New Age - Contemporary Instrumental Review: David Darling-Other Worlds

Release Date: October 18, 2024

Label: Curve Blue

Website 

Music Links

David Darling is joined by virtuosos Jiebing Chen (erhu, zhonghu) and Lili Haydn (violin) as guest performers on Other Worlds. The new album includes the late cellist's signature pizzicato, vocalizations, and solo and choir cellos.

"Amelia" opens the door to this recording and is the second-longest composition at 6:07. The cello is David's doorway to bringing in the other atmospheric instrumentation, including a lovely piano that seems to be stepping carefully down a path led by David. The other subtleties are an enhancement, making this opening a track a relaxing and intimate way to bring the listener in and keep them.

 

"Voyager" begins with light percussion, and the cello sounds magnificent and precise. A synth layer forms the backdrop, and an Erhu adds extra texture and feeling as the cello answers beautifully. The percussion remains light and practical while maintaining a constant, stable beat. The way I hear the cello is like never before; it usually sounds so sad and longing, but not this time. David's bending of the strings is so different in style and tone that it makes you wonder how he created something so different and sophisticated, separating himself from anyone else who played it.

 

The title track, "Other Worlds," comes in at 6:10 but is not the longest. You wonder how all of it will come together with so much time involved in one track and with a cello, never a lead instrument. It starts with more of that longing, faraway sound or feeling, yet succinct and meaningful. It suddenly changes with rhythm by backing the cello that calls out to your heart. Deep bass follows along with a touch of piano arriving into the mix like water dropping off a leaf onto the ground; gentle, but you know it's there, giving it more life and color.

 

"Rendezvous" starts with the cello and piano in an interplay of sound and color. It sounds like it is leading into something soon. The change comes with a more rhythmic approach, giving it immediate substance and a stronger foundation from which to work and branch out, and it does so without hesitation. The cello is in absolution for one instrument within the weaving of sounds found in one track. I hear emotion amplified via the notes as, once again, the piano's gentle accompaniment makes it more sensory and unique for a listener.

 

"The Pilgrimage" is a magnificent oeuvre at 6:50 minutes. It starts very interestingly, with an entirely different tone and resonance from the cello; you must hear it. An excellent guitar is in place; as it goes through its paces and ebbs and flows like a river of sound, you know what you are hearing is something special and begin to understand why nearly seven minutes are needed to complete it. Some wordless vocals join the ever-present percussive intonations to give a tribal hymn feel. The piano is always there to add ambiance and flavor and is more significant in the last few minutes before this complex composition ends.

 

"The Benedictine" sounds as you would imagine, beginning with deeper wordless vocals, i.e., the monks. Of course, that is the first thing that comes to mind when you see the track title. Once again, another completely different turn of the music is chosen. The sound of the cello is so different again; I cannot get over the character and sound that David receives from his instrument. The Erhu is aching and calling to the cello as it sounds more like the plucking of a bass with a pedal. I am speechless at this point.

 

"Lament of the Fallen" takes a more serious (darker) approach to sound, texture, and mood. The power of this music is more evident now from the variety of the previous tracks offered. The piano and violin are not strange bedfellows by any means. The cello tends to add another chapter to the ongoing story with its long lines of reverberating sound and total emotional, atmospheric presence.

 

"The Walk Home" is short and sweet, under two minutes, but meaningful as the cello takes center stage to remind us of its emotional pull and prowess.

 

Other Worlds is another masterpiece that David Darling (who passed in 2021) left behind for us to ponder his incredible talents. I promise you will never hear a cello played like this.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

October 29, 2024

Tracks:

1. Amelia (6:07)

2. Voyager (5:12)

3. Other Worlds (6:10)

4. Rendezvous (5:34)

5. The Pilgrimage (6:50)

6. The Benedictine (4:50)

7. Lament of the Fallen (3:32)

8. The Walk Home (1:56)

New Age Instrumental Review: David Wahler-Singular

 Release Date: October 25, 2024

Label: Independent

Website

David Wahler's Singular, released on October 25th, perfectly accompanies the reflective and contemplative mood that the Fall season often brings. His picture on the cover hints at the connection between humankind and the close people in our lives, a theme that resonates deeply during this time of year.

I will list what the tracks meant to David and then give my overview.

1. SINGULAR - We enter this life as one and leave ultimately as one.

The soft piano begins, and the cello, in a trance-like state of sorrow, quickly exits. The cello's mournful tones echo the empathetic understanding that we must face our final moments alone when we leave this plane of existence.

2.      LILT - When a day evolves into an effortless smile.  

 

The piano begins again softly, as you would expect, with David's relaxing, mesmerizing atmosphere. It carries a message, tone, and rhythm that indicates how one's outlook can change during the day. The evolution of the music brings a smile to the listener's face.

3.      LOVE IN A MEADOW - A clandestine meetup at a time (1970) when same-sex love forced young lovers into reckless abandon.

Love is love, and this is the story of a secret meeting between two people who felt that way for each other. It is gentle and beautiful yet fragile, like the music presented. Love can be complex, particularly in this time frame, which seems like a lifetime ago. All we seek as humans is love and acceptance regardless of who we love or our beliefs. Music can be heartfelt and touch the soul. Hopefully, this one does for all of you who can relate.

4.      ALONE - An introvert's castle.

What would it be like for an introvert to be inside the massive walls of a castle? It doesn't sound very comforting to anyone with that personality type. The piano beckons the call for courage and strength with a gentle push to acceptance. I am not an introvert, but if I were, I would want to hear this soothing music to calm me internally and mentally so I could deal with the fear of being alone in such an intimidating piece of architecture and history.

5.      OLIVE BRANCH - When conflict seems insurmountable, a tiny light appears.

The title of this track is so essential for a world on fire that we live in these tumultuous times.  The music has a distinct timing and repetitive, hypnotic effect as the bell sounds off in quiet solitude. The piano on the third layer completes the track—3:46 minutes of absolute beauty.

6.      IF ONLY… - The distant voices of doubt, guilt, melancholy.

If only it were not part of your life, it would not haunt your soul. The what ifs and such can make us doubt the present, hold guilt about the past, and an overall melancholy about life itself. The music invites you to look another way to the positive as you focus on the frequencies and let it take your mind to another place. It's a very atmospheric ambient track worth exploring all those feelings again. You can find your truth in the music, focus on the bell sound, and the slow pace and flow of the synths

7.      LOTUS LAKE - My place of peace, solitude, reckoning.

The Lotus flower is synonymous with spirituality and the solitude of meditation. You can take this music, which is a beautiful flower as well, and picture it in your mind's eye to realize your peace, solitude, and reckoning of your soul to give you the freedom you deserve. Beauty is in the eyes and, in this case, the ears of the beholder. Another gorgeous backdrop of colors and sound to bring attention to your inner being.

8.      LENTO - Living in a slower world.

How does one live in a slower world when all around you is chaos, fast-moving days and nights, and frenetic movements and thoughts running through your head? The answer, of course, is to focus on lovely sounds like the track provides. Its pace and tempo epitomize the term slower. The cello makes an appearance once again to add additional texture and emotion to the keystrokes.

9.      FINGERS TOUCHING - Those first glances, that yearning, and finally a connection.

The human touch is our healer, so it is for many creatures we like to love and comfort. This love story could apply to any number of things—the keys dance in rhythm and in time with a waltz of sweeping emotions. Anticipation leads to satisfaction and the realization of making all the essential connections that are our life force. This track is one of the most beautiful and entrancing on the recording.

10.   LOVE, ME - My valediction to people, places, and events in my life.

The track is the curtain closer on this touching group of tracks and sums up the entire story behind the music for David Wahler. To be validated is a feeling of joy and truth in our lives. It gives us the positive sensations to carry on our chosen path and makes our world right. Everyone in our lives is vital, and the love they surround us with is a precious gift not to be taken for granted. Here, the piano plays like a lullaby that pulls on your heartstrings. Such clarity of thought and emotion set to music needs to be celebrated. It all ends appropriately with gentleness and the feeling of the keys penetrating your soul.

Singular is a masterful collection of music that invites introspection. Each note, each title, serves as a guide on a journey of self-discovery. It is a thought-provoking and absorbing experience, perfect for those who seek a deeper connection with music.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

October 25, 2024

Tracks:

01. Singular (3:06)

02. Lilt (3:44)

03. Love in a Meadow (3:43)

04. Alone (3:42)

05. Olive Branch (3:46)

06. If only…(4:16)

07. Lotus Lake (4:09)

08. Lento (3:30)

09. Fingers Touching (3:45)

10. Love, Me (4:12)

Contemporary Instrumental New Age-Jazz Track Feature: Neil Tatar-Bella

Neil Tatar: Guitar

Premik Russell Tubbs: Soprano Sax

Tom Eaton: Bass

Jeff Haynes: Percussion

 

I think it's essential to add what this track is about through the artist's words, Neil Tatar. I highly recommend you read this before listening to the music. It will give it much more meaning as it carries the weight of those persecuted during World War Two.

 

Words of the artist: The storyline for my composition "Bella" is interesting and began in September 1939 in Radom, Poland. This was when the Nazis invaded Poland. "We Were The Lucky Ones" is a book written by Georgia Hunter and tells the story of a family's World War II experiences trying to survive in Nazi Occupied Poland. I read this book a couple of years ago and was mesmerized by the stories being told. I was struck by the similarities of these stories to those I heard from my own family when I was a child, having been born a few years after the war's end.

 

In the "Bella" track, Neil Tatar's sublime acoustic guitar is featured. The music combines contemporary instrumental and new age sprinkled with jazz via the Soprano Sax. The beauty and essence of the music reflect a mirror of a difficult time and the melancholy or sadness one may feel looking back on inhuman experiences that scared their souls forever.

 

On the other hand, without knowing what the track "Bella" is about, you recognize it as a calming and meditative sound. It does hold a certain charm and calmness amidst the pain and suffering that went on during the Nazi occupation. Everyone can count on finding a different place in time, whether you are someplace physically or just need a place in your mind and the reassurance that the music brings you to; it is that refuge for the human race that can be a saving grace in the moment of need.

 

Music can be many things to many people, but the one thing it does have for everyone is the timelessness of the melody, rhythm, and incredibly gorgeous six-string acoustic playing that Neil Tatar is known for. The track’s exceptional musicianship and production values are a superb tribute to the subject matter.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

October 17, 2024

Neil Tatar is an award-winning composer, guitarist, and pianist. A playful and expressive musician, he has a unique, contemporary sound, primarily rooted in blues, rhythm and blues, and light jazz. Influenced by his many years of working with legendary cellist David Darling and guitarist Will Ackerman, his passionate expression is recognized in his approach to everything he plays…READ MORE…

Contemporary New Age Instrumental Review and Interview: Neil Patton-The Small Hours

Release Date: October 18, 2024

Label: Independent

Website

Neil Patton's The Small Hours comprises many stories from one night. These are musical narratives of the nighttime hours as they are experienced worldwide. Spawned largely during the stressful months of pandemic shutdowns and social turmoil, these pieces were a source of solace and peace as Neil intentionally composed in a quieter vein. (Info derived from the artist).

 

I thought that would be a good way to start things off with discussing this music, giving each potential listener a glimpse into the how and why of this project of contemporary instrumental solo piano new-age music. You will discover one hour and ten minutes of relaxing and reflective piano music for the soul. It was recorded from September to December of 2023.

 

"Day's End" is the beginning of this journey, which gives one pause, as any good music would. Neil's piano is a soft invitation into his world, a lovely way to begin the recording. Close to five minutes of building chords and then bringing down the level give you a feeling of the emotions one can experience during a few hours of passing time.

 

"We Will Tell the Stories" Melody is a free-flowing and airy track with a similar approach to the previous track, which builds up and then steps down. This pace allows a listener to reflect on the tones and vibrations that vary within one composition. Once you become cognizant of that element, you hear it all differently and more reverently.

 

"Goodnight, Daddy" puts a twinkle and maybe a tear or two in your eye if you have the privilege of being a dad. I think about my children when they are little but enjoy and appreciate the people they have become. The sadness of the music made me wish I could go back in time to those days for just one day to remember all the joy they brought to me and my wife and when they were kids, too. I hope someday they will have the same rewarding experiences that we had.

 

Those are three examples of how a track’s title, meaning, and music that expresses those words become real. If you listen to music like I do, you will know precisely what that can mean.

 

Contemporary new-age instrumentals are very popular for piano solo work. I hear a good share of compositions in this range of musical styles on a regular basis. Thus, the challenge is to hear something that is actually different and gets my attention. The artist's role is to immediately capture the listener's interest and hold it from start to finish.

 

I think that is a monumental task, and for one to accomplish it is incredible. Neil Patton can get into that groove and hold you from the opening track to the last note.

 

I wanted to give the first three tracks as examples of the flow and range of sound you are going to hear, along with the emotional canvas it is going to create in the framework of your mind. I think as an attentive listener, which many of you are, you like to get a view of what to expect and then find your own meaning and relatedness to some of the things I may mention.

 

In the context of emotions, I cannot fathom what one artist must go through in creating 15 tracks like The Small Hours. It sounds complex and encapsulates a perspective of one's thoughts, feelings, and emotions being captured into a musical composition translated through the piano's keys.

 

As Neil Patton's music flowed from his fingers, it evoked many emotions: reflection, sadness, and satisfaction. It compelled me to delve into my innermost thoughts. But this is experiential music. On the other side of this profound experience, you can cleanse your mind of all thoughts and find a place of peace within. This is the transformative power of instrumental music, the all-encompassing reach of the piano.

 

Give yourself the gift of Neil Patton's music. Let it unwind you, take you on a journey, and cleanse your mind. Once you've experienced its power, share it with a friend or loved one. I can promise you they will be grateful for the experience. It only takes one hour and ten minutes of your day or evening to realize the impact this music can have on you and those around you.

 

Only in The Small Hours can we really appreciate the solace and grace of the piano with that one special person sitting at it, creating something from nothing into a beautiful piece of art. And that is exactly what Neil Patton does. When the night passes and "Daybreak" arrives (the last track), we can feel energized and ready for the new day, do it all over again, and come back full circle to find that energy in the music to invigorate our mind, body, and soul repeatedly.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

October 14, 2024

Tracks:

01. Day's End 4:55

02. We Will Tell the Stories 3:46

03. Goodnight Daddy 3:10

04. Good to See You Again 5:09

05. Above the Treetops 3:54

06. A Room with a View 5:20

07. Falling Up 4:53

08. The Moon and Sun Dance 3:27

09. A Prayer in the Darkness 4:05

10. The Small Hours 3:40

11. Trust 5:34

12. Shame and Grace 4:23

13. This Grief Lies Down Beside Me 4:36

14. Nightwalk (Be Thou My Vision) 5:28

15. Daybreak 7:13

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)