Ambient New Age Instrumental Review: Alexander Sussman-Sonic Calm- Part One

Release Date:  March 12, 2025

Label: Independent

Website

One of the things I read that Alexander Sussman said about his latest release, Sonic Calm- Part One, was the following:

"The music is my attempt to describe deep meditative states, not losing sight of my classical roots," says Sussman, whose years of composing orchestral arrangements have shaped his unique and captivating sound.

 

Now, it's off on my listening journey once again to see if the music can create a space for reflection and relaxation, as the information about the recording suggests.

 

"Hope" begins with a very soothing introduction and a tinkling bell. The strings of a harp are heard as the keyboards take over the foundation of the track. Layers begin to form as the composition continues. There is a synthesizer that gives the piano a partner in a place where the mind and soul are at rest, reenergized, and reflected upon. The beauty of this music holds you from start to finish, setting the bar high for the other tracks and instilling a sense of calm and relaxation.

 

"Stillness" is a highly expressive word and an important concept to cultivate in the world of meditation. As it begins, the stage is set, and the music is ambient and soothing, allowing one to settle into a comfortable space immediately. The synthesizer and piano are crucial in this music, as they are in most recordings like this that I've heard. They play off each other, and the strengths of each instrument complement each other. This artist utilizes that aspect to its fullest in the tracks.

 

The first two tracks are over five minutes in length, and as "Tranquility" arrives, you stay on the path of relaxation. This time, 3:38 minutes are covered, and it would be an excellent way to get into the right frame of mind and body before listening to the longer tracks, if you intend to use this music for its primary purpose. The swooshing synth sounds can gently transport you into another state of consciousness. If that is the goal, you are still on the right path with this music.

 

The longer tracks don't come back until you get to "Serenity," "Contemplation," and "Lullaby," the final track, which is over nine minutes. You have a variety of running times to choose from with different textures and varying tempos (although it consistently stays true to its relaxing core sound), depending on how you want to use this music. It can be a tool for another state of mind and being or something beautiful and discreetly playing in the background as you go about your other activities, or for simple relaxation in your favorite chair. That is the beauty and advantage of this type of music.

 

"Lullaby" is a critical track on this recording. The length alone suggests that you need to pay attention to what is happening from start to finish. A lot can happen in almost ten minutes of music. It starts in a calm but contemplative way and puts you at ease, just as all the other tracks have. In the background, amongst all the layering, is a sound like a door closing, softly though. That is my interpretation of it, and yours may be entirely different, of course. Reflecting on it from that perspective recalls the saying, "One door closes and another one opens." From a musical and listening standpoint, that can be a prolific thing. The music opens your heart and mind, bringing love. Love for thy self as it were in seeking something different that you hope to find in the music when you turn within with the help of the sounds being created by this man, Alexander Sussman.

 

Sonic Calm - Part One marks the beginning of a series, although I am unsure how many parts will be released. This series marks a significant milestone in Sussman's career, as it incorporates elements of his orchestral work and delves deeply into the ambient and new age genres. There are similar and dissimilar aspects in every track (most music is like that!) however you can count on the fact that every composition that is offered on this recording will do what it intends, to get you relaxed, more focused, and in a better state of being while clearing your mind, making way for the inner spirit to take over and rejuvenate you.

 

What I have discovered over the years, listening to keyboard-based instrumental music, is this: whether I think I need to hear it or not, I always do need to listen to it, and I am glad I did.

 

It's sonic and it's calm; that's a very descriptive and accurate title for this recording. The music has a profound effect on the listener, inducing a sense of tranquility and focus. If you appreciate listening to ambient new age instrumental music, this will be the perfect choice, offering a transformative musical experience.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

May 7, 2025

Tracks:

1. Hope 5:40

2. Stillness 5:26

3. Tranquility 3:38

4. Peace 3:30

5. Balance 4:31

6. Simplicity 3:16

7. Serenity 5:19

8. Contemplation 5:32

9. Lullaby 9:32

New Age Instrumental/Vocal Track Feature: Ilka de Gast-Talking to Whales

Ilka de Gast has recorded a special track titled "Talking to Whales." Her deep love and connection to the Pacific Ocean, which stems from living on the coast, brought her to this place where the creatures inhabiting that ocean, specifically the whales, are in complete focus.

Whales are the gentle giants of our waters. Their intelligence cannot be exaggerated, and their importance to ecosystems exceeds what we currently understand about them.

 

Ilka’s beautiful wordless vocals, combined with the sounds of waves and whales, create a compelling experience for any listener. Her talent is evident and well-suited for this kind of art, as is her heartfelt expression of recording a track to bring attention to these beautiful creatures and their habitat.

 

Another intrinsic piece of this composition is the native flute provided by Tommy Graven, along with the lovely layers of synths from Tommy and Hank Kalleen. This unique collaboration adds a new dimension to the track, making it a must-listen for any music enthusiast.

 

The striking cover art, featuring a whale and the light of a spirit behind it, is significant both spiritually and organically. Hearing this piece was a truly special treat, and I was honored to be chosen to present it. The importance of our environment, and all creatures great and small, around the globe, cannot be overstated.

 

The cover art, also created by Ilka, has a spiritual and organic significance that connects us to the essence of the track and the message it conveys.

 

Ilka says it all at the end of the track as she whispers, “I Love You.”

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

May 9, 2025

https://globalsacredsounds.com/

Meet Ilka de Gast, PsyD

Ilka de Gast, originally from the Netherlands but now residing in California, is a psychologist, Qigong and meditation instructor, sound healer, researcher, and recording artist. While Ilka has explored many meaningful career paths, her passion for the past 25 years has been working with and teaching sacred sound healing modalities worldwide, including the ancient art of overtone singing. Ilka's meditation music is featured in Dr Joe Dispenza's advanced retreats in the US and internationally.

Sonic Calm – Part One by Alexander Sussman

 Every so often an album comes along that brings such a sense of peace and calmness to the listener that it’s truly an amazing experience. Simply put, that is “Sonic Calm – Part One” by Australian based composer, pianist, orchestrator, and performer, Alexander Sussman.

Every track on the album offers a unique auditory experience that transcends traditional musical forms and invites the listener into a deep state of profound “sonic stillness.” This is an experience of “sound slowed down.” It’s a place where one can fully reconnect with oneself and leave the cares of the earthbound reality behind.

Alexander studied classical piano and composition at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. He has extensive experience re-scoring orchestrations for smaller ensembles. In a career spanning over thirty years on stage as a performer, pianist, and musical director, Alexander has performed in every notable cabaret venue across Sydney and Melbourne. Australia.  His classical foundation and orchestral scoring work are quite evident in his music.

Since 2022, Alexander has channeled his passion for meditative practices and his deep exploration of Buddhism into his music. You see, having immersed himself in monastic life through training in Myanmar, Thailand, and Missouri, USA, Alexander's musical compositions blend meditative essence with his skilled orchestral understanding.  Inspired by Buddhist mindfulness principles, “Sonic Calm – Part One,” Alexander’s second full- length album, encourages a shift in perception, inviting the listener to simply embrace and fully immerse in the rich tapestry of sound. It’s easy to do. This is a beyond beautiful album all through.

The nine-track album opens with the absolutely gorgeous, “Hope.” This is softly melodic and angelic in ambiance. It’s just beautiful, soothing, and aptly named, as here we can literally feel the sense of optimism flow through our whole body, mind, and spirit.

“Stillness” follows, invoking an even deeper sense of calm. Breathy synth gives us again a feeling of heavenly peace. Gentle, twinkling piano adds to the layers of tranquility.

Did I say “tranquility?” I did. The song “Tranquility” comes next and this is very deeply relaxing. Soft synth soothes the soul in every way. This is wonderful. In fact, the whole album is wonderful and evokes a sense of being bathed in glowing light and cradled in the arms of safety. So, yes, it’s impossible to choose a favorite. You will want to get the whole thing.

By the time you get to “Peace” you’re deeply immersed in exactly that. Very soft piano, perfectly paced synth, and super gentle gong bring peace to the heart, and we can feel every chakra opening and clearing.

“Balance” is quite beautiful with its gently flowing strings layered with piano. Here we have an atmospheric, expansive experience as well. This is perfect meditation music as we are not only effortlessly balancing the physical “self” here but aligning with the higher self as well. Seriously beautiful.

Sometimes, we perhaps make things harder than they need to be. “Simplicity,” again with peaceful strings, angelic voices, and some gently interspersed bells, brings a feeling of how simple things really are unless we insist upon complicating them. This is lovely and brings a deep sense of serenity.

Okay, I did it again, without meaning to do so. . .the next piece on the album is “Serenity.”  You see? The album put me into a meditative state without me even noticing. This is another beautiful track and, you guessed it, beyond serene. Here, we may begin to realize there is something truly special and magical about this album.

As I am contemplating this thought – and I kid you not – up comes the next piece, “Contemplation.” Simple piano with full, enduring pedal plus super soft strings, all perfectly paced, give us room to just breathe.

This beautiful album that we don’t want to end, closes out with the lovely “Lullaby.” Atmospheric, angelic, and slowly paced, I think it’s just perfect.

This from the one-sheet, says it better than I ever could: “This album explores the essence of sound through radical deceleration, transforming familiar melodic contours into expansive washes of sonic texture.” I agree completely and I can say unequivocally that this has been a profoundly peaceful experience. Yes, indeed, get the entire thing.

Get it here or your favorite digital platform:

https://alexandersussman.bandcamp.com/album/sonic-calm-part-one

Featured Contempoary Instrumental Track: Samer Fanek-Fleeting Struggle

Samer Fanek’s latest single release, “Fleeting Struggle,” is a breath of fresh air. The sounds he creates on the keyboards are full of energetic color and moving scenic sounds.

 

Samer commented: “Fleeting Struggle” is the first in a series of singles leading up to my upcoming album (Forever Elsewhere). It’s about those brief and intense moments of emotional turmoil that are powerful yet pass quickly.

 

Based on what Samer had to say about the music, I can hear what he describes. The music is fast-moving and very cinematic, painting that emotional picture in your mind as you listen.

 

The added orchestrations give it an extra push into your consciousness while thinking about what he said. Even though the music is about struggle, I can see how one could hear positive energy in it, regardless. With his talented fingers, he says, “There is hope ahead, have faith.”

 

I love that about his music. Samer is an extraordinarily talented musical visionary who deserves attention for his past and current work.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

May 2, 2025

Samer Fanek is an award-winning pianist, composer, and producer of instrumental piano music. He pursues a lifelong dream of building genuine connections with listeners worldwide by offering songs that he hopes will become soundtracks to meaningful moments in their lives. In his music, he strives to express powerful emotions, inviting listeners to feel the stories and sentiments he pours into each song through the lens of their own experiences, whether heard live in concert or through his recorded albums…MORE…

 

Contemporary Classical Instrumental Review: Lisa Swerdlow-Dancing Between Worlds

Release Date: April 25, 2025

Label: Independent

Website

Dancing Between Worlds, a piano-based instrumental EP from the incredibly talented Lisa Swerdlow, showcases her mastery over the keys. Her adeptness with the piano is apparent and a marvel to behold. This release is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates instrumental piano music with orchestral elements.

 

"All Is Not Lost" begins with a soft piano intro, setting the stage for an emotional journey. As the orchestration emerges and takes shape, accompanied by a violin, the music becomes a conduit for introspection. The rise and fall of the music mirrors the ebb and flow of emotions, creating a dramatic scene that will resonate with the listener.

 

"Beneath the Harvest Moon" starts similarly, with a soft piano intro that sets the tone for the track. The gorgeous stringed violin adds a new dimension of color and emotion to the mix. Lisa's touch on the keys is elegant and a testament to her reverence for classical music. The high production values are evident, giving the listener a layer of assurance about the EP's overall sound quality.

