Showing posts with label Classical. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Classical. Show all posts

9/01/2018

Instrumental Ambient/New Age/Classical Review: Barbara Hills-The Flowers Suite

Release Date: August 1, 2018
Label: House in the Wood Productions


Barbara Hills likes to refer to her music as “painting sound.”  Interesting enough is the fact that she does paint, and flowers are her specialty. One of the examples is the cover of her latest release The Flowers Suite. What you find out after hearing her music is how these two things can go hand in hand.


I also have referred many times over the years to music as taking a blank canvas a filling it with colors, feelings, atmospheres, and life. In the same thought process, any listener can then do the same while and paint their own canvas in their mind. I always have been able to create some kind of running story or images listening to moving instrumental music. With The Flowers Suite I found that ability to do so quite easily, it was a natural transition. She also takes sounds of nature and her surroundings and blends it with her music to get a wonderful result.

What I appreciated the most about The Flowers Suite was how eclectic it was. All twelve tracks have their own personality, a different painting if you will from the multi-talented artist. The most moving songs for me were “Sweet William,” it captured my imagination and stirred my spirit, then “Hedgerow Walk” really got my attention. The “Hedgerow Walk” is an entertaining 16 minutes of progressive ambient instrumental music. Granted 16 minutes is a long run for any track however if it is done properly it can mesmerize the listener. In the case of this particular a musical stretching of thoughts and forms, it most certainly sounded like music being painted into your consciousness.  I think the end result is quite amazing. It is a great example of an artist using all of the talents and instrumentations at her disposal to create something special and memorable for the instrumental music fan. 

If you happen to fancy ambient music with some changing scenery this will be a real pleasure. It is all done with a new age flair and a solid foundation of classical to hold it all together. It is an omnibus of sounds and colors conjoining to make a beautiful painting.

The Flowers Suite is a triumph of sound and art for Barbara Hills. I am certain that any instrumental music fan can find appreciation somewhere amongst the bounty of sounds that this talented lady provides. I think this recording could serve as soundtrack music for the film industry or for an individual searching to create their own soundtrack or painting in the mind's eye. I highly recommend giving this album a thorough listen as there is so much just waiting for you to discover!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
August 30, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks: 
01. Love-In-A-Mist
02. Among Lilies
03. Through Iris Halls
04. The First Snowdrop   
05. When Cherry Blossoms Fall
06. On Hawkweed Bank
07. Sweet William   
08. Forget-Me-Nots
09. Creeping Buttercup
10. Where Heather Grows
11. Hedgerow Walk
12. Canyons Of The Black Tulip

 

4/05/2018

Instrumental New Age-Chill-Classical Review: Richard Dillon-Terra Incognito-The Space Between Us

Release Date: February 14, 2018
Label: Independent

Before settling in and taking in Terra Incognito-The Space Between Us, I thought about the three albums I had the pleasure of covering last year.  I got to know Richard through Ring Around The Moon, Irish Mist and The Land of Nod Lullabies for the Listless. There is a saying…familiarity breeds contempt, in this that could not be further from the truth. Having a comfort zone before I started made it even easier for me to get into my mindset for listening.

Although I do have that zone with Richard’s music, I certainly never know what to expect from him one album to the next. The only realistic expectation I have is that his music will be a great experience from start to finish.

Terra Incognito is unfamiliar territory, a new path or journey one is experiencing. A similar term, Terra Incognita, is in reference to territories that have not be mapped. To put it in layman’s terms, this is the unknown. Like Captain Kirk and his crew aboard the starship enterprise, we embark upon a journey with wonder and excitement, with no prior knowledge of what will come our way.

Terra Incognito-The Space Between Us is everything that I just discussed. Such diversity presented so well deserves a hearty salute and tip of the cap. Richard manages to record 24 tracks and some redux’s with an energy and grace that comes flowing through the music like a steady running stream. 

The colors are changing all the time on this recording. From track to track you just do not know what is coming next. It is like having Christmas at your own private music shop and Richard is the sole proprietor. The reason this recording is so eclectic is that it takes past recordings and weaves them together to encompass orchestration and licensing going back to 1984 all the way to present day.

It is music for movies, documentaries, commercials, just about anything you can imagine. Instrumental music is much more flexible when it comes to using it for various media purposes. I really appreciated the ground covered musically and the titles range from “In Search of Chocolate” to “Leonardo’s Flying Machine.” There is no connection whatsoever with those two tracks but yet they find a home here in this collection.

Terra Incognito-The Space Between Us unites us as listeners and human beings even though it is unchartered territory, our similarities and the world around us is what makes us one planet and one people. It is like taking a “Light of Peace” to heal us and help us to grow in many ways. The universal healer and language of music once again can be the answer.


5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
April 5, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:

01. Whalesong (Redux)
02. Green Flash (Redux)
03. The Space Between
04. Dust Devil
05. Ice Dancer (Redux)
06. Color Me
07. In Search of Chocolate
08. Leonardo's Flying Machine
09. Beside Still Waters (Redux)
10. Papillon (Redux)
11. Lead Kindly Night
12. It's All Right (Redux)
13. Cars
14. Voyager
15. Into the Mines
16. He Leadeth Me Beside Still Waters (Redux)
17. A Different Time a Different Place (Redux)
18. Light of Peace (Redux)
19. Goodbye for Now
20. Sea of Forgetfulness
21. Ha Long Bay
22. Missing You
23. January Moon (Redux)
24. I Could Care Less



3/12/2017

Concert Review: The Ten Tenors in Concert at The Colonial Theater

The Ten Tenors in Concert at The Colonial Theater
March 10, 2017
Pittsfield, Mass.

The Ten Tenors warmed up a chilled capacity crowd at The Colonial Theater in Pittsfield Massachusetts on a typical blustery winter night in the Berkshires. The crossover classical group is celebrating their 20th year with the Power of Ten Tour. The tremendously successful act has accounted for six Platinum and Gold records and performed alongside countless music legends including Andrea Bocelli, AndrĂ© Rieu, John Travolta, Nicole Kidman, Geoffrey Rush, Keith Urban, Rod Stewart, Alanis Morissette, Sarah Brightman, Willie Nelson, Katherine Jenkins and Christina Aguilera. It comes as no surprise to me that they have the utmost respect of music industry people all over the world. 

Their set was comprised of two acts of diversity and musical excellence. The very first thing that struck me just before they opened the night was the stage lighting. The lights came shining down on the performers like rays from the heavens. The interesting thing was that it felt like musical heaven while taking in this special evening.

I was impressed with this group of men prior to attending the concert. I watched their cover of the Queen classic “Bohemian Rhapsody” on YouTube (which has over 1.2 million views and counting) and was blown away by their exceptional talent. My first thought after that was how incredible it must be to see them perform on stage! I was even more impressed once the show kicked off with another Queen staple, “We Are The Champions.”



What I was not prepared for was their implausible diversification and electric stage presence. These Australian performers know how to present any kind of music.  Their abilities to do so points to the different ranges that each vocalist commands and how they are positioned on the stage. They do have a good sense of humor as well and the choreography was spot on and always right in sync.

I think the highlights of the night for my ears were the “Jersey Boys Medley” and the encore of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Bowie’s “Heroes,” which closed out the show and gave me chills several times. I am a huge Bowie fan and always have been so this was the icing on the cake for my night.

I must tip my hat not only to the all-around performance of the ten men but the three others that provided the instrumentation, Ben Kiehne (piano), David Orr (guitar) and Trent Bryson-Dean (drums) were essential to their presentation as well. Without them it would just be voices, which would also sound wonderful. The musicians made a difference and so did the piped in orchestrations they had. Each number came together flawlessly once again proving that the most amazing instrument is the human voice. None of the extras included were necessary, they were just bonuses added to ten incredible vocalists with varying arrays of resonance.

The Ten Tenors are a guaranteed fun night for any music lover. The fact that they cover a wide expanse of genres give them a worldly appeal - from the crowd that appreciates opera to the all-encompassing lovers of pop and rock music. It all comes together for an amazing night of entertainment.


Selfie posted on Facebook of the audience at The Colonial, were you there?

Set List:
 
ACT 1:
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS
JUST THE WAY YOU ARE
MARECHIARE
TORNA A SURIENTO
LA DANZA 
NOTHING COMPARES TO YOU
HALLELUJAH 
LAND DOWN UNDER
WALTZING MATILDA
STILL CALL
JERSEY BOYS MEDLEY

ACT 2:
CANCION DEL MARIACHI
ARANJUEZ CON TUAMORE
AMIGOS PARA SIEMPRE
DIVA MEDLEY
THINKING OUT LOUD
UNCHAINED MELODY
THE BOXER
ANYTHING FOR LOVE
Encore:
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
BOHO NESSUN DORMA
HEROES

Review Provided By: Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
March 12, 2017
Founder of: 

2/22/2017

Instrumental New Age-Classical-Jazz Fusion Review: Psychic Equalizer - The Lonely Traveller

Release Date: January 20, 2017
Label: Milvus
Website


Hugo Selles provides much of the instrumentation on The Lonely Traveller, from his Psychic Equalizer project. Along with a host of other musicians Selles performs on piano, keyboards, and synths; electric and classical guitar, drums, and vibraphone. He has also composed two movie soundtracks along his journey. Selles has been a student of music and has attained degrees and a wealth of practical experience.

This is expressionism to its fullest extent. The musical canvas provided is as diverse as the people on the cover of the album. Of course, this the whole point. There are no barriers creatively while creating a crossover sound that is bound touch many listeners. The music touches upon the spectrum of the human condition while growing up. The meaning, moods and atmospheres could easily reflect the many changes we go through in life.

The Lonely Traveller stirs the musical pot with new age, classical, jazz, and rock. I think it’s a wonderful thing that one man could add each layer of musical parts to each track and successfully create a cohesive entity.

A few of the tracks are workouts such as “Lovers Meet,” “Mezuz,” my favorite track and “An Ocean of Changes 1-1V,” which is literally filled with so many changes it is hard to keep track. Bordering on Acid Jazz/Rock, it is a wall of sounds. “An Ocean of Changes V-V1” is lot shorter and palpable for the average listener. Keep in mind however this is not music made for the “average” listener. This is a thought provoking mind expanding journey. A journey that I think you will find quite incredible knowing one man created it on his own.

The Lonely Traveller comes up in iTunes as Unknown Genre, now that is befitting what this music offers the listener looking for originality. I think any artist would take that as a compliment. The music cannot be categorized because it stands on its own as a work of art and sincere craftsmanship. There is true talent at work here and to think this is only the beginning for Mr. Hugo Selles.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
February 22, 2017
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks: 
01. Mezuz
02. An Ocean of Changes (I-IV)
03. The Lonely Traveller
04. LĂ¡grimas
05. Adrift
06. Peña Labra
07. Flying over the Caucasus
08. Lovers Meet
09. A Collection of Marbles
10. An Ocean of Changes (V-VI)
11. A Visit to Adelaide
12. Nørrebro
13. Never Lose Hope (Bonus Track

1/09/2017

New Age-Classical-Electronica Review: Anaya Music With Live Symphony Orchestra-Eternity

Release Date: August 19, 2016
Label: Anaya Music
Anaya Music and the latest release titled Eternity is all about collaboration. Anaya Music is Anaya, Tania Mara Botelho, Steve Salani and members of the Prague Symphony Orchestra. 

I am one of the first to admit you cannot match the experience of being at a concert as to sitting and listening to CD. There are instances in my listening experiences inside the confines of my home that have elevated my spirit and given me positive energy and hope. Eternity turns out to be one of those instances. The parts from the orchestra are live however, so we get the best of both worlds. This is where technology and live off the floor music collide to explode into sights and sounds that will stir your soul.

What I found interesting was how the use of technology made this project come together. Over the oceans these artists added their parts and eventually it became a whole. With the help of many talented people and the sum of its parts scattered about the globe coming together through the advances of communication and modern recording, this became a musical entity. It truly is amazing how all of that works. It is even more of a celebration when it all meets to make the most beautiful and picturesque sounds and colors arriving through your speakers. 

Anaya ends the liner notes by saying “Our best instrument is the universal harmony of being.” That one thought and the vibrations it creates is the perfect lead in to this cinematic recording. The soundscapes shaped and molded are things of beauty and grace that can take your spirit to a higher plain. I do believe that is the intent of music like this. Enlightened spirits leading others down the path of light and love…it works well if you allow the music to transport you as the pressures of the world melt away.

The entire listening experience was so enjoyable and uplifting that I felt disappointed that it ended and it seemed to end much too soon.  From where I sit that is the highest compliment I can pay to any artist.

Eternity is a blessing to all that will hear it so make sure you give it a few spins and find what I found inside the music.

4.5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
January 9, 2017
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks: 
1. Dharma
2. New Skies
3. Cosmos
4. For Love
5. Love's River
6. Gaia
7. Once in Time
 

11/23/2016

New Age Instrumental Review: Karen Olson- A Hero’s Journey

Release Date: August 28, 2016
Label: Innerview Records

Karen Olson has released a new album titled A Hero’s Journey. Most recently I featured a select track on my Rate The Tracks site. “Inner Wanderings” was the stream provided. And that served as a taste of what was available on the full recording. The track suggests the human condition and what we find when we look inside for the truth. 

The main instrument is the viola throughout this extraordinary recording. Admittedly, featuring a stringed instrument as the lead would be and is most difficult. Ms. Olson accomplishes this with a distinctness and quality that is exemplary. High praise goes to her collaborator Crispin Barrymore as well for helping to make this project what it evolved into.

I particularly enjoyed the use of the layers of keyboards to accentuate and put an exclamation point on her musicianship.

My three favorite tracks came in succession “Life Force,” “Inner Wanderings,” and Heaven’s Gate.” They seemed intrinsically linked to each other and the titles certainly got my attention. This music serves the listener well as it is meant to. It is soothing, contemplative with a hint of sadness and then there is hope and a shining bright light at the end of the musical tunnel. Karen Olson has a multitude of talents that she brings to bear. It is all on display on 11 tracks that are presented here.

This can be your journey or A Hero’s Journey. Whatever the music can provide you at any time day or night, it has the power to do so. With such clarity and command Karen Olson brings her music to you with grace and the knowledge of an enlightened spirit willing to share her own glimpse of heaven.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Inner Wanderings, Heaven’s Gate, Life Force


Tracks:
 01. Horizon's Calling
02 Life's Persuasions
03. Promising Hope
04. Still Crying
05. Dream Quest
06. Facing Fear
07. Going Beyond
08. Life Force
09. Inner Wanderings
10. Heaven's Gates
11. Epilogue

 
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
November 23, 2016
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

10/05/2016

New Age/Classical/World Review: Rebekah Eden-Rowing in Eden

Release Date: March 28, 2016
Label: Path of Gold Records

Rebekah Eden’s release this year is a made for movie soundtrack.  Rowing in Eden is 12 tracks of new age music backed with classical vocals. There are also some elements of world influences in her music that make it that much more compelling.

Her tracks were being considered for The Hobbit movies however they never made it to the final production. After hearing what she has to offer I must say it is a shame they did not follow through. Her voice is the most powerful instrument on the recording and everything else, to coin an old phrase, serves as the cherry on top of the ice cream. There is a gorgeous addition of a 41-piece Czech Orchestra to her amazing voice as well. Not to take anything away from other critical parts of this music that makes it complete, I am just amazed how clear and stunning her vocal talents are.

“A Message From The Stars” is superb way to open the curtain and eventually close it with a different version of the song. I like the transitions in the track with both songs and the second version, the impactful closer, is a heavenly melding of many voices. It will give you a greater appreciation for the ultimate instrument, the vox humana.

Rebekah recognizes her influences and shows that in the most prolific way with covering Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble’ On” (from Zeppelin II) and more specifically Robert Plant’s strong influence. She does this song in her own way and I have to say I found it quite fascinating. This one would have been perfect for one of The Hobbit movies. Her operatic vocal style just soars over the music and every note as if the song was written especially for her. That pretty much says it all considering it is a cover.

“Light of Destiny’ is a very stirring track. Rebekah’s vocals are angelic, rhythmic, and it gave me a chill, the good kind that makes you realize you are feeling something spiritual and special. These are the moments I cherish when listening to music.

More and more I am hearing a fantastic combination of instruments found in new age, classical and world music. The amalgamation is spectacular and all three genres are so closely related it sounds like everything comes to together to form one powerful style that cannot be denied. Artists like Rebekah Eden are leading the way, blazing a path for others to follow. Rowing in Eden is one of the better examples I have heard of genre mergers this year, predominantly one that included vocals.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Ramble On, Light of Destiny, A Message From The Stars (Virtual Choir)

Tracks:
01. A Message From The Stars
02. Iachtach / Prince Caspian's Prayer
03. The Wind
04. Ramble On
05. There And Back Again
06. Light of Destiny
07. The Two Trees
08. A King's Farewell
09. In The Days 
10. Wild Nights
11. A Message From The Stars (Virtual Choir)
   
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
October 5, 2016
Founder of:




9/19/2016

Instrumental New Age/Classical Review: Kevin Kern-When I Remember

Release Date: September 9, 2016
Label: Kevin Kern Music
People that are given obstacles in life either give in and give up to them or use that as motivation to push forward and become successful in spite of it. Kevin Kern took the positive path and used music as his voice of expression. Kevin has poor eyesight but judging by what this album titled When I Remember sounds like, that is not a disability.

The artist is influenced by Mozart, Chopin and Bach, all the great composers. He gained his tools by learning pieces by these legendary musicians when he was young. This is what and when he remembers as the title suggests (at least that is my interpretation). The tracks mirror that foundation in the most elegant and beautiful way.

I have heard countless standalone piano recordings this year and there is something about the simplicity and peacefulness it can bring to a listener that has intrigued me and given me the desire to accept it with an open heart and mind.

One track seamlessly flows into the next offering a road to renewal. The ivory keys deliver a touch of heaven to your senses. For my listening experience it is a threefold process…sound, color and spirit. All three elements combine to ease my mind and soul and give me the comfort I seek at the end of each day.

Because of the way each song connected to the next with different variations in tempo and approach I found it very difficult to pull out a few tracks that really stood out. This is not to downplay the recording but it is quite the opposite, it is actually complimenting the artist on his consistency and approach from start to finish.

It is music like this that always seems to come to me at the right time day or night, it is a gift from the gifted. Kevin Kern is an enlightened spirit with the gift of music inside and he offers an audience his translation through his talented fingers and energy. 

When I Remember is musical perfection that heals and offers so much if one can focus long enough to stop and listen. I think that practice of stopping and listening could really be helpful in everyone’s daily life in these tumultuous times we live in. Thank god for musicians transporting the universal language of love and joy through music and that is exactly what Mr. Kern does on this recording.

4/5 Stars
 
Key Tracks: ALL

Tracks:

 01. We Should Waltz
02. Once Upon a Time
03. Say You Love Me
04. Chance Encounter
05. Dreaming of Home
06. When I Remember
07. Rise and Shine
08. By My Side
09. Off to the Races (For Grampa Norm)
10. Chopin’s Touch
11. A Walk in the Sun
12. A Lonely Heart



Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
September 19, 2016
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews
 

Instrumental New Age/Classical Review: Kevin Kern-When I Remember

Release Date: September 9, 2016
Label: Kevin Kern Music
People that are given obstacles in life either give in and give up to them or use that as motivation to push forward and become successful in spite of it. Kevin Kern took the positive path and used music as his voice of expression. Kevin has poor eyesight but judging by what this album titled When I Remember sounds like, that is not a disability.

The artist is influenced by Mozart, Chopin and Bach, all the great composers. He gained his tools by learning pieces by these legendary musicians when he was young. This is what and when he remembers as the title suggests (at least that is my interpretation). The tracks mirror that foundation in the most elegant and beautiful way.

I have heard countless standalone piano recordings this year and there is something about the simplicity and peacefulness it can bring to a listener that has intrigued me and given me the desire to accept it with an open heart and mind.

One track seamlessly flows into the next offering a road to renewal. The ivory keys deliver a touch of heaven to your senses. For my listening experience it is a threefold process…sound, color and spirit. All three elements combine to ease my mind and soul and give me the comfort I seek at the end of each day.

Because of the way each song connected to the next with different variations in tempo and approach I found it very difficult to pull out a few tracks that really stood out. This is not to downplay the recording but it is quite the opposite, it is actually complimenting the artist on his consistency and approach from start to finish.

It is music like this that always seems to come to me at the right time day or night, it is a gift from the gifted. Kevin Kern is an enlightened spirit with the gift of music inside and he offers an audience his translation through his talented fingers and energy. 

When I Remember is musical perfection that heals and offers so much if one can focus long enough to stop and listen. I think that practice of stopping and listening could really be helpful in everyone’s daily life in these tumultuous times we live in. Thank god for musicians transporting the universal language of love and joy through music and that is exactly what Mr. Kern does on this recording.

4/5 Stars
 
Key Tracks: ALL

Tracks:

 01. We Should Waltz
02. Once Upon a Time
03. Say You Love Me
04. Chance Encounter
05. Dreaming of Home
06. When I Remember
07. Rise and Shine
08. By My Side
09. Off to the Races (For Grampa Norm)
10. Chopin’s Touch
11. A Walk in the Sun
12. A Lonely Heart



Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
September 19, 2016
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews
 

9/03/2016

Instrumental New Age/Classical Review: Janice Lacy Project-Sanctuary For The Soul

Release Date: July 20, 2016
Label: Shore Light Records

Sanctuary For The Soul is Janice Lacy’s debut album. First of all, I think the title of the recording is perfect and very inviting if you happen to be looking for music that allows you to relax.

Piano music is a gift from the heavens when presented the way Janice Lacy introduces herself.  Her producer Rob Mullins also played piano on the recording.

The very first track is the title track which is the perfect way to open the curtain on your debut.  It has a longing coming from the cello which provides a resonant introduction. The cello can sound that way even though that may not be the intention however it is an appropriate pace for solitude the track offers the listener. It sets a certain tone for Janice’s piano to come in and change the direction of it all.

Then if you listen to “Lover’s Flight” you can hear an entirely different sound and approach with the cello and the piano flows and strides along taking the lead as the other instruments provide a base to launch the absolute beauty of the ivory keys. It is the intent of the artist to create music that soothes the soul and provides that inner sanctuary we all need to connect to so we can reenergize and refocus. I do not believe sleep is the only thing we need to attain rest and more specifically enlightenment, that is not likely during a busy day. Music such as this stops the pace and invites you to listen to your spirit or that inner voice that calls out and needs recognition.

I once again find myself recognizing the close relationship between instrumental new age and classical music. The influence is very strong on this recording but when you hear a great melody like the one on “Sunrise Dance” you are not thinking about how there are classical influences, you are feeling the warmth and connection to the music and the rhythm and joy it is providing. This is one of the more upbeat and unconventional tracks that really do not seem to fit into any category, it is just wonderful piano instrumental music that makes you feel good and smile.

By the time you are done listening to Sanctuary For The Soul you realize that the Janice Lacy Project have created a superb debut album that can be appreciated by any true music fan. The simplicity and diversity of the music is a beautiful thing and the piano playing of the artist is outstanding. If you are in need of some sanctuary for your soul, this music will find that place rather quickly.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Sanctuary For The Soul, Lover’s Flight, Sunrise Dance

Tracks: 
01. Sanctuary for the Soul
02. Take Care of My Heart
03. Everything's Alright
04. Lovers' Flight
05. Refuge
06. Sunrise Dance
07. Through the Shadows
08. Shimmering Ocean
09. December Goodbye
10. Jim's Waltz
11. Crystal Harbor
12. Full Moon
13. Prayer
14. Tell You That I Love You
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
September 3, 2016
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews