New Age Instrumental/Contemporary/Jazz Review:Deborah Offenhauser-Soundscapes

Release Date: October 2, 2017

Label: Independent

Website

Soundscapes is Deborah Offenhauser’s eighth proper album. I was duly impressed regarding her solid resume. Deborah has a history as a musician back to when she first started taking lessons at 5 years old. She has been a teacher along the way as well, and a highly sought after and respected one. Her music has appeared in movies and several hit TV shows. She also plays the classical organ, mandolin, 5-string banjo, guitar, and violin. She is a totally accomplished musician and brings a lot to the world of music and media.

After listening to Soundscapes, I can understand why her music is so brilliant. The title is perfect for the music she presents in 13 tracks. For my ears, diversity is the main reason I would give kudos to any recording, particularly when it is all well done. In this case that applies to this very vibrant and diverse recording. The many Soundscapes you will touch upon include mixtures of jazz, new age, contemporary classical and world. To put it in proper terms, there are not too many areas the artist does not touch upon for this marvelous instrumental presentation.

“Irrational Exuberance” starts off with the sound of a horse running by and it ends the same way. This is all part of the music that Deborah presents. The sounds of life, people, nature, atmospheres and every day sounds that lead to her music and honestly, mix in equally well. You will hear water babbling and birds chirping. This is all works within each track and makes it more realistic and personal for a listener. It creates a feeling, mood and or atmosphere that makes you feel you are right there, taking part of all the interactions within the music.

“Tanz" is a worldly track that introduces a blend of sounds you would hear in the far east. Again, the music transports you to the place you see in your mind's eye. It is powerful enough to make you realize where you are. Many possibilities can arise for anyone with an imagination. If you have been fortunate enough to be a world traveler the music becomes even more lifelike and relatable. It is an instant kind of recognition you can experience if you have journeyed outside the U.S. I can personally attest to that as I have been in many countries and experienced the sounds, smells, and atmospheres, all unique to that particular place on the globe. 

Those are just two examples of what is available in this fine recording. You get one track after another with beauty, textures, colors, and ambiance. They are all different standalone tracks that are ready to become your own private soundtrack.

Deborah Offenshauser has magic at her fingertips and what she is able to translate through her music is a god given talent. Where do you want to go today? Just put the Soundscapes CD, sit back, and take a trip courtesy of the artist. There are no long lines, wait times or cancellations, and the price is right!

4.5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 13, 2018

Founder of:

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Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. Decidedly Joyful
02. Free Radical
03. Nothing Can Touch You Now
04. Irrational Exuberance
05. Tanz
06. Spacial Palace
07. Through a Glass Darkly
08. Rosemont Theme
09. Air
10. The Gloaming
11. It is Written
12. Tanninim
13. The Wonderful Unfoldment of Blue
 

Featured Track: Nancy Shoop-Wu-Rainbow Road

Nancy Shoop-Wu recently released her new recording Rainbow Road. The title track is featured here to give you a taste of the excellence she commands on the violin.

The track is a tapestry of colors and atmospheres one can only deliver if they are surrounded by a beautiful environment. In this case it is so because Nancy is located in Hawaii.

It's as if she becomes one with mother earth and her instrument opens the door to the "Rainbow Road." Have a listen and find the beauty and peace within one beautiful song. Stream the track and watch the video.

Read My Full Review of the Album.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck




More About Nancy Shoop-Wu:

https://www.nancyshoopwu.com

Known for her soulful and expressive playing, violinist and singer/songwriter Nancy Shoop-Wu blends her classical training as a symphony violinist with the impressionistic magic of the Islands of Hawaii. From the moment she set foot in the Aloha State, Nancy found herself under the islands' magical spell. The result was a burst of creativity for the consummate musician as she blended her love of New Age and Classical music, combining them with the musical culture of her new home, to craft beautiful music with appeal across a variety of spectrum's...READ MORE...

Featured Stream: Hennie Bekker-Letting Go

Hennie Bekker is an award winning artist with numerous recordings to his credit. His most recent release Beyond Dreams brings you Brain Entrainment and Relaxation Music. No, that is not a typo! Entrainment is the practice of entraining one's brainwaves to a desired frequency.


Bekker presents the desired frequency with the featured track here titled "Letting Go." The accompanying visual is purposely basic for a focus point, which is traveling through space. The music is beautiful and trance like. Bekker's piano is graceful and it expresses the feeling of floating away. All you have to do is listen and watch the video.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck



More About Hennie Bekker:

http://henniebekker.com

Hennie Bekker is an award winning, multi-platinum selling musician whose eclectic career spans decades, continents, generations and genres. Best known for his New Age sound on the Solitudes, Kaleidoscopes and Hennie Bekker's Tranquility album series, he was also a creative force behind BKS, one of Canada’s most successful techno/dance bands.
READ MORE...

Track Feature: Al Jewer and Andy Mitran-Transmigration

Sounds of the earth and meditation for the soul comes to mind with the music. Al Jewer and Andy Mitran and their recent release Transmigration...a journey with friends is instrumental bliss.

The feature here is the title track. And you get a good taste of their relaxing sounds that are both worldly and new age wrapped into one nice package. Flutes, sitars, drums, female vocals and more merge to form musical beauty.

Give Transmigration a listen now.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck 


More About Al and Andy's Album:

http://www.al-jewer-and-andy-mitran.com/


This album speaks of a journey that these very special people are taking with us. It is a journey that starts with a simple introduction that leads to a conversation and ends with the metamorphosis of that conversation into a formless beautiful piece of music that contains elements of us all. This CD has been about two years in the making and includes a rare and awesome group of collaborators and friends. They are among our most admired artists and composers and we are thrilled beyond belief to have worked with them to bring you this album. 

New Age Instrumental/Classical Review: Rodney Wilson-For His Good Pleasure

Release Date: 2015

Label: Indie

Website

Everyone gets a needed jolt at some point in their life that serves as a wakeup call. Rodney Wilson got one that saved his life. He was experiencing some physical issues and found out he needed bypass surgery. To say this album is about matters of the heart is an understatement to be sure.

For His Good Pleasure is an awakening from another source, God, a higher power or the voice from within that some folks refer to as the higher self. Whatever concept of a higher power that works for you is a fit for this album. For Rodney this approach worked and he recovered completely and decided to dedicate this album to that experience.

"Healing In His Wings" was my first focus track on the album and featured on the Rate The Tracks site. It brings a lot of those thoughts and feelings about centering your inner self and reaching out for help from another source and then coming to the realization that something saved you. Essentially, if you want to look at it from this perspective, it is an invitation to open the door to the healing powers of faith.

“Joy After The Storm” is overcoming a difficulty and rejoicing in the rebirth of your life. It is about getting to the other side of any difficulty and reaping the benefits of seeing it all through, believing in yourself and the process. This music holds all the joy for you and the title of the track says it all.

The artist draws influences from the likes of Ennio Morricone and the music in turn that is created is very cinematic. It came as a natural process for this listener to envision this music playing during a movie, or one’s own life story if you will flickering inside your mind. In this case it applies strongly to the creator of this very music.

“Springs of Living Water” is also very picturesque as the piano playing is like a waterfall of emotions and the added instrumentation makes it more impactful. With all the feeling and movement you could imagine in such a track it got my attention quickly and was another one that stood out. Water is life, and it is from whence we came and it serves as a reminder of the spring of life in a physical sense related to the earth. It is what we hold inside, the spark within. The powers of healing are available to us and are self-evident we just need to open our eyes.

For His Good Pleasure is an inspirational story set to a soundtrack regarding one man’s journey and the miracles of self-awareness and paying attention to the guide posts that come graciously and unconditionally to us in life. I for one am a grateful and appreciative listener so thank you Mr. Wilson for all of your talents and offering your story and making the music to capture the awakening.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Healing In His Wings, Joy After The Storm, Springs of Living Water

Tracks:
01. Healing in His Wings
02. Take Me Safely Home
03. Hannah's Song
04. Springs of Living Water
05. The Father's Love
06. Joy After the Storm
07. Where Honor Stood
08. Faithful to Save
09. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
10. To Dance for His Pleasure

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

November 23, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Track Feature: Rodney Wilson-Healing In His Wings

Every song we hear, the notes that are played, the words that are either spoken or sung, or just the music itself, it all can tell a story to our hearts.

Rodney Wilson has a new album titled For His Good Pleasure. From what I gathered listening to the album the reference to "him" seems to be God, a Higher Power or what ever you choose it to be, your higher self if that works. All of that is interchangeable from my own perspective.

"Healing In His Wings" is the very special track that is the feature here. It brings a lot of those thoughts and feelings into focus. This is my own interpretation and as always I leave it to each individual listener's own meaning. This is an invitation to open the door to the healing powers of faith, what we all have inside.

The piano based track is a lot of things that merge into one...peacefulness, beauty, elegance, spirituality and hope are all woven into this tapestry of sound. It is instrumental bliss, a term which I have used often enough and it is most appropriate for this track.

Give it a good listen and find your own cloud in heaven through the music now.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck




More About Rodney Wilson:

http://rodwilsonmusic.com

Some moments in our lives can cause us to reflect and realign our priorities. Such a moment touched me in August of 2014. While flying back and forth from Atlanta to New York City every other week for work, I occasionally felt a burning tingling sensation in my arms. I had ignored it thinking I had a pinched nerve from the heavy back pack I was using. As the sensations became more frequent, I finally decided to make an appointment with my doctor while I was home.

The following Monday, my doctor agreed it was possible that a pinched nerve could cause these sensations in my arms. But to be safe I would take a stress test that same week. I was scheduled to be back in NYC the following week and then on to Hawaii for a long overdue vacation. On that Thursday, much to my surprise, the stress test put me into a whirl wind chain of events that quickly culminated into a 5 way heart bypass surgery. 

While I was shocked, I was assured that all would go well because I was strong, not over weight, ate well, exercised, did not smoke and had not suffered damage to my heart from a heart attack so I was a perfect open heart candidate. Fortunately, all went well with the surgery and my recovery process. 

As I became far more informed about my true condition in the weeks ahead, I discovered I had been a ticking time bomb. I had to accept that I had heart disease. Had I known all I know now, I would have been far more fearful going into the surgery. I began to reflect on how naïve I had been. Slowly I began to take in the miracle God had given me. Except for His mercy to circumvent an imminent heart attack I should not be alive today. He also surrounded me with exceptional doctors and a wonderful medical staff. One of the fruits of my reflection was the birth of this album “For His Good Pleasure”.

After my recovery, I decided that I needed to record some music as a legacy for my family and for my grandchildren. The music is about the messages I wanted to share with them. As the recording project progressed, I felt deep stirrings of inspiration flowing into new melodies, fostering a deep awareness of God’s favor and His pleasure with the music. I felt the same emotion as was scripted by Colin Welland in “Chariots of Fire” attributed to the great Olympian runner, Eric Liddell, “God made me fast. And when I run I feel His Pleasure.” At one point in the project, I suddenly understood that the compositions were far more significant than I had originally conceived. I knew why I must continue. Within the level of giftedness I was given, for as long as He blesses me with melody, I will continue to create music, “For His Good Pleasure.”

Rod Wilson

Instrumental Track Review: Bill Leslie-Gaelic Ghost

Inspiration for music can take many forms. With the release of Bill Leslie's new album Across The Water the energy was gathered by taking a trip to Ireland. 

"Gaelic Ghost" is the subject of interest on this feature. Leslie and his band take you on a journey across the pond to another land, one with an ancient history, rolling green hills and beautiful sites and sounds. Yes, the Emerald Isle is given a wonderful tribute in this enchanting track.

Tender notes from acoustic guitar lead the way as other instruments join in it becomes a celebration of life and all its glory. The flute is alluring as it can be when it mesmerizes and pulls you in like the tides of the ocean.

"Gaelic Ghost" was the perfect selection from Bill to introduce you to his new release. Have yourself a good listen and let it sweep you away...enjoy the ride!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck


More About Bill Leslie: 
http://www.billleslie.com

A trip to Scotland and a concert by the contemporary Celtic group Nightnoise paved the way for my music genre today. I heard someone play the Celtic whistle on the side of the road near Inverness and fell in love with the haunting sound. No one in Raleigh could teach me how to play the whistle so I taught myself using books, cassettes and videotaped instructions. I bought a multi-track recorder and began laying guitar tracks. I blended guitar with whistle and piano tracks. Soon I built a full-fledged studio at my home. I co-founded a Celtic fusion band Bragh Adair featuring guitar, whistle, violin, piano, bass and percussion. We played for nearly four years and produced two wonderful albums "Grace in Stone" and "The Hunt" which can be purchased on this website. We had some outstanding concerts at Meymandi Hall, Grandfather Mountain, Johnston County, Cary Academy and Red Springs. It was very sad when the group featuring Mary Page Johnson and Kerry Johnson folded in 2002. They are terrific musicians.

Track Feature: Peter Calandra-First Light

Peter Calandra's new release First Light (release date 9/21/15) features more intriguing instrumentals from the long time composer and musician.

The title track is in focus on this feature. The song is very descriptive and suits the title perfectly. Gentle piano invites you in at the gates of dawn and then as the sun rises over the mountain one by one different instruments are introduced and bring the song together and wake you with splendor.

I have no other way of explaining how this music sounds or feels, it certainly did make me realize I had the promise of a new day ahead. This is a pure and natural progression in music that immediately translated to feelings.

Listen and see what it does for you.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck-5/5 Stars



More About Peter Calandra:

http://www.petecalandramusic.com

Peter Calandra is a New York City-based composer and keyboard player. He has scored 40 films including: Pat XO (2013 ESPN), BearCity2 (2012 Sharp Left), OWLAG Documentary (2012 Harpo, Lookalike), Unlikely Animal Friends 3-7 (2011-2012 NAtional Geographic) Rise (2010, Lookalike Productions, USFSA), Unmatched (2010 Lookalike Productions, ESPN), Dreams At The End Of A Rope (2010 Remy Award, Houston Film Festival), Red Right Wrong (2009 Stock’s-Eye Films) Let It Out The Movie (2008 Lookalike Productions, Kleenex, USOC) Night Into Day (2008 Lookalike Productions, Selection 2008 Los Angeles Short Film Festival), Trip To The Planetarium (2008 Licorne Films, Selection Cannes Film Festival) The Sickness (2007 Antidote Films) Jellysmoke (Winner 2005 Los Angeles Film Festival, Nominee 2006 Independent Spirit Award), Unknown Soldier (2004 CL Productions feature film, Winner 2004 Los Angeles and Philadelphia Film Festivals, Nominee 2005 Independent Spirit Award). 

He has scored television projects for National Geographic, Sesame Workshop, ABC-Touchstone, NBC, FOX Sports, A&E, and the Discovery Networks. He has also written over 1800 compositions for television broadcast including 37 theme packages for shows on Fox Sports Net, ESPN, Bravo, Discovery, ABC, Comcast Sports Net, Madison Square Garden Network, SNY and The Big Ten Network. His music is heard hundreds of times daily on both network and cable television all over the world. Peter spent 10 years as the Keyboard 1 player for the Broadway production of Miss Saigon. He also toured the U.S.A playing Keyboard 1 with Les Miserables and performed in the Broadway Production of Phantom Of The Opera.

Featured Track: Kerani - Equilibrium

Kerani composes and performs Neo Classical New Age music. 

"Equilibrium" which is also the title of her latest release, is the focus here. The title says it all. We need balance and peace in our lives to be sensitive and aware human beings.

I listened to the track before embarking on my daily life and I can say very strongly that it did help me get in a good frame of mind and relax me to help face the coming day's challenges. I can also see how it would help me wind down once the day was through as well.

Listen to  "Equilibrium" you will be glad that you did!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck Rating 5/5


More About Kerani:

http://www.kerani.nl/index.html

Using her piano and synthesizers in conjunction with an array of orchestral instruments played by accomplished European musicians, Kerani creates musical storytelling that captures people, places, moments in history and passionate feelings. Occasionally she adds subtle vocalizations to further create a mood. With Equilibrium, her fourth album, she solidifies her position as one of the top keyboardists, composers and arrangers in the neo-classical and new age music genres. Her previous album, Arctic Sunrise, went to #2 on the international Zone Music Reporter Chart for this type of music, got airplay on hundreds of radio stations worldwide, was a Top 10 album on the annual ZMR rankings and won the ZMR Neo-Classical Album of the Year Award.

Track Feature: Michael Stribling-A Better Place

Michael Stribling's new album A Better Place was released this month and the title track says it all. If you are looking for a better place and space than what you are in presently, this music will take you there.

The inviting sounds are a great way to start your day as I just found out. The textures and colors brought forth are mesmerizing and pleasant as any new age music I have heard and I look forward to enjoying the entire album.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck 5/5 Stars

Listen Now!

 More About Michael:
 http://www.leela-music.com

I started piano lessons at age 7, and I also studied violin, clarinet, and guitar for a time. But when the Beatles arrived in America in 1964, I switched to drums and never looked back. I earned a Bachelors in Music (emphasis in percussion performance) in 1974, and then promptly went on the road and played drums for a fella named Johnny Mathis. Before that, though, I was a radio announcer in the early '70s for what would now be referred to as a Classic Rock station (Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, etc.). Along the way, I did lots of studio work as a performer, composer/arranger, producer, engineer, etc., and I also played lots of musical theater productions.

In 1981, I changed careers and went off to graduate school, leaving music behind, and eventually becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in 1992. I worked in the mental health field for many years. One of the most memorable experiences of that part of the journey was studying transpersonal psychology with Stan Grof. I returned to my first love (music) in 2005 after—what else?—life transitions. After all those years and projects, working for others, I finally decided it was time to produce an album "all by myself".

Some of my musical influences (among many, many others) include The Beatles, Jan Hammer, Vangelis, Paul Winter et al., Pat Metheny, Patrick O'Hearn, Steve Roach, J. S. Bach, Igor Stravinsky, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan, The Mahavishnu Orchestra, Chick Corea, Peter Gabriel, Frank Zappa (heck, this could get ridiculously long). While there have been many life/spiritual influences, here are the most significant ones over the past couple of years: David R Hawkins, John Diamond, Eckhart Tolle, Lester Levenson, Wayne Dyer, Jack Canfield, Lao-tzu (again, among many others).

That brings me up to now. I formed Leela Music (leela means "divine play") to undertake a very simple mission: to help others in their journey toward wholeness through the gift of music, by creating works that inspire and uplift the human spirit.

Track Evaluation: Fiona Joy-Invisible Train

Fiona Joy has enjoyed tremendous success as a pianist and producer. She joins forces with renowned  producer/engineer Cookie Marenco for her first solo piano album, Signature – Solo, originally recorded in hi-resolution for the audiophile market and one track is presented here in MP3 format for the masses to enjoy.

"Invisible Train" is one of the tracks on the new release. The piano dances and swirls around you and it becomes easy to picture a sleek train rolling down the tracks of your mind. The key is that it's visible only to you, it is what the music can create for only you.

Fiona's fingers bring joy, wonder and the mystery of heaven all at the same time. One listen to "Invisible Train" and you know that she has once again created some magic!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck Rating 5/5


More About Fiona Joy:

http://www.fionajoy.com

About the Album: Signature – Solo

With this new album, Fiona Joy explores the idea of maintaining magic in our lives, even when life itself gets in the way. Her wistful vocals and passionate piano sing to that small place in everyone’s heart, the place where fairytales linger, and where we find the strength to meet reality with grace. From the delicacy of “Little Star”, the complex rhythms of “'Ceremony”, the sophistication of the title track “Signature” to the deeply emotive solo version of “Grace”, Fiona's writing has been called a cross between George Winston's simple melodies and Ludovico Einaudi's musical sophistication. A solo piano album for the discerning listener, performed on an impeccably-refurbished Steinway from the 1800s and produced by Cookie Marenco for Tiny Island Music (a division of the Blue Coast Music Group).

Track Evaluation: Ryan Stewart-Under The Willow

With Ryan Stewart's new album One Journey there are many others wrapped up inside. Upon closer inspection of the word One you find so much more. The many things that are important to us and make life worth living.

