Instrumental Stream: Pianochocolate-Blueberry Album

Thanks to the Free Music Archive I discovered this wonderful music from Russia -  Check Out Pianochocolate and their recent release Blueberry now.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

Pianochocolate is an electronical musical project created in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, in 2008. Pianochocolate is an amazing combination of classical piano music, ambient electro rhythms and chocolate delights bringing the feeling of amorousness and tenderness. The project was created for those who try to escape from big city life with its vanity and fuss and sink into a world of sweet dreams and
pacification. In its new album Lilac Pianochocolate presents the new material that is more mature and wise, telling us about the things important for each of us with no words. Senses and emotions are the instruments making us feel better with the first few sounds of Pianochocolate music. It grows with its listeners, filling itself with new thoughts, visions and tints, giving us joy and happiness. READ MORE

http://pianochocolate.com

Holiday/New Age/Classical Review: Jennifer Thomas-Winter Symphony

Release Date: November 20, 2015

Label: Tickled Ivory Music

Website

Jennifer Thomas is a talented multidimensional artist. She is a composer, pianist and violinist with a lot of respect coming from her peers in the industry. With Winter Symphony she takes tradition and several genres and creates a magnificent soundtrack. The album is titled appropriately as it is a shimmering and magical journey. At times certain parts did remind me of Trans-Siberian Orchestra. I knew after hearing the first track that this recording was going to be prolific and moving.

The curtain opens to a spectacular unraveling of sound and color with “Angels We Have Heard On High (feat. The Ensign Chorus),” and the chorus indeed sounds like it was heaven sent.

The brilliance of “Carol of the Bells” opens the door to the Holiday with parts of a legendary track that come alive with cascading piano and orchestrations. Classical and New Age music merge with tradition for an entirely new universe of music for a listener to enjoy.

As an individual that gets inundated with Holiday music every year it becomes harder and harder to get my attention and any particular release to make a lasting impression. I have been fortunate this year to hear several great unconventional recordings that gave me a new perspective and outlook on this special Holiday season.

“Ice Dance” is a musical ballet with the grandeur of orchestrations, a choir and Jennifer’s tinkling and alluring piano strokes. It is quite beautiful…you can envision a lone ice skater joined by others as the song reaches its apex then winds down like a snow globe in your mind gently bringing it back to the singularity of purpose this dance represents.

As mature and distinct as this music is it can most certainly bring to light the child inside all of us. Remember when you were the wide eyed little girl/boy full of the wonder of Christmas morning? It is all here for you to absorb and hold in your heart for as long as you wish or to listen to again and again.

Winter Symphony needs a stage with actors to play out the parts of this engrossing musical story. I would not be surprised to see it all come to life on a stage or on the screen someday soon. If that does not happen I will surprised. There is so much going on in this music, it makes you feel alive and grateful for life and all there is to enjoy. The power of music proves once again that it can heal and change an attitude within minutes. The spirit of humanity and the holidays are alive and breathing in this music, do not miss it!

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Carol of the Bells, Angels We Have Heard On High (feat. The Ensign Chorus), Ice Dance

Tracks:
01. Angels We Have Heard On High (feat. The Ensign Chorus)
02. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
03. Carol of the Bells
04. Alleluia (feat. Felicia Farerre & The Ensign Chorus)
05. Ice Dance (feat. The Ensign Chorus)
06. I Saw Three Ships
07. Breath of Heaven
08. Theme from Home Alone (Somewhere in My Memory)
09. What Child Is This (feat. Taylor Davis)
10. Silent Night (feat. The Ensign Chorus)
11. Winter Symphony
12. O Holy Night

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

December 22, 2015

Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental/New Age/Classical Review: Tim Neumark-Galaxy-Solo Piano, Op.6

Release Date: May 1, 2015

Label: Indie

Website

Tim Neumark’s sixth release Galaxy-Solo Piano, Op.6 came out this May. The solo piano works of this talented musician are starting to stack up and it is most impressive. This is the second album I have had the pleasure to enjoy since the 2014 recording Storm.

Most recently we featured the beautiful track “Starlight” on Rate The Tracks. This would serve as an excellent introduction to this album and a fine way to pull you into the entire project.

  

This is very straight forward solo piano music that consist of parts new age and classical while doubling as a meditation guide or relaxation tool. Everyone needs to retreat from a hard day of work and let all of the stress and worrying role off your back and melt away. I wish I could just carry this calm and assuring feeling with me everywhere I went and with everything I do. When I hear music like this it provides a course to take and then I have the hope that I can attain that state of being.

The idea here is clear, one look at the cover of the CD and you get. Neumark calls this an Opus and indeed it is. The more I listen to each track as they flow into each other like a river with a purpose; you can understand why he calls it an Opus. “Orbit” illustrates this in the most profound way as it takes the listener from baby steps into the vastness of space to take a trip around the globe. In a musical sense that is exactly what it conveys and becomes. The progressions of his playing are nearly 5 minutes. Its beauty and pureness transcends anything that gets in the way whether it be a busy mind or unhealthy thoughts, the music prevails.

“The Inner Light” is another tapestry of delicate sounds and movement…like the stars, planets and vast galaxies in the universe. Your inner light will come shining through and you will be taking the voyage with Neumark through his fingers to the piano and directly to your soul, like a musical umbilical cord it connects you and feeds you as you grow in the womb of the music. 

I always connect the stars and the endless universe with birth and life itself - stardust we are indeed. I once had an experience on a birthday the year after my mother died that solidified this belief. I woke up and heard my mom say my entire name then I fell half asleep and felt a silver umbilical cord connecting me to the universe beyond. I know this sounds a little far-fetched for some folks but this really did happen to me and I will never forget it. 

The music on Galaxy-Solo Piano, Op.6 allowed me to remember that spiritual experience that changed me forever. Thank you Tim Neumark for seeing the beauty beyond humanity and how intrinsically connected we are to the stars. Bringing it to us through your music is a beautiful thing.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Starlight, Orbit, The Inner Light

Tracks:
01. Preludio
02. Starlight
03. Orbit
04. Perspective
05. Vast
06. Traveling Music
07. The Inner Light
08. Tapestry
09. Sweet Little Evening Melody
10. Night
11. Time's Arrow
12. What You Leave Behind
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

December 13, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental Solo Piano: Tim Neumark-Starlight

The album Galaxy is Tim Neumark's sixth release. Our focus track for the release is "Starlight." 

Already familiar with this gentleman's music it was easy for me to become enchanted once his fingers hit those wonderful ivory keys.

With "Starlight" Neumark creates heaven on earth. The simplicity is the beauty of the track and his flow and approach brings you through a river of emotions both elating and perhaps a touch of sadness as you reflect upon your innermost thoughts.

Simply put this is a gorgeous melody that should not be missed!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

More About Tim:

https://timneumark.com

Tim was born and raised in the Mid-Atlantic, spending much of his youth in Frostburg, Maryland. In his childhood and early adulthood his foremost passion was athletics, and he participated in baseball, basketball, tennis, soccer, and track. He also developed a taste for classical and new age music in his teenage years, but it wasn't until his later high school years that he discovered his talent for the piano.

For years, Tim travelled the country for work, frequently playing his own compositions in hotel lobbies. At the urging of his wife and others, he finally released his debut CD in 2007.

Tim currently lives with his wife and two daughters in the Washington, DC area.

About Tim's Music:

Tim composes solo piano music that is "emotional, beautiful music that tells a story." Featuring a combination of classical and new age styles, he has released six solo piano albums.

His 2014 album Storm was named Best Solo Piano Album of 2014 by One World Music. In addition, Storm was named one of the best CDs of 2014 by Audiosyncracy, received two Hollywood Music in Media Award (HMMA) nominations, and was nominated for Enlightened Piano Radio's 2014 Album of the Year award. His 2013 album Opus Four was nominated by SoloPiano.com for Classical/Neo-Classical album of the year and received two HMMA nominations. 

Tim's music can be heard on the following internet radio broadcasts (Note that these links open a new tab.)

• Pandora Internet Radio
• Whisperings Solo Piano Radio
• Shoutcast.com
• Sky.fm's Solo Piano Channel
• Enlightened Piano Radio

Galaxy (2015):

Galaxy is Tim's sixth CD, released in May 2015. This album includes all of the tracks from Tim's 2014-2015 track-a-month campaign. Galaxy was named Best Instrumental/Piano Album in June 2015 by The Akademia Music Awards.
Space... the final frontier... the tracks on this album are inspired by the awe and beauty of space. Almost a 50/50 mix of minor and major pieces, Galaxy includes both energetic pieces (Orbit, Perspective, Starlight) and calmer pieces to capture certain moods (Night, Time's Arrow, Vast). For the full background about this album and its tracks, see Galaxy: Behind the music.

Download the CD liner notes in PDF, or visit the store to buy the CD and sheet music.

Judy Collins’ 1974 Oscar Nominated Documentary About The First Female Conductor Of Major Orchestras To Be Re-Released On DVD!

Los Angeles, CA - Antonia: A Portrait Of The Woman, the celebrated documentary film about the first woman conductor of major orchestras in the U.S. and Europe, Antonia Brico, will be re-released on DVD this November. Folk music icon Judy Collins produced and co-directed this highly acclaimed 1974 Academy Award nominated documentary film, which explores themes of gender discrimination that are still highly relevant today. An unforgettable and inspiring figure, Brico faced hardship after hardship, overcoming enormous obstacles and prejudice to pursue her life's passion in the male-dominated field of classical conducting. Alongside co-director Jill Godmillow, Collins tells the story of Brico, her former piano teacher, with tremendous emotion and skill using both historic newsclippings as well as an in-depth interview with the Maestro herself. This 2015 Edition includes the feature-length film as well as bonus features including a photo gallery and commentary tracks, plus a brand new interview with Collins who reflects on the personal and professional impact of Brico’s life and pioneering spirit.

Also, for the first time ever, an official soundtrack has been put together featuring classical works by composers who inspired Antonia as well as a full 31-minute piano concerto conducted by Antonia with her Brico Symphony Orchestra. This special release also includes songs by Judy Collins specially selected by Collins as a tribute to her former mentor and piano teacher, Antonia Brico!

DVD CHAPTER LIST
Chapter 1: Past Acclaim
Chapter 2: The Brico Symphony
Chapter 3: Her Beginnings
Chapter 4: Desiring To Conduct
Chapter 5: The Berlin Philharmonic
Chapter 6: Rehearsal and Performance
Chapter 7: Her Heartbreak
Chapter 8: New York Women’s Symphony
Chapter 9: Seeking Recommendations
Chapter 10: Playing Her Instrument
Chapter 11: On Schweitzer
Chapter 12: Great Pianists and Conductors
Chapter 13: Ragtime
Chapter 14: End Credits

BONUS FEATURES
• Audio Recordings of Antonia Brico conducting
• Notes About The Film
• Notes About The Production
• Photo Gallery
• Judy Collins Commentary
• Studs Turkel Interview with Jill Godmillow
• 2015 Interview with Judy Collins

SOUNDTRACK
Track List:
1. Movie Clip 1: Liszt & Beethoven
2. Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
3. Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27.2 - 1st Movement “Moonlight”
4. Albatross - Judy Collins
5. Movie Clip 2: Conducting an orchestra
6-8. Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18 performed by Simon Barere with the Brico Symphony Orchestra; Antonia Brico conducting
9. Bach: Fantasy & Fugue in A Minor
10. Brahms: Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73 - 3rd movement
11. The Blizzard - Judy Collins
12. Movie Clip 3: Antonia & Judy sing ragtime

Buy the DVD: http://flyt.it/AntoniaDVD
Buy the CD soundtrack: http://flyt.it/AntoniaCDSoundtrack

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

Prog Rock Feature Stream: The Alea Dilemma-The Machine

alea (ey-lee-uh) n. - dice, a game of chance.

dilemma (di·lem·ma) n. - an argument presenting two or more equally conclusive alternatives against an opponent.

I would have to say the first term adequately describes the music industry! With all of that aside it is bands like the The Alea Dilemma and their new album Within The Clamor of Voices that keep it alive and worth pursuing. For fans of music and particularly progressive rock this album will be a find.

Danny Brymer (Guitars-Vocals), Ryan Sloan (Bass Guitar) and Todd Crookston (Drums) are a marvelous trio. Yes, only three men are making all this sound happen. 

The focus track is "The Machine." This is prog rock at its finest. The track runs a tad over 10 minutes and features the virtuosity of the musicians involved. Rock, Classical and Fusion collide and explode!

The changes the track goes through is a roller coaster ride of sound and textures.  It is the perfect prog journey. Listen to the stream so you can get a taste of The Alea Dilemma now!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck



More About The Alea Dilemma:

http://www.thealeadilemma.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html

 The Alea Dilemma is an eclectic progressive rock band based out of Kansas City, Missouri. The seeds of The Alea Dilemma were sown in Denver, Colorado in 2007 through the formation of Strativarium, a prog rock band which featured guitarist/vocalist Danny Brymer and bassist Ryan Sloan. 

After Strativarium folded in 2009 and the members moved to different locations, through a twist of fate, the two friends and former band mates ended up in the Kansas City area in 2013. Eager to reunite and make music again, they started a new progressive rock outfit calling themselves The Alea Dilemma. They began to write music and shortly added Todd Crookston on drums to complete the lineup. In January of 2015, they started recording their debut album, Within The Clamor of Voices. They also began to play the Kansas City rock circuit that spring. The Alea Dilemma plays progressive rock with complex jazz harmonic structures and a symphonic classical brilliance infused with a high energy rock sound. One can imagine the intricate instrumental interplay of Yes and Mahavishnu Orchestra, with the advanced harmonic progressions of Chick Corea and Steely Dan, held together by an aggressive rock sound akin to Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden, and King's X. 

The influence of classical composers such as Stravinsky, Bartok, and Bach cannot be mistaken either. Their music is characterized by their virtuosity as well as their intricate, yet emotionally engaging compositions. Through the unique amalgamation of styles and sounds through their chance encounter, they strive to produce their finest compositions and performances.

Prog Rock Stream: The Alea Dilemma-The Machine

alea (ey-lee-uh) n. - dice, a game of chance.

dilemma (di·lem·ma) n. - an argument presenting two or more equally conclusive alternatives against an opponent.

I would have to say the first term adequately describes the music industry! With all of that aside it is bands like the The Alea Dilemma and their new album Within The Clamor of Voices that keep it alive and worth pursuing. For fans of music and particularly progressive rock this album will be a find.

Danny Brymer (Guitars-Vocals), Ryan Sloan (Bass Guitar) and Todd Crookston (Drums) are a marvelous trio. Yes, only three men are making all this sound happen. 

The focus track is "The Machine." This is prog rock at its finest. The track runs a tad over 10 minutes and features the virtuosity of the musicians involved. Rock, Classical and Fusion collide and explode!

The changes the track goes through is a roller coaster ride of sound and textures.  It is the perfect prog journey. Listen to the stream so you can get a taste of The Alea Dilemma now!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck



More About The Alea Dilemma:

http://www.thealeadilemma.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html

 The Alea Dilemma is an eclectic progressive rock band based out of Kansas City, Missouri. The seeds of The Alea Dilemma were sown in Denver, Colorado in 2007 through the formation of Strativarium, a prog rock band which featured guitarist/vocalist Danny Brymer and bassist Ryan Sloan. 

After Strativarium folded in 2009 and the members moved to different locations, through a twist of fate, the two friends and former band mates ended up in the Kansas City area in 2013. Eager to reunite and make music again, they started a new progressive rock outfit calling themselves The Alea Dilemma. They began to write music and shortly added Todd Crookston on drums to complete the lineup. In January of 2015, they started recording their debut album, Within The Clamor of Voices. They also began to play the Kansas City rock circuit that spring. The Alea Dilemma plays progressive rock with complex jazz harmonic structures and a symphonic classical brilliance infused with a high energy rock sound. One can imagine the intricate instrumental interplay of Yes and Mahavishnu Orchestra, with the advanced harmonic progressions of Chick Corea and Steely Dan, held together by an aggressive rock sound akin to Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden, and King's X. 

The influence of classical composers such as Stravinsky, Bartok, and Bach cannot be mistaken either. Their music is characterized by their virtuosity as well as their intricate, yet emotionally engaging compositions. Through the unique amalgamation of styles and sounds through their chance encounter, they strive to produce their finest compositions and performances.

New Age Instrumental/Classical Review: Angelo Râpan-Songs of Leaving

Release Date: August 2105

Label: Indie

Website

Angelo Râpan has created a beautifully composed album titled Songs of Leaving. My introduction to this finely crafted recording was the track “Remember” which was featured on our Rate The Tracks site.

I was moved by this music, it hit me square in the heart. I thought about the title of the album then the tone and atmosphere of every track. If you listen carefully, the pace of each song can relate to something or someone leaving. Whether it be walking at a brisk pace or slowly turning back with a tear in one’s eye, or just cruising down a highway with a view of the coast …There is a song for each mood and place in time.

Angelo transfers his heart and soul through his incredibly talented fingers then creates music with the piano that is simply amazing. For the most part it is just the piano however you will hear a few different instruments peppered here and there such as the violin which can be an excellent companion of the piano. You will hear new age instrumental and classical influences coming through at every turn, and it is a wonderful mixture of sound and textures.

Once again I find myself at a loss to single out any one track that stands out above the rest as the entire album is superb from start to finish. The reason I say this is because each track seamlessly flows into the next. What this artist accomplishes within 8 tracks is like a moving musical storybook. Even though each one is different it ties into the next like a patchwork quilt with many colors and distinct purpose.

If you are in the mood for some soothing instrumental music to take the edge off and have the ability to really take stock of your inner most feelings and thoughts, Songs of Leaving will be the light at the end of the tunnel. Perhaps what it all means is that you can leave whatever it is that is preoccupying you behind and totally immerse yourself in this music. Whatever meaning you find in this music will certainly take you in a positive direction. It is worth several listens and I would be willing to bet will become one of your favorite instrumental albums to relax to this year.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

September 26, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental/Classical New Age Review: Karen Marie Garrett-It’s About Love

Genre: Instrumental/Classical New Age

Release Date: July 4, 2015

Label: Waterstreet Records & Publishing, Inc.

Website

Karen Marie Garrett is a nimble fingered pianist that combines elements of new age and classical to formulate beautiful solo instrumentals.

It’s About Love, her third studio release, is a 5 track recording that puts many things into focus.  So what is Love? Simply put it is a timeless word that encapsulates many feelings and emotions. It can have several meanings dependent on who you are and what your own personal interpretation is.

Ms. Garrett has a gift of interpreting that powerful word through her music. The five tracks that encompass this EP is a spiritual experience that many people will treasure. Her talent is apparent from the very beginning and it is consistent throughout this recording. While 5 tracks may not seem like much in this day and age of CDs coming out with 16-20 tracks it certainly makes a strong impression in the allotted time. For these ears that is the most important aspect of any listening experience. It is quality above quantity any day for my tastes and certainly I would not be the alone in that mindset.

It may be difficult for some folks to fathom how one takes piano music and makes it all sound like love. If you let yourself absorb the sounds it feels as natural as any other normal daily activity.  I am one that has an affinity to instrumental music so it is always a normal way of listening but even so if it was not, I believe I would be able to assimilate this music into love.

Karen Marie Garrett has created something beautiful and awe inspiring with It’s About Love and I would highly recommend you listen and let it work for you. This is no frills music that affords a listener both simplicity and elegance through sound. It will quickly relax you and make you feel renewed once you have opened the doorway to your heart. 

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Tracks: 
1. Abbie Marie
2. It’s About Love
3. Deschutes River Sunrise
4. Another Time
5. Mothers Prayer

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

August 18, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

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).

Progressive/Holiday Review: Trans-Siberian Orchestra-The Christmas Attic LP

Release Date: October 21, 2014

Label: Audio Fidelity

Website

Trans-Siberian Orchestra or what I like to refer to simply as TSO, have been one of my favorite progressive rock bands over the years for their original and engaging stories and amazing live shows. I have had the privilege of seeing them live twice and realized that was the only way to really appreciate this great band. They have accumulated a nice catalog of releases over the years as well.

Their second album The Christmas Attic originally released in 1998 was made available for the first time on this stunning 2 LP 180 gram vinyl set late last year by Audio Fidelity. Last year was also the first time they brought their recording to their lavish stage sets across the globe. I am sure it was a magnificent thing to witness.

For TSO it’s all about the visuals that go with music, or the visuals that dance to the music if you will. After growing up in the age of vinyl and seeing the digital world take over its meaning has become more important to many people including an entirely new generation ready to embrace the format. It’s is a nice thing to see happening. This is a gorgeous set with 2 sturdy 180 gram vinyl LPs remastered beautifully with a stunning and colorful 12 page booklet with all the lyrics and artwork housed in gatefold sleeves. Rock, progressive, and classical all intersect with a powerful punch throughout this release.

I think this band has reached its goal of providing a rock opera with progressive music many times over. By the time The Christmas Attic (the second of a trilogy) was released they had a successful formula that has grown and developed over the years into something far beyond what they could have imagined or hoped for.

Wherever you may reside on this planet you cannot help but feel the joy and wonderment of the Holiday season when you listen to music like this. If you are a fan of concept albums and interesting rock music you will simply love TSO and what they have to offer.

Packages like this are a treasure to behold in this day and age of multimedia and digitized delivery systems. You can hold it in your hand, admire it, and listen to the clean and warm purity of music set to a vinyl disc. I suppose it does help to be a fan of their music but you cannot deny the essence and meaning when it is presented this way. Audio Fidelity knows how to get it all right and they appreciate the best ways in which to release a classic album. Each and every track is important and they all fit together like a musical storybook should.

The Christmas Attic will hold you spellbound with its ebbing and flowing tides of energy, across the board you get all the atmospheres that could possibly be associated with such a story. Don’t miss out on this special numbered and limited edition release!

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Tracks:
Disc One

SIDE ONE:
1. The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve           
2. Boughs Of Holly               
3. The World That She Sees           
4. The World That He Sees           
5. Midnight Christmas Eve           

SIDE TWO:
1. The March Of The Kings/Hark The Herald Angel   
2. The Three Kings And I (What Really Happened)   
3. Christmas Canon               
4. Joy/Angels We Have Heard On High       

Disc Two

SIDE ONE:
1. Find Our Way Home           
2. Appalachian Snowfall           
3. The Music Box               
4. The Snow Came Down           

SIDE TWO:
1. Christmas In The Air           
2. Dream Child (A Christmas Dream)       
3. An Angel's Share         

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Prog Rock Music Talk Founder

January 22, 2015

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Progressive/Holiday Review: Trans-Siberian Orchestra-The Christmas Attic LP

Release Date: October 21, 2014

Label: Audio Fidelity

Website

Trans-Siberian Orchestra or what I like to refer to simply as TSO, have been one of my favorite progressive rock bands over the years for their original and engaging stories and amazing live shows. I have had the privilege of seeing them live twice and realized that was the only way to really appreciate this great band. They have accumulated a nice catalog of releases over the years as well.

Their second album The Christmas Attic originally released in 1998 was made available for the first time on this stunning 2 LP 180 gram vinyl set late last year by Audio Fidelity. Last year was also the first time they brought their recording to their lavish stage sets across the globe. I am sure it was a magnificent thing to witness.

For TSO it’s all about the visuals that go with music, or the visuals that dance to the music if you will. After growing up in the age of vinyl and seeing the digital world take over its meaning has become more important to many people including an entirely new generation ready to embrace the format. It’s is a nice thing to see happening. This is a gorgeous set with 2 sturdy 180 gram vinyl LPs remastered beautifully with a stunning and colorful 12 page booklet with all the lyrics and artwork housed in gatefold sleeves. Rock, progressive, and classical all intersect with a powerful punch throughout this release.

I think this band has reached its goal of providing a rock opera with progressive music many times over. By the time The Christmas Attic (the second of a trilogy) was released they had a successful formula that has grown and developed over the years into something far beyond what they could have imagined or hoped for.

Wherever you may reside on this planet you cannot help but feel the joy and wonderment of the Holiday season when you listen to music like this. If you are a fan of concept albums and interesting rock music you will simply love TSO and what they have to offer.

Packages like this are a treasure to behold in this day and age of multimedia and digitized delivery systems. You can hold it in your hand, admire it, and listen to the clean and warm purity of music set to a vinyl disc. I suppose it does help to be a fan of their music but you cannot deny the essence and meaning when it is presented this way. Audio Fidelity knows how to get it all right and they appreciate the best ways in which to release a classic album. Each and every track is important and they all fit together like a musical storybook should.

The Christmas Attic will hold you spellbound with its ebbing and flowing tides of energy, across the board you get all the atmospheres that could possibly be associated with such a story. Don’t miss out on this special numbered and limited edition release!

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Tracks:
Disc One

SIDE ONE:
1. The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve           
2. Boughs Of Holly               
3. The World That She Sees           
4. The World That He Sees           
5. Midnight Christmas Eve           

SIDE TWO:
1. The March Of The Kings/Hark The Herald Angel   
2. The Three Kings And I (What Really Happened)   
3. Christmas Canon               
4. Joy/Angels We Have Heard On High       

Disc Two

SIDE ONE:
1. Find Our Way Home           
2. Appalachian Snowfall           
3. The Music Box               
4. The Snow Came Down           

SIDE TWO:
1. Christmas In The Air           
2. Dream Child (A Christmas Dream)       
3. An Angel's Share         

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Prog Rock Music Talk Founder

January 22, 2015

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Classical/Heavy Metal Review: McCormick Percussion Group-Between Rock and A Hard Place

Release Date: January 13, 2015

Label: Ravello Records

Website

The McCormick Percussion Group is headed up by Robert McCormick, who is the Director of the group and Corey Harvin plays guitar while Ciro Scotto, John Cage and Dan Senn are the composers. It is an interesting collaboration and the music they create on Between Rock and A Hard Place (Plugged & Unplugged) is fascinating.

The idea of classical music meeting heavy metal is nothing new however I felt listening to this purely instrumental take on that expression to be quite attention getting. The focus is more on the percussive side of the equation however, the use of the guitar and other instruments make for some thought provoking soundscapes, it’s like listening to a movie rather than watching it yet different things jump in and out of your mind while it’s playing.

The only track under 5 minutes is “Composition for Three Voices” then at the opposite end of the spectrum is “Unplugged” clocking in at a beefy 16:24. They never bite off more they can chew regardless of the time invested into any one track.

This is very progressive music, not progressive like legendary groundbreaking bands like Yes or ELP but with the same idea and goals of intermingling two genres to come out the other side with a digestible end product for the ears. The lead off track is titled  “ I. Hard Light-Hybrid Night” It is a good warm up for what is to come. It serves as a strong introduction for a suite of compositions that have you listening over and over at first out of curiosity then that turns into awe and pure enjoyment. This will not be for everyone but what progressive music is? It depends on your taste, mood and personal preferences, just like purchasing any other product, the choice is yours. I choose to explore and expand my listening experiences and this was the perfect album to engage my senses and push me forward, to be more progressive with my ears.

“II. On Death Ground” is a bit more moody and intense, kind of like the soundtrack you would hear during a suspenseful segment of a movie. It jumps back and forth and flows like an effortless stream down a mountain. Nothing sounds forced or difficult although it may sound like cacophony at times it does all come together and make sense but it may take a few listens to get to that point of understanding. This is why I feel the first three tracks are the most important. This is the foundation to the fortress of sound being built before the story coalesces then comes to an end.

“III. Onryõ” takes you down a different road and combines some lighter parts with the hard edged guitar sounds in a much different way in that the pace is like a musical stutter step. The percussive back end holds it all together and keeps a steady rhythm so everything else seems to fall into place somehow. Trying to explain what you hear is not always the easiest thing to do but in the end it’s all dependent on the listeners view and personal aural filter if you will.

If you like progressive, fusion, experimental and or metal this is something you need to hear then decide for yourself if it is something you want more of or if the journey should be over after one trip. I took more than one trip and expect to take some more. There is a lot to process here and that is the beauty of it. 

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: I. Hard Light-Hybrid Night, II. On Death Ground, III. Onryõ

Tracks: 
1. Between Rock and a Hard Place: “I. Hard Light-Hybrid Night”  (Ciro Scotto)
2. Between Rock and a Hard Place: “II. On Death Ground”  (Scotto)
3. Between Rock and a Hard Place: “III. Onryõ  (Scotto)
4. Between Rock and a Hard Place: “IV: Mjölnir (Crusher)”  (Scotto)
5. Five  (John Cage)
6. Rivus  (Dan Senn)
7. Between Rock and a Hard Place-Unplugged  (Ciro Scotto)
8.Compositions for 3 Voices  (John Cage)

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

January 15, 2015
Review Provided By Write A Music