Release Date: March
29, 2018
Label: Independent
It
has been a few years since I covered Joseph L. Young’s Ethereum
album. The focus on that album was the flute, now we have the arrival of Every Moment at the end of March. This
time around there is a focus more on the saxophone, however, the flute is mixed
in as well.
The many layers of instrumentation make the 12 tracks on
this CD a delightful journey for the listener. I appreciated the mixture of all
the instruments. The use of the synthesizer layered between the sax is
brilliant. The atmospheres are a combination of new age and smooth jazz. I love
that combination and most certainly would like to hear more. The variety is
what draws me and keeps me interested.
When I looked at all of the influences of this artist it
was a clarification of why I enjoy his music so much. Many of the artists
mentioned, were some that provided an introduction to jazz and new age music
for me as well.
Being pleased with a recording is acceptance. It is the
first level of listening. I do not think you can go anywhere with the music
unless you find commonality with it. For me, this was easy listening to
Joseph’s offerings. The first thing is how you are stimulated by is the cover,
which has many different meanings. It is placed before you to decide where you
want it to take you. If Every Moment
was precious to you and you felt grateful to be alive, don’t you think that
your existence here on this earth would be more rewarding? So maybe this is
what the artist is trying to say on the cover of the CD and in his music.
I think the cover is a work of art and the music that
follows is as well. Elements of world, Native American, jazz, new age, and
chill are all part of the package on Every
Moment. This album was a nice change from what I normally hear when
listening to new age. It is very original and inventive. I hesitate to say
unique but it definitely is an eclectic mix that I enjoyed from beginning to
end. That is a major accomplishment for any artist to achieve with a
listener. When you hear so much music
all the time it becomes harder to find originality and a step away from the
norm. For my ears that is a fact.
A fine example of that kind of diversity I am referring to
is the eleventh track (by no coincidence) titled “Eleventh Hour.” It starts off
with a swirling synth emulating the wind then the track takes off and continues
to evolve. With nearly 6 minutes of that sax mesmerizing you and the synth
melting away your stress makes for a very interesting progressive composition
that invites you to listen very carefully. It is more thought-provoking and
energizing than meditative tracks, which many of the other tracks can be. This
is what makes it all so intriguing, you never know what is coming next.
Joseph L. Young gives us another masterpiece of sound and
color to listen to. Just remember one thing, savor Every Moment of this gift of
music and spirituality and thank Joseph when you can.
5/5
Stars
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
March 1, 2018
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
01. Prism
02. Falling Through Time
03. Every Moment
04. Twilight
05. Time Traveler (feat. Cornell Kinderknecht)
06. Once in a While
07. Vicariously Blue
08. Continuum
09. Chronos Dreams
10. Letting Go
11. Eleventh Hour
12. Evening Repose
Tracks:
01. Prism
02. Falling Through Time
03. Every Moment
04. Twilight
05. Time Traveler (feat. Cornell Kinderknecht)
06. Once in a While
07. Vicariously Blue
08. Continuum
09. Chronos Dreams
10. Letting Go
11. Eleventh Hour
12. Evening Repose