New Age Music Reviews: Classical

Showing posts with label Classical. Show all posts

Instrumental Contemporary-Jazz-New Age-Classical Review: Javier Marquez-Momentum

Release Date: March 8, 2024

Label: Independent

Before listening to Javier Marquez's third album, Momentum, I read some information he provided: Momentum could be the perfect showcase of Márquez's universe. Its soundscapes are an excellent place to surrender. And there, Javier surrenders to his feelings and daydreams, often using various wind instruments.

I found the cover art compelling, and it reminded me of the Mott The Hoople album The Hoople. It's a different genre, but there are some similarities and good memories for this music fan.

Javier plays the Armenian Duduk, bansuri, oboe, soprano sax, piano, guitars, pan drum, marimba, EWI, synthesizers, and sequencer.

"Resilience" starts the recording with atmospheric music and superb vocals from Julie Elven. The Armenian Duduk provides some delicate acoustic picking; the dreamy vocals will have you floating away in no time. Give yourself up to the music, as the artist offers all the sounds to allow you to open that window of opportunity to let go.

"Duermevela" begins with a soft and light piano, and a Bansuri (Bamboo flute) induces atmospheric sounds of tones and colors. As the track moves on for over two minutes, it takes on a jazz-world feel, most definitely with the fretless bass lines.

"Quietude" fits the title perfectly, with its opening Armenian Duduk taking the lead as the piano stays in the background and then goes to the front with the background of strings to accompany it for an orchestral direction. The track sounds sad around the three-minute mark, and you can feel that emotion in the music's quiet. Relaxing and contemplative, we move on to something different to follow.

The title track, "Momentum," begins with operatic vocals. The Armenian Duduk is the lead here again, and Clara Sorace lends her angelic voice to give the track a decidedly heavenly touch of class. At 3:25, it is one of the shortest tracks on the album but leaves an indelible mark on your consciousness. Interestingly, this approach was taken with a strong title for the track.

"Balada Das Ondas," which translates to "Ballad of the Waves," is another short-lived track and the shortest at 2:33. The piano and guitar are lovely, with a soft touch that gently and convincingly brings you into the music. Because of the song's length, it must move you instantly, which it did to me. It melts the stress away from your day.

"Pulsar" starts very differently than all the other tracks. It is upbeat and free from any expectations from hearing all the previous tracks. In other words, it is as eclectic as the entire album has been; however, the difference between this is that the energy and level of instrumentation go in an entirely different direction. It is hard to define any categorization. However, jazz has influenced it more than any other track, and it is the only track featuring the soprano sax.

"When We Leaving Home," as it indicates, would have some strong feelings attached depending on the circumstances of your leaving. Whether for an hour, a day, or permanently, each feeling would have a range of intensity. The Duduk and nylon guitar playing is very laid-back and reflective, and there is a hint of sadness as well. A nice flow and softness invite a listener into the music without a care.

“Ephémère,” translated, is ephemeral, fleeting, faddish, and short-lived. It starts with an exciting sound, the pan drum (Javier), with its ringing echoing tones similar to steel drums but much higher and more resonant. It is a stimulating track that picks up in pace with varying degrees of sounds and tones. It almost sounds like two instruments playing at once. It was the most intriguing track on the recording because it was so different, an outlier, compared to all the previous compositions.

"Under no Flag" could have many meanings depending on your identity and the possibilities. I will look at it as the artist is under his influence, and no country or flag controls what he creates for his audience to listen to. It ends up being one of the more beautifully constructed tracks with three main instruments converging: the piano, oboe, and acoustic guitar. It was the quiet storm of jazz for my ears and a superb way to close the curtain on this mixture of sounds and textures to engage your consciousness.

Momentum is a strong release that showcases diversity and musicianship. The mixture of contemporary, classical, new age, and jazz is a musical patchwork quilt that any discerning music lover can understand and appreciate.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

September 3, 2024

Tracks:

01. Resilience

02. Duermevela

03. Quietude

04. Momentum

05. Balada Das Ondas

06. Pulsar

07. When We Leaving Home

08. Ephémère

09. Under no Flag

Track Review: Richard Spasoff and Gizella Firtha-Alphabet Soup

What kind of music are you in the mood for? When you know the track's title is "Alphabet Soup," you would expect some variety.

However, that you will get, it may classify as contemporary instrumental, progressive classical, or new age with a certain flair and tasteful ambiance.

Richard Spasoff's tinkling piano and Gizella Firtha's cello (co-composers) make for some exciting and thought-provoking sounds. You decide what to call it, but above all, click play and enjoy the listen!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

October 2, 2021

About Richard Spasoff:

Website: https://richardspasoff.com

Richard Spasoff is an internationally renowned modern day psychic, medium,and Stand Up Comedian, motivational speaker, and radio/television personality for over 25 years. He has given accurate and insightful psychic readings to clients ranging from everyday citizens to celebrities, people in law enforcement, clergy, judges, attorneys and business CEOs... READ MORE

Classical/World/ New Age Instrumental Review: Kim Angelis-Passages

Release Date: January 15, 2020

Label: Cantocielo Music

Website

Kim Angelis has recorded a lot of music over the years. Her most recent effort is Passages. As indicated in her bio on her website, her foundation in classical music is readily apparent. What comes after that foundation is amazing!

Passages has some incredible virtuoso violin playing. What you will witness is an aural explosion of colors and sound. This a woman taking that classical foundation to new heights of progressive improvisation and turning into a fascinating gypsy-inspired sound with all kinds of elements mixed in for an original sound.

The recording has nine tracks that come at you one after another, full speed ahead. If you have enjoyed other violin artists such as Jean Luc-Ponty and David Ragsdale etc., you will find great joy in this album. I know that great players go back to the days of Bach, so perhaps that is where this talented lady first received the gift of inspiration and creativity that brought her to this place she is in now.

The very first track just blew me away to be perfectly honest. “Lavender Farm” sounds like it should be a soft and gentle introduction to this music that unfolds before you. Well, do not read into that title, this track has plenty of high-level energy and cultural magnificence driving it along. The farm she dedicated the track to is a real place in IIwaco Washington, which is a garden of delights according to track notes included with the fold-out CD cover. I did add it to my New Age Music Reviews Spotify Playlist without a second thought. It is the second-longest track clocking in at 7:51. “The Promise,” another full-fledged classic instrumental track, finishes at 9:19.

How many instrumental violin tracks have you heard that had consistency and grabbed your attention for that long? There are not many that can do that, the previously mentioned Ponty, could do it for me, but then again, I am far from being a violin expert or one that listens to a lot of this type of music presented this way. I do believe I am missing out on an awful lot, and I am sure there is more out there that is similar but will it be this good?

“Lost and Found” illustrates that moving and danceable gypsy sound that I find alluring. It is more than just a casual listen. There are other players involved in all this music that help to heighten the lead violin sound. There is the quintessential percussion, bass, classical harp, flute, clarinet, and kalimba (which is a thumb piano) that populate the various textures and sounds in every track. It all comes together stunningly, like the magic of a gypsy spell, it sweeps you away like a warm wave of heat coming off a campfire blazing long into the night. The warmth permeates your senses, you feel it, smell it, and breathe it in, the music comes alive, and fills you up with all of its vibrations and sounds.

These Passages of time wrapped up in these nine fantastic tracks will convince you that the violin can indeed be a lead instrument if played with as much robustness and talent as one Kim Angelis.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
February 6, 2020

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
1. Lavender Farm
2. Sweet Botswana
3. Wait Until Summer
4. The Promise
5. Eagles
6. Lost and Found
7. Longing
8. Tango de Paco
9. Sequoias (Resurrected)

Classical-New Age Review: Samer Fanek-Guide Me

Release Date: December 11, 2018

Label: Independent

Website

Samer Fanek is a talented keyboard player. I covered his debut WishfulThinking two years ago. I gave it a 5-star rating and I have no reason to believe things would be different with his new offering Guide Me. This is an instrumental recording filled with classical and contemporary music with a new age feel.