"Under The Willow" is but one chapter in that book of life. The beautiful music formulated with piano and the addition of simply angelic vocals will bring you peace and instant contentment.

The visuals in the video are a good depiction of what the music is trying to say.

Sit back and listen to this slice of heaven now!

MuzikMan Rating: 5/5

More About Ryan Stewart

http://www.ryanstewartmusic.com

Ryan Stewart’s passion is music. He has come a long way from the child who was expected to practice the piano before playing with friends, or the teenager who spent his lunch hour playing the piano on the stage at his local high school. Stewart has now fulfilled a third album release “One Journey”, a collection of 13 original compositions ranging from piano solos to fully painted orchestral works.

Raised in Salt Lake City, Stewart says his mother is his inspiration. A classically trained pianist herself, she wanted to share her love of music with her children. Sadly, she passed away from breast cancer when he was just 13. Stewart says this was a poignant moment in his life and he realized the gift she had given to him. He said, “As a teenager I missed her and I would sit at the piano and play and think about her.” His father encouraged him to continue to pursuing his talent.

After graduating from high school, Stewart was awarded a full-ride scholarship in music to the University of Utah. He perfected his piano skills as he studied, played and taught piano lessons. He especially enjoyed teaching students with an affinity for composition and song writing. Although Stewart eventually left the music department and pursued a career in computers, he never lost his desire to compose and play the instrument he loves. Today, his spare time is spent with music, and his passion has become something his wife, Cindy, and their two daughters cherish when spending time together..

Ryan’s greatest ambition is to combine his love of computers with music to create compositions for the entertainment industry, particularly in film. He has a gift for orchestrating just about anything, beginning with a concerto he wrote at the age of 17. He has composed and arranged music for film documentaries, Cellist Stephen S. Nelson (The Piano Guys), Paul Cardall, Facebook, several dance studios, and several others.

Track Evaluation: Philip Wesley-Union

Philip Wesley's "Union" is the meeting of a man and his piano and how the sounds produced through that instrument can create beauty and reverberate in the human spirit.

This song will touch your soul in some way, and that is exactly what the artist wants to do. His goal is for people to listen and Transcend any problems or obstacles one may have in their lives through his music.

MuzikMan Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Free EPK from ReverbNation.com

 

More About Philip Wesley:
http://philipwesley.com

Philip Wesley’s music has been featured in radio, TV, film and print. It can be found on many of today’s most popular platforms including Pandora, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, and CDBaby. His music continues to dominate his genre of ‘New Age’ music and reached #1 on the iTunes charts, The Top 100 on Amazon, Best Seller at CD Baby, and most recently #12 on the Billboard Charts (New Age Catalog Chart) Charting with ‘The Piano Guys’ and ‘Jim Brickman’ The music reviewer ‘Reviews New Age’ recently called Philip’s album Dark Night of the Soul one of the “50 Greatest New Age Albums of All Time.”

Transcend is Philip Wesley's 7th solo piano album and is about overcoming problems and obstacles in life. Not just overcoming them, but rising so far above and beyond them that they seem insignificant and a distant memory. This album is also about having the courage to change, to face and overcome your fears, and pursuing the people, places, and things in life that captivate you.

A dynamic album with a rich, dark ambient piano sound. Ranging from contemporary/new age to classical crossover. An emotionally powerful album from start to finish. 

Featured New Age Artist: David Wahler

David Wahler's music transports you to another place, where it is serene and beautiful, unencumbered by any outside influences.

This is healing music. Get ready to relax and take a trip to heaven! Listen to "Night Sky of Orion" for a taste of what is to come.

His upcoming album Spiritus is sure to make waves as its predecessors did.




More About David Wahler:
http://www.davidwahler.com 

David Wahler began his musical career at the age of 7 playing the piano “by ear.” Years of summer music clinics and academies at various universities culminated in his studying piano performance at Lawrence University Conservatory of Music and Mannes College of Music in New York. David then began serving as a musical director off Broadway. In the Chicago area, he played with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra as well as teaching music appreciation to disadvantaged and handicapped children. 

