New Age Review: Wouter Kellerman-Love Language

Release Date: August 28, 2015

Label: Listen 2 Africa

Website

Wouter Kellerman is a flutist and composer that left tracks in the New Age music industry with his album Winds of Samsara, a collaboration with lndian composer and producer Ricky Kej. Winning a Grammy in 2015 for the album and multiple SAMA awards in his native South Africa, Kellerman secured his status as one of his country’s most prominent musicians. His new album Love Language brings to mind the book by Gary Chapman in which the author discusses the many ways love can be expressed. In this album, Kellerman reaches across the globe and reflects on how multiple cultures give and receive love in all of its forms. It is an electric album that captivated me from the first track. Love can be learned but most all love can be experienced.

From the first strains of “Aishwarya” to the ethereal “Shenandoah” the presence of Kellerman’s flute and world class musicians and artists brings each piece to glowing life. “Shenandoah” in particular grabbed my attention for the angelic female vocalist, the twinkling chimes and the way the song was sung. The vocalist sings of a love for the river’s daughter and that is not something you hear every day in modern music. It speaks to a love that spans the world and the rainbow that shines down over everyone who hears it. This is truly a gorgeous piece that is a fitting reflection of our time.

“Notre Futur” crackles to life with percussive elements, male vocals that scrape low and bring the listener up toward the heavens. Again, I couldn’t help but feel a kinship to this piece, with its rattles, flute, guitar and textured layers. The world music flair was persuasive and upbeat, making me want to replay the track over and over again. Rich and full, this piece was shivering with emotion and joy.

“Love Gets Old” is the last song on the album. Pensive with piano movements and flute intertwining in blissful harmony, this piece walks with you as the years go on. With each step, your loved one’s footprints follow alongside yours. Bittersweet as the strings break in, this piece has a hauntingly familiar strain that tugs at heartstrings and brings burnished memories out of mothballs from the past. The first kiss is new but the sweetest ones are the ones that grow familiar over time.

Music spanning the globe, this album shines the light on love in all of its forms. Featuring influences from Senegal, Spain, Cuba, India, The United States and Greece. Wouter Kellerman brings out music that speaks to the heart of us all. Love is universal. So is music. Each of us can wield them both but in the hands of a magician like Kellerman…he makes it look and sound easy. I highly recommend this album for a refreshing listen that will give renewed faith to the power and resilience of the human spirit and make you long for the album to never end.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Shenandoah, Love Gets Old, Notre Futur

Tracks: 
01. Aishwarya
02. Winter (feat. Soweto Gospel Choir)
03. Si Do Mhaimeo
04. Up To The Mountain
05. Zininzi
06. Solo Tu / Still Life
07. To Tango Tis Nefelis
08. Turning Page
09. Shenandoah
10. Guajira
11. Notre Futur
12. The Long Road
13. Ek Verlang Na Jou
14. Love Gets Old

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

August 27, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews