Release Date: June 28, 2022
Label: Independent
Website: https://www.vitogregolimusic.com/
Vito has been a multi-instrumentalist for many years, and Ricky Kej is a composer who has made his mark globally. The recording is another incredible album and partnership that will derive plenty of attention from the music community and listeners.
Ten tracks will engage all your senses, and I mean that in a literal sense of the word. The Indian influences are strong; however, the background and music foundation from which both artists are from merge splendidly. It is an East meets West amalgamation that is stunning. Here is an idea of how good this music is. I am listening to it on little speakers attached to my laptop; the sounds fill the room. That says it all about an all-encompassing experience of sound and effect. It would be amazing to think about how this would sound on vinyl or a mobile fidelity audiophile vinyl release. I hope at some point that is a consideration.
Two consecutive tracks just blew me away, "Vana (Forest) 6:41" and "Jharna (Waterfall) 6:09." Note all the references to our environment, from the title to the tracks and the artwork on the cover. It is intrinsic to the music you will enjoy. Ricky is an advocate for the environment and uses all the platforms within his influence to get the message out that we need to heal the planet. The healing must come from within us all for change to begin first. Let's not look to our political leaders and complicated legislation. It will take forever to accomplish and will be watered down with concessions to favor big corporate money and greed. Yes, that is a very political statement, but in my mind and observations, I believe it to be accurate and the one factor that has stopped any progress.
We have the singularity of music to step away from the politics of things, which unfortunately seems to creep into everything these days. All its power, grace, spirituality, and tremendous energy can be absorbed with one listen. From that point of reference, you can propel into a different attitude and use music as your voice. Vito and Ricky are doing that with Wild Monsoon.
If you consider production values, they are extraordinary. The complexities and nuances of everything that goes into just one track are mind-boggling. Listening to "Badra (Rain) featuring Kimberly Haynes on vocals, is an excellent example. I got chills hearing all the music and her singing so poignantly of returning to nature. Such a prolific statement to make in such an uncertain time we live gives you the energy and hope of that message, and the words and music carry it with a clarity and certainty that I am sure made Ricky smile.
"Baadal (Clouds) 7:56" is the longest track on the recording and one of the most gorgeous and affecting pieces of music I have heard closing out an album. The entire album is the perfect blend of new age and world and sets the standard for consistency and taste.
It is a Wild Monsoon of music that will excite the mind, body, and soul, get the blood flowing, and inspire those who listen on every corner of the globe. It will make us reevaluate who we are and how vital mother earth is to our survival and think about honoring how all living things are connected and deserve our respect. Thank you, Vito and Ricky, for a beautiful message in such incredible music.
Vito Gregoli & Ricky Kej have set the bar extremely high for all releases in the new age world genre that are forthcoming for the rest of the year. I see another Grammy nomination and a possible win for Ricky to add to his collection.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
June 29, 2022
Tracks:
01. Greesham (Summer) 7:04
02. Sheeth (Winter) 6:50
03. Vasant (Spring) 6:36
04. Sharad (Autumn) 6:03 vocals: Kimberly Haynes
05. Mahatma (Vito Remix) 5:35 flute: Wouter Kellerman, sitar: Paul Livingstone
06. Vana (Forest) 6:41
07. Jharna (Waterfall) 6:09
08. Nadi (River) 6:55
09. Badra (Rain) feat Kimberly Haynes 6:12 vocals: Kimberly Haynes
10. Baadal (Clouds) 7:56
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