Featured Track: Ron Korb Flutist at Angkor Wat-Cambodian Pie Pook

With his unique bamboo woodwind flute, Ron Korb performs the traditional Cambodian song “Cambodian Pie Pook.”

 

The building the two men are standing in front of is the historically significant ancient Angkor Wat.

 

The music has a transcendent sound and atmosphere, resonating with the listener's spiritual essence and evoking a profound sense of peace and serenity.

 

The video is of several pictures taken by Ron and Jeff Greenway. The images are of the incredible stone structures built for the inhabitants of that time between the 9th and 15th centuries. After hearing the call of Ron’s mesmerizing flute, the pictures provide a journey through time, making you wonder how those buildings were constructed long ago. The people of that time were incredibly dedicated and tied to their beliefs, as evidenced by the human carvings into the stone, inspiring a sense of respect and awe.

 

Ron Korb’s flute is the perfect complement to all the images, inviting you to reflect and ponder the mysteries of the past. Much like the great Pyramids of Egypt, the enigma of how these structures were built adds to the intrigue and boggles the mind.  

 

History:  Angkor Wat is a magnificent temple in the ancient Khmer capital city of Angkor in modern-day Siem Reap, Cambodia. Ron’s trip to Cambodia came after he met Peter Gabriel while recording at Real World Studios in England. Gabriel suggested he contact Cambodian Human Rights Activist and musician Arn Chorn Pond. Ron visited Arn in Lowell, Mass., where they became friends. Arn asked Ron if he would come to Cambodia to help him make archive recordings of some remaining Traditional Cambodian master musicians.  It was a remarkable experience to see the massive stone temple complex of Angkor, now crumbling and overgrown with vegetation, and imagine what it would have been like in the 9th to 15th century. The bamboo woodwind Ron is playing is called the Pie Pook and was made for him by Cambodian master flutist Yim Saing, who is pictured teaching us at his home in Phnom Penh.  

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

August 25, 2024

Visit Ron Korb's Website

From the Heinous to the Sublime, Paul Adams and Elizabeth Geyer Release New Single “A Journey of Dreams” As a Prelude to Their Upcoming Album

Worldwide release 12/7/23

Chicago, IL – Living thousands of miles apart, United States based, award-winning multi-instrumentalist, Paul Adams, and Australia based, award-winning multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Elizabeth Geyer, have been creating music together from opposite ends of the globe since their debut collaboration, “Imaginings.” Across the oceans and continents, something definitely worked synergistically and continues to work. Their album won the award, “Contemporary Instrumental Album of the Year” at the Zone Music Reporter Awards in 2015.

Following, “Imaginings,” came “Deeper Imaginings” and “Sanctuary,” the New Age Music Guide's “Album of the Year” of 2022. Continuing to unfold the timeless, spiritual sanctuary that has become a trademark of their music, comes a new single from their next album, “A Journey Of Dreams.” The single, the title track from the new forthcoming album, involves Adams’ creative musical talent and his collection of exotic instruments as well as the electric sitar he made in the days when he was a luthier. Their successful journeys have amassed over 132 million streams on Pandora as well as regular programming on SiriusXM Radio.

Blended with Elizabeth Geyer’s sensitive piano and instrumental vocalizations, “A Journey of Dreams,” continues the beautiful and exotic flow of their previous releases. Adams said, “We wanted to focus on beauty, especially as the world seems to be in such deep chaos.” When referring to Geyer’s solo album projects, Bruce Lundvall of Blue Note Records called Elizabeth “A brilliant musician and songwriter.” For “A Journey Of Dreams,” Elizabeth says her intention was to create a place of safety and home. “Imagine a place where you once came from, where you will go back to, and a place you sometimes visit in dreams.”

With its exotic nature and ethnic impressions, Adams describes the piece as offering a bit of artistic and spiritual pragmatism. “It's all right here on ‘circus Earth’ – from the heinous to the sublime. We felt a need to create something that might focus on the deep beauty we are all capable of. We feel as if God, nature, or whatever you wish to call it, is challenging us. ‘She’s’ wondering if we have the interpersonal maturity and cultural skills to work together in this rapidly changing, growing, yet shrinking world.”

Paul Adams: Keys, Dobro, Sitar, Anasazi Flute
Elizabeth Geyer: Piano, Vocalizations

Full length video of A JOURNEY OF DREAMS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BxL-b36zWk

Release date to all digital platforms: 12/7/23

Music Link To All purchase/streaming Sites: https://pauladams.hearnow.com/

For more information:
Official artist website – Paul Adams: www.pauladams.org
Official artist website – Elizabeth Geyer: www.elizabethgeyer.com
Paul Adams -Twitter: https://twitter.com/ppaul3
Paul Adams – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.adams.754/
Paul Adams – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ppaul3/?hl=en

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

New Age-World Instrumental Review: Ann Licater-Between The Stars

Release Date: October 27, 2023

Label: ‎ Cul de Sac Mystic Productions

Website

Ann Licater just released her new recording, Between The Stars. 

Her love of wood and clay flutes led her to study with master Native American flutist R. Carlos Nakai. The time spent with the master shows how it has reached fruition on her previous and this new release.

 

I reviewed the 2016 release Beyond The Waves and gave it 5/5 stars. Seven years have passed since, and now I can enjoy the beauty and divine existence of the many flute sounds created.

Ann plays 11 flutes, including Ocarina, Native American, Native American-Style, Mayan-style Drone, folk, silver C- flute, and silver alto. In addition to playing flutes, Ann performs grand piano on Track 5, "Luminous Waters," Track 10, "Moon Garden," and singing bowls on Track 8, "Distant Realm." This multi-talented artist has a lot to share. 

 

Her flute sometimes sounds like a bird calling to the wind on the "Divine Skies," the opening track, and most distinctly on "Sunbirds." The connection the flute sounds emanate to the earth and its living beings and creatures is undeniable. I felt the impact of that while listening. 

 

This music came to me at the right time. I recently lost my day job, and as many people know, that can be a very stressful experience and a blow to your confidence and self-worth. Beautiful and engaging music speaks to my soul, my inner voice that knows the truth of who I am. My job is part of who I am. It doesn't make up the entirety of me. This music is soothing and spiritual; it grounds me and puts me in a healing space.

 

A crucial factor is how the tracks were presented regarding time, which makes it a success. Each one is perfect. Ann blends her flutes nicely without taking things past the point of disengaging the listener. Throughout the listen, it had my attention, and before I knew it, the next track started.  

 

While listening to "Shades of Stillness," you can hear Ann taking her breaths, which I noticed more in that track than in the previous ones. Our breathing is essential, and when we need to settle down and focus or destress, we can do breathing exercises. That is something I do, and it has helped me. The type of breathing accomplished while playing all the flutes is entirely different and more complex. That makes me realize how much work is involved in recording these fantastic tracks. It takes devotion and love to accomplish a recording like Between The Stars.

 

I would love to be in a room with surround sound and hear this music on vinyl. However, it is incredible as it is. The format of vinyl would amplify the experience and immerse you most beautifully. I hope to see these types of artists start moving towards releasing their music on vinyl soon, but until then, I still can enjoy it and realize the meaning of it and how it can affect me in such a prolific way. It is one of the most natural stress-relief valves we have available. You can not only reach for the stars but find yourself Between The Stars.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

Tracks:

01. Divine Skies 3:09

02. Ancient Traveler 3:10

03. Between the Stars 3:17

04. Sunbirds 2:15

05. Luminous Waters 4:51

06. Dream Passages 3:43

07. Shades of Stillness 3:13

08. Distant Realm 3:11

09. Angelic Echoes 2:50

10. Moon Garden 3:34

11. Whispering Light 2:37

12. Timeless Voices 3:28

13. Circling Star 2:18

14. Starlight Lullaby 3:41

Track Feature: Joss Jaffe and Jim “Kimo” West - Blossom

Joss Jaffe and Jim "Kimo" West combine their extraordinary talents on the track release "Blossom."The instrumentation on the track includes Indian tablas, Hawaiian percussion, African Ngoni (harp), and several custom and rare guitars.

The result of this unique combination of instruments and artistry is a gorgeous layered tapestry of color, atmosphere, and spirituality.

With musicianship beyond compare and music befitting the flower on the track cover, "Blossom" is a memorable experience that anyone who appreciates fine music would enjoy.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

October 27, 2021

Joss Jaffe’s music is rooted in his desire to unite people through spirit, love, joy, community and consciousness. Joss creates innovative songs that bring international artists from different cultures and languages into a nexus where new music is discovered. His music invites the audience into a space of spontaneous joy....READ MORE...

Jim Kimo West is recognized as one of the world’s top “slack key” guitarists and brings his own unique musical perspective to this great acoustic guitar tradition. He is a 2021 Grammy® Award winner for his CD, “More Guitar Stories” and a 2019 Grammy® nominee for “Moku Maluhia-Peaceful Island.
...READ MORE...

World-New Age-Rock Review: Blackmore’s Night-Nature’s Light

Release Date: March 12, 2021

Label: Ear Music

Website

Nature’s Light is Blackmore’s Night 14th album and six years since the release of their last studio album All Our Yesterdays. I can say to those that would ask “Was it worth the wait?” I would say it was. I would also add that this is some of their best work to date. Musically it is mostly what one would expect from the band and lyrically, and with the title, they are coming from a new age and nature premise.

The idea behind the title of the album and what you will find in the tracks will enlighten the spirit. The thoughts of nature being the true queen in all its glory with the changing of the seasons. And all of the natural occurrences around us that should be appreciated every day. For instance, I stepped outside on this rainy day to let our dog out and I was watching a beautiful cardinal chirp and jump from branch to branch, going higher each time, and then over to the next tree. Simple things, but so enjoyable to watch nature at work and all the gifts she presents to us daily. I choose to take it all in with a great appreciation and joy. This is the kind of lyrical content and accompanying music that validates all of those feelings and keeps things in proper perspective. I do not need music to remind me of the wonder and respect I have always had for Mother Nature; however, it certainly is a nice reaffirmation of how important and blessed I am to be alive to enjoy it all.

Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night are an amazing husband and wife team. To open the CD booklet with all of the lyrics and to see the picture of Ritchie looking up at Candace smiling is a wonderful thing. How many pictures has anyone seen with him smiling? He is one serious man and I get that. It was just nice to see that kind of loving interaction between the couple.

“Once Upon December” kicks things off and gets the proceedings started. There is an entertaining mixture of world-rock-new age that unfolds, and it is something that always makes my heart smile and invigorates my spirit. The following track “Four Winds” is full of the color and energy that only Richie and Candice can coax out of their supporting casts and instruments. And it sure sounded like an upbeat choice for a single release, currently they went with the title track, which is just as good.

“Feather In The Wind” comes at you with a much faster pace with high energy, it is what I would call good mood music. My definition of that in this context would be that it makes my feet tap and puts a smile on my face.

There are two fantastic instrumentals on this album as well. “Darker Shade Of Black” features some fiery leads from Richie, which I always appreciated and some non-verbal vocals that are very high and heavenly. The heavenly part does not go along with the title of the track but that is what my ears heard. The other remarkable instrumental “Der Letzte Musketier” (translated The Last Musketeer), features Richie with an atmospheric bluesy electric guitar run which is supported by a rock-solid rhythm section. This was my favorite track from an overall musical perspective without any vocals. It reminded me of some of the leads Richie would play on all of those great Deep Purple albums, which I still treasure after all these years.

Getting back to nature, “The Twisted Oak” reminds us all of “Finding the peace of mind I have left behind.” If you stop and think for a minute how true that is, don’t we all leave behind any peace of mind we may have gained once we are back to the daily grind of work and stress? These are well thought out lyrics with a magnificent blend of music to drive home the answer with a resounding yes! This leaves no doubt in my mind as Candice sings - all in the glory of “Nature’s Light.” So, check out that light that is brought out in everything that surrounds you.

“Wish You Were Here (2021)” is another bluesy track with Richie setting the music afire with some fine six-string work to support the beautiful vocals. “Going To The Faire” is light and airy like a renaissance fair where you can step into a portal of time and let the worries of life melt away for a day. In that timespan you can enjoy the fact that “spring as sprung,” as Candice sings in only the special way that she can delivering the message in a song.

