Instrumental New Age Review: Peter Sterling-Heaven Sent

Release Date: November 29, 2024

Label: Harp Magic

Website


Peter Sterling has consistently released music for years, and I have been the fortunate recipient of many of his works. I have enjoyed his heavenly sounds five times over the years, and Heaven Sent will be his 17th proper studio release.

 

The message of this recording is evident from the first look at the cover art. This music is spiritual, healing, and filled with positive energy and light. As I have often said, the harp is the perfect instrument for this message if you seek something to fill your spirit and soul with healing tones, sounds, colors, and frequencies.

 

"Golden Leaves of Fall" begins the journey with Peter's harp and soft, wordless vocal in the background that beckons to you. Remember, there are various violin variations, Tibetan bowls, Cello, piano, Irish Flute, Ocarina, Irish Penny Whistle, Ilium pipes, Native Flute, keyboards, percussion, and Free Note Chimes.  You won't hear all of that in the first track; however, it is a beautiful start, and you get the feeling looking at all the credits and instrumentation that this is new-age world music. It's so intricate that you must listen closely to pick out all the tools to create each track. That is a good thing and something I look forward to.

 

"The River Runs Deep" is the longest stretch of instrumentation at 7:31. As with all the tracks Peter records, they start beautifully with that fantastic harp. The addition of other instruments is always a bonus. This track is exceptional with the way it comes together piece by piece and fits so perfectly as it belongs as part of this transitional composition. All music is transitory somehow; however, in this instance, it is prolific and absolute with pureness and beauty. An acoustic guitar adds to the mix and is played delicately to fit nicely with the ambiance of the harp. The river of music runs deep indeed, and it will enlighten your spirit.

 

"Timeless Heart "is a great title. The meaning is accurate. A pure and faithful heart stays that way. There is no change of timeframe involved. Like this music attached to the track title, the sounds are perfected to hold time in a place; it neither goes backward nor forward and keeps your attention in the moment. Adding the pennywhistle gives it that "off in the distance" feeling, like something that is happening either just changed or going through a change, like the music you hear. It makes you think or become more reflective and aware of the place you are in; you are now mindful.

 

"Silver Lining" can mean many things in one's life or situation. The old saying that every cloud has a silver lining has a positive connotation that can be very helpful in assessing the whole picture of what is going on at the time. The music immediately brings you to that string of thoughts; it guides you there as you listen and focuses on its beauty and what it can be. Like a flower opening in the morning responding to the first warm rays of the sun, its attraction is the delicate petals and a miracle of nature. It is very much like the incredible music you are hearing right now.

 

"Forever My Love" is a tune that resonates with familiarity. It intertwines romanticism with spirituality, for true love is a spiritual bond. With the harp and violin merging to convey sincerity and hints of sadness weaving in, the music evokes a profound sense of eternity. It's a poignant reminder of the seemingly unattainable nature of forever, yet it also kindles a deep connection with the listener, stirring up thoughts and questions.

 

"The Rain Will Fall" is inevitable in the world of plants and Mother Earth and, in a literal sense, our lives. It is time for relaxation and thought. The music's gentle touch pulls you in, suggesting this, giving you the reality and the miracle of nature at work by providing life from rainfall. The essence of all life is water, and to accept that is to become one with the earth that gives us so much life. And in human life and what can happen, a little rain must fall before the sun shines again—an interchange of times encouraged by the title and the music.

 

"Together Forever" returns you to that theme of eternity and how real it can or cannot be. If you believe, it is your truth, and forever is precisely that, whether in the physical or spiritual worlds of existence. The music continues to enchant and give you the reason for hope and belief that forever can exist, and the harp is a tool used to convince you it is possible. Keep playing, Peter; I am starting to believe.

 

"After Glow" happens when a particular person touches your heart and soul, or you are in a surreal and unbelievable experience. After all the previous tracks and titles, much thought and meditation has been given to the word's meanings. The harp can create a certain glow and vibrance yet delicate beauty to bring a picture into your mind's eye, the lens to the soul. The track is very deliberate in its delivery of this message. The wordless vocals give it a heavenly, angelic touch.

 

"Days Of Old" is the second most extended piece at 6:44. The harp begins and sounds like the opening of a large satin curtain as you hear the harmonica make its presence known. You immediately realize that this track will be entirely different than all the others. The track title is indicative of the setting when one reaches back into another place in time in their lives that is held close and dear to their heart. The laughter of children and birds singing is like heaven to parents. It makes life complete. The circle of life is the music by design, and it feels honest and sad simultaneously. Yes, it worked for me.

 

"The Sun Always Shines" on TV—oh wait, another band and another song! I could not help it; it was the first thing that came to mind! As Peter winds things down to bring you back to earth, the flute is as superb as the harp. The music continues and ends where it all started. It is all so exquisitely arranged and played, and this last track confirms the consistency you have witnessed in all the prior tracks. It was a perfect end to a perfect performance by everyone who contributed.

 

Heaven Sent was created for those who need its grace and gentle approach to enrich our lives by listening. And it does.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

November 21, 2024


Tracks:

01. Golden Leaves of Fall 5:14

02. The River Runs Deep 7:31

03. Timeless Heart 4:47

04. Silver Lining 4:01

05. Forever My Love 5:10

06. The Rain Will Fall 5:04

07. Together Forever 4:48

08. After Glow 5:17

09. Days Of Old 6:44

10. The Sun Always Shines 5:30





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