Contemporary Instrumental Track Feature: Michael Dulin-True North

Michael Dulin’s “True North” is his music. His solo piano alone carries messages to his listeners.

Everyone has their truth; musicians tend to live it or relive it through music. Heartfelt and spiritual music carries something special with it. As indicated by the cover art's simplicity and definition, this contemporary instrumental piano solo work reflects the artist's journey and the emotions he seeks to convey.

 

The beauty it holds comes through the fingers of a true artisan baring his soul through piano keys.

 

“True North” and its elegance and majesty take the listener from their current reality to a world of gentleness and comfort. It is enjoyable to hear and heals simultaneously, offering a soothing balm to the soul. The frequencies and tones will resonate with the human spirit, bringing peace and tranquility.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

September 25, 2024

 Website:  https://michaeldulin.com/

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…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contemporary Instrumental Featured Track: Michael Dulin-Open Doors

Based on the artwork for Michael Dulin's single "Open Doors," he says you should open the door and let the light shine in. Closed doors leave no room for personal growth, spirituality, and love.

His beautifully played piano, in sync with orchestrations that raise the track's tempo, creates a mesmerizing effect. The layers are intricately woven, giving the impression of his piano being supported by a talented orchestra. This manipulation of sounds, made possible by modern technology, is a testament to the innovation and creativity of artists. While nothing can compare to the power and grandeur of a live orchestra, the digital rendition is a beautiful complement to Michael's elegant piano strokes.

Michael Dulin embraces the spirit of the music and the technology at hand to create soothing and inviting music on "Open Doors."

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

September 28, 2024

Website:  https://michaeldulin.com/

Michael Dulin is internationally acclaimed as a pianist, composer and producer whose music is enjoyed by fans around the globe.

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

New Age Instrumental Review: Rick Sparks-Devotion

Release Date: ‎ September 1, 2024

Label: Independent

Website 

Rick Sparks' new EP, Devotion, is a musical journey underscored by healing and peace. Each track is designed to guide you towards a state of tranquility and spiritual awakening.

The title track, "Devotion," opens the recording. It reminds me of angels, heaven, and the beautiful chorus of voices coming together to lead you there. The softness of the synths and the wordless voices put you at ease instantly, and you know that the sounds were meant for a purpose, as mentioned on the cover art: healing and peace.

 

“River of Peace” is more than just a track. It's a continuation of your spiritual journey. The layers of keys and synths create a beautiful soundscape, with the wordless vocals adding an element of exceptional beauty. Each track in this EP is a stepping stone, guiding you to stay in that frame of mind and spirit you have just attained.

 

"My Refuge" starts with an acoustic piano, and angelic voices add atmosphere to create the healing spiritual experience many seek. The added layer of the synths gives the track a velvety and airy feel, which is how the music makes you feel once you let yourself fall into it and be the guiding light you may significantly need. This flexible music allows you to enjoy the audio dimensions or use it to relax and meditate, depending on what you are seeking.

 

"The Sacrifice" continues with the choir of angels and the layer of synths they seemingly melt into. At the same time, it will melt into your consciousness. The first thought that came to mind was Jesus's sacrifice for humanity to forgive all our sins. We could use his assistance these days. The music is consistent with many elements, leading you into another dimension of thought and being.

 

"Be Still and Know" starts with synths and the sound of a bell, and then the voices come in. It is interesting how everyone interacts differently with music. This track reminded me that I do not need a large ornate building to believe in a higher power because this music feels healing and spiritual. It's all I need to connect. The bell sounds several times as the end of the track draws near and closes out, reinforcing my connection to the music.

 

"The Road Home" begins with the voices emanating through your soul, and the soft synths again engage you. The road home means the afterlife when our spirit and consciousness leave our physical bodies to be with the loved ones that have crossed over. Since I was old enough to decipher that concept, it has been my belief. Music like this combines beauty and the essence of the artist's creative force and spirit. It can touch you and bring things into a more realistic focus, and your strength inside comes to the surface, and you know you will arrive home someday.

 

Rick Sparks has created an artistic, musical companion for anyone spiritual or seeking a new frame of mind or reference to ease their minds and souls. Devotion is a shining example of that and can be a valuable tool for all of us. Just start listening and decide for yourself.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

August 20, 2024

Tracks:

1. Devotion (4:44).

2. River of Peace (4:46)

3. My Refuge (3:57)

4. The Sacrifice (3:49)

5. Be Still and Know (5117)

6. The Road Home (5:01)

Celtic New Age Review: Electric Neural Network-Fàirean (Horizons)

Release Date: August 16, 2024

Label: Independent

Website

The Electric Neural Network is a collective of artists that havereleased their first album, Fàirean (Gaelic for “Horizons”). They wish to remain anonymous and be looked at as a group or collective, as it were, that they are.

As you delve into the album, you'll be treated to a unique fusion of traditional Celtic music and contemporary New Age elements. The blend is elegant and fascinating, with flutes, percussion, and voices creating a deep, rich sound. This captivating and immersive listening experience reflects the intended Celtic influences, with a solid foundation of New Age as their springboard to the eventual sound on each track.

 

Despite its solid Celtic accent, the music remains profoundly relaxing and spiritual, making it perfect for meditation. This unique blend, called Celtic New Age and elements of the World genre, takes New Age's tenets and implements an entirely different genre to meld styles and sounds. The result is music that is not only beautiful but also consistent and believable in its tone, atmosphere, tradition, and spirituality.

My personal favorites from the album are “Air a Rathad a-Rithist (On the Road Again)” and “Aonar Le Mo Smaointe (Alone With My Thoughts).” The blends, textures, eclecticism, tones, andcolors touched my soul. I believe that was the intent of their music, which is typicalwith this type of presentation.

 

The production values of Fàirean are excellent, and the instrumentation is of superior quality. For a first release, it is undeniably impressive, and I cansee a bright future ahead if they choose to continue on this path. I must also mention that this music would be a perfect fit as a soundtrack for movies and series on Netflix and other streaming platforms. 

 

I recommend that listeners of new age and world music seek out and listen to this recording. The relaxation and stress relief, which could benefit those in the health field seeking healing and therapeutic sounds.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

September 20, 2024

Tracks:

1. Bruadar a' Bhuachaille (Shepherd's Dream)

2. Madainn Ur (A New Morning)

3. Sreabhadh nah-Abhann (River Flow)

4. Seachad Air Faire (Beyond the Horizon)

5. Air an Rathad a-Rithist (On the Road Again)

6. Galatai

7. Féileacán (Butterfly)

8. Croí Grainne (Grainne's Heart)

9. Aonar Le Mo Smaointe (Alone With My Thoughts)

Track Feature: The Song Gardeners-Garden Vibes

Release Date: September 20, 2024

Label: Honey Spun Records

Website

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The Song Gardeners have been putting out track after track for years now. "Garden Vibes" is perfect for the two ladies who make this group buzz along (no pun intended).

 For this track, the consistent Corrie Dunn (lead and backing vocals, keys ) and Mary Gospe (background vocals) are joined by the talented collaborators James Bultler (synth, bass, percussion) and David Scheibner (guitars, percussion, synths), whose unique contributions add depth and richness to the song.

The track is wholesome with color and life, something I have come to expect from these talented ladies. The music combines new-age pop and a little funk, with the funk providing that extra spice element, adding a cool summer breeze and energetic feel to the track.

September 18, 2024

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

Corrie Dunn grew up in a musical family, performing with her sisters and brother since 7. She continued her musical path, earning a degree in music and a Master of Education from UCLA. Ms. Dunn is a classroom and music teacher who conducts orchestras, bands, and choirs at the elementary school level.

Mary Gospe is an award-winning performing singer/songwriter, recording artist, and multi-instrumentalist. Her songs have positive, empowering messages and a strong spiritual undercurrent. READ MORE

 

 

 

 

Instrumental Contemporary-Jazz-New Age-Classical Review: Javier Marquez-Momentum

Release Date: March 8, 2024

Label: Independent

Website

Before listening to Javier Marquez's third album, Momentum, I read some information he provided: Momentum could be the perfect showcase of Márquez's universe. Its soundscapes are an excellent place to surrender. And there, Javier surrenders to his feelings and daydreams, often using various wind instruments.

I found the cover art compelling, and it reminded me of the Mott The Hoople album The Hoople. It's a different genre, but there are some similarities and good memories for this music fan.

 

Javier plays the Armenian Duduk, bansuri, oboe, soprano sax, piano, guitars, pan drum, marimba, EWI, synthesizers, and sequencer.

 

"Resilience" starts the recording with atmospheric music and superb vocals from Julie Elven. The Armenian Duduk provides some delicate acoustic picking; the dreamy vocals will have you floating away in no time. Give yourself up to the music, as the artist offers all the sounds to allow you to open that window of opportunity to let go.

 

"Duermevela" begins with a soft and light piano, and a Bansuri (Bamboo flute) induces atmospheric sounds of tones and colors. As the track moves on for over two minutes, it takes on a jazz-world feel, most definitely with the fretless bass lines.

 

"Quietude" fits the title perfectly, with its opening Armenian Duduk taking the lead as the piano stays in the background and then goes to the front with the background of strings to accompany it for an orchestral direction. The track sounds sad around the three-minute mark, and you can feel that emotion in the music's quiet. Relaxing and contemplative, we move on to something different to follow.

 

The title track, "Momentum," begins with operatic vocals. The Armenian Duduk is the lead here again, and Clara Sorace lends her angelic voice to give the track a decidedly heavenly touch of class. At 3:25, it is one of the shortest tracks on the album but leaves an indelible mark on your consciousness. Interestingly, this approach was taken with a strong title for the track.

 

"Balada Das Ondas," which translates to "Ballad of the Waves," is another short-lived track and the shortest at 2:33. The piano and guitar are lovely, with a soft touch that gently and convincingly brings you into the music. Because of the song's length, it must move you instantly, which it did to me. It melts the stress away from your day.

 

"Pulsar" starts very differently than all the other tracks. It is upbeat and free from any expectations from hearing all the previous tracks. In other words, it is as eclectic as the entire album has been; however, the difference between this is that the energy and level of instrumentation go in an entirely different direction. It is hard to define any categorization. However, jazz has influenced it more than any other track, and it is the only track featuring the soprano sax.

 

"When We Leaving Home," as it indicates, would have some strong feelings attached depending on the circumstances of your leaving. Whether for an hour, a day, or permanently, each feeling would have a range of intensity. The Duduk and nylon guitar playing is very laid-back and reflective, and there is a hint of sadness as well. A nice flow and softness invite a listener into the music without a care.

 

“Ephémère,” translated, is ephemeral, fleeting, faddish, and short-lived. It starts with an exciting sound, the pan drum (Javier), with its ringing echoing tones similar to steel drums but much higher and more resonant. It is a stimulating track that picks up in pace with varying degrees of sounds and tones. It almost sounds like two instruments playing at once. It was the most intriguing track on the recording because it was so different, an outlier, compared to all the previous compositions.

 

"Under no Flag" could have many meanings depending on your identity and the possibilities. I will look at it as the artist is under his influence, and no country or flag controls what he creates for his audience to listen to. It ends up being one of the more beautifully constructed tracks with three main instruments converging: the piano, oboe, and acoustic guitar. It was the quiet storm of jazz for my ears and a superb way to close the curtain on this mixture of sounds and textures to engage your consciousness.

 

Momentum is a strong release that showcases diversity and musicianship. The mixture of contemporary, classical, new age, and jazz is a musical patchwork quilt that any discerning music lover can understand and appreciate.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

September 3, 2024

Tracks:

01. Resilience

02. Duermevela

03. Quietude

04. Momentum

05. Balada Das Ondas

06. Pulsar

07. When We Leaving Home

08. Ephémère

09. Under no Flag

Featured Track: Ron Korb Flutist at Angkor Wat-Cambodian Pie Pook

With his unique bamboo woodwind flute, Ron Korb performs the traditional Cambodian song “Cambodian Pie Pook.”

 

The building the two men are standing in front of is the historically significant ancient Angkor Wat.

 

The music has a transcendent sound and atmosphere, resonating with the listener's spiritual essence and evoking a profound sense of peace and serenity.

 

The video is of several pictures taken by Ron and Jeff Greenway. The images are of the incredible stone structures built for the inhabitants of that time between the 9th and 15th centuries. After hearing the call of Ron’s mesmerizing flute, the pictures provide a journey through time, making you wonder how those buildings were constructed long ago. The people of that time were incredibly dedicated and tied to their beliefs, as evidenced by the human carvings into the stone, inspiring a sense of respect and awe.

 

Ron Korb’s flute is the perfect complement to all the images, inviting you to reflect and ponder the mysteries of the past. Much like the great Pyramids of Egypt, the enigma of how these structures were built adds to the intrigue and boggles the mind.  

 

History:  Angkor Wat is a magnificent temple in the ancient Khmer capital city of Angkor in modern-day Siem Reap, Cambodia. Ron’s trip to Cambodia came after he met Peter Gabriel while recording at Real World Studios in England. Gabriel suggested he contact Cambodian Human Rights Activist and musician Arn Chorn Pond. Ron visited Arn in Lowell, Mass., where they became friends. Arn asked Ron if he would come to Cambodia to help him make archive recordings of some remaining Traditional Cambodian master musicians.  It was a remarkable experience to see the massive stone temple complex of Angkor, now crumbling and overgrown with vegetation, and imagine what it would have been like in the 9th to 15th century. The bamboo woodwind Ron is playing is called the Pie Pook and was made for him by Cambodian master flutist Yim Saing, who is pictured teaching us at his home in Phnom Penh.  

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

August 25, 2024

Visit Ron Korb's Website