New Age/Meditation Review: Silvia Nakkach- Liminal

Release Date: March 25, 2016

Label: Vox Mundi Records

Website

Grammy nominated artist Silvia Nakkach has been delighting audiences with her unique blend of soul healing music for more than 30 years. A skilled composer, teacher, author, instrumentalist, performer and vocalist, she is renowned all over the world for her ability to twist many genres and make them her own, giving them a unique twist. Liminal, her fourteenth album is just that. Splashes of color on the canvas of human emotion, this album draws its breath from classical, New Age, Indian Ragas (Hindustani music) and World Music spinning magic with each well-defined track. Credits for this album include Todd Boston (producer), David Darling (cello), Jeff Oster (flugelhorn), Val Serrant (percussion, voice) and of course, the extremely talented Silvia Nakkach.

If I tried to pick a word to define this album it would have to be masterful. Each track, from the first to the last has its own unique flavor and story to tell. The vastness of space in all of its forms seems to be a theme in Liminal, but one that is handled very well. How does one perform the intricacy of a ray of light or a dust mote? You listen to this album and Nakkach will show you. Every note. Every harmony.

The first piece, "Liminal Clouds" is an auditory journey through the reaches of time and space. Close your eyes and feel the electronica whispers as they blend with the mounting tension of voice and the multi-layered instrumentation. Ambient music, sacred chanting and a blur of sound flows over you as the vast echoes of time and space drift in a journey that never ends.

"Liminal Glow" is a spell that weaves over you. Whispery voices chant and coax you to the edge of your seat and ambient waves and the sounds of bells and birds float through the air. Percussive elements add to the tension. Just a glimpse for the listener into the wild unknown with promises of enchantment bursting from tender moments of sound and substance. This track is one of my favorite ones on the album. Colors whirl and electric energy fans out around you with sacred fire and glittery moments of secret dreams held tight in your hand. Never let it go.

"Liminal Moon" is the final track on the album. Whispered voices and the gorgeous sound of the flugelhorn pervade the sacred spaces of this amazing composition. The moon gazes down on the workings of the world, ever watching. Staid and solid in a world on fire. Humanity drifts like the currents beneath the all-knowing luminous presence. I didn't want it to end.

Silvia Nakkach is a Grammy nominee and it is easy to see why. Her compositions shoot straight to the heart of the human condition, bringing Eastern and Western sound and multiple genres to spin and weave the pattern the Fates have created for us all. There is an elemental beauty in each well-honed composition. Each contributing artist has proven their merit by this exquisite work. I highly recommend it.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Luminal Clouds, Liminal Glow, Liminal Moon

Tracks: 
1.Liminal Clouds 05:20   
2.Liminal Beauty 08:46
3.Liminal Motion 06:16
4.Liminal Space 06:52   
5.Liminal Light 05:50   
6.Liminal Rays 03:11   
7.Liminal Glow 05:45   
8.Liminal Dream 06:11   
9.Liminal Moon 05:10
 

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

May 9, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental New Age: Jeffrey Seeman-Everything In Between

Release Date: December 1, 2015

Label: Harpeth River Records

Website

Jeffrey Seeman grew up listening to the greats and cut his teeth working at the Ludlow Garage, a literal garage turned performance hall. As part of the Crew, his passion for music became ingrained and he has been playing ever since. A part of the band Wheels, Seeman's desire to play was put to the test as life took him away from his dream, only to bring it back again later in life. Seeman began to make videos of his work and shared them with the legendary Will Ackerman, who suggested they make an album. Everything In Between is the result of that effort.

The first song on the album is "Five Days Old," a strumming piece composed of layers that float over one another. Delicate percussion, multi-instrumentation and a solid guitar base provide a strong foundation for this song as it drifts and glides through every well-crafted note.

"Let's Go" is a buoyant journey filled with jazzy elements, horn, percussion and of course a very spirited guitar. This piece is a crawfish boil in full rapture mode. Joyful gatherings of friends and family captured in a moment frozen in time, filled with all the bumps and dips that make up our lives.    

"Point Well Taken" is a plucky piece with earthy movements, fingers sliding across strings in perfect style. A jazzy horn accompaniment joins the fray, bringing the song to a bit of a climb. Pick after pick and slide after slide, this strident composition is a thought provoking melody. It is the last song on the album and may just influence you to hit the play button one more time.

Jeffrey Seeman has spent most of his life in pursuit of music, either by working in a club or by picking up his own guitar. Working with Will Ackerman of Imaginary Road Studios, this album is a realization of a dream. When the album came out, Ludlow Garage opened back up once more allowing Seeman to trace back the roots of his musical journey. Some places are more than a beginning or and an end. They are an impetus for a life well lived, and each track on Everything In Between gives a little window into the life of a man who finds joy in the simple things. This album is a great listen and I highly recommend it.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Five Days Old, Let's Go, Point Well Taken

Tracks: 
1. 5 Days Old
2. Acadia Walk
3. Michael's Journey
4. Ever Present Always
5. Southern Night In The Woods
6. Let's Go!
7. My Grand Gift
8. Jackie's Grace
9. Point Well Taken
 

DanaWright, Sr. Staff Writer

April 24, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

New Age Instrumental: Laima Gaizutis-Simply Beautiful Collection II

Release Date: April 28, 2016

Label: Independent

Website

Laima Gaizutis has an interesting and inspiring life story. The roots of success in early America are due to many immigrants bringing their talents to this country. In more modern times Laima’s parents immigrated to Cleveland from Lithuania and that is where she began her lifetime love affair with piano. 

Simply Beautiful Collection II encompasses eleven instrumental tracks with varying degrees of pace and styles. Once you listen to the album you would have to agree that the title is quite appropriate.

Track 4, “I Missed Laughter Most,” I found filled with twists and turns unlike the previous three tracks. The first few tracks set the ambiance and mood if you will while this track offers a sudden change of pace with elements of jazz stirred into the mixture for a bit more color.

After that variance of sound and texture Laima brings back the softer soothing sounds with “Sunlight.” It’s like the light of the new day gently hitting your face as you draw open the curtains in the morning. The small miracles of everyday that we tend to take for granted take on new meaning and importance while listening to this eye opener.

The Holidays are special times for people of all walks of life around the world. One of the most special is our holiday in America we enjoy called Thanksgiving. It is time to give thanks for all the blessings bestowed upon us and our loved ones. The track “Thanksgiving with You” could hold a multitude of meaning however it is does point to a single person in this case and the gratefulness found in the elegant piano of Laima and the layer of electronic keyboards it seems to glide over to give it an airy spiritual feel. We all have so much to give and be thankful for and this song a beautiful reminder of that.

Laima Gaizutis is certainly a gifted individual and piano player, her emotion and sincerity are realized through the keys of her instrument. The examples I gave are just a few of the instrumental delights you will find on this recording. The only track that seemed out of place, while named properly, was “Penny Arcade.” The music was the right fit but not for this album. Two of the most important tracks are the opener and curtain closer. In this case Laima hit the mark when the curtain opened and everywhere else in between but keep in mind this is my opinion and a matter of what I would expect in a recording such as this but some folks may find it as a pleasant surprise. Even so I loved 10 of the 11 tracks; they put the spotlight on some very talented fingers and a person that is in touch with her inner spirit with the gift of translating that to something beautiful with sounds.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: I Missed Laughter Most, Sunlight, Thanksgiving With You

Tracks:
 01. Whispers
02. Midnight
03. Touched
04. I Miss the Laughter Most
05. Sunlight
06. Long Summer Night
07. Stillness
08. Thanksgiving with You
09. Lilting
10. An Angel's Dream
11. Penny Arcade
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

April 20, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental Stream: Pianochocolate-Blueberry Album

Thanks to the Free Music Archive I discovered this wonderful music from Russia -  Check Out Pianochocolate and their recent release Blueberry now.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

Pianochocolate is an electronical musical project created in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, in 2008. Pianochocolate is an amazing combination of classical piano music, ambient electro rhythms and chocolate delights bringing the feeling of amorousness and tenderness. The project was created for those who try to escape from big city life with its vanity and fuss and sink into a world of sweet dreams and
pacification. In its new album Lilac Pianochocolate presents the new material that is more mature and wise, telling us about the things important for each of us with no words. Senses and emotions are the instruments making us feel better with the first few sounds of Pianochocolate music. It grows with its listeners, filling itself with new thoughts, visions and tints, giving us joy and happiness. READ MORE

http://pianochocolate.com

Instrumental New Age Review: John Fluker-11:11

Release Date: May 1, 2016

Label: Retribution Records

Website

Composer, musician and vocalist, are a few of the titles that the multitalented John Fluker holds. He has backed folks like Beyoncé, Dionne Warwick, Mavis Staples, John Legend, Boyz II Men, etc. The list goes on and on. So to say that the man is a seasoned artist is putting it mildly.

With the release of 11:11 he showcases his diversity with musical styles using the piano as the foundation where every track finds its path through careful construction. From the colorful atmospheric opener “Awaken,” with classically influenced piano strokes and ambient textured keyboards, the music gives you a wakeup call to this immense talent and pulls you into another world. The theme here is indicative of the title of course so you can focus on that one meaning, look at the track titles then take it from there.

“Artificial Time” is a gorgeous soundscape taking the bounty of that classical influence then pushing the envelope to make it an instrumental new age journey through your own personal space and time. The title reminds us that we invented time so it thereby is artificial in every sense of the word. What we really know is that we are all stardust and our lives are but a bat of an eyelash in the grand scheme of things…indeed.

I love albums like this; the ability to take music and no words then unravel a story through one concept and create an aural painting that freezes in time forever is a gift. Music is everlasting and so are the memories we hold dear. Life and what we know is what keeps us alive and the will to live another day for more wonderful life experiences. Music makes it all that much more enjoyable and when its great piano based instrumentals that are on offer we get the chance to write the story.

Speaking of time and stories, “Tick-Tock Tale” encapsulates everything I just said. The hands of time move ever so fast or much too slow depending on your life situation. With each passing second you change and so do your surroundings however it takes us a while to notice the change happening before us. The tick tock of the clock is our compass to the past and the future. Listen to John’s fingers make another piece of paradise with the ivory keys. It is short and sweet yet poignant and impactful. The title makes you think and then the music ends to fast like our time here on this earth.

11:11 has the genius and presence to get your attention, make you focus and think about all the things that matter in life. I really appreciate what music like this does for me; it is truly a spiritual experience that brings out the very best in me. Give it a listen to see what it can do for you.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Awaken, Artificial Time, Tick-Tock Tale

Tracks: 
01. Awaken
02. In The Beginning
03. Artificial Time
04. The 4th Dimension
05. Piano Story
06. Tick-Tock Tale
07. Moments
08. Age of Eternity
09. Piano Story
10. Hour of Prayer
11. 11:11
12. The Joyful Clock Unwinds
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

March 31, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental New Age Review: Lynn Yew Evers-Elysian

Release Date: Mar 18, 2016

Label: Lynn's In-Concert Productions (ICP)

Website

A Global Music Awards winner and professional musician, Lynn Yew Evers is an accomplished artist of international renown. Primarily performing in the US and Malaysia, she has worked closely with Will Ackerman at the renowned Imaginary Roads Studio in Vermont. Her third album, Elysian is a beautiful addition to her musical repertoire, focusing on classical sounds as reflected in nature, sometimes with a splash of contemporary improvisation. Contributing artists to this album include Will Ackerman, Eugene Friesen, Charlie Bisharat and Wouter Kellerman, many of which may be familiar to fans of classical and New Age music.

The album begins with a piece called "As the Train Leaves." It is a piece of observation. Of hurrying to the train station, boarding and watching as it follows along the tracks to the verdant countryside. Leaves of green and trees burst forth, spreading their arms to the sky, joyous for the sun that shines down upon them. We watch the people around us, busy in their lives and wonder about them, even as our eyes are drawn once again outward to nature in its majesty. Each note, each melody reflects the glorious hues shining under the big sky and we are but a small piece of the puzzle.

"Dream Chaser" is just that. It is the edgy moment just before you fall asleep, teetering down the precipice of your most ardent wants and hidden cravings. Sometimes pale and timid, with notes that drift ghost like and others more intentional, this solo piano piece encompasses the innermost melodies of the heart, spun inside our dreams. Graceful as a ballerina, this track shimmers and glides through the human condition in all of its foibles. Waking and sleeping, dreams are what we make of them but if we learn to listen, we might just find the right path to our heart's deepest wish.

"Night Owl, In a Style of a Nocturne" was a riveting performance. String meets whispery vocals and classical style piano made contemporary. His arms grasp your shoulders, swinging you out from the busy ballroom, out into the night. The pulse of your blood in your veins sings sweetly as he spins you around the balcony, lost in a music all your own. Sweet, sultry and mesmerizing, this piece struck me from the very first note. The multi-instrumentation and breathy female sighs were a romance reader's soundtrack, if ever I heard one. At times sedate and other, the piece peaked to a frenzy indicative of forbidden passion and the longings of things that may never be. Astounding and marvelous, this tender and complex composition won my heart and I can't stop playing it.

Lynn Yew Evers is a talented artist, teacher, musician, solo pianist, performer and more. She began her path to musical proficiency at a mere four years old and since then has never wavered in her conviction and love of the craft. Will Ackerman has said that Lynn "has the heart of a romantic and the hands of an artist." Each song is an illustration of that very truth. She has performed for the king and queen of Malaysia and has the ability to take everyday sights and sounds and artfully arrange them in a garden of fresh musical interpretation. I highly recommend this album to anyone who has a love for solo piano and music that takes you away.

5/5 Stars 

Key Tracks: Stars As the Train Leaves, Dream Chaser, Night Owl in a Style of a Nocturne

Tracks: 
01. As The Train Leaves 
02. Remembering Love 
03. Kindred Spirit
04. Shrouded Hope 
05. Finding You 
06. Dream Chaser 
07. Bluebird Day
08. Crosswalk To Maplehurst
09. Enchanted Stroll
10. Urban Trekking
11. Beautiful
12. Night Owl, In the Style of a Nocturne
13. As The Train Leaves (Reprise) 

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

March 11, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental New Age/Ambient Review: Tom Eaton-Abendromen

Release Date: February 8, 2016

Label: Riverwide Records

Website

Abendromen is Tom Eaton’s latest release. The title comes from the Dutch. It is actually two words combined, "Abend" is evening and "Dromen" is dreams. Tom is a very busy producer collaborating constantly with Will Ackerman in his Imaginary Road Studios to help New Age artists find their sound. Somehow he found the time in December 2015 and January 2016 to get this recording completed.

This is an album about dreaming and the different forms it can take on a daily basis. Some sweep you away from reality and some become reality. Listen to the music and create your dreams.

Tom composed, mixed, mastered, engineered and produced the recording using textural electric guitars, fretted and fretless basses, synthesizers and piano miniatures. All the piano, keyboards, guitars, basses and percussion where played by the artist making this a true “solo” work.

The ever important opening track draws the curtain back and sets the tone for any recording. And Tom introduces his style of music perfectly by easing you into his world with “Sunday-Slow Rotations.” It is atmospheric and features ambient textures with keyboards floating on top, promoting the traditional day of rest. It is the face of magnificence and elegance found in music all packaged in one track. The elements of new age and classical are injected with some ambient chill to make for delectable treat for the senses. 

Oddly enough “Monday-Midwinter” is exactly where we are at in the northeast. Usually every year we have those nightmare days with the weather but it has been a winter only imagined by those hoping for warming temperatures and a lot less snow and ice. That dream came true. 

“Tuesday-The Compass” is one of my preferred tracks. It reminded me of some of my favorite artists over the years like Tangerine Dream (Le Parc). The dreamy floating on cloud effect is there except the pace picks up a bit more right at the start. There is lovely melody weaved into the fabric of this track. It has inspired me to start listening to some of my favorite music again that I have not heard in so long. Tangerine Dream, Jean Michel Jarre and Mike Oldfield come to mind right away. The compass showed me the way.

