Release Date: November
11, 2014
Label: Indie
A little over a year ago Marika Takeuchi released an
impressive album titled Impressions. Now
she has returned stronger than ever with Rain
Stories.
Her piano playing is outstanding. On the
opening track “Rain In The Park,” her music is built around one simple theme
(which carries through the recording) and it is mesmerizing. The track brings forth,
excuse the expression, a flood of emotions. Its beauty is so overwhelming it
nearly brought me to tears. It is filled with a bittersweet sadness however I
was really awestruck with the emotion it hit me with. The entire album is pure
magic.
Marika’s music is influenced by classical compositions
and as recognizable as that is, it still comes out sounding like a gorgeous new
age instrumental. Every track one after the other produces different feelings
and moods of what rain can bring. It is all transmitted through the talented
fingers of this young artisan. I think what she has to offer is a gift from
heaven and we are the fortunate recipients to have the opportunity to hear all
of these healing sounds.
“Raindrops” actually sounds like rain with the way Marika
lets her fingers dance along the ivory keys. Rain can fall hard or slow down to
a drizzle and I think she really captures the delicacy and flow of Mother
Nature so beautifully within the song. As they saying goes…a little rain can
fall in everyone’s life but once the storm clears there are the warm rays of
the sun and blue skies waiting to reappear. The entire piece, while audibly pleasing,
is and can be very symbolic in anyone’s life.
“Koyo” or colorful leaves are to the Japanese autumn what cherry blossoms are to spring. Marika brings the
beauty of Japan right to you with this song. With rain and dropping
temperatures we get the foliage that the fall brings. I enjoy it every year and
it looks as though God takes a huge paint brush in the sky and paints the
landscape. It’s a wonderful thing to experience the changing seasons and even
more captivating when envisioned through music.
Marika’s music is tremendously picturesque and moving. As
I listen to this type of music more often I realize that it offers so much for
each and every listener. It can serve as a time for relaxation, meditation, or
used as soundtrack music for films or plays. It has a multitude of gifts to
offer and the only requirement is to hit the play button, sit back and absorb
all the color, textures and sounds.
Rain
Stories tell many tales built upon one simple foundation, what
comes out the other side are many musical delights. The seed planted is about
what the elements can bring and once that germinates there is so much more to
take in and realize inside this beautifully performed music.
5/5
Stars
Key Tracks: Rain In The Park, Raindrops, Koyo
Tracks:
01.Rain In The Park
02.Misty Night
03.Tears
04.Lost In Darkness
05.Alone In Dreams
06.Raindrops
07.Koyo
08.Memories
09.Snowflake
10.After The Rain
11.Into The Sky
Tracks:
01.Rain In The Park
02.Misty Night
03.Tears
04.Lost In Darkness
05.Alone In Dreams
06.Raindrops
07.Koyo
08.Memories
09.Snowflake
10.After The Rain
11.Into The Sky
Keith “MuzikMan”
Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
November 11, 2014
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews