7/11/2019

Contemporary New Age Instrumental Review: Louis Anthony deLise-Natural Light

Release Date: July 1, 2019
Label: Bocage Records

My very first journey into the music of Louis Anthony deLise proved to be quite special. Natural Light is a stunning recording. Right from the outset, I was mesmerized by this music.

Excerpt From Artist Website: Louis Anthony deLise is an award-winning composer, record producer, arranger, and conductor. His compositions for soloists and ensembles have been recorded and are often performed worldwide. His arranging and conducting work appear on albums alongside that of many of the world’s top pop artists including, Carlos Santana, Sheila E., Wynonna Judd, Kanye West, CeCe Winans, and Paul Shaffer.

That is enough to pique any music lovers’ interest I would think? With one look at the artwork on the cover of this CD, and I could tell the right message was being relayed to a perspective audience and more importantly to me, the next listener.

All of the instrumentation is incredibly good. Louis plays the acoustic piano, amongst other things, quite brilliantly. And it does not hurt to have on hand Jeff Oster (trumpet), Nancy Rumbel (oboe and English horn), Christine Hansen (flute and alto flute) and Marjam Ingolffson (cello) added to mix to complete each individual track with taste and preciseness. 

“Spring Rain” was the first track that gave me the warm and fuzzy feelings of satisfaction. The rain in spring by definition brings the hope of a new day, sunshine and the coming of summer, flowers blooming and all the trees turning green. With added sounds of nature on the track, I felt like I was inside the song, living the moment within the time and space that mother nature does her work. It’s a beautiful thing to understand and accept how we are intrinsically linked to the earth and all living things.

“Autumn Twilight” brings another season as the leaves turn, the air gets crisper and the colors are vibrant along roadsides and in the mountains of the Northeast. I live it every year and absolutely love it. Ask any New Englander what is their favorite season and I bet they say the fall. Then, of course, the imminent old man winter comes in to freeze the earth and put our grand Mother into hibernation on “Winter’s Chill.” The progression of the tracks is perfect, in sync with the balance of nature and most certainly with this listener. 

After all, this is the reason I was so taken right away listening to this album, its musical perfection as far as I am concerned. There probably is not a musician in the world that would say their music is perfect but from where I sit, all I needed to hear was the 11 tracks of new age instrumentals. The occasional elements of jazz painted in and around the canvas of this musical vision made it all even tastier. It is a picture I would want to look at more than once and so will you once you hear it!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
July 11, 2019
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks: 
01. Mosaic (album version featuring Nancy Rumbel)
02. In the Edge of the Water (piano solo)
03. Spring Rain (album version featuring Jeff Oster)
04. Variations on Moonlight (piano solo)
05. Early January
06. And Then She Was Gone (piano solo)
07. Autumn Twilight (album version featuring Nancy Rumbel)
08. American Darkness (piano solo)
09. Winter’s Chill
10. But Not Forgotten (piano solo)
11. Natural Light
 

"The Pretenders With Friends" - The Pretenders feat. Chrissie Hynde Performs With Special Guests Iggy Pop, Shirley Manson of Garbage, Kings of Leon and Incubus!


Blu-Ray/DVD/CD package featuring Bonus interviews with Band members, Slide show, Trailers & More!

Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum selling band The Pretenders featuring the Legendary Chrissie Hynde performs with special guests including Iggy Pop, Shirley Manson of Garbage, Kings of Leon and Incubus, recorded live at the Decades Rock Arena in Atlantic City, NJ.

Songs include “Brass in Pocket”; “Message of Love” by Incubus, "I'm Only Happy When It Rains” by Shirley Manson, “Precious”; “Candy” by Iggy Pop and Chrissie Hynde",  “Talk of the Town”; “Back on the Chain Gang”; “Drive” by Incubus; “Mystery Achievement", "Fools Must Die" by Iggy Pop, and "Middle Of The Road" encore performance featuring The Pretenders with Iggy Pop, Incubus, Kings Of Leon and Shirley Manson.



Decades Rock Live is an innovative live concert series that features performances by celebrated artists from rock to soul who have influenced popular music over the last 50 years, as well as performances from some of today's hottest recording acts who have been inspired by these legends. This 75 Minute concert program was filmed in Hi-Definition and is presented in Stereo and 5.1 Surround Audio.

Track Listing:
01 ”The Wait”
02 “The Losing”
03 “Back On The Chain Gang”
04 “Talk Of The Town”
05 “I’m Only Happy When It Rains”
06 “Day After Day”
07 “Bucket”
08 “Up The Neck”
09 “Drive”
10 “Message Of Love”
11 ”Precious”
12 “Fools Must Die”
13 “Candy”
14 “Mystery Achievement”
15 ”Brass In Pocket”
16 “Middle Of The Road”

Bonus Materials
DVD includes Bonus interviews with Band members, Slide show, Trailers & More!
Includes a CD also!

For more information:
https://mvdb2b.com/s/ThePretendersWithFriends/CLO1285BR

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


CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

7/09/2019

Prog Legends Nektar Celebrate 50th Anniversary With New Studio Album "The Other Side"

New Kickstarter Campaign started offering rare Nektar memorabilia!

Nektar: The Legendary Rock Band are recording a new album! This is the first new studio album made in the United States since 1977!!

We put the old band back together to CELEBRATE the 50th ANNIVERSARY of NEKTAR!

The original members of Nektar; Derek “Mo” Moore, Ron Howden, and Mick Brockett are back. We've added Ryche Chlanda from Fireballet and the 78' band, Randy Dembo from the 2005 band, and newcomer and world-class keyboard player, Kendall Scott.

The music for our new album “The Other Side” comes from the 1978 era when we were writing in Mo's basement in Chatham, New Jersey. This music was put on pause for the last 40 YEARS and it's now time to release it with new input and fresh ideas. The music is growing exponentially as we continue rehearsing and writing and letting it take us to new heights.

Nektar has started a Kickstarter campaign to fund the recording of the new album!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nektarmusic/nektars-new-studio-album-the-other-side


Nektar in the studio July 2019

What are next steps for Nektar?
The reason we are here on Kickstarter is to generate the necessary funds and freedom to do this album in a suitable manner without a record company. We would like to release a CD, a DVD on the “Making of the New Album,” and writing and tweaking of the music. A double-vinyl album, all with excellent artwork by our friend and collaborator, Helmut Wenske, the original artist in the tradition of classic Nektar. After the album is released, in 2020, we will make a Blu-Ray DVD with the light show so you, our fans, can have music and visuals that you can take home with you.

We also need to set up touring to bring the music and the visual light show to you throughout 2020. In order to give you, our fans, our unique experience, we need your help now!

In appreciation for your donations, Nektar would like to give back to you. Here are SOME of the items you will receive depending on the pledge you choose:
Autographed CD's and Advanced Digital Download MP3 of the new album “The Other Side”
Original 1970's Nektar Man Poster
Classic Nektar Yellow T-Shirts with the Nektar Man
Original 1970's Nektar Man Artwork by Helmut Wenske - Original/Reproduction Posters and Classic Nektar Yellow T-Shirts
Embroidered Blue Polo Shirt with Classic Nektar Logo
Framed and Unframed Fine Art Prints of “Tab in the Ocean,” “Remember The Future,” “Recycled,” and “Sounds Like This”
The Nektar Fine Art Print Collection
Original Handwritten Nektar Lyrics that includes all notes and cross-outs
Autographed Nektar Stationary from 1973
Your name on the new album credits
Executive Producer credits
VIP Seats and All-Access Passes
Breakfast with Nektar in any town Nektar is playing live
AND SO MUCH MORE!!!

What are other ways you can help?
Thanks to various social media outlets; FaceBook, Instagram, and Twitter, you can show your support by sharing this campaign link to extend our reach to our wonderful fans around the globe who are loyal and love the Nektar experience. We so appreciate you and your efforts to help us!

The classic Nektar spirit is still very much alive, building on the band's rediscovered popularity. The Nektar family is determined to continue bringing Nektar's Music and Light Theater to YOU around the world. You've heard what we are doing. We would love you to be part of the experience and see you at our shows. It's guaranteed to be EPIC! Your support means the world to us!

Thank you from all of us at Nektar.....
Derek, Ron, Mick, Ryche, Randy, and Kendall


Nektar taking an in-studio break; Randy Dembo, Ryche Chlanda, Kendall Scott, Derek “Mo” Moore, Mick Brockett, Ron Howden -  Photo Credit: Jay Petsko

Risks and challenges
It is Nektar's position to NEVER put you at risk. It's simple - if we do not make our goal, you will never be charged. By you helping us meet our goal, we will ensure you receive the rewards we promised for each pledge.

In appreciation of your help, we will keep you, our fans, updated every step of the way. We will post regularly any changes in deadlines if they should arise, when limited quantity items are met, and our status of meeting our goal. If you have any questions, please message us directly through Kickstarter and we will respond as soon as possible.

As a bonus, we will provide you exclusive tidbits from the studio all the way to the completion of our project. YOU will be included in our experience!

For more information:
Website: nektarsmusic.com
Facebook: facebook.com/nektarRocks
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/nektarfans
Instagram: instagram.com/nektar.official
Twitter: twitter.com/NektarThe
YouTube: Nektar The Legendary Rock Band: youtube.com/channel/UCoEd-HQa3RmFXHUEQ9j_PJA?view_as=subscriber

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

Prog Legends Nektar Celebrate 50th Anniversary With New Studio Album "The Other Side"

New Kickstarter Campaign started offering rare Nektar memorabilia!

Nektar: The Legendary Rock Band are recording a new album! This is the first new studio album made in the United States since 1977!!

We put the old band back together to CELEBRATE the 50th ANNIVERSARY of NEKTAR!

The original members of Nektar; Derek “Mo” Moore, Ron Howden, and Mick Brockett are back. We've added Ryche Chlanda from Fireballet and the 78' band, Randy Dembo from the 2005 band, and newcomer and world-class keyboard player, Kendall Scott.

The music for our new album “The Other Side” comes from the 1978 era when we were writing in Mo's basement in Chatham, New Jersey. This music was put on pause for the last 40 YEARS and it's now time to release it with new input and fresh ideas. The music is growing exponentially as we continue rehearsing and writing and letting it take us to new heights.

Nektar has started a Kickstarter campaign to fund the recording of the new album!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nektarmusic/nektars-new-studio-album-the-other-side


Nektar in the studio July 2019

What are next steps for Nektar?
The reason we are here on Kickstarter is to generate the necessary funds and freedom to do this album in a suitable manner without a record company. We would like to release a CD, a DVD on the “Making of the New Album,” and writing and tweaking of the music. A double-vinyl album, all with excellent artwork by our friend and collaborator, Helmut Wenske, the original artist in the tradition of classic Nektar. After the album is released, in 2020, we will make a Blu-Ray DVD with the light show so you, our fans, can have music and visuals that you can take home with you.

We also need to set up touring to bring the music and the visual light show to you throughout 2020. In order to give you, our fans, our unique experience, we need your help now!

In appreciation for your donations, Nektar would like to give back to you. Here are SOME of the items you will receive depending on the pledge you choose:
Autographed CD's and Advanced Digital Download MP3 of the new album “The Other Side”
Original 1970's Nektar Man Poster
Classic Nektar Yellow T-Shirts with the Nektar Man
Original 1970's Nektar Man Artwork by Helmut Wenske - Original/Reproduction Posters and Classic Nektar Yellow T-Shirts
Embroidered Blue Polo Shirt with Classic Nektar Logo
Framed and Unframed Fine Art Prints of “Tab in the Ocean,” “Remember The Future,” “Recycled,” and “Sounds Like This”
The Nektar Fine Art Print Collection
Original Handwritten Nektar Lyrics that includes all notes and cross-outs
Autographed Nektar Stationary from 1973
Your name on the new album credits
Executive Producer credits
VIP Seats and All-Access Passes
Breakfast with Nektar in any town Nektar is playing live
AND SO MUCH MORE!!!

What are other ways you can help?
Thanks to various social media outlets; FaceBook, Instagram, and Twitter, you can show your support by sharing this campaign link to extend our reach to our wonderful fans around the globe who are loyal and love the Nektar experience. We so appreciate you and your efforts to help us!

The classic Nektar spirit is still very much alive, building on the band's rediscovered popularity. The Nektar family is determined to continue bringing Nektar's Music and Light Theater to YOU around the world. You've heard what we are doing. We would love you to be part of the experience and see you at our shows. It's guaranteed to be EPIC! Your support means the world to us!

Thank you from all of us at Nektar.....
Derek, Ron, Mick, Ryche, Randy, and Kendall


Nektar taking an in-studio break; Randy Dembo, Ryche Chlanda, Kendall Scott, Derek “Mo” Moore, Mick Brockett, Ron Howden -  Photo Credit: Jay Petsko

Risks and challenges
It is Nektar's position to NEVER put you at risk. It's simple - if we do not make our goal, you will never be charged. By you helping us meet our goal, we will ensure you receive the rewards we promised for each pledge.

In appreciation of your help, we will keep you, our fans, updated every step of the way. We will post regularly any changes in deadlines if they should arise, when limited quantity items are met, and our status of meeting our goal. If you have any questions, please message us directly through Kickstarter and we will respond as soon as possible.

As a bonus, we will provide you exclusive tidbits from the studio all the way to the completion of our project. YOU will be included in our experience!

For more information:
Website: nektarsmusic.com
Facebook: facebook.com/nektarRocks
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/nektarfans
Instagram: instagram.com/nektar.official
Twitter: twitter.com/NektarThe
YouTube: Nektar The Legendary Rock Band: youtube.com/channel/UCoEd-HQa3RmFXHUEQ9j_PJA?view_as=subscriber

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

7/07/2019

Instrumental Piano/New Age Review: Michael Whalen-Cupid Blindfolded

Release Date: July 12, 2019
Label: Real Music

There is nothing better than an instrumental piano recording when you need to relax. I hear a lot of this music all year long and never tire of it because of the multitude of value it provides. It can offer total relaxation during a quiet time you have every day or evening, or provide beneficial focus and help you clear a cluttered mind, or simply invite you into a meditative state.

My introduction to Michael’s music was the 2018 release Kiss The Quiet. I thought that was an ingenious title for the recording and it fit the music like well-worn jeans. I think we have the same instance with the newest edition to his catalog, Cupid Blindfolded.

An artist like Michael Whalen is at the forefront of the Instrumental New Age/Piano genre. You have to be on top of your game to compete with similar artists and capture the imagination of the listeners.

For me, the first thing I take a good look at is the album cover. With the title being Cupid Blindfolded, that is the first thing you see. It is nothing that makes you think too hard or plays tricks on your eyes. Sometimes that is appropriate and is just right for the music, in this case, that is a perfect match.

Cupid may be blindfolded but if she opens her eyes, she can see through the thin red veil that is wrapped around her head. That is a clue as far as I am concerned. People, in general, may have a “veil” of some sort over their eyes but all it takes is for them to open their eyes to see right through it, right? This is a conceptual frame of mind I am coming from. Music and images tell a story and I have found that if there are no words set to the music, it can still relay a powerful message. As I always say, it is up to each listener to decide what the music means to them or could mean to them at first glance of the image.

Cupid Blindfolded is 10 tracks of exceptional solo instrumental piano music. The album has a steady flow to it, like a river after it rains, it moves right along with that sort of momentum. Each melody intrinsically connects to the next one, like mother nature at work in a musical sense of the word.

Talented ivory ticklers like Michael Whalen should have ample opportunities to license their music for a multitude of areas including soundtracks for commercials, documentaries, etc. I do want to stress that this music is first and foremost for a listener to enjoy any time of day or evening, and course the previously mentioned uses it can afford.

Cupid Blindfolded is an excellent group of tracks and it went by much too fast for me. When an album is really good and it catches my ear, it has a strong meaning for me personally. And that is the way it works and that’s a good thing!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
July 5, 2019
 
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks: 
01. Cupid Blindfolded
02. All of My Heart All of My Soul
03. Reflection of My Affection
04. Sunrise in the Desert
05. The Muse
06. At the Touch of a Lover
07. Standing in the Rain
08. Serendipity
09. Isle of Skye
10. City of Lights