 

"Dancing Between Worlds" begins with a different tempo, albeit faster than the previous tracks, but just right. The rhythms are sublime, and the tone is crystal clear as the orchestration once again enhances her piano leads. The track has an exciting and regal element, leaving the listener filled with emotions as if they have reached the summit of a long climb to a mountain top. Metaphorically, either an actual mountain or a long-standing challenge is finally completed. I should be watching a documentary film about the vast wonders of nature.

 

"Remembering You" sounds like a love song about whatever or whomever the subject matter may be. Of course, it starts purposefully and carefully to bring that emotion to the forefront. In any case, it can bring both sadness and joy. Those two emotions are found in the keys as Lisa's fingers tell the story with clarity and feeling. This time, I heard some jazz elements interspersed, which was interesting.

 

"La femme Sur Mer" means Signification. It's the shortest track on the EP, clocking in at 2:25. The description of 'short and sweet' is perfect. It captivates the senses with the romanticism of days gone by, transporting you to another time and place. All great music can do that, and Lisa achieves it effortlessly.

 

"Carousel of Life" is a prolific track title, the longest at 4:26. While it conveys the unpredictability of our lives, it offers moments of pause to reflect on what it means to each listener. As the closer, it takes a step away from the previous tracks, focusing on the romantic side of life, which can encompass many aspects. It begins with the sound of a clarinet, not an accordion. Every time I hear it, I think of the boats in the canals of Venice, evoking the romanticism of Europe. Lisa's acoustic piano is like the flowing water of those rivers, leading the way as all the other elements are blended in for a complete listening experience. The orchestrations are also superb.

 

I found it interesting how the tracks were synced consecutively, with the shortest and the longest. This, in turn, demonstrates the broad range of skills and effects of Lisa Swerdlow's piano expertise. You pick out how her playing is separated, and the additional sounds blend nicely, without removing the show's star. This is a credit to the production and mastering process.

 

Dancing Between Worlds may be short-lived compared to a complete release. However, the quality of each track far outweighs the time involved. Every note is carefully placed within each track, and each track is different in sound, texture, mood, and color. It will please you and keep your interest from beginning to end.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

April 24, 2025

Tracks:

1. All is Not Lost (4:07)

2. Beneath the Harvest Moon (4:05)

3. Dancing Between Worlds (3:16)

4. Remembering You (3:05)

5. La femme Sur Mer (2:25)

6. Carousel of Life (4:26)

Contemporary Instrumental-Relaxation/Meditation Review and Interview: Raphael Groten-Inner Sanctum

Release Date: April 1, 2025

Label: Hummingbird

Website

Inner Sanctum, Raphael Groten’s seventh proper release, is a unique and intriguing addition to his discography. Having followed his musical journey for five previous releases since 2016, I've witnessed his impressive accomplishments and the evolution of his guitar skills. His ability to create albums in just a few days is a testament to his creative prowess and innate talents.

Raphael’s music defies simple categorization. While it can be described as new-age instrumental or acoustic instrumental, these labels are secondary to its profound impact on a listener. Let me delve into this further.

 

The goal of this music is to provide a respite from the constant barrage of external noise we hear 24/7. In a world where wars are waging, people are constantly at odds, and the media is manipulating it all for their benefit, we all need a break from the madness. Raphael's music is a soothing relief, offering peace and reflection amidst the chaos.

 

His music is primarily acoustic, featuring various textures and enhancements that add depth and character to each track, giving it its own unique identity. On this release, he uses the electric guitar, which is a first-time treat to hear from the artist. Raphael strives for individuality in each track across all his releases. It is spiritual, reflective, and relaxing, renewing the spirit, regardless of whether it is acoustic or electric.

 

I found it interesting how he added the classic legendary song “Amazing Grace.” With his ability to create original compositions, he didn't need to include it, but he did. It is beautiful when played appropriately on either an electric or acoustic guitar. I believe this to be his tribute to the legendary song. It is well done, and now he has a piece of history recorded in his catalog. You also get another listen done differently on track 21. Also noteworthy is the coverage of Leonard Cohen’s extraordinary “Hallelujah.”  

 

I enjoyed the simplicity and resonating tones of “Old Home” on electric guitar. The artist takes things slowly and with resolve, allowing you to focus on the intricacies of every note. For my listening process, this provides a deeper appreciation for the artistry on display through the guitar, whether acoustic or electric. You will hear a lot of that approach and consistency in the songs of these 22 tracks.

 

The strings' gentle touch and clear sound are like an orchestra within themselves, much like the piano with all its capabilities. However, accomplishing that on the guitar is much more difficult. Again, I found much more appreciation for Raphael’s creations and overall ability to maintain the flow of each composition while creating layers of beauty throughout each track.

 

While listening to this extensive compilation, I heard touches of guitar sounds that reminded me of Pink Floyd, like on “Eternities.” Additionally, a few other ambient instrumental artists came to mind, and, as always, Tangerine Dream was a notable mention for me. This seems inevitable because they have been around for a long time and have influenced many recording artists.

 

As “Tidings” followed, it had the same effect on me. That ambient, spacey sound, with the guitar echoing its chords as if calling from the cosmos to speak to you in some way. It is soft, appealing, and beautiful. So, it can talk to a listener quickly without any thoughts going through your mind. That factor is not a prerequisite for thoroughly enjoying it. I usually have a string of thoughts weaving through my mind, endlessly listening to instrumental music such as this. It's not a bad thing either; I find it very relaxing, and stress relief is the main component that helps me reach a state where I can still process thoughts, relax, and take stock of them. It’s a beautiful thing; only music without words has that ability. Its power and light shine brightly if you let it guide you.

 

The interesting thing about Inner Sanctum is that Raphael Groten metaphorically uses the bear cave as a place where he can go and be safe, allowing the processes to flow through him. The power of nature, its organic earthiness, and our spiritual connection can be vast and influential. This recording is the result of that experiential journey.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

April 1, 2025

Tracks:

01. Stillness 3:13

02. Good Medicine (electric) 3:32

03. Inner Sanctum 3:20

04. Drifting 2:52

05. Amazing Grace 3:07

06. All Souls 3:11

07. Old Home (electric) 3:53

08. Blackbird (electric) 3:21

09. Patience 3:30

10. Eternities 4:57

11. Tidings 3:14

12. Eclipse (electric) 2:53

13. Dream Cave 3:10

14. Rest (electric) 2:47

15. Soliloquy 3:20

16. Rise 2:33

17. Meditation (electric) 3:45

18. Blessing 3:36

19. Timeless 2:49

20. Love Is 2:49

21. Amazing Grace (reprise)

22. Hallelujah

Featured Track: Michael Dulin- Shimmer and Fade Track

The multi-colored keys of Michael Dulin’s cover art for his latest track release, “Shimmer and Fade,” catch the eye immediately. Once you get inside the music, you will find many different hues and colors that will affect your state of mind.

Michael Dulin's solo piano work, a unique blend of classical foundation and resonating parts of jazz and blues, continues to captivate and expand in sound.

The depth of the music is emotive, and the movements are dramatic and compelling, offering a truly exceptional listening experience.

Like a star, the music shimmers with unparalleled elegance and fades with a truly appreciable grace.

This music without words track will speak to you beyond the human vocabulary. It is both powerful and exquisite. The universal language of music transcends all barriers, making any lines in the sand disappear. It brings joy to the heart and soul of every living thing, connecting us all through its beauty.

“Shimmer and Fade” is another excellent instrumental solo piano track from Michael Dulin that can be used for relaxation anytime.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

March 17, 2025

Michael Dulin is internationally acclaimed as a pianist, composer, and producer whose music fans worldwide enjoy.

From age two, it was apparent that Michael had an exceptional gift for music…READ MORE…