Classical/Jazz Review: Alan Storeygard-Jazz Meets The Classics

Genre: Jazz/Classical

Release Date: April 21, 2017

Label: Church Jazz

Website

Alan Storeygard is a pianist, composer, arranger, and family doctor. Some of the musicians that have been inspirational to him and have influenced his music are Ramsey Lewis, Dave Brubeck, and Oscar Peterson.  Is it unusual to find someone in the medical profession that doubles as professional musician? I would say it is not a common occurrence but certainly one that is not unusual in indie music. It is also very common in the indie world where an individual holds a steady day job and has a secondary passion that is pursued. I get it because I am one of those people that leads a double life.

A passion can drive you, commit you and enable you to accomplish things you never thought were possible. Anyone that is fortunate enough to be in that frame of mind and reaches their goals is blessed. Secondly those that share that passion with others understand they are very fortunate and remain humble. This is what Alan Storeygard does on his fifth release titled Jazz Meets The Classics.

The piano is the perfect instrument to present a classical piece and when it intersects with jazz it is reborn into a different musical universe. This does not dismiss the very foundation that allowed this all to happen though. I came to realize over the years taking a deep dive into several genres, that classical music is the progenitor of all music.  Everything has started with it and the influences are found in every genre one way or another. Jazz is a cousin that took that foundation of sound and redesigned it with different tempos and flavors. What Alan does in the nine tracks presented here is illustrate that with some superlative piano arrangements. By maintaining the classical building blocks then rearranging and cross pollinating it, a jazz flavor emerges. It works very well and to be honest I absolutely loved it.

I do not think you can look at a diverse individual like Alan Storeygard and paint him into a corner. Not only because of his eclectic approach to life but how he takes that journey into the music.  He creates a unique blend of sounds while incorporating musical traditions. He gives the due respect to his influences and the masters that have come and gone and injects new blood and a personal passion that is beyond reproach.

Jazz Meets The Classics was a refreshing look at time tested musical genius interpreted by a free spirited and creative individual not afraid to step beyond any boundaries. With that attitude he opens new doors to a listening audience that otherwise may pass on classical music. This was a well thought out project with some excellent musicianship to drive forward some new ideas. It all reached its fruition, providing a result that is very satisfying.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 30, 2017

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Tracks:
1. Prelude in C-Sharp Minor (feat. Eric Chesher)
2. The Moldau Symphony (feat. Danny Fletcher)
3. Beethoven's Ninth Symphony
4. Ballade 1 in G-Minor / Nocturne 2 in E-Flat / Waltz 6 in D-Flat
5. The Star-Spangled Banner with Italian Ending (From "Nessun Dorma")
6. Second Piano Concerto (feat. Eric Chesher)
7. Allessio's Song (From "The Tales of Hoffmann")
8. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
9. First Piano Concerto (feat. Eric Chesher)

Instrumental New Age-Classical Review: Keith Gehle-Space and Time

Release Date: June 15, 2016

Label: Independent

Website

Keith Gehle is a classically trained guitarist. From my experience listening to those that come from that realm, it does make a difference and has a very positive effect on the music presented. Everything started with classical music. There is always that foundation from which everything is born and then a wellspring of creativity is then realized. Many different genres have sub genres however classical remains the rock that holds it all together.

With Space and Time Keith Gehle practices that very principal of building from a core foundation with great success. It is like taking a book filled with blank pages and populating it with images, thoughts and atmospheres to create the all-encompassing work of art. This process can only be imagined through each individual artist and then translated to the strings of a guitar or any other instrument. 

If you are familiar with the famous instrumental by Mason Williams titled “Classical Gas” you can hear the potential to create something like that on this recording. Keep in mind that song is unique and played at a very high level of proficiency. Even though most of Keith’s music comes at you in a leisurely pace, I can still envision him playing a song like that. His fingers do all the talking and invite you to let your mind do all the walking. Walking in a relative sense…in sync with the music as it pulls you in and influences a good feeling and sense of wellbeing.

