Showing posts with label Pop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pop. Show all posts

Pop-Rock-Contemporary-New Age Review: Mary Gospe-Time To Soar

Genre: Pop-Rock-Contemporary-New Age
Release Date: November 15, 2019
Label: Independent

Usually, when I cover new age-related music it is all instrumental and at times some chants and vocalizations. Mary Gospe’s Time To Soar took me right out of that little comfort zone I have been in for so long. That is by no means a negative connotation, change means growth!

One look at the album cover and you see a woman that is shining brightly with positivity and light. The mantra for the project is meant for each listener to embrace their authentic self with love, trust, joy, and freedom (Listen to “Free To Be Me”). If you are already doing that then this will just validate that purpose one step further.

Time To Soar is the message, plain and simple. Mary has a very nice voice that blends well with the music presented. Although the music is not new age, the subject matter is 100%. The music you will hear is pop, rock, and adult contemporary. It was all co-created with producer/multi-instrumentalist, David Vito Gregoli.

“We Are One” is a powerful message to the universe. The message certainly reverberates with me and hopefully, it will with everyone that takes the time to listen to this beautiful combination of lyrical prose and musical excellence. I choose that that track to be represented on my New Age Music Reviews Spotfiy Playlist (I also included the entire album for streaming here as well).

A lot of acoustic guitar playing is very good like on “I Choose Love.” This kind of accompaniment is typical of what you will hear on this recording. It is quality vocals with quality musicianship consistently. If you think about it, it has to be strong. If you want to reach an audience with your message you need a good bed of music to let ride on, and that is exactly what happens. It works well for Mary’s voice and choice of lyrics.

Just like she sings on “Pendulum,” give in to trust, surrender to love. It is simple and straight forward. However, for some of us, that kind of idea can be a task rather than a smooth transition. And that is why people like Mary and Vito are here on the planet, to help us move in that direction a little easier.

“Unity” has more rock elements than all the previous tracks. It is restrained but impactful with some nice organ to complement the electric guitar. There are no rough edges or anything that makes it a flat-out rocker, it is tastefully done to enhance Mary’s vocals and the background vocals. The track “Ride The Wave” has a political and world situation bend to it but is done nicely and gently pushes you into a more positive state of mind. Mary sings-I’m not going to succumb, I’m going “Ride The Wave” of a higher frequency and I’m going to rise above it and rise to a higher vibration. What a great message, and finally a song with those elements without any anger or negativity. It was so refreshing!

This was out of the ordinary for me in the new age realm which made me more selective and tougher from a critical stance. Mary passed with flying colors. If you are ready or if you are not, it is the Time To Soar and “Ride The Wave” to a higher vibration!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
January 20, 2020

Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:

01. We Are One
02. Walk Slowly
03. The Black Crow Prophecy
04. Time to Soar
05. I Choose Love
06. Free To Be Me
07. Pendulum
08. Unity
09. Ride The Wave
10. Let's Break Away
11. Live From Your Heart
12. All Is Well

 

New Age/Celtic/Pop Review: Cecilie-Fearless

Release Date: April 27, 2018
Label: Utmark

There is a very good reason why Cecilie titled her debut album Fearless. This young lady has a strong belief that addresses fear and holding back. She believes the following “It’s about releasing, letting go of whatever is holding you back, being present and alive, and listening to the world around you until you find your own personal direction.”

Once you hear her voice you will believe what she believes. Her tasteful folk, pop, new age and Celtic styles are uplifting and carry a message. If you are looking for it or not, the message will be heard and received due her inviting angelic vocals. Her style and timbre reminded me fondly of Candice Night.

This is the kind of music I could imagine in a soundtrack for a movie or one of those great Disney films that deliver a positive message to an audience. This perception came as no surprise after reading about her love for plays like Cats etc. The elements of all the flavors that make this delightful ear candy are the keys to the kingdom on Fearless. This is a time and place created by the artist. The invitation to join her on the journey is inside her then translated through each song. What this woman has to share becomes transparent to anyone within listening range. It is a thing of beauty and a true work of art.

I think what impressed me the most was how each track was different musically and every time it was spot on to match her incredibly gorgeous vocals. Although the subject matter is about life, love and the trials we go through, you will hear sadness but at the time there are the silver linings inside those dark clouds. The clouds turn into a blossoming flower when Cecilie sings and expresses herself in each track.

Fearless is bound to stir your emotions and bring up things from your past and present but it is all good. Her music is healing from my point of view. I hope each and every listener can discover this incredible talent and have the opportunity to get past their own fears and feel the music.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
August 8, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

New Age-Pop-Neo Classical: Unleashed Dreams-Dare To Dream

Release Date: September 1, 2017
Label: L.Walker International Ltd. Paddisongs Publishing Ltd.

Neoclassicism was born in Rome in the mid-18th century and it is still alive and well today. One look at the cover of the recent Unleashed Dreams recording Dare To Dream brings many different images together. Like the canvas of a great artist, the colors flow and merge to create thoughts and images where modern and times past intersect.

Looking at the art work on the cover of this CD invokes deep thought meditation and as it pulls the thoughts and vibrations from the mind of the subject (as on the cover) ...the words and music tell a story of love and inspiration.

The two anchor artists are Lindsey Gaye Walker (singer/songwriter, lead and background vocals) and Sean Michael Paddison (composer, songwriter, producer, pianist, background vocals and instrumentation). They have a few friends that join in this celebration of life and triumph as well. Every contributor made a difference and put their own stamp on this project.

This was a nice and welcome change from the norm for this listener. 99% of the new age music I listen to is instrumental, which I love, however hearing these amazing vocals and music come together was a special treat. The meaning of it all is so uplifting and spiritual. All I could think of when I looked at the cover was Michelangelo and The Sistine Chapel ceiling. What a miracle all of that artistry was and the miracle of this music and the images took me there. That my good people is a gift that multiplies for those that choose to listen.

Dare To Dream was like a breath of fresh air and a ray of sunshine that put a nice cap to the end of my day. The fact that I had a chance to listen, feel and let the music move me to write these words was yet another miracle. A higher power channeled within can bring change through music.

The mixture of vocal and instrumental tracks keeps it all interesting and thought provoking. Yes indeed, music is defined perfection in motion. With that I leave the rest to each individual listener.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
November 13, 2017

Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. Deep
02. Dare to Dream
03. Resonance
04. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
05. My Sacred Inner Child
06. Riding the Winds of Change (Instrumental)
07. Trust (And Let Go)
08. You Give Me Strength
09. A New Day
10. A Journey Within (Instrumental)
11. Onward to Glory
12. Moonlight Waltz (Instrumental)

 

New Age/Pop Review: David Arkenstone and Charlee Brooks-Inamorata


Release Date: February 3, 2015
Label: Green Hill
Website


Some performers stick in your heart long after the last note is played. David Arkenstone and Charlee Brooks are two of those. After their last album, Lovéren, I fell in adoration and was thrilled to find out about Inamorata. David Davidson performs the violin and his contributions as always are beautiful. The release in February 2015 couldn’t have been timelier. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this album is a spell of love and longing with eight original tracks along with renditions of the Game of Thrones main theme as well as, “Did I Make the Most of Loving You” from Downton Abbey, Zedd’s “Clarity” and “Harem” from Sarah Brightman. The last song on the album is dedicated to Arkenstone’s niece who was born during the recording of the album. 

Inamorata begins with the earth shattering song, “Believe.” Stains of gorgeous multi-instrumentation paint a celestial canvas of fairy tale proportions. Twinkling bells and piano sequences make way for Charlee’s angelic voice. Strong and clear, her singing brings to mind Disney princesses and epic journeys. Castles in the air filled with love and optimism radiate outward with these transcendent lyrics and seamless harmonies. 

The second song on the album is the theme from Downton Abbey. “Did I Make the Most of Loving You” is presented flawlessly with orchestral quality sound and Charlee’s gossamer vocals. Radiant and vibrant with percussive elements that inspire imagination, the piece is magnificent.

“Inamorata” is the title track for the album. A ballad of love and hope, this song is the light in the window of the soul. This is an original work and personifies a love that lasts forever. It leads into the “Main Theme” from Game of Thrones. I found it fitting that they were next to each other on the track lineup. With the Celtic strains and magical imagery invoked, this piece brings to life a world of adventure just in time for a new season to arrive on DVD. Every fan of the show will love this rendition. Clear and melodic with harmonies that reach up and grab you, this piece will make your blood pound and your fingers itch to grab the remote to watch more of this epic series.
“Clarity” is filled with breathy wisps in the background, piano and multi-instrumentation. Charlee’s sparkling vocals echo in the heart. We don’t always want to fall in love but sometimes the very person we fight against is the one who will be our salvation. Poignant and full of emotion, this piece will warm the heart of romance readers everywhere. It reads (sounds) like a romance novel and that makes this one of my favorite songs on the album. Love. Angst. Love. Can’t get much better than that.

David Arkenstone has been making music for twenty five years and is a performer that gives nothing less than perfection. The love and care he put into this album is truly beyond the pale and he surrounds himself with artists that give only their best. Love songs are always well met and this album takes eight original pieces along with four favorites and weaves a fairy tale mix of epic proportions that will hook you in the first few minutes of listening. 

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Believe, Inamorata, Did I Make the Most of Loving You, Game of Thrones, Clarity

Tracks: 
01. Believe
02. Did I Make The Most Of Loving You? (Theme From "Downton Abbey")
03. Never Forget
04. Inamorata
05. Main Title (From "Game Of Thrones")
06.Clarity
07. Beautiful Storm
08. Don't Let Me Go
09. Harem
10. Invisible
11. Great Love
12. Lullaby For Belina


DanaWright, Sr. Staff Writer

February 19, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews



New Age Featured Track: David Arkenstone-Inamorata

David Arkenstone has collaborated once again with Charlee Brooks and released his new album Inamorata (just last week). The album is another new age release with a pop flair to it. A little different twist here and there in comparison to previous releases.

The title track is what we are celebrating here and fine choice for a feature indeed. It comes with all the trimmings...soaring vocals, textured and beautiful music for those vocals to float upon and more.

Everything is in place to prime you for full listen of the new album.

MuzikMan Rating: 4.5/5 Stars


More About David Arkenstone And The New Release:

http://www.davidarkenstone.com/cool-music.html

Copied From David's Website:

I'm really excited about my new album INAMORATA (released Tuesday, February 3rd!).  It's another collaboration with gifted vocalist and lyricist Charlee Brooks… sort of a follow up to our Lovéren and our last collaboration, Celtic Garden. I had a lot of fun moving sort of into the pop vein a bit. Inamorata has eight original songs in addition to our renditions of the awesome themes from Downton Abbey and Game Of Thrones along with Zedd's "Clarity" and Sarah Brightman's "Harem.'' 

The release is just in time for Valentine's Day and this is an album of well, love songs!  There's also the lullaby that I wrote for my little niece, who was born during the recording. Really enjoyed working with David Davidson again… he's an amazing violinist!  Here's a little 'behind the scenes' look during the recording http://vimeo.com/112805828. It's coming out on the Green Hill label and is already available on Amazon and iTunes. I'm always deeply touched by your support of my music… Inamorata is a special album and I hope you all enjoy it!