Instrumental/New Age/Classical Review: Tim Neumark-Galaxy-Solo Piano, Op.6

Release Date: May 1, 2015

Label: Indie

Website

Tim Neumark’s sixth release Galaxy-Solo Piano, Op.6 came out this May. The solo piano works of this talented musician are starting to stack up and it is most impressive. This is the second album I have had the pleasure to enjoy since the 2014 recording Storm.

Most recently we featured the beautiful track “Starlight” on Rate The Tracks. This would serve as an excellent introduction to this album and a fine way to pull you into the entire project.

  

This is very straight forward solo piano music that consist of parts new age and classical while doubling as a meditation guide or relaxation tool. Everyone needs to retreat from a hard day of work and let all of the stress and worrying role off your back and melt away. I wish I could just carry this calm and assuring feeling with me everywhere I went and with everything I do. When I hear music like this it provides a course to take and then I have the hope that I can attain that state of being.

The idea here is clear, one look at the cover of the CD and you get. Neumark calls this an Opus and indeed it is. The more I listen to each track as they flow into each other like a river with a purpose; you can understand why he calls it an Opus. “Orbit” illustrates this in the most profound way as it takes the listener from baby steps into the vastness of space to take a trip around the globe. In a musical sense that is exactly what it conveys and becomes. The progressions of his playing are nearly 5 minutes. Its beauty and pureness transcends anything that gets in the way whether it be a busy mind or unhealthy thoughts, the music prevails.

“The Inner Light” is another tapestry of delicate sounds and movement…like the stars, planets and vast galaxies in the universe. Your inner light will come shining through and you will be taking the voyage with Neumark through his fingers to the piano and directly to your soul, like a musical umbilical cord it connects you and feeds you as you grow in the womb of the music. 

I always connect the stars and the endless universe with birth and life itself - stardust we are indeed. I once had an experience on a birthday the year after my mother died that solidified this belief. I woke up and heard my mom say my entire name then I fell half asleep and felt a silver umbilical cord connecting me to the universe beyond. I know this sounds a little far-fetched for some folks but this really did happen to me and I will never forget it. 

The music on Galaxy-Solo Piano, Op.6 allowed me to remember that spiritual experience that changed me forever. Thank you Tim Neumark for seeing the beauty beyond humanity and how intrinsically connected we are to the stars. Bringing it to us through your music is a beautiful thing.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Starlight, Orbit, The Inner Light

Tracks:
01. Preludio
02. Starlight
03. Orbit
04. Perspective
05. Vast
06. Traveling Music
07. The Inner Light
08. Tapestry
09. Sweet Little Evening Melody
10. Night
11. Time's Arrow
12. What You Leave Behind
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

December 13, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental Solo Piano: Tim Neumark-Starlight

The album Galaxy is Tim Neumark's sixth release. Our focus track for the release is "Starlight." 

Already familiar with this gentleman's music it was easy for me to become enchanted once his fingers hit those wonderful ivory keys.

With "Starlight" Neumark creates heaven on earth. The simplicity is the beauty of the track and his flow and approach brings you through a river of emotions both elating and perhaps a touch of sadness as you reflect upon your innermost thoughts.

Simply put this is a gorgeous melody that should not be missed!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

More About Tim:

https://timneumark.com

Tim was born and raised in the Mid-Atlantic, spending much of his youth in Frostburg, Maryland. In his childhood and early adulthood his foremost passion was athletics, and he participated in baseball, basketball, tennis, soccer, and track. He also developed a taste for classical and new age music in his teenage years, but it wasn't until his later high school years that he discovered his talent for the piano.

For years, Tim travelled the country for work, frequently playing his own compositions in hotel lobbies. At the urging of his wife and others, he finally released his debut CD in 2007.

Tim currently lives with his wife and two daughters in the Washington, DC area.

About Tim's Music:

Tim composes solo piano music that is "emotional, beautiful music that tells a story." Featuring a combination of classical and new age styles, he has released six solo piano albums.

