New Age Fusion Review: Monica Logani-Secret Garden

Release Date: April 22, 2016

Label: Independent

Website

Monica Logani began her journey into music as a seven year old child. Off and on over the years her wanderings continued, but the music bug bit hard when a friend gave her an abandoned Weber piano. From there she went on to study and Secret Garden is the compilation of her five year journey. At times New Age, rock, world music and classical, this album reaches across genre borders and creates an emotive journey that speaks of a mother's love for her children, day to day experiences and the people that have made a difference in her life. The album was mastered by the Grammy award winning Corin Nelson.

"The Gardener" is the first track on the album and is a bittersweet glimpse into the life of a man dear to Logani's heart. Her personal gardener was a man who loved his craft and the flowers he tended. Each whimsical note depicts both beauty and sadness. With edges of rock and classical strains, we can envision a brightly colored garden, rich with life and love. When the gardener passed away, it left a hole in the artist's life but gone is not forgotten if you keep the person alive in your heart. Flowers bloom and life goes on. In each delicate note beauty unfolds.

"Bali Bells" begins with a piano movement and blends with electronic elements of Indonesian and Indian origin with classical influences. Fluid and organic the three genres blend together to create a seamless composition of life, love and happiness. Children dancing in a brightly colored garden, the happy smiles bringing life and love even during the bumpy times, family are where the heart is.

"Between Two Worlds" has a world music sound that captured my attention immediately. The sitar morphs into a tender piano sequence that speaks of introspection. Caught between two forces, Western and Eastern or perhaps two lovers, the conflict and bursts of hope are effervescent in every note. The moody nature of the piece calls to me as a writer and I can't help but listen to it over and over again.

Monica Logani's debut album Secret Garden is a shining example of the fusion of many different styles of music. They are blended together to craft a sound all her own that is both emotive and uplifting. New Age, rock, world music and classical all blend together for a sound that any connoisseur of music will appreciate. Logani is going on my watch list and I expect to see even more great things in the years to come.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: The Gardener, Bali Bells, Between Two Worlds

Tracks:
01. The Gardener
02. Anthem
03. Autumn Sky
04. Amber Rust
05. Starboard
06. Carousel
07. Butterfly
08. Bali Bells
09. Nonlinear Love
10. Second Hand
11. Journey's End
12. Between Two Worlds

 

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

June 17, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews