Greenville, SC – The Prog Rock community is buzzing about the new release by progressive rock ensemble Exovex featuring members of Porcupine Tree, NIN, Devo, Sting & Steely Dan! Radio Silence is the project’s debut album and features Josh Freese (NIN, A Perfect Circle, Devo) and Keith Carlock (Sting, John Meyer, Steely Dan) on drums. The album also showcases two members of Porcupine Tree, Gavin Harrison on drums and Richard Barbieri on keyboards and synthesizers. All songs on the album were written, performed and produced by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dale Simmons.
Boston, MA-April 23, 2015-Long time music industry journalist and webmaster Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck has launched a service to help Indie Artists in the early stages of recording their music.
To date Hannaleck has been involved in three projects with more lining up, from beginning to end in helping artists to create their albums. Tracks are evaluated in their most rudimentary form for the artists. The input is invaluable at the beginning stages all the way to the final mastering and sequencing.
The process goes through four stages and can last anywhere from 1 to 3 months or longer.
Russ Suereth Commented:Keith was patient during the initial creation process. I must say that the initial drafts were not great, because I was still trying to find my place within this new space. Keith was there to help guide my focus to an area that listeners were expecting to hear, and once I got on track I was able to take off on my own. Keith helped with a few final thoughts at the end, and also provided thoughtful and detailed descriptions of the tracks. They were very helpful in marketing my music to other people in the industry.
Any artist would benefit from Keith’s insights, experience, and deep knowledge of music and the greater music industry.
Hannaleck currently runs 4 different blogs that concentrate on music, Write A Music Review, Prog Rock Music Talk, New Age Music Reviews and Rate The Tracks. He has been in the music industry for over 16 years and is the founder of the website MuzikReviews.com which went offline last year due to an ownership change. That did not deter the man from carrying on and he continued to be a relevant part of the online music industry contributing music reviews with his staff and posting streaming media and news.
Regarding The Pre-Production Service Hannaleck States-The goal is to provide each artist with an honest assessment of each individual track. A further recommendation for additional instruments or removal of the same helps to make the tracks better in sound and overall texture and presentation. After several iterations of evaluations and short reviews of each track the end result should be a complete album ready for final mastering. My knowledge and connections in the music industry will assist the artist in taking their music to the next level and making recommendations for mastering and publicity.
This Pre-Production service is one that is greatly needed in the highly competitive and at times confusing music industry. Experience, honesty and a straightforward approach is something that is an invaluable resource that any artist seeks. Hannaleck hopes to make this service an integral part of the industry for years to come. All of the sites, social networks and services are available to access on one page at www.muzikman.net
Boston, MA-April 23, 2015-Long time music industry journalist and webmaster Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck has launched a service to help Indie Artists in the early stages of recording their music.
To date Hannaleck has been involved in three projects with more lining up, from beginning to end in helping artists to create their albums. Tracks are evaluated in their most rudimentary form for the artists. The input is invaluable at the beginning stages all the way to the final mastering and sequencing.
The process goes through four stages and can last anywhere from 1 to 3 months or longer.
Russ Suereth Commented:Keith was patient during the initial creation process. I must say that the initial drafts were not great, because I was still trying to find my place within this new space. Keith was there to help guide my focus to an area that listeners were expecting to hear, and once I got on track I was able to take off on my own. Keith helped with a few final thoughts at the end, and also provided thoughtful and detailed descriptions of the tracks. They were very helpful in marketing my music to other people in the industry.
Any artist would benefit from Keith’s insights, experience, and deep knowledge of music and the greater music industry.
Hannaleck currently runs 4 different blogs that concentrate on music, Write A Music Review, Prog Rock Music Talk, New Age Music Reviews and Rate The Tracks. He has been in the music industry for over 16 years and is the founder of the website MuzikReviews.com which went offline last year due to an ownership change. That did not deter the man from carrying on and he continued to be a relevant part of the online music industry contributing music reviews with his staff and posting streaming media and news.
Regarding The Pre-Production Service Hannaleck States-The goal is to provide each artist with an honest assessment of each individual track. A further recommendation for additional instruments or removal of the same helps to make the tracks better in sound and overall texture and presentation. After several iterations of evaluations and short reviews of each track the end result should be a complete album ready for final mastering. My knowledge and connections in the music industry will assist the artist in taking their music to the next level and making recommendations for mastering and publicity.
This Pre-Production service is one that is greatly needed in the highly competitive and at times confusing music industry. Experience, honesty and a straightforward approach is something that is an invaluable resource that any artist seeks. Hannaleck hopes to make this service an integral part of the industry for years to come. All of the sites, social networks and services are available to access on one page at www.muzikman.net
Eric Tingstad's "Swamped" is but one example of his excellence at connecting to the roots and blues music that literally influences all music to this day. His guitar playing and production is superb! I instantly felt a connection to his music as soon as it started playing. Words are not necessary because this music will speak to you! Make sure you check out more of Tingstad's music on his new release Mississippi and read the review.
Eric Tingstad’s solo recording career began in 1982 with the release of On The Links. Capitalizing on his gift for composition, On the Links compiled eleven original songs best described as part of the burgeoning New Age genre. The album appeared on his private label, Cheshire Records, under which he continues to release albums of his own music and others.
Tingstad won a Grammy Award for Best New Age Album in 2003 as artist, engineer, and producer of Tingstad and Rumbel’s, Acoustic Garden. He continues to tour as part of Tingstad and Rumbel, an acoustic duo that remains a standard among listeners of the instrumental/New Age genres.
Eric Tingstad is a Grammy Award winning composer, producer, singer and songwriter primarily known for his finger style guitar work. Tingstad has crafted works in the Americana, Bluegrass, Alternative Country, Jazz, Blues and New Age genres. In his newest album Mississippi he indulges in all of them. This album takes a look at the cradle of music where much of the style of music Tingstad is known for originated from.
“Mississippi” is the title track to the album. It takes us on a walk alongside of one of our nation’s greatest rivers. The rambling guitar picking paired with light percussive elements blends together like water and river silt to make that muddy river flow. Jazzy at times with elements of Americana roots, this piece teems with life.
“Swamped” comes to life picking and grinning and reminds me of what it feels like to be hip deep in deadlines and hardly able to come up for air. Stop, start, and plod along all the while trying to keep your head above water with an upbeat attitude and a gallon of coffee. Textured and plucky, “Swamped” should be the song of my life and as soon as I heard it, I smiled. Bouncing, happy with the whirlwind and the myriad of theoretical plates spinning in the air, it says it all. It’s all in the hips and if you dance while life keeps going, you’ll get there.
“Chester” reminded me of a dog. Yep, a floppy eared overeager retriever bounding along at his master’s heels. Happy and alert, this piece encapsulates all that is good in the world. Guitar picking in a smooth roots rock style, Tingstad illustrates life with sound and paints a picture of happy carefree moments that should never be taken for granted. This was one of my favorite pieces on the album.
The care and precision that has gone into this album is quite evident. Mississippi is a tribute to a great river and a place in music’s history that helped to form much of music today as we know it. As a listener, I find the album also speaks to life in general. We all cry tears, feel swamped, miss a loved one and at the end of the day hopefully have a furry four legged friend to go home to. The one thing that drew it all together for me was Tingstad’s style of guitar work, stellar composition and musical imagery. Each bridge and transition was seamless and kept me wanting more. In fact, I haven’t stopped playing the album since I started. It’s good company on an afternoon when a little spring in my step is just what’s needed. I highly recommend this blues album for anyone who wants a taste of instrumental Americana at its best.
5/5 Stars
Key Tracks: Mississippi, Swamped, Chester
Tracks: 01. Long Boats 02. Shakin' in the Cradle 03. Mississippi 04. Trail of Tears 05. Swamped 06. Tennessee Rain 07. Danny Boy 08. Skamania 09. Highway One 10. Durango 11. Chester
Welcome music industry folks, artists and music lovers alike to our home on the web.
The purpose of this site is to create some awareness of our blogs and services.
All the links and information you need to find out more is just a click away so explore! Check out the graphics on each side bar and click on them to visit each site. Look to the navigation bars to find out more about the services.
This site is and will be an ongoing work in progress. Eventually all content from our other blogs will be pulled over.
New Progressive Rock Metal Album - SynemotionOH. - Progressive Rock and Metal The progressive rock/metal artist OH. released two singles, “Run Away” and “Synemotion” from her upcoming vinyl and digital album Synemotion set to be released on April 24, 2015. The singles and pre-orders of the digital download and the Limited Edition Double Gatefold vinyl are available now on Bandcamp and iTunes. The album Synemotion, is a journey through the complex emotional states we experience when we are overwhelmed by concerns and fears – escapist feelings in the song, “Run Away”, anger and frustration in “Rumpus” – wanting to cower and hide in “Subterfuge” – longing and nostaglia in “Elegy” and the experience of disappointment and let-down in the song “Deception”. Finally, letting go and receiving the feeling in the song “Reception” – and the awareness and sensation of irony knowing it will all start over again in the “World of Warcraft”.
The title track, “Synemotion” expresses in words this entire journey from pain and fear to release and hope. But most importantly the song uncovers how we cope with pain, fear, disappointment, depression, embarrassment and futility, it uncovers what actually happens to us, when we are overwhelmed by experience, and with a strange twist of perception, gifts the listener a path out of the darkness and despair, into an even more compelling and complex palette of emotions and sensations. The song gives hope and strength to walk through life even with wounds and disfigurement and have an even greater experience than before.
New Progressive Rock Metal Album - SynemotionOH. - Progressive Rock and Metal The progressive rock/metal artist OH. released two singles, “Run Away” and “Synemotion” from her upcoming vinyl and digital album Synemotion set to be released on April 24, 2015. The singles and pre-orders of the digital download and the Limited Edition Double Gatefold vinyl are available now on Bandcamp and iTunes. The album Synemotion, is a journey through the complex emotional states we experience when we are overwhelmed by concerns and fears – escapist feelings in the song, “Run Away”, anger and frustration in “Rumpus” – wanting to cower and hide in “Subterfuge” – longing and nostaglia in “Elegy” and the experience of disappointment and let-down in the song “Deception”. Finally, letting go and receiving the feeling in the song “Reception” – and the awareness and sensation of irony knowing it will all start over again in the “World of Warcraft”.
The title track, “Synemotion” expresses in words this entire journey from pain and fear to release and hope. But most importantly the song uncovers how we cope with pain, fear, disappointment, depression, embarrassment and futility, it uncovers what actually happens to us, when we are overwhelmed by experience, and with a strange twist of perception, gifts the listener a path out of the darkness and despair, into an even more compelling and complex palette of emotions and sensations. The song gives hope and strength to walk through life even with wounds and disfigurement and have an even greater experience than before.
Ever think of what it would sound like if Pink Floyd joined forces with Miles Davis? Well that is the sound of Jeff Oster as people described him over the years. Personally I love both of those artists, they were building blocks to our musical legacy and idolized by generations of listeners. Jeff Oster is an acclaimed trumpet and flugelhorn player that has been bestowed many honors over his career. After giving his new release Next a good listen I can understand why. Somehow he has been able to take jazz, funk, ambient and new age and make it a unique and compelling sound all his own.
As the curtain opens with the title track Oster starts things off in the right way giving the music the direction it needs to capture a listener. Nile Rodgers (Chic) adds his smooth and funky guitar lines to the soothing sounds produced by Jeff’s horn. It just could not have started any better.
As the man says-“If you want to know truly who I am, listen to my horn.” I think that sums it up in one statement and trust me it plays out just like that on Next. Jeff’s flugelhorn and trumpet are brought to the forefront of the music by the talented production hands of Will Ackerman from Imaginary Road Studios. It was mixed by the capable hands of Tom Eaton and then mastered by Bob Ludwig.
The combination of smooth jazz and new age is a compatible marriage of sound and without sounding cliché; it’s like chicken soup for the soul, musically speaking. It’s quite beautiful and picturesque. This music allows you to shape and mold the pictures in your mind’s eye and I can guarantee it will be the most pleasant journey.
“Gardens of Varanasi” invokes a spiritual atmosphere, like an invite to heaven this track leads you down the path to enlightenment. With purpose and direction the music sets you at ease and gives you comfort. What I found interesting was the fact that you don’t have to necessarily be a fan of new age or jazz to find enjoyment with this release. I think the overall presentation has something to offer every one. It was a challenge to choose three key standout tracks because each one was impressive in its own right. My personal tastes were a perfect fit for getting into this album; I love jazz, all kinds and new age as well so it was like putting on my pants every day, it fit.
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” is a delicate and beautiful outreach to that special someone, an invitation to see the other party as they truly are and decide if choosing to be by their side would feel right. If the music has anything to do with that, I am sure the answer would be yes. Everything about the track, the piano, horn, drums and bass invite you in and make you feel right at home, like you belong. In essence all of Jeff Oster’s music is special like that. He has created a masterpiece of instrumental bliss.
Next slides down into your soul like your favorite ice cream on a hot summer day. You feel satisfaction and complete joy. This is relaxation and satisfaction taken to the next level. I am certain this recording will receive its share of attention before the year is through.
5/5 Stars
Key Tracks: Next, Gardens of Varanasi, I Can’t Make You Love Me
Tracks: 01. Next (feat. Nile Rodgers) 02. Night Train to Sofia 03. Gardens of Varanasi 04. Turn Left At San Pancho 05. I Can't Make You Love Me 06. On Mother's Day 07. Half a Cookie 08. Ibiza Sunrise 09. Avenue D 10. The Mystery of B 11. Heroes (feat. Jeff Taboloff) 12. And We Dance
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music ReviewsFounder
Russell Suereth is a keyboardist with a focus on New Age and world music. His new album Spiritual Haven is a combination of classic Western instruments blended with some more exotic instruments such as a duduk, guzheng, grand marimba, koto, oud, krin and ethnic frame drums. These sounds are accentuated by the hang drum and woodwind instruments as well as many others. Original compositions range from spiritual reflection to observation of nature in all of its forms.
“Glitter of Light” is a song based on hope in difficult times. Sometimes I think we are led to things when we need them most and after losing a family pet of fourteen years and dealing with the illness of another pet this past week I believe it. “Glimmer” breathes life via percussive elements, woodwinds, synth and keyboard action that was peaceful and reflective. The rhythms and soft vocalizations were both soothing and uplifting, and a nice trip out of my head for a time.
“Notions Astir” begins with a mellow synth experience blended with clanging that reminded me of banging silverware and frenzied housework on a weekday night. It made me smile and be joyful in the basic things of life.
“Red Moon Rising” compelled me with the title of the song and I was not disappointed. Electronic keyboards and synth bring to mind a large red moon rising over the big night sky. Percussive elements add to the anticipation, along with clanging sounds that reminded me of going sky watching with my husband at the cemetery in Yorktown, Virginia. The big dark sky, picnic laid out (clanging silverware sounds again) and a telescope so you don’t miss a thing.
“The Village Breathes” is the last song on the album. Sounds of water, birds in flight, people speaking and a lovely piano sequence make it one of my favorite tracks on the album. This piece has a more distinct sound that brought to mind the movie The Medicine Man and the villagers working and laughing together as they worked. Exotic world music blends with modern sound to create a visual impression of the South American jungle.
Russell Suereth has captured moments in nature and the human psyche with his album Spiritual Haven. The album moves from one song to the next weaving a spell of modern musical design interspersed with exotic elements and textures. This was an enjoyable album for both its rhythms and sentiment.
4/5 Stars
Key Tracks: Glimmer of Light, Notions Astir, Red Moon Rising, The Village Breathes Tracks: 01. A Magic Flight 02. Distant Voices 03. Glimmer of Light 04. Night Dances 05. Swirling Spice 06. Nightingale Rushes 07. Notions Astir 08. Sudden Awareness 09. Red Moon Calling 10. Red Moon Rising 11. Realization 12. The Village Breathes
This is another of those times when items for review have links. Having recently reviewed the debut release by Kaukasus, I now find that the new release by Rhys Marsh, Sentiment, has landed on the reviewing desk. Rhys is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer based in Trondheim, Norway. Apart from being a solo artist, Rhys is the leader of the band The Autumn Ghost and a member of both Kaukasus and Mandala.
Autumn 2013 saw Rhys debut solo release entitled Suspended in A Weightless Wind, which comprised 5 tracks of cover material including Nick Drake and King Crimson.
Sentiment is the first full length solo release by Rhys and was written and recorded in his own Autumnsongs Recording studio. The artist himself has described the material as “my darkest and noisiest album so far. That encouraged me to step away from my comfort zone and really delve into more personal matters.”
Normally I would now go into a bit of info about the artist /band and who played what etc. but this time it is very short and indeed very easy. The only musician listed on the album is one Rhys Marsh, who plays “everything.”
Sentiment is a 9 track album with a total playing time of around 42 minutes, with the shortest track, “Burn The Brightest Day” lasting 3:19 minutes and the longest track, “The Ghost Ship” running on just beyond the 6 minute mark (6:11).
“Pictures Of Ashes” (3:50) is a very catchy track with a gentle light bass behind a plaintive vocal. The acoustic guitar is excellent and the “flute” (possibly a mellotron?) helps the track build with the increasing intensity of the snare. The chorus occurs through what is normally referred to as a wall of sound and then this drops away around the 2 minute mark and the music becomes very sparse, but so melodic. There is a change just after 2:30 minute point with a blast of sound from the mellotron before a return to the earlier theme. This is a track that very quickly permeates into your head.
Track 4, “The Seventh Face” (4:49) is one of those tracks that is, in a very subtle way, burrowing deep into your mind without you being aware of the situation. This is another example of some superb bass playing together with “strings” (mellotron again?) to create an amazing aural soundscape. Rhys vocals, as on Kaukasus recordings, are so clear and powerful, adding another facet to this track. This is my favorite track of the album thus far.
Up next is the longest track, “The Ghost Ship” (6:11) is a beautiful, melancholic track of stunning simplicity. Herein lies the proof that drums can be subtle as they are so light, and together with more perfectly played bass, they paint an amazing scenario. With the general feeling one of melancholy or sadness, the vocals fit that description like a glove. This is a track that at different times both drifts, and occasionally, drives along forming a superb piece of work. It leaves with a very much upbeat blast including fuzz toned guitars.
The next track in this section, “In The Sand” (3:49) is the opposite in style of expression of the previous track. The feeling of openness, evident earlier in the tracks has been replaced by a tight precision which anchors the track, and although relatively short, is a track that will linger long in the mind.
The general feeling of this album is that Rhys has evolved from previous material, but has, at the same time, maintained the “Rhys ethos” in that he retains the ability to tell amazing stories in his catchy, melodic/moody, vocal led work. Several times he approaches the area that Kaukasus inhabit, but this release, Sentiment, is very definitely a Rhys marsh solo success. Sentiment may require several listens before you realize that each and every track has somehow managed to get inside your head and subsequent listens seem to accentuate the little hooks and themes that you might have previously missed. Sentiment is an album to be savored and should be high on your CD shopping list.
4.5/5 Stars
Key Tracks: The Seventh Face, The Ghost Ship, In The Sand
Tracks: Calling In The Night Burn The Brightest Day Picture Of Ashes The Seventh Face The Ghost Ship In The Sand Last November Silver Light And Blackened Eyes Give Me (What You Need)
This is another of those times when items for review have links. Having recently reviewed the debut release by Kaukasus, I now find that the new release by Rhys Marsh, Sentiment, has landed on the reviewing desk. Rhys is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer based in Trondheim, Norway. Apart from being a solo artist, Rhys is the leader of the band The Autumn Ghost and a member of both Kaukasus and Mandala.
Autumn 2013 saw Rhys debut solo release entitled Suspended in A Weightless Wind, which comprised 5 tracks of cover material including Nick Drake and King Crimson.
Sentiment is the first full length solo release by Rhys and was written and recorded in his own Autumnsongs Recording studio. The artist himself has described the material as “my darkest and noisiest album so far. That encouraged me to step away from my comfort zone and really delve into more personal matters.”
Normally I would now go into a bit of info about the artist /band and who played what etc. but this time it is very short and indeed very easy. The only musician listed on the album is one Rhys Marsh, who plays “everything.”
Sentiment is a 9 track album with a total playing time of around 42 minutes, with the shortest track, “Burn The Brightest Day” lasting 3:19 minutes and the longest track, “The Ghost Ship” running on just beyond the 6 minute mark (6:11).
“Pictures Of Ashes” (3:50) is a very catchy track with a gentle light bass behind a plaintive vocal. The acoustic guitar is excellent and the “flute” (possibly a mellotron?) helps the track build with the increasing intensity of the snare. The chorus occurs through what is normally referred to as a wall of sound and then this drops away around the 2 minute mark and the music becomes very sparse, but so melodic. There is a change just after 2:30 minute point with a blast of sound from the mellotron before a return to the earlier theme. This is a track that very quickly permeates into your head.
Track 4, “The Seventh Face” (4:49) is one of those tracks that is, in a very subtle way, burrowing deep into your mind without you being aware of the situation. This is another example of some superb bass playing together with “strings” (mellotron again?) to create an amazing aural soundscape. Rhys vocals, as on Kaukasus recordings, are so clear and powerful, adding another facet to this track. This is my favorite track of the album thus far.
Up next is the longest track, “The Ghost Ship” (6:11) is a beautiful, melancholic track of stunning simplicity. Herein lies the proof that drums can be subtle as they are so light, and together with more perfectly played bass, they paint an amazing scenario. With the general feeling one of melancholy or sadness, the vocals fit that description like a glove. This is a track that at different times both drifts, and occasionally, drives along forming a superb piece of work. It leaves with a very much upbeat blast including fuzz toned guitars.
