Instrumental Piano/New Age Review: Michael Bohne-In The Distance

Release Date: July 16, 2018

Label: Independent

Website

Michael Bohne (pronounced Bone) is quite a story. He is, in fact, an inspiration to anyone facing impairment or disability. He has a degenerative eye disease which has left him legally blind. Most of the music he plays he has either created or learned by listening and playing back by memory. So, what I see as one impairment then heightens the senses in other areas of one’s daily existence. 

Interesting enough is the fact that Michael listened to a lot of hardcore and progressive music, he’s stated that My Chemical Romance is the rock band most important to him. What you will hear on In The Distance is a complete paradigm shift, an instrumental piano group of tracks. What I gather from the title is directly related to Michael’s eye site. Things may look off in the distance but his music is as close to him as it can be. His gifts are translated through those beautiful ivory keys on the piano.

Michael’s sound is fluid, purposeful and very classically influenced. I think what we term as “New Age” is very close to being classical however it is flexible enough for other influences to find a home in that foundation. There are many great rock albums over the years that were backed or even interpreted by classical music. After all, that is where all our music is derived from so it does make sense you can either add it to your basic sound or branch off. It is like an ancient oak or sequoia tree with incredibly strong roots and many branches.

Some tracks are in constant change and rhythm, which I really appreciated. Then others with a prolific title like “Fading Memories” tell a story, one that pulls on your heartstrings and has a hint of sadness. Inside that sadness, there is still joy and elation to be found in those memories. It made me look at my own life and gave me so much gratitude to be alive and listening to such beautiful art translated into a musical form. This is the path of one man that serves as an inspiration not only to other musicians but to all of mankind, and living proof that any impairment one may face, it can be overcome with excellence in many other areas of your life.

The talent of one man, Michael Bohne, showed me all of that in one listen without saying a word. That my music loving friends, is the power of music, the kind of music that comes from deep down in the soul. That is music that moves me and I find instant recognition with. I hope those of you that have taken the time to read this review will also listen and find the joy and emotion I did with In The Distance.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

July 19, 2018

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Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. When the Time Comes
02. Regarding Stonehenge
03. Solar Flare
04. Never Looking Back
05. Descent
06. Phantoms Along the Shore
07. The Wolves' Den
08. Disconnected
09. Taking the Scenic Route
10. Fading Memories
11. When the Stars Disappeared

Leonard Cohen in Concert 1972 - Unseen Footage and Sound Recordings From Legendary 1972 Tour Rediscovered!

London - Legendary Film Director Tony Palmer was in his archive looking for something completely different when he discovered a box of archive film and sound recordings from Leonard Cohen’s famous 1972 tour, which formed the basis of the highly critically acclaimed, multi-prize winning and best-selling DVD “Bird On A Wire.”

Concert material from the concerts in Stockholm, Paris and the Albert Hall, with Cohen at the height of his powers performing “Marianne,” “Susanne,” “Joan of Arc,” “The Story of Isaac” and many other songs, is now being restored and edited together by Tony Palmer, who shot the original material.

This will be interspersed with more backstage film of the band on tour, and even some fresh interviews with Cohen himself all of which has remained unseen for over 45 years

These amazing audio and visual recordings will be released in a Limited Edition Deluxe and Standard versions exclusively through Pledge Music during the summer 2018

These releases will act as a companion recordings and film and will all add considerably to footage of the early part of Cohen's career. For which there is an increasing need since, apart from the film “Bird On A Wire,” there is comparatively little widely available.

DVD featuring 71 minutes of previously unseen footage of 1972 tour shot by Tony Palmer and not included in Bird on a Wire film & 2CD set

CD1 – Best of Live Recordings by Tony Palmer at various venues.

