New Age Instrumental/Contemporary/Jazz Review:Deborah Offenhauser-Soundscapes

Release Date: October 2, 2017

Label: Independent

Website

Soundscapes is Deborah Offenhauser’s eighth proper album. I was duly impressed regarding her solid resume. Deborah has a history as a musician back to when she first started taking lessons at 5 years old. She has been a teacher along the way as well, and a highly sought after and respected one. Her music has appeared in movies and several hit TV shows. She also plays the classical organ, mandolin, 5-string banjo, guitar, and violin. She is a totally accomplished musician and brings a lot to the world of music and media.

After listening to Soundscapes, I can understand why her music is so brilliant. The title is perfect for the music she presents in 13 tracks. For my ears, diversity is the main reason I would give kudos to any recording, particularly when it is all well done. In this case that applies to this very vibrant and diverse recording. The many Soundscapes you will touch upon include mixtures of jazz, new age, contemporary classical and world. To put it in proper terms, there are not too many areas the artist does not touch upon for this marvelous instrumental presentation.

“Irrational Exuberance” starts off with the sound of a horse running by and it ends the same way. This is all part of the music that Deborah presents. The sounds of life, people, nature, atmospheres and every day sounds that lead to her music and honestly, mix in equally well. You will hear water babbling and birds chirping. This is all works within each track and makes it more realistic and personal for a listener. It creates a feeling, mood and or atmosphere that makes you feel you are right there, taking part of all the interactions within the music.

“Tanz" is a worldly track that introduces a blend of sounds you would hear in the far east. Again, the music transports you to the place you see in your mind's eye. It is powerful enough to make you realize where you are. Many possibilities can arise for anyone with an imagination. If you have been fortunate enough to be a world traveler the music becomes even more lifelike and relatable. It is an instant kind of recognition you can experience if you have journeyed outside the U.S. I can personally attest to that as I have been in many countries and experienced the sounds, smells, and atmospheres, all unique to that particular place on the globe. 

Those are just two examples of what is available in this fine recording. You get one track after another with beauty, textures, colors, and ambiance. They are all different standalone tracks that are ready to become your own private soundtrack.

Deborah Offenshauser has magic at her fingertips and what she is able to translate through her music is a god given talent. Where do you want to go today? Just put the Soundscapes CD, sit back, and take a trip courtesy of the artist. There are no long lines, wait times or cancellations, and the price is right!

4.5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 13, 2018

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

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Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. Decidedly Joyful
02. Free Radical
03. Nothing Can Touch You Now
04. Irrational Exuberance
05. Tanz
06. Spacial Palace
07. Through a Glass Darkly
08. Rosemont Theme
09. Air
10. The Gloaming
11. It is Written
12. Tanninim
13. The Wonderful Unfoldment of Blue
 

Wishbone Ash's Twin Barrels Burning and Raw To The Bone Released as Official and Remastered Definitive Editions - OUT NOW!

Each album is available on 2CD and Picture Disc LP with extensive bonus materials!

These are the FIRST OFFICIAL re-releases of Twin Barrels Burning from 1982 and Raw to the Bone from 1985 in decades and DEFINITIVE EDITIONS with all new 2017 REMASTERS.

Both albums feature new liner notes by rock journalist Dave Ling, including new interviews with all the surviving members and archive quotes from the late Trevor Bolder.

Twin Barrels Burning - This smoking hot 21 TRACK 2CD set includes the American Remixes of the album on a second disc, which have NEVER BEEN ON CD BEFORE.

Raw To The Bone - This mammoth 23 TRACK 2CD set has bonus tracks including a HOLY GRAIL for Wishbone Ash fans – ALL FOUR UNRELEASED SONGS from the post-album 1986 SESSIONS. The bonus CD also includes The Friday Rock Show BBC Sessions, which are often described as better than the album versions, plus four live tracks from Hammersmith.

“Neither of these hard hitting albums were what I would call typical mainstream Wishbone Ash fare. In other words they weren't heavy on the signature harmonised vocals and twin lead guitar lines. However, they both show that we could rock out with the best of them.” - Andy Powell

“It's a chapter of Wishbone Ash's career we are proud of and we know fans have been asking for these re-releases for years. A great deal of care has been given by everyone in sourcing master tapes, taking part in interviews for the liner notes and presenting these as band endorsed Definitive Editions. It's unbelievable to think they've never been on CD until now!” - Laurie Wisefield

These re-issues by Cherry Red are FULLY APPROVED by Steve Upton, Laurie Wisefield, Andy Powell, Merv Spence, and the estate of Trevor Bolder.

The second disc of bonus tracks accompanying each CD will not be available with any other product or box set.

Twin Barrels Burning 2CD Track List

DISC ONE:
1. Engine Overheat
2. Can’t Fight Love
3. Genevieve
4. Me and My Guitar
5. Hold On
6. Streets of Shame
7. No More Lonely Nights
8. Angels Have Mercy
9. Wind Up
Bonus Tracks:
10. Cat and Dog Fight
11. Go for the Gold
12. Night Hawker

DISC TWO – The American Remixes
1. Engine Overheat
2. Can’t Fight Love
3. No More Lonely Nights
4. Wind Up
5. Streets Of Shame
6. My Guitar
7. Hold On
8. Genevieve
9. Angels Have Mercy

Raw To The Bone 2CD Track List

DISC ONE:
1. Cell of Fame
2. People in Motion
3. Don’t Cry
4. Love in Blue
5. Long live the Night
6. Rocket in my Pocket
7. It’s Only Love
8. Don’t You Mess
9. Dreams (Searching for an Answer)
10. Perfect Timing
Bonus Tracks:
11. She’s Still Alive
The 1986 Sessions
12. Apocalypso
13. Valley of Tears
14. Nkomo
15. Talk To Me

DISC 2:
The Friday Rock Show
1. Long Live the Night
2. Cell of Fame
3. Love in Blue
4. People in Motion
Live at Hammersmith on BBC local radio
5. Living Proof
6. Cell of Fame
7. The King Will Come
8. Blowin’ Free

To order:

Twin Barrels Burning
Twin Barrels Burning Deluxe 2CD set: http://geni.us/WATBB
Twin Barrels Burning Picture Disc LP: http://geni.us/WATBBLP
Twin Barrels Burning Album Download: http://geni.us/WATBBdig
Twin Barrels Burning US Remixes Download: http://geni.us/WATBBdigUS

Raw to the Bone
Raw to the Bone Deluxe 2CD set: http://geni.us/WARTTB
Raw to the Bone Picture Disc LP: http://geni.us/WARTTBLP
Raw to the Bone Album Download: http://geni.us/WARTTBdig
Raw to the Bone at the BBC Download: http://geni.us/WARTTBdigBBC

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

Wishbone Ash's Twin Barrels Burning and Raw To The Bone Released as Official and Remastered Definitive Editions - OUT NOW!

Each album is available on 2CD and Picture Disc LP with extensive bonus materials!

These are the FIRST OFFICIAL re-releases of Twin Barrels Burning from 1982 and Raw to the Bone from 1985 in decades and DEFINITIVE EDITIONS with all new 2017 REMASTERS.

Both albums feature new liner notes by rock journalist Dave Ling, including new interviews with all the surviving members and archive quotes from the late Trevor Bolder.

Twin Barrels Burning - This smoking hot 21 TRACK 2CD set includes the American Remixes of the album on a second disc, which have NEVER BEEN ON CD BEFORE.

Raw To The Bone - This mammoth 23 TRACK 2CD set has bonus tracks including a HOLY GRAIL for Wishbone Ash fans – ALL FOUR UNRELEASED SONGS from the post-album 1986 SESSIONS. The bonus CD also includes The Friday Rock Show BBC Sessions, which are often described as better than the album versions, plus four live tracks from Hammersmith.

“Neither of these hard hitting albums were what I would call typical mainstream Wishbone Ash fare. In other words they weren't heavy on the signature harmonised vocals and twin lead guitar lines. However, they both show that we could rock out with the best of them.” - Andy Powell

“It's a chapter of Wishbone Ash's career we are proud of and we know fans have been asking for these re-releases for years. A great deal of care has been given by everyone in sourcing master tapes, taking part in interviews for the liner notes and presenting these as band endorsed Definitive Editions. It's unbelievable to think they've never been on CD until now!” - Laurie Wisefield

These re-issues by Cherry Red are FULLY APPROVED by Steve Upton, Laurie Wisefield, Andy Powell, Merv Spence, and the estate of Trevor Bolder.

The second disc of bonus tracks accompanying each CD will not be available with any other product or box set.

Twin Barrels Burning 2CD Track List

DISC ONE:
1. Engine Overheat
2. Can’t Fight Love
3. Genevieve
4. Me and My Guitar
5. Hold On
6. Streets of Shame
7. No More Lonely Nights
8. Angels Have Mercy
9. Wind Up
Bonus Tracks:
10. Cat and Dog Fight
11. Go for the Gold
12. Night Hawker

DISC TWO – The American Remixes
1. Engine Overheat
2. Can’t Fight Love
3. No More Lonely Nights
4. Wind Up
5. Streets Of Shame
6. My Guitar
7. Hold On
8. Genevieve
9. Angels Have Mercy

Raw To The Bone 2CD Track List

DISC ONE:
1. Cell of Fame
2. People in Motion
3. Don’t Cry
4. Love in Blue
5. Long live the Night
6. Rocket in my Pocket
7. It’s Only Love
8. Don’t You Mess
9. Dreams (Searching for an Answer)
10. Perfect Timing
Bonus Tracks:
11. She’s Still Alive
The 1986 Sessions
12. Apocalypso
13. Valley of Tears
14. Nkomo
15. Talk To Me

DISC 2:
The Friday Rock Show
1. Long Live the Night
2. Cell of Fame
3. Love in Blue
4. People in Motion
Live at Hammersmith on BBC local radio
5. Living Proof
6. Cell of Fame
7. The King Will Come
8. Blowin’ Free

To order:

Twin Barrels Burning
Twin Barrels Burning Deluxe 2CD set: http://geni.us/WATBB
Twin Barrels Burning Picture Disc LP: http://geni.us/WATBBLP
Twin Barrels Burning Album Download: http://geni.us/WATBBdig
Twin Barrels Burning US Remixes Download: http://geni.us/WATBBdigUS

Raw to the Bone
Raw to the Bone Deluxe 2CD set: http://geni.us/WARTTB
Raw to the Bone Picture Disc LP: http://geni.us/WARTTBLP
Raw to the Bone Album Download: http://geni.us/WARTTBdig
Raw to the Bone at the BBC Download: http://geni.us/WARTTBdigBBC

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

Rock/Blues Review: Jimi Hendrix-Both Sides of the Sky

Release Date: March 9, 2018

Label: Sony Legacy

Website

Although the man has been gone since 1970, the legend of Jimi Hendrix is alive and well and continues to grow exponentially. There was a period of 4 years that this amazing guitar player created some of the most remarkable music. From what I understand, if he wasn’t playing to audiences, he was in the studio with the tapes always rolling. So as one can imagine, he left behind an overabundance of material on the shelf. He made more music in a 4-year period than anyone I am aware of.

This falls right in line with the Hendrix family taking control of his legacy and contributions. When that happened, all of his music was handled properly. Since then, every year we see at least one or two unearthed and remastered albums coming out. It has been a true renaissance for arguably the greatest six-string bender ever. And because of this flow of music over the years, it feels like he never left us. For my musical tastes, that is a beautiful thing. If you like the music of Hendrix I am pretty sure you would agree. I think it goes beyond like at this point for a lot of us.

Both Sides of the Sky is part of trilogy that included Valleys of Neptune (2010) and People, Hell and Angels (2013). So, what is really cool about this release? It is the cast of legendary artists that played with Jimi on these tracks. I had always heard of the different sessions he had at Electric Ladyland Studios (the renowned music church), however I have not heard anything with so many different artists on one recording.  Ten of the tracks are previously unreleased (see all the notations provided on the track list). The sound and engineering on this set is phenomenally crisp and clear. I would expect that goes without saying after all the previous reissued music that set the bar so high.

“$20 Fine” has one of the most recognizable vocalist in rock history, Stephen Stills. “Things I Used to Do” features the master of the white boy blues Johnny Winter. Now that is quite a paring of guitar players. The classic track “Woodstock,” which was originally recorded with Stills on lead vocals (CSN), is in a totally different incarnation with Hendrix laying down the guitar lines. With all the other layers of instruments that were added, it made for a maximum overhaul of the track. I found comfort out right out of the gate knowing Stills is there on vocals, just to remind us who sang it first. With Hendrix’s blues-based rock hammering away, it was a perfect opportunity for the vocalist to step in and complete the changing shades and colors of the track. It worked for me but may not for some purists. It is more meat and potatoes (musically) if you will, and a totally different but interesting take on the song.

“Power of Soul” has always been one of my favorites ever since I heard it back in the 70’s on vinyl courtesy of the Crash Landing album. This extended version is terrific. 

There are some real blues barn burners on this set. The playing is pinpoint, biting and memorable. Hendrix had it down, he owned it. Once you hear “Things I Used to Do” and “Georgia Blues” you will find out exactly what I mean. Lonnie Youngblood does a great job belting out those ‘Georgia Blues,” answering Jimi’s sting like a bee leads. The sax that comes in towards the curtain closing on the number is a nice touch as well. That horn just cries and screeches “do you hear me now?” And trust me, there is no filler anywhere on these tracks. If you enjoy a total blues workout then you will love those two rippers.

Any time I cover anything by Hendrix I feel like I could write a book instead of an overview, but I have to reel it in and let the music fans decide if they have the same feelings and or thoughts about this release. Both Sides of the Sky is a fine addition to the archives and one release any rock or blues fan should get ASAP!

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 10, 2018

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By MuzikMan Reviews

Tracks: 
*Previously unreleased
^ Previously unavailable extended version
+Featuring Stephen Stills
#Featuring Johnny Winter
++Featuring Lonnie Youngblood

01.Mannish Boy *
02. Lover Man *
03. Hear My Train A Comin’ *
04. Stepping Stone *
05. $20 Fine *+
06. Power Of Soul ^
07. Jungle *
08. Things I Used to Do #
09. Georgia Blues ++
10. Sweet Angel *
11. Woodstock *+
12. Send My Love To Linda *
13. Cherokee Mist *
 

Rock/Blues Review: Jimi Hendrix-Both Sides of the Sky

Release Date: March 9, 2018

Label: Sony Legacy

Website

Although the man has been gone since 1970 , the legend of Jimi Hendrix is alive and well and continues to grow exponentially. There was a period of 4 years that this amazing guitar player created some of the most remarkable music. From what I understand, if he wasn’t playing to audiences, he was in the studio with the tapes always rolling. So as one can imagine, he left behind an overabundance of material on the shelf. He made more music in a 4-year period than anyone I am aware of.

This falls right in line with the Hendrix family taking control of his legacy and contributions. When that happened, all of his music was handled properly. Since then, every year we see at least one or two unearthed and remastered albums coming out. It has been a true renaissance for arguably the greatest six-string bender ever. And because of this flow of music over the years, it feels like he never left us. For my musical tastes, that is a beautiful thing. If you like the music of Hendrix I am pretty sure you would agree. I think it goes beyond like at this point for a lot of us.

Both Sides of the Sky is part of trilogy that included Valleys of Neptune (2010) and People, Hell and Angels (2013). So, what is really cool about this release? It is the cast of legendary artists that played with Jimi on these tracks. I had always heard of the different sessions he had at Electric Ladyland Studios (the renowned music church), however I have not heard anything with so many different artists on one recording.  Ten of the tracks are previously unreleased (see all the notations provided on the track list). The sound and engineering on this set is phenomenally crisp and clear. I would expect that goes without saying after all the previous reissued music that set the bar so high.

“$20 Fine” has one of the most recognizable vocalist in rock history, Stephen Stills. “Things I Used to Do” features the master of the white boy blues Johnny Winter. Now that is quite a paring of guitar players. The classic track “Woodstock,” which was originally recorded with Stills on lead vocals (CSN), is in a totally different incarnation with Hendrix laying down the guitar lines. With all the other layers of instruments that were added, it made for a maximum overhaul of the track. I found comfort out right out of the gate knowing Stills is there on vocals, just to remind us who sang it first. With Hendrix’s blues-based rock hammering away, it was a perfect opportunity for the vocalist to step in and complete the changing shades and colors of the track. It worked for me but may not for some purists. It is more meat and potatoes (musically) if you will, and a totally different but interesting take on the song.

“Power of Soul” has always been one of my favorites ever since I heard it back in the 70’s on vinyl courtesy of the Crash Landing album. This extended version is terrific. 

There are some real blues barn burners on this set. The playing is pinpoint, biting and memorable. Hendrix had it down, he owned it. Once you hear “Things I Used to Do” and “Georgia Blues” you will find out exactly what I mean. Lonnie Youngblood does a great job belting out those ‘Georgia Blues,” answering Jimi’s sting like a bee leads. The sax that comes in towards the curtain closing on the number is a nice touch as well. That horn just cries and screeches “do you hear me now?” And trust me, there is no filler anywhere on these tracks. If you enjoy a total blues workout then you will love those two rippers.

Any time I cover anything by Hendrix I feel like I could write a book instead of an overview, but I have to reel it in and let the music fans decide if they have the same feelings and or thoughts about this release. Both Sides of the Sky is a fine addition to the archives and one release any rock or blues fan should get ASAP!

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 10, 2018

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By MuzikMan Reviews

Tracks: 
*Previously unreleased
^ Previously unavailable extended version
+Featuring Stephen Stills
#Featuring Johnny Winter
++Featuring Lonnie Youngblood

01.Mannish Boy *
02. Lover Man *
03. Hear My Train A Comin’ *
04. Stepping Stone *
05. $20 Fine *+
06. Power Of Soul ^
07. Jungle *
08. Things I Used to Do #
09. Georgia Blues ++
10. Sweet Angel *
11. Woodstock *+
12. Send My Love To Linda *
13. Cherokee Mist *