David released his first album, Antiquus, in the spring of 2009. The CD was met with instant accolades from the reviewers. He placed number one on ZMR (Zone Music Reporter) charts for the month of July, and was the highest ranking debut album in the history of the charts. Antiquus was selected by numerous websites as “one of the best New Age CD’s of 2009”, as well as placing third on ZMR’s Top 100 Most Played Albums of 2009. Antiquus was also nominated for four Zone Music Awards for 2009, including Best Album and Best New Artist, going on to win Best New Artist. 

David’s second album, A Star Danced, released March 1, 2010, was met with the following praise from RJ Lannan, reviewer with Zone Music Reporter. “Contemporary ambient artist David Wahler, musically takes us beyond earthly boundaries on his newest release, A Star Danced . It is music that celebrates the joy of living on a celestial scale. I give it a stellar recommendation.”

Nominated by ZMR Awards as Best Album, Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, A Star Danced went on to win Best Meditation & Relaxation Album of 2010. Secret Dream, David’s third album, was released in 2013 by New World Music.

New Age Instrumental Review: Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman-Winds of Samsara

Release Date: July 2014

Label: Listen 2 Africa

Website

If you are looking for an album of peace and positivity, look no further than Winds of Samsara. Over one hundred and twenty stellar musicians went into the making of this epic album of love and light. Featuring tracks highlighting the lives of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi amongst others, Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman have created a pattern of starry skies and moonlit wonders as vast as the heavens. 

Some of the contributing artists are: Wouter Kellerman (flute, fife), Ricky Kej (bass, keyboard), Ciro Hurtado (guitar), Prakash Sontakke (vocals, Hawaiian guitar), Vanil Veigas (keyboard, Santoor), Keerthy Narayan (keyboard, orchestral arrangements, synth), Cochin Chamber (string section), Manoj George (choral arrangements), Bangalore Women’s Choir (choir), Varsha Gowda (percussion), Lamine Sonko (vocals), Janine Maunder (vocals), Angela Librandi (vocals), Joe Creighton (vocals), Tholsi Pillay (keyboard), Gopi (Indian vocals), Mauritz Lotz (guitar, programming), Vinnie Henrico (drums), Veena Biju, Chaithra HG (vocals), Gayathri Suresh (vocals), Denny Lalouette (bass) and many others. This album is chock full of amazing performers who light up the album with their talents. If I could give a higher score than 5/5 I would in a heartbeat. 

“Heaven is Here” begins with eloquent meditative flute sounds paired with atmospheric spaces and chanting. The keyboards bring balance, as do the Santoor, bass flute, Sitar and percussive elements. The highlights for me were the soothing feminine vocals from Alexis D’Souza and scat vocals from Jyoti Venkatraman. Kej and Kellerman are simply rapturous in this piece. Heaven could not sound any more soothing or in tune. The textures layer and weave in amongst themselves to band into a cohesive sound fit for the ears of the angels themselves.

“Remembrance” also named “Greensleeves” is a classic we have heard many times before. Just not quite like this. Edgy flute blended with hollow sounds and ethereal landscapes brings this piece to life. Synth, guitar, bass, piano, cello, the magical Sitar, drums and soothing vocals twist and wind around you like a vine from a village hidden in time. This piece brings to mind the elegant ladies of medieval days and Renaissance fairs. 

“Nocturne” is the final track on the album and features classical pianist Michael Lewin. Kej, Kellerman and Lewin have quite the reenactment of Chopin’s composition. There is a fusion here of flute and piano with vocals drifting in and out like cloud formations. Emotionally infused, this piece will take you back in time to memories of things loved and lost and found again. It is simply breathtaking.

Winds of Samsara is a breathtaking effort by hundreds of artists and it stands out in a crowd. In many New Age albums, one track leads into another without much to distinguish between the pieces. This is not the case here. Each composition stands for something and is audibly different. From a tribute to Nelson Mandela to a resurgence of Chopin’s magnificence, this album captures classic sound and infuses it with Indian influences; World Music, unique instruments and vocals that will make your heart sing or weep as the emotion takes you. I have listened to it for over a week and have not gotten tired of it once. Let this album wake you up in the morning and tuck you in at night. It is a soothing cup of tea for the soul and I highly recommend it.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Heaven is Here, Remembrance, Nocturne

Tracks:
 01. Mahatma (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
02. New Earth Calling (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
03. Crystal Moon (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
04. Madiba (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
05. Longing (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
06. Heaven Is Here (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
07. River of Time (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
08. Eyes of Wonder (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
09. Remembrance (Greensleeves) (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
10. Journey to Higher Grounds (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
11. Mountain Solitude (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
12. Desert Wind (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
13. Grace (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman featuring Fiona Joy)
14. Nocturne (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman featuring Michael Lewin)
 

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

July 10, 2014

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

New Age Instrumental Review: John Luttrell-The Dream Exchange

Release Date: May 1, 2014

Label: Independent

Website

John Luttrell is a composer, singer-songwriter, producer, and performer. His original compositions range from ambient instrumentals to solo piano and guitar to progressive rock. He is the founder of OtterSong Records and Atmospheric Music and he has a series of solo releases as well as group projects that has released over the years. John has written the score and created original soundtrack music for several films, documentaries, and multimedia projects. 

The Dream Exchange is his new release and the best way to describe what you will hear is auditory bliss and atmospheres to set the mind, body and soul at ease, a literal musical cloud of beauty and grace. All tracks are composed, performed, and produced by John Luttrell, except “Interstellar Dust” co-written by John Luttrell and David Veirs and the album mastering is by Bryan Carrigan.

For those interested in gear here is a list of what John used on the recording: 

Guitars - Fender Strat w/Roland GR-55 Guitar Synth and Digitech RP7, Line6 Variax 600 w/Line6 Pod XT, Gibson SJ Kristofferson acoustic, Aria AK-75 classical acoustic, Alamo Fiesta electric, various mandolins and ethnic stringed instruments.

Keyboards - Alesis QS7, Arturia KeyLab 61, Sequential Circuits SixTrak, Moog/Realistic MG-1, Alesis Quadrasynth S4.

Effects - Zoom Studio 1201, Behringer Composer Pro-XL, Boss Flanger.

This is new age instrumental having one of its finest hours. As an individual that appreciates many types of instrumental recordings I was easily drawn into this music. The other factor that I find very appealing is the ambient soundscapes he creates with keyboards and guitars accentuated by many other sounds that color the music so beautifully. The relaxing tones and colors give you immediate pleasure and provide a release valve for any tension or stress that you may be feeling. Any negativity that may be surrounding you or taking space inside your head will melt away like butter dripping off a hot muffin right out of the oven.

In and around the tracks are the sounds of nature as well - tweeting birds and the whispering winds beckoning you away, anywhere your heart may desire. You are invited to a place of peace and rest for your soul as your ears are enveloped in sound, the mind and body follow in short order. “The Orange Sky” begins the album with pictures of soft light and beauty as the artist paints broad strokes of sound on his ever growing multicolored canvas. From that point forward the journey of blissfulness continues unencumbered by distractions of everyday life. It comes as no surprise to this listener how Luttrell creates film scores. “On Gossamer Wings” is the perfect track to furnish light airy sounds that will just pick you up off your feet as you float away on a cloud of delicate sounds and pleasure. The title track adequately describes without words what this album is about with its ambient keyboards, gentle guitar enunciations, which act as an open invitation to aural paradise.

This is music for the senses, the kind of listener experience that will lighten your load and give you freedom. Your spirit is free to fly away on The Dream Exchange. The title says it all; you exchange your worries and cares for a dream like ride above it all, like a vacation provided by sound so effective that you actually can be somewhere else. That is music that is doing what it is supposed to do, transporting you to where you really want to be right now.

Throughout our lives we share our dreams with family and friends, and they share their dreams with us. If we're lucky we're able to help them activate and achieve their dreams and also work on achieving our own. How wonderful it is to experience and share in this Dream Exchange. - John Luttrell, April 2014

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: On Gossamer Wings, The Orange Sky, The Dream Exchange

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

April 23, 2014

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks: 
01.The Orange Sky
02.The Sphere
03.Dreamcast
04.On Gossamer Wings
05.Interstellar Dust
06.The Dream Exchange
07.Somnambulistic Journey
08.Ethereal Raga
09.Away
10.Wandering
11.Inland Returned
12.With You