Release Date: October
1, 2017
Label: Key Image Music
Ascend was
released in October of 2017, which now seems ions away with the warm weather
upon us in May. As people find ascension in life it can come in many different
forms, and it also can be disguised as something else that is happening. Even
the definition of the word can take different forms such as to move upward, to
slope upward, or to conduct nerve impulses toward or to the brain.
I think in this case those definitions can apply to all
fourteen tracks offered on the recording. The beauty and simplicity of solo
piano music is something special. I look at it as an uplifting and pure
representation of an instrument. The ivory keys in the right hands can bring
heaven to earth and peace to one’s soul. I realize that is a prolific statement
to make about music however that is the way I truly feel.
Ascend had a
positive effect on me. The nerve impulses to my brain engaged my thought
process and released all of those good endorphins. I liked the way Christine explained the
process of making the album. She stated in one passage in a sentence in the
liner notes “Creating music is a beautiful and evolving process. Each piece
develops through many stages, slowly transforming until each song is ready to
be released, just like the life cycle of a butterfly, until it finally emerges
from the chrysalis.”
That is a brilliant comparison to one of the miracles of
nature. This is an accurate statement to make, in my opinion, about the birth
of a track from start to finish. I have always looked at the creation of each
track as a bit of a miracle, and those that are able to create on such a level
are the blessed that walk this great planet of ours.
If you want to Ascend
from daily life, relax, absorb, reflect and heal, music can get you there, just
let it take you. Christine Brown will gently push you there if you cannot just
fall into it and be swept away like some fortunate listeners. This is a journey
and one that can be therapeutic in several ways. Ascending from self,
sidestepping the ego of our humanity, and letting the music take over is the
best choice you can make. Look what happened when Christine let the music flow
through her fingers…
5/5
Stars
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
May 14, 2018
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
01. Ascend
02. Love’s Legacy
03. Magic Carpet
04. Gravity
05. Closer
06. Forest for the Trees
07. Ivory Wings
08. Lotus Breeze
09. Floating Colors
10. Soar
11. Cherish
12. The Departure
13. Amethyst Sky
14. Safe and Sound
Tracks:
01. Ascend
02. Love’s Legacy
03. Magic Carpet
04. Gravity
05. Closer
06. Forest for the Trees
07. Ivory Wings
08. Lotus Breeze
09. Floating Colors
10. Soar
11. Cherish
12. The Departure
13. Amethyst Sky
14. Safe and Sound