New Age Ambient Instrumental Review and Interview: Michelle Qureshi -Journey By Starlight

Michelle Qureshi — Journey By Starlight

Release Date: April 10, 2026

Label: Music as Metaphor

Website

Journey by Starlight is Michelle Qureshi’s 21st album since 2012. Composed, produced, and performed by Michelle featuring Native American flute, guitars, piano, singing bowls, Koshi chimes, synths, and vocals.

One of the leading points of this project is the artwork. If you look at it, there is a sense of how minute we are in the grand scheme of things, but solace is there waiting for us. However, this does not make us insignificant; it is quite the contrary. Our oneness with the universe can be realized when you look at images and listen to music together.

As “The Road Winds with You,” you can unwind. It begins, and an immediate sense of calm washes over you. The synths form layers of textures as the wind chimes tinkle. The video accompanying the track serves as a visual aid to enhance the audio experience. It is like entering another world for nearly seven minutes, full of beauty and exquisite sounds. Watch The Video

As we move into other tracks, Michelle’s acoustic guitar enters the mix, and then, on the following track, the Native American flute. This release is entirely different from Compass of the Heart, which focused on acoustic guitar as the lead instrument. The layers of ambient textures from the synths, combined with the flute’s hypnotic effect, create soundscapes that you naturally ease into. The nature of this music allows that kind of process.

Then, to give you a change, “Bending Light” has a bit of a funky feel, with bass sounds and a rap-like rhythm, which I found quite interesting and unexpected! From a purely listening perspective, it certainly keeps you aware of what is going on with a sudden shift in style and sound. Not to get too far off the main course, “Partial Freeze” reverts to the more ambient layers of relaxing, meditative sounds with some lovely electric guitar notes weaving through it.

One key factor in this presentation is the length of each track. There is not one under 3 minutes; the longest is 7:06, and seven are over 5 minutes. The space is filled eloquently with all the tools at Michelle’s disposal. The point here is to give a listener ample time to settle in, relax, and gradually fall into a meditative state, if that is, in fact, the goal at the outset. However, just listening can also be therapeutic. There does not have to be a particular purpose in mind; beginning your experience in listening mode can lead to healing. That is the beauty of this type of music.

As you journey through each composition on Journey by Starlight, the scope and artistry of Michelle Qureshi’s work become increasingly apparent. Every track provides a unique experience while remaining true to the album’s central vision. This is music crafted for the soul—inviting healing, renewal, reflection, and moments of deep introspection. Whether you seek relaxation, inspiration, or a space for quiet contemplation, this album offers a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

April 6, 2026

Tracks:

01. The Road Winds with You (6:48) 

02. Angelic Realms (5:40)

03. Astral Bridges (4:24)

04. Bending Light (3:38)

05. Partial Freeze (5:57)

06. Desert Glass (5:30)

07. Strange Velocity (3:28)

08. Starfield (remastered) (3:56)

09. River in Heaven (5:38)

10. Antares (5:51)

11. The Last Year (5:46)

12. Across the Veil (7:06)

13. The Letter Left Unopened (4:03)

Contemporary Instrumental Review: Michele McLaughlin -The Little Things

Release Date: March 10, 2026

Label: Independent

Website

Michele McLaughlin’s The Little Things is a recognition of all the things in life that are noticed. The old saying still holds a lot of weight- it’s the little things in life that are important. Love, grief, friendship, everything that makes us tick. In the end, it all adds up to the “bigger” picture. It is through her music, the chosen instrument of the piano, that all those little things are explored through the 15 tracks.

“The Little Things” marks the beginning of the journey, and it carries the sweetness of all that makes up life. The piano moves like the rhythm of the heartbeat. Her playing is fluid and meaningful as you listen and reflect on the track title; it brings a smile to your inner being. We are on our way down the musical road…

“Blessed” carries with it a sense of spiritual connection and gratitude. The gentle touch of her fingers embraces the keys with love and respect, and those feelings emerge as the composition builds. The tempo is steady like a river that knows where it’s going, then there is an upswing to emphasize the joy, then back to the slower tempo, and a fade out. Here is where I heard the classical influences come shining through.

“Grace” is a logical progression from the previous track symbolically. It starts methodically, then builds in tempo, transitioning into various parts with changing paces. The word itself is embodied in the music.

“Can’t Help Falling In Love” is, I am sure, very significant to Michelle. This is a cover of the classic track that most listeners would recognize. First released by Elvis Presley in 1961, it remains forever etched in time. The melody is spot on and beautifully played, with one hand maintaining the rhythmic base and the other sprinkling out the main notes.

“Elusive Sunrise” brings the energy level back up, then back down, as the sun is elusive on this day. Or is this a metaphor for a life situation? It certainly could be. Listening to the notes firmly places the actual sun into my mind as it edges over the mountain top. The rhythm changes are perfect to fit that scenario.

“The Friendship Song” is under two minutes, the shortest piece on the recording. And it doesn’t have to be any longer. The tone and color of the keys say it all. She holds the meaning close to her heart, and you can feel that.

“My Little Companion” recalled our little friend we lost last year, a 16-year-old toy poodle. This could also refer to a young child; whatever context you think of it will certainly fit this lovely melody of joy and introspection. The feeling is light and bright, and her playing is quite impressive, going from rapid strokes to more gentle tinkling. It will touch your soul.

“The Weight of Grief´ is the longest track at 4:07, and it followed my last string of thoughts, as there was and still is grief around the loss. It begins with a serious atmosphere and tone, then moves into a more complex compositional area as the artist navigates all the stages of a highly emotional state. The classical underpinnings in Michele’s work cannot be understated.

“Sway” is all about movement, and the piano’s keys are indicative of that. The track has a strong melodic sense, and you feel all the rhythms and the music’s transience within a single composition. Falling one minute short of four, this is a good time to reflect and relax.

“Barb’s Song” begins with an upbeat tempo immediately, so I can assume this about a dear friend. The tone indicates happiness and total joy with a lot of energy. The piano’s keys roll via Michele’s fingers seamlessly, and you can feel the good energy in every note. This is one of my favorites. It shows the dexterity of the two hands and the different parts they play.

“Hand In Hand” carries with it an infectious melodicism. I believe it can have great meaning when one goes through life with a dedicated partner, as the vows say, “in sickness and in health.” You will hear this one inside your head long after it’s over.

“I Miss You” has a sad, heartfelt tone that conveys the literal meaning of its title. The keys bring that thought and feeling to the forefront of your mind with immediacy. The gentleness of the music allows you to experience what that feels like all over again.

“Ebb & Flow” is one of my favorite expressions. I think about the ocean’s tides and the tides of emotions we go through as sentient beings on this planet. The music also moves in this way, and Michele has an innate talent for expressing it through her fingers.

“Anxious Worry” can be one of the more trying emotions we go through. The anxiety attached to an already uncomfortable feeling of worry compounds the experience. Here, the piano puts a different spin on all that, offering a brighter outlook and hope as the keys resonate with the ups and downs, with a feeling of optimism.

After exploring all the emotions, we conclude with a very important word: “Resilience.” I think the spirit of our humanity will always break through any barriers that are set in our way. Michele brings her final and most powerful message with exceptional melody and emphasis. The notes carry you through to the end with the realization that we all have the strength to endure, heal, and move on to the next phase of our lives.

The Little Things once again demonstrates that the power of music is an unstoppable force of nature. Michele McLaughlin reminds us how, through a single voice and instrument, the piano can evoke the richness of a symphony. She achieves this with remarkable elegance, thoughtfulness, and passion.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder’

March 27, 2026

Tracks:

01. The Little Things 03:23 

02. Blessed 3:01 

03. Grace 3:32 

04. Can’t Help Falling In Love 3:04 

05. Elusive Sunrise 2:56 

06. The Friendship Song 1:51 

07. My Little Companion 2:34 

08. The Weight of Grief 4:07 

09. Sway 3:59 

10. Barb’s Song 3:38 

11. Hand In Hand 2:57 

12. I Miss You 3:09 

13. Ebb & Flow 2:14 

14. Anxious Worry 3:01 

15. Resilience 2:12