MuzikMan's Reviews And News: Instrumental Music Reviews

Showing posts with label Instrumental Music Reviews. Show all posts

5/10/2019

Instrumental Review: Gerhard Daum-Songs Without Words

Release Date: April 26, 2019

Label: Tonework Records

The last time I heard the sweet sounds of Gerhard Daum’s guitar was in 2017 on Rural Renewal with his guitar and string ensemble. At the end of last month, he released Songs Without Words. The title says it all right? Well, not quite.

Gerhard’s guitar playing is outstanding and that did not come as a revelation considering his last effort was a 5-star outing. I decided to just call it instrumental in regards to genre. He covers some ground so making it all inclusive was the best route to take.

You will hear some biting rock and blues licks along with some electrified cinematic jazz moments (‘Told You So”). “Gentleman’s Way” really caught my ear, its upbeat and consistent rhythms and timings made it an instant favorite. “Gold Rush” was another ear catcher, it sounds like a made for TV soundtrack or commercial, actually anything cinematic that needed some added color or depth, then this track would add those elements to it and make it all complete. “Timeless” was superb as well, another one for the highlight reel. One even better for the film industry would be “Walking On Clouds,” with its orchestrated layers and excellent reverberating jazz-inflected guitar notes.

To be perfectly honest, what is there on Songs Without Words not to like? I loved the entire album. Although I am partial to guitar-based instrumentals, I do require a high standard of listening pleasures and strong production values with everything I hear. This recording gets an A+ in every category and is an absolute joy to listen to.

I am sure Songs Without Words will easily find a home with the contemporary instrumental, jazz and easy listening stations streaming all over the globe. It has that durable crossover appeal because Gerhard goes from strength to strength so seamlessly, mixing all the genres. Every additional instrument to the guitar is just the proverbial icing on the cake. There are many great moments to enjoy on this album night or day, it all fits just like a glove to complete your day with a smile in your heart.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

May 10, 2019

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Review Provided By MuzikMan.net

Tracks:
01. Berlin Song
02. Talking Softly
03. Gentlemen's Way
04. All That Matters
05. Gold Rush
06. Timeless
07. Holding the Dream
08. Going My Way
09. Told You So
10. Walking on Clouds
11. The Early Passion
12. My Foolish Heart

4/30/2018

Instrumental Piano Review: Peter Calandra-Piano Improvisations Vol. 1

Release Date: April 27, 2018

Label: PCM

Website

Peter Calandra has new digital-only release titled Piano Improvisations Vol.1. This will be his first release in 2018 with another one forthcoming later in the year.

Peter is well known for his solo piano works and I have become very familiar with his recorded output as well. I had the pleasure of covering First Light, The Road Home and Inner Circle. He is also known for his soundtrack work.

Piano Improvisations Vol. 1 is comprised of fourteen instrumental piano tracks. Peter is a very ambitious recording artist and because of that creative energy, he is able to keep a constant flow of music on the market. I find that kind of consistency is refreshing. I have a lot of respect for musicians that are constantly busy with one project or another. I can understand why many are like that. To keep those creative juices flowing you need to be actively using the talents or things will get stale and then you would feel a disconnect with your process. I think I can relate that kind of mindset.

Improvisation is defined as such: By something that is improvised, especially a piece of music, drama, etc., created without preparation. So, to create music without preparation would demand a tremendous insight into your chosen instrument. With that in mind, it would also require an incredible talent to start playing with a flow and sense of direction, and one that makes sense and is pleasing to a listener.

Peter has an innate sense of tone and rhythm in his offerings. I think this is something people are born with then it develops more when they explore their god given blessing. This thought hit me square between eyes while listening to “A 21st Century Monk.” That track is a progressive jazz infused listen that any Miles Davis or John Coltrane fan would appreciate. I count myself amongst the many that appreciate the founding fathers of progressive jazz. Even though it is different as a stand-alone track, and every one is, it is done with a touch of class. The artist starts off the track slowly, gradually introducing the improvisations to the listener. Rather hitting someone all at once with music off the beaten path as it were, this musician takes the intelligent path presenting his music.

The most entertaining and interesting aspect of Piano Improvisations Vol. 1 is that you are not anticipating any sort of style or trend. This is improvisation at its unpredictable best. I think this a strong release for Peter and it will engage his audience from start to finish leaving them wanting for more. Keep in mind this is only Volume 1 so more is likely to follow at some point, which keeps things exciting and interesting for the creator and listeners. This is an easy 5/5 stars because it is all solo piano creations at the highest level of difficulty. Bravo and a tip of the cap to Mr. Calandra for a job well, done!

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 30, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Review Provided MuzikMan Reviews & News

Tracks:
01. Carry the Torch
02. Two Days
03. Dreamland
04. Distant Memory
05. Summer Morn
06. Mystery Night
07. Enchanted Forest
08. Often Minor
09. Tonester
10. A 21st Century Monk
11. Summer Rain
12. Off in the Distance
13. The Second Wave
14.Blueish

1/20/2018

New Age Instrumental Review: Anaya Music-AONKI – Gateway of Love (Cosmic New Age Music)

Release Date: February 2, 2018

Label: Anaya Music

Website

Around this time a year ago I had the experience of listening to Anaya Music and providing coverage of Eternity. It was an uplifting experience and a memorable listen as I recall.

Now with February drawing closer AONKI – Gateway of Love (Cosmic New Age Music) will arrive.

Once again, the recording features several exceptional collaborations between Anaya Music and a live virtual symphony orchestra recorded in the heart of Prague, the capital of the Czech republic. The orchestra combines members of the finest

ensembles in Prague, including the Czech Philharmonic.

I think they should rename the orchestra to “The Live Spiritual Orchestra.” If you have been exposed to Anaya Music you will understand what that means. If this is your first journey with this music you will find out very quickly. Either way, this is spiritually uplifting music that leaves a smile on your soul. It’s like the term digital footprint, there is an everlasting musical imprint left on your being.

If instrumental classical music with a definitive new age influence is something you desire, then your ship has come in. You just need to get ready to sail away with it. The combination of all the fine orchestra musicians with electronic sounds and synthesizers blended for textures, colors and moods is excellent. It is all very soothing and natural in relation to stimulus I respond to (and hopefully the perspective listeners). Whether it is emotional or aural senses, this music can and will move you in some way.

Anaya is like a female Yanni of sorts. I can imagine this woman on stage surrounded by an orchestra and several keyboards to present her musical talents. Based on the information I have gleaned, Anaya is a very spiritually driven individual that desires to bring love and positive vibrations through her music. By all accounts she has been a great success. I certainly have felt blessed to have the opportunity to hear this music before it is released and then give some input as to what my experiences have been.

This project is a great success in my assessment in regards to quality, emotion and focus. I found all three of those qualities abundant on this release. So, Anaya Music gets an A+ (or 5/5 stars) for this excellent effort. It is pleasure to be a part of the growth and continual expressions of musical artists year after year. I look at it as another gift from a very talented individual.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

January 20, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:

1. Laman Song
2. Breath
3. Gate
4. Over the Clouds
5. Because of you
6. Aonki Mov I
7. Aonki Mov II
8. Exstase II
9. Just for you
10. A Path to the Infinite

1/10/2018

New Age/Contemporary Instrumental Review: Terry Lee Nichols and Rebekah Eden-We Have Only Come To Dream

Release Date: January 1, 2018

Label: Soundscape Productions

Websites: https://www.terryleenichols.com/ http://www.rebekaheden.com

We Have Only Come To Dream is a stunning release from Terry Lee Nichols and Rebekah Eden. The collaboration is literally a match made in heaven. Once you hear this recording you will think you just arrived at the pearly gates. The premise of the album is not about the heavens above but how we have come to treasure the land below.

This cinematic journey is a tribute to our National Parks in the U.S. and the early explorers of the Americas. The music contained here is the most colorful and moving journey one listener could experience in one sitting. The orchestration, sounds of nature like water in stream, birds singing and horses and wagons moving along a trail, are all part of this presentation. You even hear the sounds of the piano from an early Western saloon and a patron asking for a “stiff one.”

The poetry of Phillip Spevak is included in the informative and entertaining CD booklet. This gives the music more life and a feeling of the times that are emulated in each song. This is all top of the line instrumental music just perfect for the big screen. I can think of some of the Western films I watched with my father as a child and the music that would accompany it. Those sweet carefree memories were relived in this music. My love of nature and the need to protect it also was enhanced by listening.

We Have Only Come To Dream is the complete package - history, a storyline, and the most lush and gorgeous music you could possibly imagine. From the opener “Phantasmagorical Voyage,” which is so powerful and picturesque, to the relaxing tempo changing curtain closer “Canyon Sunset,” this a very impressive release.

We Have Only Come To Dream is destined to receive awards this year for the music and production values that are A+ from start to finish. And what a way to kick off the new year for Terry and Rebekah, they could not have been more concise and impactful than this amazing group of tracks. I would expect this recording to be considered into the Library of Congress or the Smithsonian Institute at some point, and hopefully as soon as possible as it deserves inclusion into one of our American Institutions.

If there is one album to make sure you get this year it is We Have Only Come To Dream. Anyone that enjoys instrumental music that immerses you in a soundscape and the atmospheres of days long past, this is the recording to listen to!

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

January 10, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews