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