New Age Instrumental/Contemporary/Jazz Review:Deborah Offenhauser-Soundscapes

Release Date: October 2, 2017

Label: Independent

Website

Soundscapes is Deborah Offenhauser’s eighth proper album. I was duly impressed regarding her solid resume. Deborah has a history as a musician back to when she first started taking lessons at 5 years old. She has been a teacher along the way as well, and a highly sought after and respected one. Her music has appeared in movies and several hit TV shows. She also plays the classical organ, mandolin, 5-string banjo, guitar, and violin. She is a totally accomplished musician and brings a lot to the world of music and media.

After listening to Soundscapes, I can understand why her music is so brilliant. The title is perfect for the music she presents in 13 tracks. For my ears, diversity is the main reason I would give kudos to any recording, particularly when it is all well done. In this case that applies to this very vibrant and diverse recording. The many Soundscapes you will touch upon include mixtures of jazz, new age, contemporary classical and world. To put it in proper terms, there are not too many areas the artist does not touch upon for this marvelous instrumental presentation.

“Irrational Exuberance” starts off with the sound of a horse running by and it ends the same way. This is all part of the music that Deborah presents. The sounds of life, people, nature, atmospheres and every day sounds that lead to her music and honestly, mix in equally well. You will hear water babbling and birds chirping. This is all works within each track and makes it more realistic and personal for a listener. It creates a feeling, mood and or atmosphere that makes you feel you are right there, taking part of all the interactions within the music.

“Tanz" is a worldly track that introduces a blend of sounds you would hear in the far east. Again, the music transports you to the place you see in your mind's eye. It is powerful enough to make you realize where you are. Many possibilities can arise for anyone with an imagination. If you have been fortunate enough to be a world traveler the music becomes even more lifelike and relatable. It is an instant kind of recognition you can experience if you have journeyed outside the U.S. I can personally attest to that as I have been in many countries and experienced the sounds, smells, and atmospheres, all unique to that particular place on the globe. 

Those are just two examples of what is available in this fine recording. You get one track after another with beauty, textures, colors, and ambiance. They are all different standalone tracks that are ready to become your own private soundtrack.

Deborah Offenshauser has magic at her fingertips and what she is able to translate through her music is a god given talent. Where do you want to go today? Just put the Soundscapes CD, sit back, and take a trip courtesy of the artist. There are no long lines, wait times or cancellations, and the price is right!

4.5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 13, 2018

Founder of:

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Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. Decidedly Joyful
02. Free Radical
03. Nothing Can Touch You Now
04. Irrational Exuberance
05. Tanz
06. Spacial Palace
07. Through a Glass Darkly
08. Rosemont Theme
09. Air
10. The Gloaming
11. It is Written
12. Tanninim
13. The Wonderful Unfoldment of Blue
 

New Age Instrumental/Classical Review: Rodney Wilson-For His Good Pleasure

Release Date: 2015

Label: Indie

Website

Everyone gets a needed jolt at some point in their life that serves as a wakeup call. Rodney Wilson got one that saved his life. He was experiencing some physical issues and found out he needed bypass surgery. To say this album is about matters of the heart is an understatement to be sure.

For His Good Pleasure is an awakening from another source, God, a higher power or the voice from within that some folks refer to as the higher self. Whatever concept of a higher power that works for you is a fit for this album. For Rodney this approach worked and he recovered completely and decided to dedicate this album to that experience.

"Healing In His Wings" was my first focus track on the album and featured on the Rate The Tracks site. It brings a lot of those thoughts and feelings about centering your inner self and reaching out for help from another source and then coming to the realization that something saved you. Essentially, if you want to look at it from this perspective, it is an invitation to open the door to the healing powers of faith.

“Joy After The Storm” is overcoming a difficulty and rejoicing in the rebirth of your life. It is about getting to the other side of any difficulty and reaping the benefits of seeing it all through, believing in yourself and the process. This music holds all the joy for you and the title of the track says it all.

