New Age-Holiday Review: Ed Bazel-The Christmas Sessions: Season's Greetings From Studio 2

Release Date: November 15, 2024

Label: New Thought Records

Website

Ed Bazel has been one of the busier recording artists this year. It seems like I get one review done, and a few months later, there is another album in front of me to enjoy. Of course, time is transient differently for everyone. In my case, as I get older, it seems to move so much faster.

Now that another Holiday is upon us, it's time for my first seasonal review. I anticipate an illuminating experience with Ed at the helm, doing things his own way. The tracks are given a diverse range of interpretations, each with its unique sound, ensuring they pay tribute to their legendary status while offering a fresh perspective.

Ed has some featured artists that add their talents to the recording to make it all complete, which includes:

Flute: John McMurtery

Cello: Vivian Barton Dozor

Violin: Nina Vieru

Mallet Percussion: Louis Anthony deLise (Tracks 1, 5, 11) and Alex Carter (Track 6)

"It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" starts with a familiar melody. Immediate recognition rings in your consciousness and spirit. As the piano keys dance across his fingers effortlessly, you feel the profound emotional depth that the music brings, resonating with the true spirit of the Holiday. A cello accompanies him, adding a layer of depth to the interpretation.

"Christmas Time is Here" brings the Charlie Brown cartoon to my mind. This song, along with others like "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem", forms a cohesive narrative of the holiday season. That instantaneous recognition brightens your spirit and makes your heart smile. It's short and sweet, quite lovely, and soothing.

"O Little Town of Bethlehem" starts, and the variations of his keyboard accuracy bend and shape the notes most beautifully. The tradition of the song's original composition and melody is held intact as Ed goes through the paces, and the cello enters again towards the end to add some emotion.

"Silent Night" is perhaps one of the most recognized and revered compositions in the world. With the piano keys expressing their own emotional style, it takes on a flavor all its own without diminishing the original intent of the treasured track. This time, the violin joins the keys and answers the melody to perfection, like an echo for Ed's playing, so touching and sweet.

"O Come All Ye Faithful" continues the flow of classic Holiday songs. It fills your soul with love and joy—it's just that simple. I like the way the track builds with the piano's interplay with the flute. I noticed a stronger bass sound with the keys, which resonated so well. The addition of the gentle flute provides some balance, along with the snippets of cello.

"The Christmas Song" is another one that instantly brings the words to you. This is what everyone who hears this will likely enjoy the most. The perfect sound of the keys echoing a timeless classic is the most simplistic, and with a little variation, you get Ed's stamp on it.

"What Child Is This" begins slowly and purposefully, with a lovely violin following the path of the keys, with the joy of a miracle and hints of sadness as the cello enters. By this time, I am getting more reflective and feeling the emotion that this holiday brings me every year. It is missing loved ones who are with the heavens. It was a gorgeous rendition.

"Away In A Manger" starts, and you can't help but start singing in your mind. I think that kind of prompting is the best way an instrumental version of the song can relate to a listener. The track is picturesque and full of love that is felt in every note.

"Christmas Time Is Coming" has a nice melody and rhythm. The cello is a gentle and effective complement to the beautiful orchestration of the piano. Once again, it's a great way to relax and reflect on all you should be grateful for.

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" has always been one of my favorites. I remember singing it at church with my family as a young boy. The memories of those times flood back as I listen to Ed's rendition. I especially like the line "tidings of comfort and joy," something we all need at times and sometimes more so this time of year. It is superb and simple.

"We Three Kings" closes out this beautiful collection of songs with a memory from so long ago yet so meaningful and ever present in our minds when listening, regardless of what part of the planet you may reside in. These three men began gift-giving, which became a yearly tradition that will never end. The piano, cello, and violin combine their unique sounds to create the star of Bethlehem in your mind's eye just one more time.

Listening on this Thanksgiving Eve was perfect timing for me. It started those feelings of both happiness and sadness, but gratitude is paramount for being here to listen and then be with some of those I love tomorrow and the rest of the season.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

November 27, 2024

Tracks:

01. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear (3:22)

02. Christmas Time is Here (2:13)

03. O Little Town of Bethlehem (2:36)

04. Silent Night (3:07)

05. O Come All Ye Faithful (2:32)

06. The Christmas Song (2:20)

07. What Child Is This (3:53)

08. Away In A Manger (2:45)

09. Christmas Time Is Coming (2:38)

10. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (2:09)

11. We Three Kings (4:32)

Contemporary Instrumental Review & Interview: Ed Bazel-The London Sessions New Perspectives from Studio 2

Release Date: March 18, 2024

Label: ‎ DiscMakers

Website

Interview Link

Nearly two years ago (October 2022), Ed Bazel released The London Sessions-Reflections From Studio 2. Which I had the opportunity to enjoy and review. Ed returned in March this year with The London Sessions New Perspectives from Studio 2 at Abbey Road. It features nine original tracks and two covers.

 

“Daybreak” is a beautiful opening track. It imagines a clear, crisp morning with the sun rising over a mountain peak. The piano is melodic and soothing, instantly letting the visions come to you.

 

As we all travel “Onward” in our lives, there are many things for which we can be grateful. One thing is musicians like Ed Bazel. The melody progresses as the track carries you to your next door to open or a pathway to follow—3:11 minutes of musical perfection.

 

“All Of My Life” immediately suggests something more poignant yet infinite. Our lives are meaningful in many ways, and Ed expresses them on the track. I did feel some sadness and reflection in the track as it gave me time to pause and look back at my life. The beauty flows and continues from one track to another.

 

“The Long And Winding Road” was instantly recognizable to any Beatles fan or music lover, for that matter. It is done well with a violin singing along with the piano. The words are going through my mind as I listen. Like many people, I know the words to nearly every Beatles song. It just happens that way if you have been listening to them since you were five years old!

 

“A Joyful Life” is a perfect follow-up to a Beatles cover because of the feeling one gets listening to their music (for those who cannot relate, start listening to them, and you will understand). In just under three minutes, the piano does sound happy and positive, so the message is well received. It is simple, direct, and brief enough to enjoy and get the associated feelings of joy.

 

“A Beautiful Life” follows the same lines as its predecessor. Being joyful can be beautiful. Ed’s talent for the keys interprets the meaning of the titles very well. It runs a bit longer at 4:36; however, the violin adds the necessary ambiance that the piano seems to integrate into the piece seamlessly.

 

“Happy Go Lightly” maintains the atmosphere and good feelings of the two previous tracks. The melody is upbeat and seemingly smiling at you through the chord progressions. Feeling that way with a song is something magical and powerful that one solo piano can create.

 

“Blue Skies” is another track placed perfectly in sequence with the others before it. I recognize that meaning and purpose are significant in a recording like this. Once again, you get a gorgeous, uplifting melody that puts a smile on your heart and soul. Ed’s playing is fluid and perfect.

 

“A Rainy Day” changes the mood, as all music has the power to do. In every life, rain comes, but another sunny day with blue skies is around the corner, as you witnessed in three consecutive tracks. It is not a letdown but a reality check that life happens, and we move on. The mood is somber yet beautiful because of the exquisite piano playing. Your hope becomes a reality like the silver lining in a dark cloud.

 

“Beautiful Tonight” brings the beauty and spirit of these compositions back to the forefront of your consciousness. The track is one the most beautiful (they all are), and the soothing melodies on the recording are so clear and defined that they project all the emotions implied in the title.

 

“Imagine” is one of John Lennon’s most prolific songs ever recorded. Ed did a great job of making it all real again without the words, but if you are familiar with the song, the words will come quickly. The track was such a prolific statement that it still holds today and must be believable for all humanity. We need it now more than ever. Thank you, Ed, for bringing this great song back into our awareness, and hopefully, this will become a reality. And the world will live as one…

 

The London Sessions New Perspectives from Studio 2 is a complete triumph for everyone involved. The music is gorgeous, and the musicianship and production are superb. If you enjoy instrumental piano music, this is one performance you should not miss!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

July 5, 2024

Tracks:

01. Daybreak 02:38

02. Onward 02:09

03. All Of My Life 03:11

04. The Long And Winding Road 03:17

05. A Joyful Life 02:57

06. A Beautiful Life 04:36

07. Happy Go Lightly 02:11

08. Blue Skies 02:47

09. A Rainy Day 03:55

10. Beautiful Tonight 03:05

11. Imagine 04:21

Contemporary Instrumental Review: Ed Bazel-The London Sessions – Reflections From Studio 2

Release Date: October 7, 2022

Label:  ‎Independent

Website

Ed Bazel's The London Sessions – Reflections From Studio 2 is eleven romantic melodies recorded and mastered in June 2022 at Abbey Road Studio 2. 

With November peeking through the doorway and the subsequent winter months ahead in the Northeast, this type of music is comforting, relaxing, and reassuring. The music does warm my soul and heart.

 

I hold music dear to my heart and with great respect and gratitude. Ed Bazel is a fine pianist. I had the opportunity to enjoy Homecoming nearly three years ago. It was a wonderful experience, and just as the first track, "Morning Glory," began, I knew it would be a similar journey. This is where my reference of reassurance applies once again. Familiar feelings of audio pleasures bring me great joy. The therapy of instrumental piano music with the elegance of strings and some percussion can do wonders for your attitude and well-being. 

 

This music holds the simplicity of one instrument and its effectiveness to significant effect in every track. Although this is considered a romantic collage, the album art would also hint that the culture of England brings it all full circle when looking at the entire project and absorbing all its elements.

 

One of my favorites was "After The Rain," and of course, the Beatle's classics "In My Life" and "Yesterday," which are emotional tracks for me. If you are older and your children are gone, and many relatives and loved one's have passed, it hits home. I sang the words to myself as Ed's piano played them perfectly.

 

I heard some sadness in the piano's keys and then a flow and splendor that gave me moments to pause and find the colorful notes filled with pleasure and hence a surrender to its magnificence. It is like the silver lining in the clouds, they are always there, but you must see them and recognize the importance of the entire picture being painted right before you. You don't have to look too far to see this happening; it is rather apparent quite quickly if you feel the music's mellow approach giving hints of sadness and reflection. It is like a quiet "Evening Stroll" through your mind's eye. The music helps you paint the images within and process them all internally and externally.

 

Ed Bazel has painted a musical masterpiece that is both timeless and memorable. At times the simple things in life are the medicine we so desperately need in this complex, unforgiving world we live in these days. Moments to pause, reflect, and take stock of what to be grateful for can be a positive experience that will affect you and everyone around you. 

 

This is a must-have if you enjoy beautiful instrumental music with exceptional production values! To romanticize in the music framework is commonplace; it is another thing to make it into something extraordinary, and Ed Bazel accomplishes that.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

October 27, 2022

Tracks:

01. Morning Glory 2:18

02. Mountain Serenity 3:22

03. In My Life 3:48

04. Old Friends 3:02

05. After The Rain 2:39

06. Soaring 3:24

07. Mountain Joy 2:59

08. Daydream 2:41

09. Evening Stroll 2:42

10. Passages 3:21

11. I Will Think Of You 2:38

12. Yesterday 2:39

Contemporary Instrumental Piano Review: Ed Bazel-Homecoming

Release Date: January 15, 2020

Label: New Thought Records

Website

Ed Bazel is another newly discovered piano maestro for me to enjoy. Homecoming is his second studio recording. This man is firmly established in the world of music. He is held in high esteem with many different recognized awards.

Ed was awarded the 2017-2018 MPS Hall of Fame Award Instrumentalist and the 2018-2019 Entertainer of the Year Award from the Nashville area Yamaha piano dealership - Miller Piano Specialists.  He also was recently recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his accomplishments in the music industry.

The only instrument you will hear on this recording is Ed’s piano. With music like this I think there should be more attention given to the track titles. How else would one get some insight into what the artist is conveying to a listener, besides how it is making you feel while listening. A hint into the process is also helpful. That is my progression of listening, everyone has their own and what that experience entails. I emphasize the word experience. This is gorgeous solo piano and it is meant to soothe the soul and be totally experiential.

I think it was very clever to start off the first track naming it “Morning Cup.” What better way to start off the day than your first cup of music, and with your coffee? I can see bringing in the day on a positive note by listening to this music.

The “Homecoming” is wonderful title track. The music is smooth, flowing, and I can envision Ed’s fingers gliding over the keys. Another factor that makes this track so appealing is the rhythm and projection of the keys. I could have listened to this much longer than the 2:37 that it ran. I just fell into the music like I always do. Making the transition from a busy mentally taxing day is assisted with this outlet. This music empty's my mind and lets my spirit soar into the clouds, then another time and place can be realized where I find healing. After all, is that not what we all seek after a hard days work whether the intent to decompress is there or not, it can happen much quicker when listening to music from a recording like Homecoming.

As with much of this type of music that I enjoy so much, the foundation is based in classical then it grows out of that.  An appealing type of contemporary instrumental emerges with a new age theme and all the track titles to push it further in that direction. And that to me is a perfect path to establish when presenting simply piano music that sends many messages inside the music. The first step is the title then the listener decides where to go letting the music lead them, staying mindful of the original intent. If you approach it that way you will find all the grace, passion, and the beauty of Homecoming in all eleven tracks.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews
December 7, 2020

Track List:
01. Morning Cup 2:51
02. Sweet Innocence 3:34
03. I Remember 4:00
04. Homecoming 2:37
05. Lullaby For Life 2:53
06. Northern Lights 3:49
07. Sunrise 3:40
08. Walk With Me 3:44
09. The Quiet Dream 3:11
10. Light Of My Soul 2:39
11. Dusk 3:46