Rock Review: Jason Becker-Triumphant Hearts

Release Date: December 7, 2018

Label: Music Theory Recordings

Website

Jason Becker suffers from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). A fatal condition with a life expectancy of maybe five years. He was diagnosed in 1989 at 19 years old. He is still cranking out music to this day!

He was and still is a six-string slinger with plenty of energy to create music, his personal testament to the power of music and positive thinking. He never stopped working. I think that is the reason he is still with us today, he never gave up and feels empowered to make music on a very high level regardless of physical limitations.

The man also has a great sense of humor, he released a documentary on his life in 2017 titled I’m Not Dead Yet. In the video I have provided, which runs over 9 minutes, gives a good overview of how people in the music business feel about Becker. Everyone is filled with respect and admiration for this man and for good reason. I actually interviewed Jason in 2001 in regards to the tribute album Warmth In The Wilderness II on Lion Records. At that time, I had asked what he would like to do next and he said “I haven't thought about it lately, but it would either be a symphony or funky and possibly devotional stuff. Whatever there would be lots of guitar on it.” So here we are in 2018 and we are on the heels of the new release Triumphant Hearts. It looks as though those thoughts and expectations have been realized with the new release. It is pretty cool that I go that far back with Jason and I had the opportunity to interview him.

So, guitar fans get ready for one amazing onslaught of guitar magic on Triumphant Hearts. The first song to be released from the album is the 9 minute and 5 second instrumental “Valley of Fire” (check out the video provided). The song features The Magnificent 13 – Steve Vai, Joe Bonamassa, Paul Gilbert, Neal Schon, Marty Friedman, Michael Lee Firkins, Mattias IA Eklundh, Greg Howe, Jeff Loomis, Richie Kotzen, Gus G, Steve Hunter, and Ben Woods. That is one phenomenal line up to put together on one track! It works very well for having that many guitar players contribute. Actually, I am surprised it did not go any longer than 9 minutes and 5 seconds and I am sure it could have with all that talent available.

There is a lot of orchestrations in the tracks which makes the listening experience rich and full. Jason composed all the music and he gets his work done by controlling a computer with his eyes. The technology that is available today is truly amazing and because of that we still have the opportunity to hear this amazing artist and his creations.

For all of the rockers out there, be patient when popping the CD in because the first track may give you the wrong idea of what you are about to hear. It is classical music but just wait, things really getting rolling after that. The mix of instrumentals, mainly guitar parts, and tracks with vocals, is just what the doctor ordered for my music tastes. There is a boatload of ear candy on the longer tracks like the aforementioned “Valley of Fire” and “River of Longing” and “Taking Me Back.” There actually is only one track under 4 minutes on the entire album, the curtain closer “You Do It,” which last 55 seconds. 

If you are in the mood for some six-string fireworks and want to hear some of the best guitar players in the world on one release, then Triumphant Hearts is your one-way ticket to musical bliss. Hell, you may be so inspired after hearing this music that you will pick up your own guitar and start playing, and if you don’t have one, go out and buy one!

Jason Becker is an incredible human being with a very talented musical mind. Triumphant Hearts is an amazing event that every music fan needs to hear. The man and his music will make an impression on you one way or another, I can promise you that.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

November 30, 2018

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Tracks:
01. Triumphant Heart (feat. Marty Friedman, Glauco Bertagnin, Hiyori Okuda)
02. Hold On To Love (feat. Codany Holiday) 07:27
03. Fantasy Weaver (feat. Jake Shimabukuro)
04. Once Upon A Melody  
05. We Are One (feat. Steve Knight)  
06. Magic Woman (feat. Uli Jon Roth & Chris Broderick)
07. Blowin' in the Wind  
08. River of Longing (feat. Joe Satriani, Aleks Sever, Guthrie Govan, Steve Morse)
09. Valley of Fire (feat. Michael Lee Firkins, Steve Vai, Joe Bonamassa, Paul Gilbert, Neal Schon, Mattias IA Eklundh, Marty Friedman, Greg Howe, Jeff Loomis, Richie Kotzen, Gus G., Steve Hunter, Ben Woods)
10. River of Longing (feat. Trevor Rabin)
11. Taking Me Back
12. Tell Me No Lies
13. Hold On To Love (feat. Codany Holiday) [Chuck Zwicky Remix]  
14. You Do It
   

Rock Review: Jason Becker-Triumphant Hearts

Release Date: December 7, 2018

Label: Music Theory Recordings

Website

Jason Becker suffers from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). A fatal condition with a life expectancy of maybe five years. He was diagnosed in 1989 at 19 years old. He is still cranking out music to this day!

He was and still is a six-string slinger with plenty of energy to create music, his personal testament to the power of music and positive thinking. He never stopped working. I think that is the reason he is still with us today, he never gave up and feels empowered to make music on a very high level regardless of physical limitations.

The man also has a great sense of humor, he released a documentary on his life in 2017 titled I’m Not Dead Yet. In the video I have provided, which runs over 9 minutes, gives a good overview of how people in the music business feel about Becker. Everyone is filled with respect and admiration for this man and for good reason. I actually interviewed Jason in 2001 in regards to the tribute album Warmth In The Wilderness II on Lion Records. At that time, I had asked what he would like to do next and he said “I haven't thought about it lately, but it would either be a symphony or funky and possibly devotional stuff. Whatever there would be lots of guitar on it.” So here we are in 2018 and we are on the heels of the new release Triumphant Hearts. It looks as though those thoughts and expectations have been realized with the new release. It is pretty cool that I go that far back with Jason and I had the opportunity to interview him.

So, guitar fans get ready for one amazing onslaught of guitar magic on Triumphant Hearts. The first song to be released from the album is the 9 minute and 5 second instrumental “Valley of Fire” (check out the video provided). The song features The Magnificent 13 – Steve Vai, Joe Bonamassa, Paul Gilbert, Neal Schon, Marty Friedman, Michael Lee Firkins, Mattias IA Eklundh, Greg Howe, Jeff Loomis, Richie Kotzen, Gus G, Steve Hunter, and Ben Woods. That is one phenomenal line up to put together on one track! It works very well for having that many guitar players contribute. Actually, I am surprised it did not go any longer than 9 minutes and 5 seconds and I am sure it could have with all that talent available.

There is a lot of orchestrations in the tracks which makes the listening experience rich and full. Jason composed all the music and he gets his work done by controlling a computer with his eyes. The technology that is available today is truly amazing and because of that we still have the opportunity to hear this amazing artist and his creations.

For all of the rockers out there, be patient when popping the CD in because the first track may give you the wrong idea of what you are about to hear. It is classical music but just wait, things really getting rolling after that. The mix of instrumentals, mainly guitar parts, and tracks with vocals, is just what the doctor ordered for my music tastes. There is a boatload of ear candy on the longer tracks like the aforementioned “Valley of Fire” and “River of Longing” and “Taking Me Back.” There actually is only one track under 4 minutes on the entire album, the curtain closer “You Do It,” which last 55 seconds. 

If you are in the mood for some six-string fireworks and want to hear some of the best guitar players in the world on one release, then Triumphant Hearts is your one-way ticket to musical bliss. Hell, you may be so inspired after hearing this music that you will pick up your own guitar and start playing, and if you don’t have one, go out and buy one!

Jason Becker is an incredible human being with a very talented musical mind. Triumphant Hearts is an amazing event that every music fan needs to hear. The man and his music will make an impression on you one way or another, I can promise you that.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

November 30, 2018

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Tracks:
01. Triumphant Heart (feat. Marty Friedman, Glauco Bertagnin, Hiyori Okuda)
02. Hold On To Love (feat. Codany Holiday) 07:27
03. Fantasy Weaver (feat. Jake Shimabukuro)
04. Once Upon A Melody  
05. We Are One (feat. Steve Knight)  
06. Magic Woman (feat. Uli Jon Roth & Chris Broderick)
07. Blowin' in the Wind  
08. River of Longing (feat. Joe Satriani, Aleks Sever, Guthrie Govan, Steve Morse)
09. Valley of Fire (feat. Michael Lee Firkins, Steve Vai, Joe Bonamassa, Paul Gilbert, Neal Schon, Mattias IA Eklundh, Marty Friedman, Greg Howe, Jeff Loomis, Richie Kotzen, Gus G., Steve Hunter, Ben Woods)
10. River of Longing (feat. Trevor Rabin)
11. Taking Me Back
12. Tell Me No Lies
13. Hold On To Love (feat. Codany Holiday) [Chuck Zwicky Remix]  
14. You Do It
   

Progressive Rock Review: Circuline-Circulive::Majestik DVD

Release Date: May 18, 2018

Label: Independent

Website

After getting primed with the CD version of the latest Circuline album Circulive::Majestik I was now ready to view the DVD version. This was my chance to finally enjoy this progressive rock band in a visually setting.

The group members are Andrew Colyer (keyboards, vocals), Darin Brannon (drums), Natalie Brown (lead vocals), William “Billy” Spillane (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Beledo (lead guitar).

The DVD is a high-quality video for sight and sound. I would recommend checking it out it on a big screen, 45 to 65 inches with a surround sound bar system will do. Everything comes through nicely with this simple system and these days it affordable to go that route.

The thing I learned by watching this band perform live was just how focused they all are. And the one thing I did not take note of on the CD was the fantastic bass playing of Harold Skeete (of the instrumental band Ad Astra). He is a serious player and the fact he had only been with the band for two weeks when this was recorded at RosFest 2016 is another reason to give him well-deserved kudos. He is so intense and totally into his instrument. That kind of commitment most certainly made this a more entertaining concert.

Also, my hat is off to Beledo. He is another recently added member of the group, he also was only with the other band members for two weeks. He is an excellent lead guitar player and covers some ground bordering on jazz fusion at times. 

This is straight-ahead progressive rock, no frills. This kind of presentation does not have anything to pull your attention away from what is going on with the musicians, which I did appreciate. When you are actually there at a live event you can appreciate the lights, videos, and the crowd reactions. With a sit-down video at home its all about the music and nothing else. I realize some folks may want all those extras however with music like this you need to watch the people that are presenting it, so they did it right.

I do love prog rock done well, and this concert was. Circuline offers all the sudden stops and starts and change of direction in their songs, a trademark of prog. They are complex and give the audience a superb representation of their catalog of recordings.  The added bonus of the track “New Day” is on the DVD and Blu Ray only and an entire bonus section of videos for three tracks from their studio recordings are included. It is a nice package for anyone that appreciates prog rock and was not aware of this great band Circuline, and if you are a fan it’s a no brainer.

Recorded live at The Majestic Theater

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on Saturday, May 7th, 2016

13th International Rites of Spring Festival

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

November 17, 2018

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Tracks:

** "New Day Bonus" - Track DVD Only**

01. Who I Am (live) 07:48
02. Return (live) 05:00
03. Forbidden Planet (live) 06:36
04. Hollow (live) 10:06
05. Stereotypes (live) 04:53
06. Inception (live) 05:12
07. America the Beautiful (live) 01:23
08. Nautilus (live) 05:54
09. One Wish (live) 06:14  
10. Summit (live) 10:11  
11. Stay (live) 06:12  
12. Silence Revealed (live) 07:25

Stoner Rock LP Review: Legends Of The Desert- 12" (Azure Blue Vinyl lim. 200)

Genre: Stoner Rock

Release Date: May 11, 2018

Label: H42 Records

Website

Legends Of The Desert- 12" is classic stoner rock captured on limited edition azure blue vinyl and various other colors.  The vinyl is beautiful and if your favorite color happens to be blue your eyes will be smiling.  The colorful art work of the LP cover is eye-catching as well. Maybe that may not be a relevant aspect of music for some people however I look at the entire package and enjoy it to the fullest.

This music is in relation to the Desert Fest. And it is music that matches my taste buds just fine. In addition to being a collector of vinyl, especially limited-edition colored vinyl, I do like to actually play the music and enjoy it rather than putting it away to keep it all minty fresh with hopes of cashing in on some poor sap that just has to have the LP.

The artist featured on this platter are as follows:

Fatso Jetson, Yawning Sons, Waterways and a solo project under the direction of Mario Lalli & Mathias Schneeberger.

This is great instrumental rock music, with the exception of the opening track, “Semi Lost” by Fatso Jetson, that has some good vocals. Why wouldn’t anyone want to listen to a band with a name like that? If even just out of curiosity! Well, they are good even though they have a decidedly different albeit funny name.

