Acoustic Instrumental Review: New Latitude-Nature of Things

Release Date: May 17, 2023

Label: ‎ Independent

Website

New Latitude’s most recent release Nature of Things, is an acoustic instrumental five-track EP.

The Musicians are Dave Erickson (acoustic guitar), Jim Carr (acoustic guitar), Bob Strickland, Kim Stone (upright bass), and Steven Schumann (cello). 

 

“Led to Believe” starts, and the sounds are like a warm summer breeze gently caressing your face. It is instrumental jazz, like the quiet storm of smooth jazz. 

 

“Invisible Frame” follows in the same manner. However, it is a more straight-ahead acoustic track with a soft rock touch. Some nice acoustic guitar and picking is the feature here. It ends with the sound of a cymbal closing it out elegantly as possible. 

 

“Tribute” continues to show the magnificent guitar duo of Dave Erickson and Jim Carr. The two gents form an irresistible groove like a breeze over the ocean as it cools the hot sun on the beach. I understand that the track’s title does not translate to my interpretation. However, that is what I felt and envisioned while listening. It’s my “Tribute” to their work.

 

“Circumstances Have Changed” reaches back to the jazz roots with a Latin flavor that is very pleasant to hear. These two men know how to create a beautiful and satisfying sound with their acoustic guitars. And I must say I enjoyed the diversity and changes within all the tracks. That is how you can showcase your talents appropriately and in good measure. They do it with such class and precision; this track exemplifies that.

 

“Softer Than Silence” closes out this gorgeous EP of instrumental mastery. It is simply acoustic guitars doing their dance with each other. I think that was a great choice; keep it straightforward to end it all with a gentleness you will remember. 

 

Their rhythm is exceptional and leaves you with a smile, knowing you can revisit it all and feel the same way. That is all any artist could ask for, an attentive and appreciative audience that knows their music will brighten and soothe their souls. 

 

Nature of Things delivers on all the most critical points, excellent musicianship, production, sound, and tastefulness for anyone to enjoy. It is diverse enough to catch the ear of any serious music listener, and it certainly has a crossover appeal that will serve them well.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder

June 12, 2023

Track Listing:

1. Led to Believe (3:53)

2. Invisible Frame (3:38)

3. Tribute (4:19)

4. Circumstances Have Changed (3:45)

5. Softer Than Silence (3:11)

Instrumental Jazz Review: Manuel Muzzu-From T(h)ree To Four

Release Date: March 12, 2023

Label: ‎ Independent

Website

From T(h)ree To Four is Manuel Muzzu's fourth studio album. It has been five years since I covered New Stories-Old Hands.

 

For those of you who may not be familiar with Manuel's story, he lost the use of his fingers on his right very early in life. His love for the bass and overcoming his disability is one of the miracles of his life. He endeavored to play as anyone else would typically and somehow adapt a style that worked for him.

 

You only record four albums if you can create palatable music and sound professional. For that matter, Manuel's talent is above average. Using the bass as a lead instrument is not uncommon but infrequent. With that fact in mind, it makes what he has accomplished more remarkable.

 

I have heard my share of the greats over the years and enjoyed the privilege of covering their music. Manuel's sense of rhythm and fluidity gives his instrument room to breathe and adjust to the music behind him. He has a host of additional musicians contributing, including synth, piano, trumpet, saxophone, flugelhorn, guitar, and drums. A complete ensemble to fill in the missing spaces to make each composition complete and allow his bass to lead the way.

 

What you will hear are various shades and colors of the jazz spectrum. "Punky Funky," my favorite track, is jazz-funk, while "Jeff's Style" is smooth jazz. Jumping from one style to another is impressive, and most importantly, you can keep your audience tuned in and waiting in anticipation for the next track. I like a wide range of jazz and subgenres. It holds many aspects that keep me engrossed in what I listen to. It creates a sense of wonderment about the talent you are hearing and how eclectic one genre can be. Jazz is a complex type of music that draws from many sources, including the blues. The ability to shape and mold those resources requires talent and patience to give birth to the varied tracks you will hear on this recording.

