Contemporary Instrumental-New Age Review: Omar Akram-Moments of Beauty

Release Date: July 7, 2023

Label: ‎Independent

Website

Omar Akram’s Moments of Beauty immediately gets your attention with fantastic artwork on the cover. Ultimately, you want the art to correspond to the music you are presenting along with the message in the music. That is what is accomplished very well on his most recent album.

 

The title track has a catchy melody and a peaceful and relaxing start. It gently caresses your senses and lets you into the world of this talented artist.

 

Tracks like “Dancing On My Own” carry loneliness, which exemplifies that feeling. The mood is translated well, yet the music remains beautiful as if to say enjoy the space and privacy of your world created in the dance.

 

“Sorrow” accomplishes the effect of the track title as well. Omar is accompanied by a lovely violin for more emphasis on the sadness. Once again, through his piano, he portrays that feeling and mood painted on the canvas of human emotion and turns it into something beautiful.

Then, “Promises” are kept through his nimble fingers as he takes you, the listener, through a timeless channel of instrumental music that delivers a soundscape of beauty and color. It is one of the most relaxing and meditative compositions on the recording.

 

There are so many Moments of Beauty in the ten tracks offered. I am continually intrigued by artists like Omar Akram. Taking one instrument and sustaining an original sound from start to finish is an incredible accomplishment. Instrumental music enhanced with synths, drums, bass, etc., makes it much more interesting, entertaining, and engaging.

 

The flow of this type of music is essential to the success you desire to bring to an audience. Omar does that with regularity in Moments of Beauty. 

 

As a listener and an individual who appreciates this kind of presentation, many factors come into play to get my attention and keep it. Many listeners approach music this way, particularly if they are looking for something that helps them spiritually or to unwind. This music will get you there quickly; I can promise you that.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

December 14, 2023

Tracks:

01. Moments Of Beauty 3:28

02. Passage Of Time 3:25

03. Dancing On My Own 3:35

04. Sorrow 2:09

05. Falling In Love 3:26

06. Promises 3:50

07. Special Gift 3:22

08. Mystery 4:36

09. Someday 3:14

10. Walking Free 4:01

Contemporary Instrumental New Age Review: Orchestra Indigo-Farewell To Memories

Release Date: September 9, 2022

Label:  ‎Independent

Website

Rick Randlett is a blues artist with five albums in circulation. Orchestra Indigo is a separate project he created playing synthesizers and piano. His new journey began when COVID shut the world down, and he began exploring ambient new-age music. Farewell To Memories is the result of his studies and creations. When you look at the captivating view provided by the cover art, it is very suggestive. Are you ready to walk down that dock and jump in to see what will happen? I was prepared to go and take a swim through this music.

Just for a point of reference, the name of this project you may find has some interesting cross references. Indigo children, according to a pseudoscientific New Age concept, are children who are believed to possess unique, unusual, and sometimes supernatural traits or abilities. So, this music is the orchestra's child since it is the first release of this type of music. And, it certainly does have some magic and special abilities to change your feelings, brain waves, and well-being.

Farewell to Memories reflects on growing up in New England, with the title track and album title a direct reference to a return visit upon the passing of his mother several years ago. So, seeing this passing of a parent was his farewell to many things. I lost both my parents many years ago, and I have to admit that many memories have faded with time; however, there is not a day that goes by when I do not think of them. Life goes on, and death happens. It is our destiny to live and die; we do not know when that time will be. I saw a saying the other day that made sense, "Live life like it's your first day and your last." Some sound advice, to be sure. 

Rick used synthesizer strings to create his orchestra of ambient sounds and colors. Some of it does have a feeling of sadness and letting go. Such as the resolute piano in "Daybreak," which gently introduces the layers of synth for a pleasant feeling of floating on top of the primary instrument. I imagine the artist's intent with this type of composition would be that you are very relaxed and have that feeling of detachment from the physical world. In your mind, you can float away to another frame of reference or plane of existence, if you will. All tracks on offer here give the listener something to feel and find inside their soul. That sounds deep, I know, music is a powerful tool that can let you dig down and pull things out that need to be looked at, and then you can process it and move on.

