New Age-Meditation-Chill Review: Valerie Romanoff-Healing Music Volume 2

Release Date: October 10, 2017

Label: Valrock Music

Website

There is a lot to know about Valerie Romanoff. The multi-instrumentalist has been involved in music since she was a child. Valerie was also the co-founder of the group Starlight Orchestras in 1998. Her resume is impressive and as I was soon to find out, so is her recorded music.

This is what Valerie has to say about music:

“Music has the power to heal, transform, evoke emotion, underscore and enhance our lives. By consciously aligning with elements of music, we can affect deep changes in our world.” -Valerie Romanoff

I completely agree with her and have been advocating the healing abilities of music for many years in my reviews. 

After playing several different instruments, Valerie fell in love with the guitar. On Healing Music Volume 2 she plays the guitars, piano, synth and provides the chanting. Stevin McNamara adds a most beautiful sitar to give the music a distinct worldly feel. Tom Rossi adds the flute, kora, percussion and chanting as well. The entire album was produced and composed by Valerie.

I fell right into this album like it was a natural thing to do. All the instruments that are intermingled into each track give it a nice rhythm and vibe. I found it very relaxing and pleasing, so much so, it felt like I was smiling from the inside out. Now that feels really good! 

I found this recording an instrumental wonder, the combination of instruments is very complex. It is mixed to perfection and the production is top notch from start to finish.  Keep in mind this is two-disc set so there is a lot of music offered. With 17 tracks in total and only a few under 5 minutes in length. With that thought in mind, it raises the bar for keeping you focused on the music, all of it. This is why I found it amazing how appealing all of it was. The main reason is that it was done in the most diverse way possible. The entertainment factor is in place, then comes all the other pleasantries available while listening.

Most notably, the guitar gives it all a modern chill feel to it and the other instruments support that with layers of percussion, sitar, flute and at times chanting. For my listening tastes it is the guitar lines that give it that extra soft but effective edge and energy that takes my interest to another level entirely. One of the best examples is track 4 “Dawn of Tao.” It runs for 17 minutes and 42 seconds. It is like a magnum opus of instrumental, new age, meditation, chill, and rock all brought together into one tight package. It held my interest all the way through and when it ended, I knew that I wanted to hear more. I also need to hear Volume 1 now. Nobody wants to start with 2 but in this case, I am glad that I had the opportunity and became aware of this fantastic music.

If there is such a thing as meditation that knows how to rock (softly) then this is it. If you were in search of that sort of diversity then look no further than Healing Music Volume 2.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 20, 2018

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MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

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Tracks: 
01. Pink Skies Over Still Water
02. Pink Skies Over Waves
03. Beyond the Bend
04. Dawn of Tao
05. Backdrop
06. Moving Glass    
07. OM Shanti Shalom
08.  Prelude Went Beyond The Bend
09. Pink Skies Over Still Water
10. Pink Skies Over Waves    
11. Beyond The Bend
12. Dawn of Tao
13. The Bend
14. Backdrop
15. Moving Glass 
16. OM Shanti Shalom
17. Prelude Went Beyond
 

Chris Squire's FISH OUT OF WATER Limited Edition Boxed Set & 2CD Set To Be Released April 27, 2018!

Official limited edition deluxe boxed set includes 2CD, 2DVD, 1LP and 2x7-inch singles!

Esoteric Recordings are proud to announce the release of an official limited edition deluxe boxed set of Yes founder CHRIS SQUIRE's legendary 1975 solo album FISH OUT OF WATER. Recorded in the late Spring and Summer of 1975 whilst Yes was on hiatus as members recorded their respective solo albums, FISH OUT OF WATER was a breath-taking work, and equal in standard to any Yes album in terms of sheer invention and creativity. The album was essentially a collaboration between Chris Squire and his friend Andrew Pryce Jackman, a gifted arranger who had been a member of The Syn, Squire's pre-Yes group. The sessions saw contributions from former Yes drummer BILL BRUFORD, Yes keyboard player PATRICK MORAZ and noted musicians MEL COLLINS and JIMMY HASTINGS. Released in November 1975, FISH OUT OF WATER was a Top 30 chart hit in the UK and made the US Billboard Top 75 album chart, going on to sell nearly 500,000 copies worldwide.

The highlight of this limited edition deluxe boxed set is a stunning new 5.1 Surround Sound mix (exclusive to this set on an NTSC / Region Free DVD), along with a new stereo mix, from the original multi-track master tapes by JAKKO JAKSZYK and a new re-master of the original 1975 mix by Paschal Byrne. FISH OUT OF WATER also includes four bonus tracks of the single edits of “Lucky Seven” and “Silently Falling”, along with both sides of the 1981 single by CHRIS SQUIRE and ALAN WHITE; “Run With the Fox” and “Return of the Fox” (appearing on CD for the first time).

The boxed set also includes a replica 180 gram gatefold LP with poster of FISH OUT OF WATER (mastered and cut from the original tapes at Abbey Road studios), along with two seven inch singles of “Lucky Seven” b/w “Silently Falling” and “Run With the Fox” b/w “Return of the Fox”, both in picture sleeves. To complete the content is a visual DVD (NTSC / Region Free) featuring the 1975 FISH OUT OF WATER promotional film featuring the songs “Hold Out Your Hand” and “You By My Side”, along with a 2006 interview with Chris Squire conducted by Jon Kirkman and a 2006 audio commentary by Chris Squire. Finally, the set also contains a 36-page book with an essay by Sid Smith featuring exclusive interviews with BILL BRUFORD, PATRICK MORAZ, GREGG JACKMAN and JAKKO JAKSZYK.

Also available as a 2CD set which features a stunning new Stereo mix from the original multi-track master tapes by JAKKO JAKSZYK and a new re- master of the original 1975 mix by Paschal Byrne.

Always justly proud of his first solo album, it was Chris Squire's long held wish that a 5.1 Surround mix would be undertaken of the work someday. This Esoteric Recordings edition finally brings this to fruition and is a fitting tribute to the artistry of Chris and his collaborator, Andrew Pryce Jackman.

Track  Listing:

DISC ONE: CD

FISH OUT OF WATER
THE NEW STEREO MIX
1. HOLD OUT YOUR HAND
2. YOU BY MY SIDE
3. SILENTLY FALLING
4. LUCKY SEVEN
5. SAFE (CANON SONG)

DISC TWO: CD

FISH OUT OF WATER
THE ORIGINAL 1975 MIX
1. HOLD OUT YOUR HAND
2. YOU BY MY SIDE
3. SILENTLY FALLING
4. LUCKY SEVEN
5. SAFE (CANON SONG)

BONUS TRACKS
6. LUCKY SEVEN (SINGLE VERSION)
7. SILENTLY FALLING (SINGLE VERSION)

CHRIS SQUIRE & ALAN WHITE:
8. RUN WITH THE FOX
9. RETURN OF THE FOX

DISC THREE: DVD

FISH OUT OF WATER
THE NEW 5.1 SURROUND SOUND MIX (96 KHZ / 24-BIT)
THE NEW STEREO MIX (96 KHZ / 24-BIT) RE-MASTERED ORIGINAL STEREO MIX (96 KHZ / 24-BIT)

1. HOLD OUT YOUR HAND
2. YOU BY MY SIDE
3. SILENTLY FALLING
4. LUCKY SEVEN
5. SAFE (CANON SONG)

DISC FOUR: DVD

FISH OUT OF WATER
VISUAL CONTENT
1. FISH OUT OF WATER 1975 PROMOTIONAL FILM FEATURING HOLD OUT YOUR HAND YOU BY MY SIDE
2. 2006 INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS SQUIRE BY JON KIRKMAN
3. 2006 FISH OUT OF WATER

AUDIO COMMENTARY WITH CHRIS SQUIRE

DISC FIVE: LP

FISH OUT OF WATER
180 GRAM GATEFOLD VINYL LP WITH POSTER

SIDE ONE
1. HOLD OUT YOUR HAND 2. YOU BY MY SIDE
3. SILENTLY FALLING

SIDE TWO
1. LUCKY SEVEN
2. SAFE (CANON SONG)

DISC SIX: 7″SINGLE

LUCKY SEVEN
7” SINGLE IN PICTURE SLEEVE
CHRIS SQUIRE:

SIDE ONE
LUCKY SEVEN (TOM DOWD EDIT)

SIDE TWO
SILENTLY FALLING (SINGLE VERSION)

DISC SEVEN: 7″SINGLE

RUN WITH THE FOX
7” SINGLE IN PICTURE SLEEVE
CHRIS SQUIRE & ALAN WHITE:

SIDE ONE
RUN WITH THE FOX

SIDE TWO
RETURN OF THE FOX

To pre-order Chris Squire's FISH OUT OF WATER Limited Edition Boxed Set: https://www.amazon.com/Fish-Out-Water-CHRIS-SQUIRE/dp/B0794QVXZS/ref
To pre-order Chris Squire's FISH OUT OF WATER 2CD Set: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=5013929472143

For more information: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/chris-squire-fish-out-of-water-2cd-2dvd-1lp-2-x-7-singles-limited-edition-boxset/

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

Distribution is being handled in the US exclusively by Amped Distribution www.ampeddistribution.com and wholesale inquiries can be made to Alex Jimenez at alex@ampeddistribution.com

Chris Squire's FISH OUT OF WATER Limited Edition Boxed Set & 2CD Set To Be Released April 27, 2018!

Official limited edition deluxe boxed set includes 2CD, 2DVD, 1LP and 2x7-inch singles!

Esoteric Recordings are proud to announce the release of an official limited edition deluxe boxed set of Yes founder CHRIS SQUIRE's legendary 1975 solo album FISH OUT OF WATER. Recorded in the late Spring and Summer of 1975 whilst Yes was on hiatus as members recorded their respective solo albums, FISH OUT OF WATER was a breath-taking work, and equal in standard to any Yes album in terms of sheer invention and creativity. The album was essentially a collaboration between Chris Squire and his friend Andrew Pryce Jackman, a gifted arranger who had been a member of The Syn, Squire's pre-Yes group. The sessions saw contributions from former Yes drummer BILL BRUFORD, Yes keyboard player PATRICK MORAZ and noted musicians MEL COLLINS and JIMMY HASTINGS. Released in November 1975, FISH OUT OF WATER was a Top 30 chart hit in the UK and made the US Billboard Top 75 album chart, going on to sell nearly 500,000 copies worldwide.

The highlight of this limited edition deluxe boxed set is a stunning new 5.1 Surround Sound mix (exclusive to this set on an NTSC / Region Free DVD), along with a new stereo mix, from the original multi-track master tapes by JAKKO JAKSZYK and a new re-master of the original 1975 mix by Paschal Byrne. FISH OUT OF WATER also includes four bonus tracks of the single edits of “Lucky Seven” and “Silently Falling”, along with both sides of the 1981 single by CHRIS SQUIRE and ALAN WHITE; “Run With the Fox” and “Return of the Fox” (appearing on CD for the first time).

The boxed set also includes a replica 180 gram gatefold LP with poster of FISH OUT OF WATER (mastered and cut from the original tapes at Abbey Road studios), along with two seven inch singles of “Lucky Seven” b/w “Silently Falling” and “Run With the Fox” b/w “Return of the Fox”, both in picture sleeves. To complete the content is a visual DVD (NTSC / Region Free) featuring the 1975 FISH OUT OF WATER promotional film featuring the songs “Hold Out Your Hand” and “You By My Side”, along with a 2006 interview with Chris Squire conducted by Jon Kirkman and a 2006 audio commentary by Chris Squire. Finally, the set also contains a 36-page book with an essay by Sid Smith featuring exclusive interviews with BILL BRUFORD, PATRICK MORAZ, GREGG JACKMAN and JAKKO JAKSZYK.

Also available as a 2CD set which features a stunning new Stereo mix from the original multi-track master tapes by JAKKO JAKSZYK and a new re- master of the original 1975 mix by Paschal Byrne.

Always justly proud of his first solo album, it was Chris Squire's long held wish that a 5.1 Surround mix would be undertaken of the work someday. This Esoteric Recordings edition finally brings this to fruition and is a fitting tribute to the artistry of Chris and his collaborator, Andrew Pryce Jackman.

Track  Listing:

DISC ONE: CD

FISH OUT OF WATER
THE NEW STEREO MIX
1. HOLD OUT YOUR HAND
2. YOU BY MY SIDE
3. SILENTLY FALLING
4. LUCKY SEVEN
5. SAFE (CANON SONG)

DISC TWO: CD

FISH OUT OF WATER
THE ORIGINAL 1975 MIX
1. HOLD OUT YOUR HAND
2. YOU BY MY SIDE
3. SILENTLY FALLING
4. LUCKY SEVEN
5. SAFE (CANON SONG)

BONUS TRACKS
6. LUCKY SEVEN (SINGLE VERSION)
7. SILENTLY FALLING (SINGLE VERSION)

CHRIS SQUIRE & ALAN WHITE:
8. RUN WITH THE FOX
9. RETURN OF THE FOX

DISC THREE: DVD

FISH OUT OF WATER
THE NEW 5.1 SURROUND SOUND MIX (96 KHZ / 24-BIT)
THE NEW STEREO MIX (96 KHZ / 24-BIT) RE-MASTERED ORIGINAL STEREO MIX (96 KHZ / 24-BIT)

1. HOLD OUT YOUR HAND
2. YOU BY MY SIDE
3. SILENTLY FALLING
4. LUCKY SEVEN
5. SAFE (CANON SONG)

DISC FOUR: DVD

FISH OUT OF WATER
VISUAL CONTENT
1. FISH OUT OF WATER 1975 PROMOTIONAL FILM FEATURING HOLD OUT YOUR HAND YOU BY MY SIDE
2. 2006 INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS SQUIRE BY JON KIRKMAN
3. 2006 FISH OUT OF WATER

AUDIO COMMENTARY WITH CHRIS SQUIRE

DISC FIVE: LP

FISH OUT OF WATER
180 GRAM GATEFOLD VINYL LP WITH POSTER

SIDE ONE
1. HOLD OUT YOUR HAND 2. YOU BY MY SIDE
3. SILENTLY FALLING

SIDE TWO
1. LUCKY SEVEN
2. SAFE (CANON SONG)

DISC SIX: 7″SINGLE

LUCKY SEVEN
7” SINGLE IN PICTURE SLEEVE
CHRIS SQUIRE:

SIDE ONE
LUCKY SEVEN (TOM DOWD EDIT)

SIDE TWO
SILENTLY FALLING (SINGLE VERSION)

DISC SEVEN: 7″SINGLE

RUN WITH THE FOX
7” SINGLE IN PICTURE SLEEVE
CHRIS SQUIRE & ALAN WHITE:

SIDE ONE
RUN WITH THE FOX

SIDE TWO
RETURN OF THE FOX

To pre-order Chris Squire's FISH OUT OF WATER Limited Edition Boxed Set: https://www.amazon.com/Fish-Out-Water-CHRIS-SQUIRE/dp/B0794QVXZS/ref
To pre-order Chris Squire's FISH OUT OF WATER 2CD Set: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=5013929472143

For more information: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/chris-squire-fish-out-of-water-2cd-2dvd-1lp-2-x-7-singles-limited-edition-boxset/

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

Distribution is being handled in the US exclusively by Amped Distribution www.ampeddistribution.com and wholesale inquiries can be made to Alex Jimenez at alex@ampeddistribution.com

Instrumental New Age Reviews: Robin Spielberg-On the Edge of a Dream - Music for Dreaming, Relaxation, Contemplation, Meditation, Medical

Release Date: March 2, 2018

Label: playMountain Music

Website

Add caption

On the Edge of a Dream - Music for Dreaming, Relaxation, Contemplation, Meditation, Medical Therapies is Robin Spielberg’s 18th album. That is a lot of recorded music! Piano-based music requires an imaginative mindset in order to give a potential listener some variety. A lot of this type of music seamlessly flows into each other making it sound like one piece of music. I find in most cases I feel that way because of my own tastes and interpretations, this could be entirely different for each listener.

Sometimes things come to you in your life at just the right time. For me it always comes with purpose, a good reason whether it is positive or negative. That is the way life is, however, it is all how you look at what is happening. This is where dreams come into it for me. This album is all about the dream state. Most recently I have had some amazing clear dreams and last year I started keeping a journal. This is exactly what Robin does and she wanted to share her dreams through the music of the piano. The other purpose in my estimation is that this music could help you to not only relax but get to a point where you are ready to enter the dream state or possibly all the way to REM stage. All of this I have found fascinating. I also believe that dreams are a window into your soul and we can learn lessons or be warned through them. It clarifies things and opens the door to change.

There is no doubt that science has a fascination with the different stages of dreaming. What I have learned through my own research has opened the door to an entirely different attitude about the subject. So how does music, particularly Robin’s new release, come in to play? I think this music is perfect for the dreaming experience before, during and after. So, during those three stages, you can utilize this beautiful music. Of course, there are more useful ways to use the music as a tool - for simple relaxation, contemplation or meditation. As I mentioned earlier, certainly the music can guide you beyond the meditative state into dreaming, particularly if you are listening with a good pair of headphones or earbuds (Bose makes a terrific set of earbuds that are reasonably priced on eBay).

On the Edge of a Dream is another example of how music can integrate with your daily life. The workspace I am in daily allows us at times to put on music like this recording. It can help you to de-stress as you continue with your multitude of tasks. If you are in an office setting you should try it, it really helps!

 

Another bonus offered for your experiences with this music is a dream journal, which can be purchased separately or as a companion item with the CD. I highly recommend getting both. It starts with the 14 tracks on the CD, then writing down what happened in your dreams. This process will allow a lot of insight you previously did not have. It is all part of a spiritual growth you can initiate if you choose.

I am grateful that artists like Robin Spielberg are willing to share their blessings with us, and shed some light on a human process that many folks are not looking at enough. On the Edge of a Dream could be the start of a new beginning. You can begin as a casual listener then evolve to meditation then dream interpretation. A tremendous wealth of information about your life and the future days ahead is at your disposal (there is a lot of info out there). And who would have thought one recording could lead to so much personal development? I highly recommend this path for those who are already aware and for those seeking more awareness.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 18, 2018

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

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Tracks: 
01. On the Edge of A Dream  
02. We Meet Again
03. Drifting
04. Spellbound  
05. Nightfall
06. The Secret Path  
07. Stargazing
09. Illusion
10. Into The Night  
11. Safe and Sound  
12. Meeting Monet
1.  We Meet Again (Recurring Dream)
14. Blue Moon Rising

Rock Review: Scorpions-Born To Touch Your Feelings - Best of Rock Ballads

Release Date: November 24, 2017

Label: Sony Legacy

Website

Klaus Meine, Rudolf Schenker, Matthias Jabs, Pawel Maciwoda, and Mikkey Dee are the Scorpions. It has been four decades since the song "Born To Touch Your Feelings" was released for the first time. If you are into them or were, there is something here to relish. This music will remind you of the good times (I hope).

Born To Touch Your Feelings - Best of Rock Ballads is 17 tracks of pure Scorpions at their rock ballad best. I have always loved to rock out to their tracks like "The Zoo, " "Rock You Like A Hurricane" etc. I have to admit I never think of ballads when discussing these iconic rockers.

It is collections like this that help you to relive those great rocking ballads, done the way only Klaus could sing them and the band could play them. It also makes you realize that the band was not one dimensional. They have always been a solid musical unit with a massive worldwide following. That comes as no surprise and it is a tribute to their staying power and mass appeal.

This is goose bump time people, this music hits you straight in the heart. It will have you smiling, laughing or crying all in one listen. That is how emotional I get when I hear this great music. What makes this release so special besides everything I just mentioned?  The fact that there are new updated versions of tracks, acoustic takes, and completely new tracks, which gives it more oomph than a run of the mill greatest hits release. So needless to say, there is more than enough material to keep your interest from beginning to end.

The leadoff and title track set the bar high and they never lose that focus and maintain that standard on each offering. I have a few favorites like "Still Loving You" and "Wind Of Change," which are the "Comeblack Versions." Those two tracks just put me away. What great music, feelings, and vocals. When “The Smoke Is Going Down” (2015 Remaster) is no slouch either - so spot on and filled with passion. At concerts, it was time to break out the disposable lighter time back in the day and now its cellphones in flashlight mode.

Then there are some tracks I have never heard and absolutely loved. "Send Me An Angel" (New Acoustic Version 2017) is excellent. And the next treat for my ears was closing out the album with two brand-spanking new tracks "Melrose Avenue" and "Always Be With You."

This is a superb package of the old, new and redone (very well) tracks. If you are a Scorpions fan you will love this collection and if you are a rock fan I am sure you will find plenty of appreciation for this collection. The musicianship is outstanding the sound quality will knock your socks off.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 14, 2018

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

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Review Provided By MuzikMan’s Reviews

Tracks: 
01. Born To Touch Your Feelings ("MTV Unplugged" Studio Edit)
02. Still Loving You ("Comeblack" Version)
03. Wind Of Change ("Comeblack" Version)
04. Always Somewhere (2015 Remaster)
05. Send Me An Angel (New Acoustic Version 2017)
06. Holiday (2015 Remaster)
07. Eye Of The Storm (Radio Edit)
08. When The Smoke Is Going Down (2015 Remaster)
09. Lonely Nights
10. Gypsy Life
11. House Of Cards (Single Edit)
12. The Best Is Yet To Come
13. When You Came Into My Life ("MTV Unplugged" Studio Edit)
14. Lady Starlight (2015 Remaster)
15. Follow Your Heart (New Full-Band Version 2017)
16. Melrose Avenue (New Song)
17. Always Be With You (New Song)