Release Date: April
7, 2017
Label: Nu-Wrinkle
Those
of you that have a propensity for piano based music will find a lot to
appreciate on this recording.
“Feathers Falling Up” was one of my favorite tracks. I am
sure I heard the distinctive bass playing of Michael Manring. Have you ever
seen a feather go up instead of down (when there is no wind of course)? That
would be magical just as the track would lead you to believe. Besides, what is music
if it doesn’t have some magic and wonder around it to engage a listener and
challenge the imagination?
Tom Grant’s pedigree is an impressive one, playing with
some of the jazz greats over the years such as trumpeter Woody Shaw and sax players Joe Henderson and
Charles Lloyd, are an indication of his abilities. And that just names a few.
His experience in the jazz realm can be heard in his music. That is but one
element that you will hear. There are touches of ambient, new age, world, well
just about everything under the musical sun you could think of for instrumental
forays on one album.
“Wrapped In Love” with whispers and steady breathy
background vocals reminded me of the 10cc classic “I’m Not In Love.” I am sure
it is coincidental the word love is in the title of the track and I happened to
relate it to that one song. 10cc happens to be one of my favorites so it was
easy for me to find something in common with the track. I do what everyone else
does while listening, I relate it my own life experiences and the different
music I have enjoyed since arriving on this planet.
“Arms Wide Open” was another one that got my attention and
touched me. The piano is so elegant and inviting along with some strumming jazz
guitar fills and some carefully placed acoustic guitar picking lines. The
sounds are accented with the culture of Spain. The music comes flying off the
fingertips of the creator crafting the sounds, lighting up the song like
firefly’s in the night sky.
Even though you can classify this music as new age
instrumental and meditation music it is far more than that. The different flavors
and colors that interweaves into each song gives it a strong crossover
appeal. If you’re a musical purist in any sense of the word you will not
appreciate Sipping Beauty. However,
if you go into this with your eyes and ears opened wide ready to receive a
constant flow of change and transition, then you will absolutely love this
album as much as I did. And remember if it doesn’t hit you right upon the first
listen, try it again and sip it a little at a time, and you will then discover
the beauty waiting for you inside the music.
When the student is ready the teacher will show up, just
listen.
4/5
Stars
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
February 28, 2017
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
01. Petrichor Perfume
02. Sun-Kissed Beings
03. Sipping Beauty
04. Feathers Falling UP
05. Wrapped In Love
06. Sighs n' Whispers
07. Arms Wide Open
08. Desire Unspoken
09. Moondrops
10. Where Time Disappears
Tracks:
01. Petrichor Perfume
02. Sun-Kissed Beings
03. Sipping Beauty
04. Feathers Falling UP
05. Wrapped In Love
06. Sighs n' Whispers
07. Arms Wide Open
08. Desire Unspoken
09. Moondrops
10. Where Time Disappears