His 2014 album Storm was named Best Solo Piano Album of 2014 by One World Music. In addition, Storm was named one of the best CDs of 2014 by Audiosyncracy, received two Hollywood Music in Media Award (HMMA) nominations, and was nominated for Enlightened Piano Radio's 2014 Album of the Year award. His 2013 album Opus Four was nominated by SoloPiano.com for Classical/Neo-Classical album of the year and received two HMMA nominations. 

Tim's music can be heard on the following internet radio broadcasts (Note that these links open a new tab.)

• Pandora Internet Radio
• Whisperings Solo Piano Radio
• Shoutcast.com
• Sky.fm's Solo Piano Channel
• Enlightened Piano Radio

Galaxy (2015):

Galaxy is Tim's sixth CD, released in May 2015. This album includes all of the tracks from Tim's 2014-2015 track-a-month campaign. Galaxy was named Best Instrumental/Piano Album in June 2015 by The Akademia Music Awards.
Space... the final frontier... the tracks on this album are inspired by the awe and beauty of space. Almost a 50/50 mix of minor and major pieces, Galaxy includes both energetic pieces (Orbit, Perspective, Starlight) and calmer pieces to capture certain moods (Night, Time's Arrow, Vast). For the full background about this album and its tracks, see Galaxy: Behind the music.

Download the CD liner notes in PDF, or visit the store to buy the CD and sheet music.

Holiday/Christmas/New Age Review: David Lanz & Kristin Amarie-Forever Christmas

Release Date: November 11, 2014

Label: DKL Records

Website: http://davidlanz.com/ https://www.facebook.com/KristinAmariesmusic

David Lanz & Kristin Amarie are frozen in time with their release Forever Christmas. The recording was released last November and rings true a year later and certainly will well beyond that. After all what is time but a ticking clock? Good music is timeless, and this particular album is a thing of beauty and grace to usher in one of the most sacred Holidays celebrated the world over.

Lanz is a world renowned pianist and the talented vocalist Amarie become one on Forever Christmas. The two artists are also life partners and that bond is evident in their musical partnership. The synergy and flow of this music is exceptional.

The music presented is traditional, new age and classical all fused together to make a non-traditional listen. I mean that in a very positive way. This is not what you are hearing blaring over the speakers every year at your local retail store. This music is precise with a lot meaning. It is enlightening and relaxing and in the same instance as uplifting as Holiday music could possibly be.

The title track leads the way into the magical time of Christmas. It is not only special to children but to everyone that celebrates it. People gather to exchange gifts and show their love and appreciation for each other. The music itself is a celebration.

As you make your way through this newly discovered Holiday classic, a traditional ageless song is revisited. “Silent Night” is one of the most memorable tunes ever crafted and David and Anmarie do it justice. The piano is delicate and inviting and Amarie sounds like the angel singing it, bringing with it the light of love and creation with every breath. This is a magnificent rendition that I will not forget.

Then there is always the one instrumental that catches my ear, lifts my spirit and moves me. That track was “What is Christmas.” David’s piano playing is superb. As his fingers glide across the ivory keys as the meaning of the season and the Holidays consume you.

Christmas is forever and with one listen to Forever Christmas you will feel that is your reality, at least for as long as you are listening. Alternatively, if you decide to carry those feelings and meanings with you every day then this can serve a twofold purpose. This kind of music makes us all realize how important friends and family are and if you let the music flow through you so will the spirit of giving and the Holiday.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Forever Christmas, Silent Night, What is Christmas (instrumental)

Tracks:
01. Winter Prelude
02. Forever Christmas
03. Snow Dance
04. Oh Holy Night
05. La Estrella de la Navidad
06. Jubilate
07. Sweet Winter Love
08. What is Christmas
09. Winter Star
10. A Thousand Lights
11. Sweet Winter Love instr.
12. Silent Night
13. What is Christmas (instrumental)
14. Heavenly Peace

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

December 5, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

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Track Feature: Rodney Wilson-Healing In His Wings

Every song we hear, the notes that are played, the words that are either spoken or sung, or just the music itself, it all can tell a story to our hearts.

