Showing posts with label David J. Pena. Show all posts
Showing posts with label David J. Pena. Show all posts

Contemporary Instrumental Review: David J. Pena-Zero Gravity

Release Date: October 6, 2023

Label: Independent

Website

David J. Pena is one of the more productive piano artists, releasing music regularly and adding to the growing archive. I cannot imagine how it must feel to create music that will leave a legacy for lifetimes. What a blessing.

Zero Gravity is due on October 6th. 

 

The first track and title, “Zero Gravity,” put the vastness of the universe into the eyes of the astronaut floating above Earth. The piano playing and orchestration are heavenly, and it has a floating light-than-air feel, setting the perfect tone to make it as accurate as possible. It was an excellent way to start the recording. I like it when an artist chooses the title track to lead off; it makes sense.

 

Everyone has dreams. It is up to every individual to seek those things they desire. Sitting around waiting for something to happen never served anyone well. The piano playing is beautiful and engaging while orchestrations reach a peak; David knows how to create the peaks and valleys of our emotions where “Dreams We Shared” are born and sometimes dashed or forgotten. The rule of karma is you get back what you put into life, good, bad, or indifferent. 

 

This is the “Hour Glass” of life we all must come to terms with. We are going from the top in little grains of sand to the bottom, where our presence here in the physical form ends. The finality of that can be daunting, not knowing what happens until you get there. I think we have some ideas based on stories of people dying and then coming back. Is it different for everyone based on what they did while they were here? Will be “Forgiven” for any wrongs and enter the next life seamlessly? I think our consciousness leaves our bodies and enters a collective consciousness known to many as the spirit world or ether at Zero Gravity, where our friends and family have left and are “Awaiting Your Return.” You can only “Daydream” until you arrive.

 

“Will You Dance” are steps created by the keys of a piano, subtly and elegantly, as only David can present it. As with the previous tracks, the finishing touches are the orchestrations accompanying him. Is this the dance of life, or a serenade from one to another sending an invitation to join in their dance? It is the dance the listener hears and sees forming in their mind as the song plays through. It is warm, and it touched my heart.

 

“Renewed” or renewal is a significant word in English. Does the music you hear energize you, or does it cause time to reflect or to come up with an answer to a question that can only be solved by looking within? Beautiful piano-based music with moving orchestrations can initiate many things for a listener. In the end, will you feel renewed in some way? I would answer that with a resounding yes, but that is for me; what will it be for you? Listen and find out.

 

“Childhood Memories” are so sweet and unforgettable. I felt sadness while listening to this track. Life is so fleeting, and although my childhood was long ago, I will always hold certain aspects dear to my heart. That is why I will never let go of those times and feelings. We cannot make the past come back, but we can relive parts of it, the stories that never grow old and stored in our hearts and minds. This piece was so moving for me; it did bring a tear to my eye. I, at times, long for the simple life I once had. It served as a gentle reminder of the importance of things in the past.

 

Those are some of my favorite tracks. Of course, there is more to be listened to and explored. And it would be best to let go of the day and all the thoughts running through your mind; finding that way is through music like David Pena can offer you Zero Gravity.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

September 11, 2023

Tracks: 
01. Zero Gravity 
02. Hour Glass 
03. Dreams We Shared 
04. Will You Dance 
05. Renewed 06. 
Childhood Memories 
07. Forgiven 
08. Jeannette 
09. Daydream 
10. Awaiting Your Return

Contemporary New Age Instrumental Review: David J. Pena-Winds of Change

Release Date: September 17, 2021

Label:  ‎Independent

Website

Nearly one year ago I felt the joy of listening to David J. Pena on his Thinking of You release. Once again, his energetic, cinematic, beautiful piano playing reaches new heights on Winds of Change.

The title of the recording is very appropriate for our times. Chances are you have come across similarly addressed albums. I most certainly have and feel it is quite appropriate. Over the past two years, we have been in a whirlwind of change, that is continuing. As the earth rotates so do our lives and the musical projects we are gifted with on a regular basis.

From the majestic title track filled with sounds of lightning, you will feel the impact of this music from start to finish. It is all at once anticipatory, filled with the colors of a 4th of July celebration and the conquering sounds of drums after making it yet again to the highest peak on a seemingly impossible climb at the start. Yes, this is inspirational music that excites, brims with confidence, and fills your heart with joy and hope.

In a world where we can get information in seconds and ruin an individual’s life with a sentence on social media, we all need to slow down, reset, and remember from whence we came. Maybe “Someday” we will all take stock of our lives and realize what is really important. And tracks like that give you the clearing of the consciousness and the ability to see what is in front of you and beyond, casting aside the clutter that pummels us every day everywhere we look. It seems inescapable however we do have a choice to flip that switch and let artists like David J. Pena work his magic through those wondrous ivory keys.

The Winds of Change are coming through every day and we can embrace it or walk against its force. I for one wish to listen, try to understand it, how it affects my daily life and reality, and how I as an individual can help push the change along with a little help from our friends. Thank you once again David for brightening my day and creating a clear sky with sparkling shining stars to gaze at and witness the miracle of life and wonders that are given to us. Through music, we can all heal. Now is the time to “Take Flight” and go on your “Wise Men’s Journey.”


Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
September 13, 2021

Tracks:
01. Homecoming
02. Awakening
3. The Arrival
04. Remember When
005. Winds Of Change
06. Someday
07. Windy Shadows
08. Willow
09. Wise Men’s Journey
10. Take Flight