 

"Salsamba" is another instance of a complete change in direction to the energetic salsa and samba sound. Two different jazz styles merged, which is more challenging to create with a good flow. Manuel is exceptionally talented at diverting to any kind he desires. He does it all with a successful blend of his supporting instruments and an excellent bass command.

 

From T(h)ree To Four is an album that any jazz lover will appreciate because it crosses into many different styles. If you genuinely love jazz, you will understand this consummate representation of the genre. Anyone seeking exceptional instrumental jazz will find their way to this recording, not to mention those seeking a hero and an example of overcoming all the odds to do what he loved and shine brightly. Manuel Muzzu presents the miracle of a man's courage and persistence through twelve tracks you will thoroughly enjoy.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder

June 6, 2023

Tracks:

01. LAST ONE (6:19)

02. ON MY SIDE (4:40)

03. PUNKY FUNKY (5:09)

04. LOST IN (8:25)

05. JEFF's STYLE (4:14)

06. SALSAMBA  (5:49)

07. RIGHT NOW (6:36)

08. URBANOISES  (4:56)

09. SPARKLE PURPLE (6:20)

10. M'I ?  (4:15)

Featured Artist: Todd Mosby-Georgia's World Track Review

Artist: Todd Mosby

Title: Georgia's World Track Review

Genre: Jazz

Todd Mosby's "Georgia's World" is an excellent instrumental jazz tune. It brings me back to why I love this genre so much. And then the wordless female vocals reminded me of a few Al DiMeola recordings I was into back in the 80s—sweet memories of opening a new door of fascinating music.

 

The picturesque "Georgia's World" is a tribute to Georgia O' Keefe's life and times in New Mexico. This beautiful musical painting will speak to those with the soul of the artist making his interpretation of another legendary figure that put her thoughts and heart on canvas.

 

Now we have a musical canvas created by a talented guitar player with a vision and flair for creating colorful notes that you can float on like a billowing cloud.

 

"Georgia's World" takes you into another space in time, a different world or mindset that only music can deliver. That circle completes from one artist to another, and we, as listeners, enjoy the collaborations.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder

April 6, 2023

More About Todd Mosby:

 Website

Instrumental composer, songwriter, and Imrat guitar innovator Todd Mosby is a storyteller and a landscape artist. He uses the guitar to whisk listeners away to a borderless realm where jazz, jazz fusion, North Indian classical, classical composition, bluegrass, bossa-nova, and folk-rock create transporting and transformative experiences...READ MORE...

Rock Instrumental/Vocal Review: Lance Reegan-Diehl-Maniacal Cavern

Release Date: March 8, 2023

Label: ‎ Independent

Website

It has been 15 years since I covered a Lance Reegan-Diehl album. That is a mighty long stretch. When the man decides to release an album, which has been since 2011’s Uploaded, he makes it count.

 

So now Maniacal Cavern has arrived with a determined-looking guitar player staring at you on the front cover. Lance’s Cavern is his home studio, which has served him well for decades.

 

So off we go into another instrumental rock album? Well, not quite. After the lengthy break-out lead-off track “Crying Nut,” clocking in at a hearty 9:19 of some fine guitar lines (what I always would expect), the next track, “Don’t Look Back,” features some AC/DC-like vocals for a quick change of pace. The shortest track is 4:11, so there is no skimping on content.

 

“Friction” is another rocking vocal track. The rhythm section hums right along, and the pace shifts back and forth with odd time signatures. It is a genuine progressive rocker with some tough-edged vocals to express the meaning entirely. The shift from pop-rock to hard-edged progressive rock is interesting. It was like listening to three different songs in one.

 

“Luna Glow” continues with the vocal tracks. I am not used to this on an LRD album. So far, it’s working. The guitar playing is so good that he can’t go wrong. 8:05 is some time to stretch things out; Lance and the band utilize the time wisely. 

 

“Made of Wood” is an absolute cracker. It’s Lance doing what he does best, making love to those six strings. The guitar is finite and precise, and as we rock along, little funky piano changes the pace briefly, albeit very briefly, then back to the flat-out rocking we love to hear.

 

“Praise An Upper Lip” is another progressive track, instrumentally speaking. The time shifts can be dramatic at times. I am impressed with how Lance plays in many places (or different paces and styles) within one track. It takes guts to take a chance, and you must rely on your raw talent to get to the other side and do so successfully. It is one of my favorites for the variety and the challenges he pushes himself to reach. It always reaches an incredible apex with his guitar screaming. Love it.

 

“Seven Of 4” is one Metallica fans would enjoy as the shredding begins immediately and then morphs into more tasteful muted licks. Then they return to harder-edged fat chords and shredding; if you like six-string pyrotechnics, you will love this track. I did. I like the ode to Rush with that short burst of echoing guitar a little after 3 minutes. So many influences are flowering here. Epic.

 

“Sleepy Wheel” is a superb instrumental track. There is nothing here not to like. This probably is one of the best I have ever heard from Lance. Everything great about his playing is on display in this. There are tastefully done moments, get-down dirty points, and a funky backbeat. It’s all here for guitar enthusiasts to suck in and discuss in depth the transitions this player goes through.

 

“Slow Jam To Mars” is what it says it is, well, with some fast playing. It’s more of the bottom end that is slow jamming while Lance holds nothing back. This album continues to get stronger as you progress through the tracks. At times you get reminded of the power of Black Sabbath and the smooth, precise playing of David Gilmour. So good and fun to listen to.

 

“Take Off The ‘G’ String” continues with Lance on fire and in a completely focused groove. The jaw-dropping command of his instrument is truly a wonder to hear. This is a man I would love to see play live. It mainly displays as you will listen to this track. He makes that guitar sing and cry with joy. He owns this one. Maybe some memories of Eddie Van Halen in his prime will come to mind. Guitar and man take flight into the stratosphere.

 

“The One (Album Version)” brings back the vocals with fine guitar. It is a big step away from the previous tracks focused on the artist’s technical abilities as a player. This opens the door to new ventures with vocal tracks at a slower pace. It is so different that it sounds out of place after rocking your ass off track after track for a while, anyway. It was well done, though; a very tasteful guitar worth waiting for, then an apex at the end that is very satisfying. You can see it as a respite from the relentless attack on your senses presented prior (well, somewhat), which I loved.

 

So here we are at the end of this fantastic aural journey I thoroughly enjoyed. “What A Rush” indeed. And an acceptable way to close this excellent recording. Per usual, Lance gives it his all and lets his fingers do all the talking. The music is so melodic and beautiful. Some of his most vital work firmly closes the curtain, reminding me why I always loved his music.

 

If you have yet to hear Lance Reegan-Diehl, you are cheating yourself on a fantastic journey through the abilities of the guitar and how eclectic it can be (depending on who is playing). Now that you know who he is, check out this album and past releases; you will not be disappointed.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-TFOV Founder

March 8, 2023

Tracks:

01. Crying Nut

02. Don’t Look Back

03. Friction

04. Luna Glow

05. Made Of Wood

06. Praise An Upper Lip

07. Seven Of 4

08. Sleepy Wheel

09. Slow Jam To Mars

10. Take Off The ‘G’ String

11. The One (Album version)

12. What A Rush

Cinematic Instrumental Review: Christopher Caouette-Tale of the Oakenwish

Label: Independent

Release Date: October 18, 2022

Website 

If you have an imagination that is an open door, and all you need is the right music to set it free, I have the correct medicine for you to take. Tale of the Oakenwish from Christopher Caouette is the creator of this magical journey of sound and color.

My introduction to Christopher was this Did you know you’d be going to a movie theater today? No? Yes, yes, you are. Get ready to feel like you’ve fallen into the middle of a movie like Lord of the Rings or a show like Vikings! 

Well, it could not have been more accurate; this is like a soundtrack for a movie, perhaps the one already in your mind, just waiting to be animated by the right sounds. Or is it for a film you saw that you could never forget? It could be either of those or something entirely different; whatever it may be that you have trapped inside your mind or deep in your soul, this music will draw it out.

There is only one vocal on this recording featuring Lindsay Schoolcraft; all the other tracks are epic instrumentals. Although the basic tenets of the new age mindset may have been a foundation, I would define it as cinematic instrumental. Nor is this meditation music; it is much too exciting to fall into that category. 

The first nine tracks bring you to another world, a time a place only found in ancient tales, deep in the forest where the sprites and fairies hide where nobody can see them or discover them. It is the excitement of a journey into a lost civilization where all the secrets of humanity are waiting, with all the keyboards and wordless vocals pushing the music to the highest heights imaginable. 

Christopher is the magical wizard that pulls you into his storybook set to music. The production values are very high; hence, the sound will immerse you into the world found in the music. If you feel you need a getaway of fantasy to a place far away, then a Tale of the Oakenwish will get you there in a matter of minutes. It was one of the most entertaining listens I have had this year. By the time it is released, the special Holidays will be underway in a matter of weeks, and it will get you in the right mindset to pull away from this world into another.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder

October 3, 2022

Tracks:

01. Flight Of Cedarsong

02. Forest Of Wishes

03. Oakenwish

04. Forest Of Mist

05. The Fae's Gift

06. Kisyra's Dream

07. I May Be One (Album Version Feat. Lindsay Schoolcraft)

08. Valor

09. Lament Of Cedarsong

10. Tale Of The Oakenwish Continuous Mix

Pop Rock Review: Jeff Fowler-Live At The Mint

Release Date: April 29, 2022

Label:  Get It! Records, LLC

Website

Any artist that has success has a solid core group behind them. Rick Wakeman said when he met David Bowie, the best advice he could have given him was that you get musicians that believe in what you are doing. I think in the case of Jeff he was able to do that on Live At The Mint.

The voice and music need to mesh and have excellent production values to be fully realized when recorded then released to the public. Ok so another box is ticked, the production is very good and and nice and clear.

Jeff has a very smooth delivery, perfect for covering pop-rock tunes of his own and some covers with a tasty encore medley with many fan favorites. His vocal approach is very comforting and it suits the tracks he performs.

Tracks like “Firefly” provide a good example of that particular sound. Think of the soft touch of a Christopher Cross at his peak or hints of Sinatra in his delivery. Frank was one of the greatest and his range was limited, he did not belt out a song, he was smooth and purposeful. That is how I would look at the way he makes a song come alive on stage. Even when he raises the bar towards the end of “Goldfish Girl” he gets to a certain point, lets it go, then moves to the next phrasing.

The audience interaction is always a key component in any live performance and then if it’s recorded to be released as a live album, even more so. You can tell without being there that Jeff has the attention of his audience and is really enjoying mixing it up with them.

I have to hand it to the supporting band with the way the music is behind Jeff when he sang, it did not drown him out nor did he have to compete with an instrument hitting the needle in the red on VU meter. That is very important for the singer and obviously the person running the mixing board for sound had their act together.

When “True” started it brought back memories of the 80s. What a great tune that is and album. Spandau Ballet was a unique name for a band. I remember I had that album on cassette. The background vocals on this were excellent by Sharon Youngblood. It is was very well done and the musicianship was spot on. So, kudos for covering a classic track with proper representation. It makes me wonder now what it would sound like on vinyl. It takes some wherewithal to cover Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.” I was surprised how well it was done.

My favorite track was “So Far,” the only rocker on the entire set. With such a fully capable band I think it would make sense to do more tracks like that. Just my thoughts and opinion of course.

Live At The Mint was team effort and that is why I felt it necessary to list all the contributors. Jeff Fowler is the not kind of artist that is going to rock the house but if you are in the mood for an evening of fun and some easy listening with pop and rock elements you will enjoy his music.

On a side note…Jeff since you are a lawyer how about doing a parody on a fictional court case with members of the circus as your jury and you sing your defense case to them? If anything, it would make a very entertaining video!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
April 29, 2022

Credits:
Jeff Fowler: vocals, keys
Wes Styles: guitars, music director
Eli Hludzik: drums, percussion
Jesse Stern: bass
Ryan Brown: percussion, glockenspiel
Brad Snow: additional keys, guitars
Dennis Clark, Kitten Kuroi,
Sharon Youngblood: background vocals
Kitten Kuroi: background vocals

Tracks:
01. The “Fowler Vibrations”
02. I’ll Try
03. Intro – Shout out to yogis!
04. Here’s to You
05. Intro – The Englebert-Humperdink jacket move
06. Firefly
07. Goldfish Girl
08. Intro –Mr. Mason Man
09. Mr. Mason Man
10. You Have a Way
11. True
12. Intro
13. 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
14. Intro
15. So Far
16. Encore Medley:
Turn It On Again
Is She Really Going Out with Him?
I’d Do Anything for Yo
Encore Medley Genesis, Joe Jackson, Rick Springfield (Live)

Featured Track-Sample The Cat-The Weather

Sample The Cat is a 3-piece American band from Berkshire County, Massachusetts, featuring the powerful soul vocalist Kendrah Bellevue, melodic rock guitarist Steve Dalton at lead and the prodigious Bryan Brophy on keys. Their latest release is a hauntingly beautiful track titled "The Weather." 

The music is a step away from the fusion of jazz, funk, and soul that they perform so well. They are gradually getting enough tracks together, all original, to release a full album.

The timing of this release is perfect for those feeling "The Weather." Not everyone is jolly this time of year, and the last two years have been challenging. The music speaks the truth and lifts your soul.

"The Weather" is a beautiful tapestry of sound and voice to bring the message home with conviction. Sample The Cat wants those suffering to know they are not alone. Music like this soothes you and gives you inner peace and a reprieve from the crazy world around us. As Kendrah sings from her heart and feels the song, her voice's strength and emotion permeate the equally outstanding music accompanying her.

So stop for a few minutes, listen to the words and music, and give in the spirit of humanity to help others less fortunate.

The track speaks volumes for those suffering from depression and the "Winter Blues." They ask you to donate anything you can here in support of mental health.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck 

December 10, 2021

Visit the Sample The Cat Website now. 

Hyper Follow The Band!

Learn More About The Band

 

Track Review: Richard Spasoff-Spirit of Truth

Richard Spasoff feels and intimates his own "Spirit of Truth." The track is different than any contemporary or easy listening that you would hear.

I would call it avant-garde; there is no other explanation other than undefinable.

From my view and my listening pleasure, undefinable is a welcome challenge. It is a fascinating piece that will require more than one listen.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck 

October 26, 2021 

 

 

About Richard Spasoff:

Website: https://richardspasoff.com

Richard Spasoff is an internationally renowned modern day psychic, medium,and Stand Up Comedian, motivational speaker, and radio/television personality for over 25 years. He has given accurate and insightful psychic readings to clients ranging from everyday citizens to celebrities, people in law enforcement, clergy, judges, attorneys and business CEOs... READ MORE

Contemporary Instrumental - Jazz Review: The Christopher James Project-Better Days

Release Date: September 17, 2021

Label: Val Gardena Music

Website

Contemporary instrumental and jazz make for a great partnership on the first solo album for Christopher James. 

The Christopher James Project is titled for a good reason. Project-based recording usually entails many different artists, and Better Days is precisely that.

It makes for an excellent listen, featuring an All-Star lineup comprised of Ben Butler, Taylor Eigsti, John Patitucci, Nate Smith, David Torn, and Doug Yowell. Those listeners who enjoy instrumental works with a piano leading the way with plenty of rhythm and jazz flavors will find great joy in each track.

Some good examples of all the colors, textures, and melding of sounds are "Pear Blossom' and "Anna," which were consecutive tracks of absolute pleasure. The album's flow is perfect as one track introduces the next. The musicianship is exemplary, as one would expect with this lineup. I always notice an intrinsic rhythm in this type of music, and it is the core that everything else is built upon. This is from my listening perspective, and others will likely hear it differently.

That is the freedom and beauty of a great musical recording, and it allows your mind and spirit to take flight. In that context, "Bated Breath" is very progressive and goes through several changes over 4:03 minutes. I found it breathtaking and could feel the immense energy that went into that track. It provides the excitement and wonder of a great jazz improvisational number.

Christopher James is an accomplished classical pianist taking his skills to different and new heights with help from his friends. I have been listening to some tremendous smooth jazz lately from a station out of Istanbul, Turkey. That has engaged me and put me in the right mood and frame of mind for music like this.

Yes, indeed, let's all hang on to that though now, Better Days are ahead, and performing artists such as Christopher James are leading the way.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
September 23, 2021

Tracks:
01. Beyond the Sunrise
02. The Dunes
03. Better Days
04. Blue Mountains
05. Pear Blossom
06. Anna
07. Don't Let It Slip Away
08. Bated Breath
09. A Previous Thought
10. Beyond the Sunrise (alternate)

Contemporary Instrumental (Piano) Review: Robin Spielberg-Give My Regards To Broadway

Release Date: August, 20, 2021

Label: playMountain Music

Website

How can one woman and one piano capture an audience? Ask Robin Spielberg she has been doing it for years. I think it is safe to say that the legacy of this fine artist is in place and will continue to grow with the passing years. Robin has been very busy over the last two years. It seems it was a short time ago I covered RE-INVENTIONS, which came out last November. Now we are more than halfway into this year.

With Give My Regards To Broadway, her 21st proper studio album, due out next month, Robin takes her Steinway to the land of dreams and legends. The music that you will hear is timeless and memorable. The best thing for every listener is the recognition you will receive while listening. You do not have to be a music expert to find commonality. So, for her twentieth album, you get 20 classic tracks done the only way Robin knows how, with respect, care, love, and just enough innovative twist to make each track her own. For my ears and senses, this is the main attraction of what Robin so seamlessly accomplishes on her recordings.

The anticipation I feel with each of her releases is always a jolt of energy before I even hear the first track. Not every artist can pull that off as consistently as Robin does. I count on it, and I am never disappointed. I can understand a potential listener looking at the track list feeling it may seem like a lot of music, and it is however they run 3 plus minutes to 4 plus minutes. Keeping each track within a reasonable time span like the originals, and offering her indelible mark with that magnificent Steinway is once again, and as always, is masterful.

Instrumental piano music as a standalone form of audible entertainment has every opportunity to be boring and uneventful. The selections Robin chooses never allow that kind of atmosphere to set in. It is all quite elegant, uplifting, and relaxing. And at the same time, it can energize, be meditative, and above all nostalgic. It will have some listeners reaching back into a time and place they may have forgotten. Moments of our lives can be good, bad, or indifferent, then go by in our mind’s eye like the flickering of the film from a projector at the movies. After all, it has been said, all the worlds a stage, and we are merely actors and portrayers. If that is the case, my music-loving friends, then there is nobody better than Robin Spielberg to set that camera in motion and tell the tales that all of these 20 tracks can aspire to hold for us all.

As Ms. Spielberg tips her cap to Broadway and to you the audience (whom she suggests to give yourself a hand in the inner sleeve of the CD), I give my regards to her and all the amazing talent she brings forth through her fingers to those ivory keys. I thank her for the music I have been gifted dating back to 2015. Keep it coming my friend, it is a blessing I will always treasure once it is received. There is a large audience out there that will appreciate Give My Regards To Broadway for many reasons, but mostly because it is Robin and her piano providing all of the interpretations of these legendary compositions.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder
August 20, 2021

Tracks:
01. The Impossible Dream        
02. Maria        
03. I Don't Know How to Love Him        
04. Give My Regards to Broadway        
05. I'd Do Anything        
06.  Dulcinea        
07. Far From the Home I Love        
08. Where Is Love        
09. Happiness        
10. They Say It's Wonderful        
11. Ten Minutes Ago        
12. I'll Know        
13. I Have Dreamed        
14. If I Loved You        
15. Heart        
16. Can't Help Lovin Dat Man        
17. If I Were a Bell        
18. Tomorrow        
19. Somewhere        
20. My Best Girl       

Instrumental Movie Music Review: Stephen Edwards-Piano Music-From Movies You've Probably Never Seen

Release Date: August 10, 2021

Label:  ‎Sixfeetfive Music

Website

Stephen Edwards is renowned for his soundtrack film and television work. His compositions can be heard on television series such as Two and a Half Men, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Mad Men, The Blacklist, ER, Transparent, and over 50 other series. That is just a sample of his reach into the world of music and multimedia entertainment.

With the release of Piano Music-From Movies You've Probably Never Seen, you will hear 19 tracks of eclectic solo piano music. The most interesting fact with this release of course, is the title. For most fans of all-around entertainment, it is certain to arouse your curiosity in a variety of ways. If you are so inclined, you can open the CD booklet and take a look at each track and its origins. This is a very helpful guide and a quintessential completion piece to this group of tracks.

Most all of the tracks you can dub as singles or made for a spin on a 45 (7” vinyl) as we would say back in 60s and 70s. This of course reaches back the vinyl days of singles. You will hear so many things with this music that includes elegance, beauty, pensiveness, anticipation, haunting, echoing, spacey, happy, sad, energetic, and more. The delicate playing can be very soft and it forces you to listen closely and imagine a scene in the movie his paying tribute to. Other tracks are more robust and higher in volume.

It all has to be visionary if its short instrumentals, even more so because of the length of the tracks. Stephen is triumphant at every turn, convincing his audience that there is indeed a movie playing and it is entirely up to each listener to become part of the scenery or absorb the audio delights for the sheer joy and relaxation of it.  

When the disc stops spinning it clocks in just under 50 minutes. It may seem like the fastest 50 minutes you may experience and the reason for that is one, the songs are short lived, and secondly, each one stands alone as a separate piece of art performed with a different twist than the last one you heard. They are all meant to be a tribute to specific film (see the track list).

After listening to Piano Music-From Movies You've Probably Never Seen, it was obvious why this talented gentleman has been so successful and in demand. So, to all of the instrumental music lovers out there, set your expectations high because you will not be disappointed.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder
August 9, 2021

Tracks:    
01. Midnight Fear “Bed to Hayknife”(1991)
02. Midnight Fear “Jen’s Theme”(1991)
03. Waltzing On The Promenade from “Titanica” (1992)
04. The Minister’s Wife (1993)
05. Armed and Deadly(1994)
06. Illegal In Blue (1995)
07. Man With A Gun (1995)
08. Conspiracy of Fear ((1995)
09. Project Shadowchaser 3 (1995)
10. Heaven or Vegas (1998)
11. Nocturne By The Sea from “Alias” (2003)
12. Piano and Innocence from “Today You Die” (2005)
13. Theme from “Rome & Jewel” (2008)
14. Intervention Main Title (2009)
15. Schubert Eb Piano Trio from “Mechanic” (2011)
16. Requiem for My Mother Stride Piano (2017)
17. Requiem for My Mother “Agnus Dei” (2017)
18. Syndrome K Main Title (2019)
19. Death Link (2021)

World Review: Ciro Hurtado-Luna

Release Date: August 12, 2021

Label: Independent

Website

 

A lot can happen when one man picks up an acoustic guitar with a world of creativity and ideas flowing through his mind. Ciro Hurtado is one of those talented individuals that make things happen intuitively with his instrument of choice. 

Ciro Hurtado has released nine albums under his name including In My Mind, Tales From Home, The Magic Hour, Guitarra, Echoes of the Andes, Guitarrista, Los Angeles Blues, Ayahuasca Dreams, Selva, and Altiplano. Now we have Luna.

Knowing this before the beginning of the first track, created a lot of expectations for me. This is the kind of energy and excitement that comes from knowing what you are about to hear is from a polished professional. I was not disappointed for one second while listening to my maiden voyage with Ciro.

“Luna,” the title track, is a magnificent track with exceptional instrumentation from the guitar and accentuated with the grace of the flute. Those two instruments are very complimentary in an acoustic setting such as this.

“Rimac” is a wonderful display of virtuosity. It is so awe-inspiring to hear, it sounds like more than one person playing. That kind of sound just blows me away in every instance. And with that, I become very aware I am hearing something very special, that is not an everyday occurrence. Although I have had the blessings of listening to such talent for many years, my wonder and appreciation continue to grow.

“Amor en Pandemia” is very special, translated to English it is “Love in Pandemic.” The vocals are provided by the lovely vocalist Milena Salamanca while Ciro keeps the steady flow and beat of the song. This is a river of emotion and a beautiful depiction of our times set to music. There are few albums I have heard this year that have not dedicated a track or two to what we have gone through. This is all about our healing globally and the one thing that has no borders or lines in the sand, is music! Without exception, it should be all-inclusive because essentially, we are all the same desiring the same things. Music such as this helps to open the door to a clearer view of the world. That of course is my belief and other listeners will hear and feel entirely different things. This is what makes the world go round, our diversity yet a universal need for love and acceptance.

“Andean Celtic” was yet another gorgeous track with flute as the guitar’s partner. The movement of the piece is energizing and inspiring. Ciro’s playing is exceptionally fluid and elegant. He has the knack of introducing his guitar to your senses in a very inviting way. He eases you into the song as he becomes one with his instrument and the overall presentation. It is a beautiful thing to hear, feel, and absorb.

With each passing track, you feel like you are taking a journey of exploration and “Amanecer” creates that atmosphere and as you become eager to hear more, the excitement of the track builds. It is a soundtrack to whatever trip your mind, body, and spirit decide to go on. Once again, the beauty of the song and your listening experience is your choice and the music leads the way seamlessly. Every track does just that for you.

For another vocal track “Luna Llena,” which is “Full Moon” translated, is like a sweet lullaby with some great picking, and the organ is introduced here for a nice effect and backdrop. Then of course the amazing vocalizations of Milena to make it all complete.

With Luna (or the moon) as the main subject depicted on the cover art, it gives a lot of meaning to everything you will hear on this marvelous, primarily world-new age instrumental recording. As the people of the earth see the moon from where we stand, the music can bring us new perceptions and closer together because we are so interconnected with the realizations that we do orbit around each other’s lives.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
August 12, 2021

 

Tracks:
1. Camino (4:05)
2. Luna (4:58)
3. Rimac (4:58)
4. Amor en Pandemia (5:23)
5. Andean Celtic (4:07)
6. Amanecer (5:16)
7. Luna Llena (5:04)
8. Taruka (3:43)
9. Del Norte Soy (4:32)

 

Featured Track: Dominic Augustin-On The Rise

Dominic Augustin is "On The Rise." His new track and video will surely capture listener's attention and imagination.

Dominic has a very pleasant vocal delivery tailor made for R&B and Pop. His range and expressiveness bring home the track with impact.

When Dominic sings "I'm a rising star," it does not take long to agree with that summation. 

"On The Rise" features a futuristic sci-fi video that will have music and game enthusiast clamoring for more. The quality of the video is superb as well as the production values.

I would not be surprised to hear more about this up an coming artist very soon, rising star indeed...

 Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

More About Dominic Augustin: Website

Comments From The Artist...

For as long as I could remember I have always been around music. From when I was young I loved all genres ranging from pop to r&b, gospel to hip hop, country to electronic, you name it! I found my voice in the jr. choir which I’m ever so grateful for. The church is where I first discovered my voice. Attending Howard University then led somewhere different, It is where I found my passion for the world of fashion. Anticipating the important connection between my two favorite things I was soon blessed with an opportunity to work at VOGUE. Eventually I was able to walk the runways as a model for Calvin Klein, Prada, Alexander McQueen and more. I am now happy to now introduce my self as a brand new artist who is just a singer from Brooklyn.

 Artist Bio:

Dominic Augustin, is the founder and CEO of Nickoli August, he is a Content Curator that specializes in photography ranging from Castings and Street style to fashion still life and editorials. Through his parents who emigrated from Haiti in the early 80’s he experienced the world through a unique point of view. Dominic believes that because he was able to grow up learning different cultures, this allowed him to see how people can possess different qualities. Like this, he wants to combine fashion digital world with his favorite forms of art. Being inspired by music, Television and Film allows him to tap into many different emotions incorporating them into is brand and in his designs.

Dominic has a rising experience within the fashion industry; he enjoys fashion design, styling, and photography. Over the past year, Dominic has immersed himself within the fashion industry working with the top production, fashion and PR companies quickly gaining the experience needed to be well rounded in all aspects of the industry. Dominic has assisted some of the biggest brands such as Michael Kors, Alexander Wang, Tory Burch, Coach and many more during each season of NYFW shows. He believes as a visionary it is imperative that you understand different individual styles and trends throughout the seasons. He is a determined individual that stands for everything and falls for nothing.