Release Date: August 30, 2024
Label: Tree Tales Records
"Distant Bell" leads off the album. Soft and gentle
piano starts you on your journey. In just a second over four minutes, the
artist changes the colors and tones of the composition with rhythm and
eloquence. The sound of the bell is calming and reassuring.
Based on the title, "Solemnly" takes on a different
outlook and sound. We go from absolute beauty to a more reflective and solemn
mood. The piano encourages us to look at something more serious in our lives,
process it, let it go, and move to the next track, free of that change in mood.
The beauty of the music leads you out of that frame of mind to find a silver
lining in a dark cloud.
"Meadow Dreams" indicates a lovely place in your
mind's eye or an actual physical area where your dreams can take place and
become more of a reality just by being there and getting the necessary focus.
The music is dreamy and soft, and you can imagine yourself floating on top of a
cloud in a clear blue sky. Everything begins to come together quickly, with the
cloud as your transport and the sky as the message coming through.
"Sunny Fields" continues the same path as the previous
track with a purposeful and gentle invitation to that place where you go, body,
mind, and spirit, to reenergize and make the sunshine in your heart. Again,
this could be a place you design spiritually or go to physically, as the music
soothes and leads you there. The piano is absolute and beautiful. At the end,
the music flutters like a colorful butterfly taking flight.
In "Children's Lullaby," the sweetness and innocence
of childhood come into your view. If you are a parent or you know a child
through marriage or another family member, the significance of a child can
change your life and way of thinking quickly and permanently, and it should.
The background layer of a synth and orchestration complements the piano's
spirit and love of the subject matter.
"Windy Walk" changes the atmosphere again, as all the
previous did convincingly. Going for a walk in the fresh air, sunshine, or
sunrise or sunset can be calming to the soul. Even though the wind may be
blowing, it feels refreshing as it brushes across your body, especially at a
particularly warm time of the year. The music tells you the story, highlighting
a few key things, such as there is no storm, it is precisely the opposite, and
you can add flavor and appreciation for the elements to your walk. The wind precisely
provides that.
"Forever Green" continues down the path of life, that
of nature, I would believe, as the warmth of the sun and the essence of life
water rains down to invigorate the green life. People who live in warmer
climates can live this 365 days a year. It can also be a song of hope that we
will stay green to sustain all life and have the respect of Mother Earth she so
deserves. I appreciated the rhythm and gentleness of the track and how
reassuring the music is filled with healing and the creator's spirit. Such
incredible beauty is found in the keys of a piano.
"Little Daydream" brings back that state of mind when
we can disconnect for a little while, spend time inside our minds and souls,
and go to that place that belongs only to us. The piano leads with a tenderness
yet strong direction and purpose. Music that touches your soul and provides the
tones and frequencies to get to that brief timeframe where you slip away just
because.
"Autumn Light" brings us back to nature, which is
valid for those who experience the change of seasons, which can be incredible
and experiential. It is a precursor to winter when living creatures and plant
life go into a deep slumber. The mix of colors fills the mountains and
hillsides and draws people from all over to witness the beauty. The piano again
paints the proper scenario of perhaps a leaf gently falling to the ground,
signifying the season is here. The season's coolness is refreshing, making you
feel alive.
The title track, "Calming Colors," is exactly that;
all the colors in the music and instrumentation offer different shades and
colors in the atmosphere. The music is undoubtedly atmospheric, creating moods
via all the sounds and frequencies, like the human mind reacting to varying
colors through your eyes. There is also a subconscious level of interaction,
and likely not recognized or acknowledged enough, the keyboard layers give
another lens to process the calming effect of specific colors.
"Sweet Solitude" is necessary to collect our thoughts,
organize things for our day and evening, or decompress from a busy day. Because
this music is so beautiful and luring, it makes that solitude even more special
and filled with the energy to change a thought process or mood considerably.
Life is sweet, and solitude is sometimes the one ingredient that can help us
keep it that way and be grateful for each we receive.
Now it is time for a "Walk on the Beach," which can be
entirely different than all the other experiences we have had listening to this
piano-based music. This has more energy taken from jazz, and you hear some
guitars for the first time. The feeling of tropical paradise takes shape as the
piano and guitar bring you there. The track is the most different than them
all, stepping away from the style that set a precedence on the eleven tracks
before. It is nicely done and a surprising yet delightful change that leaves
you wondering where we could go.
In conclusion, Calming Colors is a consummate collection of tracks that can be used for relaxation or meditation. Each track, from the gentle piano of "Distant Bell" to the energizing jazz of "Walk on the Beach," offers a unique sonic experience. The album's title serves as a guide, indicating the mood and atmosphere each track is designed to evoke. If you approach this album with an open mind and a desire for tranquility, your experience will be as complete and enjoyable as possible.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR
Founder
August 17, 2024
Tracks:
01. Distant Bell 4:01
02. Solemnly 3:15
03. Meadow Dreams 3:07
04. Sunny Fields 3:44
05. Children's Lullaby 2:52
06. Windy Walk 3:41
07. Forever Green 3:35
08. Little Daydream 4:09
09. Autumn Light 3.46
10. Calming Colors 4:44
11. Sweet Solitude 3:50
12. Walk on the Beach 5:08