Release Date: August
26, 2016
Label: Ageless Records
I was curious to know more about the artist, his process
and what the title of the recording referred to. I received some good
information from Holland regarding that.
Holland wrote all the songs and began by warming up on the
piano at first which set the tone for the album. Usually he would have a set of
ideas or tracks leftover from the previous release however this time he would
start from scratch which makes this project even more compelling from where I
sit. The correlation between the music creation and numbers is significant as
well.
Holland said this about the tracks: They came quickly, in sets of three over a period of about 8
weeks. It wasn’t long before I knew what the album would feel like, and
what the title of it would be. As the album notes talk about, Circles of
8 is really an idea that revolves around the circles that we all experience,
and that 8 is one of the fundamental vibrations of life as we know it.
Interestingly enough, at the same time that the album was being formed, I
was cataloging all the recordings that I’ve done over the years – the total
including the eleven that make up this album ended up at 96 – which, ironically
enough, is 12 multiples of 8.
The production (with Ronnie Campbell), engineering (with Frank D.)
synths, pianos and guitars where all completed by Holland along with the saxes
by Paul Christensen. I certainly like to give credit where it is due with such
an interesting and captivating recording.
“Starting Over” is the perfect title to open
the album considering all the processes he described. It is an ambient number
that lets you relax and kind of just melt into the music like a big comfy
chair. Then a different tone and atmosphere settles in with the following track
“Night
Tracks.” The gentle piano and tick tock rhythm of the synths sets the pace as
each layer is added it gets more introspective and colorful. It is night when
we all unwind (hopefully) and the world pauses to recharge their batteries to
be able to face the next day’s challenges. Music like this does renew you.
“Stephanie's Song” is like a combination of new age and the quiet
storm as smooth jazz lines come from the sax and keyboards are interspersed for
an effective combination of texture and musical paint if you will. The canvas
of your mind clears and you begin to rewrite the story your own way and create
a masterpiece of serenity and joy. The atmosphere provided washes away the day.
I really appreciate the combination of jazz and new age
fused together and not because they are two of my favorite genres but
recognizing that they are close cousins, taking elements of the same foundation
to build something special that you will not forget. I admire any artist that
can take a blank canvas and create something so beautiful and that is exactly
what Holland does on Circles of 8.
If you have ever given any thought from whence we came
about our past in ancient times, then there is a track for you to reflect upon
that. “Strains of an Ancient Past” is a slow burner that induces a
contemplative state and in the same instance creates wonder and the sensations
of floating and going back to another place in time when things were much
simpler and made more sense. It is ironic in a sense that technology created
the music that brings you back so far. There can be a lot to think about while
listening, dependent on your state of mind however this music is meant to heal
and relax. The harmonics are mesmerizing and allow all of that to happen with
ease.
Circles
of 8 is full of compositions that are both inspirational and
spiritual, which is what I find in most music if I am willing to really listen
and absorb it. It was easy to accomplish that with Holland’s music.
4/5
Stars
Key
Tracks: Night Tracks, Stephanie's Song, Strains of an Ancient Past
Tracks:
01. Starting Over
02. Night Tracks
03. Stephanie's Song
04. The Journey
05. Strains of an Ancient Past
06. Save the Dance
07. Circles of 8
08. The Moment
09. Marking Time
10. Classic by Design
11. Lullabye for Us
Tracks:
01. Starting Over
02. Night Tracks
03. Stephanie's Song
04. The Journey
05. Strains of an Ancient Past
06. Save the Dance
07. Circles of 8
08. The Moment
09. Marking Time
10. Classic by Design
11. Lullabye for Us
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
August 21, 2016
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
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