New Age Music Reviews: Sharon Fendrich

Release Date: June 10, 2022

Label: ‎Independent

Red Sky Prairie is the last album I heard in 2019 by Sharon Fendrich. I can enjoy the gorgeous soundscapes that this talented composer creates on Sapphire Oak nearly three years later.

The title track, “Sapphire Oak,” is a mesmerizing combination of word and song. The chorus is sung in Ta’ek, a language devised by Sharon as follows…

Ge klad dokh ya rade (My song is your compass)

Um yi red a kha ya size (Let it lead you to your calm)

Tzafir dokh mes mosh ta (Sapphire is the color of love)

Ek dokh stu’ah (Oak is strength)

Tzafir ta, kmo Ek stu’ah (Sapphire is love, and Oak, strength)

The devised language is a mixture of sounds based on nordic languages, and a bit of Hebrew. I think it’s brilliant that she discovered a language of her own making. That is an excellent example of creativity functioning on an entirely different level than adding all the music to it to make it complete. To me, that is amazing. I have listed all the credits and acknowledgments for your interest. I think it is essential regarding this project.

The use of natural sounds and the interconnectivity of life are evident in this music. Suggesting the strength of an oak, and if you listen to the words, she says it can be your compass to where you need to go in that moment.

The music, separate from any vocal attributes, is very cinematic. It is full of beauty and emotion. As you listen to the ebb and tide of the music, you may think of the past and the promise of the future in your life. Tracks like “The Oaken Door” gave me chills and injected energy into my being.

“Of Badges and Crowns” has a world Celtic flavor. I love that kind of mixture; it stands so tall and proud. I found not only the picturesque elements of cinema and emotion evident, but it was also like a reach back to times long ago when we did not have technology. A bell tolling in the background, the wind blowing softly on your face, all those feelings are present and come alive within you. This is powerful music that will quickly paint the intended picture of the artist.

At this moment, as I write, I needed to hear, feel, and absorb everything about this recording. Seek, and ye shall find, or in some cases, it will find me. Sharon Fendrich, composer, producer, and arranger, gave herself 100 percent. The instrumentation is superb, including the violin, cello, harp, Irish whistle, and the lush phrases of the Symphonic Recording of the orchestra connects all the dots and creates another musical work of art. I also need to cite the vocal prowess of Sharon and Talia Valdez, with many of the tracks adding a special touch that make it soar and envelop you.

Music always gives me what I need, and Sapphire Oak appeared at just the right time, thank you, Sharon.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder

June 10, 2022

Tracks:

01. Sea of Oaks (5:33)

02. Leaves of Glory (3:40)

03. The Grove at Dodona (3:55)

04. Runic Roots (4:15)

05. Call of the Ruins (5:37)

06. The Oaken Door (3;30)

07. Dryad's Rejoice (5:10)

08. Of Badges and Crowns (4:41)

09. Under Her Canopy (5:47)

10. Sapphire Oak (3:55)

11. Carry the Oak (5:35)

Credits and Acknowledgments:

Composer, Producer, Arranger: Sharon Fendrich

Orchestration, Contractor: Joaquin Garcia

Recording Engineer: Katharina Nuttall

Mixing Engineer: Linus Andersson

Mastering Engineer: Bruce Maddocks

Orchestra: Symphonica Recording

Conductor: Vladimir Martinka

Vocals: Sharon Fendrich, Talia Valdez

Violin: Lisa Rydberg

Cello: Klara Källström

Harp: Stina Hellberg Agback

Irish Whistle and Uilleann Pipes:: Ian Harpe

Release Date: August 1, 2019

Label: Independent

Website

Red Sky Prairie is the debut album of Sharon Fendrich. It is a mixture of gorgeous new-age inspired neo-classical instrumentals and influences of the opera that the artist witnessed growing up at live presentations. She has been a student of music since the age of 3. There are not too many people in this world that can say that. The strong influence of family brought Sharon to this point in life to bring listeners her first recording.

Red Sky Prairie carries with it a message of the calm after the storm. The picture you see on the cover is an example of the beauty of transformation and strength of mother nature. And how the nature of our human spirit grows, learns, and rises above the storms of life and comes out the other side stronger and ready to face whatever comes our way. Hopefully, this process is a learning experience for every listener.

The meaning of this album is just as important as the music, it is one entity reaching out like the branches of a tree growing higher towards the sun. While this is happening, the roots grow deeper and give the tree the anchors in the ground to remain with us for many years. Note the one tree standing in the picture fully intact after the storm. The image provides insight and a clear message to those that are receptive to it.

This is what the entire experience will do, it will continue to grow and establish its roots in your psyche and soul. Most trees and music for that matter will outlive us all and their permanence and importance go beyond words and our understanding. The music can interpret the oneness mankind should feel with the nature that sustains us. Red Sky Prairie serves as a reminder of that one prolific meaning in all our lives.

The core of the music is the piano. Sharon lays down the foundation with exceptional passion and grace. Her piano gives the other instruments in the mix an opportunity to join in seamlessly. Like the flow of water from a stream to the ocean, it is natural and effortless. The violin, flutes, cello and the voice of Anna Emelyanova in some of the tracks allow for a very cinematic reach. The classical roots remain intact and the new age flavor will give it an ambiance and texture that allows for a crossover appeal to several audiences that would find a deep appreciation for what is being presented in the eleven tracks.

I chose “Within Whispers” to add to my New Age Music Reviews Spotify Playlist for its simplicity and stunning beauty. It was like walking on a cloud in my mind’s eye. The track draws you in immediately and provides that deep breath and subsequent exhale of relief and comfort. This is what music such as this can provide to a listener. That is but one example of many that you will enjoy on Red Sky Prairie.

For a debut, I do not think it could be any better. If this was a veteran artist releasing their second, third, or fourth release, it would be praised as a major accomplishment. I think that says it all.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

November 2, 2019

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. L'dor Vador
02. A Secret's Song
03. Within Whispers
04. Red Sky Prairie
05. Song of the Dove
06. Never Alone
07. Moonswept
08. Bittersweet Memory
09. Last Tears
10. In Memoriam
11. That September Day

Pages

New Age-World Review: Sharon Fendrich-Sapphire Oak

Neo-Classical/New Age Review: Sharon Fendrich-Red Sky Prairie