Buddhists refer to our suffering as samsara, and we can reach dharma (In Buddhism, dharma means cosmic law and order but is also applied to the teachings of the Buddha-i.e., karma) through meditation and removing the thoughts of attachment to all things physical on this plane. I discovered a strong correlation between new-age music and the practice of Buddhism. And from there sought more knowledge and have continued to do so. Music like this, any instrumental recording made for relaxation or meditation, brings me to another discipline. That is just one example that is worthy of note.

As I made my way through each track on Farewell to Memories, it engaged me in many ways, triggering a thought process of feelings, including sadness, hope, joy, and the promise of a new day. This music can and will renew your spirit. You are the door that either opens or closes to this opportunity. It was my choice to listen and open the door. The result was a healing of my consciousness, direct and indirect thought process, and, most of all, my heart. As the track says, "Hope Is Eternal," it never rests. It is a part of us all; whether you acknowledge that or not, that is your choice. I always find some hope every day regardless of what transpires. And this music brought those thoughts to the forefront of my mind.

This is a distance away from the blues music this artist typically creates. For him, it was a creative and healing process; for the listeners, it can be whatever you need it to be. That is music's beauty and eclectic nature and the sounds you will hear on Farewell to Memories.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

September 9, 2022

Tracks:

01. Farewell To Memories 5:57

02. Distant Worlds 4:57

03. In The Aftermath 3:30

04. A Time Of Solitude 4:42

05. Twilight Falls 3:49

06. Daybreak 4:25

07. Lights On A Distant Shore 3:46

08. A Perfect Summer Day 4:44

09. Mysteries 4:18

10. Hope Eternal 4:37

11. First Snow 4:02

12. One Last Look 5:16

Contemporary Instrumental-New Age Review: Dan Chadburn-Always

Release Date: August 1, 2022

Label:  ‎Independent

Website

When you have performed for audiences at Carnegie Hall (New York), Symphony Hall (Boston), and The Kennedy

Center (Washington, DC), there is a level of acceptance recognized worldwide by the music community. For Dan Chadburn, these are just a few of his accomplishments over the years.

He released Always in August of this year. The keyboard's colors are illustrated on the release artwork and in his music. 

With tracks like "Yesteryear," he paints the picture suggested in the title without words with poignancy and beauty.

The twelve tracks on Always are like walking through a musical spiral staircase of life's emotions and events. The track "Uncertainty" puts that idea into perspective with grace and purposefulness. The pace and rhythms are moving with a genuine feeling that finds a way to soothe your doubts with the simplicity of solo piano music. Its pure beauty and message are clear as day and the blue sky above. It is also one of the most extended tracks on the album, giving the listener time to absorb the meaning entirely.

"Missing You" is another track that pulls on your heartstrings. I felt deeply moved by the way it was presented. While straightforward, the music has a hypnotic effect that draws you in, and you start reliving things in the corners of your mind and soul. That is what I call music doing its job well. 

Creating the sound and colors without words needs to be robust, clear, and concise to ensure you are paying attention and your mind does not drift elsewhere. That fact alone is the reason it can be so relaxing and used to help you reach a meditative state. I can see that mission was accomplished from the twelve tracks I enjoyed.

This music can be your "Wishing Well" and where you can realize "Synchronicity" with your mind, body, and spirit. And for this listener's ears, that is precisely what I seek when I listen to music like you will find on Always.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

August 28, 2022

Tracks:

01. Always 3:14

02. Uncharted Waters 3:22

03. OShenandoah 3:27

04. Turning Point 4:44

05. Yesteryear 3:12

06. Minuet 2:42

07. Uncertainty 4:12

08. Missing You 3:07

09. The Wishing Well 3:31

10. Sacred Breath 3:26

11. Synchronicity 2:48

12. Final Curtain 3:28

Contemporary Instrumental-New Age Review: Tim Sadow and Mike Kopp-Out of The Mist

Release Date: December 20, 2021

Label:  ‎Independent

Website: https://timsadow.com/ / http://mikekoppmusic.com

Tim Sadow (violin, viola) and Mike Kopp (guitar, bass) collaborate on a new release titled Out of The Mist.

The duo's music within the nine tracks is a variable montage of colors, textures, vibrations, rhythms, and emotions. All of that is encompassed in every track.

"A Kite's Tale" is a beautiful introduction to what to expect going forward. The energy is contagious and moving in many different directions. I found it quite enjoyable and immediately respected the gentleman creating all of this entertaining music.

One of my favorites was "As The River Runs." I could honestly picture a flowing river in my mind's eye. The first part of the song was fast-moving, like a rushing river after a hard rainfall. Subsequently, the music takes on a slower pace, like a smooth-running stream on a hot summer's day. The music played is so powerfully convincing that you can envision what the track's title is suggesting.

Tim's violin and viola find the perfect bedfellow with Mike's acoustic guitar and bass lines. The viola has a hint of sadness at times, and the violin can reach the range of human emotions. The blend of their artistry is significant. It shines brightly in all of the tracks. Every track takes a different turn with some nice changes as well. The way they all start will get your attention. "Pins and Needles" was another excellent example of their synergy on display. It is an upbeat track with high energy woven into every second. You get some violin, dare I say shredding, during a few moments.

You can't put names and genres on this music because it doesn't fit into any box. If pressed to define it, I would call it contemporary instrumental with some Celtic influences, easy listening with a new age flavor and ambiance; it's all of that. The point is that Out of The Mist is an entirely accessible and enjoyable listen for many types of listeners. That is not always the easiest thing to accomplish, and its success is an outstanding achievement.

Out of The Mist brought me much joy and hit all the sensory areas where I find the most peace and enjoyment, which equals out to spirituality.

Out of The Mist ends most interestingly with "Space Chatter," which was a surprise ending compared to all the other tracks. I did appreciate it; it was very progressive, and actually, I thought of something Jean Luc Ponty would have done during the height of his popularity. Coming from that perspective, I don't think I could get more complimentary! And lord knows there is nothing better than a surprise ending to an album you loved right from the start. They could not have finished it in a better way.


Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
December 7, 2021

Tracks:
1. A Kite's Tale  3:27
2. Song Of The Circle 3:45
3. Desperate Measures   3:02
4. Dance Of The Leaves   3:50
5. As The River Runs  3:54
6. To Speak Of Love    3:28
7. Behind The Waterfall  4:53
8. Pins And Needles    3:56
9. Space Chatter    3:58

Mike Kopp · A Kite's Tale

Contemporary Instrumental New Age Review: Various Artist - Fall Flight (myndstream)

Release Date: November 19, 2021

Label:  ‎myndstream

Website

With the change of seasons and Fall ushered in, the myndstream label features six tracks from various artists. The compilation is appropriately titled Fall Flight.

“Autumn” with Roger Kellaway and his piano is the perfect gateway to a new season arriving and starting this compilation. His nimble fingers bring us to the change of season gently with a greeting only an acoustic piano can create—a perfect way to begin your audio journey.

 “The Golden Hour” features the acoustic guitar of Karlijn Langendijk. This one is with acoustic guitar taking a singular approach. While building the track with different strokes of the strings, it shines the light on the purity and clarity an acoustic guitar can have. The track is an example of the absolute beauty portrayed on a musical canvas.

“Insects” is from the well-known artistry of one Mr. Larrry Fast and Synergy. He has played with many great musicians during his long and successful tenor and created a bevy of solo material. Keeping with the legendary progressive sound he is known for, the music is powerful and cinematic, changing the entire mood of your listen. Perhaps the boldness and directness which contrast the previous tracks show us how the changing of seasons can be abrupt and rapid, especially for those living a more petite reality as an insect. Think of the winds blowing and the leaves creating their little cyclones on the ground and in the roads as the insects scramble to preserve their very existence.

“End of One Thing” from David Baron brings you synth sounds. The various layers are more progressive with a distinct universal and futuristic tone. It is ambient and ever-changing, showing how eclectic the synthesizer can be within one track.

“Favor from the Wind” features the acoustic guitar of Janet Noguera is another sublime track. The music creates a path to enlightenment through the vibrating strings of a guitar. The composition is acoustic divinity coming from the fingers of this talented woman. She brings you peace and joy from her soul.

“An Old Fairy Tale” by Bernward Koch features gentle piano and textures that invite you to partake in the new season ever so gently. The piano whispers like the wind that blows the leaves off the trees as they prepare for the winter. I found it to be an excellent way to close the curtain on this fantastic group of tracks while comparing and contrasting with everything that I heard preceding it.

Fall Flight is right on time to take you through the next season with many different colors, textures, and moods, which is what every new season us about, particularly with the changing colors of the leaves. It all falls into place nicely with a good flow and constant change, which the four seasons always bring with each passing year.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
November 19, 2021

 Tracks:
1.Autumn – Roger Kellaway
2. The Golden Hour – Karlijn Langendijk
3. Insects – Larry Fast/Synergy
4. End of One Thing – David Baron
5. Favor from the Wind – Janet Noguera
6. An Old Fairy Tale – Bernward Koch
   

Contemporary Instrumental New Age Review: Derek Wille-An Approaching Storm

Release Date: October 15, 2021

Label:  ‎myndstream

Website

We all need music; it's an intrinsic part of the human condition, not by coincidence. It is a direct reflection and influence on that. With that one thought alone, it encapsulates what it means to me, and it is all-inclusive. I seek sounds that move me, settle me down, enrich my spirit like nothing else on the planet. That is a tall order for sure.

Fortunately, being connected to so much of this great music is a regular event. Much of what I hear is piano-based. That may sound one-dimensional; however, that could not be further from the truth.

Derek Wille is a prolific composer and musician presenting his latest project, An Approaching Storm. The recording entails ten tracks ranging from 3:17 to 4:41 minutes in length. As you will discover upon your initial listen, the time frames are perfect for each arrangement. From my viewpoint, with music like this, I never anticipate a certain amount of time to elapse; that is irrelevant. What is important is it allows me to relax and focus on my inner spirit and put me in a better space than what I was in before I started.

All music was composed and performed by the artist with mixing by Michael Whalen and the mastering by Tom Eaton.

What I continue to have a fascination with is the versatility of the piano. Along with the complexities of each composition, it is a true mystery to me how someone can create such perfect beauty. What we hear as the listener are flowing rhythms and changing tones and colors within each track. As Derek says, "Solo piano is personal, intimate, and real..." I think that is a significant statement, and it does apply to my world and how I accept and interpret each audio work of art. Therein lies the key to the satisfaction I found in this entire recording.

I took note of the purposefulness of "Green In Blue," and my immediate thought was how the track eases into the pace. If you mix green and blue, you get blue-green, two distinct colors merging to give birth to another color. The track's speed makes you stop and think, and it worked instantly for me; others will indeed find something completely different. That is why music is so important to us all, the freedom of one's creation within the consciousness of your mind.

Speaking of rhythms, "Melody's Melody" is an excellent example of simplicity in an arrangement yet unmistakable impact one track can have. It is piano music and all its charm and ambiance on display all in under four minutes. "Cindy K." comes at a much faster pace with many elegant tinkling of the keys. It was my thought that this person must hold some significance in Derek's life. His playing is excitable yet concise and meaningful.

Those are a few examples of what you can and will experience listening to this immaculately performed and produced music. The cover art says it all, there is An Approaching Storm, and before it arrives, you can prepare the inner calm by listening.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
October 11, 2021

Tracks:
01. An Approaching Storm (3:17)
02. Last Kiss (3:43)
03. Persistence (3:52)
04. Cold Day (4:41)
05. Still Friends (4:21)
06. We Made It (4:06)
07. Song for Linie (4:14)
08. Green In Blue (4:12)
09. Melody’s Melody (3:39)
10. Cindy K. (3:55)

Contemporary Instrumental-New Age Review: Juan Sanchez-Now The Silence

Release Date: September 1, 2021

Label:  ‎Independent

Website

Shhh…Now The Silence has begun. It is time to listen only. This is for a very valid reason, what you are about to hear is the latest album from Juan Sanchez.

Juan believes in his magic that flows through his fingers to the keys. He can create a story without words. The music must be filled with expression, emotion, colors, and all that sustains life on this planet. In a physical sense that would be our environment and the food we ingest however this is more esoteric. Music, the grand healer, sweeps us away to another plane of existence, if we allow it.

In my experience that has done nothing but benefit me spiritually, mentally, and physically. It all connects from my perspective. Juan’s playing is extraordinarily beautiful and flowing. His sense of rhythm is very apparent in the music as he seamlessly moves from one track to another.

I heard nothing that did not fit the category of exceptional on this release. It is mostly all instrumental, except for vocals without words on tracks like “Tolworth.” A beautiful women’s vocalizations are as hypnotic and enchanting as they could be. It is one of my favorite tracks, and there are many. I have to be forthright and say the entire recording was enjoyed thoroughly.

Now The Silence quiets the mind, soothes the soul, and thereby relaxes the physical body. This is the main goal for anyone seeking relief, to de-stress or to just relax and let the worries of the day roll off your back. As the track “Idyllic” played I immediately identified with that word and what it meant to me. That one word encapsulates this recording perfectly.  

If a listener seeks a respite from a hard day’s work, then Now The Silence can be the miracle drug that cures all ills. You can take it without water and it starts with one click off the mouse or pushing a button on your stereo. Now that is a healthy prescription with no side effects that anyone can take.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
September 16, 2021

Tracks:
01.Very Young Old Man 3:29    
02.Luz De Luna     3:38    
03. Now the Silence 4:45    
04. Alma 3:58    
05. Woolgathering 4:32    
06. Tolworth 5:29    
07. Idyllic 3:21    
08. Remembrance 3:20    
09. Siempre     2:35    
10. Blue Nights 5:51

Contemporary Instrumental-New Age Reviews: Omar Akram-The Light Will Come

Release Date: April 23, 2021

Label: Twinbrook Entertainment, Inc.

Website

 

As my life goes by quicker with each passing day, month, and year, I find the addition of music is a quintessential element of my happiness. It brings forth the best in me and makes my heart smile. If it does not manage to do that I will not listen again. This is where the importance of all instrumental music plays such a definitive role in accomplishing changing my thought process, attitude, and overall mood and perception of the world around me.

So, what does that have to do with the new album release from pianist Omar Akram titled The Light Will Come you may ask? My answer quite simply is everything. This music is beautiful and full of rhythms that are easily assimilated and catchy while remaining different as you go from track to track. In the same instance, all ten tracks have a similar effect on you, the listener. This is piano-based instrumental contemporary music with a new age foundation in regards to the presentation, meaning, and pace.

It has become apparent to me over the last year in particular, that the presenting artists of this genre all have a commonality and purpose. And that my fellow listeners are to heal you in some way, shape, or form, however you perceive what you are hearing, in the end, we all hope to gain something from this experience. I am selfish in the sense that I have certain expectations and needs at the outset of listening and writing about this music. In all actuality, this is not much different than someone listening for pure enjoyment, but I have a dual purpose, and that is for my overall mental, physical, and spiritual health. I then attempt to convey what I can to potential listeners what they would hope to gain from listening. And the bottom line is it has to be excellent music and hold something extraordinary that clicks something inside me that propels me to write these words.

I do have difficulty at times identifying certain tracks as exceptional when the entire album is. In this case, that is exactly what happened with The Light Will Come. It does happen enough during the course of my listening journeys; however, I will say that the all-important first track has to catch my ear and get me focused as well. And the first and title track did exactly that, launching me into that “zone” where expressiveness becomes the key element in putting it all into words that everyone can understand. Once again, this is not that much different than just giving the music a spin for the enjoyment of it with no commitment attached, with the exception of what you are wishing to gain with one listen. The ultimate purpose for the recording artist is to garner emotion, then getting a reaction from a listener. This music is like a river of feelings the runs right through your heart, soul, and then to the brain for the last process of interpretation.

If I was asked to pick favorite tracks I would have to go with “The Light Will Come,” for starting things with energy, “Pressing On,” whose title alone held a lot of meaning for my life and the drive I have every day to keep learning and moving forward in a positive direction. And finally, the elegance of “Caught Dreaming,” and how it changed so much, and the lovely interludes of the singularity of the tinkling ivory keys that are added within the song.

The flow and rhythm of The Light Will Come is exceptional and the main reason I was able to connect to it so quickly. The fingers of Omar Akram are gifted with translating what his heart and spirit are conveying through the music. I heard that message from beginning to end and it will make you look at each title to see if it all makes sense. It did for me, and I hope it does for everyone that listens, and if you take the time to listen then The Light Will Come shining through, just in different intensity for each listener.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

April 23, 2021
 

Track List:
01. The Light Will Come
02. For George
03. Hear My Heart
04. For Merry
05. Waterfall
06. Since I Met You
07. Wish I Could See You
08. Pressing On
09. Caught Dreaming
10. New Morning Sun
 

Contemporary Instrumental-New Age Review: Michele McLaughlin- Sketches

Release Date: December 4, 2020

Label: Independent

Website

Michele McLaughlin just released her latest studio album Sketches just a few days ago. These are musical sketches created on a blank canvas and improvised on the first take. That sounds like it was quite a challenge however I believe this talented lady would be ready for a challenge. One listen will advise you that she was.

Michele Commented: Several of the songs were completely improvised during the recording process for this album and several were inspired by my “Monday Morning Improvisations.”

I had previously enjoyed the last three releases from Michele and would anticipate nothing but excellence. To anticipate with music at times can end in disappointment but I must stress that has never happened with this artist. Michele is smooth, precise, and she articulates her compositions clearly and crisply which can easily reach a listener.

“One Life” caught me with just the name and then the music was absolutely beautiful and fitting. It filled me with gratitude for the life I have. It also made me ponder the possibilities of having more than one opportunity to have a physical presence here on earth. Possibilities, I love that word and what it means. Michele uses her imagination and digs down deep into her soul to create this spontaneous group of tracks she calls Sketches. Look at the many colors of the piano keys on the cover of the album and it gives you some insight into what she is presenting for her listening audience.

I am taken with the simplicity and clarity of all the tracks on Sketches. The emotion for instance on “The Right Choice,” is remarkably real and touching. Michele is so gifted to be able to release such an amazing recording, and the way it was done makes it that much more incredible. My appreciation for true art runs deep and this is something that moved me for all of the reasons I have mentioned.

I could never properly express in enough words the impact of such a recording as this. It humbles me and reminds me that what I do is my way of giving back to all the artists that share their talents and incredible music with us. I am one voice of hundreds that likely feel the same way about this music.

There is joy, beauty, and sadness that are all tied into this music. The human condition is no stranger to the accompaniment of music, it has gone on for centuries. There has to be something conveyed to a relatable audience. I know that this is more difficult when you are listening to music without words. If the music has enough power and emotion then any barriers will come down and the need for lyrics melts away as you, the listener, melt into every track, becoming one with the artist and the sounds being created.

The majesty of a track like “Lost,” cannot be understated. The piano says come listen to me now! This is how music paints a picture for you with a memorable impact.

The musical Sketches created by the artist then in your mind will come to life in seconds. This is a masterful display of musical virtuosity and undeniable talent. Michele McLaughlin reaches for the stars on this group of tracks and now you can find your star by just listening. She is indeed “Unshakeable” and always has been.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews
December 8, 2020

Contemporary Instrumental New Age Review: Chris Field-Beneath The Sun

Label: Tosca Road
Release Date: September 4, 2020 
Website

Chris Field has a name in the music industry for his cinematic instrumental music in some well know music trailers. Now for his second full-length release Beneath The Sun, he continues to create instrumental music that is energizing, beautiful, and incredibly mesmerizing. I would describe it as contemporary instrumental and new age.

The epic tone of the opening track “Time Will Tell” features the beauty and the impressive rising energy of his compositions. I can tell from the very first track why he has made a name for himself with many well-known movie trailers.

Beneath The Sun will most certainly show the diversity and all-around talent this artist commands. Chris produced, composed, and performed all the music except for the Ethnic wind instrument that is credited to Sandro Friedrich on the inner CD sleeve. With all of this considered, there is a lot to listen to in each track presented.

“From The Heart” is what I say all music comes from and I like to write about it the same way. The song starts as a true cinematic adventure. I could picture some footage of a beautiful sunset or the peak of a majestic snow-capped mountain top. That is the advantage of music such as this, it allows you to encapsulate your entire being while letting your imagination take over. Watching a movie of your own making prompted by music is a beautiful thing. It is truly a gift.

The combination of instruments and effects utilized gives each track its personality and atmosphere. I certainly appreciate the diversity offered from track to track so it kept my ears glues to the speakers, wondering what was coming next. Take “Summerland” for instance, it is a total step away from the previous tracks with and a modern funky beat, jazzy keyboards, and beautifully layered orchestrations for all that to glide along on like a musical magic carpet. It was one of my favorites and it had a great rhythm and movement to it all. I could picture Times Square in NYC with all the people walking in the streets and traffic buzzing by. If you have been there pre-virus times you would understand what I mean.

Beneath The Sun is a cinematic new age instrumental recording coming from the basic foundation of classical with elements of jazz and funk peppered in between, depending on what track you are listening to. This music continually builds and evolves, which makes Chris a multitalented artist with a true vision within each track.

“Eucalyptus” is a slower-paced track with a kind of sadness to it. Like watching the story of a child growing up, going to college, getting a job, then starting a family. There is joy in watching that progression but if you are a parent, you long for the days when the children were little again and life revolved around them and all the joy that brought.

These are the ever-changing tides of life in the music. It is altogether exciting, energizing, picturesque, beautiful, and more importantly entertaining. The title track “Beneath The Sun” was effortlessly flowing and it pulled on my heartstrings so much I had to select it for my NAMR Spotify Playlist. I particularly enjoyed the guitar passages and the way the keyboards were layered and how it all moved together effortlessly. It was a ray of sunshine for this listener and very inspiring. “The Prophet” was also very uplifting and positive, it gave me a good injection of high energy and optimism, like knowing you can conquer anything that comes your way in life.

Beneath The Sun is an absolute joy of sounds, colors, and textures that any music appreciator could enjoy. For music without words, it says a lot about who we are and how creative and wonderful music can be and how it pushes a listener to places that can only be reached with its help. This can be a soundtrack to your life, a movie, or simply an incredible listening experience that you will never forget.

Remember the name Chris Field, and his masterful instrumental collection of songs titled Beneath The Sun!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-TFOV Founder
July 26, 2020

Track List:
01. Time Will Tell
02. Metamorphosis
03. From The Heart
04. Summerland
05. Eucalyptus
06. Beneath The Sun
07. Interlude
08. The Prophet
09. The Vision
10. The Journey
11. In Motion

 

Contemporary Instrumental - New Age Review: Kirsten Agresta Copely-Around The Sun

Release Date: January 31, 2020

Label: Valcope Recording Co. 

Website

I have always thought that the harp made music with the divine spirit of heaven behind it. I also believe it is one of the most difficult instruments to master never mind putting out an amazing nine-track studio album of your compositions.

Kirsten Agresta Copely has done just that this year with Around The Sun. She partnered with her husband Marc to arrive with a stunning recording of some of the most gorgeous and engaging harp music one could ever imagine.

The music market is a difficult one to break and to be playing one of the instruments that most people would not think of right away does not position you most advantageously. The shining light at the end of the ever-risky waters of the music industry has found another champion to celebrate and she happens to fit nicely into the category of the contemporary instrumental new age with a classical foundation. This is in effect, covers not just the genre itself but music as a whole. That is a statement that says it all for what Kirsten has accomplished with Around The Sun.

Kirsten takes the listener Around The Sun to experience nature and its seasons most beautifully and profoundly. Her harp echoes the brilliance of her skilled fingers. One track after another you can slide into that comfortable couch in your mind’s eye and get lost in this slice of heaven.

I was struck by the elegance of all the tracks, however it was “The Silver Swan” that created a vision of beauty that was appreciated by this listener instantly. I also added it to my NAMR Spotify Playlist without hesitation because I knew this was the one track that was special for me. Of course, that is my individual choice and that is the freedom every listener has that can never be compromised. Thank god there still are some things left untouched and sacred in this world!

Around The Sun and all moving music like it, always seems to arrive for me at the right moment in time, on the right day, and when I am at the best point of acceptance of allowing it in. This is like a switch that says “Heal Me.” The powers of music go beyond what we understand on this plane of existence and people like Kirsten Agresta Copely carry the messages from another level, a place where spirits thrive, and you can grow and expand your mind, body, and spirit. These talented artists hold the keys to unlock the gates to a better place. After hearing this music, you feel like you already walked in through that gate, and took your seat in the front row to enjoy the music and positive vibes.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
July 29, 2020

Track List:
1. Daybreak
2. Wind Made Moan
3. Persephone Rising
4. Surya
5. The Silver Swan
6. Water Lilies
7. Fall Leaves, Fall
8. Riflessioni (Reflections)
9. Winter’s Bone

Contemporary Instrumental - New Age Review: Harrison Edwards-Into The Unknown

Release Date: September 3, 2019

Label: Harrison Edwards Music

Website

Into The Unknown is the fifth proper album from Harrison Edwards. All the music is written and performed by Harrison and even the photos on the CD sleeve are by him and his son. The Northern Lights on the front are near Tromso, Norway. It is a gorgeous picture befitting the music you will hear on this album.

This is what Harrison has to say about his album on his website:

The music on this CD explores the notion that our spirits have always existed and always will. Each song tells a story about a different phase in their journey, from their initial creation at the beginning of time, throughout their human journey of discovery, revelation, and finding peace, and about their ultimate return to the spirit world as they travel through eternity in search of the Great Mystery.

This comes at a perfect time for me as I just lost my brother a few days ago and I am wondering where he went after he passed. I think we all wish we knew where our loved ones were and had the opportunity to communicate with them somehow once they leave this physical existence. It surely is a journey Into The Unknown.

This is incredibly beautiful music. All the instrumentation blends perfectly making for a soundtrack to find solace in the day, a quiet place in the heart and soul, or a time for regeneration of your energy. It all brings you light, filled with the emotive paintbrush of one talented artist that can be a self-sufficient music multi-tasker.

The opening track grabbed my attention right away and I added it to my New Age Music Reviews Spotify Playlist. While some of the tracks offer the time to chill and reflect others serve as an epic trip to another time and place, perhaps somewhere across the globe from your current location. That came to mind while I was listening to “Revelation.” No surprise there, considering the title of the track. So maybe when we take the spirit form and are still bound to earth before we ascend upwards to the heavens, we can travel from one point to another at the speed of light? If we are in the form of a spirit, I suppose that is possible.

That is what music like this does for me, it pushes me to think and explore the possibilities of the subject matter that is being offered in the music and track titles… if you listen the music will reach out to you and give you this gift.

Thank you, Harrison Edwards, for the timing of hearing this beautiful music and how it gave more meaning to the passing of another loved one. It helped my heart to start healing and gave me hope that there is a better place in the afterlife for all of us.  

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

October 8, 2019

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Tracks:  
01. First Light  
02. The Awakening
03. The Dawn Land
04. Into the Unknown
05. Discovery
06. Revelation
07. Finding Peace
08. The Arrows of Time
09. Into the Light
10. Reawakening
11. On Heaven's Shores
12. The Great Mystery