The artist draws influences from the likes of Ennio Morricone and the music in turn that is created is very cinematic. It came as a natural process for this listener to envision this music playing during a movie, or one’s own life story if you will flickering inside your mind. In this case it applies strongly to the creator of this very music.

“Springs of Living Water” is also very picturesque as the piano playing is like a waterfall of emotions and the added instrumentation makes it more impactful. With all the feeling and movement you could imagine in such a track it got my attention quickly and was another one that stood out. Water is life, and it is from whence we came and it serves as a reminder of the spring of life in a physical sense related to the earth. It is what we hold inside, the spark within. The powers of healing are available to us and are self-evident we just need to open our eyes.

For His Good Pleasure is an inspirational story set to a soundtrack regarding one man’s journey and the miracles of self-awareness and paying attention to the guide posts that come graciously and unconditionally to us in life. I for one am a grateful and appreciative listener so thank you Mr. Wilson for all of your talents and offering your story and making the music to capture the awakening.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Healing In His Wings, Joy After The Storm, Springs of Living Water

Tracks:
01. Healing in His Wings
02. Take Me Safely Home
03. Hannah's Song
04. Springs of Living Water
05. The Father's Love
06. Joy After the Storm
07. Where Honor Stood
08. Faithful to Save
09. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
10. To Dance for His Pleasure

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

November 23, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Featured Track: Fiona Joy-Invisible Train

Fiona Joy has enjoyed tremendous success as a pianist and producer. She joins forces with renowned  producer/engineer Cookie Marenco for her first solo piano album, Signature – Solo, originally recorded in hi-resolution for the audiophile market and one track is presented here in MP3 format for the masses to enjoy.

"Invisible Train" is one of the tracks on the new release. The piano dances and swirls around you and it becomes easy to picture a sleek train rolling down the tracks of your mind. The key is that it's visible only to you, it is what the music can create for only you.

Fiona's fingers bring joy, wonder and the mystery of heaven all at the same time. One listen to "Invisible Train" and you know that she has once again created some magic!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck Rating 5/5


More About Fiona Joy:

http://www.fionajoy.com

About the Album: Signature – Solo

With this new album, Fiona Joy explores the idea of maintaining magic in our lives, even when life itself gets in the way. Her wistful vocals and passionate piano sing to that small place in everyone’s heart, the place where fairytales linger, and where we find the strength to meet reality with grace. From the delicacy of “Little Star”, the complex rhythms of “'Ceremony”, the sophistication of the title track “Signature” to the deeply emotive solo version of “Grace”, Fiona's writing has been called a cross between George Winston's simple melodies and Ludovico Einaudi's musical sophistication. A solo piano album for the discerning listener, performed on an impeccably-refurbished Steinway from the 1800s and produced by Cookie Marenco for Tiny Island Music (a division of the Blue Coast Music Group).

Track Feature: Philip Wesley-Union

Philip Wesley's "Union" is the meeting of a man and his piano and how the sounds produced through that instrument can create beauty and reverberate in the human spirit.

This song will touch your soul in some way, and that is exactly what the artist wants to do. His goal is for people to listen and Transcend any problems or obstacles one may have in their lives through his music.

MuzikMan Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Free EPK from ReverbNation.com

 

More About Philip Wesley:
http://philipwesley.com

Philip Wesley’s music has been featured in radio, TV, film and print. It can be found on many of today’s most popular platforms including Pandora, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, and CDBaby. His music continues to dominate his genre of ‘New Age’ music and reached #1 on the iTunes charts, The Top 100 on Amazon, Best Seller at CD Baby, and most recently #12 on the Billboard Charts (New Age Catalog Chart) Charting with ‘The Piano Guys’ and ‘Jim Brickman’ The music reviewer ‘Reviews New Age’ recently called Philip’s album Dark Night of the Soul one of the “50 Greatest New Age Albums of All Time.”

Transcend is Philip Wesley's 7th solo piano album and is about overcoming problems and obstacles in life. Not just overcoming them, but rising so far above and beyond them that they seem insignificant and a distant memory. This album is also about having the courage to change, to face and overcome your fears, and pursuing the people, places, and things in life that captivate you.

A dynamic album with a rich, dark ambient piano sound. Ranging from contemporary/new age to classical crossover. An emotionally powerful album from start to finish. 

Featured New Age Artist: David Wahler

David Wahler's music transports you to another place, where it is serene and beautiful, unencumbered by any outside influences.

This is healing music. Get ready to relax and take a trip to heaven! Listen to "Night Sky of Orion" for a taste of what is to come.

His upcoming album Spiritus is sure to make waves as its predecessors did.



More About David Wahler:
http://www.davidwahler.com 

David Wahler began his musical career at the age of 7 playing the piano “by ear.” Years of summer music clinics and academies at various universities culminated in his studying piano performance at Lawrence University Conservatory of Music and Mannes College of Music in New York. David then began serving as a musical director off Broadway. In the Chicago area, he played with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra as well as teaching music appreciation to disadvantaged and handicapped children. 

David released his first album, Antiquus, in the spring of 2009. The CD was met with instant accolades from the reviewers. He placed number one on ZMR (Zone Music Reporter) charts for the month of July, and was the highest ranking debut album in the history of the charts. Antiquus was selected by numerous websites as “one of the best New Age CD’s of 2009”, as well as placing third on ZMR’s Top 100 Most Played Albums of 2009. Antiquus was also nominated for four Zone Music Awards for 2009, including Best Album and Best New Artist, going on to win Best New Artist. 

David’s second album, A Star Danced, released March 1, 2010, was met with the following praise from RJ Lannan, reviewer with Zone Music Reporter. “Contemporary ambient artist David Wahler, musically takes us beyond earthly boundaries on his newest release, A Star Danced . It is music that celebrates the joy of living on a celestial scale. I give it a stellar recommendation.”

Nominated by ZMR Awards as Best Album, Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, A Star Danced went on to win Best Meditation & Relaxation Album of 2010. Secret Dream, David’s third album, was released in 2013 by New World Music.

New Age Instrumental Review: Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman-Winds of Samsara

Release Date: July 2014

Label: Listen 2 Africa

Website

If you are looking for an album of peace and positivity, look no further than Winds of Samsara. Over one hundred and twenty stellar musicians went into the making of this epic album of love and light. Featuring tracks highlighting the lives of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi amongst others, Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman have created a pattern of starry skies and moonlit wonders as vast as the heavens. 

Some of the contributing artists are: Wouter Kellerman (flute, fife), Ricky Kej (bass, keyboard), Ciro Hurtado (guitar), Prakash Sontakke (vocals, Hawaiian guitar), Vanil Veigas (keyboard, Santoor), Keerthy Narayan (keyboard, orchestral arrangements, synth), Cochin Chamber (string section), Manoj George (choral arrangements), Bangalore Women’s Choir (choir), Varsha Gowda (percussion), Lamine Sonko (vocals), Janine Maunder (vocals), Angela Librandi (vocals), Joe Creighton (vocals), Tholsi Pillay (keyboard), Gopi (Indian vocals), Mauritz Lotz (guitar, programming), Vinnie Henrico (drums), Veena Biju, Chaithra HG (vocals), Gayathri Suresh (vocals), Denny Lalouette (bass) and many others. This album is chock full of amazing performers who light up the album with their talents. If I could give a higher score than 5/5 I would in a heartbeat. 

“Heaven is Here” begins with eloquent meditative flute sounds paired with atmospheric spaces and chanting. The keyboards bring balance, as do the Santoor, bass flute, Sitar and percussive elements. The highlights for me were the soothing feminine vocals from Alexis D’Souza and scat vocals from Jyoti Venkatraman. Kej and Kellerman are simply rapturous in this piece. Heaven could not sound any more soothing or in tune. The textures layer and weave in amongst themselves to band into a cohesive sound fit for the ears of the angels themselves.

“Remembrance” also named “Greensleeves” is a classic we have heard many times before. Just not quite like this. Edgy flute blended with hollow sounds and ethereal landscapes brings this piece to life. Synth, guitar, bass, piano, cello, the magical Sitar, drums and soothing vocals twist and wind around you like a vine from a village hidden in time. This piece brings to mind the elegant ladies of medieval days and Renaissance fairs. 

“Nocturne” is the final track on the album and features classical pianist Michael Lewin. Kej, Kellerman and Lewin have quite the reenactment of Chopin’s composition. There is a fusion here of flute and piano with vocals drifting in and out like cloud formations. Emotionally infused, this piece will take you back in time to memories of things loved and lost and found again. It is simply breathtaking.

Winds of Samsara is a breathtaking effort by hundreds of artists and it stands out in a crowd. In many New Age albums, one track leads into another without much to distinguish between the pieces. This is not the case here. Each composition stands for something and is audibly different. From a tribute to Nelson Mandela to a resurgence of Chopin’s magnificence, this album captures classic sound and infuses it with Indian influences; World Music, unique instruments and vocals that will make your heart sing or weep as the emotion takes you. I have listened to it for over a week and have not gotten tired of it once. Let this album wake you up in the morning and tuck you in at night. It is a soothing cup of tea for the soul and I highly recommend it.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Heaven is Here, Remembrance, Nocturne

Tracks:
 01. Mahatma (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
02. New Earth Calling (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
03. Crystal Moon (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
04. Madiba (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
05. Longing (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
06. Heaven Is Here (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
07. River of Time (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
08. Eyes of Wonder (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
09. Remembrance (Greensleeves) (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
10. Journey to Higher Grounds (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
11. Mountain Solitude (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
12. Desert Wind (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman)
13. Grace (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman featuring Fiona Joy)
14. Nocturne (Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman featuring Michael Lewin)
 

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

July 10, 2014

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

New Age Instrumental Review: John Luttrell-The Dream Exchange

Release Date: May 1, 2014

Label: Independent

Website

John Luttrell is a composer, singer-songwriter, producer, and performer. His original compositions range from ambient instrumentals to solo piano and guitar to progressive rock. He is the founder of OtterSong Records and Atmospheric Music and he has a series of solo releases as well as group projects that has released over the years. John has written the score and created original soundtrack music for several films, documentaries, and multimedia projects. 

The Dream Exchange is his new release and the best way to describe what you will hear is auditory bliss and atmospheres to set the mind, body and soul at ease, a literal musical cloud of beauty and grace. All tracks are composed, performed, and produced by John Luttrell, except “Interstellar Dust” co-written by John Luttrell and David Veirs and the album mastering is by Bryan Carrigan.

For those interested in gear here is a list of what John used on the recording: 

Guitars - Fender Strat w/Roland GR-55 Guitar Synth and Digitech RP7, Line6 Variax 600 w/Line6 Pod XT, Gibson SJ Kristofferson acoustic, Aria AK-75 classical acoustic, Alamo Fiesta electric, various mandolins and ethnic stringed instruments.

Keyboards - Alesis QS7, Arturia KeyLab 61, Sequential Circuits SixTrak, Moog/Realistic MG-1, Alesis Quadrasynth S4.

Effects - Zoom Studio 1201, Behringer Composer Pro-XL, Boss Flanger.

This is new age instrumental having one of its finest hours. As an individual that appreciates many types of instrumental recordings I was easily drawn into this music. The other factor that I find very appealing is the ambient soundscapes he creates with keyboards and guitars accentuated by many other sounds that color the music so beautifully. The relaxing tones and colors give you immediate pleasure and provide a release valve for any tension or stress that you may be feeling. Any negativity that may be surrounding you or taking space inside your head will melt away like butter dripping off a hot muffin right out of the oven.

In and around the tracks are the sounds of nature as well - tweeting birds and the whispering winds beckoning you away, anywhere your heart may desire. You are invited to a place of peace and rest for your soul as your ears are enveloped in sound, the mind and body follow in short order. “The Orange Sky” begins the album with pictures of soft light and beauty as the artist paints broad strokes of sound on his ever growing multicolored canvas. From that point forward the journey of blissfulness continues unencumbered by distractions of everyday life. It comes as no surprise to this listener how Luttrell creates film scores. “On Gossamer Wings” is the perfect track to furnish light airy sounds that will just pick you up off your feet as you float away on a cloud of delicate sounds and pleasure. The title track adequately describes without words what this album is about with its ambient keyboards, gentle guitar enunciations, which act as an open invitation to aural paradise.

This is music for the senses, the kind of listener experience that will lighten your load and give you freedom. Your spirit is free to fly away on The Dream Exchange. The title says it all; you exchange your worries and cares for a dream like ride above it all, like a vacation provided by sound so effective that you actually can be somewhere else. That is music that is doing what it is supposed to do, transporting you to where you really want to be right now.

Throughout our lives we share our dreams with family and friends, and they share their dreams with us. If we're lucky we're able to help them activate and achieve their dreams and also work on achieving our own. How wonderful it is to experience and share in this Dream Exchange. - John Luttrell, April 2014

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: On Gossamer Wings, The Orange Sky, The Dream Exchange

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

April 23, 2014

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks: 
01.The Orange Sky
02.The Sphere
03.Dreamcast
04.On Gossamer Wings
05.Interstellar Dust
06.The Dream Exchange
07.Somnambulistic Journey
08.Ethereal Raga
09.Away
10.Wandering
11.Inland Returned
12.With You

Instrumental Review: Bob Ardern-Craftsman

Release Date: March 2014

Label: Independent

Website

Bob Ardern is a guitar master whose music reaches across many genres. If you listen, you can hear a sampling of roots music with a dash of Celtic, Jazz and Americana thrown in for good measure. His unique sound arose from English folk music and the finger style guitar playing has stayed with him. In Craftsman we see a lot of old style instrumentation blended with the best of modern technology. Guest musicians include Alyssa Wright (cello), Don Bray (engineer), Dave Findlay and Kev Corbett (percussion, bass). The vast arrays of instruments used are: guitar, cello, trumpet, Glockenspiel, bodhran, pipe organ, Celesta, Spider Capo, Dragon’s Breath, bells, Synth pad, percussion and bass. The album features a special bonus track of “Paso Doble Solo Guitar” that is sure to whet any Classical guitar aficionado’s appetite.

“Tiddlywinks” is the opening track for the album and features Kev on percussion and Dave on the Hi Hat. It is a merry little tune, filled with elements of acoustic guitar that bumps along happily to a different sort of beat. The piece makes me think of walking along a path with butterflies popping along on a spring afternoon. Happiness and joyful play are the central feelings here. The music is festive and leads you into the open air of springtime.

“Back to Basics” Percussion, bass, piano and Dragon’s Breath synth pad are featured on this fun little composition. Playful, it is running on the beach and kicking sand into the air. It is splashing through small waves as they rush upon the shore. Finding joy in the simple things, remembering the happiness of discovery-of the realization that the best things in life are at times unexpected. Rattles of percussion intertwine with acoustic guitar and bass to create an evocative piece filled with emotion and awakening.

“Keep It Simple” begins with elegant guitar work that twists and winds its way along a textured path of artful instrumentation and composition. The melodies that flow from this piece are restful and if you close your eyes, you can see the colors burst inside of your imagination. If this song were a drink, it would be a velvety white chocolate mocha going down to warm your soul. Every finger movement is captured in minute detail, allowing the listener to fall into the music and just be.

“Paso Doble Solo Guitar” is the bonus track on the album. Deliberate and fluid, the fingering of this piece is a landscape of melody with an acoustic guitar gone solo. Whereas the original piece had the synth pad, bass, percussion and trumpet, this piece is solely guitar. You know the saying, less is more? I can’t think of a better example. (I loved the first version too, but this one was wonderful.) The pure sound churning out with every pluck and strum is like manna from Heaven. This track is pure bliss for the acoustic lover’s soul. 

Bob Ardern’s classic finger picking guitar style is epic. This Canadian artist has gathered some of the best guest musicians and producers together to craft an album worthy of spending time with. Seven capos and six strings brings us twelve tracks of instrumental guitar with flavors of Jazz, roots music, Americana, Classical and a bit of Celtic to mix things up a bit. Craftsman was exactly what the name of the album suggests. Each track was wrought with skill and intent to bring out the best of each instrument and artist performing. You won’t want to miss this one. Bob Ardern has made my must listen list and I look forward to his next album. 

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Tiddlywinks, Back to Basics, Keep It Simple, Paso Doble Solo Guitar

Dana Wright

March 22, 2014

Review Provided By Write a Music Review

Tracks:
01.Tiddlywinks
02.Pipe Dream
03.Capo Breton Lullaby
04.Schrödinger's Cat
05.Keep It Simple
06.Nova Scotia New Age Blues
07.Back To Basics
08.Bellringers
09.Still Waiting
10.Winding Down
11.Paso Doble
12.Paso Doble Solo Guitar

New Age Instrumental Review: Darlene Koldenhoven-Tranquil Times

Release Date: September 6, 2013

Label: Timeart Recordings

Website

Darlene Koldenhoven is a Grammy Award winning artist with three Grammy nominations. Her work has reached the top of the charts worldwide and the song “Lucid See” on her newest album Tranquil Times has been nominated for Best New Age Song in the Independent Music Awards. This new album is purely instrumental with original compositions and arrangements. 

“Lucid See” is the opening track on the album. A piano piece with some atmospheric background sounds at the onset, it marries with light percussion and a steady rhythm to keep the listener diving deeper into placid waters. This track will seduce the soul, bringing a much needed element of peace. It is easy to see why this is an award winning piece.

“Eternal Love” is an awakening. A warm touch of morning sun on the brow, this piece trickles over the listener in soothing waves. Multi-instrumentation blends string, percussion and thoughtful piano compositions, unleashing a bouquet of audible blooms to bolster the spirit. This piece is one of my favorites on the album. It is full of hope, fairy lights and infinite possibility. If you close your eyes, you can envisage a love so infinite it transforms all it touches, much like this music.  

“Surrender” winds its way around, leading the listener into the forests of the night. Sweet and succulent as a night blooming jasmine, the flute playing is full of harmony and as the title to the album suggests, tranquil. Beautiful and full of mystery, this piece is indeed a surrender. The music takes you by the hand, leading you into the paths less trodden, marking passage by wisps of sweet harmony and elegant composition.

Darlene Koldenhoven is an award winning vocalist, composer, lyricist, keyboardist, producer, actor, author, speaker and pianist. Her work can be found in hundreds of movies, commercials, recordings and television shows. Tranquil Times is her newest accomplishment and the purely instrumental elements of the album are refreshing, especially after a particularly stressful holiday season. Playing the album for a week practically non-stop, I find myself at loath to move on to the next project, having grown attached to this lovely body of work.  For any writer out there, this album is wonderful to write to, the flowing sounds crafting a marvelous backdrop in which to create. With original works and arrangements, this album is auditory nirvana. I highly recommend it.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Eternal Love, Lucid See, Surrender

Dana Wright

January 15, 2014

Tracks: 1.Lucid See 2. Eternal Love 3. Greensleeves 4. Hypogeum 5. Surrender 6.Drifting With Bach 7.A Walk in Paradise 8. Atmosphere