New Age/Classical/World Review: Rebekah Eden-Rowing in Eden

Release Date: March 28, 2016

Label: Path of Gold Records

Website

Rebekah Eden’s release this year is a made for movie soundtrack.  Rowing in Eden is 12 tracks of new age music backed with classical vocals. There are also some elements of world influences in her music that make it that much more compelling.

Her tracks were being considered for The Hobbit movies however they never made it to the final production. After hearing what she has to offer I must say it is a shame they did not follow through. Her voice is the most powerful instrument on the recording and everything else, to coin an old phrase, serves as the cherry on top of the ice cream. There is a gorgeous addition of a 41-piece Czech Orchestra to her amazing voice as well. Not to take anything away from other critical parts of this music that makes it complete, I am just amazed how clear and stunning her vocal talents are.

“A Message From The Stars” is superb way to open the curtain and eventually close it with a different version of the song. I like the transitions in the track with both songs and the second version, the impactful closer, is a heavenly melding of many voices. It will give you a greater appreciation for the ultimate instrument, the vox humana.

Rebekah recognizes her influences and shows that in the most prolific way with covering Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble’ On” (from Zeppelin II) and more specifically Robert Plant’s strong influence. She does this song in her own way and I have to say I found it quite fascinating. This one would have been perfect for one of The Hobbit movies. Her operatic vocal style just soars over the music and every note as if the song was written especially for her. That pretty much says it all considering it is a cover.

“Light of Destiny’ is a very stirring track. Rebekah’s vocals are angelic, rhythmic, and it gave me a chill, the good kind that makes you realize you are feeling something spiritual and special. These are the moments I cherish when listening to music.

More and more I am hearing a fantastic combination of instruments found in new age, classical and world music. The amalgamation is spectacular and all three genres are so closely related it sounds like everything comes to together to form one powerful style that cannot be denied. Artists like Rebekah Eden are leading the way, blazing a path for others to follow. Rowing in Eden is one of the better examples I have heard of genre mergers this year, predominantly one that included vocals.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Ramble On, Light of Destiny, A Message From The Stars (Virtual Choir)

Tracks:
01. A Message From The Stars
02. Iachtach / Prince Caspian's Prayer
03. The Wind
04. Ramble On
05. There And Back Again
06. Light of Destiny
07. The Two Trees
08. A King's Farewell
09. In The Days 
10. Wild Nights
11. A Message From The Stars (Virtual Choir)
   

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

October 5, 2016

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Audio Fidelity Inks Licensing Deal With Will Ackerman's West River Records

Ackerman's Grammy winning "Returning" coming on 180g vinyl for the 1st time!

Camarillo, CA - Marshall Blonstein, president of Audio Fidelity is pleased to announce an agreement with Will Ackerman and his West River Records. The agreement calls for Audio Fidelity, in conjunction with West River Records, to release the first 180g vinyl pressing of Ackerman's 2005 Grammy award winning recording, "Returning: Pieces for Guitar 1970-2004." Ackerman is universally recognized as the preeminent pioneer in the new age music movement, and the founder of Windham Hill Records.

In 2004, after years of growth and introspection, Ackerman re-recorded an album of his best-known songs. A greatest hits collection of all new performances.  The playing and recording of these New Age instrumentals are sharper now than on those original Windham Hill classics and Ackerman's most popular compositions have rarely sounded as poignant.

Blonstein felt one of the elements of working with Will Ackerman that would have great appeal to Audio Fidelity's music fans were simple words Will spoke at the time of the recording about why he wanted to make the album. "Today I'm recording in my own Imaginary Road Studios in Windham County, Vermont on utterly state of the art digital equipment. It all brings me closer to what I hear as I sit alone and play; touching the sound as it literally moves through my body as well as my ears. I guess I am trying to find a sound that lets you hear what I hear."

Will's goal was to take a series of 11 favorite songs and record them for posterity in a way that reflects the emotional nuances, precision, and maturing beauty they've picked up along the road. He includes the graceful and lushly melodic "The Bricklayer's Beautiful Daughter," the sweet and melancholy "Anne's Song", and two peaceful early gems from 1970, "Pictures" and "Barbara's Song." Some were written as celebrations ("Unconditional"), others as elegies ("The Impending Death of the Virgin Spirit"), but all are intricate snapshots of a vastly influential musical life that keeps inventive to this day.

ALBUM TRACKS:

SIDE 1
Bricklayer's Beautiful Daughter
Anne's Song
The Impending Death of the Virgin Spirit
Pictures
Hawk Circle

Side 2
Barbara's Song
Unconditional
Visiting
Processional
In a Region of Clouds
Last Day at the Beach

Will Ackerman official website: http://www.williamackerman.com/

For more information: www.audiofidelity.net

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Instrumental Meditation Review: Hennie Bekker-Beyond Dreams-Pathways to Deep Relaxation

Release Date: July 22, 2016

Label: Abbeywood Records

Website

Hennie Bekker has a new release titled Beyond Dreams. As explained in the most clear and concise fashion on his website…it combines rhythmic entrainment with melodies that listeners can enjoy while preparing for sleep, meditating, or practicing yoga or general self-exploration. The album contains six tracks comprising sixty minutes of continuous music that is designed to help the listener achieve a deep state of relaxation.

Here is a definition of entrainment: Entrainment in the biomusicological sense refers to the synchronization of organisms (only humans as a whole, with some particular instances of a particular animal) to an external perceived rhythm, such as human music and dance such as foot tapping..

This is not a typical review that I would present. More importantly the music itself is the main tool to reach a level of consciousness that simply cannot be attained in normal daily circumstances. I think to single out any one particular track would not make sense in this case. The six tracks offered, seamlessly flow into another in effect taking six tracks and making it one. I took in this experience a little at a time then all at once. The influences can be significant dependent on your approach. 

Just taking in a track or two is relaxing however if you are looking for sustained focus the best way to enjoy this CD is to get into a comfortable quiet area and put the headphones on and some blinders and then take it all in. I found it to be a beautiful and relaxing experience having the aid of the music to remove me from the stresses and thoughts that were going on inside and around me (in a peripheral sense). The high point of stress and worry in my life found this experience to be timed just perfectly to use the tools before me.

Brainwave Entrainment is the main objective of this music. We need to change the frequencies we are hearing to reset our thought patterns hence changing your overall attitude. It does work and I think what Hennie Bekker has presented here is a gift of music and an opportunity for healing and renewal. There is a lot of music I hear that serves this purpose but the difference here is the scientific aspect and the thought and care that went into how exactly this music will affect you.

This is definitely Beyond Dreams, it is reality, a reality that can change with a little help from Mr. Bekker. Even if you end up falling asleep while meditating there is a positive effect on your body, mind and spirit. The subliminal touches take over once you reach that plane of existence. Any way you look at it this is music that is helpful if you want to take the time to hear it and let your consciousness absorb it and process it.

Beyond Dreams is music that is multipurpose. If you just want to hear some good relaxing music it will serve the purpose, if you are looking for more, the options are there at your disposal.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Tracks: 
1. Self Connect
2. Floating to Forever
3. Letting Go
4. The Calm
5. Quiescence
6. Beyond Dreams
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 26, 2016

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Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Featured Steam: Lawrence Blatt - Noches de Barcelona

Lawrence Blatt's new release Longitudes and Latitudes can be your passport to musical diversity. You can experience a taste of a place you have never been perhaps?

A good example of that is our featured track "Noches de Barcelona" which features the music of Mr. Blatt's acoustic guitar and orchestrations.

The video shows scenes directly from Barcelona in varying rates of speed to match the intensity of the guitar playing that is on display.

Check out this fantastic music and video now for your own personal trip to Spain!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck



More About Lawrence Blatt:

http://www.lawrenceblatt.com

San Francisco's Lawrence Blatt delivers piercing, original compositions played on acoustic finger-style guitar. His unique sound stems in part from his fusion of classical and modern performance techniques. ...READ MORE...

Instrumental New Age/Classical: Samer Fanek-Wishful Thinking

Release Date: July 22, 2016

Label: Independent

Website

Samer Fanek’s first release Wishful Thinking was just released a few weeks ago. It is with great pleasure I introduce this talented young pianist to an audience eager to hear an emerging talent playing instrumental new age music with a definitive classical influence.

Just as his website indicates, Samer's compositions blend the piano and orchestral instruments with the more contemporary, including synthesizers, rock and ethnic instruments. He cites Yanni and others as an influence and you will most certainly hear that panoramic and cinematic sound as the curtain opens on this ambitious recording.

The title track engages you right away providing a marvelous introduction to Samer’s sound. “Freefall” is exciting track filled with keyboards and orchestrations. When you look at the cover of this CD it projects simplicity however this music is far from that. It is definitely a “Freefall” into a wall of sound and oh so beautiful.

If you are “Ready to Go” this track is a whirling dervish of textured keyboards and colorful nuances. It is tastefully done as he presents it with a forcefulness to push the music out but with a determination and grace that only an accomplished keyboard maestro can provide.

To make sure you see all the emotions and a different side of his musical interpretations he creates a touch of divine inspiration with tracks like “Fantasy.” Picture yourself floating up to the heavens as the other spiritual beings come down to greet you and carry you away. The song creates a nice floating sensation that made me feel connected and spiritual thus making it easy for my own interpretation of the track.

You have to be a true visionary to create instrumental music so full of life and emotion. Samer Fanek has recorded a superlative debut and I would expect that he will be recognized in short order. I think the folks in not only in the music industry but in films need to take notice of this young man’s talent. It is a nice relaxing experience to hear this music but I sure can hear it playing as a soundtrack in a movie as well. So the options are endless for music such as this.

The anticipation for more great music already begins once the CD is finished playing. For now you will have to hit play again until he returns with a second installment of instrumental bliss.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Freefall, Ready to Go, Fantasy

Tracks:
01. Wishful Thinking
02. Universe
03. Freefall
04. Fairytale
05. Lost Waltz
06. Ready to Go
07. Left Behind
08. Fantasy
09. Desperation
10. Escape
11. Remember Me
12. Exhibition   
13. Finding Closure
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

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August 5, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental World-New Age Review: Ann Licater-Beyond The Waves

Release Date: April 8, 2016

Label: Cul De Sac Mystic Productions

Website

Ann Licater is an award-winning recording artist, world flutist, producer and composer who has released four albums prior to her latest effort Beyond The Waves. She features wood, clay and silver flutes in her music, and has also created and facilitates “Flute for the Soul” workshops, where she plays Native American and world flutes as tools for personal discovery. What you get is flute for the soul, and food for the soul all in one package.

The flute is a mystical instrument in many cultures. The sound is beautiful and alluring. It connects you to a spiritual place; one that is weaved into mother earth. I found Ann to be an exceptional flautist and the mixture of other instruments in the tracks give it a more worldly sound with a definite new age touch of class that makes it so appealing to the mind, body and spirit.

From “Rhythm of the Stars” to “Ocean Lullaby” one track seamlessly flows into the next. Guitars, pianos, tinkling bells, vocalizations and more add to the overall ambiance and musical culture delivered to your ears by a collection of extraordinary artists. At times it felt like I was walking on a path to the ancient Mayan temples, mesmerized by the beautiful sound and letting it lead me there. Great music enables you to envision many things and while listening to this recording it was an easy transition to see what my spirit wanted me to see.

Every track is a gorgeous symphony of earthy tones and spirituality. It all serves a higher purpose if you allow the music to sweep you away into another dimension. I found it quite easy and natural to do so and it was a matter of a few seconds before I was immersed in all of the wonderful sound and atmosphere. Normally, I focus on at least three tracks to give folks a good taste of what to expect however I think my previous words puts it all into proper perspective. 

This is a masterful recording of varied forms and textures of flute music. Beyond The Waves is must have if you are looking to meditate, relax or need to go on a journey of self-discovery to find an answer that lies within. This music is your passport there and one that never expires.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL
 

Tracks:
01. Rhythm of the Stars
02. Halcyon Morning
03. Blossoms Falling
04. Beyond the Waves
05. Island Garden
06. Sailing on Moonlight
07. Sunrise Blessing
08. Dreaming in Time
09. Echoes in the Mist
10. Shimmering Waters
11. Ocean Lullaby  

       

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

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June 14, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

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