According to the artist, the first track “Grand Opening,” is intended to be exactly what it says it is. The curtain opener is an exciting burst of colors and energy that has you envisioning a scene in an action movie or an emotional still picture with a soundtrack to make it come alive. It is an amazing song but it does not set the tone for the album that most opening tracks do because of the eclectic nature of the overall presentation. “Chasing Time” is similar to the high level of energy and general pace.

What you will discover while listening are different moods, a story being told through the fingers and ivory keys. There is no doubt that this music can move you and it is meant to. The changing tides of sound and textures are a credit to Samer’s characteristic creativity and tastefulness. It can give the astute listener an opportunity to step outside any sort of emotional bubble one may feel trapped in.

An interesting point is the artist spent the last two years dealing with his own life and through the music found a path to enlightenment…a point of letting go and allowing himself to walk through the door of change and renewal. This is what Samer’s music can do for anyone. The first step is hitting play and letting the music encapsulate your surroundings and then changing your thought process. That is a monumental change for anyone feeling stress, distraught or just sad and lonely. If you have heard anyone say “I can be in a room with 300 people and feel alone,” then that gives you an idea of the level of pain one individual could be feeling. I think the key is to own whatever it is you are feeling at the moment then be ready to let go and move on with the help of the music.

Guide Me is an extraordinary musical achievement that will give listeners the occasion to feel what the artist is feeling and what part they may be playing in the story. Sometimes, for me, it feels like I take on my own part in the story and get this flood of feelings and emotions listening to this music, and then any isolation I may be feeling just slips away. On the positive side of the coin, there is a necessary solitude that I enjoy. It recharges my inner batteries and gives my soul a shot of light and hopefulness. It may sound complicated to some folks but it certainly works for my listening experience.

As the music guided Samer it will guide you to another space and time with a mindset that can give you a healing internally that you will come to expect from this music. I had set the bar very high for Samer on his sophomore release and he came through with another instrumental masterpiece.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

December 10, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Grand Opening
02. Long Time Ago
03. Newborn
04. Now You See
05. Guide Me
06. Guardian
07. Before Dawn
08. Chasing Time
09. For Lila
10. Sense of Purpose
11. Back to Hometown

New Age-Classical-World Review: Sangeeta Kaur-mirrors

Release Date: September 21, 2018

Label: Sangeeta Kaur Music

Website

This time last year I was introduced to Sangeeta Kaur with her amazing album Ascension - Niguma Vol. 2 The Mantra Project. It was easy for me to tag it as a 5-star album. I was genuinely moved by her music.

Mirrors is Sangeeta Kaur’s third New Age/Classical Crossover album. The album features renowned composer and producer, Nicolas Neidhardt on piano and keyboard as well as the multi-instrumentalist, Dat Nguyen on guitars and flute. These excellent musicians become the quintessential element that elevates the vocalist to where she needs to be.

Once again, I am mesmerized by this woman’s voice. Mirrors can give a listener so much potential. I found it to be relaxing assurance, peace, and a smile was inside me just bursting to come out. This music and Sangeeta’s voice is something to celebrate.

The music is an effective combination of new age, classical, world and vocals. The difference in this recording is it was not recorded to match a stage presentation on the level of the last album. I can envision a multi-media project built around this music, however. The strongest instrument is Sangeeta’s voice. The musicianship is precise and quite beautifully arranged to accompany and accentuate a great vocalist. This combination worked well and at this point, there is no doubt there is a great vocalist that we all need to discover. Well, here she is, if you have not heard her, you need to. Even if you are not a fan of this type of music you can appreciate the talents of Sangeeta.

With Mirrors, I heard some more music presented in a different language and again, I was very pleased. I felt it was done just right, her warmth and sincerity come through the music with tremendous impact while at the same time gently inviting you in to partake in the festivities.

I think Mirrors says a lot through the music and the CD cover. This really does mirror the soul of a woman that wants to give you every ounce of energy that she can give. This music can mirror you the listener, it can give you purpose, validation, and clarity. That is the purpose of any good meditation or relaxation music. If you can sync with the music and feel the vibrations and tones, you will be swept away instantly, I can promise you that, and you will love it!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 19, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
1. Bring It Down
2. Dust In The Wind
3. I'm Not Gonna Break
4. Adoro Te Devote
5. Mother Earth
6. If Time Stood Still
7. Sa Ta Na Ma Meditation - To Make The Impossible, Possible
8. Thank You

New Age/Classical/Ambient Review: Karen Olson-SongPath

Release Date: July 13th, 2018

Label: Soundview Records

Website

SongPath is Karen Olson's 8th CD release and is a companion to her soon to be published book entitled, SoundPath: Using the Power of Sound and Silence for Health, Harmony, and Happiness. Notably, SongPath is in the top 10 on four Billboard charts including Classical and #3 as the Highest-Ranking Debut New Age Album so far in 2018.

According to Karen’s website: She combines her unique background as a Violist, Recording Artist, Composer, Author, and intuitive Holistic Healer, to make a positive difference in the lives of others through interactive programming, events, and concert performances that are fun, inspiring, and transformative.

Karen Olson is a respected healer, practitioner, and musician. With SongPath she adds to her already incredibly impressive resume of releases and has reached the pinnacle (thus far) of her musical achievements for variety, depth, and healing.

I think after listening to her latest offering I can agree with that statement. I covered A Hero’s Journey in 2016 and was quite impressed. It is nice to find out 2 years later that I feel the same about her music.

SongPath is very wide-ranging. One of the tracks that caught me completely off guard was “New Ways.” It is an electronic-R&B- rap style song. I think it was titled appropriately considering I never expected to hear such a big change in direction on this album. Olivia Meihofer provides the excellent vocals as she does on other songs as well. I give Karen credit for stretching out musically and taking a chance. I enjoyed the song because it was so different and done very well. I imagine there will be new age fans that will probably not appreciate it but that is ok. All the rest of the album is more along the lines of what you would expect from Karen.

With her “New Ways” you will find “Inspiration” and “Serenity” and an “Adventure” inside the music. All of that is wrapped in a nice package for the prospective listener.

Personally, if I can find pleasure in any type of music, it is healing. It doesn’t necessarily have to have a certain tag on it for it to work, but that is for me. In this case, the label of new age, classical and ambient certainly fits. What you will discover is joy, healing and quite a range of sounds and styles that would satisfy any musical palette.

SongPath is a prolific release from my viewpoint mainly based on the fact the lead instrument is a viola. That my music loving friends is not an easy task to accomplish, yet Karen Olson makes it sound like it is all very natural, with very concise musicianship and a flow that syncs with your inner voice and soul. That covers it all as far as I am concerned.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 9, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
1. Ever Peace
2. Why Not
3. Adventure
4. Moving Higher
5. Reminding
6. Inspiration
7. New Ways
8. Gaining Grace
9. Serenity

Instrumental Ambient/New Age/Classical Review: Barbara Hills-The Flowers Suite

Release Date: August 1, 2018

Label: House in the Wood Productions

Website

Barbara Hills likes to refer to her music as “painting sound.” Interesting enough is the fact that she does paint, and flowers are her specialty. One of the examples is the cover of her latest release The Flowers Suite. What you find out after hearing her music is how these two things can go hand in hand.

I also have referred many times over the years to music as taking a blank canvas a filling it with colors, feelings, atmospheres, and life. In the same thought process, any listener can then do the same while and paint their own canvas in their mind. I always have been able to create some kind of running story or images listening to moving instrumental music. With The Flowers Suite I found that ability to do so quite easily, it was a natural transition. She also takes sounds of nature and her surroundings and blends it with her music to get a wonderful result.

What I appreciated the most about The Flowers Suite was how eclectic it was. All twelve tracks have their own personality, a different painting if you will from the multi-talented artist. The most moving songs for me were “Sweet William,” it captured my imagination and stirred my spirit, then “Hedgerow Walk” really got my attention. The “Hedgerow Walk” is an entertaining 16 minutes of progressive ambient instrumental music. Granted 16 minutes is a long run for any track however if it is done properly it can mesmerize the listener. In the case of this particular a musical stretching of thoughts and forms, it most certainly sounded like music being painted into your consciousness. I think the end result is quite amazing. It is a great example of an artist using all of the talents and instrumentations at her disposal to create something special and memorable for the instrumental music fan.

If you happen to fancy ambient music with some changing scenery this will be a real pleasure. It is all done with a new age flair and a solid foundation of classical to hold it all together. It is an omnibus of sounds and colors conjoining to make a beautiful painting.

The Flowers Suite is a triumph of sound and art for Barbara Hills. I am certain that any instrumental music fan can find appreciation somewhere amongst the bounty of sounds that this talented lady provides. I think this recording could serve as soundtrack music for the film industry or for an individual searching to create their own soundtrack or painting in the mind's eye. I highly recommend giving this album a thorough listen as there is so much just waiting for you to discover!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 30, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Love-In-A-Mist
02. Among Lilies
03. Through Iris Halls
04. The First Snowdrop
05. When Cherry Blossoms Fall
06. On Hawkweed Bank
07. Sweet William
08. Forget-Me-Nots
09. Creeping Buttercup
10. Where Heather Grows
11. Hedgerow Walk
12. Canyons Of The Black Tulip

Instrumental New Age-Chill-Classical Review: Richard Dillon-Terra Incognito-The Space Between Us

Release Date: February 14, 2018

Label: Independent

Website

Before settling in and taking in Terra Incognito-The Space Between Us, I thought about the three albums I had the pleasure of covering last year. I got to know Richard through Ring Around The Moon, Irish Mist and The Land of Nod Lullabies for the Listless. There is a saying…familiarity breeds contempt, in this that could not be further from the truth. Having a comfort zone before I started made it even easier for me to get into my mindset for listening.

Although I do have that zone with Richard’s music, I certainly never know what to expect from him one album to the next. The only realistic expectation I have is that his music will be a great experience from start to finish.

Terra Incognito is unfamiliar territory, a new path or journey one is experiencing. A similar term, Terra Incognita, is in reference to territories that have not be mapped. To put it in layman’s terms, this is the unknown. Like Captain Kirk and his crew aboard the starship enterprise, we embark upon a journey with wonder and excitement, with no prior knowledge of what will come our way.

Terra Incognito-The Space Between Us is everything that I just discussed. Such diversity presented so well deserves a hearty salute and tip of the cap. Richard manages to record 24 tracks and some redux’s with an energy and grace that comes flowing through the music like a steady running stream.

The colors are changing all the time on this recording. From track to track you just do not know what is coming next. It is like having Christmas at your own private music shop and Richard is the sole proprietor. The reason this recording is so eclectic is that it takes past recordings and weaves them together to encompass orchestration and licensing going back to 1984 all the way to present day.

It is music for movies, documentaries, commercials, just about anything you can imagine. Instrumental music is much more flexible when it comes to using it for various media purposes. I really appreciated the ground covered musically and the titles range from “In Search of Chocolate” to “Leonardo’s Flying Machine.” There is no connection whatsoever with those two tracks but yet they find a home here in this collection.

Terra Incognito-The Space Between Us unites us as listeners and human beings even though it is unchartered territory, our similarities and the world around us is what makes us one planet and one people. It is like taking a “Light of Peace” to heal us and help us to grow in many ways. The universal healer and language of music once again can be the answer.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 5, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Whalesong (Redux)
02. Green Flash (Redux)
03. The Space Between
04. Dust Devil
05. Ice Dancer (Redux)
06. Color Me
07. In Search of Chocolate
08. Leonardo's Flying Machine
09. Beside Still Waters (Redux)
10. Papillon (Redux)
11. Lead Kindly Night
12. It's All Right (Redux)
13. Cars
14. Voyager
15. Into the Mines
16. He Leadeth Me Beside Still Waters (Redux)
17. A Different Time a Different Place (Redux)
18. Light of Peace (Redux)
19. Goodbye for Now
20. Sea of Forgetfulness
21. Ha Long Bay
22. Missing You
23. January Moon (Redux)
24. I Could Care Less

Instrumental New Age-Classical-Jazz Fusion Review: Psychic Equalizer - The Lonely Traveller

Release Date: January 20, 2017
Label: Milvus
Website

Hugo Selles provides much of the instrumentation on The Lonely Traveller, from his Psychic Equalizer project. Along with a host of other musicians Selles performs on piano, keyboards, and synths; electric and classical guitar, drums, and vibraphone. He has also composed two movie soundtracks along his journey. Selles has been a student of music and has attained degrees and a wealth of practical experience.

This is expressionism to its fullest extent. The musical canvas provided is as diverse as the people on the cover of the album. Of course, this the whole point. There are no barriers creatively while creating a crossover sound that is bound touch many listeners. The music touches upon the spectrum of the human condition while growing up. The meaning, moods and atmospheres could easily reflect the many changes we go through in life.

The Lonely Traveller stirs the musical pot with new age, classical, jazz, and rock. I think it’s a wonderful thing that one man could add each layer of musical parts to each track and successfully create a cohesive entity.

A few of the tracks are workouts such as “Lovers Meet,” “Mezuz,” my favorite track and “An Ocean of Changes 1-1V,” which is literally filled with so many changes it is hard to keep track. Bordering on Acid Jazz/Rock, it is a wall of sounds. “An Ocean of Changes V-V1” is lot shorter and palpable for the average listener. Keep in mind however this is not music made for the “average” listener. This is a thought provoking mind expanding journey. A journey that I think you will find quite incredible knowing one man created it on his own.

The Lonely Traveller comes up in iTunes as Unknown Genre, now that is befitting what this music offers the listener looking for originality. I think any artist would take that as a compliment. The music cannot be categorized because it stands on its own as a work of art and sincere craftsmanship. There is true talent at work here and to think this is only the beginning for Mr. Hugo Selles.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 22, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
01. Mezuz
02. An Ocean of Changes (I-IV)
03. The Lonely Traveller
04. Lágrimas
05. Adrift
06. Peña Labra
07. Flying over the Caucasus
08. Lovers Meet
09. A Collection of Marbles
10. An Ocean of Changes (V-VI)
11. A Visit to Adelaide
12. Nørrebro
13. Never Lose Hope (Bonus Track

New Age-Classical-Electronica Review: Anaya Music With Live Symphony Orchestra-Eternity

Release Date: August 19, 2016

Label: Anaya Music

Website

Anaya Music and the latest release titled Eternity is all about collaboration. Anaya Music is Anaya, Tania Mara Botelho, Steve Salani and members of the Prague Symphony Orchestra.

I am one of the first to admit you cannot match the experience of being at a concert as to sitting and listening to CD. There are instances in my listening experiences inside the confines of my home that have elevated my spirit and given me positive energy and hope. Eternity turns out to be one of those instances. The parts from the orchestra are live however, so we get the best of both worlds. This is where technology and live off the floor music collide to explode into sights and sounds that will stir your soul.

What I found interesting was how the use of technology made this project come together. Over the oceans these artists added their parts and eventually it became a whole. With the help of many talented people and the sum of its parts scattered about the globe coming together through the advances of communication and modern recording, this became a musical entity. It truly is amazing how all of that works. It is even more of a celebration when it all meets to make the most beautiful and picturesque sounds and colors arriving through your speakers.

Anaya ends the liner notes by saying “Our best instrument is the universal harmony of being.” That one thought and the vibrations it creates is the perfect lead in to this cinematic recording. The soundscapes shaped and molded are things of beauty and grace that can take your spirit to a higher plain. I do believe that is the intent of music like this. Enlightened spirits leading others down the path of light and love…it works well if you allow the music to transport you as the pressures of the world melt away.

The entire listening experience was so enjoyable and uplifting that I felt disappointed that it ended and it seemed to end much too soon. From where I sit that is the highest compliment I can pay to any artist.

Eternity is a blessing to all that will hear it so make sure you give it a few spins and find what I found inside the music.

4.5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

January 9, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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