New Age Music Reviews: KevOz

Release Date: July 1, 2016

Label: Kevin R. Osborn Music

Kevin Osborn otherwise known as KevOz released Relaxation And Action the beginning of this month. The recording consists of 14 tracks of instrumental electronic new age chill. The only real way to explain this music is to tab it Zentronica, which happens to be a track on the album. Music can be your Zen moment if you go with it and let it take you.

So if you happen to desire putting some relaxation time into action this can be your nonstop ticket to get there real quick.

For you keyboard devotees KevOz use the following equipment:

Yamaha SY77 with an assist on a couple tracks from a Yamaha MOX6, Korg Kaossilator Pro, and then some loops and virtual instruments through a DAW, Mixcraft and a Focusrite audio interface into a PC.

I always enjoy hearing how people make their music. I am particularly fascinated with the advances in technologies and how keyboards have the capability to sound like every instrument. I realize this has been going on for some time but it has not diminished my interest.

One very good example of instrument emulation is “Bongos in Flight.” I have always appreciated the percussive instruments and the need for their use in the mix of every song to drive along the underbelly of what you are hearing. To these ears any percussion is the steering wheel where the music is going. The track was quite enjoyable with the bongos and the quirkiness of the varying keyboard sounds to make it sound so original and different that it implores you to listen further into the album.

Speaking of different and unusual, “Magic Wand” weaves a different spell. It is kind of spacey with several different textures but it moves along with fluidity. Certain elements of each track will catch every individual’s ear and for my pleasure I enjoy the diversity of the electronic keyboards.

Those of that have a propensity for jazz (that would be me), “Close Enough for Jazz” may or may not do it for you however if you have an open mind and are into any kind of fusion, funk or rock then you should be all ears. This is an adventure into lands yet explored fully by the artist but a good taste of where he could go which is an intriguing thought.

“Panned-a-monium” is probably one of the more spaced out freaky dances on the album and I loved it. The title is perfect for the music and a very good choice. It is a straight up reflection of what you will hear bouncing off the walls. It’s like a musical pin ball machine without the paddles, just the balls bouncing around without anything to propel them except sound.

What you would consider as relaxing is a personal choice. This not going to be for the purists by any means, what you get is electronic virtuosity and some experimentation all packaged together in 14 tracks. If you are up for a lighthearted listen, have a good imagination to make the music come alive in your mind’s eye then Relaxation And Action awaits your consumption.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Bongos in Flight, Magic Wand, Panned-a-monium

Tracks:
01. Victory at Hand
02. Waves of Nostalgia
03. Bongos in Flight
04. Epic Space Cola
05. Just You and Me
06. Magic Wand
07. Zentronica
08. Close Enough for Jazz
09. Panned-a-monium
10. Chiptune Delight
11. Ping Pong Blues
12. Yoga Worship on Mars
13. Love You Every Day
14. Purple Hearts

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck”

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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July 28, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews