Release Date: March
14, 2015
Label: Haven
Tone Records
Russell
Suereth is a keyboardist with a focus on New Age and world music. His new album
Spiritual Haven is a combination of
classic Western instruments blended with some more exotic instruments such as a
duduk, guzheng, grand marimba, koto, oud, krin and ethnic frame drums. These
sounds are accentuated by the hang drum and woodwind instruments as well as
many others. Original compositions range from spiritual reflection to
observation of nature in all of its forms.
“Glitter
of Light” is a song based on hope in difficult times. Sometimes I think we are
led to things when we need them most and after losing a family pet of fourteen
years and dealing with the illness of another pet this past week I believe it.
“Glimmer” breathes life via percussive elements, woodwinds, synth and keyboard
action that was peaceful and reflective. The rhythms and soft vocalizations
were both soothing and uplifting, and a nice trip out of my head for a time.
“Notions
Astir” begins with a mellow synth experience blended with clanging that
reminded me of banging silverware and frenzied housework on a weekday night. It
made me smile and be joyful in the basic things of life.
“Red
Moon Rising” compelled me with the title of the song and I was not
disappointed. Electronic keyboards and synth bring to mind a large red moon
rising over the big night sky. Percussive elements add to the anticipation,
along with clanging sounds that reminded me of going sky watching with my
husband at the cemetery in Yorktown, Virginia. The big dark sky, picnic laid
out (clanging silverware sounds again) and a telescope so you don’t miss a
thing.
“The
Village Breathes” is the last song on the album. Sounds of water, birds in
flight, people speaking and a lovely piano sequence make it one of my favorite
tracks on the album. This piece has a more distinct sound that brought to mind
the movie The Medicine Man and the
villagers working and laughing together as they worked. Exotic world music
blends with modern sound to create a visual impression of the South American
jungle.
Russell
Suereth has captured moments in nature and the human psyche with his album Spiritual Haven. The album moves from
one song to the next weaving a spell of modern musical design interspersed with
exotic elements and textures. This was an enjoyable album for both its rhythms
and sentiment.
4/5
Stars
Key Tracks: Glimmer of Light, Notions Astir,
Red Moon Rising, The Village Breathes
Tracks:
01. A Magic Flight
02. Distant Voices
03. Glimmer of Light
04. Night Dances
05. Swirling Spice
06. Nightingale Rushes
07. Notions Astir
08. Sudden Awareness
09. Red Moon Calling
10. Red Moon Rising
11. Realization
12. The Village Breathes
Tracks:
01. A Magic Flight
02. Distant Voices
03. Glimmer of Light
04. Night Dances
05. Swirling Spice
06. Nightingale Rushes
07. Notions Astir
08. Sudden Awareness
09. Red Moon Calling
10. Red Moon Rising
11. Realization
12. The Village Breathes
Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer
April 4, 2015
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews