Release Date: November 29, 2024
Label: Harp Magic
Peter Sterling has consistently released music for years, and I have been the fortunate recipient of many of his works. I have enjoyed his heavenly sounds five times over the years, and Heaven Sent will be his 17th proper studio release.
The message of this recording is evident from the first look at
the cover art. This music is spiritual, healing, and filled with positive
energy and light. As I have often said, the harp is the perfect instrument for
this message if you seek something to fill your spirit and soul with
healing tones, sounds, colors, and frequencies.
"Golden Leaves of Fall" begins the journey with
Peter's harp and soft, wordless vocal in the background that beckons to
you. Remember, there are various violin variations, Tibetan bowls, Cello, piano,
Irish Flute, Ocarina, Irish Penny Whistle, Ilium pipes, Native Flute,
keyboards, percussion, and Free Note Chimes. You won't hear all of that
in the first track; however, it is a beautiful start, and you get the feeling
looking at all the credits and instrumentation that this is new-age world
music. It's so intricate that you must listen closely to pick out all the
tools to create each track. That is a good thing and something I look forward
to.
"The River Runs Deep" is the longest stretch of instrumentation
at 7:31. As with all the tracks Peter records, they start beautifully with that
fantastic harp. The addition of other instruments is always a bonus. This track
is exceptional with the way it comes together piece by piece and fits so
perfectly as it belongs as part of this transitional composition. All
music is transitory somehow; however, in this instance, it is prolific and
absolute with pureness and beauty. An acoustic guitar adds to the mix and
is played delicately to fit nicely with the ambiance of the harp. The
river of music runs deep indeed, and it will enlighten your spirit.
"Timeless Heart "is a great title. The meaning is
accurate. A pure and faithful heart stays that way. There is no change of
timeframe involved. Like this music attached to the track title, the sounds are
perfected to hold time in a place; it neither goes backward nor
forward and keeps your attention in the moment. Adding the
pennywhistle gives it that "off in the distance" feeling, like
something that is happening either just changed or going through a change, like
the music you hear. It makes you think or become more reflective and aware
of the place you are in; you are now mindful.
"Silver Lining" can mean many things in one's life or
situation. The old saying that every cloud has a silver lining has a positive
connotation that can be very helpful in assessing the whole picture of what is
going on at the time. The music immediately brings you to that string of
thoughts; it guides you there as you listen and focuses on its beauty and what
it can be. Like a flower opening in the morning responding to the first
warm rays of the sun, its attraction is the delicate petals and a miracle of
nature. It is very much like the incredible music you are hearing right now.
"Forever My Love" is a tune that resonates with
familiarity. It intertwines romanticism with spirituality, for true love is a
spiritual bond. With the harp and violin merging to convey sincerity and hints
of sadness weaving in, the music evokes a profound sense of eternity. It's a
poignant reminder of the seemingly unattainable nature of forever, yet it also
kindles a deep connection with the listener, stirring up thoughts and
questions.
"The Rain Will Fall" is inevitable in the world of
plants and Mother Earth and, in a literal sense, our lives. It is time for
relaxation and thought. The music's gentle touch pulls you in, suggesting this,
giving you the reality and the miracle of nature at work by
providing life from rainfall. The essence of all life is water, and to
accept that is to become one with the earth that gives us so much life. And in
human life and what can happen, a little rain must fall before the sun shines
again—an interchange of times encouraged by the title and the music.
"Together Forever" returns you to that theme of
eternity and how real it can or cannot be. If you believe, it is your truth,
and forever is precisely that, whether in the physical or spiritual worlds of
existence. The music continues to enchant and give you the reason for hope and
belief that forever can exist, and the harp is a tool used to convince you
it is possible. Keep playing, Peter; I am starting to believe.
"After Glow" happens when a particular person touches
your heart and soul, or you are in a surreal and unbelievable experience.
After all the previous tracks and titles, much thought and meditation has been
given to the word's meanings. The harp can create a certain glow and vibrance
yet delicate beauty to bring a picture into your mind's eye, the lens to the
soul. The track is very deliberate in its delivery of this message. The
wordless vocals give it a heavenly, angelic touch.
"Days Of Old" is the second most extended piece at
6:44. The harp begins and sounds like the opening of a large satin curtain as you
hear the harmonica make its presence known. You immediately realize that this
track will be entirely different than all the others. The track title is
indicative of the setting when one reaches back into another place in time in
their lives that is held close and dear to their heart. The laughter of
children and birds singing is like heaven to parents. It makes life complete.
The circle of life is the music by design, and it feels honest and sad
simultaneously. Yes, it worked for me.
"The Sun Always Shines" on TV—oh wait, another band
and another song! I could not help it; it was the first thing that came to
mind! As Peter winds things down to bring you back to earth, the flute is as
superb as the harp. The music continues and ends where it all started. It is
all so exquisitely arranged and played, and this last track confirms the
consistency you have witnessed in all the prior tracks. It was a perfect end to
a perfect performance by everyone who contributed.
Heaven Sent was created for those who need its grace and gentle approach to enrich our lives by listening. And it does.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR
Reviews Founder
November 21, 2024
Tracks:
01. Golden Leaves of Fall 5:14
02. The River Runs Deep 7:31
03. Timeless Heart 4:47
04. Silver Lining 4:01
05. Forever My Love 5:10
06. The Rain Will Fall 5:04
07. Together Forever 4:48
08. After Glow 5:17
09. Days Of Old 6:44
10. The Sun Always Shines 5:30
