Release Date: August 1, 2019
Label: M M G Records
This album reminded me of getting
up late Sunday morning and turning on the local “Quiet Storm” station out of
San Francisco, KBLX. I see that station is still in operation and wondered if
it has changed any. That is one reason why I love jazz so much, particularly
smooth jazz, which Todd presents a good example of in many tracks.
The title track I found quite
compelling so I added it to my New Age Music Reviews Spotify Playlist. The
steady flow of relaxing music allows a listener to pause to reflect, look
inward or just kick off your shoes and clear your head. All of that from my
point of view, allows you to empty your mind and just fall right into the
music. Todd makes that act so easy with twelve tracks on this album.
“Water Dance” was an excellent
track with vocals, a step away from the norm, but a nice transition. The
beautiful vocals of Noah Wilding made it one of my favorites. “Western Sky” was
another that got my attention. They all were enjoyable, to be honest, I found
it easy to get absorbed in Todd’s amazing acoustic guitar work. He truly knows
how to make the six-string speak.
Open Waters reminds
me of why music is so important and something I simply cannot live without. It
is my number one healing tool any time day or night. This is the kind of
combination of instruments that make for a great session. The excellence of
bass player Michael Manring weaves in and out throughout the entire release. He
is one of the top bass players in the world and contributes to many recordings
at The End of the Road Studio headed up by Will Ackerman. This album reminded
me of some of Will’s early work back in the 80s when he launched his Windham
Hill Label.
The combination of instruments,
chemistry, and production came together for Open
Waters and that is evident from the first track onward.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
August 24, 2019
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
01. Drifting
02. Atlantica
03. Open Waters
04. Coming About
05. A New Land
06. Western Sky
07. Dolphin Song
08. Water Dancer
09. Island Song
10. So Far Away
11. Windward
12. Sea of Joni
Tracks:
01. Drifting
02. Atlantica
03. Open Waters
04. Coming About
05. A New Land
06. Western Sky
07. Dolphin Song
08. Water Dancer
09. Island Song
10. So Far Away
11. Windward
12. Sea of Joni