Release Date: August
28, 2016
Label: Innerview Records
Karen
Olson has released a new album titled A
Hero’s Journey. Most recently I featured a select track on my Rate The
Tracks site. “Inner Wanderings” was the stream provided. And that served as a
taste of what was available on the full recording. The track suggests the human
condition and what we find when we look inside for the truth.
The main instrument is the viola throughout this
extraordinary recording. Admittedly, featuring a stringed instrument as the
lead would be and is most difficult. Ms. Olson accomplishes this with a
distinctness and quality that is exemplary. High praise goes to her collaborator Crispin Barrymore as
well for helping to make this project what it evolved into.
I particularly enjoyed the use of the layers of keyboards
to accentuate and put an exclamation point on her musicianship.
My three favorite tracks came in succession “Life Force,”
“Inner Wanderings,” and "Heaven’s Gate.” They seemed intrinsically linked to
each other and the titles certainly got my attention. This music serves the
listener well as it is meant to. It is soothing, contemplative with a hint of
sadness and then there is hope and a shining bright light at the end of the
musical tunnel. Karen Olson has a multitude of talents that she brings to bear.
It is all on display on 11 tracks that are presented here.
This can be your journey or A Hero’s Journey. Whatever the music can provide you at any time
day or night, it has the power to do so. With such clarity and command Karen
Olson brings her music to you with grace and the knowledge of an enlightened
spirit willing to share her own glimpse of heaven.
4.5/5
Stars
Key
Tracks: Inner Wanderings, Heaven’s Gate, Life Force
Tracks:
01. Horizon's Calling
02 Life's Persuasions
03. Promising Hope
04. Still Crying
05. Dream Quest
06. Facing Fear
07. Going Beyond
08. Life Force
09. Inner Wanderings
10. Heaven's Gates
11. Epilogue
Tracks:
01. Horizon's Calling
02 Life's Persuasions
03. Promising Hope
04. Still Crying
05. Dream Quest
06. Facing Fear
07. Going Beyond
08. Life Force
09. Inner Wanderings
10. Heaven's Gates
11. Epilogue
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
November 23, 2016
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews