MuzikMan's Reviews And News: Instrumental New Age Reviews

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7/06/2017

Instrumental New Age-Classical Review: Kerani-Stardust

Release Date: May 8, 2017

Label: Kerani Music

Stardust is Kerani’s 5th concept album, which was released in May 2017. This recording is a 10-track space-themed project. It was recorded with a symphonic orchestra, a mixed choir and 10 solo musicians. In total, a jaw dropping 60 musicians participated in this work of art.

Inspired by classical musicians, which many of the new age artists are, Kerani’s music would be the perfect music to have playing while in an observatory. I went to an observatory laser show back in the 80s and have not been since so I can only imagine how wonderful it is now. The mystery and vastness of space are captured in this atmospheric soundtrack.

The layers of keyboards and the orchestra are reminiscent of Vangelis, Yanni and Tangerine Dream (one of my favorites). That kind of familiarity and recognition provides a welcome mat for listeners to really dive in and absorb all the sounds more readily (assuming you are familiar with those artists). It breaks the ice if you will. I simply enjoy this kind of music and do not need any kind of comfort zone as I already found it many years ago. That kind of thought process and feeling certainly allows a certain vibe that creates some anticipation.

Artwork is another emotional mover and the CD cover is the doorway to where the music intends to take you. The leaps and bounds of science and technology are fascinating. This is another aspect that got Kerani’s attention and provided inspiration.

Stardust is a relaxing journey into the realm of the unknown however where you end up is inside your own head and then you begin to follow your heart and soul. The result is a deep feeling of satisfaction and certainty that you can trust this process any time you wish. It is a beautiful thing. Music is the universal language of healing and once again it is validated by this ambitious and fantastic project.

4.5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

July 6, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Stardust
02. Cosmic Sunrise
03. Rosetta
04. Perpetuum Mobile
05. Beyond
06. The Next Step
07. Infinity
08. Gravity
09. Worlds Unknown
10. Stars (Instrumental) [Remix]

5/19/2017

Instrumental New Age Review: Gina Lenee-Red Diamonds

Release Date: April 7, 2017

Label: Independent

Website

Red Diamonds is Gina Lenee’s 7^th studio album.

Here is some essential information from the artist website to get an idea of how effort went into the recording and who contributed…

Red Diamonds was produced by Will Ackerman and Tom Eaton and engineered, mixed and mastered by Tom Eaton. Featured guest artists appearing on the album are Charlie Bisharat (violin), Eugene Friesen (cello), Jill Haley (English horn), Jeff Haynes (percussion), Jeff Oster (flugelhorn), Marc Shulman (electric guitar), Premik Russell Tubbs (EWI and sax), Tom Eaton (fretless bass, guitar, vocals) Will Ackerman (acoustic guitar and vocals) and Noah Wilding (vocals).

The status quo for Imaginary Road Studio is to bring in the best group of musicians to help each artist create their own musical masterpiece. This was no exception to the rule as superb musicians gathered to create Red Diamonds. The collaborative effort brings out the best in everyone. The goal and result is always the same, to create music with a purpose and vision. I think this was accomplished successfully and the passion and storytelling in the ivory keys comes flowing through Gina’s soul. The entire album sounds like an invitation to a romantic getaway. And whatever you consider romantic becomes real while listening to these tracks.

The English horn, violin, cello, sax and flugelhorn lay down a bed of textures and colors that Gina takes full advantage of. Some of the subtle vocals added were a real nice touch on tracks like “The Moment” and “River.” The angelic and trance like female vocal persuasions are just right, like the proverbial icing on the cake as it were.

Listening to Red Diamonds was like free form artistic expressionism in motion. The canvas in this instance is you, the listener. As Gina paints the music with broad strokes, it eases you into your own comfy chair that lives inside your mind and soul. This is not a physical object; this is something that is esoteric. I have always felt the need to express the spiritual power that music possesses and ultimately that energy translates to a healing for this listener. If you have not found that place yet I would advise listening to this music and use it as a guide to get there.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

May 17, 2017May 19, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. A Thousand Days Without You
02. Soulmates
03. Carry Me Away
04. The Moment
05. River
06. Red Diamond
07. The Beautiful, the Broken
08. Art of Life
09. What No One Knows
10. Forever

4/24/2017

Instrumental New Age Review: Tony Chen-The Mighty Heroes （英雄神威）

Release Date: March 24, 2017

Label: Tony Chen Music

Website

Tony Chen puts things into proper perspective on his website regarding his new release The Mighty Heroes. He says it in such an elegant and distinct manner that it needs to be heard.

Chen: This album comprises creations from 2014 to 2016, encompassing a variety of styles that reflect the path I have walked during this time. You will experience melodies and musical arrangements from both East and West, taking you to different realms.

I could not have said it any better than the artist. Tony is not a newcomer; this is his fourth release. The title of album is a direct reflection of the music. It all sounds so grandeur, proud and cinematic. I would put the emphasis on cinematic as I could see it easily being a movie soundtrack to an epic film. Well at least the first three tracks paint that kind of picture in your mind’s eye.

"The Mighty Heroes, "Memory of Time-Space" and "A Merry Pace" are befitting their titles. All three get the listener excited and mesmerized, as one would be watching a fast moving and important scene in a movie. I do not want to put Mr. Chen’s music in a box and call it soundtrack music but it sure would make a great backdrop for the right motion picture. And that is not all, “Will You Hold My Hand?” walks down a different path of peace and beauty, the parallel world of the previous tracks. This provides a listener with a definitive change of pace and an understanding of the abilities of the artist to be diverse and expressive as much as one can from one track to the next. Tony has the talent to pull off the big changes with his keyboard prowess.

The music on The Mighty Heroes lends itself to the human condition and the many changes one can experience during a 24-hour period. The textures, atmosphere and colors created expresses everything the artist indicates on his website and as I noted.

The many flavors of cultures worldwide are touched upon, the far east, our western hemisphere and the traditional music combined with the elements of new recording technologies initiates the formation of each track.

I appreciated the value and worldliness that the artist could convey throughout his music. Our world becomes one when we listen to music. The internet can have the same effect on us all just as the music does. With all the negative things that go on in our world and a tool like the internet to reach a wider audience we have the artistry, pageantry and good vibes of music from people like Tony Chen that can change things for the positive.

Although I appreciated the slower paced and more simplistic tracks and always do, I enjoyed the faster paced and more picturesque tracks on offer in the collection even more. It reminded me of some of the greats that came before Tony like Vangelis. If you like a mixture of instrumental music with a contemporary approach and new age foundation, then you will enjoy what The Mighty Heroes delivers.

4.5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 24, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. The Mighty Heroes
02. Memory of Time-Space
03. A Merry Pace
04. Will You Hold My Hand?
05. A Nostalgic Melody
06. Glorious Celebration of Heaven & Earth
07. Flower Scent
08. Taste Asia - Delicious Chinese Cuisine
09. Heavenly Elegance
10. A Nostalgic Melody (Piano Solo)

3/10/2017

Instrumental New Age-Classical Review: Keith Gehle-Space and Time

Release Date: June 15, 2016

Label: Independent

Website

Keith Gehle is a classically trained guitarist. From my experience listening to those that come from that realm, it does make a difference and has a very positive effect on the music presented. Everything started with classical music. There is always that foundation from which everything is born and then a wellspring of creativity is then realized. Many different genres have sub genres however classical remains the rock that holds it all together.

With Space and Time Keith Gehle practices that very principal of building from a core foundation with great success. It is like taking a book filled with blank pages and populating it with images, thoughts and atmospheres to create the all-encompassing work of art. This process can only be imagined through each individual artist and then translated to the strings of a guitar or any other instrument.

If you are familiar with the famous instrumental by Mason Williams titled “Classical Gas” you can hear the potential to create something like that on this recording. Keep in mind that song is unique and played at a very high level of proficiency. Even though most of Keith’s music comes at you in a leisurely pace, I can still envision him playing a song like that. His fingers do all the talking and invite you to let your mind do all the walking. Walking in a relative sense…in sync with the music as it pulls you in and influences a good feeling and sense of wellbeing.

Each track melts into the other seamlessly. There are 11 tracks in total on Space and Time and each one is a gorgeous representation of the new age and classical genre meeting half way to create a successful marriage of sound.

“Walking” was a favorite among an entire album of favorites. There was not one track I could not appreciate. The simplicity, delicacy and arrangements were superb. “Walking,” which I mentioned previously had an impact because of the title and what it implies. It is like taking that inner journey yet floating along on your feet to another destination with complete satisfaction and joy. Although in this instance it was a mental exercise, I can see myself listening to this music walking, sitting or driving. This is what I can get from one track by looking at the title and listening to the music and putting the two together. I then find a relation or common ground through my own thought process and spirituality. There are no instructions or preconceived ideas to expect before playing this music, just turn it on and let the process happen.

Thank you, Keith Gehle for the nice walk and the atmospheres you created along the way.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 10, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Waiting for the Sun
02. Lavender Sky
03. November Memories
04. The Escaping Light
05. Thanksgiving Day
06. Tone Poem No. 6 (Space and Time)
07. Girl on a Swing
08. Walking
09. My Setting Sun
10. Cooper’s Creek
11. Tone Poem No. 2 (Stars of the Desert Sky)

3/06/2017

Instrumental New Age/Ambient Review: Stephen Peppos-Leaving Terra Firma

Release Date: January 8, 2017

Label: Sonic Bear Music

Website

Leaving Terra Firma is the fifth studio release for Stephen Peppos. He has also produced over 2000 tracks for his original music libraries, composed national TV jingles, and worked with some of the best music library companies in the world. To say that the man has talent and experience is an understatement.

The recording came out at the beginning 2017 and it offers a listener an opportunity to escape the everyday life syndromes we fall into at times. Life can be routine, boring or utter chaos, and regardless of the state we are in now, we do need help to refocus or just get some “me” time. The time to center, relax and drift off into another reality empties out the mind and the soul, which brings a sense of calm.

Leaving Terra Firma not only suggests that we leave the ground it helps you to do so for your own wellbeing. Stephen orchestrates the soundscapes that are created then you gradually find yourself falling away into the ambient textures and layers. I would classify this music as ambient however the new age qualities are very strong as well. The lure and power of the spacey sounds and orchestrations are as inviting as they could be. There is a different place that awaits us when we leave this earth and perhaps this a preview of what it will be like.

Although the 13 tracks are dissimilar, the ultimate result is they all have the same effects and results. The subtle nuances of the keyboards are heightened by the supporting orchestrations and instrumentation. The universal language of the soul coincides with the music. This is not coincidental; it is a fact and if you listen to this entire recording you will realize the importance and relevancy of what artists like Stephen Peppos accomplish with his music.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 5, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Leaving Terra Firma
02. Magnetic Fields
03. Vita Secundom Vita
04. Everlast
05. Sea Of Joy
06. Translucence
07. Praesentia Animi
08. Moth On A Purple Flower
09. Affluere (Adrift Toward)
10. Amor Dei
11. To See
12. Finalis
13. Cold But Warm Peace

2/22/2017

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

Release Date: January 20, 2017
Label: Milvus
Website

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

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

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

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

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

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 22, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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

2/08/2017

Instrumental New Age Reviews: Vin Downes-When The Sea Lets Go

Release Date: January 3, 2017

Label: Riverwide Records

Website

Vin Downes presents his own unique brand of acoustic guitar finger picking on When The Sea Lets Go. If you are guitar fan of any flavor or pace there is something to enjoy on this recording.

In my estimation being a talented musician is a god given gift that needs to be shared. And how lucky are we as music fans to be receiving that gift every day. Well, that is if we choose to accept it daily. I certainly do and being one of the more fortunate souls to have an abundance of it at my disposal, and quite a variety no less.

So, where am I going with this? It is artists like Vin Downes that can illustrate the simplicities and complexities of one acoustic instrument in one track. He does it consistently throughout except for “Dust and Drag” where he is accompanied by the sound of Michael Manring’s bass. You know it is him as soon as you hear it. And then there is “Streets of Sunday” where Tom Eaton joins in on the piano.

It was kismet that Vin ended up having the production team of Ackerman and Eaton on his recording. The first time he heard the finger picking style on Ackerman’s Windham Hill Records Sampler (which I used to discover new artists on all the time), he put down the electric guitar. We all benefited from that decision. After hearing When The Sea Lets Go it is quite likely you will agree.

This is scenic and deeply relaxing music that has a rhythmic flow and tone. It is a solid and consistently strong release that puts the spotlight not only on the creator but the style of guitar playing he presents. Vin Downes is a fine representative of this genre of music and style. He has so much respect from the music community and his peers that will be performing at the 2017 ZMR Music Award Concert in New Orleans on May 13th. This is a well-deserved honor and validation of his talent and presence he now commands in the recording industry.

Listening to When The Sea Lets Go is all the proof you will need however the accolades and honors will most certainly keep coming for an innovative and technically astute musician such as Vin Downes. This album is one example of many that you will hear in the years to come and I am willing to bet they all will be progressively different.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 8, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Entwined and Lost
02. Evening in Berkeley
03. Morning Red
04. Dust and Drag
05. Just Before You Go
06. Everything Ahead
07. When the Sea Lets Go
08. Streets of Sunday
09. The Right Words Are Simple
10. All You Left Behind

2/04/2017

Instrumental New Age Review: Jennifer DeFrayne-Sisu

Genre: Instrumental New Age

Release Date: March 3, 2017

Label: Palo Isle Music

Website

Jennifer DeFrayne’s new album Sisu is dedicated to her Finnish heritage. So, what is Sisu you may ask? Well I had the same question with immediate thoughts of what the album title meant.

As defined by Wikipedia: Sisu is a Finnish word which loosely means stoic determination, grit, bravery, resilience and hardiness. It is held by Finns themselves to express their national character. It is generally considered to not have a literal translation into English.

Sisu by my own definition is beauty, grace, strength, and the many colors of life intersecting within each song.

So, with great determination Ms. DeFrayne has released her second collection of tracks titled Sisu. She gets some assistance from the brightest and most talented people in the music business including Jeff Haynes, Premik Russell Tubbs, Michael Manring, Jill Haley, Sara Milonovich, Jeff Pearce, and Jeff Oster.

There is a lot of instrumental piano based music that I cover hence I have concerns that eventually it will start sounding redundant. That is my biggest challenge not only as a listener but the person that needs to conceptualize and or visualize what the artist is projecting in their music. This music never allowed me to wander off course or feel there was not enough variety to keep me interested or demand my attention.

Jennifer’s music uses her talents with the ivory keys as the foundation of every track and then it is accentuated by other sounds and textures to give it a worldlier crossover feel to it. The title is normally the centerpiece of the table that is set and this album is no exception. “Sisu” is bold yet tasteful like a cup of good strong coffee, the music lingers in the air once it is made and the aroma is still there afterwards. This is good way to explain what this music sounds like and how it will affect you.

Jeff Oster’s horn makes the most beautiful sounds and helps to make the track “Beyond” more exceptional with his contributions. I am sure it would be wonderful with just Jennifer’s key strokes but the addition of that soothing and inviting horn gives it another layer of contrast and beauty. That is but one example of what awaits the listener that wishes to explore and experience thought provoking and relaxing music.

In an artistic sense music is much like a painting in that it speaks to everyone in a different way, and everyone feels and sees something different through their own eyes and soul. Every color splashed on the canvas of the painting holds a different meaning and atmosphere. The picture comes shining brightly through the music in a shout or whisper, dependent on your mood and interpretation.

As my love for music becomes more important with each passing day, I become that much more appreciative of music from albums like Sisu. My respect and gratefulness I feel for people like Jennifer DeFrayne goes beyond words. Listen to the spellbinding sounds of this album and I am sure you will agree this is one recording that will be in regular rotation in your stereo this year.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 4, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Fire Island
02. Be Who You Are
03. Sisu
04. Beyond
05. Gathering
06. Palo Santo
07. Roots
08. Stepping Stones
09. Equanimity
10. Internal Light
11. Renew
12. Perseverance

1/23/2017

Instrumental New Age Review: Jim Gabriel-Into Eternity

Release Date: November 12, 2016

Label: Independent

Website

Jim Gabriel has created another musical masterpiece titled Into Eternity.

Jim Gabriel, bearing the name of an angel, creates music that certainly is heavenly. I believe that music is the greatest gift of mankind and those that create it are the chosen ones to bring it to life. There is no such thing as coincidence in my world, everything has a purpose, place and reason to live on this plane of existence.

Some of us do more than just take up space and accept whatever comes our way and others find their own way and live a focused and fulfilling life. Jim Gabriel is meant to play the piano and bring us joy. And he does exactly that on Into Eternity.

Into Eternity is made up of 12 tracks of gorgeous melodies with the finishing touches of guitar and strings to complete the musical paintings this artist creates. I believe life is a canvas upon which we paint our lives. This is a painting of beauty and grace that gives each listener their own slice of personal heaven.

The one track that got my attention the most, and prolifically, was “Midnight.” It is his own interpretation of the song originally done by Coldplay on their sixth studio album Ghost Stories. You have the fortune of hearing that on the video provided with this review. For my ears and senses, it got my attention because of the melody and the changes throughout the track. There are moments of elation and then sadness, it was like the range of human emotions all wrapped into one singular purpose within the song.

That is but one example of that kind of story Mr. Gabriel weaves into each one of the 12 tracks presented on Into Eternity. His talented fingers let the ivory keys do all the talking and your eternity becomes a reality through what he creates.

I have always expressed that the beauty of music is the ability for each individual listener to decide what to do with it and how they interpret it. Personally I take the beauty of what is offered and internalize it so it brings me peace and therefore hits that switch in mind that says “OFF.” I hope all of you listeners out there and potentially new listeners, can find your own path through this incredible music like I have.

Into Eternity is perfect just the way it is and that in and of itself is the miracle of music.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

January 23, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. From the Rising of the Sun
02. Home
03. Winter
04. Into Eternity
05. First Light
06. Midnight
07. Un Momento Tenero
08. Americana
09. Goodbye for Now
10. Retrospection II
11. Distant Memories
12. Dreams of You

11/05/2016

Instrumental New Age Review: Rachel Currea-Walking To You

Release Date: July 16, 2015

Label: Rachel Currea Music, Inc.

Website

Rachel Currea is an accomplished pianist. A passion for playing her chosen instrument began at the age of 11 and it has not diminished since. Luckily for all of us appreciative listeners, she continued down a path that led to musical creations. As many people on this good earth, the artist suffered a tragedy and through that came out stronger on the other side to bring healing music to all of those that seek it.

Walking To You has 16 picturesque tracks, a literal canvas of musical beauty that you can absorb and process into something positive and refreshing.

To pick just a few tracks as key listens as I normally do, became more difficult the more I heard this album. Every track seems to flow into each other, intrinsically linked and tied to the other to completion then on to the next phase of musical diversity and development.

Walking to You represents a beautiful butterfly emerging from a cocoon, or a morning flower opening to the new day sun. Everything about this music, at least for these ears, is a renewal of the soul, feeling at peace and one with my surroundings. In normal every day circumstances I find that awfully difficult to achieve.

The music needs to be simplistic, something that goes straight to your auditory senses and translates to your life experiences, feelings and emotions. So basically, what Rachel does is just that by providing simplistic yet appealing music that feels like a load just melted off your back and made you light and carefree. With the passing of time I am beginning to realize that music such as this is heaven sent, a gift from a higher power into the fingers of the artist.

Stressed? Overworked and tired? This is the exact prescription to change those feelings, a pause that refreshes, and I do not mean coffee or a soft drink, this is art in motion. A young lady named Rachel Currea lays her heart on the line for all to see. I like what I translated through her music. This stunning combination of contemporary, new age and classical music merge to give nothing but pleasure and all you must do is listen. One woman, a piano, and some good melodies and pace changes is what makes this album so good. It is like watching a ballet in your mind’s eye as the dancers change and move to all the music. Prolific music brings thoughts and feelings on the same level.

Give it a listen and see for yourself.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Tracks:
01. Walking to You
02. Song Without Words
03. Sarah's Dance
04. Abundance of the Heart
05. Evening Joys
06. Forever
07. Reconciliations
08. Hear Me Now
09. It'll Be Ok
10. Once Upon a Time
11. The Crossing
12. Waltz in E Minor
13. Night Butterflies
14. Celestial Dreams
15. Starlight Lullaby
16. Hymn to the Holy Spirit (Piano Solo Version)

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

November 5, 2016

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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11/01/2016

Instrumental New Age Reviews: Steve Rivera-Dividing The Darkness

Release Date: October 12, 2015

Label: Steve Rivera Music

Website

Music without limitations or barriers will be successful. This kind of approach and mindset is very positive and it garners the attention of those within range. I am glad to be one of those listeners.

Steve Rivera is one such artist that has earned his place in the genre of new age contemporary music. He accomplished that with his first release titled Dividing The Darkness.

Steve likes to call his music restrained simplicity that is emotionally moving. I don’t think I could have come up with a better phrase to explain what this music is.

The piano playing of Mr. Rivera is superlative and his accompaniment with a violin interspersed and weaved so delicately in the tracks gives it another layer grace and outright beauty.

Everyone needs to find their way home in some fashion, whether it be a long road trip, a walk in the woods or simply a reference to a soul that needs comfort and a place to feel wanted. Thinking in another way would be when our lives come to an end on this earth and how we need to find our way home. It can mean many different things dependent on who you are and where you are in life’s path. So, it is rather appropriate that the album opens up along those lines with “My Way Home (feat. Charlie Bisharat).” The lead off track is crucial in setting a precedence for the entire album and that is certainly accomplished with this lovely instrumental.

“Skyward” caught my ear and engaged my senses. The rhythm of the piano is one of consistency and a constant unraveling varying degrees of the human condition found in the music. The changing tempos and the additional violin and background vocals makes it sound as if it was delivered right from heaven’s gate. The music gave me a much-needed pause and touched my soul while initiating a healing I desperately needed. Tracks like this flip a switch in me and I can hear and feel the joy and sadness of what the music is saying. This music is so beautiful it was like a transference of consciousness, taking what the artist offered me while listening.

“The Ancient Road” set my mind wandering about the history of mankind and what would happen if there was such a road that led to a path where all things live in complete harmony and joy. The piano leads you down a path that becomes your own reality via the music. This is a process I have enjoyed through music my entire life however when it is instrumental music it makes that much more my own. This is one of the longer tracks on the album and I appreciated the layers of sounds, like it a woven tapestry just for me.

I find it no coincidence that I preferred the longer tracks. This music is so pleasant that you don’t want it to stop. The prolific fingers of the artist are charged with all sorts of energy and emotion that can be truly appreciated by anyone wishing an auditory therapeutic process.

Dividing The Darkness is just that, if there is any darkness around you either on physical or spiritual plane then this music will divide it and separate it with its everlasting light of hope and faith. Once again it felt like a spiritual experience that I needed to have and it was delivered so thank you Steve Rivera.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: My Way Home, Skyward, The Ancient Road

Tracks:
1. My Way Home (feat. Charlie Bisharat)
2. This Ancient Road
3. Help Me to Listen
4. Skyward
5. Beautiful Years
6. So Quickly Gone (feat. Will Ackerman)
7. Delicate Force
8. Valley of Light
9. Skyward Coda

October 31, 2016

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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