The next track in this section, “In The Sand” (3:49) is the opposite in style of expression of the previous track. The feeling of openness, evident earlier in the tracks has been replaced by a tight precision which anchors the track, and although relatively short, is a track that will linger long in the mind.
The general feeling of this album is that Rhys has evolved from previous material, but has, at the same time, maintained the “Rhys ethos” in that he retains the ability to tell amazing stories in his catchy, melodic/moody, vocal led work. Several times he approaches the area that Kaukasus inhabit, but this release, Sentiment, is very definitely a Rhys marsh solo success. Sentiment may require several listens before you realize that each and every track has somehow managed to get inside your head and subsequent listens seem to accentuate the little hooks and themes that you might have previously missed. Sentiment is an album to be savored and should be high on your CD shopping list.
4.5/5 Stars
Key Tracks: The Seventh Face, The Ghost Ship, In The Sand
Tracks: Calling In The Night Burn The Brightest Day Picture Of Ashes The Seventh Face The Ghost Ship In The Sand Last November Silver Light And Blackened Eyes Give Me (What You Need)
This is the first collaboration between renowned new age recording artists Peter Kater and Michael Brant DeMaria. Both men have carved out their own niche and are well respected in the genre. The combination of piano and flute coexist with a purpose and meaning on the new release titled Heart of Silence.
The duo refers to the eight tracks as sound poems. Kater’s elegant piano coupled with DeMaria’s Native American flutes is a step into solace and grace found beyond daily life and our surroundings. The tracks invite your soul to find the peace waiting to be discovered, it’s yours for the taking if you let this music look inward. Just relax and let it take you over. This is excellent meditation music however I found it quite enjoyable to listen to without any particular focus, I just took it all in with the realization that I could enjoy it for no other reason than letting the vibrations and sounds soothe my weary mind and give my soul a sense of calm and peace.
DeMaria was inspired to go in this direction after his mother nearly died in his arms. While that is a very sad event in a person’s life I am sure he saw the beauty and acceptance of moving on for his beloved mother and also how blessed he was to be there for her. Life and death is a process we all go through but it is our choice which road we take and how we either embrace each phase of our existence or turn away and refuse to acknowledge the spirit within us all. Most certainly the love a child has for a mother is something special and a connection like no other for all living creatures. I think DeMaria opening himself to that experience allowed this amazing music to be created and has prepared him for when that day arrives when his mother decides to move on. He decided to use a deep base flute that provided a drone like sound comparable to a didgeridoo. That sound projects beautifully and provides a foundation for the rest of the music to gently float over the top like clouds moving across the sky or a hot spring bubbling beneath the surface. It was a choice that was initiated by DeMaria’s experience while his mother was going between the spirit world and her existence her on the physical plane. When he closed his eyes while holding his mother he could see a light and a deep oooommmm sound, a drone if you will. That is how this all came about. He is blessed with the comfort of knowing that his loved one will indeed pass on to another beautiful existence.
I found “Tender Heart” as the most exceptional track. It is moving and spacious as a clear night glittering with thousands of stars. The music is pure like the earth and sky above and the sounds and textures in the track made me feel closer to Mother Earth. We are all here to honor our place on this great planet. All eight tracks are beautiful and serve a higher purpose and all you have to do is listen and find out where it will take you. Each track blends into the next making it a complete and satisfying journey of sounds and atmospheres.
This is the kind of music that is for relaxation, meditation, reflection, recharging yourself and realigning your purpose and meaning. Life holds many gifts for us all but at times we are pulled away from what is right in front of us with our busy lives and pressures of work and all the noise and chatter that can swallow us up if we let it. I choose to survive the day and then let music from CDs like Heart of Silence remind me of who I am and what is really important. Without words music can carry a very powerful message and I am thankful I was able to hear it and grateful for some insight into the lessons presented to one man.
4.5/5 Stars
Key Tracks: ALL Tracks: 1. Heart of Silence 2. Radiant Dawn 3. First Breath 4. Holding Space 5. Tender Heart 6. Timeless Echoes 7. Midnight Dreaming 8. Awakening
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
Ryan Stewart was given the gift of music by his mother. At the age of thirteen, she passed away from breast cancer and the event has forever left a mark on his soul. In One Journey, Stewart’s third album, he explores the continuity of human relationships. Not the type you find online where everyone is so focused on technology, but the kind of real connection you get with the people that make an impact on our lives. This songwriter and composer has a gift of emotional resonance that fluttered through me with every song. Guest artists on the album include: Monte Belknap (violin) and Nicole Pinnell (cello). Stewart has composed works for documentaries and many others.
“Under the Willow” is a meaningful piece for Stewart for multiple reasons. It was inspired by his childhood memories at the ages of twelve and thirteen. He would lie underneath a very particular willow tree and dream. Soft and melodic, the song drifts in like a cloud, swiftly changing to the poignant tones of a violin. The Celtic overtones in the piece bring harp and the beautiful vocals of Stewart’s daughter Aysia. His daughter was the same age as he was when he first found the willow tree so getting her involved in the project was especially meaningful. Wind instruments flex and merge into a composition that is truly breathtaking. Buoyant and full of wonderment, this piece is for all the dreamers out there reaching out to find the deeper things in life.
“Winding Road” begins as a piano sequence and continues as such. The imagery invoked is walking along a well-trod path, as your mind works out the troubles of the day. A steady melody, the piece keeps time as you make your way. With anything, you do not walk your path alone. There are loved ones that fall into step beside you and though the way may wind and at times be unclear, the journey is part of the process.
“Coming Home” is a joyous composition. A cornucopia of sound, this piece encapsulates the joy you feel as you stride across the doorstep of the place you call home. Violins, percussion and multiple instruments swirl together to create an uplifting feeling that is truly infectious. It is bending down to enfold your puppy in your arms after a long day at work. It is the twinkling eyes of your daughter as she meets your gaze or the unconditional love of your spouse. But most of all, it is musical symmetry and the artistry of Ryan Stewart and the gifted musicians that helped to create this piece.
Our life journey is one filled with opportunity and people who make a difference by word and deed. Ryan Stewart found such a person in his gifted mother, a musician who instilled in him a love for the craft. Today he spends time with his family and is thrilled to compose and perform music for multiple outlets. Each song on One Journey is like a vanilla cupcake and a cup of your favorite tea. It just goes down smooth and you never want it to end.
5/5 Stars
Key Tracks: Under the Willow, Winding Road, Coming Home
Tracks: 01.When We Met 02.Here and Now 03. Brighter 04.Under the Willow 05.Innocence 06.Old Friend 07.The Portrait 08.Happy People 09.One Step Closer 10.Windows of Time 11.Winding Road 12.Our Story 13.Coming Home
This release arrived on my desk a short while ago for review, but I was already aware of the band, Kaukasus, and indeed, had already aired a couple of tracks of ‘I’ on my radio show. The band was initially formed as an experimental project into the Krautrock style of music, but evolved into modern, dark, Nordic progressive rock, containing subtle, and sometimes, not so subtle hints at Krautrock, Art Rock and World Music. Influences have been drawn from such diverse bands as Japan, Genesis and Can, to name only a few.
Kaukasus comprises Ketil Vestrum Einarson (alto/soprano flutes, tenor horn, treated flute, hulusi, electric piano and EWI synthesizer), Rhys Marsh (voices, electric guitar, acoustic piano, bass guitar, Fender Rhodes, mellotron, drum machine and pedal steel guitar) and Mattias Olsen (drums, percussion, mellotron, orchestron, moog Taurus, VCS3 and Mother Modular System, baritone guitar and bass marimba). The three musicians are very well known and respected progressive musicians, Ketil as part of Jaga Jazzist and Motorpsycho, Rhys as part of Autumn Ghost and Opium Cartel and Mattias as part of Anglagard and White Willow.
‘I’ is a 7 track release with a total playing time of around 47 minutes. Track 5, “Reptilian,” is the longest on offer at 9:10 minutes, with track 6, “The Witness” being the shortest at just over 4 minutes (4:11).
The opening track to the album, ‘I’, “The Ending of the Open Sky” (5:34) has some very atmospheric flute as an introduction, together with some synths in the background. The drums then enter and some breathy vocals before there is a great riff on the guitar. Rhys vocals are amazing, so clear and powerful and riding high over the background. The drums continue to underpin the track and drive the music along. Around the 2:30 minute mark there is a little passage that almost enters the discordant with the sax playing but the general feeling of excellence is maintained. There is then a return to the flute led passage and back to the vocals by Rhys. There is then a little bit of double tracking on the vocals, the drumming by Matthias is superb throughout the track and the flute, and saxophones, provided by Ketil are excellent. Around the 5 minute mark the vocals and the drumming disappear and an atmospheric soundscape takes the track out.
Track 2, “Lift The Memory” (8:53) sees Matthias’ drumming providing the start point for the first 30 seconds before the track bursts into life. Rhys vocals are again clear and powerful and the lyrics are easily followed. Around 2:30 minutes there is a total change with the instruments dropping away and the track then moves into a very jazzy veined section powered by the drums and Rhys vocals continue to drive the track along. This track is certainly one that conjures up thoughts of David Sylvian (especially when he recorded as Rain Tree Crow). The sound that these 3 musicians can generate is excellent. This track has quiet passages, but every so often, it seems to throw in some “killer” hooks. The breathy whispered lyrics, which are just about understandable at points adds to the atmosphere. Around the 5 minute point there is an aural soundscape which takes over with a plaintive passage and a synth that enters and leaves in the background. This is a simply stunning section of a magnificent track. By 6:30 minutes, the track is into some heavy riffing and then into the main theme again before the track takes its leave with a gentle fadeout for the last minute or so.
“Stillness Of Time” (5:57) starts with the piano, bass and terrific drums with Rhys voice over everything. There is very simple drumming with synths appearing initially and then the power kicks in with a heavier, almost muddied, background. A return to the sparse drumming, which also conjures up the sound a train generates, and the piano, heralds the return of the vocals. Around 3:30 minutes there is a terrific synth passage which drifts into a gentle soundscape. Atmospheric is a word that comes to mind frequently and this soundscape takes the track out with some extraneous sounds away in the background.
“Starlit Motion” (5:21) is a synth led haunting melody, with the synth “painting” a scenario which seems very bleak, until another synth can be heard bubbling away underneath and this is soon joined by some superb flute from Ketil. The sound is very reminiscent of the Snow Goose era Camel. Ketil continues to push the track along before more synths build up a melody again, again joined by the flute and the feeling is that of very early Kraftwerk territory. This is the type of instrumental that pulls the listener deep into the track and demands that they hang around to enjoy everything the track has to offer.
“Reptilian” (9:10) is the longest track on the album and starts in a sort of Eastern style which merges into drums and saxophone prior to the entry of the vocals by Rhys, which moves from channel to channel on alternate lines. Synths carry the track along with more Mattias magic on the drums and the sound builds into a mélange of Eastern bits and pieces. Breathy, almost inaudible lyrics paint another excellent soundscape before the track builds up again and into the mélange mentioned earlier. The shift in the use of percussion in different areas is stunning in its simplicity. Guitars, from Rhys, help to build the atmosphere in the track. If there is one area that is slightly disappointing with this particular track, it is the very repetitive vocalization which can “drag” a little. From 7:30 minutes, there is the setting of another haunting aural soundscape which escorts the track out.
The penultimate track, “The Witness” (4:18), is the shortest track and starts with guitar and flute with the synth adding little flourishes. The deep, clear vocals provided by Rhys explain the tale of the witness and the addition of a pedal steel guitar passage adds another level to the track. The feeling within “The Witness” is that of a sparse barren scenario, but at just over 4 minutes, it appears close to perfection.
“The Skies Give Meaning” (8:06) is another chunk of haunting atmospherics, with flute, drums and percussion all dovetailing into place. The track slowly builds with layers appearing and disappearing until around 3:30 minutes when a “cloak of heaviness” descends. This time, Rhys voice seems to be in a battle with the instruments to determine the victor. “Reptilian,” as mentioned, was a little disappointing. “The Witness” turned that around into near perfection leaving the final track a lot to do to keep the flow going, but unfortunately for some reason, it misses the bull’s-eye. This last track just seems to lack the “je ne sais quoi” that was apparent in most of the earlier tracks.
Despite the bit of a letdown with the final track, this is a superb album. Very few albums can claim to be “perfect” throughout, apart from some Greatest Hit albums, and ‘I’is no exception. ‘I’ needs to be listened to several times to fully appreciate what these 3 musicians have achieved. Both stickers appear on the cover of the Kaukasus album, “One to Buy” and “The Experience will last Forever” and my simple advice on ‘I’ is “get out there and buy this album,” settle into a comfortable chair and let the stunning artistry that is ‘I’Iwash over you.
4/5 Stars
Key Tracks: Lift The Memory, Starlit Motion, The Witness
Tracks: The Ending Of The Open Sky Lift The Memory In The Stillness of Time Starlit Motion Reptilian The Witness The Skies Give Meaning
