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:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

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

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)