Release Date: February 7, 2025
Label: Independent
Website
Theresa Bentley provides the Harp, Voice, Synth Keys, and Piano.
Mark plays the guitars; other contributors include Dana Woolard (Cello) and
Amado Espinosa (Quena Andean Flute).
The first track,
"Distant Thunder," is a gentle beginning to
your auditory journey. Instruments in the mix include synths, beautiful
wordless vocals from Theresa, harp, piano, a little cello towards the end, and
the sound of thunder twice near the beginning and end. It is short and sweet
but long enough to set the tone for the album.
"Chant of the Sunset" begins with the
cello and acoustic guitar sounding so sublime it could have been the harp! They
call each other and mix nicely. The cello resonates steadily as the harp glides
over the top of the notes. The music is calming and picturesque, mirroring the
soft blue colors of the album artwork. I enjoyed the rhythmic pulse of this
composition.
The title track, "Kind As The Shade," features Theresa's
singing voice. Her voice is angelic and inviting and soars when necessary. The
harp provides the perfect background for her vocalizations.
"Morning Shall Sing For You" starts with an acoustic
guitar strumming away, and then it plays some pleasant notes as you can hear
the birds singing off in the distance. The harp and its ever-present sound of
the ether give it a floating feeling and softness that eases the mind and body,
making it an ideal meditation guide.
"Dance Of The Rose" continues the flow of ambient
textures with the harp beginning and the longing sound of the cello for the
emotive aspect of the composition. The flute arrives to lead you down the path
of enlightenment as it soothes your soul. I heard some elements of Celtic
music, with the flute adding a mystical worldly flavor.
"Earth's Fragrance Remembered (Eolyn)" starts with
echoing notes from the acoustic guitar where once again it was so beautiful and
delicate it could have been the harp. It pulls at you gently; the wordless
vocal adds to its personality and appeal. The acoustic guitar provides some
well-placed notes and rhythm.
"My Whisper To You" is a very descriptive track title,
which was my first impression. As the music began, it felt like an invitation
to a sunny place you can find in your mind's eye. The piano comes in for a
beautiful solo before the harp enunciation of its heavenly notes. The cello
sounds subdued and lovely as it whispers to you and then fades out.
Of course, "Language Of The Hills" relates to nature
and how it speaks to each of us in a way that we alone understand. The harp
playing is exquisite and impactful. The sounds resonate through your body,
mind, and spirit. It has such a gorgeous sound and is composed brilliantly.
"Kiss Of The Stars" is a great track name for the
closer on the recording. It's as if to say that the music is ending, so it's
time to say goodnight and give the wonders above a kiss until the next visit.
There is a floating synth layer that the harp carefully places its strings
upon, and the music lulls you into a calm state as you prepare to close your
day. It is like a new age lullaby for meditators.
Kind As The Shade seems to go by quickly. I noticed that more after listening to a similar recording with tracks that lasted much longer. It was so beautiful and warm that I did not want it to end. The benefit of the track lengths makes the album a perfect tool for a meditation session and a chance for spiritual exploration and growth. That value goes beyond anything measurable in the space of time.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR
Reviews Founder
January 25, 2025
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