Track List:

1. So Long, Marianne
2. You Know Who I Am
3. The Butcher
4. Famous Blue Raincoat
5. Story Of Isaac
6. Joan Of Arc
7. Hey, That’s No Way To Say Goodbye
8. The Partisan
9. Suzanne
10. Seems So Long Ago, Nancy

Film Soundtrack CD & DVD Track List:

1: So Long, Marianne
2: Bird on a Wire
3: Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye
4: Famous Blue Raincoat
5: You know who I am
6: Joan of Arc
7: Chelsea Hotel (improvised)
8: Suzanne
9: Avalanche
10: Story of Isaac
11: The Dealer
12: Chelsea Hotel
13: The Butcher
14: We Shall Not be Moved

For more information: www.pledgemusic.com/leonardcohentonypalmer

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

Prog Ensemble 41POINT9 Premieres Second Video "These Four Lands" From Forthcoming Album "Mr. Astute Trousers"

“In my mind this is a band that melds two of my favorite things about music; Pop sensibility and progressive complexity. ” - Ted Leonard – Spocks Beard, Enchant 

Prog ensemble 41POINT9 is premiering their second video titled “These Four Lands”  from their forthcoming album “Mr. Astute Trousers” on Sonic Perspectives! The band has two albums being released internationally on September 21, 2018. One is the brand-new sophomore release “Mr. Astute Trousers” and the other is a remixed and remastered version of their debut album “Still Looking For Answers.” The band has been busy creating a series of high quality concept videos to help get word about the album out.

Watch 41POINT9's “These Four Lands” video here: https://www.sonicperspectives.com/news/41point9-premieres-these-four-lands-video/ ;

Hammer meets anvil and the sparks fly. In the process, a sword is made stronger than it could have been before. The same thing happened back in 1995 when bassist/songwriter/producer Bob Madsen met guitarist/songwriter/singer Brian Cline in the North Bay Area of California. Brian and Bob began working together on a few tunes written by Bob and began a lifelong “bromance.” In Brian, Bob had found the perfect voice for his muse. The only problem was Brian's insistence on editing Bob's lyrics (a process referred to as “lyrical evisceration”). (Of course, the real problem is that almost without exception Bob has had to admit that Brian's edits make the songs better.)

After nearly a decade of friendship the two decided to start a band together. That band is 41POINT9 and is known for being a prog rock band, but Bob and Brian would probably argue that point with you. “We don't care about styles or subjects or how the song will be classified. We start out with an idea and let the idea dictate where the song will lead. We usually write the lyrics first and then add the music in order to further the concept of the song. As such, we are able to bring a diverse range of musical influences to bear, like a painter would with many pigments and brushes. We actually create the songs with little to no regard for how we would or even could perform them live.” Bob continues, “We might combine Stravinsky strings with funk bass and heavy metal guitars. Hip-hop or EDM production styles might meet new wave synths and storytelling lyrics that would be at home on a classic country album. We simply don't care as long as the song is good.”

“Notice we didn't mention Prog?” Brian adds, “We absolutely love progressive music; however, we don't stop there. We are in the pursuit of the different. Shouldn't progressive music progress? Why apply the same stylistic norms that have been used since the '70s and still call it progressive? That's not progressive - that's stagnant.”

“Don't get us wrong,” chimes in Bob, “we are writing songs with a very strong pop sensibility and we feel they are eminently listenable; we just don't feel the pressure to stay in one genre or tonality. It just doesn't matter as long as it serves the song.”

In support of the “Mr. Astute Trousers” album release, 41POINT9 is preparing to tour later in the year if all goes well. “The difficulty in touring is that we have been having a real problem finding a drummer for the band,” Bob concludes. “All of the ones we have auditioned have spontaneously combusted. I guess that's what we get for using the same talent agency as Spinal Tap.”

For more information:
www.41POINT9.com
www.TheHighlanderCo.com
https://www.facebook.com/41POINT9/

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

Prog Ensemble 41POINT9 Premieres Second Video "These Four Lands" From Forthcoming Album "Mr. Astute Trousers"

“In my mind this is a band that melds two of my favorite things about music; Pop sensibility and progressive complexity. ” - Ted Leonard – Spocks Beard, Enchant 

Prog ensemble 41POINT9 is premiering their second video titled “These Four Lands”  from their forthcoming album “Mr. Astute Trousers” on Sonic Perspectives! The band has two albums being released internationally on September 21, 2018. One is the brand-new sophomore release “Mr. Astute Trousers” and the other is a remixed and remastered version of their debut album “Still Looking For Answers.” The band has been busy creating a series of high quality concept videos to help get word about the album out.

Watch 41POINT9's “These Four Lands” video here: https://www.sonicperspectives.com/news/41point9-premieres-these-four-lands-video/ ;

Hammer meets anvil and the sparks fly. In the process, a sword is made stronger than it could have been before. The same thing happened back in 1995 when bassist/songwriter/producer Bob Madsen met guitarist/songwriter/singer Brian Cline in the North Bay Area of California. Brian and Bob began working together on a few tunes written by Bob and began a lifelong “bromance.” In Brian, Bob had found the perfect voice for his muse. The only problem was Brian's insistence on editing Bob's lyrics (a process referred to as “lyrical evisceration”). (Of course, the real problem is that almost without exception Bob has had to admit that Brian's edits make the songs better.)

After nearly a decade of friendship the two decided to start a band together. That band is 41POINT9 and is known for being a prog rock band, but Bob and Brian would probably argue that point with you. “We don't care about styles or subjects or how the song will be classified. We start out with an idea and let the idea dictate where the song will lead. We usually write the lyrics first and then add the music in order to further the concept of the song. As such, we are able to bring a diverse range of musical influences to bear, like a painter would with many pigments and brushes. We actually create the songs with little to no regard for how we would or even could perform them live.” Bob continues, “We might combine Stravinsky strings with funk bass and heavy metal guitars. Hip-hop or EDM production styles might meet new wave synths and storytelling lyrics that would be at home on a classic country album. We simply don't care as long as the song is good.”

“Notice we didn't mention Prog?” Brian adds, “We absolutely love progressive music; however, we don't stop there. We are in the pursuit of the different. Shouldn't progressive music progress? Why apply the same stylistic norms that have been used since the '70s and still call it progressive? That's not progressive - that's stagnant.”

“Don't get us wrong,” chimes in Bob, “we are writing songs with a very strong pop sensibility and we feel they are eminently listenable; we just don't feel the pressure to stay in one genre or tonality. It just doesn't matter as long as it serves the song.”

In support of the “Mr. Astute Trousers” album release, 41POINT9 is preparing to tour later in the year if all goes well. “The difficulty in touring is that we have been having a real problem finding a drummer for the band,” Bob concludes. “All of the ones we have auditioned have spontaneously combusted. I guess that's what we get for using the same talent agency as Spinal Tap.”

For more information:
www.41POINT9.com
www.TheHighlanderCo.com
https://www.facebook.com/41POINT9/

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

Instrumental Piano/New Age Review: Matthew Mayer-Beautiful You

Release Date: August 31, 2018

Label: Independent

Website

Close to the end of summer days, Matthew Mayer will help you enjoy what time we have left before the leaves start turning again. 

Beautiful You is similar to the changing of seasons, the cyclical synchronization of nature. This music is simply piano and a man playing it from his heart and soul, in sync with his feelings and imparting that through the ivory keys. What a gift to be able to share.

The cover of the album seems a bit whimsical, like a Disney film or something similar. I think the tones and colors used with artwork are meant to have a calming effect and the images immediately set you at ease. This sets you up nicely for the music. Keep in mind this is interpreted through my eyes and thoughts. Every listener will develop their own thoughts and images as the 12 tracks play.

Instrumental piano music will always hold a place in my heart. When I hear music like this it transforms my day and evening. I do usually listen at night, however, as the day rolls off my shoulders and any stress or care I may just melts away, like the sun melts away the snow. I find myself in touch with who I really am because the anxiety is gone and there is nothing clouding my thoughts and feelings, it acts as a cleansing of sorts.

You may ask, how does music do that? When the music is presented thoughtfully, with purpose and elegance like this, the Beautiful You can then come out.  Think about that for a moment, give this music a listen and see what happens.

I can only comment on music this way if it moves me. Beautiful You was able to do all the things I have mentioned and once again, the music reminded me of my humanity and why I am here. My gift is my words, but I don’t have that without the music to help express what I feel. It’s so simple, and I am grateful every time I am able to write about another person’s art, this music is no exception. 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

July 12, 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 New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. Raindrops of Amor
02. Fly Little Bird
03. You Are Enough
04. A Modern Introspection
05. Beautiful You
06. Of Haunt and Hope
07. Broken Mirror
08. 8Bill Next Door
09. Tranquility
10. Ordinary Way   
11. Dreams VII   
12. In Spirit