way. Track by track, you can take the journey with Stephen and listen to (what I call) experiential music. You, the listener, decide how the door opens and closes on this recording.

There are stars and galaxies so far away that we will never discover them, even with the most powerful telescope. Here is your chance to create your universe with the sounds to soothe and penetrate your being. Your mind and body become one with the music, and you can discover new worlds within your mind's eye and realize you could not go during a typical day without the help of this music. That is the point of music such as this, to step away from the norm and experience something out of the ordinary, relax, and recharge those batteries for another day.

Celestial gave me pause to reflect. All the layers of ambient keyboards reminded me of some of my favorite artists, such as Jean-Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream, and similar groups. 

As all artisans were appreciated thousands of years ago, they are still today. People like Stephen Peppos are an intrinsic part of our lives and help to enhance our world. So, please sit back, listen, and let the chaos of our planet and perhaps your day, disappear with music from Celestial.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

March 16, 2023

Tracks:

01. Celestial Highway

02. Night Sky Revealed

03. The Sun Sphere

04. Ambrosia

05. Celestial Interlude part 1

06. Look To The Quivering Sky

07. Celestial Longing

08. Fields Of Stars

09. The 4th Dimension

10. Celestial Interlude part 2

11. Heavenlies

12. Celestial Joy

13. Wonder

14. Beautiful Cry to the Universe

15. Celestial Interlude part 3

16. Celestial Dawning

17. Celestial Traveller

18. Celestial Dance

 

New Age World Instrumental: Mikuskovics Baum-Timeless

Release Date: December 21, .2018

Label: Independent

Website

Mikuskovics Baum has a new release titled Timeless. It is significant that the date of release is the beginning of the Winter Solstice.

I think it is imperative that I took a snippet of information from the artist website so you can understand a bit more about them and their music.

Bernhard Mikuskovics & Georg Baum present sensitive and intimate but yet passionate and wild early European and Indo-European songs, dances and tunes as well as timeless improvisations in a contemporary outfit using vocals, overtone singing, jodeling, harp, guitar, Jew’s harp, bowed psaltery, ocarina, ethnic flutes & instruments.

That is a fair introduction to these two talented gentlemen. There are seven tracks and none under 6 minutes in length. The first track comes in at a substantial 11:36. The harp is a slice of heaven, the sounds that it makes are mesmerizing and quite appealing. When the other instruments are mixed in, or should I say the plethora of sounds, it creates amazing results. I think it is fair to say that the title of this artistry is appropriate. The music you will enjoy hearing is simply put, Timeless.

Timeless is the perfect blend of ancient traditions and new technologies for sound. Taking worldly instruments and using the recording studio’s wizardry is a marriage that works very well. I have had the pleasure of hearing these types of recordings many times now. The combination of new age and world fits like a glove or your favorite pair of jeans, the ones with the worn-out knees so you see nothing but white thread. Now that is pure comfort.  That is the key element here, feeling comfortable with the music. The sounds of so many wondrous instruments make it an easy transition. It is a magic door to open into musical nirvana. You then begin to envision your own personal heaven with the music.

Admittedly there are some instruments listed in the tracks that I have never heard of. That does not phase me, I just endeavor to learn more about what is being presented. The Sruti Box, for instance, uses bellows to create the drone you will hear and the KouXian is a general Chinese term for any variety of jaw harp. So, you not only hear the traditional Jew’s Harp you get different variations and configurations of that type of instrument. I find all this fascinating. There is so much more inside the music than meets the ears (and inner eye). There are cultures, traditions, and endless information that you can be exposed to, all you need is a little curiosity. When one listens to this recording and does some research, not only does it enlighten you, you become well informed with a new-found appreciation of what went into this music and how it was created.

Timeless is beauty, serenity, earthy tones, colors, the sounds and sights of many different peoples of the world coming together, it is like tapping into a global spiritual vein of gold. This is one of the more unique and interesting albums I have heard all year and a wonderful way to close out 2018 and head into the Holidays and bring in the new year. 

I look forward to 2019 with the anticipation of many more journeys offered by so many talented individuals like Mikuskovics and Baum. This is one recording you cannot miss out on if you enjoy instrumental world music with a variety of instruments. 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

December 20, 2018

Founder of:

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Tracks:
 1. Timeless Zenith (B. Mikuskovics / G. Baum)
Bernhard Mikuskovics: Parmupill, Mojave Flute, Native American Flute, Sruti Box, Georg
Baum: Harp

2. Intuition Element (G. Baum / B. Mikuskovics)
Georg Baum: Harp, Celtic Harp, Bernhard Mikuskovics: Sound Bowl, Mexican Log Drum,
Overtone Harp, Overtone Singing, KouXian, Sruti Box, Native American Flute

3. Mirror Ideal (G. Baum)
Georg Baum: Harp, Bernhard Mikuskovics: Dvojacka, Quenacho, Fujara, Jew´s Harp

4. Emotion Trance (G. Baum / B. Mikuskovics)
Georg Baum: Harp, Bernhard Mikuskovics: Sruti Box, Native American Flute, Khomus,
Horn Pipe, Ocarina

5. Life Land (B. Mikuskovics)
Bernhard Mikuskovics: Sound Bowl, Overtone Singing, Sruti Box, Fujara, Quenacho,
Dvojacka, Georg Baum: Harp

6. Endless Ozean (G. Baum / B. Mikuskovics)
Georg Baum: Harp, Bernhard Mikuskovics: Native American Flute.

7. Same Source See (G. Baum / B. Mikuskovics)
Georg Baum: Harp, Bernhard Mikuskovics: Khomus, Quenacho, Mojave Flute, Sruti Box,
Parmupil

Progressive Rock Review: Royal Architect-Et In Arcadia Ego (LP)

Release Date: August 19, 2017

Label: Independent

Website

Royal Architect released their debut Et In Arcadia Ego in August last year. The band is led by Matthew Graboski (guitars/pianos/vocalist). His musical history runs deep with the band OHO, who have several releases to their credit. While OHO is hailed as Baltimore's answer to Pink Floyd on the band's website, the latest band has yet to form an identity.

Jason Butcher (drums,vox), Ryan Finnerin (bass) and Tim Yungwirth (guitars, RTG, percussion) round out the band. Additional musicians include Denny Finnerin (vox), Kelly Butcher(vox) and Christopher Freeland (percussion).

The title means the following: Et in Arcadia ego (also known as Les bergers d'Arcadie or The Arcadian Shepherds) is a 1637–38 painting by Nicolas Poussin (1594–1665). It depicts a pastoral scene with idealized shepherds from classical antiquity clustering around an austere tomb.  

In this case, however, the meaning is different for the band…

Matthew Explains: I took the title from the book Blood Meridian. The phrase is engraved on the main antagonist's rifle and is a reference to a specific notion "even in your paradise I (death) am near. This character fashions himself a regular harbinger of death.

So right out the gate, the album becomes a cerebral entity with the title and names of the songs. But that is ok with me, I had something to learn. The bonus is the band sent me the high-quality vinyl pressing of the album. This was greatly appreciated as I have been amassing vinyl at an alarming rate the past few years. It seems many others have as well around the world and that is a good thing for bands and music business overall.

Graboski reminded me of Widespread Panic's John Bell. That is a compliment from where I sit as I think they are an amazing band. His vocals have that whiskey soaked vocal style that you hear in the blues quite often. There is one big difference however, this is progressive rock. The music comes at you fast. It is very interesting, and at times complex and I know it must be difficult to play by any stretch. Most notably I found the guitar playing at very high level consistent throughout the listen.

It is definitely progressive as the opener "Draco Volans," another word I was unfamiliar with, sets the pace. In case you were interested, Draco Volans is the common flying dragon, a species of lizard prevalent in Southeast Asia. Its skin allows it to fly very similarly to the flying squirrel. So, needless to say, I have some interesting thoughts going through my head at this point. I listened to the album first before venturing into the unknown so I am not sure if any of that information would have made more sense to me if I had the knowledge prior to listening. 

None of that matters to me because what I heard I really enjoyed. This is very good music. I heard elements of many genres swirling around Graboski's vocals including blues, rock, and jazz. It is comparable to having a full course meal then sprinkling pepper all over each dish to give it that extra flavor, in this case, oomph. The word eclectic is appropriate when discussing the output of Royal Architect. "This Cloak," which clocks in at 6:33, leads off the B side of LP. It clearly defines what prog rock is all about. It is a variable kaleidoscope of sounds. After hearing that one track I see where this band can develop further and reach new heights.

If you are wondering about the colorful cool cover? The artist is Graboski's 3-year-old daughter Delilah. I guess you have to start them young and provide encouragement. Talent for the arts is either in the genes or it isn't. It looks like this young lady is off to a good start with her color schemes.

There is a lot of good music on this album to digest. It is never cut and dried due to the variances in pace and instrumentation. That is a good thing in my estimation if you are attempting, and this case succeeding, to record something progressive and ultimately different. Et In Arcadia Ego is a solid and consistent rocking group of songs. This band should be very encouraged to get in the studio and record again soon.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 25, 2018

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

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Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk


Tracks: 
1. Draco Volans 
2. As Above So Below   
3. Echoes from the Cleft in Bedlam 
4. Afternoon Phantoms
5. Dentes Ventus
6. This Cloak
7. Vespers
8. Let the Knives Sing    
9. Ignis Est In Sanguine Meo
 

Progressive Rock Review: Royal Architect-Et In Arcadia Ego (LP)

Release Date: August 19, 2017

Label: Independent

Website

Royal Architect released their debut Et In Arcadia Ego in August last year. The band is led by Matthew Graboski (guitars/pianos/vocalist). His musical history runs deep with the band OHO, who have several releases to their credit. While OHO is hailed as Baltimore's answer to Pink Floyd on the band's website, the latest band has yet to form an identity.

Jason Butcher (drums,vox), Ryan Finnerin (bass) and Tim Yungwirth (guitars, RTG, percussion) round out the band. Additional musicians include Denny Finnerin (vox), Kelly Butcher(vox) and Christopher Freeland (percussion).

The title means the following: Et in Arcadia ego (also known as Les bergers d'Arcadie or The Arcadian Shepherds) is a 1637–38 painting by Nicolas Poussin (1594–1665). It depicts a pastoral scene with idealized shepherds from classical antiquity clustering around an austere tomb.  

In this case, however, the meaning is different for the band…

Matthew Explains: I took the title from the book Blood Meridian. The phrase is engraved on the main antagonist's rifle and is a reference to a specific notion "even in your paradise I (death) am near. This character fashions himself a regular harbinger of death.

So right out the gate, the album becomes a cerebral entity with the title and names of the songs. But that is ok with me, I had something to learn. The bonus is the band sent me the high-quality vinyl pressing of the album. This was greatly appreciated as I have been amassing vinyl at an alarming rate the past few years. It seems many others have as well around the world and that is a good thing for bands and music business overall.

Graboski reminded me of Widespread Panic's John Bell. That is a compliment from where I sit as I think they are an amazing band. His vocals have that whiskey soaked vocal style that you hear in the blues quite often. There is one big difference however, this is progressive rock. The music comes at you fast. It is very interesting, and at times complex and I know it must be difficult to play by any stretch. Most notably I found the guitar playing at very high level consistent throughout the listen.

It is definitely progressive as the opener "Draco Volans," another word I was unfamiliar with, sets the pace. In case you were interested, Draco Volans is the common flying dragon, a species of lizard prevalent in Southeast Asia. Its skin allows it to fly very similarly to the flying squirrel. So, needless to say, I have some interesting thoughts going through my head at this point. I listened to the album first before venturing into the unknown so I am not sure if any of that information would have made more sense to me if I had the knowledge prior to listening. 

None of that matters to me because what I heard I really enjoyed. This is very good music. I heard elements of many genres swirling around Graboski's vocals including blues, rock, and jazz. It is comparable to having a full course meal then sprinkling pepper all over each dish to give it that extra flavor, in this case, oomph. The word eclectic is appropriate when discussing the output of Royal Architect. "This Cloak," which clocks in at 6:33, leads off the B side of LP. It clearly defines what prog rock is all about. It is a variable kaleidoscope of sounds. After hearing that one track I see where this band can develop further and reach new heights.

If you are wondering about the colorful cool cover? The artist is Graboski's 3-year-old daughter Delilah. I guess you have to start them young and provide encouragement. Talent for the arts is either in the genes or it isn't. It looks like this young lady is off to a good start with her color schemes.

There is a lot of good music on this album to digest. It is never cut and dried due to the variances in pace and instrumentation. That is a good thing in my estimation if you are attempting, and this case succeeding, to record something progressive and ultimately different. Et In Arcadia Ego is a solid and consistent rocking group of songs. This band should be very encouraged to get in the studio and record again soon.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 25, 2018

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

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Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk


Tracks: 
1. Draco Volans 
2. As Above So Below   
3. Echoes from the Cleft in Bedlam 
4. Afternoon Phantoms
5. Dentes Ventus
6. This Cloak
7. Vespers
8. Let the Knives Sing    
9. Ignis Est In Sanguine Meo
 

Instrumental New Age/Ambient Review: Michael Whalen-Kiss The Quiet

Release Date: February 2, 2018

Label: Spout

Website

Add caption

Kiss The Quiet is one of the best titles I have ever seen for an instrumental new age album. The title most certainly lives up to its name as well.

Michael Whalen is the architect of this recording. He uses ambient piano, synthesizers and electronics for a superb blend of atmospheric qualities and moods.

Kiss The Quiet softly encourages you to listen and when you do it is all over, you are hooked. This is great music for meditation, focusing or just relaxing and emptying your mind. It is rhythmic and soulful, and not soulful in a musical sense but coming from deep down in the soul of the artist. This music emerges to touch you in many ways.

I think people that have the gift and talent to create music like this are blessed. They are willing to share their blessing with us, the listeners, so we can heal, realign the chakras and feel whole once again. That is how I honestly feel about this music.

It kisses your soul, with a touch of heaven added it has the ability to remove you from a physical body and lead you into another type of existence. I feel this way even without meditation, I enter a different realm and let my inner most thoughts arrive and translate it for you here in my reviews. That is a blessing I receive each time I have the opportunity to share my thoughts on music. You can call it the ether where thoughts come and go and are either processed or reflected upon.

You can Kiss The Quiet and feel something different as you let the music envelope you heart and soul. You will be moved by this experience and it is one you will want to feel more than once, I can guarantee it. For this listener after taking in music like this for several years, I have come to know myself very well. It can work for any listener if you just calm the ongoing thoughts and let the music take over.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

January 24, 2018

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

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Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks: 
01. Kiss The Quiet
02. Heart So Full of Joy
03. Full Moon Dance
04. Almost Touching Heaven
05. The Prayer Box
06. No More Secrets
07. Window To the Soul
08. My Obsequious Tear
09. Hush The Night
10. Ever Closer Ever Nearer Ever Sooner