New Age Instrumental Review: David Wahler-Singular

 Release Date: October 25, 2024

Label: Independent

Website

David Wahler's Singular, released on October 25th, perfectly accompanies the reflective and contemplative mood that the Fall season often brings. His picture on the cover hints at the connection between humankind and the close people in our lives, a theme that resonates deeply during this time of year.

I will list what the tracks meant to David and then give my overview.

1. SINGULAR - We enter this life as one and leave ultimately as one.

The soft piano begins, and the cello, in a trance-like state of sorrow, quickly exits. The cello's mournful tones echo the empathetic understanding that we must face our final moments alone when we leave this plane of existence.

2.      LILT - When a day evolves into an effortless smile.  

 

The piano begins again softly, as you would expect, with David's relaxing, mesmerizing atmosphere. It carries a message, tone, and rhythm that indicates how one's outlook can change during the day. The evolution of the music brings a smile to the listener's face.

3.      LOVE IN A MEADOW - A clandestine meetup at a time (1970) when same-sex love forced young lovers into reckless abandon.

Love is love, and this is the story of a secret meeting between two people who felt that way for each other. It is gentle and beautiful yet fragile, like the music presented. Love can be complex, particularly in this time frame, which seems like a lifetime ago. All we seek as humans is love and acceptance regardless of who we love or our beliefs. Music can be heartfelt and touch the soul. Hopefully, this one does for all of you who can relate.

4.      ALONE - An introvert's castle.

What would it be like for an introvert to be inside the massive walls of a castle? It doesn't sound very comforting to anyone with that personality type. The piano beckons the call for courage and strength with a gentle push to acceptance. I am not an introvert, but if I were, I would want to hear this soothing music to calm me internally and mentally so I could deal with the fear of being alone in such an intimidating piece of architecture and history.

5.      OLIVE BRANCH - When conflict seems insurmountable, a tiny light appears.

The title of this track is so essential for a world on fire that we live in these tumultuous times.  The music has a distinct timing and repetitive, hypnotic effect as the bell sounds off in quiet solitude. The piano on the third layer completes the track—3:46 minutes of absolute beauty.

6.      IF ONLY… - The distant voices of doubt, guilt, melancholy.

If only it were not part of your life, it would not haunt your soul. The what ifs and such can make us doubt the present, hold guilt about the past, and an overall melancholy about life itself. The music invites you to look another way to the positive as you focus on the frequencies and let it take your mind to another place. It's a very atmospheric ambient track worth exploring all those feelings again. You can find your truth in the music, focus on the bell sound, and the slow pace and flow of the synths

7.      LOTUS LAKE - My place of peace, solitude, reckoning.

The Lotus flower is synonymous with spirituality and the solitude of meditation. You can take this music, which is a beautiful flower as well, and picture it in your mind's eye to realize your peace, solitude, and reckoning of your soul to give you the freedom you deserve. Beauty is in the eyes and, in this case, the ears of the beholder. Another gorgeous backdrop of colors and sound to bring attention to your inner being.

8.      LENTO - Living in a slower world.

How does one live in a slower world when all around you is chaos, fast-moving days and nights, and frenetic movements and thoughts running through your head? The answer, of course, is to focus on lovely sounds like the track provides. Its pace and tempo epitomize the term slower. The cello makes an appearance once again to add additional texture and emotion to the keystrokes.

9.      FINGERS TOUCHING - Those first glances, that yearning, and finally a connection.

The human touch is our healer, so it is for many creatures we like to love and comfort. This love story could apply to any number of things—the keys dance in rhythm and in time with a waltz of sweeping emotions. Anticipation leads to satisfaction and the realization of making all the essential connections that are our life force. This track is one of the most beautiful and entrancing on the recording.

10.   LOVE, ME - My valediction to people, places, and events in my life.

The track is the curtain closer on this touching group of tracks and sums up the entire story behind the music for David Wahler. To be validated is a feeling of joy and truth in our lives. It gives us the positive sensations to carry on our chosen path and makes our world right. Everyone in our lives is vital, and the love they surround us with is a precious gift not to be taken for granted. Here, the piano plays like a lullaby that pulls on your heartstrings. Such clarity of thought and emotion set to music needs to be celebrated. It all ends appropriately with gentleness and the feeling of the keys penetrating your soul.

Singular is a masterful collection of music that invites introspection. Each note, each title, serves as a guide on a journey of self-discovery. It is a thought-provoking and absorbing experience, perfect for those who seek a deeper connection with music.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

October 25, 2024

Tracks:

01. Singular (3:06)

02. Lilt (3:44)

03. Love in a Meadow (3:43)

04. Alone (3:42)

05. Olive Branch (3:46)

06. If only…(4:16)

07. Lotus Lake (4:09)

08. Lento (3:30)

09. Fingers Touching (3:45)

10. Love, Me (4:12)

New Age Instrumental Review: Rick Sparks-Devotion

Release Date: ‎ September 1, 2024

Label: Independent

Website 

Rick Sparks' new EP, Devotion, is a musical journey underscored by healing and peace. Each track is designed to guide you towards a state of tranquility and spiritual awakening.

The title track, "Devotion," opens the recording. It reminds me of angels, heaven, and the beautiful chorus of voices coming together to lead you there. The softness of the synths and the wordless voices put you at ease instantly, and you know that the sounds were meant for a purpose, as mentioned on the cover art: healing and peace.

 

“River of Peace” is more than just a track. It's a continuation of your spiritual journey. The layers of keys and synths create a beautiful soundscape, with the wordless vocals adding an element of exceptional beauty. Each track in this EP is a stepping stone, guiding you to stay in that frame of mind and spirit you have just attained.

 

"My Refuge" starts with an acoustic piano, and angelic voices add atmosphere to create the healing spiritual experience many seek. The added layer of the synths gives the track a velvety and airy feel, which is how the music makes you feel once you let yourself fall into it and be the guiding light you may significantly need. This flexible music allows you to enjoy the audio dimensions or use it to relax and meditate, depending on what you are seeking.

 

"The Sacrifice" continues with the choir of angels and the layer of synths they seemingly melt into. At the same time, it will melt into your consciousness. The first thought that came to mind was Jesus's sacrifice for humanity to forgive all our sins. We could use his assistance these days. The music is consistent with many elements, leading you into another dimension of thought and being.

 

"Be Still and Know" starts with synths and the sound of a bell, and then the voices come in. It is interesting how everyone interacts differently with music. This track reminded me that I do not need a large ornate building to believe in a higher power because this music feels healing and spiritual. It's all I need to connect. The bell sounds several times as the end of the track draws near and closes out, reinforcing my connection to the music.

 

"The Road Home" begins with the voices emanating through your soul, and the soft synths again engage you. The road home means the afterlife when our spirit and consciousness leave our physical bodies to be with the loved ones that have crossed over. Since I was old enough to decipher that concept, it has been my belief. Music like this combines beauty and the essence of the artist's creative force and spirit. It can touch you and bring things into a more realistic focus, and your strength inside comes to the surface, and you know you will arrive home someday.

 

Rick Sparks has created an artistic, musical companion for anyone spiritual or seeking a new frame of mind or reference to ease their minds and souls. Devotion is a shining example of that and can be a valuable tool for all of us. Just start listening and decide for yourself.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

August 20, 2024

Tracks:

1. Devotion (4:44).

2. River of Peace (4:46)

3. My Refuge (3:57)

4. The Sacrifice (3:49)

5. Be Still and Know (5117)

6. The Road Home (5:01)

New Age Instrumental Review: David Wahler-Blue Rose

Release Date: December 1, 2023

Label: ‎Independent

Website 

David Wahler's story of recovery from near-death cancer of the lungs is a miracle. I experienced the same last year at this time when I got sepsis and recovered in time to be home on Christmas with my family. David and I could have died, and many do. Yet here we are celebrating the man's music on Blue Rose. 

 

What I found different and interesting was how each track had its cover art, and it broke down one by one on iTunes. So, in addition to the thought of what you were hearing, you could look at the message of each cover.

 

The significance of blue roses holds many meanings; however, in the Japanese language of flowers, blue roses mean "a dream come true," which is appropriate for David.

 

"Once Upon Another Time" starts the recording with a delicate dream-like atmosphere. Its soft, entrancing entrance into your consciousness is a welcome 4:33 minutes. The artwork is a person walking on a barren landscape with the time to tell the story or create one in the loneliness or serenity of the moment, whichever may apply.

 

"Bernadette's Dream" continues the lovely patterns of unearthly flow; it is a touch of grace knocking at heaven's door, so beautiful. The artwork is mystical and universal in a thought process.

 

"II Addio (The Farewell)" shows a heart-shaped sunset with several birds flying over the water towards the light. In this track, after fighting for four years for his life, the artist was getting ready to accept his flight to a new life, and then he received his once-in-a-lifetime miracle that changed everything. The sadness of the music draws you in and makes you reflective and thoughtful.

 

"Just A Thought" is soft and warm, gently inviting you into the space and time of an artist expressing his emotions through his talented fingers on the keyboard and following his muse. Will you follow, too?

 

"Blue Rose," the title track, is the most significant. A steady back rhythm has the keys floating over the top like a cloud floats by on a beautiful bright day in the summer. Wordless vocals accompany the notes, giving it all a nice touch.

" Red," with its simplistic yet striking artwork for the track, shows a lighter image behind the text, the heart. The heart is a magnificent organ in the body that interconnects everything we are inside and out. The pace of the music is like a heartbeat going slowly, then faster, then smoothing out for a more regular flow. The music emulates the most critical organ in the body and paints the necessary picture.

 

"Dark Eyes" is a stark black-and-white photo of a person from India. The eyes are black and deep as the music digs down into your soul with the tinkling of a bell, the harp sounds, and echoing synths to capture the importance and feeling of the image and a track title. Will the darkness of the eyes find the light it seeks?

 

"Come" shows a vast cement wall with an extensive yet thin opening in the middle of the structure with intense light in the door. The light beckons you, and the walls will disappear as you walk through the space. The artist may have acknowledged it was okay to reach for the light. A woman's voice says, "Don't be scared." The music is very deliberate, with the sound of a violin and the lovely keys with different textures, and towards the end, the voice enters again and says, "Come." 

 

"Soliloquy" is a picture of a person on cracked and weathered marble, as seen in an ancient Roman temple. The music holds sadness and unmatched beauty, like that temple still standing after thousands of years. The meaning of the word is an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers, especially by a character in a play. Is life a play, and we are the actors? In this case, it's the reality of life spoken through gorgeous music. Is the music speaking to you?

 

"Little Sparrow" finalizes this incredible journey of a man facing death and finding a way to deal with it day and year by year and finally getting his wings to fly again to continue life. What a blessing and the lessons that he learned on his travels. The piano sounds like it's calling to you and letting you know it's time to move on. The synths enhance the layers of color and energy as you joyously fly away with the music.

 

Blue Rose was unexpectedly presented to me differently than usual and was a pleasant surprise. The invitation to look at each track as a separate entity and the corresponding artwork flowed like a storybook, creating a complete experience.

 

If you enjoy keyboards with various other instruments intermingled amongst the keys, this will be one you will want to take advantage of.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

December 22, 2023

 Tracks:

01. Once Upon Another Time (4:33)

02. Bernadette’s Dream (3:04)

03. II Addio (The Farewell) (4:52)

04. Just A Thought (3:16)

05. Blue Rose (3:53)

06. Red (3:18)

07. Dark Eyes (3:26)

08. Come (3:46)

09. Soliloquy (5:44)

10. Little Sparrow (4:07)

New Age Instrumental: Michelle Qureshi-A Day On Venus

Release Date: January 19, 2024

Label: ‎Independent

Website

Michelle Qureshi is an established artist in the new-age community. Her music has touched the souls of many people through an extensive catalog of releases.

 

A Day On Venus will bring in the new year with the grace and style her listeners are accustomed to.

Michelle’s acoustic guitar playing will resonate with a wide range of listeners even though it has a new-age foundation with elements of ambient and world mixed in. I can tell you that every track is entirely different.

 

“Luminous Fields” is one fine example of the music she can produce. The track is ambient and ethereal, with a nice touch of the Native American flute, synths, and acoustic piano. It is the kind of music that can be a relaxing listen or used for meditation. 

 

Whatever way you decide to enjoy this music, it will enlighten your soul and free your mind. That is the primary purpose of music created specifically for the new age genre. There are eighteen tracks to absorb and process in 52 minutes. However, ten tracks are under three minutes, which is just perfect. The way to approach music like this is with an open heart and mind, and then it will flow seamlessly to you, in you, and through you. The three parts are mind, body, and soul, all interconnected to experience the audio sensations presented. 

 

“Within This Night” has Michelle commanding some of her best playing. It is delicate and soft, will leave its imprint upon you, and only takes 2:48. I thought that was very impressive. The next track, “Electric Blue,” is one of my favorites, with its echoing sounds and reverberating acoustic guitar. I loved it.

 

“Rain In Heaven” was another favorite and quite different from previous tracks. It had a spacey feel, yet it was easy to acknowledge it immediately and focus on its uniqueness—this is where the realizations of gratefulness are realized repeatedly in this recording.

 

I appreciated the brevity of the tracks as the recording moved along. The impact of the music is apparent regardless of the time for each song. That is one of the more prolific aspects of her music. She knows how to create a composition that does not go too far, too long, or for too short a period. Most listeners would appreciate that approach. For my listening pleasure, I can go either way with the times of songs depending on what type of music it is. 

 

There is so much to enjoy on A Day On Venus; what is most important is what it can do for each listener. It depends on your approach, mindset, and what you seek in the music. There is plenty to discover within the music and yourself.

 

When music can find a place in your consciousness and heart so quickly, it makes the transition or transformation from one space in time to another more meaningful and feels like it was meant to be all along. Thank you for the blessings of your beautiful artistry, Michelle.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder

December 14, 2023

Tracks:

01. Stars By The Pocketful (3:27) 

02. American Prelude (3:01) 

03. Luminous Fields (4:07) 

04. Being There (3:01) 

05. Within This Night (2:48) 

06. Electric Blue (2:59) 

07. Belonging Here (2:14) 

08. Before You Speak (2:21) 

09. Slipped Away (3:12) 

10. Rain In Heaven (2:48) 

11. Dusty Springs (2:12) 

12. Mayan Trails (2:41) 

13. Warm Waters (4:42) 

14. Sliding Away (2:53) 

15. Light Rain (2:47) 

16. Without This Night (3:01) 

17. Wondrous (4:34) 

18. Walk At Dusk (2:47) 

New Age Instrumental Review: Peter Kater-Soul Story

Release Date: August 25, 2022

Label:  Independent

Website

Part of being a recording artist and remaining successful is to move forward in developing a signature sound. In some cases, it is a matter of trying something entirely different. Or what I like to call “thinking out of the box,” which happens to be one of the things I want to do myself. It keeps things fresh and feels like an adventure.

Soul Story is one of those exciting turns in the road that Peter Kater took while playing for people. He would sit down and talk to folks then they would lie underneath his piano while listening to the melodies created while recalling their stories. So then, piano readings were born. The experiences are recorded and given to the folks with the reading. From my point of view, this is innovation and using your instrument to provide people with their Soul Story.

The dance of the solo piano is one of my favorite things to enjoy. I find it one of the best relaxing and contemplative types of music to enjoy. In the case of this album, it holds a special meaning for many different souls. They are also segments of some of Peter’s favorites. In fact, this should make it much more special for the recipients of his piano readings. I would be immensely grateful to have had the opportunity, as I am sure all those people are.

The beauty and simplicity of these tracks are what make them so listenable. When I am feeling stressed and exhausted from the day, the evening arrives, and I can listen to music from artists like Peter Kater to help me feel rejuvenated and hopeful for a new day. I can always count on it to be there for me. Music is timeless; it fills the void of space around us and changes the feeling and atmosphere of an entire room. The power of music goes far beyond what words can say. In this case, it is expertly performed solo instrumental piano played in a very contemporary way with the foundation of new age ideology, the driving force to create it.

The title track I found very moving. It is 4:39 minutes of pure emotion and thought. It is a very effective track; you can feel and process the emotions as Peter’s piano ebbs and tides throughout, connecting you with it every step. Music like that touches your soul, and you realize what a miracle it is that one may convey so much with one instrument and no words. Every track will leave a lasting effect on you. However, I found that one the most moving for me.

Soul Story and its depictive artwork do indeed tell a story, many of them. It will be one of the most beautiful and meaningful recordings in 2022. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself listening to it quite regularly to finish out your day.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

July 25, 2022

Tracks:

1.  Starry Night

2.  Touch of Rain

3.  The Path is Clear

4.  Spiral Outward

5.  Find Me

6.  Soul Story

7.  Majesty Falling

8.  Full Circle

9.  United

Instrumental Ambient Chill Review: David Helping-In

Release Date: April 15, 2022

Label:  ‎Spotted Peccary

Website

When I interviewed (included here) David Helping to discuss IN, I knew I would have to wait for the vinyl to arrive. That was over three months ago. The wait was long, but worth it to hear this release in glorious vinyl. After talking with David, I knew this would be a fantastic listening experience.

IN was filled with ambient and chill textures transcending time and space.

I absorbed each track as something new and fresh musically as I made my way through the two LPs. The LPs come housed in gatefold sleeves with all the track listings and credits. Also included was a sheet with the names of the contributors and David’s tribute to each one.

Side A starts with “Waves Dream of Breaking,” and it serves as a grand opener to set the tone. This beautiful and exciting mixture of color and sound was just the beginning but a great start that filled a listener with anticipation for what could be next.

“This Burning Sky” includes wordless chant-like vocals from Nidhi Bhatmuley. It gave the track a world flavor while maintaining its core ambient foundation. “Only What’s Been Taken” is dreamy, layered synths with an interesting backbeat that transitions to a quieter interlude and then back again. Side A closes out.

Side B begins with “Here All Along” which features some nice rhythms, and you find yourself relaxing on a smooth wave of sounds. “Still As Stone” has tinkling bells with echoing notes from the keys layered upon soft synths. Perhaps the mesmerizing effect would make you as still as the track title would indicate. The side closes with “The Bliss You’ve Always Carried” featuring Benjy Wertheimer on the Esraj, a stringed Indian instrument. It looks similar to a sitar but sounds entirely different. It gives the track a uniqueness that others do not have. It runs for 8:01 minutes, allowing the instrument to provide you with a taste of its capabilities and different ranges of sound, which is then enhanced by synths, ambient guitar, and other instruments. Side B closes out.

Side C opens with “Slipping” featuring Miriam Stockley’s wordless vocalizations. This one also runs for 8:01 minutes. It is silky smooth from start to finish with Miriam’s addition. “The Cold Distance Between” could indicate many things; however, the one thing it accomplishes is hypnotic spacey sounds with a sense of drama bubbling underneath. “You Already Are” features Matthew Schoening’s electric cello. A flair for the classical is arrived at with his instrument while adding a feeling of warmth. Side C closes.

Side D begins with my favorite track, “Bending Towards the Night.” It clocks in at 8:21 and resembles a prog rock magnum opus. Eclectic sounds abound and delight straight through every second. It has a purposeful pace bringing me back to the thought that time has no relevance in the space of this music. The track continues to build with color, light, and frequencies that engage the listener. It takes the concept of the day and bends you towards the night. 

The track reminded me fondly of Tangerine Dream (a reference I often make if the music is good enough within this genre). The built-for- soundtrack-music and energy come with “In Waves of Fire.” The curtain closes on this ambient chill journey with “I Too Am Coming Home.” The track has elegance and beauty reserved for prolific instrumental music. In addition, the angelic vocals of Miriam Stockley accompany the music, making an appropriate ending to a marvelous listen.

You will be totally IN the music once you start listening. It will capture your consciousness and revitalize your spirit. The outstanding musicianship and production values make this one of the best recordings I have heard on vinyl this year.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

July 18, 2022

Tracks:

Side A:

01. Waves Dream of Breaking 07:32

02. This Burning Sky (Featuring Nidhi Bhatmuley) 07:20

03. Only What’s Been Taken 06:26

Side B:

04. Here All Along 06:24

05. Still As Stone 06:11

06. The Bliss You’ve Always Carried (Featuring Benjy Wertheimer) 08:00

Side C:

07. Slipping (Featuring Miriam Stockley) 08:00

08. The Cold Distance Between 05:55

09. You Already Are (Featuring Matthew Schoening) 06:42

10. Following the Lines 05:30

Side D:

11. Bending Towards the Night 08:21

12. In Waves of Fire 05:49

13. I Too Am Coming Home (Featuring Miriam Stockley) 06:44

New Age Instrumental Review: Paul Adams and Elizabeth Geyer-Sanctuary

Release Date: July 1, 2022

Label:  Independent

Websites: https://pauladams.org/home

https://elizabethgeyer.com/

I have familiarity with Paul Adams and Elizabeth Geyer. I had the pleasure of covering Imaginings, Deeper Imaginings, and Elizabeth's The Bridge. With July 1st right around the corner, Sanctuary continues the successful partnership.

 

There is always a story behind the music. One day, Elizabeth was suffering from a migraine and heard Paul practicing the Native American flute on the floor below. Something about the flow of the music, with its low gentle phrases and a breeze that grounded her. The migraine started to subside.

 

I love hearing about music's healing powers and how it genuinely helps people who suffer. We all need some help to relax and heal; this type of music will undoubtedly lead you down that path. I could use it daily myself, as I am sure many people would echo that statement. 

 

We have more stressors today than ever with many social issues because of the media and the social platforms, war all over the world, inflation, and the list can go on and on. It gets to be a bit much. I have decided to stop watching the news because it stresses me out and makes me negative about everything. I get glimpses of headlines from cell phones and even my laptops. It appears we cannot escape it anymore. Unless I move to the mountains and have no electronic devices, that would make me feel alone with no awareness. So, what is the answer? 

 

For my sanity, I need music, as you will hear on Sanctuary. For instance, in "Nothing Is Really Lost," the track begins with the sound of water running down a stream, and Paul introduces his flute as Elizabeth's piano comes in. It is one of the more beautiful and engaging tracks on this release. It is 5:05 minutes of new-age bliss that you can count on for meditation or simple relaxation. If you like to meditate, I suggest putting this on a loop to maintain that state of consciousness. Honestly, the entire album is well suited for meditation or deep relaxation.

 

"Graceful Waters" is another getting back to your root's tracks. With 6:00 minutes of the sound of water (from whence all life came) and that beckoning sitar and the dreamy flute sounds, it brings you into that state of consciousness you need to heal. It will get you in touch with our connectivity with mother earth and all living things.

 

Something about the Native American Flute's tones and more specifically the breathy Anasazi, vibrations, and overall feeling instantly set you at ease. The addition of various other textured layers of sounds like Elizabeth's wordless background vocalizations, electric sitar, chimes, etc., make for a completely immersive experience.

 

This music can be your Sanctuary. The outstanding production values will allow you to feel the water moving in the music and hear Paul's breathing as he plays the flutes. It is an exceptional addition to an already impressive catalog of music.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

July 1, 2022

Tracks:

1.Sanctuary 7:00

2. A Forest’s Embrace 7:50

3. Through The Tree Tops 6:50

4. An Evening’s Caress 7:30

5. Nothing Is Really Lost 5:05

6. Forest Light 7:00

7. Graceful Waters 6:00

8. An Endless Summer’s Evening 6:00

9. By The Water’s Edge 7:30

New Age Instrumental Review: Rick Sparks-Speak Peace

Release Date: June 4, 2022

Label:  Independent

Website

Rick Sparks just released Speak Peace, an album for our times. We need artists like him in a world of unrest, war, ecological disasters, and many other things that cause discomfort and stress.

As his warm pictorial of the sun rising on a large field of poppies on the album cover indicates, you will find immediate serenity from the image and hopefully the same with the music. As the world turns and our lives are forever changing, the one constant we can depend on is music.

Music that soothes the soul is something everyone needs; whether you realize it or not, it is for the taking. As Rick's keyboard journeys in the eleven tracks on this album will attest, this is just what the doctor ordered. Stress will melt away, and the world's worries and the day will fade to the background. The time taken to listen to this music can make a difference in your life; that is why you listen.

The title track sets up the rest of the recording by introducing a gentle invitation to join in and hear the voices of angels accompanying Rick on the keys. This combination is an effective method to find a meditative state that you may seek; otherwise, if you are looking for a relief valve to relax, there is also a path to that found in this music.

The beauty of "Little Princess" may remind you of the innocence of a child or bring fond memories back from long ago. If you have a daughter, you may be able to relate to that; I certainly do and find myself looking back and wondering how our daughter is now a grown woman thousands of miles away. I have tears running down my cheeks right now thinking of it. It seems like another lifetime ago, come and gone in a blink. Such is the power and magnificence of music and the emotions it can stir inside you. It makes me wonder how something you are hearing is beautiful yet sad.

"Prayer For Ukraine" is an ode to that war-ravaged country being destroyed a bit at a time while taking lives and changing the world of millions. We all feel it in more ways than one. Rick's piano solo is healing personified, and the positive message of prayers will go out tenfold with each listen. The track was released as a single with all the funds sent to the relief fund for the country. 

Music makes a statement, and you will hear it in every corner of the earth. Its reach and magnitude have no limits. Listening to Speak Peace will open the door to your soul.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

June 7, 2022

Tracks:

01. Speak Peace

02. Harvest Moon

03. Little Princess

04. Dragonfly Dance

05. Lass of Inverness

06. 1912 Waltz

07. A Love That Lasts

08. Prayer for Ukraine

09. End of Day

10. We Wait Upon the King

11. Auld Lang Syne

New Age Instrumental-Meditation Review: Sonic Yogi-Breath Into Being

Release Date: February 11, 2022

Label:  Independent

Website

Over two years ago, I was introduced to the Sonic Yogi (Jonathan Adams) on his Be The Love You Seek release. I am pleased to be listening to Breath Into Being. All instruments are performed, recorded, and mixed by Jonathan Adams. Jeannine Scarpino provides some gorgeous vocals as well.

Comment From The Artist: The intention of the album is to combine a cross-section of musical art and meditative practice. Music and Sound, have a direct impact on our nervous system and can also be great teachers to bring us back home to a calm and centered place in the nervous system.

Now here we are, still trying to make our way back from the pandemic, inflation, uncertain futures overseas with ongoing wars; it is piling upon us all. Stress is a major killer of all human beings; it takes forms disguised as cancer, severe headaches, aches and pains, heartburn, high blood pressure, the list seems to go on and on. 

Along those lines, Sonic Yogi was dealing with extreme anxiety, and he had to find a way to deal with it. He found relief inside the music. He wants to share this effective outlet with you all that are able and willing to listen.

From listening to this form of meditation and healing, I have learned that I can let go of the stress. And once you gain some solid ground with this practice, you will find peace, and the situations that once caused your grief subsides. I could easily accept daily stress while multitasking in my day job. The foundation I built was years of taking in music that you can assimilate, such as Breath Into Being, and that is precisely the point, you make it happen when you breathe.

Breathing is an absolute that ties into meditation and how you handle each day’s events. If I feel any stress coming, I breathe in and count to four, then release it counting to eight. It is very effective, and if you do that in combination with what is offered by the Sonic Yogi, you will be well on your way to mastering your path to a better life. You can have a life that exhibits more patience and overall control in acceptance of your surrounding or triggers like work stressors. It is a process - breath, meditation music, acceptance, rinse and repeat as often as necessary. I also enjoy using an acupressure mat daily for 30 minutes.

There is a lot to take in on this recording that includes:
•   Eleven beautiful music tracks.
•   Additional sounds or drones for focus.
•   Some lovely strings that lead the way.

The tracks range from 9 minutes (“Om Mani Padme Hum”) to the closer at four minutes and eight seconds (“Singing Bowl Improv”).

The array of instrumentation on this album is impressive, and everything solidifies to make for a fascinating listen with many healing elements to place it firmly into the realm of meditation and relaxation where it belongs. I appreciate the effort and time that must have gone into creating this recording. One man putting it all together with a god-given gift is amazing to me. I am grateful that he wants to share it. 

I always hear flowing water at some point in these types of releases, and it makes sense; it is from whence we came, and it is, after all, very calming. Logically it is about “Om Shanti (Releasing).” The releasing is part of the breathing; that is where it starts. And honestly, I realized that whatever choices I make determine what external things affect me. It is all in your mind, which is very powerful. We can learn to use its powers to exhibit more control and easy release of tensions. All of this is inside the music for us all.

I am here to listen, learn, live, and love, and this music will allow you to bring your Breath It Into Being. 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
March 2, 2022

Tracks:
01. Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
02. Breath into Being
03. Om Mani Padme Hum
04. Alone in Me, Together in Me
05. A Gentle Insight
06. Dilo sin Palabras (Say it without words)
07. Grounding in Intention
08. Om Shanti (Releasing)
09. Choose Love in each moment
10. I Am: Letting Go
11. Singing Bowl Improv

New Age Instrumental Reviews: Trine Opsahl-The Moon Stays Bright

Release Date: January 1, 2022

Label:  ‎Independent

Website

Trine Opsahl is a pioneer of harp therapy in Denmark and works as a therapeutic harp player in two hospices, playing for the dying and their relatives. She is a Certified Therapeutic Harp Practitioner (CTHP), trained and certified within the International Harp Therapy Program (info from the artist website).

To truly appreciate the all-encompassing artistry of Ms. Opsahl I needed to share that information.

The new year will be ushered in with The Moon Stays Bright. The recording encompasses eleven tracks of solo harp music, with three accompanied by her daughter Josefine on cello (tracks 4,8,11). In 2018 I was introduced to Trine's music with Add Colours To My Sunset Sky.

I find the simplistic beauty of the harp to be the most attractive aspect. It draws me in very quickly and what I hear are the voices of angels. Trine's precise and gentle touch allows you, the listener, to relax and let your soul melt into the sounds. When Josefine joins in on the three tracks, the harp takes on a new meaning; the sound becomes multi-hued with all the definitions you would expect from string instruments.

Most listeners would find this music exceptionally accessible and, more importantly, healing. The exciting aspect of this listen is that the healing I speak of happens unknowingly. Without effort or thought in that direction, things happen inside the audio vibrations and various dimensions on offer.

Most interesting is the trilogy of "Moonscapes" I-III. The moon is significant to mother earth. Its gravitational pull affects the oceans' tides, our weather and brings light into the dead of night. It is like the offspring of the sun giving us the natural light we need. When a full moon rises, it affects people in different ways. This reference has a spiritual meaning, and it stays bright from the first to the last track.

Listen to The Moon Stays Bright, and you are bound to find that "Stars Lie Hidden In You." This is a prolific release that you should not miss. The Celtic Harp is a fantastic instrument and becomes magical instantly in the right hands. Trine Opsahl is one of those rare artists that come along once in a lifetime for a listener. Her music will leave an indelible imprint on your soul.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
January 1, 2022

Tracks:
01. The Moon Stays Bright
02. Moonscapes I
03. Do Not Simply Pass By Like A Dream
04. Rose Of The Eternal Spring (Duo)
05. Return Of The Light
06. Moonscapes II
07. Stars Lie Hidden In You
08. Do Not Simply Pass By Like A Dream (Duo)
09. I May Look Distant But I Am So Close
10. Moonscapes III
11. The Moon Stays Bright (Duo)