A lot of this music is very twangy with effects, just a bit similar to surf music in my estimation, but a lot heavier (not heavy as metal) and a lot more complex of course. This is just cool stuff that doesn’t last nearly long enough! That is a compliment, not a take away.

The B side offers up two brilliant instrumental jams that will leave an impression on you and I bet you will be seeking out more from these bands once you hear these tracks.  I know I am very interested in exploring more and if you are a fan of stoner rock this is a must-have.

For those of you interested, I checked out the Bandcamp page where this is listed and it said there are only 5 copies left! You can get it for $18 plus shipping from there or pay double that on Amazon. Just a helpful hint if you want to grab a copy.

For Initial Distribution of The Product-Check the label website for current stock.

Azur Blue Vinyl (lim. 200)

Clear Yellow Vinyl (lim. 150)

Black Vinyl (lim. 30)

Black Vinyl/White label incl. CD & Tape (Lim. 21)

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

October 21, 2018

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Side A:

Semi Lost (Fatso Jetson)

Three Rivers (Waterways)

Side B:

Out In The Streets (Instrumental No 1) (Yawning Sons)

Spector (Mario Lalli & Mathias Schneeberger

Acoustic Instrumental Review: David Lindsay-Last Passing of Summer

Release Date: October 10, 2018

Label: Fallingfoot Records

Website

It has been two years since the music of David Lindsay came back into my world. My first taste was Nightbound. With the Last Passing of Summer David went into Will Ackerman’s Imaginary Road Studios to create some more magic. The consequences of going into that studio are nothing short of magnificent for any artist. On hand were several talented artists besides Ackerman and multi-instrumentalist and co-producer/engineer Tom Eaton.

The woodwinds of Jill Halley, cello of Eugene Friesen, the violin of Charlie Bisharat, the percussion of Jeff Haynes, vocals of Noah Wilding, and the electric guitar, cymbals, keyboards, piano of Tom Eaton are major contributors to the overall sound and textures of the music. All of the musicianship is outstanding on this recording, so expect a quality listen.

Once again as it was two years ago, simplicity is the concept here. David’s guitar is gentle yet inspiring. The music will resonate with you if you afford it a bit of introspection into the cover art and the track titles. Nature is an ever-changing occurrence and with that thought, the guitar playing can ebb and flow in the same way. If you listen to Last Passing of Summer you find that to be very true.

“Through The Fields” is one of the more rhythmic tracks and it serves as the quintessential acoustic guitar track. David’s guitar continually builds in the track and gets stronger with each change of pace. I found that my senses were aroused by this music. Most of the tracks are very relaxing and hold their own however this is the one track that really stood out for me.

“Sorrows of the Moon” was special because Will Ackerman played lead guitar. It reminded of the Windham Hill days and the music that influenced my tastes in music so much. “Chandos Lake” was another track with an upbeat feel to it and well played. 

So, what you get is the simplicity and beauty of the acoustic guitar that is accentuated with numerous other instruments that create a blanket of sound that the main instrument float over nicely. And yes, that explanation is as nice as it all sounds folks.

As another season is ushered in, David Lindsay gives us the colors and sounds to match the season on the Last Passing of Summer.  Acoustic instrumental music does not get any better and this album is highly recommended.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

October 17, 2018

 

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Tracks:

01. For Joni
02. Blue Skies
03. To The Sun
04. Look To The Sky
05. Through The Fields
06. Reverie
07. Last Passing of Summer
08. Sorrows of the Moon
09. Chandos Lake
10. Still Point
11. Night Vision
12. The Wind Shapes the Pines

New Age Contemporary Instrumental Review: Acoustic Ocean-Blue Moon Rising

Release Date: September 9, 2018

Label: Natural Health Source Publishing, Natural Health Source, Inc

Website

Acoustic Ocean is the collaboration of two veteran musicians and recording artists, Peggy Morgan and Bette Phelan. The music of Acoustic Ocean reflects the musical and healing arts backgrounds of the artists as well as the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, which helped to inspire the music. After a successful touring career that spanned 20-years, Morgan and Phelan relocated to Hawaii to pursue careers in the healing arts. (Past Tense Excerpt from Artist Website). 

Blue Moon Rising is the most recent release and the first since the passing of Peggy. The album is dedicated to the memory of Peggy Morgan, Bette’s music partner of 40 years, and to Nancy Phelan, her mother.

Bette is joined on Blue Moon Rising by Kay Aldrich, on cello. Additional instruments, played by Bette, augment all the arrangements. The music is very earthy and pure. The acoustic instruments are wonderful and used with just the right instances within each track. The use of the ocean hitting the shore adds to the natural sounds that are presented.

The acoustic guitar is the primary instrument. It is played flawlessly and with the addition of the cello, you get a new age world classical sound that will please anyone’s musical palette. If you are into relaxing meditative music you will love Blue Moon Rising. The layers of guitar work are exquisite.

One look at the cover of this recording sets you at ease and gives you the thought of inner light, spirituality and the connection we have with mother earth. The ocean is the most prolific thing to human life because that is where all of life came from. And purposely the name Acoustic Ocean falls in line with that thought process not mention that is exactly what you will hear on Blue Moon Rising. There is an ocean of acoustic sounds all melded together to create a musical nirvana for the soul. The eleven tracks offered the listener, flow together seamlessly and hit you gently like an ocean wave on a warm summer day.

What is there not to like about any of this? I appreciate what has been presented here and the meaning of the music along with the heartfelt dedication from the artist. It all goes hand in hand.

Here is a passage from the artist website that ends this review in a thoughtful and spiritual way:

The moon is associated with women’s mysteries, intuition, and the divine aspects of the sacred feminine. Some modern magical traditions associate the Blue Moon with the growth of knowledge and wisdom within the phases of a woman’s life.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

October 11, 2018

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Tracks:
01. A Hui Hou (Until We Meet Again)
02. Blue Moon Rising
03. Recalling Beauty
04. Deep Grace / Scarborough Fair
05. Spirit Awakening
06. Lotus Petals Falling on the Pacific
07. Love Is a Force Field
08. The Silent Storm
09. Sweet Mana from Heaven
10. Shadow Dancers
11. All Things Made New

New Age-Classical-World Review: Sangeeta Kaur-mirrors

Release Date: September 21, 2018

Label: Sangeeta Kaur Music

Website

This time last year I was introduced to Sangeeta Kaur with her amazing album Ascension - Niguma Vol. 2 The Mantra Project. It was easy for me to tag it as a 5-star album. I was genuinely moved by her music.

Mirrors is Sangeeta Kaur’s third New Age/Classical Crossover album. The album features renowned composer and producer, Nicolas Neidhardt on piano and keyboard as well as the multi-instrumentalist, Dat Nguyen on guitars and flute.  These excellent musicians become the quintessential element that elevates the vocalist to where she needs to be.

Once again, I am mesmerized by this woman’s voice. Mirrors can give a listener so much potential. I found it to be relaxing assurance, peace, and a smile was inside me just bursting to come out. This music and Sangeeta’s voice is something to celebrate.

The music is an effective combination of new age, classical, world and vocals. The difference in this recording is it was not recorded to match a stage presentation on the level of the last album. I can envision a multi-media project built around this music, however. The strongest instrument is Sangeeta’s voice. The musicianship is precise and quite beautifully arranged to accompany and accentuate a great vocalist. This combination worked well and at this point, there is no doubt there is a great vocalist that we all need to discover. Well, here she is, if you have not heard her, you need to. Even if you are not a fan of this type of music you can appreciate the talents of Sangeeta.

With Mirrors, I heard some more music presented in a different language and again, I was very pleased. I felt it was done just right, her warmth and sincerity come through the music with tremendous impact while at the same time gently inviting you in to partake in the festivities.

I think Mirrors says a lot through the music and the CD cover. This really does mirror the soul of a woman that wants to give you every ounce of energy that she can give. This music can mirror you the listener, it can give you purpose, validation, and clarity. That is the purpose of any good meditation or relaxation music. If you can sync with the music and feel the vibrations and tones, you will be swept away instantly, I can promise you that, and you will love it!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 19, 2018

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Tracks:  
1. Bring It Down
2. Dust In The Wind
3. I'm Not Gonna Break
4. Adoro Te Devote
5. Mother Earth
6. If Time Stood Still
7. Sa Ta Na Ma Meditation - To Make The Impossible, Possible  
8. Thank You