New Age Music and The Grammys 2015

New York, NY-September 29, 2015-New Age Music continues to gather momentum with each passing year and the relevance of the music becomes clearer with Grammy Nominations.

 

According to Wikipedia it is used by listeners for yoga, massage, meditation, and reading as a method of stress management or to create a peaceful atmosphere in their home or other environments, and is associated with environmentalism and New Age spirituality.

That is a fair assessment of what this music can offer however there is much more to it. Avid listeners of this type of music can find so much more inside the music. It most certainly is a spiritual journey but one cannot put it in a box and tuck it away in the corner. Many elements and influences from all over the world converge to make this genre compelling. World, classical, electronic music and more find their way into this community. This in turn has the power to connect us all regardless of where we are from.

I think what stands out strongly within this genre is that every artist that records New Age music can put their own unique stamp on it. Many enlightened artisans will take the old and the new to formulate a refreshing sound. 

This year there is a newcomer to the genre that has emerged, Russell Suereth. Listeners should take notice of this developing talent. Suereth’s album Spiritual Haven focuses on a spiritual journey that takes the listener to a place far away. Suereth played all the instruments and Tom Eaton of Will Ackerman’s Imaginary Road Studios did the final mastering.

Spiritual Haven was a bold step for an artist that came from the contemporary rock sector. It was the right direction for the artist to go as the album has made quite an impression. Suereth was able to cross over any barriers and create something special. From an idea, a seedling planted and then nurtured, the album took shape and matured into a beautiful group of tracks.

With this year’s Grammy Nominations right around the corner there is hope that this fine recording titled Spiritual Haven will be recognized for its contribution to the genre and listeners across the globe.

Contact: Russell Suereth

Location: New York, NY

Email: rsuereth@optonline.net

Website: http://www.russellsuereth.com/spiritual-haven-58th-grammy-awards-fyc

Music News: Russell Suereth Creates A Spiritual Haven For New Age Listeners

New York, NY-September 15, 2015-Russell Suereth released his maiden voyage into the new age world music genre this spring with Spiritual Haven.

He created the Spiritual Haven album to provide a place where people can go to relax, and connect to their own spirit.

Russell commented: I feel there’s a connection between our life today, and the vast stream of human existence that came before us. In many ways, our spirit can help us make that ancient connection. In this album, I focused on ancient and traditional instruments to set a tone. Then I sprinkled in modern instruments and synths to contrast old against new. My goal was to create music that connects to your spirit, and connects to that ancient existence.

Based on the reception he has received for the release and all the positive reviews there is valid evidence that his final goal was accomplished and many souls were touched by the music. Spiritual Haven ushered in a new direction for Suereth. Previously he had released contemporary rock and pop music however he found that there were many elements and influences that pulled him towards creating this music.

This has to be one of the most fascinating and cleverly woven albums that I have had the pleasure to listen to for some years.” –  
Steve Sheppard, One World Music (OWM)

“One of the best New Age albums of the year … a masterpiece” –  
Robert Steven Silverstein, mwe3.com

Spiritual Haven was composed and performed by Suereth with Assistant Production provided by Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck and final mastering by renowned engineer Tom Eaton, who works with Will Ackerman at the famous Imaginary Road Studios in Vermont where many artists go to record their music.

Spiritual Haven combines relaxing and spiritual sounds with new age and world elements. The final result is an eclectic mix that is not easy to define specifically to one genre. This factor helps the artist to stand out amongst the many different artists creating similar music. Although the two main genres are dominant it has the ability to cross over and appeal to a wider audience. Music such as this can serve as a guide to a meditative state or just a nice soundtrack to casually relax to. Either way it is a spiritual or contemplative journey that provides so much joy and wonder from start to finish that you will feel compelled to return again and again for more listens.

Russell Suereth is dedicated to his craft and has worked tirelessly to create awareness about Spiritual Haven. Once you listen to the recording you will understand the concept and reasoning behind the intent of this prolific release. Listeners are anticipating more from Russell Suereth in the future and certainly he intends to provide more spiritual journeys soon but until then give Spiritual Haven your undivided attention, you will not regret it.

Contact: Russell Suereth

Location: New York, NY

Email: rsuereth@optonline.net

Website: http://www.russellsuereth.com/spiritual-new-age-music

Russell Suereth Releases Video Documenting Spiritual Haven Album

September 1, 2015-New York, NY-With the release of Spiritual Haven this year recording artist Russell Suereth broke new ground. Entering the world of new age and world music was big change for the former rock and pop artist. That step has brought the artist to new heights and success in the world of recordings.
 

The album features 12 diverse and moving tracks that engage the senses and allow you look inward and find yourself in another time and place. 

Russell Commented: I wanted to provide my listeners with something that would really help them see the story in the album. I had done a few radio programs about the journey inside the album, but I didn’t feel that it really hit home for my listeners.

So along those lines he decided to engage his audience and potential listeners through a video storybook.

Russell wanted to have the story narrated and felt having another voice tell the story was more appropriate. A friend suggested Steve Sheppard of One World Music and things began to take shape.

So now with the video released listeners are invited to a guided tour through what the album has to offer. In essence the video provides a holistic spiritual voyage for the listener while expanding the breadth of the new age experience. And finally, it combines the original music of the Spiritual Haven album, and the story of the journey inside, to form a creative work that is new and memorable.

 

Music, spiritual destinations, meditation and new journeys are all part of the Spiritual Haven experience and with the release of the narrated video any one appreciative of those healing practices will find enjoyment viewing the video stream.

 

Contact: Russell Suereth

Location: New York, NY

Email: rsuereth@optonline.net

Video Link: https://youtu.be/QGUHJRU_22w

Website: http://www.russellsuereth.com/spiritual-new-age-music/

New Age Music Video: Russell Suereth-Realization

New Age/World Review: Russell Suereth-Spiritual Haven

Release Date: March 14, 2015

Label: Haven Tone Records

Website

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

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

April 4, 2015                         

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Adult Contemporary Rock/New Age Review: Russell Suereth-Going Down the Highway

Release Date: April 7, 2014

Label: Independent

Website

Russell Suereth’s Going Down the Highway is a conglomeration of adult contemporary rock and new age. The songs range from mid tempo to a faster paced soft rock that immediately sets you at ease and forces you to listen to the introspective lyrics. Suereth has an inviting vocal style that keeps it all real throughout this enjoyable release.

The fact is, if you happen to be Going Down the Highway this album may be your best friend particularly if you are stuck in after work traffic on the freeway. The opening track bears the album title and it is a great way to kick off the album. It gives you a sense of freedom and joy and instantly gets you in the right frame of mind to take in what is to come in the following tracks.

Suereth is rock solid on this release providing all the vocals, instrumentation and production. Certainly this must be a difficult task to go it alone without another set of ears to provide feedback and insight during the recording process. Regardless of those against all odds factors this man has produced a fine recording. The balance of his vocals and the instrumentation are perfectly placed through the entire run of this 10 track journey. What I heard was crystal clear vocals and suitable musical accompaniment consistently. I think that about covers it for the ears and when you start getting into the overall lyrical concepts I think the titles are clever and the words follow suit.

“So Different” was the most enjoyable track. Musically it stands tall as the artist pulls out all the stops musically and adds layers of instrumentation without sacrificing the level of his vocals. That can be a tricky thing but Suereth pulls it all off and ultimately has success. In fact this is done on most of the tracks however this was the one that really rose above the rest. 

“Mister Dumpty (Dinosaur)” is a quirky number and it sounds a bit cynical but I suppose it could hold a lot of different meanings depending on who you are and how your life has unfolded. Some lyrics come with a message that is certain and straight forward, for example this passage nails it on the head:

You sit there on your faded laurels
So highbrow
The paper and esteem it spells
Must reek by now

That is some pretty heavy stuff for this type of music and it sounds like it may fit the profile of some stuffed shirt on Capitol Hill but who knows, take it for what it’s worth and see how it fits your life. That is what music is for right?

If you happen to be interested in exploring more of Russell’s lyrics you can on his website here http://www.russellsuereth.com/original-lyrics/.

I am the type of listener that is attracted to all sorts of genres and to be perfectly honest this is not the kind of music that would be my first choice while rolling down the highway but Suereth exposed me to another thought process and listening experience that I would be eager to hear again. To take someone that is not normally interested in hearing this type of music and to make them pay attention and actually enjoy the experience is quite an accomplishment in my estimation.

Going Down the Highway is a good album worth more than just one listen. There is a lot more here besides the music that will get your interest. Have a listen for yourself with the provided media player.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Going Down the Highway, So Different, Mister Dumpty (Dinosaur)

Tracks:
01. Going Down the Highway        
02. Now It's Time        
03. I Can See You        
04. So Different        
05. Bottlenose        
06. Portraits from Living        
07. Mister Dumpty (Dinosaur)        
08. Spread Your Wings        
09. I Wonder            
10. Talking to You
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

June 11, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music