New Age Ambient Review: Cheryl B. Engelhardt-A Seeker’s Slumber

Release Date: July 23, 2021

Label: ‎Independent

Website

Last year’s award-winning Luminary was my introduction to the fascinating artist Cheryl B. Engelhardt. Now with A Seeker’s Slumber, I did not know what to expect because what I found out by interviewing this lady was, she was willing to experiment and take risks to grow as an artist. Not every artist is ready to approach things that way, particularly if they already have a successful formula that works every time they release an album. With that in mind, I have the utmost respect for Ms. Engelhardt.

Now I am challenged with putting this music into an appropriate genre, however never into a box. Cheryl thinks out of the box at all times. Yet another reason why I enjoy the music so much! So, I am ready again for a new journey and a different road as I jump in with energy and optimism.

Are you a seeker looking for slumber? While this music may get you there, you may also be surprised by the eclectic sounds on the ten tracks. Cheryl has a superb voice, and I found it very inviting and spiritual. The lyrics will require your attention, as they are essential as the music accompanying them.

While I am hard-pressed to define this work of art presented here at times, I can say, yes, it is New Age. The other factor that I would say unequivocally is that different genres find a way of branching off it. There is electronic, ambient, easy listening, contemporary, and even slight hints of pop. But keep in mind, the foundation is built from the soul of a prolific artist and translated as new age music. For my listening pleasure, this is a highlight and always an unexpected delight. The musicianship is once again excellent and performed at a very high level, just as I would expect.

Some of my favorites are “Unwind,” “Temperance,” and the excellent opener “Ithaca.” I cannot say enough about the creativity and all-around talent Cheryl brings to a recording. Now only two albums in, and I am fascinated with her accomplishments and can only wonder what the next project will be. Know this; it won’t be anything like A Seeker’s Slumber. 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
September 21, 2021

Tracks:
01. Ithaca
02. Awæcnian
03. Circlet of Pisces
04. Unwind
05. Emerald Dreams
06. Mother Gaia (feat. Joanie Leeds & Chava Mirel)
07. Anyway You Choose...
08. Pentacle Path
09. Temperance

New Age/Ambient Review: Cheryl B. Engelhardt-Luminary

Release Date: February 7, 2020

Label: Independent

Website

The eye-catching cover of Cheryl B. Engelhardt’s album Luminary gives a potential audience an idea of what they may be in for. It is placid, beautiful, and very inviting. What I was to learn rather quickly is that the tracks that encompass this collection are reflective of that spiritual image on the cover artwork.

The two primary instruments used on this ambient new age journey are the piano and Cheryl’s vocals. The music is quite different, in a way that I am not used to hearing in the genre. It is all in a good way though.

The tracks have a fade out and fade in aspect to them and they are interspersed at times with Cheryl’s angelic vocalizations. Most of her vocals are not actual words but an exercise of sounds that are pleasing and as alluring as the music behind them. I hear a classical influence which is what is common throughout presentations in the genre, particularly with instrumentals. While you do get some stretched out instrumentals like “Earthshine,” which are soothing and meditative, they last over six minutes. There is not one track under six minutes on the recording. It all works very well for this type of music due to the changing tides of the movements, sounds, colors, and overall atmospheres that are created.

The time is well spent for those who enjoy this type of music for general relaxation or deep meditation. If you are looking for deep meditation you can start right at the beginning and listen all the way through for one fantastic session of beauty, peace, and realignment of your soul (or chakras dependent on your philosophy and beliefs). I think the soul and chakras are interchangeable, if you take all the chakras you have in one human being with all the elements that make up that individual, they are the very soul within.

Luminary is referred to as “gentle exciting” on the artist Bandcamp page. While I did not relate to the album that way, I did find great value in the essence of the complete presentation of voice, sounds, and music. There are a lot of different things going on and some effects that give it that mystical and spiritual feel through each track. “Mortal Tides” (I added it to my New Age Music Reviews Spotify Playlist) has some interesting effects on Cheryl’s voice and breathing. This can be considered as a release within the song. Breathing certain ways can give the body a chance to completely relax then other things can happen like opening the mind and spirit to the offerings your hearing. I believe that is the true intent of this music.

Luminary is one of the more unique recordings I have heard this year from the new age genre. I do not like to use that word very often, unique. It says that music is a standalone accomplishment without trying to emulate or take something that works from another artist. I would have to say in all honesty that this is very original work, unlike anything I have heard before. Everyone has their influences and favorite artists but you may be hard-pressed to understand what this lady’s influences are.

The phase music approach is very different, the way it moves in an out of the song and the way Cheryl uses it with the instrumentation, voice, and breath. I can promise you this, you will not hear anything else like Luminary.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 3, 2020

Track List:
01. Sister of Eos 06:14
02. Deliquesce 06:04
03. Earthshine 06:05
04. M. aurora 06:17
05. Mortal Tides 06:10
06. Galileo's Rings 06:11
07. Moon Harvest 06:17
08. Ataraxy 06:13
09. Glisten Up 06:14
10. Bioluminescence 06:08