Rodney Wilson has a new album titled For His Good Pleasure. From what I gathered listening to the album the reference to "him" seems to be God, a Higher Power or what ever you choose it to be, your higher self if that works. All of that is interchangeable from my own perspective.

"Healing In His Wings" is the very special track that is the feature here. It brings a lot of those thoughts and feelings into focus. This is my own interpretation and as always I leave it to each individual listener's own meaning. This is an invitation to open the door to the healing powers of faith, what we all have inside.

The piano based track is a lot of things that merge into one...peacefulness, beauty, elegance, spirituality and hope are all woven into this tapestry of sound. It is instrumental bliss, a term which I have used often enough and it is most appropriate for this track.

Give it a good listen and find your own cloud in heaven through the music now.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck




More About Rodney Wilson:

http://rodwilsonmusic.com

Some moments in our lives can cause us to reflect and realign our priorities. Such a moment touched me in August of 2014. While flying back and forth from Atlanta to New York City every other week for work, I occasionally felt a burning tingling sensation in my arms. I had ignored it thinking I had a pinched nerve from the heavy back pack I was using. As the sensations became more frequent, I finally decided to make an appointment with my doctor while I was home.

The following Monday, my doctor agreed it was possible that a pinched nerve could cause these sensations in my arms. But to be safe I would take a stress test that same week. I was scheduled to be back in NYC the following week and then on to Hawaii for a long overdue vacation. On that Thursday, much to my surprise, the stress test put me into a whirl wind chain of events that quickly culminated into a 5 way heart bypass surgery. 

While I was shocked, I was assured that all would go well because I was strong, not over weight, ate well, exercised, did not smoke and had not suffered damage to my heart from a heart attack so I was a perfect open heart candidate. Fortunately, all went well with the surgery and my recovery process. 

As I became far more informed about my true condition in the weeks ahead, I discovered I had been a ticking time bomb. I had to accept that I had heart disease. Had I known all I know now, I would have been far more fearful going into the surgery. I began to reflect on how naïve I had been. Slowly I began to take in the miracle God had given me. Except for His mercy to circumvent an imminent heart attack I should not be alive today. He also surrounded me with exceptional doctors and a wonderful medical staff. One of the fruits of my reflection was the birth of this album “For His Good Pleasure”.

After my recovery, I decided that I needed to record some music as a legacy for my family and for my grandchildren. The music is about the messages I wanted to share with them. As the recording project progressed, I felt deep stirrings of inspiration flowing into new melodies, fostering a deep awareness of God’s favor and His pleasure with the music. I felt the same emotion as was scripted by Colin Welland in “Chariots of Fire” attributed to the great Olympian runner, Eric Liddell, “God made me fast. And when I run I feel His Pleasure.” At one point in the project, I suddenly understood that the compositions were far more significant than I had originally conceived. I knew why I must continue. Within the level of giftedness I was given, for as long as He blesses me with melody, I will continue to create music, “For His Good Pleasure.”

Rod Wilson

Holiday Feature Track: Steven C.-Still, Still, Still

Steven C. has released a new album titled Christmas Beyond and it is just in time to get your mind, body and spirit into the right place to enjoy the upcoming Holiday season. Yes, it is right around the corner. 

When summer disappears there is always a touch of sadness however the beauty of the fall leaves and the oncoming Winter hold traditions of family and friends that warm the heart.

 "Still, Still, Still" is the focus track and it is filled with plenty of Christmas and beyond...The eloquence and beauty of the ivory keys are in all their glory on this gorgeous melody. A merging of classical, new age and holiday is the recipe for success.

Steven C. ushers in the Holidays with grace and beauty on  "Still, Still, Still." Sit back, take a load off and take in the comforting sounds of this talented artist.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck 



More About Steven C.

https://stevencmusic.com

Multi-platinum recording artist, Steven C is honored to bring forth

his long awaited release of Christmas Beyond (2014). This is a one of
a kind collection of timeless old world Christmas music, by pianist Steven C. Recorded in the majestic Cathedral of St. Paul, MN this album captures the beauty of the deep Cathedral's acoustics through Steven's Bosendorfer Grand. The sound is truly rich, lush and from "Beyond." With touchingly elegant solo piano selections by Steven C, to fully orchestrated songs, arranged by nationally renowned Adi Yeshaya, and with members of the MN Orchestra, Christmas Beyond is a moving experience that is deeply transformative. 

This collection also features music that takes us beyond Christmas and evokes the timeless magic that embraces the essence of winter, feeling the reverence of life in our lives beyond the Christmas message and season. As the
highlight of his career; a personal catharsis of enlightened moments
and as the most beautifully acclaimed work to date, Christmas Beyond
will be carried with him forever.

New Age Instrumental Review: Agrelia’s Castle-Elders & Ancestors

Release Date: September 1, 2015

Label: Mysterium Music

Website

My introduction to Agrelia’s Castle was their title track “Elders & Ancestors.” It was featured on Rate The Tracks and made quite an impression on me. When I found out the story behind the music it became even more powerful of an experience for me.

The songs on Elders & Ancestors have grown from the journey of Paul and April Brown together through the challenges of cancer. They come from the desire to create peace, joy, and hope. In that creative experience in music that was the final outcome. I believe many people can benefit from a life’s journey translated through sounds.
 

The couple combines the sounds of a vintage Fender Rhodes B3, sounds of nature, and beautiful angelic vocals. The vocals are indeed heaven sent from the heart of the giver directly to the recipient. Also there are Native American style flutes, guitars, cello, and sitar. They are very earthy tones and inviting sounds to pull in the listener. In this amazing life it takes the people dealing with the most adversity at times to create exceptional beauty through their artistry. This is a case when those of us more fortunate become grateful and more appreciative for what we have.

“Breathe” is a superbly layered presentation of instruments and vocals. The sitar, percussion and vocals have a mystical element that is simply mesmerizing and comforting. The act that gives life, breathing, takes on an entirely different meaning through this song. Middle Eastern influences permeate the essence of this track and it is like talking a walk through a vast desert of emotion that heals and renews your soul.

“Spirit Dreaming” is another track that just took me away to another place, a safe haven for the heart, body and soul. I feel blessed to have the opportunity for this music to enter my life and give me some solace. Every fear and worry just melts away while listening to this. This particular track features the flute and it gets one in touch with the connection humans have with mother earth and all her wondrous gifts.

Music has always been a spiritual experience for me regardless of the genre. This type of music takes that feeling to another level entirely. Look at the cover of this album and you will get an idea of the places the music can take you. The combinations of what surrounds us in nature and instruments made from the earth becomes one breathing and living entity that invites you in and never lets you go.

I did not want this recording to end as it gave me such peace and contentment, the kind one feels when the stars align and all is right in the world. Enter Agrelia’s Castle and I promise you will never want to leave. The song “Sonnet” delivers a profound message about how life is just time passing by and how it’s just “you and I,” referring to one’s soul mate whether human or one with four legs, it does not matter. I know when I look in my dog’s eyes I see love, purity and the essence of who we are and what we were meant to be. The love of that creature has no bounds or expectations, it’s unconditional. We all can learn a lot from them. 

This music inspires, heals, and creates visions and reminders of who we are or what we can be. The Brown’s have created a masterful presentation of nature and music that is certain to move you in some way and give you a renewed perspective of your existence on this planet.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Elders & Ancestors, Breathe, Spirit Dreaming

Tracks: 
1. Elders and Ancestors
2. Adrift
3. Breathe
4. Spirit Dreaming
5. Sonnet
6. Wayfaring Stranger
7. Agrelia's Lullaby

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

October 26, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Featured Track: Blackmore's Night-All Our Yesterdays

The tile track of Blackmore's Night new release is All Our Yesterdays. From his days in Deep Purple and Rainbow to present day, legendary guitarist Richie Blackmore remains a relevant force in music. With his enchanting wife Candice Night on vocals, they present an entertaining mixture of Rock, Celtic, World and New Age Music.

The track and video presented here is a superb representation of their unique music. The song starts sadly then breaks into a gala festival of dance and song.

Enjoy the visuals and music that will take you back to simpler times in our history when castles ruled and there was no technology to complicate lives.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck


All Our Yesterdays was released on a variety of formats: CD, CD/DVD and Digital versions on September 18th and in LP and Box Set configurations on October 16th (in North America).


The Band's Bio (Courtesy of their website)

 

 Ritchie Blackmore

British guitarist and songwriter, began his professional career as a session musician as a member of the instrumental band The Outlaws and as a backing musician of pop singers Glenda Collins, Heinz, Screaming Lord Sutch, Neil Christian, etc.. Blackmore was also one of the original members of Deep Purple, playing jam-style rock music which mixed simple guitar riffs and organ sounds During his solo career, he established neo-classical metal band called Rainbow which fused baroque music influences elements with hard rock. However, Rainbow gradually progressed to catchy pop style hard rock. Blackmore formed the traditional folk rock project Blackmore's Night transitioning to vocalist-centered sounds.Click here to read more about Ritchie.

Candice Night

Although she's done back-up vocals for such major bands as Deep Purple, Rainbow, and Twang (the Hank Marvin Tribute album), Candice Night's success was anything but overnight. In 1997, the talented lyricist and lead singer of Blackmore's Night completed a musical project with legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore titled Shadow of the Moon. The album features acoustic renaissance music, a direction she thoroughly enjoyed. "This music is feel good, soul searching music," says Candice. "Listening to it makes me appreciate the beauty in simple things that most of us overlook everyday. It has a magical effect. It makes me smile and it makes me cry, but listening to it always takes me on a different journey somewhere else. Being a part in creating such music is a reward in itself." Click here to read more about Candice.

Bard David of Larchmont

The spine tingling melodies of classical composers wafts through the rehearsal halls as Bard David prepares for his performances. This extremely talented virtuoso has been delighting audiences for the past 20 years on keyboards, piano, organ, harpsichord, accordion and pipe organ. He is a graduate of Purchase University in piano performances and Blackmore's Night is proud to add him to our Minstrel Band.

Lady Kelly DeWinter

Kelly was just a wee babe when she first found herself singing tunes – and it wasn’t long after that she discovered what joy music could truly bring those around her. Classically trained in voice, piano, French Horn, and various other musical instruments, she was clearly drawn to perform - and soon found herself a graduate of the Musical Theatre program at Shenandoah University. Thus far, her professional career has allowed her to perform on stages across the United States, but no indoor theatre ever gave her the same magical feeling as portraying Queen Elizabeth I at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. It was during this time that she truly discovered “All the Fun of the Fayre". She is thrilled to be joining Blackmore’s Night playing French Horn and singing harmony vocals. Lady Kelly says she owes a debt of gratitude to her Renaissance family for introducing her to such a wonderful group.

Troubador of Aberdeen

The percussionist for Blackmore's Night is truly of Scottish descent. His ancestors resided in a castle fortress near Aberdeen during Medieval times. The moonlight beckoned to him and he embarked upon a midnight journey -wandering the countryside, listening to and echoing the rhythms of the night. He spent a lot of time camping in the woods- playing percussion with the otters and badgers- and pitching acorns with the squirrels. Always atune to the rhythms that surround the country side- natural rhythms and sounds of nature abound in his soul, Blackmore's Night came across him in England- we picked him up hitchhiking to London on his way to see the Queen. He instantly felt a comaderaderie with the Band of minstrels and the group invited him to join and share his many talents with them.

