Track Feature: David Franklin-Song For The Dreaming (feat. Michael Manring)

David Franklin has a new album out titled Playing With Shadows. One of the tracks off the recording is the sublime "Song For The Dreaming" featuring the superlative bass player Michael Manring.

If you happen to appreciate the simplicity of the acoustic guitar and a player that knows not only how to use it to create a desired effect but is also a true master of his craft, then you need to hear Franklin pick on "Songs For The Dreaming."

It is an excellent track that will soothe and calm even the most frazzled individual. It is truly therapeutic music. Listen for yourself and you be the judge. 

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck Rating 5/5 Stars


More About David Franklin:

http://davidfranklin.com

David Comments:

My hope is that the sounds of these quiet instruments may inspire a few people become more grounded and present, so that they can feel a deeper sense of connection with themselves and others. And I hope that in the most positive of ways, you yourself are inspired to play with your own shadows.

From the Liner Notes of the CD:

This was originally going to be a solo piano album.  The inspiration was partly the purchase of my full-sized grand, and the fact that after 40 years as a musician, I am finally starting to understand the instrument.

However, when Michael Manring agreed to record with me, my instrumental guitar pieces became what I wanted to explore.  As time continued and my vision clarified, I realized there was a lot of chemistry between my piano and guitar pieces, and that recording with Michael was the perfect glue to hold it all together.  

I've gone through many phases in my musical life: a keyboardist in a New York rock band, a singer-songwriter touring with my guitar which was never in standard tuning, a drummer supporting myself through college or playing with and recording found-sounds (such as on Shadowlands).  But even though this is my 8th full-length album, it's the one that feels most natural.

The album is entitled Playing With Shadows because I'm playing with my own shadows:  historically I've had difficulty allowing my innermost musical tendencies be experienced. But by playing with these energies and doing my homework around these beliefs, I'm allowing my musical feelings to be heard.  It may sound strange, but it makes sense to me somehow...

My hope is that the sounds of these quiet instruments may inspire a few people become more grounded and present, so that they can feel a deeper sense of connection with themselves and others. And I hope that in the most positive of ways, you yourself are inspired to play with your own shadows.

Thanks for listening!
David Franklin,
Oakland, CA.

Track Evaluation: Ryan Stewart-Under The Willow

With Ryan Stewart's new album One Journey there are many others wrapped up inside. Upon closer inspection of the word One you find so much more. The many things that are important to us and make life worth living.

"Under The Willow" is but one chapter in that book of life. The beautiful music formulated with piano and the addition of simply angelic vocals will bring you peace and instant contentment.

The visuals in the video are a good depiction of what the music is trying to say.

Sit back and listen to this slice of heaven now!

MuzikMan Rating: 5/5

More About Ryan Stewart

http://www.ryanstewartmusic.com

Ryan Stewart’s passion is music. He has come a long way from the child who was expected to practice the piano before playing with friends, or the teenager who spent his lunch hour playing the piano on the stage at his local high school. Stewart has now fulfilled a third album release “One Journey”, a collection of 13 original compositions ranging from piano solos to fully painted orchestral works.

Raised in Salt Lake City, Stewart says his mother is his inspiration. A classically trained pianist herself, she wanted to share her love of music with her children. Sadly, she passed away from breast cancer when he was just 13. Stewart says this was a poignant moment in his life and he realized the gift she had given to him. He said, “As a teenager I missed her and I would sit at the piano and play and think about her.” His father encouraged him to continue to pursuing his talent.

After graduating from high school, Stewart was awarded a full-ride scholarship in music to the University of Utah. He perfected his piano skills as he studied, played and taught piano lessons. He especially enjoyed teaching students with an affinity for composition and song writing. Although Stewart eventually left the music department and pursued a career in computers, he never lost his desire to compose and play the instrument he loves. Today, his spare time is spent with music, and his passion has become something his wife, Cindy, and their two daughters cherish when spending time together..

Ryan’s greatest ambition is to combine his love of computers with music to create compositions for the entertainment industry, particularly in film. He has a gift for orchestrating just about anything, beginning with a concerto he wrote at the age of 17. He has composed and arranged music for film documentaries, Cellist Stephen S. Nelson (The Piano Guys), Paul Cardall, Facebook, several dance studios, and several others.

Track Evaluation: Philip Wesley-Union

Philip Wesley's "Union" is the meeting of a man and his piano and how the sounds produced through that instrument can create beauty and reverberate in the human spirit.

This song will touch your soul in some way, and that is exactly what the artist wants to do. His goal is for people to listen and Transcend any problems or obstacles one may have in their lives through his music.

MuzikMan Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Free EPK from ReverbNation.com

 

More About Philip Wesley:
http://philipwesley.com

Philip Wesley’s music has been featured in radio, TV, film and print. It can be found on many of today’s most popular platforms including Pandora, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, and CDBaby. His music continues to dominate his genre of ‘New Age’ music and reached #1 on the iTunes charts, The Top 100 on Amazon, Best Seller at CD Baby, and most recently #12 on the Billboard Charts (New Age Catalog Chart) Charting with ‘The Piano Guys’ and ‘Jim Brickman’ The music reviewer ‘Reviews New Age’ recently called Philip’s album Dark Night of the Soul one of the “50 Greatest New Age Albums of All Time.”

Transcend is Philip Wesley's 7th solo piano album and is about overcoming problems and obstacles in life. Not just overcoming them, but rising so far above and beyond them that they seem insignificant and a distant memory. This album is also about having the courage to change, to face and overcome your fears, and pursuing the people, places, and things in life that captivate you.

A dynamic album with a rich, dark ambient piano sound. Ranging from contemporary/new age to classical crossover. An emotionally powerful album from start to finish. 

Track Evaluation: Michele McLaughlin-The Space Between from Undercurrent

Michele McLaughlin has a new album coming out titled Undercurrent.

"The Space Between" is one of the exceptional tracks offered by this talented artist.

Michele explains how the track came about:

"The Space Between" is the 5th track on my new album, Undercurrent. It is about moving away from my sister. We used to be neighbors, but when I bought my new house, I moved 10 miles away from her. That may not seem like such a big deal, but that space between us became really noticeable after I moved. This song is for my sister.

I found the music moving and beautiful and it was fitting to the meaning. You can feel the sadness of separation but also a comfort and warmth that very music exudes, like a slice of heaven that gives you peace and assurance. You realize where there was once space there is now unity and the music connects all the dots to make that happen.

I certainly look forward to taking in the rest of Ms. McLaughlin's new release.

MuzikMan Rating: 5/5


More About Michele McLaughlin:

http://michelemclaughlin.com

I've often been told that my music is "haunting and contagious", "relaxing and beautiful", "peaceful and touching". I've also been told that my music is "captivating" and that it transports the listener into worlds of imagination and wonder. For me though, my music is my story...

Featured New Age Artist: David Wahler

David Wahler's music transports you to another place, where it is serene and beautiful, unencumbered by any outside influences.

This is healing music. Get ready to relax and take a trip to heaven! Listen to "Night Sky of Orion" for a taste of what is to come.

His upcoming album Spiritus is sure to make waves as its predecessors did.




More About David Wahler:
http://www.davidwahler.com 

David Wahler began his musical career at the age of 7 playing the piano “by ear.” Years of summer music clinics and academies at various universities culminated in his studying piano performance at Lawrence University Conservatory of Music and Mannes College of Music in New York. David then began serving as a musical director off Broadway. In the Chicago area, he played with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra as well as teaching music appreciation to disadvantaged and handicapped children. 

David released his first album, Antiquus, in the spring of 2009. The CD was met with instant accolades from the reviewers. He placed number one on ZMR (Zone Music Reporter) charts for the month of July, and was the highest ranking debut album in the history of the charts. Antiquus was selected by numerous websites as “one of the best New Age CD’s of 2009”, as well as placing third on ZMR’s Top 100 Most Played Albums of 2009. Antiquus was also nominated for four Zone Music Awards for 2009, including Best Album and Best New Artist, going on to win Best New Artist. 

David’s second album, A Star Danced, released March 1, 2010, was met with the following praise from RJ Lannan, reviewer with Zone Music Reporter. “Contemporary ambient artist David Wahler, musically takes us beyond earthly boundaries on his newest release, A Star Danced . It is music that celebrates the joy of living on a celestial scale. I give it a stellar recommendation.”

Nominated by ZMR Awards as Best Album, Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, A Star Danced went on to win Best Meditation & Relaxation Album of 2010. Secret Dream, David’s third album, was released in 2013 by New World Music.

Featured Track: John Otott-Tesoro

John Otott, instrumental new age artist, has just released his new album titled Colors. One of the tracks that I felt stood out was "Tesoro." Its elegance and beauty will take frazzled nerves and tried spirits and change those feelings to peace and joy.

Otott's excellence with the ivory keys will deliver a slice of heaven to your ears. With music like this it's not so much about the journey but about the destination - where it can take you.

"Tesoro" and many other tracks on the new album will provide instant stress relief. Find out for your self and listen to the stream provided.

MuzikMan Rating 5/5

More About John Otott: 

http://www.johnotott.com

A multi-instrumentalist and composer, John started playing piano at a young age. Taking up the bass guitar in high school, John went on to play in a series of rock bands and regularly performed at such Hollywood hot spots as The Whiskey A Go-Go, the Troubadour and the Roxy. He then transitioned into an instrumental jazz/rock band that performed with such artists as Lyle Mays (of Pat Metheny fame), Latin star Tania Maria, Grammy award winning sax player Gato Barbieri and Thelonious Monk Jr. However, he always maintained his love for piano music composition.

COLORS is John’s latest release (November 2014). The CD contains a collection of piano-based instrumentals interwoven with emotional and often dramatic string and keyboard arrangements. Many of the songs are inspired by his life events, conveying a true sense of meaning through music.

John is a voting member of the Recording Academy, the organization that, in addition to producing The Grammy Awards, supports music industry professionals through advocacy, outreach programs and student initiatives.

Track Evaluation: John Otott-Tesoro

John Otott, instrumental new age artist, has just released his new album titled Colors. One of the tracks that I felt stood out was "Tesoro." Its elegance and beauty will take frazzled nerves and tried spirits and change those feelings to peace and joy.

Otott's excellence with the ivory keys will deliver a slice of heaven to your ears. With music like this it's not so much about the journey but about the destination - where it can take you.

"Tesoro" and many other tracks on the new album will provide instant stress relief. Find out for your self and listen to the stream provided.

MuzikMan Rating 5/5

More About John Otott: 

http://www.johnotott.com

A multi-instrumentalist and composer, John started playing piano at a young age. Taking up the bass guitar in high school, John went on to play in a series of rock bands and regularly performed at such Hollywood hot spots as The Whiskey A Go-Go, the Troubadour and the Roxy. He then transitioned into an instrumental jazz/rock band that performed with such artists as Lyle Mays (of Pat Metheny fame), Latin star Tania Maria, Grammy award winning sax player Gato Barbieri and Thelonious Monk Jr. However, he always maintained his love for piano music composition.

COLORS is John’s latest release (November 2014). The CD contains a collection of piano-based instrumentals interwoven with emotional and often dramatic string and keyboard arrangements. Many of the songs are inspired by his life events, conveying a true sense of meaning through music.

John is a voting member of the Recording Academy, the organization that, in addition to producing The Grammy Awards, supports music industry professionals through advocacy, outreach programs and student initiatives.

New Age World Instrumental Review: Erik Scott-Spirits

Release Date: 2014

Label: Indie

Website

Mr. Erik Scott has quite the resume. From playing with Alice Cooper and Flo & Eddie to releasing a string of successful new age world instrumental releases, his influences are dramatically different. And The Earth Bleeds was released in the spring of this year so I did not expect another album so soon.

Spirits is Scott’s second release this year so to say the man is in a groove would be an understatement. Groove being the operative word here considering he is a bass player. Violins, flutes, electric guitars, various keyboards and more make up this montage of audible delights.

I think diversity is the key to success in area of employment and never is it more evident than with Scott’s music. His bass is a magnificent tool that prompts all the other sounds to bubble to the surface in the most wonderful way. “Free (Instrumental)” is a Celtic influenced track that is modern and clean yet it takes something from years long past and carries on the tradition and legacy of that timeless sound. If you are not thinking of castles and horse drawn carriages while listening to this song you had better check for a pulse!

Scott’s bass is quite prolific throughout this recording; his prominence and importance to the overall presentation reminded me of the dominance of a Jaco Pastorius or Tony Levin. It is like the purity of a hot springs bubbling essence and the synchronicity of time meeting for a grand explosion of colors and sounds. It’s both beauty and wonder put together in one tightly wrapped package.

“Donnie and Sancho” takes you to yet another time and place, Scott’s bass rolls over your body like a warm summer breeze and you feel like you are on a private beach in Mexico dipping your toes into the ocean. Ambiance and the intermingling of genres create a dance as the sands of time stand still. His bass is powerful, beautiful and ambient at times. It is kind of hard to explain but you have to hear it and feel it to totally assimilate the entire presentation. I know that sounds complicated but it’s actually quite the opposite because it’s right as rain straight on through. “Weightless” has a way of making you feel that way and once again the picture is painted on the right canvas. You find as things move along that this artist has impeccable taste and knows exactly how to create emotion and a deep sense of being one with the music. 

“Run (Instrumental)” has a tribal world feel to it as many different instruments take part in the festivities. It makes you feel like you are in the wide open spaces with an ancient civilization during some kind of ceremony or ritual. It gives you timeless music and a space to fill it all in with the inner most thoughts one can create as you take it all in. And if all of that wasn’t enough he does his own unique version of The Beatles “Yesterday,” which is brilliant. In a word, this man does more with one bass than some bands do with multiple instruments at hand.

“Proper Son” is the penultimate track that takes the bass as a lead instrument to an entirely new level. The combination of Scott’s bobbing and weaving bass lines coupled with layers of various instrumentation, are so impressive. I can hear this track playing during a rather exciting scene in a movie, perhaps a pursuit of climbing the highest peak or a deep jungle adventure.        

The music keeps you focused and mesmerized, track after track it will immerse you and make your heart sing. An consuming musical experience is what everyone needs on occasion and if you give Spirits a chance it will make you whole and satisfied with who you are and your surroundings. That is the purpose of a great musical experience. The day and stresses melt away and there is nothing else to focus on but the music. To me this is heaven, the very Spirit of mankind in its essence and purity, unencumbered by distractions. 

Spirits is a masterstroke of divergence and a cultural musical stew of joy and absolute bliss. It would seem one could listen to this album and land just about anywhere in the world. This is indeed a job well done Mr. Scott! You are a very talented individual and I hope you continue on this path you are on and have some more joy to bring us again very soon.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Free (Instrumental), Donnie and Sancho, Proper Son

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

November 7, 2014

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Track Stream: Marika Takeuchi-Rain In The Park

I was so taken with this beautiful track I had to post it right away. Without a word it sweeps you away and brings so much emotion. It nearly brought me to tears. There is solace and a slice of heaven in this woman's fingers.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
More About Marika Takeuchi:

http://www.marika-takeuchi.com

Composer and pianist Marika Takeuchi, a native of Japan, began studies in classical music at the age of three. In addition to the piano, she played violin and french horn for several years. She began studying composition and building career as a composer at the age of 18 at Shobi Music College in Tokyo. Her early career includes composing for Japanese national radio, a major TV series and Universal Music Japan. As well as being strongly influenced and fascinated by classical impressionism and film music, her passions have been also extended into new age music, as she truly believes that music has the profound power to heal and change people’s lives.

Track Evaluation: Bill Frisell - Guitar in the Space Age-Baja

I know "Baja" has been covered by countless artists over the years but what has been done to make it special or different from the rest? Bill Frisell answers that question straight away with a superb exercise in guitar playing!

I was obsessed with surf instrumentals back in the 90s and still enjoy hearing them to this day.

Frisell captures the spirit and warmth of "Baja" beautifully. Have a listen and tell us what you think?

MuzikMan Rating-4.5/5

 

Track Evaluation: Into Orbit-Corridors... Caverns

If you are looking for a sound that will help you leave the planet for awhile, or get Into Orbit...then check out "Corridors...Caverns."

Their instrumental soundscapes will take you away. The guitars and drums build and build until its ready for take off then subside and go through the same process again. 9 minutes and 34 seconds of instrumental wonder!

MuzikMan Rating: 4.5/5

Instrumental Ambient Rock/Soundtrack Review: Kim Halliday-Halflight

Release Date: November 11, 2014

Label: Ravello Records

Website

The first time I heard Kim Halliday’s Halflght it got my attention. Kim is a multi-talented artist covering many different industries and his partner Martin Lister was as equally talented. Unfortunately Kim lost his longtime friend and collaborator in May this year. 

Kim plays guitars, keys, and also provides words, contributes loops, programing and arrangements. Martin did all of the same except he did not provide words, however he did play the drums. They both cover an immense amount of ground in one recording. What I found so pleasing is how they put it all together.

My son walked in while I was playing the CD and said “This sounds like movie music,” and I replied it is! To me actually it is more than that. The blend of guitars, keyboards, loops and programming with just enough percussion makes for a great listen. At times I could understand the words and others I couldn’t but that did not take away anything from my experience, it all still moved me. It certainly does not hurt starting off listening that I love instrumental music and soundtracks such as this.

All the tracks are full of colorful expressions of emotions and energy, some clear and other spaces dark and unknown are presented then at times there is clarity and beauty. All of this is waiting to be discovered in each and every track. The musicianship is absolutely brilliant and at times breathtaking.

Halflight reminded me of one of my favorite albums at times, David Bowie’s Low. I am referring to the instrumental sections of that particular album where Brian Eno was so influential. I found it difficult to pull out any specific tracks as stand outs because I found the entire recording so absorbing. It flowed like a river and then came at me like an avalanche of sound and textures. I really appreciated the guitar especially as it must be difficult to match up to the rest of the sounds at times, so it all makes sense and can translate into something for the listener.

I had no problem processing this music; I found it beautiful, intriguing and thought provoking. The thought patterns it invokes and how each track title lines up with the music I found interesting. What it actually made me feel and think at any particular moment was a journey itself. For my ears, that is what I enjoy the most, the entire process going in then how it comes out with each thought. After it was finished I felt the primary reason for creating this music made sense…validation, the most important thing for artist to hear.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

August 28, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music 

Tracks:

01.Fabric, Torn, Time, Slips

02.Cold Moon 

03.Otherworld   

04.Creepers

05.Hellingly Hospital

06.Bedsit Window/Telephoto

07.Only A Game

08. B104-82

09. Winter In Mitte

10.Halflight

11.Deluge

12.Gillespie Road

13. Drift

14. Varosha

15. High On The H&C

16. MEFF

17. 7 Deaths

 

Track Evaluation: Kim Halliday- Drift

Kim Halliday's "Drift" really fits the title well. The music starts of with a steady beat and an almost surf/spy like guitar line. Then ambient swooshing sounds comes in and keyboards followed by bass and drums then more poignant guitar lines. It really does have the ability to let you "Drift." A great instrumental track movie ready!

It is available for a free download now here:

https://kimhalliday.bandcamp.com/album/drift-free-download

MuzikMan Rating: 4.5/5
 

Instrumental Rock Feature: Divus-Aureola

Divus is a four -piece band from the North West Switzerland, which is dedicated to instrumental music. The friendship the band members have always formed the foundation of their unconventional and experimental way of making music together. The high acceptance and the insatiable curiosity allow them to beat musical bridges and find solutions, the vote for each member. 

New Age Instrumental Review: Jim Gabriel-Title: Sojourn

Release Date: November 13, 2013

Label: Rps Records

Website

James Gabriel began his journey into music at the age of eight.  Beginning formal music education with two full scholarships, he has not stopped pursuing his dreams. Traveling the world, he has taught in Mexico, performed for Pope John Paul II, studied under Naji Hakim in Paris and performed in various churches in the area. He has been a teacher and inspiration to students of all ages and is now the Director of Vocal Arts at Cranbrook Educational Community. Sojourn is a wistful look at his musical roots and a testament to a rich career that has brought joy to so many listeners the world over. Featured artists include Tony Levin, Eugene Friesen, William Ackerman, Jeff Pierce, Charlie Bisharat and Jim Gabriel.

Listening to this album was like a breath of fresh air and so is Gabriel’s elegant piano playing. Opening with “South Bend, IN 1989,” I was transfixed. The deliberately poised piano sequence literally stopped me in my tracks and I sat still and listened. Really, really listened. As a writer, I am always humming and doing a plethora of things at once. Not with this album. It was like a balm to my deadline ridden brain and I just sighed and let the music flow over me. Sweet and poignant, like watching Bridges of Madison County, this music takes you away from yourself and transports you. Softly spoken, this composition is a dust devil in disguise. A wispy breeze that makes you remember fonder times and smile.

“Sojourn” is the title track of this gorgeous album. This piece has Friessen on the cello, Pierce on the Chapman stick and William Ackerman weaving his magic with percussion elements. Gabriel sets the tone with his piano work, hypnotizing the listener with a spell of serenity. He chose wisely with the cover art indeed. Blues and greens denote tranquility and that is just what this track is. It is a wandering path into a land beneath the waves. A passage into a world less traveled by---an epic transformative piece.

“To the Sky” is love, light and bears an optimistic flair for a brighter tomorrow. Firm piano playing sequences both pensive and introspective give rise to dreams and the secret joys that fill our everyday lives. Liquid cello movements glide over the listener as you embrace the inner workings of the piece as it leads you to the start key to begin the journey all over again.

Jim Gabriel has performed for and worked with some of the greatest talents in music today. This album is a testament to that fact. It is beautifully orchestrated and flows like water. A teacher and mentor, Gabriel is in the unique position to guide students to explore their passions and show that hard work does pay off. Sojourn is a masterpiece of sound. Each track is woven to the highest standard and brings the listener on a harmonic journey outside of the day to day grind. If you want a spa moment and a transformative space, this album is one you need to try.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: South Bend, IN 1989, Sojourn, To the Sky

Dana Wright

February 12, 2014


Tracks:
South Bend, Indiana 1989
Chaccone (feat. Eugene Friesen)
Spring Reverie (feat. Eugene Friesen)
Sojourn (feat. Eugene Friesen, William Ackerman & Jeff Pierce)
Closest Night
Dayspring (feat. Charlie Bisharat & Tony Levin)
Retrospection
Lost Chances (feat. Charlie Bisharat & Tony Levin)
Your Hand in Mine
Hopes Forgotten (feat. Tony Levin & Eugene Friesen)
To the Sky (feat. Eugene Friesen)
 

Prog Feature: The Fermi Paradox

Hailing from the heart of Texas The Fermi Paradox offer up an insane demo of progressive instrumental delights!

Meet The Fermi Paradox...
Josh Kelly - Vocals
Cesar Gonzalez - Guitars
Naser Hammad - Guitars
Chelby Hanks - Bass
Matt Cook - Drums

Featured Track: Vanchy-A Call To Liberty

With a catchy, soothing sound and an imaginative and whimsical style, Vanchy drives listeners into poetic worlds with sounds that are hard to ignore and forget. He creates music that evolves and tells stories that are uplifting, deep and meaningful. In his words, "For me, music is not just a nice sounding beat. There must be a story, even if it doesn't have lyrics, and a tone and accent that set the drive and emphasis of the music. My goal is to create sounds that engage people in clear and conscious states. Consciousness, progressiveness and awareness are very important words for me and are always part of my music.”

Listen To Our New Featured Track From Vanchay "A Call To Liberty" Now:

George Winston-Love Will Come: The Music of Vince Guaraldi, Volume 2 Review

Artist: George Winston
Title: Love Will Come: The Music of Vince Guaraldi, Volume 2
Genre: Jazz
Label: RCA
Website
Amazon Link
Source Link

Grammy Award Winning Pianist George Winston has released a new CD of solo piano music in a tribute to Vince Guaraldi: Love Will Come: The Music of Vince Guaraldi, Volume 2. Vince Guaraldi will always be associated with the “Charlie Brown” television specials...READ MORE...

Actual Proof-Paradigm Shift Review

Artist: Actual Proof
Title: Paradigm Shift
Genre: Jazz-Funk
Label: Independent
Website
CD Baby Link
Source Link

Here is Actual Proof that a band of talented musicians can break the mold of what you expect from any one particular genre...READ MORE...