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

Track Feature: The Song Gardeners-Wildflower in My Heart

Streaming Platforms

Watch The Lyric Video on YouTube 

Mary Gospe and Corrie Dunn continue releasing single tracks as they did last year.

This Valentine's Day, the ladies decided to release "Wildflower in My Heart."

 

Their New Age Pop music remains unique and consistent in the genre. They set the mark for anyone else who decides to follow their path.

 

They sing with joy and healing tones:

You are a wildflower in my heart

A new beginning, a new start

You are a wildflower in my heart

Making love bloom

 

Corrie and Mary wrote the tune and have James Butler and David Scheibner for additional instrumentation.  Those additions are always substantial and enhance the beautiful vocals.

 

The music features soft and entrancing keyboards and tones of light and hope. The arrangement is perfected, as it always is, to flow with the vocals.

 

"Wildflower in My Heart." is one more addition to the vast catalog of recordings the ladies have recorded over the years.

 

As a listener accustomed to hearing new-age instrumental music, it is a nice change to hear such lovely voices and music coming together to make the heart smile.

Are you ready to let the Wildflower grow this Valentine’s Day in your heart?

Recording Personnel:

· Corrie Dunn: lead and backing vocals, keyboard

·  Mary Gospe: backing vocals

·  James Butler: bass, synths, percussion

·   David Scheibner: guitars, synths

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

February 14, 2025

The Song Gardeners are at the forefront of the New Age Pop genre – creating well-crafted contemporary #chill, #groove, #pop songs with positive, empowering messages. The band was founded by singer/songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Corrie Dunn and Mary Gospe... READ MORE

 

 

 

 

Ambient New Age Review: Paul Avgerinos-Beloved

Release Date: February 14, 2025

Label: Round Sky Music

Website

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

Progressive Ambient Instrumental Review: Phillip Wilkerson and Chris Russell-Imaginary Realities

Release Date: January 24, 2025

Label: Spotted Peccary

Website

Phillip Wilkerson and Chris Russell's newest collaboration, Imaginary Realities, was created for those seeking a portal of escape from everyday mundanities and stress. The shortest track is under seven minutes, and the longest is just under nine minutes, so you get full-bodied tracks and everything these two men can create within that timeframe. It is impressive.

I love the artwork, which is intrinsically connected to the music you hear. As mentioned in the press release, it harkens back to when humans drew pictures on cave walls so they could sit and look at them and transcend from their current space to another. After all, music is art, and art is music, which inspires the mind and imagination. It has no boundaries, just endless possibilities with those open to listening to the music and letting it transport you.

 

Now it's time for "Liftoff," a moving opener with shifting sounds and light. It gently pushes you to discover dimensions of yourself that you have yet to discover through the guidance of sound, vibrations, colors, and tones. The music is synthesizer-based, and it feels like you are moving from one place to another. Thus, this is the beginning of your musical journey, your liftoff. I would love to hear this in surround sound!

 

"Dissipation" picks up where the previous track left off (lifts?). This music is a progressive ambient instrumental. I have been accustomed to hearing more meditative sounds; this is mind-expanding and exploring music. My wife walked in while I was listening and asked if I was watching one of the Star Trek series I have been enjoying. A journey through space and time, going to the far reaches of the mind where no man has gone before? Yes, something like that!

 

"Principles of Creation" follows the same path with the ambient layers and sometimes more significant audible sounds. The mix is both, giving each track its personality yet retaining a core sound from the previous track.

 

The first two tracks give you the mindset and atmosphere you should expect to hear, with different variations of sounds, tones, and vibrations. Some listeners may find it mind-altering or relaxing, whereas others may feel different. It does depend on your current frame of mind or reference point before listening. The music will get your attention as you ponder the artwork and realize the space you are in and how much music affects that space. Do not overthink it, but experience it in your way.

 

"Manifesting Presence" starts with a lighter layer of synth, changing the feeling of the music thus far. As the track progresses, some interesting sounds are abundant. It's like a skipping static sound like old-time radio trying to find the right frequency to tune in and lock in. It can relate to a listener attempting to do the same thing: dial in. As the title suggests, create your presence inside your space within the music. Some lovely piano and bell sounds arrive with the whooshing of ocean waves to soothe the soul. Here is where I noticed a significant change in the temperament of the music and choices of sounds. It also lets the listener know how eclectic these two artists can be with that change and sound entirely different while painting another picture on the blank canvas of your mind.

 

"Revealing the Concealed" begins with a floating ambient atmosphere, which allows your consciousness to latch onto and ride along with the music. Its layers of sound are mysterious, like a soundtrack to a particularly thought-provoking scene in a movie or documentary about the far reaches of the universe, asking the age-old question, "Is there life out there?" The synths weave, turn, and swirl around you while filling your space and spirit.

 

"Abandoning Desire" is the ultimate track, clocking in at a hearty 14:23. If you think about it for a moment, that is nearly one side of an LP; it was back in the day anyway. It starts with the synths ranging from high to low tones as the background features a focal point of a steady, pleasing layer of synths, not drone-like, but more of a soft underlayer for everything else to slide over. The track gathers momentum in sound, and the volume increases for more impact.

 

Memories of other bands may come to mind if you started listening to music like this in the 70s or 80s. It does work that way for longtime listeners. With a newer audience generally not exposed to this kind of music, it will be like a revelation of discovering an entirely new world, a path to somewhere they have never been. That is the kind of energy this track holds. Many shifts in sounds and textures will keep your attention for nearly fifteen minutes!

 

"Imaginary Realities" closes out this recording with the title track. The music creates your imaginary realities. That was a clever title for the album, along with a very descriptive use of the vocabulary. Thinking about that makes you realize how true that is with any music. It is more impactful with instrumentals because words do not get in the way of the process. The track completes the journey with a gentle nudge back into the realms you have created with several layers of synths. Of all the compositions offered, I would choose this one for meditation. It has the right atmosphere and tones to assist with that process and runs for nearly nine minutes.

 

Imaginary Realities is recommended for listeners who have enjoyed ambient instrumental music created with synths and computer effects and are fans of bands like Tangerine Dream, Jean Michel Jarre, Kraftwerk, etc.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

February 11, 2025

Tracks:

1. Liftoff 7:23

2. Dissipation 9:03

3. Principles of Creation 6:52

4. Manifesting Presence 7:53

5. Revealing the Concealed 7:08

6. Abandoning Desire 14:23

7. Imaginary Realities 8:50

Instrumental New Age Meditation: Ilka de Gast-Ocean of Light

Release Date: February 18, 2025

Label: Global Sacred Sounds

Website

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Ilka de Gast, PsyD, is a California-based singer-songwriter, overtone singer, sound healer, Qigong, meditation teacher, researcher, and licensed psychologist from the Netherlands.

For 30+ years, Ilka has worked with sacred sound healing modalities worldwide, including the ancient art of overtone singing (vocal harmonics). The Chinese Zhineng / Wisdom Healing Qigong ties in firmly with this music and is something the artist taught for many years.

 

If you have not had the opportunity to listen to the results of those studies and all that has worked collectively over the years for many people, then now would be a good time to start.

 

Her most recent release is Ocean of Light, a collection of eleven new-age instrumental tracks made for meditation. Eight of the eleven tracks are considerably long, making each a great tool for guided meditation through sound.

 

“Spirit Eyes” begins your path to healing sounds with Ilka’s amazing vocalizations. It is apparent immediately her voice is one of the main instruments in this recording. The soft synth layer in the background brings her voice to the front with elegance and beauty.

 

“Ocean Waves Overtones” begins with a heavier bass-sounding synth, and her voice sounds like a centering Om point. Then, it changes to a different tone as the music changes. The tones of her voice are incredible. As we move along the composition, we realize that what she is doing is distinctive and original. She can get high and low or change her intonations to fit the frequencies and harmonics of the music. At times, she sounds like a digeridoo, which is fascinating.

 

“Sophia’s Song” takes on a different tone and path with a nice acoustic guitar and the reliance on the higher vocals to fill in the spaces between the music. A flute arrives for more ambiance. It is beautiful.

 

“Abalone Skies” begins with a pulsating synth sound, and the vocals take on another tone to offset that as the flutes join in. Ilka reverts back to a more chanting/tribal mode, then back again to the humming, buzzing tone you hear briefly at the beginning. The way she switches back and forth is like her voice is a band within itself!

 

“Song Bird” begins with a drone sound, with bells ringing, the kind that sounds so beautiful, like when you hang chimes, and the wind blows, to create that organic symphony. The vocals come in, echoing like she is in a cave. A whooshing sound is added, and a very subtle percussive knocking sound, like a quiet xylophone, is added.

 

“Desert Dance” rings a bell, then a digeridoo or Jewish Harp sound comes to life, and some percussion begins, all sounding very earthy, like a spiritual dance for the elders before an offering or meditation. If you consider the track title, those comparisons seem to fit. Her voice sounds off in the distance in another direction; however, as usual, it is stunning. Things start getting more energized with the pace of the percussion and winding digeridoo/Jewish harp sound. This one is very mystical, and I loved it.

 

“Harmony Chant” is another glistening beauty, with Ilka’s lovely, wordless vocals leading the way to your place of comfort and healing. Like many other pieces in this collection, it is a harmonious chant, as the tones change during the track. The frequencies get your attention and, ultimately, your focus, which can be a great tool if your goal is regenerative meditation.

 

“Soul Shimmer” is an excellent title. Hopefully, after using this music to relax or meditate, your soul will shimmer with an inner light that may have been subdued somehow during your day. It starts with a light keyboard and those angelic wordless vocalizations. It sounds like an invitation to heaven, a musical soul food you will return to for a second helping.

 

“Light, Sacred Connection” is different in a few ways. It has lyrics with Ilka, showing how she can sing an entire song beautifully without changing her harmonics. It is warm and soft and so lovely. The length is 3:17, which is shorter than all the previous tracks. It is a step away from everything else to show another side of the most capable artist when called upon.

 

“Light Chant (Remix)” returns to the more extended compositions but starts with an acoustic guitar picked gently to match her vocals. Some nice woodwinds or Native Flute are added to give it a more organic earth tone, a nice addition. I could see where this lady could get full-time work providing backing vocals for numerous artists; however, what she does is much more valuable to an audience that needs it.

 

I had not heard “Healing (Remix)” before it was remixed. It is a reboot of “Light, Sacred Connection” and is just as beautiful, with a soft acoustic guitar, synth layer, gorgeous vocals, and emotive lyrics with such strong meaning.

 

This music certainly is an Ocean of Light. It is one of the more unique new-age releases I have heard in a long time because Ilka de Gast uses her voice as many instruments with varying harmonics. This is the perfect meditation recording.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

February 5, 2025

Tracks:

01. Spirit Eyes (6:04)

02. Ocean Waves Overtones (6:08)

03. Sophia’s Song (4:30)

04. Abalone Skies (6:55)

05. Song Bird (6:40)

06. Desert Dance (6:45)

07. Harmony Chant (6:25)

08. Soul Shimmer (6:50)

09. Light, Sacred Connection (3:17)

10. Light Chant (6:07)

11. Healing (3:14)

Ambient New Age Instrumental Reviews: Deuter-Mångata

Release Date: January 24, 2025

Label: Curve Blue

Website:  https://lnk.to/Deuter_Mangata

https://cgdeuter.com/

In Sweden, Mångata describes how moonlight hits the water and creates the illusion of a road or a path. The album artwork, picturing the serenity of our life-giving force, reflects Deuter’s music and his ambition to create a peaceful place for listeners to dwell, inspiring a spiritual connection.

“Mångata” begins our audible journey of ambient new-age sounds, setting a meditative tone. With nine minutes and two seconds, it is a strong lead-off track that would be excellent for meditation. If not, then it is a chance for a listener to begin unwinding and breathing differently. The sound of the bell goes off as the piano steadily plays, and then the flute joins in with its soft invitation. Orchestral synths are layered and sound like an angelic choir as you look to the sky for enlightenment. Some piano notes have nice rhythms, and the flute uses them as a platform to continue its entrancing sounds. Another flute joins in with a higher pitch to echo the lower-pitched one that came before it. The music is like a beautiful butterfly coming out of the cocoon as the flutes continue to enhance the composition. Every layer added becomes more relaxing. It is an excellent way to start things off.

 

“Horizon Light” begins lightly with an acoustic guitar, synth layer, and gentle percussive elements. The flute offers its elegance in different composition parts. The synth makes a lovely, gentle bell-ringing sound. The acoustic guitar picking has a world flavor, as the layer is like a warm blanket with which all the sounds cover themselves. This beautiful track keeps the flow consistent with the first offering.

 

After two extended tracks, “Echo de la Lune” is brief. It is like an instrumental New Age intermission before the most protracted effort begins, lasting 12:55. Just under two minutes, its perfect beauty transcends time.

 

“Mondklang mit Perlen” is translated as Moon sound with Perdin. It is a book of music that considers new-age instrumental and worldly sounds. Lovely synths and a whooshing sound begin as the flute arrives, reclaiming its importance to this music's textures and enhancements. The sound of tinkling bells surrounds you as the flute continues to embrace you. The whirling synth sound mimics a soft wind as the track builds with more placements of various synth-generated sounds. The higher-pitched flute appears again, sounding like a guiding light among many in the composition. The whooshing sounds remind you of waves hitting the beach, as the sun soothes your skin as you breathe in the salty air. Music is meant to transport you, and it does so efficiently and effectively. Angel-like wordless vocals come into the picture as it beckons you to the heavens. The flute comes back as a natural course of events in this music. You are familiar with its alluring and soothing sound. Then something different begins: a stringed instrument, a cello, briefly adds its substance as both flutes call and answer each other. A masterful arrangement that keeps your interest until the end.

 

“Northern Lights” starts with a floating synth and piano as the whooshing sound is in the background. You can imagine the beauty of the aurora borealis as you let yourself and consciousness meld with the music. The key here is total surrender to the sounds; the lightness and healing of the music are incredible. Some sounds reminded me of my favorite bands like Tangerine Dream and Kraftwerk. I have referenced these bands many times because I love their music and always seem to find that connection and relation to it, which enriches my listening experience. The sounds of a violin are sprinkled about in this track as the flute sounds lower audibly, this time letting the layers of synth carry you away.

 

“Fjallastelpa” is an Icelandic term meaning Mountain Girl. It starts with the flute alone, echoing through the mountain’s peaks and valleys. Before I looked up the translated meaning, I did picture a flute echoing through the wonders of nature. The sounds of the synths add a layer that comforts you as the sound of air moving is apparent once again (perhaps to emulate your breathing while meditating?). The sound of bells chimes to give you awareness of where you are and your current state. A lovely acoustic guitar adds to the mix, and the flute consistently leads. It sounded Celtic or Norse, which fits the intention of the colorful rhythms nicely. It ends with birds chirping.

 

“Moonlight Rêverie” has a nice ring when you voice it. Another substantial amount of music is clocking in at 7:06. When Deuter creates his music, he makes it count and last so the person listening can fully take in all the different colors and textures. The sound of the cello comes back once again, giving the track a longing as it does so beautifully, and then the woodwind flute adds a sound quickly here and there, sounding breathy and alive. The higher-pitched flute sounds like a songbird asking you to follow it, and you oblige with joy. The whooshing synth layer is added for more relaxation. The moon's light fills your soul, and the music gets you there in spirit.

 

“Resonance of Silence” starts with a violin, giving you instant pause and gratification for its astonishing beauty. It sounds like it's singing its song as the synth finds its way into the background. The violin seemingly floats along the top of that layer of sound, making it a perfect partner for another musical journey to soothe one’s soul. The music finds its grounding in classical, with new age intersecting in a modern yet spiritual way.

 

“Sunset Gratitude” closes out this immense work of musical fullness and grace. As the sunset goes down on this recording, I feel grateful for its pureness, beauty, and spirituality. Its healing powers are extraordinary. The synths sound like a symphony from heaven as they resonate throughout my physical space, in my head, body, and soul, bringing me to a better place to have the healing powers work.

 

Mångata shines its light upon you like the church of music that Deuter so beautifully presents here.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

February 2, 2025

Tracks:

1. Mångata (9:02) 

2. Horizon Light (7:27) 

3. Echo de la Lune (1:55) 

4. Mondklang mit Perlen(12:55) 

5. Northern Lights (5:49) 

6. Fjallastelpa (6:39)

7. Moonlight Rêverie (7:06)

8. Resonance of Silence (5:08) 

9. Sunset Gratitude (4:47)

Contemporary Instrumental Ambient- New Age Music Review and Interview: Orchestra Indigo-Hearing Visions

Release Date: January 31, 2025

Label: Independent

Website

Hearing Visions is the fourth release by Rick Randlett's alter musical ego, Orchestra Indigo. I have had the honor of covering every release thus far. For listeners who may not be familiar with the artist, he was a blues guitarist for many years, known for his soulful riffs and emotive solos. However, he decided to take a different road, exploring ambient and instrumental music realms. So here we are several years later with another new release. The stunning cover art is bound to get a reaction as you ponder its beauty and meaning. Listening to the music will reveal your answers and yours alone.

 

Rick's musical prowess shines through in this album, where he composed all the music, played the synths and piano, and produced it. The diversity of his DIY approach is evident in every track, promising a musical experience that will surely captivate and surprise you.

 

The title is thought-provoking and makes sense if you think about it momentarily. Instrumental music creates visions through the auditory senses.

 

"Emergence" begins with a resonating acoustic piano, followed by a synth layer in a short minute. At 2 minutes, it is one of the shorter tracks but a suitable introduction to get you comfortable and into the right mindset for what will be next.

 

The title track, "Hearing Visions," is up next and starts immediately with the two layers of synths, then another with a rhythm and tone that sounds like it could replace another main instrument in a band setting, which is a different way of looking at it but a reasonable one as well. The pace slows, and the flow changes with some beautiful piano playing, with the synth layers giving a solid background. The keys float along the top, making the piano notes more attractive. Are you hearing the visions yet?

 

"Reverie" features a slowly played piano. The notes are punctuated by synths and colored with a sense of calm and assurance. The title means pleasant dream-like thoughts, and the music perfectly paints that picture for you, settling into your senses like a warm blanket or a comforting pillow under your head after a tiring day.

 

"Chimera #1" is the shortest track in under two minutes. The word Chimera means, in Greek mythology, a fire-breathing female monster resembling a lion in the forepart, a goat in the middle, and a dragon behind. However, in this case, there is just the word Chimera minus the mythology tag, which means a thing that is hoped or wished for but is illusory or impossible to achieve. We may realize more about this as the other tracks are played.

 

"Through the Portal" features a sound like a violin around the beginning segment. The pace changes just before it hits the two-minute mark with a syncopated sound, and its consistency sets a beat for adding more changes. The delicate piano's feathery, faster-paced synths run in the background and melt into each other. It fades out nicely at the end as the next track begins in a few seconds, making it sound like a segue.

 

"A Hidden Glen" begins with a lovely piano and synth layer. The combination is a slice of heaven. It felt ethereal and uplifting to my spirit. Music like this makes me smile inside with optimism about life itself. Something about it was no longer hidden, as the title would imply. Interestingly, one of my town's most popular natural sites is the Glen up the street from my home. Thinking that before the song began gave me a warm, loving feeling I have for Mother Nature and have always honored. Such pleasing tones and emotions brought a force through the music.

 

"Looking Inward" is what new age instrumental or contemporary and ambient music is supposed to do. The piano once again forges the path for everything else, slowly and methodically, as the synth offers another sound more like something you would have heard on a Tangerine Dream or Jean Michel Jarre album, which I always enjoyed. Those two elements made this a change in the direction of the sound as if it was a movie soundtrack or background to a particularly epic scene in a movie. It felt that way, sounding very regal and vital, like a tribute march.

 

"Eidolon" is an idealized person or thing or a specter or phantom. I think because of the music, it is safe to say it is referring to a person or thing in reference to an ideal. As you start to listen, its tone is more emotional than the previous tracks, with the rhythms repeating, and that gorgeous piano to disarm you and let you fall into the music like it was a warm pool of soothing water. The idea here is to heal with the sounds, let the world be lifted off your shoulders, and let the light in so you feel lighter, just like this incredible music!

 

"In the Shadows" is a very descriptive title and brings many things to mind; at least, it did for me. The piano, as lovely as it sounds consistently, can give the feeling of the unknown in this case. What is in the shadows that awaits introspection? Do you embrace it or ignore it like it's not there? This music is so inviting that it changes your attitude immediately, so perhaps it's you in the shadows of your own thoughts, or there are things you must look at to move on in your life. Again, healing and the light are key in this kind of music, and if you listen intently and focus and look inward as you did on a previous track, everything you need will step out of the shadows and into the light.

 

Is "Chimera #2" no longer illusory or impossible to achieve after hearing all this uplifting, spiritual, and healing music? Although a short composition, the tones, and frequencies hold the questions. It puts it out there for you to decide what the truth is, your truth.

 

"A Distant Glimmer" continues this musical story, a landscape of sounds, colors, and feelings that come alive in the music and then translated within for each listener to discern its meaning for them. The piano guides you in every track as the synth creates layers of additional beauty and texture where you can be safe and honest with yourself. It centers you and makes you whole as you go from one track to the next. Like many other tracks, I found this exceptionally relaxing and spiritually uplifting. The glimmer may be distant in your mindset, but it's closer than you think. It sounds so hopeful and can change to something within a grasp.

 

"Euphoria" is a heightened sense that can be wonderful, but be careful of lasting effects that determine a reality that is no longer there. The music comes at you carefully, slowly, to help you release that the track title does not necessarily mean your energy hits the sky. Everything seems unreal, and you lose touch with reality. It is quite the opposite; the music is saying the euphoria, in this sense, is beautiful, heavenly, spiritual, renewing, relaxing, and all the above. That is a favorable inference and, in its way, euphoric with certainty.

 

"Culmination" segues from the previous track, starting with just piano; the sound resonates in your ears and spirit, and those effective synths enter the mix again to give you instant pause and a breathing-out effect of relief. As this closes out the recording, the culmination of all the feelings, colors, tones, and wonderful feelings this music brought about, you feel satisfied and fully re-energized.

 

With Orchestra Indigo, you will Hear Visions. These visions become a reality with this ambient keyboard-based music. I see no end to the creativity that Rick Randlett has found on this road, and I look forward to the next journey.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

January 20, 2025

Tracks:

01. Emergence 2:00

02. Hearing Visions 4:38 

03. Reverie 4:18 

04. Chimera #1 1:52 

05. Through the Portal 3:42 

06. A Hidden Glen 5:35

07. Looking Inward 5:18

08. Eidolon 4:16 

09. In the Shadows 5:24 

10. Chimera #2 1:48

12. A Distant Glimmer 4:45 

13. Euphoria 4:44

14. Culmination 3:14