Each track melts into the other seamlessly. There are 11 tracks in total on Space and Time and each one is a gorgeous representation of the new age and classical genre meeting half way to create a successful marriage of sound.

“Walking” was a favorite among an entire album of favorites. There was not one track I could not appreciate. The simplicity, delicacy and arrangements were superb.  “Walking,” which I mentioned previously had an impact because of the title and what it implies. It is like taking that inner journey yet floating along on your feet to another destination with complete satisfaction and joy. Although in this instance it was a mental exercise, I can see myself listening to this music walking, sitting or driving. This is what I can get from one track by looking at the title and listening to the music and putting the two together. I then find a relation or common ground through my own thought process and spirituality. There are no instructions or preconceived ideas to expect before playing this music, just turn it on and let the process happen.

Thank you, Keith Gehle for the nice walk and the atmospheres you created along the way.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 10, 2017

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Tracks: 
01.  Waiting for the Sun
02.  Lavender Sky
03.  November Memories
04.  The Escaping Light
05.  Thanksgiving Day
06.  Tone Poem No. 6 (Space and Time)
07.  Girl on a Swing
08.  Walking
09.  My Setting Sun
10.  Cooper’s Creek
11.  Tone Poem No. 2 (Stars of the Desert Sky)
 

Instrumental New Age/Classical Review: Terry Lee Nichols-At Peace Beneath the Shade of My Father’s Tree

Release Date: August 19, 2016

Label: Heart Dance Records

Website

Terry Lee Nichols first release has a very long and descriptive title. At Peace Beneath the Shade of My Father’s Tree is a great title actually, and if you look at that title and the cover of the CD, you can see a story. So without ever hearing the music there is something happening. I would have to say that is a very good start.

Terry said: “I tried to create a soundscape/film score backdrop that reflected specific events throughout my life.” That statement tends to put it all into proper perspective for the listener.

There are 17 tracks that move along at a brisk pace. It seemed like before I knew it I was on track 6. This is because I was really enjoying what I was hearing. Being swept away by the music and hearing the story narrated by all the instruments is a beautiful thing.

The title track opens the door to the great outdoors pictured on the cover of the album. The music ushers in the atmosphere and sets the tone like any good opener should. First impressions are everything when you are listening to an album. I have always believed when you open that curtain to your audience, you better make an impact real soon or you will lose them…Terry Lee gets the job done. He captivates you and captures your spirit and imagination. Personal experiences of joy and emotional pain bring about many things and music can be the universal translator.

“Timekeeper” clocks in, no pun intended, at 3:07 and the pace is like that of a watch keeping good time. The piano rolls along but ever so delicately while bringing the listener to the end of the line in the most intentionally gentle way. The ride goes by much too fast but you are so appreciative. Short and sweet, this track makes a good impression from start to finish much like all of its predecessors.

The musicianship is outstanding on this recording and it definitely is the kind of quality music you would hear on a grade A film. It also provides deep relaxation and a thought process that is more clear and precise than you could have during a busy day at work. It is not easy to empty out what is between your ears, and music such as this gives you carte blanche to do so.

I have heard such gorgeous instrumental music this year, it moves me, makes me reflective, grateful, happy, sad, reminiscent, basically the entire range of human emotion is prompted to rise within me and the music is my escort. That to me is the key to success with any recording.

“On My Way To See The Dancing Sisters Figg” is an upbeat track with Celtic World flavor with a nod to the classical genre however it ends up an amalgamation of them all and then becomes an instrumental new age masterpiece. It is a short jaunt coming in at 2:57 but I felt an injection of joy with a hint of the past smiling at me as it faded away. This was one of my favorites for its sparkling movements and how it changed my melancholy mood into joy in an instant. Once again the power of the music took me away and had a strong influence on my senses and reaction to the vibrations. 

“Sailing” is wonderful melody like a bright sunny day with a clear blue sky and I did just sail away with it. It also gave me the gift of freedom and spirituality. I always loved sailing on the lake with my father, god rest his soul. Joy with a hint of sadness is what I felt but the thoughts of freedom of the wind and waves gave me chills. It was all good so thank you Terry Lee.

At Peace Beneath the Shade of My Father’s Tree is real triumph for the maiden voyage of artist Terry Lee Nichols. Putting out something so inspired and precise for a first album is an amazing accomplishment. The future certainly looks bright for this gentleman.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: At Peace Beneath the Shade of My Father’s Tree, Timekeeper, On My Way To See The Dancing Sisters Figg


Tracks: 
01. At Peace Beneath the Shade of My Father's Tree
02. Only You
03. Follow Me
04. Reflections
05. Appassionato
06. Timekeeper
07. Train to Dachau
08. Pamela's Time
09. On My Way To See The Dancing Sisters Figg
10. A Winter's Tale
11. Sailing
12. Crossroads
13. A Curious Life
14. Last Train Home
15. Autumn
16. Lullaby
17. Requiescat
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 23, 2016

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New Age/Classical Review: David Lanz & Kristin Amarie-Silhouettes Of Love

Release Date: October 6, 2015

Label: Dkl Records

Website

Grammy nominated David Lanz has been thrilling fans for decades. His newest album with Kristin Amarie, Silhouettes of Love is a jazzy blend of classical and New Age sound.

“The Soaring Heart” is the first piece on the album. Filled with chimes, bells, string, piano movements and the playful sound of Kristen’s voice as she highlights the already perfect multi-instrumental experience. This track is a landscape of audible artistry and one I never get tired of listening to. Beautiful. Simply beautiful.

“Circles Round the Moon” begins with tender piano movements and the kiss of chimes. Kristen’s voice descends watching over her loved one like an angel. She hears her love singing, melodies drifting by as she ponders whether it is stardust or merely a dream. This song is a tender fairy tale of moments buried deep in the night as her true love’s arms wrap her in his embrace.

“Beatrice and Dante” is a song based on the Divine Comedy written by Dante Alighieri and the woman that haunted him during her life and her untimely death. Dante met Beatrice as a child and never forgot her, leading the two to fall in love despite being married off to different people. When she died at the young age of twenty four, he was devastated. His only recourse was poetry and he invokes her in two portions of his trip through the levels of Hell. 

This piece has a haunting quality, with the twisting piano and string combinations. Down and down into the bowels of the earth Dante wanders as he hears his true love’s breath on his ear. Waiting. Longing. Eternity in a state of passion that can never fully be fulfilled. Only words remain but neither can let go of their love for the other, despite one being dead and the other trapped in the land of the living. Dante is deep in contemplation of the nature of Hell and those who deserve to reside there. The sweet song of Kristin Amarie gives voice to the lovely Beatrice as the music swirls around her and she vanishes into the darkness. “Want me. Need me. Speak to me words of love…”

“Silver Threads” is a song of grief. The threads that hold us together are not severed when death lays its cold hand on our lives. Love endures and sweetness envelopes the heart as moments are remembered. Piano blended with multi-instrumentation bring the stark feeling to life. Kristin’s voice is the sound of a breaking heart desperately clinging to the happy moments and facing the future without the person you held so dear. 

Silhouettes of Love is a journey of emotion that covers many musical genres. At times Classical, jazzy and New Age it touches us all with memories and tender, wistful sentiments. David Lanz, Kristin Amarie and the host of musicians working with them on this project have outdone themselves. The melodies constructed are masterful and exude emotion and Kristin’s voice…as I have said before, an angel must be missing from heaven.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: The Soaring Heart, Circles Round the Moon, Beatrice and Dante, Silver Threads

Tracks: 
01. The Soaring Heart
02. The Promise
03. Circles Round the Moon
04. Falling
05. Found By Love's Return
06. Lady On the Shore
07. Silhouette of Love
08. Our Illusion
09. Amore Eterno (Redux)
10. Beatrice and Dante
11. Waiting for the Sun
12. So in Love
13. Silver Threads (Without You)
 

DanaWright, Sr. Staff Writer

December 17, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

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