New Age Music Reviews: Michael Kollwitz

Release Date: April 13, 2018

Label: Independent

Michael Kollwitz is set to release Serenity II. I had a great pleasure last year of enjoying Serenity I. This, of course, is a continuation of the first set of tracks. So, expect more of the same excellent relaxing music you heard before to be your experience this time around.

Kollwitz is one of the few masters of the Chapman Stick. Tony Levin comes to mind immediately when the subject of the stick arises. The instrument reminds me of the Sitar is some ways. It is a very versatile instrument that has the unique ability to combine the guitar and bass together to formulate one effective sound. Most impressive is the fact that the tracks for Serenity II were written, performed and produced by the artist.

The person that plays the stick must be extremely focused and versatile. Based on what I heard from the first Serenity album and what I am hearing on volume II, Michael is performing at a very high level.

The sixteen tracks offered on Serenity II are crisp and clear. They can melt away stress easily as the artist presents each of the tracks. The consistency is the key to the presentation on this recording. One track flows into the next seamlessly, like it was a force of nature, a normal occurrence. I found that kind of musical command is exceptional with this music.

Because of the way each track unites with the next I find difficult to pick anyone out in particular, they are all exceptional. This is more like one listen then a track by track experience. Although each composition may be dissimilar, the beauty and ease of the Chapman Stick allow such peacefulness with a listener that it becomes one piece of music. For my ears that is a powerful statement to make. It sets me at ease early on and maintains that hold on me until the music stops playing.

Serenity II is a strong follow up to the first volume. I will be interested to see what direction Michael goes after this release. I would not expect a volume III, at least not without him releasing something that takes the listener in another direction. The thought of that alone peaks my interest. For now, I will kick back and let this music take over and let my worries of the day disappear.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 8, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. The Presence
02. Wrapped In Love 04:14
03. Climbing The Mountain
04. Clear Passage
05. Live And Let Live
06. The Balance
07. Blue Skies
08. Pure Signal
09. Welcome Home
10. A Greater Purpose
11. One With Nature
12. Shaman's Cave
13. Easy Does It
14. Breaking Free
15. Beyond The Clouds
16. Way Of Knowledge

Release Date: September 1, 2017

Label: Independent

Website

Add caption

Michael Kollwitz has a large body of work that includes 21 recordings. This collection of gorgeous sounds is his first journey into the age of new age music. It is aptly titled Serenity.

Michael’s artistry comes in the form of sound waves, vibrations and beauty with the Chapman Stick. It is a very unique and mesmerizing instrument to say the least. I have associated it mostly with Tony Levin over the years and now I can add another master to list.

Michael had the great fortune of being tutored by the creator of the stick Emmett Chapman. What a blessing that was for us all. Now to hear the result of 40 years of hard work is just an amazing musical trip.

I have to say I have never heard the stick played like this. It truly is amazing. It’s like listening to a guitar and bass at the same time. He definitely has perfected the virtuoso abilities of his chosen tool. Actually, the artist likes to call it the piano and guitar playing together. If you listen you can hear that similarity. The give and take of one instrument answering the call of another. I am not quite sure how his fingers accomplish all of the amazing sounds you hear on Serenity. I can tell you one thing, it is the only instrument he needed to record this sublime group of tracks.

The sounds resonant from the tip of your toes, to your heart, then to the mind. The triangle of mind, body and spirit surely find Serenity through these 14 tracks.

With the all of insanity of this world going on around us in these times, we must have refuge. We all need a place to unwind, center and gather our strength for a new day. With the music of Michael Kollwitz you become engaged and surrounded by the beauty of the sound. It will pull you in without effort and before you know it you it you will have reached a higher consciousness with a smile on your face. I can already see you smiling now! This is a must have for any lover of the guitar, bass or any stringed instrument for that matter, don’t miss it.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

October 4, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. Mountain Sanctuary
02. Mystic Vista
03. Greatest Possible Gift
04. The Four Pillars
05. A New Life
06. Best of Everything
07. Joyful Reunion
08. Simple Pleasures
09. Warm Lasting Embrace
10. Never Alone Again
11. Quiet Full Moon
12. Higher Power
13. The Seven Canyons
14. No Hurry No Worry

Pages

Instrumental New Age Review: Michael Kollwitz-Serenity II

Instrumental New Age Review: Michael Kollwitz-Serenity