New Age World Meditation Review: Samir Bodhi- Memories of Empathy

Release Date: July 14, 2023

Label: ‎ Independent

Website

Samir Bodhi has become prominent in the new age genre with his music and particular recording brand. It is a splendid fusion of new age, Indian, classical, and modern, all rolled into one prolific package.

Memories of Empathy is ready to capture current fans and gain some new ones along the way.

I had the pleasure of covering his debut EP in 2021 titled Stairway To Nirvana. As I recall, it was an impressive piece of work. So, setting the bar high for the artist and his work is not unusual, particularly when you start with such a good impression.

When you look at the compelling artwork for the album, it fits the title. To have empathy, or to be an empath, is a beautiful gift to give another human being or any living thing. Self-absorption with cell phones and social media can be the degradation of humankind if we do not utilize them properly. And many people do not, unfortunately.

“Have and Have Nots” start the recording. It points to that very thing, the difference between the haves and the have-nots is widening in our societies. While very unfortunate, the music and imagery this music creates will make people rethink who they are and how they conduct themselves. The vocalizations are in a different language than English. However, it does not matter as the warmth and feeling come across with passion and purpose. Bodhi’s wife, Madhumita Chatterjee, provides the vocals along with Supriyo Dutta.

“Compassion-Karuna” has a very old-school guitar sound (Co-Produced by David Vito Gregoli), the kind you would hear traveling down the waterways in Italy during a movie. The atmosphere is very soothing and romantic, if you will. It is undoubtedly a big step away from the first track. This is what makes Samir’s music so captivating. He likes to mix things up and keep it interesting. Keeping your musical ears on their toes.

“Heaven So High” is a gorgeous instrumental. The acoustic guitar is sublime; additional instruments like the flute and some soft percussion give the listener a ready-made easy chair to sink into and forget their troubles for a while. That is the purpose of this type of music.

My favorite track is “Affinity” (Co-Produced by Sanjoy Das). I had to listen to it several times. The invitation to beauty starts from the very beginning and holds throughout the entire 6:30 minutes. Madhumita provides the heavenly wordless vocals on the track, and the mix is divinity in motion. Everything about the track breathes spirituality and the innate goodness we all have inside us to share.

“Indifference” features Madhumita once again accompanying Samir’s instrumentation. It has a definitive Middle Eastern flavor that weaves an impactful thread through the song. Her voice is so smooth and precise, and although I don’t understand the words, I can still feel the impact of them and know in my heart there is a meaning and message.

The recording closes with the “World of Empathy,” the longest track on the album, at 6:48. Some excellent saxophone and gentle piano are in the mix. It has a definite jazz flavor to it. All the elements of Samir’s music exist in this track, thus the advanced length. All the complexities of his music need room to stretch out and capture the listener’s attention from start to finish, and it does.

Memories of Empathy will be revered and recognized globally; I have no doubt. It is a triumph of music and social justice that needs to be heard.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-TFOV Founder

June 2, 2023

Tracks:

1. Have and Have Nots 5:53

2. Heaven So High 4:28

3. Affinity 6:30

4. Compassion-Karuna 5:38

5. Indifference 4:43

6. World of Empathy 6:48

Classical-New Age-Instrumental Review: David Darling And Hans Christian-Ocean Dreaming Ocean

Release Date: April 7, 2023

Label: ‎ Curve Blue Records

Website

When musicians pass, they leave behind more than family, band members, and friends. What's left for us still living is a musical history, a catalog of releases, and sometimes unfinished pieces.

There was unfinished business in the case of David Darling, who passed in 2021. David revolutionized the way a cello sounded. And nobody knew that better than Hans Christian, a fellow cello player. David's longtime producer, Mickey Houlihan, called Hans to invite him to finish what was left behind. He accepted without hesitation, knowing this would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Thus, Ocean Dreaming Ocean was born.

 

The nine tracks on this recording are mesmerizing. They all caught my attention as separate works of art. Their excellence and beauty were striking. It was eye-opening for my first time hearing something like this, with a cello as the main lead instrument. Under normal circumstances, I would have doubts going into a listen like this; however, the story and music are compelling. And I was pleasantly surprised.

 

"Seven Veils" was my favorite track, with many good moments. It was so unlike anything I had listened to before and hypnotized me. Hans Christian does a superb job of completing compositions and creating something full of color and texture, like a masterful painting on a partially blank canvas. He was honored and inspired by David's work and did his best to pay tribute to the man and his legacy. 

 

I had a headache when I started listening to this; the music melted it away. Music is the great healer. If you let it work, magical things can happen. Sound therapy is what I describe it as. That is a different subject all its own now, in any case. This music is classical as the foundation with leanings towards new age because of its reflective properties that could easily coax you into meditation. It pulls you in and holds you. That is the power of good music.

 

The closing track and title track, "Ocean Dreaming Ocean," is the longest at 7:22. It features the sounds of whales communicating. I was always amazed at their sounds, considering how large of a creature they are. The combination of the cello and the sounds of nature at work are a good match. The music moves and is graceful, like those mammals dancing in the water. It is a fitting way to end this recording and give the perspective listener something to think about. And I mean about the oceans and how we have polluted the habitat of so many living things.

 

Each piece may give you different feelings and thoughts, and this is the focus of any music. It would be best if you went to the website provided to read the short write-up about this project. It will put a different spin on the piece before listening. It worked that way for me.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

May 22, 2023

Tracks:

1. Epitaph 6:08

2. Minor Blue Chorale 04:30

3. Miracle 06:37

4. Unforseen Rain Ambient 02:36

5. Seven Veils 05:05

6. Unforseen Rain 06:32

7. David Darling & Hans Christian feat. Ron Miles 

8. Below the Horizon 4:39

9. Ocean Dreaming Ocean 7:22