Contemporary Instrumental New Age Review and Interview: Stephen Wallack-Open

Release Date: March 28, 2025

Label: Gale Road Records

Website

Stephen Wallack's aspiration for us to discover faith and inner peace in our complex world is beautifully echoed in his piano-based contemporary instrumental release, Open. The album, like a guiding light, is a journey that begins with the first note, as depicted in the captivating artwork.

The opening track, "Faith," sets the tone with its airy and optimistic melody, evoking a sense of warmth and joy that will surely make you smile from the inside out.

 

"Love Story" starts with a similar atmosphere that builds with multiple layers of keys that have excellent rhythm and a resonating sound. If there is faith, you will find the love within—absolute beauty set to the piano's keys. At the conclusion, things slow down for the final unwind.

 

"Fall" shares the common thread of rhythm continuing to keep things on the brighter side of life. It starts nicely, and then the tempo changes quickly. As the tones and colors emerge, the piano keys move faster, creating a need for the mood, but in a good way. The positive channeling of energy remains the foundation for every track.

 

"Changes" happen every second of every day—some we experience and some we never see but can still be affected by. The piano is soft and paced beautifully to bring your state of mind into the right place for acceptance. If you are thinking about that word and its meaning, the music is meant to relax and reflect on how things have changed.

 

"Ireland" is the emerald isle. I have never been there but have seen pictures of the coast's landscape with its beautiful grass fields and towering cliffs. It is undoubtedly breathtaking. It is the longest track at 6:34, and rightly so. Dedicating a song to a country is quite the tribute and must hold a lot of meaning for the artist. The music is cinematic sweeping through the piano's keys, reflecting the word breathtaking within its auditory excellence.

 

"Maine" has hundreds of acres of untouched natural beauty. My family and I used to go there every year for a summer vacation, and we all loved it. On the East Coast, thousands of miles away from the subject of the last track but holding its distinct beauty and New England charm, it would keep you in its spell. The piano sounds like an invitation to visit there with softness and a melody filled with the warmth of the sun and the soul of a man yearning to go there. I sure miss it.

 

"Once Upon a Time" is a story for us all; whatever that is, you can relive it as the music plays. The song is beautiful and carries a certain sadness because of the joy of the story and the memories held within. This was one of my favorites. Something about the rhythm and tempo pleased me because it went straight to the heart in seconds. The classical leanings are evident in most of these tunes, but more so in this one.

 

"One Last Run" may indicate the end of something, but the track's rhythms and tones say something that gives it a life of its own and makes it count before it's over. On the shortest track, there was a lot to be said; however, there was enough time to stretch things out and provide the emotion underneath all the beauty provided by the keys.

 

"Girl in the Painting" made me think about how life can stand still for eternity in a painting—a portrayal of one person and what it can emit as you look at it. Is it someone you knew, or would you like to know? Does it become real as you picture it in your mind? Music has the power to do all that, and solo piano can be so picturesque and suggest so many thoughts. The track title is a good start; your imagination is ignited, and the gorgeous notes pull at you as you create your story or picture.

 

"Storm" is the grand finale. After all the previous tracks of elegance and simple beauty, we now have a storm, or is it? It doesn't feel like a storm based on how it begins, as the keys are practical and purposeful. The tempo is slower with meaning, and the beauty of the note's placement is extraordinary. Perhaps this was a storm of thoughts that came racing to the mind of Stephen Wallack as he built this composition, which was interpreted through the keys differently to relax him and slow that very process. Whatever it was, it came out lovely, and I appreciated how the recording closed out.

 

Open is a collection of ten tracks that take you on an emotional journey, filling your heart and mind with positive energy. Each track title invites you to reflect, and as you immerse yourself in the music, you'll find a listening experience that resonates deeply and stays with you.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

March 28, 2025

Tracks:

01. Faith

02. Love Story 

03. .Fall

04. Changes 

05. Ireland 

06. Maine 

07. Once Upon a Time 

08. One Last Run 

09. Girl in the Painting 

10. Storm 

Contemporary Instrumental Review: Doug Hammer-Stronger

Release Date: March 21, 2025

Label: Independent

Website  Stronger  Official Video  Sheet Music

Stronger is Doug Hammer's 20th release—quite an established archive of music! The theme behind this new recording is our struggles.

Doug's keyboard playing has always been very moving to me. Having covered eight releases before this, I have a good idea of what to expect. Respecting the artist at the beginning of a new listen is a good way to kick things off.

 

"Broken" does not mean it cannot be fixed, but it is also not a good indication of where things stand regarding whatever subject, object, or person you may be referring to.

 

With its dark tones and slow tempo, the piano becomes a vessel for our shared emotions and disappointments, mirroring the track's title. It encapsulates a significant feeling in just over three and a half minutes, yet the light, like the one on the cover, has not yet shone.

 

"Uncertain" is another word that evokes apprehension, prompting you to proceed with caution or simply a lack of confidence in moving forward. In either instance, it is not an easy feeling. It is a learning process throughout our lives because we don't want to walk away "Broken." We base our feelings on past experiences, either positive or negative, and thus create a sense of uncertainty. Once again, the piano approaches you slowly, mirroring that feeling. While beautiful, it allows you to pause, reflect, and adjust your attitude.

 

"Losing" is another powerful, straightforward word. Now, this justifies the uncertainty! You are validated for your initial feelings, but we know what it feels like to lose and win, which leaves some light at the end of the tunnel. Everyone loves a winner, but you don't discuss how much losing went on before you entered that more positive frame of reference.

 

The piano plays a lovely melody with a dark cloud looming behind you. As you continue to move forward, there is another path to take, fueled by newfound energy, a sense of possibility, and a different state of mind, allowing you to change your direction. The keys are emphasized and then fade to the next phase.

 

Acceptance of loss is not a defeat, but a decisive step towards moving forward. It prompts us to reconsider our frames of reference and the process of losing, offering us another chance to win. Acceptance, with its beauty, strength, and soul, is always the first step toward the light, and the piano echoes this sentiment. There's no direction to go but forward now.

 

"Healing" is another significant step and part two of the acceptance process. The process of healing the wounds enables you to move on to a brighter, more optimistic time and space, making success a natural, everyday occurrence through the lessons you've learned and the steps you've taken.

 

The piano is bright and energetic. You can feel the warmth and spirit of healing in every note. You can picture Doug's hands rolling across the keys with a big smile on his face. For me, the smile begins on the inside, from the heart, and then it quickly manifests in my demeanor, body language, and facial expression. What a gorgeous composition!

 

After moving through the artist's steps via the piano's keys, you can look back with a different "Perspective." That word is about attitude, the lens through which you decide to look at everything. Being positive and optimistic can make a significant difference, even when the information presented is complex. The proper perspective means everything to get to the other side of where you want to go. And now, with all the emotions and difficulties you went through behind you, you have earned your place here.

 

The piano returns to a more serious, slower tempo, emphasizing the reflection on what just passed—the time to consider all the benefits of what is to come.

 

Now you are "Stronger" because you stayed the course after much difficulty, learning, and reflection. You are the better person in every way. As we say, going through difficulty, getting to a point of relief, and moving forward always makes us Stronger.

 

Doug's piano closes the curtain with certainty and passion. This is his driving force; you can hear it echoing through the keys as his fingers guide him through the final step to be Stronger.

 

Doug Hammer has added another fine work to his vast library of recordings. His music explores the human condition and our enduring spirits, and it will resonate with your soul because it is so genuine and relatable. That is something we all desperately need these days, and Stronger provides it from start to finish.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

March 12, 2025

 Tracks:

1. Broken 3:38

2. Uncertain 4:22

3. Losing 4:10

4. Acceptance 4:10

5. Healing 2:52

6. Perspective 4:04

7. Stronger 3:52

New Age-World Instrumental Review: Bryan Quinn-Rejuvenescence

Release Date: December 13, 2024

Label: Bryan Quinn Music

Website

Like many, Bryan Quinn's personal growth was shaped by the trials and tribulations of life. His journey, marked by the rapid end of multiple relationships, is a testament to his resilience and strength.

Bryan Quinn's debut album, Rejuvenescence, is a healing musical journey. The 12 tracks, predominantly featuring the flute, are a comforting embrace of new-age world instrumental music, each note resonating with his heightened sense of healing and emotion.

 

“Relationshipwrecked” is quite the title, and its purpose is its significance and poignancy for the artist. Feeling like he was shipwrecked on a deserted island, Bryan immediately brings his emotions to the forefront, with the flute resonating with loneliness and sadness yet as beautiful as a bird singing alone in a treetop. The tones are steady, and for a brief time, I heard a Celtic influence, with its characteristic melodic and rhythmic patterns, come through, and then he goes back to a more traditional earthy organic sound.

 

“Longing” could easily fit the opening track's title with its sense of grief and need to express sadness to move on to the next healing phase. The flute is absolute, as the keys add a layer of elegance and beauty only it can provide. The flute has an echoing quality that strengthens and makes an impression that stays with you. As the piano answers softly and clearly, so does the flute, making perfect partners to remedy their loneliness.

 

“Blue” starts distinctly differently than the previous tracks. It fits the title perfectly, showcasing an electric guitar playing the blues. As the flute arrives, it holds on to that feeling with a change in sound to mirror the guitar as the bass and drums tread along with purpose.

 

“Solitude” is a total turnaround of feelings into a state of grace because time alone allows one to focus on the processes within the heart, soul, and mind with the goal of healing. This music is about the healing process and the different stages one must go through to get to the other side. The flute is consistent with timbre, while the acoustic guitar accentuates all those notes to encourage the process.

 

Solitude can bring “Rumination.” This track, one of the lengthier ones, represents the thinking part of the healing process. It begins with an echoing sound, like something bouncing off a mountainside or a cliff, as it falls over the side, finally reaching a resting place. The flute is purposeful and measured, like taking small steps first, then gradually moving at a more pronounced state of emotional resolution. The shifting spacy sounds indicate more movement and change to the following steps, mirroring the process of rumination, which involves deep and careful consideration of one's thoughts and feelings.

 

“Optimism” is an excellent state of mind and being. Look back on what the artist went through before this point. It all happened in its own time and space to feel everything and understand it. The flute is gentle and uplifting, as the title would suggest. With the synth sounds, this is more of an ambient track than anything you have heard. The tone and atmosphere are subtle yet effective.

 

“Introspection” is the time to go back within to search for more answers and reflect on all the stages and how you got to this point and reinforce its effectiveness. The flute’s ability to mesmerize you and gather your consciousness is paramount to allowing yourself to follow its path. My feeling here was that its rhythm and the soft accompaniment from the keys were a perfect mix that extended the invitation to what the title suggested. And the power of the music makes that happen, as it does in all the other tracks so beautifully.

 

“Exploration” is a significant advancement in the development of the individual and the music being presented. It's taking that chance to see what else can be achieved through all of the sounds and the creation of this music. Percussion plays a more significant role this time, setting the pace and foundation where the flute explores its powers of persuasion for the listener and creator. Each instrument has lightness and resolve, allowing you to stretch out emotionally and spiritually with no boundaries.

 

“Brea(d)th” is spelled in a way that indicates your newfound freedom of expression and is the “bread” of life, the sustenance to maintaining your energy and strength to keep going and growing. The bell-like sound is a trigger point for another beginning, like a bird leaving the nest, spreading its wings, and flying off to live and survive by its means. The breadth of your growth is now substantially increased to allow for this advancement. The flute is gorgeous, with the other sounds mixing in with grace and beauty like an angelic figure skating on ice, taking strides to a new day. The trance-like effect of this music would be perfect for a meditative or deep relaxing state. As the bell rings and the water flows towards the end, you enter another growth stage!

 

Ahh, “Redemption” is terrific! The track starts joyously, celebrating your feelings of accomplishment and all the internal work you did to get here. The flute sounds so happy and satisfied as the acoustic guitar strums along. The track takes a different road and is more pop accessible to lighten the atmosphere and give a change of direction in sound and literal frame of mind and reference. This is a fantastic change in sound, giving the listener an idea of how the artist can offer something entirely different in sound, far away from all the previous tracks. The mood is perfect to feel redemption.

 

“Reflection” is critical to understanding where you came from and where you are now. In this course, through feelings, emotions, and spirit renewal, remembering all these factors keeps you grounded and humble. The flute and piano are equal partners to get you to that place of being. With their softness and beauty, they relax and destress you as the world falls off your shoulders. You breathe with relief and gratefulness for this story and the incredible sounds that have accompanied you so far.

 

The title track and final piece to the puzzle, “Rejuvenescence,” is the essence of who you are now. This “process” brings you through many phases of thoughts and emotions. Once again, the piano and flute combine their sounds for a spiritual connection to gather all that has come before this to one place where your body, mind, and soul merge for the feeling of new life, an emergence of a healed person ready to live and love again. The music is slow as you take in all its auditory guidance, so be careful not to step backward. The loveliness and approach of the music provide more space for you to continue on the right path. I appreciated the rhythm and atmosphere created to close out this recording.

 

Rejuvenescence was the perfect recording for me. Music is everything—feelings, thoughts, emotions. It is the human condition translated through sound and the visions it perpetuates. Bryan Quinn decided to share this journey with the world. His story is told through sounds, and the stages of emotional growth are a significant factor in understanding all the steps to the final place of rejuvenation.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

March 8, 2025

Tracks:

01. Relationshipwrecked

02. Longing

03. Blue

04. Solitude

05. Rumination

06. Optimism

07. Introspection

08. Exploration

09. Brea(d)th

10. Redemption

11. Reflection

12. Rejuvenescence

Ambient Electronic Review and Interview: AeTopus-iota

Release Date: February 21, 2025

Label: Spotted Peccary

Website

Music Smartlink

AeTopus is the innovative music project of Bryan Tewell Hughes, a multi-media artist whose music is influenced as much by art, nature, and the human experience as it is by a singular idea or moment in his life. The moniker AeTopus suggests time (Ae), while "Topus" loosely means Place. A lifelong musician, Hughes began classical piano training at age 6, moving through musical immersions in heavy metal and punk, eventually drawn to join the sonic slipstream of ambient and electronic music. iota, the most recent release from AeTopus, is a 12-track ambient electronic journey.

 

The title iota (note in lowercase font) carries a significant meaning. It suggests a small yet crucial part of a larger whole, mirroring the intricate and nuanced nature of the music within.

 

Starting with “Museum,” each track promises a unique auditory journey. The spacey sounds, layered synths, and tempo changes create a captivating atmosphere stimulating the exploration of the senses and thought patterns.

 

“Why Not Now,” with its slower tempo, soft percussive tapping, and layered synths, offers a soothing experience. Its flow and feel make it a perfect companion for relaxation or meditation, inducing a sense of calm and tranquility.

 

"Mohhu" starts with a mysterious floating atmosphere and a bell-like sound, and a tick-tock click sets the tempo. Some of the sounds are different as the composition gathers momentum. With no track under 4 minutes, you begin to appreciate how AeTopus takes the time to develop each track and capture your interest and imagination by offering a constant state of evolution. This track is the perfect example of that model in action. Towards the end, there are some cool laser-like sounds that you would hear in sci-fi flicks.

 

"Finespun" is a high-energy piece with bubbling sounds echoing throughout and some whooshing sounds that suggest the music is alive and moving from one speaker to another. It has a very intriguing pace and interesting layering of the synths.

 

"Level" is the second most lengthy track, clocking in at 6:29. The track title made me think of a VU meter on a soundboard at a radio station I worked at as a cadet many moons ago. With all the time invested in the track, you are already thinking about what may be next for changes and textures. The steady underlying layer is rapid as the rest of the music being added ascends to the top of the audio range. This would be a perfect soundtrack for a documentary that wanted to showcase scenarios or shots in the process of changing, like the opening and closing of flowers or the changing tides of the oceans.

 

"Wave Hello" immediately recalled sound waves, and perhaps that is precisely what the artist is conveying here. He is saying hello through his music. The tone is light and airy, like a cordial greeting to the artistry of colors, sounds, textures, emotion, and whatever it recalls to each listener. Hello!

 

"Tell_us" is another track over 6 minutes in length, allowing the artist and listener to explore in their own time and space. The "spacey" sounds take precedence in many types of ambient music, and they do with all this music. As I was listening, I was asked, "Are you watching something," which indicates this type of music and the images it can create out of nothing. When you begin to listen, there is nothing you may be thinking about. However, that changes quickly. The feeling of taking steps and a percolating sound part way in prompts a string of thoughts to form.

 

"Subsystem" sounds technical in words alone; however, in music, it can mean many different things, mainly how this music is created. The other programs, computers, keyboards, and assorted electronic manipulating tools have their systems and subsystems. It sounded techy and robot-like at times, befitting the title.

 

"Probe" means to look around, give it a poke or two, and see what is there. As you listen to this music, you are probing all the soundscapes and discovering what is happening inside your mind. Some exciting sounds come to light, and as you listen, you picture different things, maybe a bird or a vast open space somewhere in your imagination as a synth sound flutters around like a happy butterfly.

 

"Accent" can be a prolific word. With this music, there are many ways there is an accent or accession of the sounds used to compile in one composition. I liked the percussive sounds emulating a drum and the way it gathers momentum intersecting all the elements, then stepping back with a softer piano and world sound with the percussive elements and echoing past sounds from a lost ancient tribe—one of my favorites.      

   

"Sunny" is the magnum opus of this recording, clocking in at 6:31. The title suggests light, warmth, or the significance of a day related to weather or perhaps one's attitude on any given day. The music asks, without words, what sunny means for you right now. It turned into my favorite track for a few reasons. The equipment and style reminded me of some 80s releases from my favorite artists. The sound is heavier than the rest of the tracks, like progressive ambient instrumental, taking the best of the past regarding the equipment sounds being used and the layering of all the synths, which is superb! Ultimately, it sounds like a train letting everyone know it's arriving as it closes out.

 

"Decima Milia," translated as "ten thousands"  or an iota? Perhaps when a note changes on the scale, it is in ten thousand of a second or minutes? I am stretching a guess here. The music is a cool breeze of mellow, trickling, moving, meltdown sounds.  I enjoyed it as I did the entire album. I thought the energy was perfect for capturing the overall feeling and atmosphere projected and achieved through the variables of tones, sounds, auditory perceptions, and, finally, the picturesque moments that all sounds coming together can create for you.

 

There is enough space for any listener to find another place to live physically and mentally inside this music. Know one thing: iota gives you small samples that turn into wholly constructed works of musical art. Listening to a creative artist like AeTopus can take you away for a short time. We all need that.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

February 27, 2025

Tracks:

01. Museum 4:40

02. Why Not Now 5:24

03. Mohhu 5:11

04. Finespun 4:14

05. Level 6:29

06. Wave Hello 4:31

07. Tell_us 6:22

08. Subsystem 4:19

09. Probe 5:29

10. Accent 4:32

11. Sunny 6:31

12. Decima Milia 4:31

Contemporary Instrumental-New Age Review: Wayo Hogan-Montana Stillwater

Release Date: October 24, 2024

Label: Independent

Website

Listening Link

The first lines I read about Wayo Hogan's debut recording, Montana Stillwater, were the following:" Montana Stillwater is a New Age acoustic piano album that captures the breathtaking contrasts of Glacier National Park. From serene lakes to dynamic peaks, this debut recording by pianist Wayo Hogan transforms nature's beauty into a meditative journey.

 

That, indeed, sounded like a fantastic amalgamation of sound and nature. I would soon find out!

 

"Stillwater Landing" starts your musical soundscape, imagining what the artist envisioned with each track as he played. It begins brightly with a lovely piano as the keys roll off his fingers, and the second hand adds the bass's lower notes underlying foundation for strength to support the beauty. It is a marvelous start.

 

"On Lake McDonald" shimmers and shines as the lake's subject matter forms in your mind's eye. The music moves like water, and its liquidity resonates brilliantly through the piano keys. It soothes and calms you inwardly as your mind takes you to where the artist is now.

 

"Whitefish Lake" moves much quicker than the previous track with a contagious energy and rhythm. The lead notes are gorgeously placed between the bass lines. You can hear the classical influences of the great composers shining brightly on every note. Sublime and everlasting, the music carries you to another place or lake, preferably.

 

"Swan River" slows the tempo down a few levels for more water-based inspiration. Wayo's interpretation becomes more meditative without losing any of the energy and color you had already experienced in all the other tracks. His sense of rhythm and rapidly moving fingers relax you, and you will want more.

 

"On the Road to Polebridge" is another example of the eclectic nature of Wayo's artistry and ability to change the tempo in a second and take the composition in an entirely different direction without a listener feeling any of the anticipation of that happening. This, I believe, makes things more interesting when one is listening for the first time! It keeps your interest, and that is paramount! I particularly enjoy the rolling piano sounds he creates in this track and previous instances.

 

"Going to the Sun" is bright, like the warm rays of our life-giving star—one of the lengthier compositions clocking in at 4:03. This one felt entirely different than all the rest, as with any music you find some similarities in the concept and sound of an album. To hear such a change was enjoyable; it felt flowing and consistent, and the ever-changing notes of the piano were the highlight. It is superb, with many piano phases on display.

 

"St. Mary Falls" takes on a separate personality, which is what you expect early on when listening to this solo piano music. I liked the warmth and tone of the keys, and they made me feel joyous. A big smile formed inside, wanting to burst to the outside. When the tempo changed, it felt more spiritual or something one may hear at a church service as the choir sang. It is quite beautifully done with elegance.

 

"Bear Valley" is the briefest journey at 2:03. The key is to get the message across in the music with so little time. And again, Wayo does not disappoint—a strong, exceptional, emotive track.

 

"The Crown of the Continent" features a lovely rhythmic thread, with the singularity of the keys on top of that layer sounding like a slice of heaven. I was reminded of harp music a few times.

 

"Huckleberry Mountain" changes from the water theme to the strength and majesty of a mountain. You may have expected a different tone or tempo because of the title; however, it projects the organic beauty of what nature offers us and how the piano "Climbs" the mountain in its music with style and grace.

 

"Many Glacier" continues with marvelous rhythmic patterns and moving piano notes manipulated expertly by Wayo. I appreciated how he changed the pace so often for a significantly ear-catching symphony emanating from one instrument.

 

The closer "Cherry Pickin'" Mayo saved to leave you with the most extended composition at 4:46. I was glad that the track lasted for a while, so it would not leave me feeling it ended all too fast. This was a brilliant thing to do with the order in which all this music was presented.

 

It felt like an encapsulation of the entire album within one track. The beauty, rhythms, classical overtones, rapid playing, and the rolling keys with the underlying bass for deep resonance make the lead playing bright and colorful. The way that last note echoed at the very end was brilliant.

 

Montana Stillwater is an exceptional solo piano recording from Wayo Hogan. It offers everything in one sitting: the instrumental variances within classical and contemporary music and the spirituality and relaxing meditative foundations of a new age, like an extended sequence that runs from beginning to end.

 

Highly recommended to those who enjoy uplifting and relaxing piano solo music!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

February 25, 2025

Tracks:

01. Stillwater Landing (2:28) 

02. On Lake McDonald (2:29) 

03. Whitefish Lake (2:40) 

04. Swan River (3:52) 

05. On the Road to Polebridge (3:43) 

06. Going to the Sun (4:03) 

07. St. Mary Falls (3:27) 

08. Bear Valley (2:03) 

09. The Crown of the Continent ( 2:40) 

10. Huckleberry Mountain (2:05) 

11. Many Glacier (3:05) 

12. Cherry Pickin’ (4:46)  

Ambient New Age Instrumental Review: Liquid Mind-Liquid Mind XV-In The Love

Release Date: February 14, 2024

Label: Chuck Wild Records

Website

This is a warning from Chuck Wild, the man behind Liquid Mind XV - As Liquid Mind deeply relaxes some folks: please do not listen while driving or operating machinery of any kind, and always drive safely!

 

Liquid Mind XV-In The Love was just released on Valentine’s Day, which contrasts nicely with the title, the meaning the artist conveys in the music, and the beautiful artwork for the album. The person on the cover looks so free, with no boundaries and nothing but the light of the cosmos at his fingertips. It is like looking at a transformation that happens right before your eyes. And hopefully, the music will take you to that place.

 

The album offers a diverse range of tracks, from the shortest, “A Willing Spirit,” at 4:32, to the longest, “Sanctuary,” at a substantial 11:09. This variety ensures that every listener experiences the very best of Chuck Wild, with seven full-bodied tracks of dimensional sounds. Whether you're seeking relaxation or a tool for meditation, each track offers a unique journey, keeping you engaged and intrigued throughout.

 

The artist performing that type of music needs to be in a particular place with personal growth, a spiritual connection to all living things, and a clarity of who they are and their purpose. That can apply to any profession to give one success; however, it is more predominant amongst those in the artistic industries like music and art. Those two things are interchangeable and the same. Music takes a blank canvas and draws many scenes through sounds. I find that fascinating.

 

We don’t always express an attitude of “Gratitude” in our daily lives. I am guilty of that; however, I feel instant gratitude whenever I have the time to listen to some music. Now, we are off on another magic carpet ride with Liquid Mind.

 

As the synths softly introduce your road to the many things love is delivered by, the feeling is one of serenity and healing. While the artist does not claim to have the magic elixir to make you healthy again, the music invokes a good feeling and allows you to relax. Its instrumental ambiance and layers of atmosphere are beautiful, giving, and colorful, and the tones and frequencies initiate a spirituality that many types of music do not.

 

“Soul Whispers” caught my attention immediately with just the title. I started to think right away what that could mean, and indeed, it is dependent on who you are, how you respond to sounds like this, and where you want it to take you. I feel blessed to be able to take it all in on the listening level and then take the next step to convey the reactions and emotions it may generate along the way. My soul does whisper to me at times, and at other times, it shouts when appropriate if I happen to be asleep at the wheel on the road we call life.

 

The track felt soft and warm, like I was floating into another portal of “being” away from where I was sitting. To me, that is everything, to be transported in some way to move away all the cluttering of the mind and whatever is in the way emotionally to receive the music’s message. I love being the recipient of the sounds and conveying that to people interested in knowing more about what I heard and how it affected me. And, more importantly, what the possibilities would be for another listener.

 

Those two tracks I focused on encapsulated what you will hear and possibly feel while listening to In The Love. They encompass over fifteen minutes of music, a sizable sampling of what one would expect on the entire album.

 

The compositions' varying tempo, rhythms, and intensity offer a listener enough variables to keep interest and a consistency that will allow a continuous flow of peacefulness and healing. That was the goal of this recording. The entire listen from where I exist in this time and space allowed me to empty my mind so the music could fill my soul. That is my goal before listening to ambient new-age instrumental music.

 

If you are In The Love, then you are the love. It is all about connecting with your inner self first, becoming whole, and being able to share that with a significant other with whom you are enjoying your journey or simply someone you need to share this music with because you realize how much they need it and how it could help them.

 

All of this is important to sentient beings; to live is to love, and to love is to live. Stop at some point during your day or evening and listen to these tracks. You can use it to listen to it all, use select tracks while meditating, or if you need relief after a long day and a release of tension, it's perfect. The music’s simplistic and practical approach will serve you well whatever you use it or need it for.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

February 15, 2025

 Tracks:

1. Gratitude 7:02

2. Soul Whispers 8:10

3. Sanctuary 11:09

4. A Willing Spirit 4:32

5. In The Love 9:13

6. Forgiveness 8:23

7. Coming Home 7:43

Ambient New Age Review: Paul Avgerinos-Beloved

Release Date: February 14, 2025

Label: Round Sky Music

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Timed just right for the day of love for sweethearts worldwide, Paul Avgerinos releases Beloved, an album of eleven new-age ambient instrumentals. Paul produces the album and plays vocals, cello, guitars, bass, and keyboards.

 

"Love Flows" is a standout track featuring the unique collaboration with Kevin Braheny Fortune on EWI electronic wind instrument, alto clarinet, and alto flute. The soothing sounds immediately disarm you, offering a cloud of relief and spirituality that will help you release any stress or negative feelings. This track is a testament to the power of music to connect and heal, and the collaboration with Kevin adds an exciting element to the album.

 

"Beloved" is the title track and first single from the album. It starts with gentle keyboard notes and a soft synth layer. That thread continues during the track, and its soft touch feels like love. The touch of a loved one and a look of reassurance that you are indeed loved and in a safe place where you will want to remain. The music spoke to me that way, and those feelings emerged. This one is for lovers and dreamers alike.

 

"Softness," featuring Kevin with his alto clarinet, is a healing song. The title perfectly encapsulates the feeling present from the start of this recording. The synth and piano blend seamlessly, creating an ambient layer that feels like a journey into a realm of consciousness. This music is designed to heal, and it does so beautifully.

 

"Enchantment" starts with Juliet Lyons' angelic vocals. One tool used is the echo swell guitar, a key component in creating the ethereal layer you hear. It's a dreamy, spacey sound that can mesmerize a listener. With the wordless vocals fading into the background at times, the instrumentation can sound stronger. The elements of voice and music are perfect partners and indeed enchanting.

 

"Radiant Paradise" is a beautiful name for a song, and living up to that expectation and experience must have been an enjoyable process for the artist. The musical layers reverberate in your soul. I could feel the frequencies and tones going through me, creating an inner peace. That is a paradise I could use more often; however, without the help of lovely ambient instrumental music like this, it is not as easy to attain; in fact, it is difficult (speaking for myself, of course). The best thing about this track is that it is one of the longest at 7:34. A perfect tool for meditation. The most noteworthy features are seven tracks of Paul playing cello, like a cello choir.

 

"Luminous" makes you think of the inner light in all of us or the heavenly higher power you may believe in that gives you strength and guidance. Another thought that came to mind was the luminosity of our vast universe's stars, planets, and galaxies. This music easily guides you to another place where those thoughts and feelings instantly come to you. The keyboard is purposeful, immediate, and at a slow pace for centering yourself. Stardust we are…

 

"Lucid Dreaming" is a gift, mainly if you receive a necessary message from another plain of existence. They say that dreams are the window to the soul, and I believe that to be true. I have had many lucid dreams and a few in which I was out of body looking down at myself. The whirling synth sounds create a map of a dream state to follow. The only requirement is to listen and let the sounds and layers take you there.

 

"Sacred Space" could have dual meanings: a sacred space only to you or the space surrounding our planet and beyond. Sacred is holy and a significant word; it's spiritual and heartfelt. By now, you trust that this music will match the title somehow, although, in the end, the interpretation is yours alone. It always works out for me, and I find a synchronicity with the track title and music and see and feel the correlation between the two. The wind machine, again, is a key component here, drawing you in as you absorb all the layers of sound and colors into you, and your entire body relaxes. It's like a musical spa day for the senses.

 

"Flow in Oneness" begins with water flowing. This is the sound I use for my meditation and relaxation with massaging goggles on my temples. Water is from whence all life came and will eventually return. That sound continues throughout the track, creating an atmosphere of wholeness and oneness with nature, which is beneficial. Nature is an intrinsic part of humanity whether we choose to recognize it or not. It is the longest track, 8:19, and this track alone in a loop (dependent on how long you want to meditate or relax) will fulfill your needs for that state of mind, body, and soul. The consistency of the synth and water is a superb combination of auditory bliss.

 

"Blissful Presence" features Kevin going solo for the last time on the album. His contributions are noteworthy, giving the tracks an added element of grace and exquisiteness. His alto flute is beautifully played and stunning. It creates a vibe of intimacy and spirituality that most listeners seeking this instrumental music will appreciate.

 

"A Love Supreme" had me think of John Coltrane. Being one of the most famous tunes and albums he ever recorded, it's an immediate thought if you are familiar with his work and a jazz fan. This is not the same thing. The atmospheric sounds are entrancing, sounding like something you may hear on a soundtrack to a movie about space travel. The emptiness of space is not there; it is filled with the tones, sounds, frequencies, and instruments that fill your heart and soul with peace for which you will be grateful. Every track on this album gives you that feeling. The synth builds on each layer, and that whooshing sound like it's taking you away to another place is the final piece that works so well.

 

Paul Avgerinos' Beloved is not just an ambient new-age compilation but a meditative journey that offers moments of rest and reflection. It provides a space to center yourself and find a relaxation that renews and refreshes. The absence of distracting words in the music allows for a deeper connection with the audience, fostering a sense of calm and centeredness.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

February 14, 2025

Tracks:

01. Love Flows 5:52

02. Beloved 4:30

03. Softness 5:52

04. Enchantment 4:49

05. Radiant Paradise 7:34

06. Luminous 5:07

07. Lucid Dreaming 6:24

08. Sacred Space 5:47

09. Flow in Oneness 8:19

10. Blissful Presence 6:19

11. A Love Supreme 7:10