New Age World Instrumental Review: Vito Gregoli & Ricky Kej-Wild Monsoon

Release Date: June 28, 2022

Label:  Independent

Website: https://www.vitogregolimusic.com/

https://www.rickykej.com/

Vito Gregoli & Ricky Kej combine their diverse talents on Wild Monsoon. This recording comes at you bursting with a world new age color and dynamic that will lift you right off the ground.

Vito has been a multi-instrumentalist for many years, and Ricky Kej is a composer who has made his mark globally. The recording is another incredible album and partnership that will derive plenty of attention from the music community and listeners.

Ten tracks will engage all your senses, and I mean that in a literal sense of the word. The Indian influences are strong; however, the background and music foundation from which both artists are from merge splendidly. It is an East meets West amalgamation that is stunning. Here is an idea of how good this music is. I am listening to it on little speakers attached to my laptop; the sounds fill the room. That says it all about an all-encompassing experience of sound and effect. It would be amazing to think about how this would sound on vinyl or a mobile fidelity audiophile vinyl release. I hope at some point that is a consideration.

Two consecutive tracks just blew me away, "Vana (Forest) 6:41" and "Jharna (Waterfall) 6:09." Note all the references to our environment, from the title to the tracks and the artwork on the cover. It is intrinsic to the music you will enjoy. Ricky is an advocate for the environment and uses all the platforms within his influence to get the message out that we need to heal the planet. The healing must come from within us all for change to begin first. Let's not look to our political leaders and complicated legislation. It will take forever to accomplish and will be watered down with concessions to favor big corporate money and greed. Yes, that is a very political statement, but in my mind and observations, I believe it to be accurate and the one factor that has stopped any progress.

We have the singularity of music to step away from the politics of things, which unfortunately seems to creep into everything these days. All its power, grace, spirituality, and tremendous energy can be absorbed with one listen. From that point of reference, you can propel into a different attitude and use music as your voice. Vito and Ricky are doing that with Wild Monsoon. 

If you consider production values, they are extraordinary. The complexities and nuances of everything that goes into just one track are mind-boggling. Listening to "Badra (Rain) featuring Kimberly Haynes on vocals, is an excellent example. I got chills hearing all the music and her singing so poignantly of returning to nature. Such a prolific statement to make in such an uncertain time we live gives you the energy and hope of that message, and the words and music carry it with a clarity and certainty that I am sure made Ricky smile.

"Baadal (Clouds) 7:56" is the longest track on the recording and one of the most gorgeous and affecting pieces of music I have heard closing out an album. The entire album is the perfect blend of new age and world and sets the standard for consistency and taste.

It is a Wild Monsoon of music that will excite the mind, body, and soul, get the blood flowing, and inspire those who listen on every corner of the globe. It will make us reevaluate who we are and how vital mother earth is to our survival and think about honoring how all living things are connected and deserve our respect. Thank you, Vito and Ricky, for a beautiful message in such incredible music.

Vito Gregoli & Ricky Kej have set the bar extremely high for all releases in the new age world genre that are forthcoming for the rest of the year. I see another Grammy nomination and a possible win for Ricky to add to his collection.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

June 29, 2022

Tracks:

01. Greesham (Summer) 7:04

02. Sheeth (Winter) 6:50

03. Vasant (Spring) 6:36

04. Sharad (Autumn) 6:03  vocals: Kimberly Haynes

05. Mahatma (Vito Remix) 5:35  flute: Wouter Kellerman, sitar:  Paul Livingstone

06. Vana (Forest)  6:41

07. Jharna (Waterfall)  6:09

08. Nadi (River) 6:55

09. Badra  (Rain) feat Kimberly Haynes  6:12  vocals: Kimberly Haynes

10. Baadal (Clouds) 7:56

New Age World- Instrumental Review: Al Jewer & Andy Mitran-Perihelion…the turning point

Release Date: November 21, 2018

Label: Laughing Cat Records

Website

Perihelion is the newest offering from Al Jewer and Andy Mitran.

Perihelion is a scientific term used in astronomy. I learn something new all the time when I listen to music and sometimes I get a science or history lesson. In this case, I got both.

In case someone reading this review is not familiar with the term like I was, here is some basic info for you so perhaps when you listen to the music it will make more sense.

per·i·he·li·on [ˌperəˈhēlēən]

The point in the orbit of a planet, asteroid, or comet at which it is closest to the sun. An example would be as such "today the Sun is at perihelion." Its origin is the Mid-17th century, an alteration of modern Latin perihelium (by substitution of the Greek inflection -on), from Greek peri- ‘around’ + hēlios ‘sun’. Or as the artist puts it so beautifully on their website: The burning off of artifice and unconsciousness is our moment of enlightenment. Spiritual awakening is the perihelion in our life’s orbit. This album is about these moments in human life.

Perihelion brings together some of the best and brightest talents in the new age genre including Sherry Finzer, Erik Scott, Miriam Stockley, Michelle Qureshi, Peter Phippen, Bob Lizik, Richard Gannaway, Biff Blumfungagne, Lisa Downing and Ian Maksin. That is quite a lineup of musicians that Al and Andy had to assist them in creating these 14 tracks. This music can transport the listener on a musical trip around the sun and back. Of course, you must open your heart and mind to the idea before that can happen.

If you are feeling tired, stressed or your mind is racing, perhaps it is time for your Perihelion to take place? The music will first invite you then allow you to take the emotional restraints off that keep you suspended in a state of tenseness and restlessness. This is excellent music performed by world-class musicians, every note played has meaning and when it all coalesces into colors, layers, atmospheres, and earthy tones, you can find an instant spiritual connection. Although I do speak for myself, I do hope when you hear this music you will find a path to enlightenment. I am so blessed to find this each time I hear music like this. I just let the concept, art, track titles, and music take me away, it’s that easy.

When the first track “Gathering Light” began and heard that bass I knew it was familiar. It was Erik Scott, who is a superlative player and genuinely spirited soul filled with the love for this music. He becomes one with his instrument, which everyone on this album does as well. The flutes play a major role in leading the way and then everything falls right into place right where it should be.

Al and Andy do a multitude of things with many different instruments to build each track and bring in all the other instrumentation to make it whole with substance. If I was to coin a phrase just looking at the track titles while listening to Perihelion I would say that the “First Step” is an “Awakening” then your “Ascendance” will arrive and then “Renewal” to a “Welcoming Light” and when the listen is over you would have come “Full Circle,” just as the earth does as it orbits the sun.

Perihelion certainly has a world flavor to it and yet the modernization of recording gives it a crisp air like feel on a fall day.  The clean sound allows each instrument and nuance to come through beautifully, filling your space with an ambiance and tastes of other lands and worlds beyond our own.

Al Jewer and Andy Mitran, with the help of the close-knit new age community, have delivered a masterful performance with Perihelion. It will surely receive rave reviews from whoever has the opportunity to give their opinion of what they have heard.

For this listener, it was another wonderful combination of music, earth, the stars, and a genuine appreciation for all that I am privileged to know and be surrounded by. Yes, life is good when I hear music like what I heard on Perihelion.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

October 25, 2018

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Tracks:  
01. Gathering Light
02. First Step
03. Eternal
04. Reflection
05. Awakening
06. Space Between
07. Ascendance
08. Perihelion
09. Renewal
10. Welcoming Light
11. Redshift
12. Journey with the Moon
13. Sacred Space
14. Full Circle
 

New Age World Instrumental Review: Get Tribal-Radio God

Release Date: October 6, 2015

Label: Indie

Website

Get Tribal is a group that pays tribute to ancient rhythms and spirituality on their recording Radio God. The goal is to awaken the Chakras and indeed it does. Each track is named with four radio call letters inspired by regional or religious iconography. Radio God is due out on October 6th 2015.

Kari Hohne is the artist that drives this new project. As stated in their press - Radio God is a surreal revival of world spiritual music arranged with ethnic rhythms, modern beats and infused with radio/media nostalgia. This recording is a follow up to the acclaimed album God of Drum.

Kari started composing music at the tender age of 6 so it is no wonder that she has advanced into so many segments of music and spirituality. She is a diverse and talented artisan with boundless energy without limitations. The music on Get Tribal is a direct reflection of that eclectic approach.

“GUIP Sunrise” opens up the album with gentle stirrings of life just as we experience on a daily basis. The combination of tribal rhythms and electronics make for an inviting sequence of events that unfold before you and then continue to advance with each track. 

“RUAH: Breathe” steps up the pace with more earthy tones and atmospheres with the drums providing the heartbeat that pumps the musical blood of the track as it builds and transforms. At this point I am becoming more and more intrigued with this music wondering what is going to come next.

“TABA: Out of the Underworld” creates an anticipatory and movie like soundscape for the listener. It excites and energizes then takes it all down a notch and relaxes within the same composition. Soft keyboards enter the scenery and it makes you feel like you are floating along on a wafting cloud. You feel like this should not end as it feels so natural and good for the spirit.

“KVED: At One in the World” is the album closer and perhaps the most prolific track that personifies this recording. It was featured on one of our sister sites Rate The Tracks. It starts off with a gentle invitation of an acoustic guitar closely followed by ever present drums to drive it along as different instruments gradually added create a world instrumental simmering kettle that comes to a full boil literally overflowing with good vibrations and spiritual awakenings. It gets injected with a shot modernization then some strong electronic essences via the synthesizer at different points. This kind of mix is what makes not only this track but the entire recording a true musical adventure.

The good vibes and earthly tones and rhythms are dominant on Radio God however what makes it all so special is that it takes the old and mixes it with the new in a distinct musical fashion, and transformed into a delight for the senses. The best of both worlds intermingle to make this album interesting and a completely fulfilling auditory experience that serves the main purpose of giving each individual listener an opportunity for a spiritual awakening

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: GUIP Sunrise, KVED: At One in the World,  TABA: Out of the Underworld

Tracks:

1. GUIP: Sunrise
2. RUAH: Breathe
3. BEJA: Elegant Flow
4. TABA: Out of the Underworld
5. RADIO GOD: Into the Outerworld
6. KEOK: The Gift of Fire
7. ADON: Across the Sea
8. ANKH: Dancing Desert
9. KSHEN: Remove the Red Dust
10 KVED: At One in the World
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

October 1, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

New Age World Instrumental Review: Erik Scott-Spirits

Release Date: 2014

Label: Indie

Website

Mr. Erik Scott has quite the resume. From playing with Alice Cooper and Flo & Eddie to releasing a string of successful new age world instrumental releases, his influences are dramatically different. And The Earth Bleeds was released in the spring of this year so I did not expect another album so soon.

Spirits is Scott’s second release this year so to say the man is in a groove would be an understatement. Groove being the operative word here considering he is a bass player. Violins, flutes, electric guitars, various keyboards and more make up this montage of audible delights.

I think diversity is the key to success in area of employment and never is it more evident than with Scott’s music. His bass is a magnificent tool that prompts all the other sounds to bubble to the surface in the most wonderful way. “Free (Instrumental)” is a Celtic influenced track that is modern and clean yet it takes something from years long past and carries on the tradition and legacy of that timeless sound. If you are not thinking of castles and horse drawn carriages while listening to this song you had better check for a pulse!

Scott’s bass is quite prolific throughout this recording; his prominence and importance to the overall presentation reminded me of the dominance of a Jaco Pastorius or Tony Levin. It is like the purity of a hot springs bubbling essence and the synchronicity of time meeting for a grand explosion of colors and sounds. It’s both beauty and wonder put together in one tightly wrapped package.

“Donnie and Sancho” takes you to yet another time and place, Scott’s bass rolls over your body like a warm summer breeze and you feel like you are on a private beach in Mexico dipping your toes into the ocean. Ambiance and the intermingling of genres create a dance as the sands of time stand still. His bass is powerful, beautiful and ambient at times. It is kind of hard to explain but you have to hear it and feel it to totally assimilate the entire presentation. I know that sounds complicated but it’s actually quite the opposite because it’s right as rain straight on through. “Weightless” has a way of making you feel that way and once again the picture is painted on the right canvas. You find as things move along that this artist has impeccable taste and knows exactly how to create emotion and a deep sense of being one with the music. 

“Run (Instrumental)” has a tribal world feel to it as many different instruments take part in the festivities. It makes you feel like you are in the wide open spaces with an ancient civilization during some kind of ceremony or ritual. It gives you timeless music and a space to fill it all in with the inner most thoughts one can create as you take it all in. And if all of that wasn’t enough he does his own unique version of The Beatles “Yesterday,” which is brilliant. In a word, this man does more with one bass than some bands do with multiple instruments at hand.

“Proper Son” is the penultimate track that takes the bass as a lead instrument to an entirely new level. The combination of Scott’s bobbing and weaving bass lines coupled with layers of various instrumentation, are so impressive. I can hear this track playing during a rather exciting scene in a movie, perhaps a pursuit of climbing the highest peak or a deep jungle adventure.        

The music keeps you focused and mesmerized, track after track it will immerse you and make your heart sing. An consuming musical experience is what everyone needs on occasion and if you give Spirits a chance it will make you whole and satisfied with who you are and your surroundings. That is the purpose of a great musical experience. The day and stresses melt away and there is nothing else to focus on but the music. To me this is heaven, the very Spirit of mankind in its essence and purity, unencumbered by distractions. 

Spirits is a masterstroke of divergence and a cultural musical stew of joy and absolute bliss. It would seem one could listen to this album and land just about anywhere in the world. This is indeed a job well done Mr. Scott! You are a very talented individual and I hope you continue on this path you are on and have some more joy to bring us again very soon.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Free (Instrumental), Donnie and Sancho, Proper Son

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

November 7, 2014

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews