Release Date: December 8, 2017
Label: Independent
Emilee has a fascination with light and nature and its
effects on the surrounding areas. She has some favorite places and decided to
create music to match those fond memories and how each one was dominated by
light.
That kind of observation is very astute and interesting at
the same time. With all of those thoughts, feelings and different shades of
light, Illuminate was born. So, the
title befits the artist and the one who painted those images through the ivory
keys is surely illuminated. To notice the distinctness of different shades of
light in such a manner I find not only observant but spiritual and blessed to
do so.
There is something about stand-alone piano music that
allows more focus and serenity to take hold quicker than music that is more
complex. That is not to say the complex music does not have great value.
Simplicity rules with new age music, influenced by classical as a foundation to
work from. Although there is plenty of classical music that is complex and
intense that was created by some of the great composers. With that thought, you
can hear that in music from people like Ms. Hartley. She and many others like
her tip their caps to the composers of days gone by and shape and mold their
compositions into something new and refreshing.
Emilee’s music is like “Raindrops on the Lake,” or in your
mind if you will. Either way, it is a
song that goes to the heart and spirit that will engage you and keep you until
it stops. That is a relational experience when you take a deep dive into the
music. You first learn a bit about the artist and what compels them to make
this music in the first place, then you have a jumping off point that you did
not have before you started. It all makes perfect sense to me.
I have to say that not only do I love Emilee’s music, I
think the choice of titles is perfectly matched with each track. Take “Serene
Sailing” for instance, I imagined feeling a warm summer breeze hitting my face
as I sailed along the waters. For me personally, anything to do with water - a
brook, pond, lake or ocean, equal serenity and a oneness with mother nature.
That was easy for me to assimilate those feelings and atmospheres while
listening to that track.
If you enjoy piano music, particularly solo instrumental,
this is a gem of an album. Have a listen and let it Illuminate your life!
5/5
Stars
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
March 29, 2018
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
01. Raindrops on the Lake
02. Prelude to Dusk
03. Shimmers
04. The Unicorn (Enchanted Forest)
05. Lunae
06. Path of Shining Lights (Enchanted Forest)
07. The Abandoned Castle
08. Chasing Sunbeams
09. Morning Twilight
10. Amare
11. Serene Sailing
12. Turning of Time
13. A Night of Winter
14. Journey
Tracks:
01. Raindrops on the Lake
02. Prelude to Dusk
03. Shimmers
04. The Unicorn (Enchanted Forest)
05. Lunae
06. Path of Shining Lights (Enchanted Forest)
07. The Abandoned Castle
08. Chasing Sunbeams
09. Morning Twilight
10. Amare
11. Serene Sailing
12. Turning of Time
13. A Night of Winter
14. Journey