Scarlet Fiddler

Our amazing violinist received her MM in violin performance at The Boston Conservatory where she studied with Masters. She has performed at the Amherst Early Music Festival , Oberlin’s Baroque Performance Institute,Trinity Baroque Orchestra and Choir, amongst many other prestigious performances. This Renaissance Fiddler is Concertmaster of the Astoria Symphony and Sinfonia Celestis, and can also be found performing with Greenwich Symphony, Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, Di Capo Opera Company, Bronx Opera Company and the Orchestra of the Bronx. She has graced the stages at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Town Hall the Apollo Theater and Lincoln Center. She has been seen on tv on “Saturday Night Live,” “David Letterman” and “The View”.

Her heart called out for the simplicity of less technological times - and the beauty of nature. She longed to join a group where she could participate with Medieval/Renassiance music from within the castle walls. She found herself delightfully challenged by the music she heard from Blackmore's Night. We welcome this very talented musician to our group.

Earl Grey of Chimay

Bass, mandolin, guitar. Often enchanted with a musical spirit he can be found performing his music throughout medieval forests and cavernous terrains where they echo the melodic sounds resonating from the instruments played by Earl Grey of Chimay. Assimilating an alchemistic approach to a variety of instruments , he brings to Blackmore's Night his music, camaraderie, a plethora of potent ale, and an extraneous habit of being a bit verbose., yet a dash of humor emanates through the serious facade-but he is always passionate about his love for the music of Blackmore's Night.

Instrumental New Age Review: Anne Trenning-The Sunflower Waltz

Release Date: October 9, 2015

Label: Shadetree Records

Website

Anne Trenning greets us with her fourth album, The Sunflower Waltz. This album focuses on solo piano workings and is comprised of ten original compositions and six re-imagined pieces. All of the songs are played on the spectacular Shigeru Kawai piano, each note presented in clear and crisp fashion, tempting the listener with each keystroke.

The first piece on the album is “Max’s Birthday.” Floating and light with all the potential a new year of life can bring, this track frolics and dances to the music of life in all of its mysteries. A puppy racing through the lawn, a young boy chasing after him with laughter trailing in the wind. The gentle imagining of this piece invokes musical nuance that carries through the entire album.

“In the Gloaming Light” is the eighth track on the album. It is a walk through a sea of memories, a bittersweet blend of nostalgia, longing and regrets. A collection of photographs under the bed from an era gone by, this piece resurrects the voices of the past. Note after note, a composition emerges of lives lived and bonds forged to last forever.

“The Sunflower Waltz” is the title track to the album and one that is lush and filled with joy. The whimsical dance of each note summons the child in all of us, freely dancing in a field of sunflowers. The sun shines down on us as we spin and let the vast blue sky envelope us. Such a happy tune and one of my favorites on the album.

“A Prayer for the World” is the last piece on the album. Tender melodies comprise this composition. Each stroke of the keys is a prayer for humanity in all of our foibles and shiny imperfections. It is the air we breathe, the decisions we make both good and less stellar. Each twisting and turning chapter of the song inches us closer toward unity with our maker.

Anne Trenning is a talented artist and composer. Her work with the solo piano in The Sunflower Waltz is mesmerizing and a soothing experience that I highly recommend. Twisting melodies that embroil you in their simple grace, each of the sixteen tracks takes you on a journey outside of yourself. A great listen.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Max’s Birthday, The Sunflower Waltz, In the Gloaming Light, A Prayer for the World

Tracks:
01. Max’s Birthday
02. The Sunflower Waltz   
03. Claire of my Heart   
04. Just Fly   
05. Fade to Blue   
06. Letting Go   
07. Cowgirl Daydream
08. In the Gloaming Light   
09. Sing to the Lord   
10. Backyard Dreamer
11. Where Rivers Run   
12. Days Gone By
13. Ben’s Song   
14. How Fair My Love
15. The Welcome Song
16. A Prayer for the World

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

October 21, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental New Age Review: Joanne Lazzaro-Under The Stars

Release Date: March 1, 2015

Label: Indie

Website

The flute must be one of the hardest instruments to master. I have a deep respect for any musician however there are certain instruments that seem more difficult to produce an entire album with. I definitely think the flute is one of those that qualify.

Joanne Lazzaro took on the task of mastering this mystical instrument and created a fine album titled Under The Stars.

“Path of the Departed Souls” was my introduction to Joanne’s music and it was featured on the Rate The Tracks site. There is something simplistic and beautiful about this music. The flute is the only instrument being played so you cannot help but focus on that. The difficulty for this type of recording is to pull in the listener and keep them interested. For my ears it worked as every track has a different tone and ambiance to keep it interesting. Although I enjoy rock music I am drawn to this kind of music more all of the time for its healing qualities. I find that I can get more focus on thoughts and feelings that are dismissed during the course of a busy and sometimes frenetic day.

There is a lot of great music to enjoy on this album and each track is an individual offering from the artist for you to use as you see fit. “Zuni Sunrise (extended version)” is as mesmerizing and relaxing as one track can possibly be. It has a mysterious element to it and reminded me of a time far away, perhaps ancient China. Like watching a movie as the scenes flicker by, you conjure all kinds of thoughts and images. This is what music of this sort is supposed to do and I think the artist accomplishes this consistently throughout the run of this recording.

I love the way Joanne closed out the album making her flute sing like a bird, literally. In the appropriately titled “Lark Who Sang His Song to the Sun Every Morning” she demonstrates the capabilities and power of her instrument by emulating a bird saying good morning to the sun. What a perfect way to close the curtain on a magical journey provided by a very talented flautist. If you want to feel like you are Under The Stars I highly recommend listening to this album.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Path of the Departed Souls, Zuni Sunrise (extended version), Lark Who Sang His Song to the Sun Every Morning

Tracks:
 01. Evening Star Song
02. Sky Chief   
03. Medicine Wheel
04. Moon Dances With New Star   
05. Giant Cactus-Gathering Hook   
06. Path of the Departed Souls   
07. Bear Who Wanted a Mango   
08. Rabbit Tracks
09. Spirits of the Long-Eyes   
10. Amazing Grace - Trail of Tears   
11. Zuni Sunrise (Extended Version)   
12. Lark Who Sang His Song to the Sun Every Morning
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

October 18, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental/Electronic Review: AeTopus-When

Release Date: Sep 10, 2015

Label: 12ton Productions

Website

Bryan Tewell Hughes is the man behind the music and the name AeTopus. Last month he brought the world When. I featured the track “Burst” on the Rate The Tracks site. That was the beginning of my journey with Hughes.

His music has many colors and textures. It is like watching ice cream melt in your mind’s eye. The music reveals layer after layer, as if the ice cream had a different flavor underneath each layer that melted away. That is the beauty of any music; you can use your own correlation when listening.

I was mesmerized by this album When. I had to listen several times with great joy to what I was hearing and absorbing and then translate it into something that made sense (on an individual level rather than all inclusive). I like the way each track starts so simply then continues to build into something wonderful…like an artist taking a blank canvas, starting with an idea then assembling it into an explosion of colors and sound, this is what Hughes accomplishes on this recording.

“Gather” sounds like it could be a soundtrack to a movie. I can envision a group of people on a long sojourn to their destination when I hear this track. Keep in mind this my own personal vision. Or it can be more on the lighter side of the spectrum of emotions and meaning, like taking a hot air balloon ride along a massive mountain ridge. The point is, it all means something and you can let it happen. Thoughts, feelings and the inner spirit “Gather” to form a medley of life.

“Protean” has a mystical and magical feel to it. The subtle percussion elements and keyboards blend into an alluring mixture. It is like the unknowns of the jungle and all its dangers beckon you to explore and then ask you to trust every step you take. I found “Apostasy” to be similar with the pace and atmospheres. Again here is the cinematic reference…it is like an intriguing soundtrack to a movie playing frame by frame inside your head.

This music speaks to me and says let the music lead and your heart and soul will carry you to the destination you seek to arrive at. That is comparable to life itself and all its challenges staring you in the face and then in the music you find the grace and solace to handle it all calmly.

The most important factor is the way the artist utilizes various forms of keyboards and synthesizers. The combination of ambient, electronic, new age and world is a mixture that works very well within these tracks. It is a purposeful focused work of art. The fun part is you get to hear it all like it’s a work in progress, the curtain rises and the show begins! So it is up to you When you decide to listen!

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Burst, Gather, Protean

Tracks: 
01. Hypersuns
02. Sashay
03. Hindsight Axiom
04. Gather
05. Dubious Numbers
06. Protean
07. Apostasy
08. Neverwheel
09. Quietus Est
10. Burst
11. Metanoia
12.Sage

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

October 8, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental New Age/Classical Review: Barbara Hills-Moon and Shadows

Release Date: October 19, 2014

Label: House in the Wood Productions

Website

Barbara Hills has always been influenced by music. Devoted to her chosen path, this artist and composer sold paintings to pay for her guitar. Barbara has been an educator and has founded her own studio House in the Woods Productions. Barbara’s Welsh heritage influences her work and it often shows in Celtic undertones and a focus on nature and the environment. The photographs on the cover of the album are all locations around the artist’s home, sharing with us the love of nature and all of her glory. Moon and Shadows was arranged, recorded, engineered and produced by Barbara Hills.

Moon and Shadows is a journey of sorts that takes you over fields, deserts, moon covered skies and babbling brooks. Sea and space, woods and the flutter of butterflies can be found-but so can quirky pieces like “Hidden Depths” and “Landfill Tango.”

An ethereal piece filled with woodwind instruments and tender piano sequences, “Moon on the Moat” evokes a dark fairy tale in the making. Mist rises from the ground and you walk out on the veranda to meet a figure as he rises from the fog. The moon peeks through the cloudy sky and a shiver of trepidation slides through you. One dance. One night. One breath of passion. Where will it lead as the music only the two of you can hear takes you away? This piece is seductive and projects a midnight landscape rife with possibilities. Electronic elements are woven in further adding to the layers of mysticism and wonder as the dance goes on, winding into the night…

“Indigo” is the last piece on the first CD in this collection. Pensive, the song begins with a synthetic floating sound, quickly morphing into magical chimes, a plodding rhythm dotted with percussive elements and melodic voices. Starry skies filled with nature’s wonderment cascade around the listener until the very last portion of the song when it erupts in a vivacious blend of instrumentation as vivid as a painting.

“Dark and Sleepy Forest” is on the second part of this two CD set. Leaves crunch and percussive elements pound as you try to get away from whatever it is that stalks you in the night. Floating electronica music wafts through, reminding me somewhat of the Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack. More leaves crackle and blend with dark synth and multi-instrumentation to craft a trip down nature’s shadowy realm. Enter if you dare for you do not walk alone.

Barbara Hills is an artist and sound engineer who has crafted an album devoted to nature. She was inspired by locales near her home, creating an audible landscape of earth, sea and sky. This album was an enjoyable experience with ethereal pieces like “Moon on the Moat” and quirky little numbers like the heavily electronica based “Landfill Tango” and “Hidden Depths.”

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Moon on the Moat, Dark and Sleepy Forest, Indigo

Tracks:
01. Desert: Midnight Ride
02. High Pines
03. Hidden Depths
04. Landfill Tango
05. Galaxies
06. Moon on the Moat
07. Deer at the Brook
08. Winter River
09. Woods After Rain
10. Pebbles
11. Field of Clouds
12. Indigo
13. Walk to the Fallow Meadow
14. Caverns
15. Kingdom of the Swan
16. Suburban Dawn
17. In the Shadows of Roasting Spring
18. Dark and Sleepy Forest
19. Snowflakes
20. Sea: Sunrise
21. Northern Lights
22. Leaving Orbit
23. Return of the Butterflies
24. Rain On the Road

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

October 4, 2015
Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews