Release Date: January
20, 2017
Label: Heart Dance Records
The debut of this talented man is titled The Recognition. This is not your
typical instrumental contemporary new age release. In fact, this music goes
beyond anything I would have thought possible for the genre. It is progressive
and forward thinking, proving once again that any artist willing to follow
their heart can come out the other side of that with a successful work of art.
The
harp or harmonica as we know it, is not a lead instrument in the new age genre
and rarely has been in any genre for that matter, which makes this release that
much more incredible. It is a breath of fresh air with its own spin on relaxation
and transporting the listener to another realm.
I do
not know about any other listeners but my preference is that music, any music,
needs to touch my soul and remove me from inside my head and halt the constant
stream of thoughts. It needs to happen quickly so I can go to a place where I
get in touch with a higher power and my soul. A deep-seated belief that music
can heal and remove any pain both physical and emotional is a thought process
that has been a part of my life for many years now. Part of this therapeutic
progression is listening intently and relaying what messages it delivers to me
and subsequently to any potential listeners. In other words, to encapsulate
everything I just said coincides with the title of this album, The Recognition. The equation being how
it comes back to you offering a great experience that can be revealing and
enlightening at the same time.
What
is so wonderful currently is that artists provide all kinds of media for you to
enjoy prior to you committing to buying their music to support them and their
endeavors. We are living in a renaissance of creation in film and music. It is
indeed a great time to be alive regardless of the things happening all over the
world. One day there will be peace and unity and the born healers that are
leading the way are those that make music like Art Patience.
I know
this may sound complex and deep in a sense, it all is, but keep in mind that
the process is very simple, hit play and let the music do the rest. This music
carries a longing, a certain tenderness and at time sadness. It seeks to find
the light within us all. I always thought the harmonica had a quality to it
that told a story or was a good accompaniment to a storyline. The combination
of the harmonica, guitars, swirling and gyrating ambient sounds from the
keyboards and or computer generated mixes make for a modern blend of intrigue
and wonder.
All tracks are great but with “Safe Journeys” I found the most
interesting qualities bubbling to the surface. It had a mysteriousness about it
but it beckoned to me to explore all the layers unfolding in the song and I
thought of a train that never stops running on an endless track. It then
finally reaches its destination of joy, a happy place, once the song concludes.
“Spirit of the Woods” connects you with mother earth in the
most appealing way. Sounds of nature abound with water running down a stream
and birds are tweeting. Art serenades the grandest mother of all, our earth and
its creatures. The birds sound like they are smiling as they sing. This music
will make you beam inside, and as you hold that thought, the feeling of a warm
summer day comes to mind and how good that feels from head to toe.
The
Recognition is a great achievement and amazing debut that
will open the door to many other artists seeking to experiment with new sounds
and instruments that will fall into the new age and contemporary instrumental
realm of existence. When I first saw this music when it was delivered and saw
Art playing harmonica, I had to question if it was indeed new age. Well believe
me it is in every sense of the word.
This one is a real pearl so do not miss it.
5/5
Stars
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
January 13, 2017
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
1. Compassion
2. The Wishing Well
3. Memorial Day
4. Flight of the Butterfly
5. The Treehouse
6. Spirit of the Woods
7. Safe Journeys
8. Winds Of Change
9. The Recognition
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Tracks:
1. Compassion
2. The Wishing Well
3. Memorial Day
4. Flight of the Butterfly
5. The Treehouse
6. Spirit of the Woods
7. Safe Journeys
8. Winds Of Change
9. The Recognition