World-Jazz-New Age-Instrumental Review & Interview With Ron Korb- Global Canvas

Release Date:  February 28, 2025

Label: Humbledragon

Website

Ron Korb's latest recording, Global Canvas, is a musical journey worldwide. His instrumental compositions, ranging from up to 4:59 to as short as 46 seconds, paint a diverse and vibrant 'canvas' of sound and colors, all guided by his extraordinary flute playing.

 

The recording's information promised a journey through sounds of Asia, Afro-Cuban rhythms, Brazilian samba, and Bossa Nova, all immersed in jazz and world music textures across the eighteen tracks. This promise was more than fulfilled, as the album proved to be an absorbing and satisfying listen, engaging the listener from start to finish.

 

Joining Ron on this multicolored musical project are a group of esteemed musicians. These include Latin Grammy-winning Afro-Cuban jazz pianist Hilario Durán, known for his innovative compositions and virtuosic playing, percussionist Rick Shadrach Lazar, whose work with Manteca and Loreena McKennitt has earned him a reputation as a master of rhythm, and guitarist Bill Bridges, whose collaborations with Lena Horne, Tony Bennett, and Peggy Lee have solidified his place in the jazz world. Also contributing are bassist Steve Lucas, known for his work with Bruce Cockburn and Levon Helm, George Koller, a versatile bassist who has worked with Holly Cole, Peter Gabriel, Phil Woods, and Dizzy Gillespie, and master tabla player Muthu Kumar, a student of Zakir Hussain and former member of Alice Coltrane's band.

 

"Havana Sun" immediately captivates with its Latin essence of percussion, setting the stage for the other instruments to weave their way over that strong foundation. Ron's flute adds an airy and joyful sound, while the piano, bass, and nonstop percussive elements drive the piece from start to finish. The rhythms and beats are extraordinary and irresistible, with the flute adding a jazz overtone to the mix and the piano taking flight. It's a vibrant, colorful, and moving piece that embodies world music's essence.

 

"Kindness" moves on to other lands in the Far East with its definitive textures of the Chinese erhu player Xiaoqui Lin. The track is picturesque, capturing the atmosphere and tradition of millennia gone by. There are also the delicate strings of a harp that I heard to accentuate the unique beauty of the erhu. The mixture is stunning and memorable.

 

"Isla Grande" provides a magnificent piano to help create that Latin atmosphere. The piano blends with the percussion elements and Ron's flute, which flits in and out like a beautiful bird in full flight. I am reminded of some of the music of Flora Purim, and I might add, most fondly. The music is sublime and relaxes you from head to toe.

 

Then, to take things in an entirely different direction (an ongoing feature of this recording), "Angkor Wat" features the Cambodian Pie Pook woodwind instrument. The sounds emanating from that flute are mystical. Some folks may also consider it eerie, as it has many atmospheres. Either way, you will interpret what you hear, as it immediately pulls you in with a mesmerizing effect.

 

These are four examples of how diverse musical styles, genres, and cultures can make a listen multicolored and eclectic. The merging of the world musically does have its advantages. I appreciate how Ron Korb brilliantly incorporates that inspiration into his compositions using the flute as the lead instrument. Taking a non-traditional lead instrument and mixing so many genres takes tremendous talent and skill; Ron does so consistently from start to finish.

 

All good music has a power and strength, and all these tracks have that one factor of persuasion and force upon you that will resonate long after the last note is played, making Global Canvas one of the year's most highly regarded world music releases of 2025.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Reviews Founder

June 4, 2025

TRACK LIST: 

1. Dream of the King Prelude 0:46 

2. Dream of the King (cinematic flavour Asian flutes, cello & harp) 3:29 

3. Desire Prelude (feat Muthu Kumar tabla) 0:57 

4. Desire (feat Muthu Kumar tabla & Japanese koto) 4:59 

5. Havana Sun (feat Latin Grammy Winner pianist Hilario Duran) 4:41 

6. La La Formosa (Brazilian Samba) 4:48 

7. La La Formosa Postlude (percussion by Rick Lazar - Samba Squad) 1:26 

8. Kindness (feat erhu Chinese player Xiaoqui Lin) 4:10 

9. Isla Grande (feat Latin Grammy Winner pianist Hilario Duran) 4:16 

10. Bossa Guitar Prelude (acoustic Brazilian guitar) 0:51 

11. Bass Flute Bossa (Brazilian Bossa Nova) 3:24 

12. Blue Heron (jazz crossover with piano, flute, violin, cello) 4:37 

13. Azure Nights (Latin mid tempo) 4:12 

14. Angkor Wat (featuring Cambodian Pie Pook woodwind instrument) 4:29 

15. Hinamatsuri (featuring Japanese bamboo flute, koto & shamisen) 4:41 

16. Peace Flute (featuring bass flute) 3:31 

17. Three Kingdoms Prelude (Asian flutes & Korean percussion) 0:45 

18. Three Kingdoms (featuring erhu & Korean percussion) 3:37 

“Global Canvas” by Ron Korb | Album Review by New Age CD and New Age Notes Radio Staff

What do you get when you have 19 renowned musicians from all over the world merge their talents together for one big, beautiful album? You get a “Global Canvas,” of course. 

“Global Canvas,” Ron Korb’s 30th album release, offers a vibrant and innovative exploration of global musical traditions across 18 tracks. Here, we have a brilliant weaving together of the rich sounds of Asia with Afro-Cuban rhythms, Brazilian samba, Bossa Nova, jazz and world music.

This thoroughly engaging album showcases intricate, elaborate arrangements and all acoustic performances – with no AI, no pitch correction, and no autotuning – by world-class musicians from around the world. The result is an incredibly dynamic fusion of jazz spontaneity, classical precision, and global rhythmic sophistication.

Named one of the "Ten Best Flute Players in the World,” Japanese-Canadian flutist Ron Korb, a two-time Grammy® Award nominee, a celebrated musician, composer, and producer is legendary for his extraordinary virtuosity and wide-ranging musical influences. Ron’s music ranges from the fiery to the sublime, as well as to the intimate and cinematic. Among the 18 compositions is the track "Isla Grande,“ which won "Best Instrumental Composition“ at the USA Songwriting Competition.

A fascinating story also weaves in and out of this masterpiece of musical artwork. The original idea for this project is from the Korean myth about a magical bamboo flute called “Manpasikjeok,” which inspires the beginning, middle, and end of this album.

Joining Ron on this exceptional album is a host of first-rate musical talent, such as Latin Grammy® winner, Afro-Cuban pianist Hilario Durán, bassist Steve Lucas, George Koller, percussionist Rick Shadrach Lazar, guitarist Bill Bridges, Brazilian jazz guitarist André Valério, cellist Margaret Maria, Celtic harpist Sharlene Wallace, master tabla player Muthu Kumar, and erhu player Xiaoqiu Lin.  The underlying brush strokes for this canvas include Asian flutes and stringed instruments, ambient, multi-faceted textures, along with fascinating world rhythms.  All 18 tracks are original and are composed and produced by Ron Korb.

I like that the album opens with a 49-second prelude, which sets the stage for all that comes next. We feel ourselves nicely drawn in with its haunting flute and light drumming, beckoning us enticingly to explore further. Next, we are led to the tranquil, delightfully melodic and mesmerizing, “Dream Of The King.”

“Desire Prelude” is an enchanting 1-minute prelude, again with ethereal flute and light drumming. The composition, “Desire,” has a beautiful and sultry flute melody, with strings and percussion adding texture, depth, and a unique rich tapestry of sound.  This is very uplifting and captivating on so many levels.

While we can’t address every track on this outstanding album, here are some other highlights: “Havana Sun” is so fun and filled with the joy that encompasses that “vacation vibe,” where one can just escape from all that ails them. I love the keyboards here in particular. Ditto for “La La Formosa,” which can translate to “the beautiful island.” We just feel transported.  I must mention that this track has a “postlude,” which I find fascinating and very effective in terms of artistic expression.

After all this fun, we encounter the gentle and flowing “Kindness.” This is very nicely done with many expansive layers and textures.  I can completely understand why “Isla Grande” won the big songwriting competition award that it did. This is thoroughly engaging with many twists and turns.

“Bossa Prelude” is 49 seconds of enticing guitar seducing us more than effectively into “Bass Flute Bossa.” This is a “must have” for Bossa Nova lovers everywhere. Just outstanding.

Conjuring up that “feel good” vibe, “Azure Nights” gives us another great escape. Violin and cello, among other interesting instrumentation add to the allure.  And “Peace” is just that in a flute solo by Ron. Love it.

This breathtaking album winds up with the sinuous “Three Kingdoms,” with flute, piano, violin, cello, and much more leaving us with just the right amount of breathlessness and awe, knowing we have just partaken of something extremely special. Get the whole thing! In my opinion, it’s a Picasso.  Bravo!

Get it here or your favorite digital service: https://ronkorb.com/store

Review by Dyan Garris, New Age Notes May 31, 2025

Featured Contemporary Instrumental Track: Samer Fanek-Glass Half Empty

Is your glass half-empty or half-full? Everyone has a different perspective depending on who they are and the moment in life when they choose how to look at something.

The ironies we experience can influence that choice, and even if it's on the pessimistic side of the thought process, we can still smile and raise that glass as half full. Samer Fanek shares this sentiment and expresses it through his music.

 

Samer's latest single, "Glass Half Empty," embodies that thought process, and it does so with his grand piano playing.

 

With a jazzy flair and ambiance, this contemporary instrumental piece injects color and lightness into your being, making you smile from start to finish.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

May 30, 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...READ MORE... 

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…