I think the one track I could relate to most was “Friday-Patience.” The saying T.G.I.F. comes to mind and how you need to be patient and work your way through the day looking forward to the weekend to do what you really desire. It does require patience to make it through to Friday each week, some weeks require more than others. That is how the title hit me and the music felt right as well. The pace is even and peaceful while carrying the hope of a new day right around the corner.

I knew Tom Eaton was an incredibly talented producer and now I know for certain that the music is in every molecule of his being. With Abendromen his gives proof positive that his fingers hold the key to capturing the imagination of an audience in desperate need of unwinding and appreciating a relaxing atmosphere to decompress. It worked for me. 

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Monday-Slow Rotations, Friday-Patience, Tuesday-The Compass

Tracks: 
01. Sunday: Slow Rotations
02. Monday: Midwinter
03. Tuesday: The Compass
04. Wednesday: In Stillness
05. Thursday: For Orion
06. Friday: Patience
07. Saturday: Long Lonely Light

Bonus Tracks:
08. Wednesday Night
09. The Eighth Day
10. Saturday Night
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

February 27, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental New Age Review: Josefine and Trine Opsahl-Unbroken Dreams

Release Date: November 13, 2015         

Label: Heart To Heart

Website

Trine Opsahl is a composer and talented harp musician. Joining forces with her daughter Josefine on the cello, this duo has created a new album of Nordic and Celtic folk music. The album sticks with you long after the playing is over. Thirteen original pieces composed by Trine bring a blend of contemporary and classical elements and improvisations that grab hold and let your imagination take flight. Unbroken Dreams is Trine Opsahl's fourth album.

The first piece on the album is "The Last Grasp of Winter." It begins with a fluttering harp sequence that made me instantly think of snowflakes. The cello eases into the picture, eliciting images of sweeping snow covered hills and icy winds determined to keep their hold over the world. But then the tone of the piece changes. A lilting flower winds its way open amidst the frosty backdrop. One crimson bloom against the frigid air…and spring struggles to take hold once again. Thus the dance of the seasons begins, all set to the elegant melodies of harp and cello and the artisan workmanship of Trine and Josefine Opsahl. 

I can think of no other perfect title for "Fairytale." Listening to this album, I wrote my latest manuscript and this piece in particular reached down and lifted the story from my writer's heart. Sweet and tender, you can hear the hero coming to the rescue of the damsel in distress or even a beauty waking from an enchanted sleep in the loving arms of her prince charming. Winding sequences of cello and harp craft a spell that any lover of Celtic music will absolutely adore.

"Drifting On Silky Clouds" begins with a pensive cello movement reminiscent of a storm passing over. Sweet, fluffy clouds drift in, both dark and light fighting for the right to take over the sky. Sunlight shines through the cloudbank, drifting down in radiant harp sequences that enliven the soul. Drifting melodies spiral and twist through the air, an audible dance of majesty.

Trine and Josefine Opsahl are a marvelous mother and daughter duo. Unbroken Dreams is a brilliant combination of Celtic and Nordic tradition blended with contemporary inclinations. The spiraling nature of each piece was like a flower bursting open, with new discoveries every step of the way. I couldn't stop listening and don't plan to any time soon. There is a reason Opsahl's work is used as soundtrack material in documentaries. It's that good. And now with the added layer of her daughter's cello work, I'm hooked for life. More please. This album is amazing. If you are a fan of fantasy novels or just plain good music, you seriously have to get this album.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: The Last Grasp of Winter, A Fairytale, Drifting on Silky Clouds

Tracks:
01. The Last Grasp of Winter    
02. A Star in Heaven is Born Tonight    
03. Dawn/The Light Dances my Love    
04. Drifting on Silky Clouds    
05. A Fairytale    
06. Diving into an Ocean of Love    
07. I am your Moon and your Moonlight too    
08. Somewhere in a Hidden Memory    
09. Castle of Unbroken Dreams    
10. Sterna Paradisae    
11. Rosebed Garden    
12. Norwegian Summer
13. Ladybirds and Butterflies

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

February  15, 2016

New Age-Jazz-World Instrumental Review: Todd Mosby-On Eagle Mountain

Release Date: April, 1, 2016

Label: Mosby Music Group
Website

As an introduction to this artist I had the pleasure of focusing in on one track on our Rate The Tracks site. “Spirit Dancer” is a multicultural brew of new age with some infusion of smooth jazz topped off by hints of world to make it a distinct crossover flight. 

As with many of the recordings at Will Ackerman’s Imaginary Road Studios, some familiar names are part of the equation. The incomparable Tony Levin and several others including Michael Manring, Jill Halley and Tom Eaton combined with the astute guidance of Ackerman make for an unbeatable team. They all draw out the very best from each other during a recording session.

“Eagle Mountain” in all its beauty and splendor pictured on the cover of this recording gets a proper introduction through the delicate and tasteful guitar playing of Mr. Mosby. The bass section is amazing as well and it all jells into auditory perfection.

The great outdoors can inspire and refresh when embraced and surely Todd is one such person. After listening to this music that one thought becomes reality. “Falling Light” dances and sings and turns into one of my favorites very quickly. It is nearly six minutes of musical enchantment. It builds and builds until you hear percussion, violin, guitar and bass all intersecting at the same point. I really enjoyed the way the track started with a simple foundation then built a towering monument of sound. As the sun rises over the mountain peak it falls onto the trees, animals, vegetation and people below. This is a beautiful thought process that becomes totally engaging once transferred to music.

I think the artist really gets in touch with his surroundings while recording this music and obviously could envision the places he held dear in his mind and heart. Instruments like the ewi, bells, singing bowls and English horn, cello and other elements make their presence known and are part of the final product.

Perhaps the deciding factor that made this entire listening experience coalesce for my ears and spirit was how Todd took his guitar and added all the other instruments to make On Eagle Mountain a delight to fall into, like your favorite comfy chair. This recording was like a culinary delight taking every ingredient and then measuring it properly to flesh out the sound for each individual track. Interesting enough the titles go very well with the music.

On Eagle Mountain took me down a road that made me feel alive and free just like the open sky and mountains ranges that adorn our land. Music that is that powerful needs recognition and validation. It was my pleasure to be one of the fortunate people to give all the credit to the creators of this superb release.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Spirit Dancer, Eagle Mountain, Falling Light

Tracks:

01. SPIRIT OF THE MOUNTAIN

02. SOARING 

03. EAGLE MOUNTAIN 

04. FALLING LIGHT 

05. COLORADO, MISSOURI 

06. JACK’S FORK 

07. SPIRIT DANCER 

08. ODE TO JOE

09. MOON SONG 

10. MOUNTAIN LULLABY

11. STAR SONG
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

February 11, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

New Age/Jazz Stream: Todd Mosby-Spirit Dancer

Todd Mosby has a new album out titled On Eagle Mountain. The focus track is "Spirit Dancer."

The track is a wonderful combination of new age and jazz. It is a solid world crossover selection. Mosby's guitar is inviting and the resident instrumentalist at Will Ackerman's Imaginary Road Studios join in to make the music complete.

The artist refers to the group as the New Horizon Ensemble. The presence of Tony Levin on bass has always made a difference with any recording and this one is no exception.

If you want to hear a combination of smooth jazz, new age and world music check out this track now!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

More About Todd Mosby:

http://toddmosbymusic.com

Todd Mosby is a guitarist, composer and improvisor who has mastered multiple musical forms; classical, jazz and Indian raga. This broad spectrum of musical knowledge enables the St. Louis native to create works that are both highly creative and intelligent.

“Somehow he manages to synthesize these disparate elements into a singular musical voice that is unique in my experience…and “unique” is not a word I throw out easily or frequently.” - Will Ackerman, multi-grammy producer, founder Windham Hill Records.

New Age Instrumental Review: Kathryn Kaye-There Was A Time

Release Date: February 1, 2016
Label: Independent
Website: http://kathrynkaye-music.com/
Buy Link: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kathrynkaye5

Solo piano music can be soothing  and anything Kathryn Kaye records certainly has that effect on you. With There Was A Time she puts together 10 gorgeous tracks of keyboard heaven.

"Learning To Waltz With Clouds" was my introduction to the new release and also featured on our Rate The Tracks site. It made me feel that I could get in sync with the clouds above and move and float right along with them. For my ears this music translates to something more than an auditory experience, it is a form of divinity that calms and centers me and that is exactly what I need on a daily basis.

Tracks two and three carry some sadness with them. “Arise” and “Bittersweet Goodbye” have a certain melancholy atmosphere but in the same instance reflect a beauty and elegance a piano can easily portray if played by the right individual. In this case all of the above applies and they pull you in and keep you as you make your way through the recording.

Much of new age instrumental music I have the pleasure of hearing is directly connected to Mother Nature and this album is definitely one of those fine examples of getting in touch with our life’s essence. “Shadow of a Bird in Flight” is one track that brings you to the great outdoors and can have you imagining yourself walking along a sundrenched trail and seeing the shadows created by the branches of trees and the passing movement of our winged friends. I can appreciate any music that takes me out of my current environment, puts me in touch with another reality, and reminds me of who I am and the true inner spirit of us all. That is the music’s intent and purpose as far as I am concerned yet it can mean something entirely different for another listener and that is the beauty and freedom of what good music can offer

“Spring Snow” is another track that brings into light a season of prolific change and if you are living in an area that takes you through all four seasons, you can easily relate. I know from my own environment that snow in spring is entirely different than the snow that falls in January. This snow has a purpose, as the temperature begins to rise, it slowly melts away bringing the promise of green fields, blooming trees and flowers, giving the once dormant life a nudge to awaken and says hello! So perhaps for each individual this concept can apply to your life, if there is something that needs to change or be renewed this track and the progression of the music take you through that transformation. The flow of life itself and nature is translated through Ms. Kaye’s fingers in the most poignant way.

There Was A Time is a fantastic journey through the meaning of life and our surroundings. If you enjoy any kind of instrumental music for the sheer enjoyment of listening or the ensuing effect it can have on your mind, body and spirit then I highly recommend listening and paying close attention to each track, you will be glad you did.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Learning To Waltz With Clouds, Shadow of a Bird in Flight, Spring Snow

Tracks:
01. Saro Remembered
02. Arise
03. There Was A Time
04. Spring Snow
05. Wind In The Aspen Grove
06. Shadow Of A Bird In Flight
07. Revival
08. Learning To Waltz With Clouds
09. Bittersweet Goodbye
10. Darkening Skies

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder
February 1, 2016
Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews
 

New Age/ Piano Instrumental Review: Joe Heinemann-Gratitude

Release Date: January 15, 2016

Label: Independent

Website

Joe Heinemann has been dipping his toe into music since the young age of seven. Studying everything from jazz to classical and dance music, he has progressed to solo piano. This new album is all about leaving something behind. To explore new horizons and know that what you've accomplished is what you were meant to do. It is a theme that resonates with a lot of artists, writers and composers and with this album, the desire is well met. 

Gratitude brings us a look at the tender emotions that make up life and living and the knowledge that in one breath, it could be gone in an instant. "Lenape" is the first song on the album, and begins with tender strokes along the piano keys. Each touch of the finger brings meaning and introspection. We are alive. We breathe. We feel-even when it hurts. Strings slide along and whisper sweet nothings alongside the piano movements, crafting a sweet melody that haunts the soul and draws us into the album.

"Sign of Spring" is one of the flagship tunes on the album. It begins with a poignant glimpse into a brisk spring morning, full of hope and expectation. Rain splashes down on the fresh green stalks of grass, each bursting with life. Each keystroke is implemented with a purpose, plodding and well thought out. It is an awakening of the earth and the soul.

"Gratitude" is the title track on the album and a very apt song title. Meaningful keystrokes illustrate emotion, highlighting our inner lives. Gratitude comes when you appreciate the world around you. It is in the small things. The simple act of giving, a lick from a dog who loves you, a tender glance between husband and wife. It is the air we breathe and the essence of our being. With every keystroke, Heinemann illustrates why it matters. To have gratitude is to appreciate life in all of its foibles and idiosyncrasies. To be fully aware that we aren't perfect and to be loved in spite of it.

Joe Heinemann has created an album filled with blissful moments. For days I've listened contently writing while my dogs huddle around my feet in abject happiness. There is joy in the little things and today as rain clouds tease me with the promise of a dark afternoon for writing and thought, I'm grateful for this music and happy canine companionship. Heinemann takes our longing, our late nights and our solace and wraps it up in one neat little album. Every note is right on. Every emotive melody there for us to relish over and over again. And I have-and will again. This album is a must have if you enjoy a quiet interlude away from the world.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Sign of Spring, Gratitude, Lenape

Tracks:
01.Lenape
02.Enduring Hope
03.For Satie
04.Sea Dream (Away)
05.Sign of Spring
06.Longing
07.Solace
08.My Song (Carried Along)
09.Gratitude
10.Golden Waves
11.Late At Night
 

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

January 22, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Holiday/New Age/Classical Review: Jennifer Thomas-Winter Symphony

Release Date: November 20, 2015

Label: Tickled Ivory Music

Website

Jennifer Thomas is a talented multidimensional artist. She is a composer, pianist and violinist with a lot of respect coming from her peers in the industry. With Winter Symphony she takes tradition and several genres and creates a magnificent soundtrack. The album is titled appropriately as it is a shimmering and magical journey. At times certain parts did remind me of Trans-Siberian Orchestra. I knew after hearing the first track that this recording was going to be prolific and moving.

The curtain opens to a spectacular unraveling of sound and color with “Angels We Have Heard On High (feat. The Ensign Chorus),” and the chorus indeed sounds like it was heaven sent.

The brilliance of “Carol of the Bells” opens the door to the Holiday with parts of a legendary track that come alive with cascading piano and orchestrations. Classical and New Age music merge with tradition for an entirely new universe of music for a listener to enjoy.

As an individual that gets inundated with Holiday music every year it becomes harder and harder to get my attention and any particular release to make a lasting impression. I have been fortunate this year to hear several great unconventional recordings that gave me a new perspective and outlook on this special Holiday season.

“Ice Dance” is a musical ballet with the grandeur of orchestrations, a choir and Jennifer’s tinkling and alluring piano strokes. It is quite beautiful…you can envision a lone ice skater joined by others as the song reaches its apex then winds down like a snow globe in your mind gently bringing it back to the singularity of purpose this dance represents.

As mature and distinct as this music is it can most certainly bring to light the child inside all of us. Remember when you were the wide eyed little girl/boy full of the wonder of Christmas morning? It is all here for you to absorb and hold in your heart for as long as you wish or to listen to again and again.

Winter Symphony needs a stage with actors to play out the parts of this engrossing musical story. I would not be surprised to see it all come to life on a stage or on the screen someday soon. If that does not happen I will surprised. There is so much going on in this music, it makes you feel alive and grateful for life and all there is to enjoy. The power of music proves once again that it can heal and change an attitude within minutes. The spirit of humanity and the holidays are alive and breathing in this music, do not miss it!

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Carol of the Bells, Angels We Have Heard On High (feat. The Ensign Chorus), Ice Dance

Tracks:
01. Angels We Have Heard On High (feat. The Ensign Chorus)
02. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
03. Carol of the Bells
04. Alleluia (feat. Felicia Farerre & The Ensign Chorus)
05. Ice Dance (feat. The Ensign Chorus)
06. I Saw Three Ships
07. Breath of Heaven
08. Theme from Home Alone (Somewhere in My Memory)
09. What Child Is This (feat. Taylor Davis)
10. Silent Night (feat. The Ensign Chorus)
11. Winter Symphony
12. O Holy Night

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

December 22, 2015

Provided By New Age Music Reviews