Contemporary Instrumental Review: Dave Eggar-Awakening

Release Date: September 10, 2021

Label:  ‎Domo Music Group

Website

If fortunate enough in our lifetimes we receive an awakening or several, if the universe allows it, and somehow, we do need it. Dave Eggar had his Awakening during the pandemic when he moved from NYC to the mountains of Tennessee. Getting back to your roots and in touch with the beauty of nature can heal the soul and trigger creative inspiration for many of us. For a multi-talented artist that has mastered the cello and piano like Dave, that is exactly what transpired. Moving from a bustling city to the mountains in Tennessee is what I would call a location paradigm shift. Literally, everything changes and the location is just the beginning.

Awakening features fourteen beautifully composed and performed tracks. This music truly touched me; its pure beauty engaged me in a spiritual journey. When listening I became reflective, grateful, and at times sad. The sadness relates to everything going on in the world and particularly in our country, its leadership, and what has been happening overseas. My heart cries for those in peril, suffering, or fleeing for their lives for poor decisions made by one man. It is at times frightening to see what has happened to our world, our country, and its people. I hope those seeking comfort can find some in this music, which I did with continued listening.

I am deeply moved by music such as this and it brings me back to who I am, what I believe, my history, and where it has brought me today. The track that triggered all these feelings was “Beyond.” And interestingly enough, it is telling me I must get past this, heal, keep the faith, and that God will watch over the children of the earth. I need to get “Beyond” this and move to another point of growth. Without that, I do not have the optimism and faith I need. I am sure many of you out there will not understand this process and my comments, and certainly, there will be those that will. My point here is the power of music and how it can change your train of thought and the outcome of your decision-making after listening. My decision to share what is in my heart was captured by this amazing music. That one track catapulted me to another space where I could feel everything at the moment then be able to communicate it to anyone that wants to listen.

“My Simple Gift” also pulled on my heartstrings. The combination of the cello and piano is always prolific for my listening experience. The cello has that longing sound that pulls you and makes you think. I think of it as a big bass violin. The piano helps the emotions that come up subside and smooth out. This, and I speak for myself, helps me to process everything going through my mind and how it translates to the heart. My oh my this is so powerful and affecting. Instrumental music allows you to open a door without being prompted by words to pull you in a specific direction. The best aspect of this transitioning effect is that you, the listener, get to choose what direction to go while taking all of these sounds in. It is indeed a beautiful thing to listen to this gift of music and the artistry of audio delights.

If you want to experience a true Awakening listen to this music.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
August 26, 2021 

Tracks:
01.  Awakening
02. Faded Memory
03. Through The Glass
04. Beyond
05. Forest Afternoon
06. Diamonds
07. My Simple Gift
08. Russian Winter
09. Arise
10. Fallen Leaves
11. Bristol Morning
12. Coming Home (featuring Avalona)
13. Earth Story
14. New Dawn (featuring Priya Darshini and Will Calhoun)

Acoustic Contemporary Instrumental - New Age Review: Shambhu-Heart Awakening

Release Date: May 31, 2021

Label: Independent

Website

 

The Heart Awakening EP features 5 full-bodied tracks of instrumental acoustic guitar.

*I have provided an insightful look into each track directly from the artist. This is a nice addition to have available while streaming and deciding to support the artist by purchasing the CD.

Like many musical recording artists, this is a time for reflection and healing if you are fortunate enough to still be here and healthy at the moment. The scourge of the pandemic took its toll on all of us in one form or another. Of course, we do not think that kind of event inspires talented people like Shambhu to make great music, it is a stepping-off point. The driving force behind this is the need to hear healing sounds. In the five tracks on this EP, there will be a Heart Awakening.

The variety on display is engaging and very enjoyable from my perspective. I do appreciate fine musicianship on display showing all the facets and colors that can be brought forth through the various instruments. The main instrument is Shambhu’s inviting acoustic guitar playing. He is a standout player with a lot of talent and he spreads the wealth of that blessing in all five tracks.

The title track opens things up with a nice slow entrance down the path of relaxation and enjoyment. Every track is a tasteful treat of aural escape, to another mindset or space in time if you will. Then for a complete change of direction “Infinite Eyes” takes on a worldly feel inspired with an Indian flavored melody.

For yet another twist, “Preparing for Flight” is a jazz-new age journey that brings your spirits high so get ready for takeoff. The combination of those two genres always works so well, as witnessed yet again in this quiet storm meets the new age foundation at the musical crossroads. “Little B’s Poem” is acoustic beauty personified with piano and poignant guitar lines punctuated with a mellow jazz inference.

“Song For You” is similar in jazz tones, however, the acoustic guitar is more contemporary and then the saxophone gives it that all in jazz ambiance. It lights the inner spirit and keeps that fire burning from start to finish. It is tastefully done and could easily be a crossover to different genres and enjoyed by all.

The Heart Awakening EP will be a welcome addition to your collection this year and your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.

*ABOUT THE SONGS FROM THE ARTIST:
Heart Awakening - Slow, Reflective, Hopeful, and Heartfelt. Features Shambhu's shining and radiant guitar like a devotional prayer.

Infinite Eyes - Upbeat, enchanting Indian-inspired melody with a gorgeous piano / guitar dreamscape that touches the heart. Features Geoffrey Menin, a pianist and friend from college days. And Matteo Palmer, an inventive, young guitarist and composer who invited me to play on his last album, “The Minstrel’s Return.”
Preparing for Flight - Laid back Brazilian / Jazz / New Age groove with an easy melody and tasty horns. A post Pandemic song for the road ahead. The song had its first life as the theme song for a JVC Jazz Festival nationalradio commercial. Features a wonderful flute solo by Premik Russell Tubbs and tasty marimba, percussion, flutes and horns.

Little B’s Poem - A cover of a song by Bobby Hutcherson written for his son, Barry, three years old at the time. "The melodic line reminds me of how he used to play," said Bobby. Features a lush arrangement by Shambhu and a gorgeous piano performance by Frank Martin.

Preparing for Flight - Laid back Brazilian / Jazz / New Age groove with an easy melody and tasty horns. A post Pandemic song for the road ahead. The song had its first life as the theme song for a JVC Jazz Festival nationalradio commercial. Features a wonderful flute solo by Premik Russell Tubbs and tasty marimba, percussion, flutes and horns.

Song for You - A magical saxophone and guitar duet that beams with warmth and light. Celebrates all listeners and features saxophone virtuoso Premik Russell Tubbs, who I first met when we were a mere 20 years old. A love of soulful music has sustained a long and productive friendship and that warmth is indeed reflected.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
May 29, 2021
 

Tracks:

1. Heart Awakening
2. Infinite Eyes
3. Preparing for Flight
4. Little B’s Poem
5. Song for You