“Second Element” closes out the recording with some beautifully played acoustic guitar and yet another electric guitar run to remind us all that Richie Blackmore is one of the greats and that still has the mojo to deliver when needed.

Nature’s Light is a welcome return for Blackmore’s Night and will surely be enjoyed by fans all over the world. They have over a quarter of a million followers on the Spotify platform alone so far. This is one album you simply cannot miss this year. For a variety of music and uplifting lyrics, this is one of the best of 2021 and will remain a favorite for me throughout the year.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
February 25, 2021

Track List:

01. Once Upon December
02. Four Winds
03. Feather In The Wind
04. Darker Shade Of Black (instrumental)
05. The Twisted Oak
06. Nature's Light
07. Der Letzte Musketier (instrumental)
08. Wish You Were Here (2021)
09. Going To The Faire
10. Second Element

New Age-World-Meditation Review: Yuval Ron-Four Divine States Of Mind

Release Date: June 24, 2020

Label: Metta Mindfulness Music

Website

This album is dedicated to the children who will grow up to embody the Four Divine States of Mind. This thought process and music were released by Yuval Ron, a respected and accomplished musician. He is the producer, and the executive producer is Dr. Richard Gold, a person steeped in the ancient healing arts. The combination of those two men makes for a powerful presentation of recorded music.
 
The recording consists of four extensive tracks that can be considered as meditation, new age, world, and a path to enlightenment through sacred chanting. I understand that this is dedicated to the children and most certainly a good place to start because someday those kids will be adults passing on their knowledge to their children. This is a cycle for generations to follow and if it can truly happen, the world will be changed for the better forever. It is going to take a long time but what better time to start than now with all of the unrest and difficulties everywhere you turn?

“Compassion” is the lead-off track and it is what the world needs now so desperately. Estrella Morente, Deva Premal, Uyanga Bold, and Chloe Pourmorady are featured along with the stellar musicianship of Yuval Ron. And most importantly, the vocals are incredibly beautiful, all accentuated by a children's choir. This makes total sense to draw in the children to some of their own following the path and singing to this very spiritual music. This is the very first track and it sets the table for what is to follow.

It is important for any recording to start strong with a firm message when you are creating a message so significant and one that young minds will absorb and take to heart. I think this is a brilliant way to send the right communication. I know many children will not understand the words but all the feeling, atmosphere, and spirituality is very evident while listening. The world element is strong because of the vocals and there is a lot of musicianship that points in that direction as well. It comes together very nicely and the musicality is quite appropriate and mesmerizing I must say.

Four Divine States of Mind is a labor of love two years in the making. The care and love that went into this production became very apparent to me readily while listening. I was drawn in quickly. With other genres of music, if it is in a different language, I steer away from it. When it comes to new age releases such as this, I welcome it with an open heart and mind. I know there are going to be many things that intrigue me musically and when it comes down to purpose, that is what is the main attraction. I would think it will work the same way for any astute new age, world, or meditation listener looking for all of the things that are on the same path this all leads to or the assistance they need to get there. This music will lead you there one way or another.

The beauty of the music and message are the same. Four Divine States of Mind merges many elements to create art, music, and spirituality all in one package. I would recommend this for meditation or relaxation, either way, it does its magic with ease.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
August 27, 2020

Track List:
1. Loving Kindness (Metta) 12:56 (vocals by Chloe Pourmorady)
2. Compassion (Karuna) 11:47 (vocals by Estrella Morente)
3. Vicarious Joy (Mudita) 14:34 (vocals by Deva Premal)
4. Equanimity (Upekkha) 14:36 (vocals by Uyanga Bold)

Holiday Review: Dan Blanchard-The Spirit of Christmas

Release Date: December 7, 2018
Label: Peaceful Vibes  
Website

Dan Blanchard has created one of the more unique Christmas albums I have ever heard. The Spirit of Christmas is the title, which is about as generic and traditional as you can get but don’t let that simple title fool you. This is a significant music project and a tremendous accomplishment for the artists involved.

Dan has some incredibly talented people join him on this release and since there is the song “Twelve Days of Christmas,” he gives us 12 tracks to enjoy and guess what the twelfth track is? Everything seems to fall in line so far…just wait.

What Daniel sought to create was a musical holiday adventure that was steeped in traditional Christmas Carols and Indian Classical Music. This, of course, provided the opportunity to combine these elements with some improvisation. The cross-section of instruments included on this recording includes Sitar, Santoor, Harmonium, Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Tanpura, Tabla, Percussion, Bansuri Flute, Indian Slide Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, and Violin. Just stop and think about the kind of sounds all of those instruments can make and you will be filled with anticipation before hitting the play button.

This is exactly the type of Holiday album I love to hear actually, rather than the same songs year after year with no expectations of change or any kind of new experience. I do respect these traditional songs and from whence they came, however, I do enjoy an artist that is willing to try something entirely different with enough confidence that it is going to work. When it does work, a listener can become mesmerized and also very appreciative of the worldly experience that is being offered.

The core foundation of Indian Classical music is three components, Drone, Rāga and Tāla. The Drone is the part of the music that is continuous throughout the song, the Rāga is the melody and the Tāla is rhythm. So, what you get are two classic traditional forms of music intersecting for a fantastic combination of sounds, rhythms, textures, and color.  Think of it as big Christmas tree with a multitude of different colored lights, that is what this music is and it’s absolutely beautiful, meditative, spiritual and joyous.

Dan’s love for both traditions is what inspired this album and why it turned out so well. I usually get the “Bah! Humbug!,” feelings when I see all the holiday things coming out the same time just before Halloween, it just feels so artificial and money driven. So along comes musical projects like The Spirit of Christmas to put it all into a proper perspective and allow me to focus on the true meaning of the holiday and the pure beauty and worldliness of the music.

Music, the universal healer, it makes the world a better place and this kind of release make you think about the entire planet, not just your own community in a town or city. This is a worldwide spirit that comes in many different forms, languages, and sounds, it really is a beautiful thing and I am grateful for the reminder of that. Thank you, Dan, for transforming me from the Scrooge into old Saint Nick! This truly is The Spirit of Christmas.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

December 7, 2018

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Tracks:
01. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
02. Ode to Joy (Beethoven’s 9th Symphony – Movement 4)
03. Jingle Bells
O4. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
05. We Three Kings
06. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
O7. Carol of the Strings (Bells)
O8. Silent Night
09. Joy to the World
10. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
11. Good King Wenceslas
12. Twelve Days of Christmas
 

New Age Review: Deepak Chopra, Kabir Segal, Paul Avgerinos-Home- Where Everyone Is Welcome

Release Date: August 29, 2017

Label: Grand Central Publishing

Website

We face changing times and different movements all over our planet. I do not believe that we have to suffer to get the end result of what we all need. Music is the universal healer and voice of the people. Home- Where Everyone Is Welcome offers many different aspects of a listening experience. You will hear good music with a sincere message.

Deepak Chopra, Kabir Segal, Paul Avgerinos came together to produce music and an accompanying book with poems to give us hope for world peace and equality for all. This is a reminder of who we are, one people, one earth with one future.

 

Home- Where Everyone Is Welcome is the one musical project this year that everyone needs to absorb on every level. Physical, emotional and mental, the three elements that make us the sentient beings that populate our planet - that is the core of what this all means to each individual listener.

The old saying “Home is where I hang my hat” no longer resonates with our populace. Our great country became what it is through the hard work of immigrants and I think it is safe to say that anyone that plants their feet on American soil is because of an immigrant. Today we must be more aware of what goes on around us and we must unite to protect our country’s sovereignty. This can be accomplished in an intelligent and respectable manner. I will leave it at that and any political beliefs out of this because this is about music and poems. There are two specific art forms merging with this project to give us one cause to celebrate.

Everyone deserves a chance for a better life, to live their dreams freely and with the support of their loved ones and country speaking in one voice. I believe this but we must make sure we still have a place where a democratic government is in place to give everyone that opportunity. 

Home is where everyone is welcome, it is more than a word or an idea it is a spiritual place that comforts and allows growth through a special listening experience. Home is where the heart is and some amazing musical experiences that resist being put in box. This is a project that stands alone with significant importance to all human beings that walk the face of this earth. It is all here, great music, words and poems with depth and good cause. This will have impact upon anyone that is willing to experience it.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 8, 2017

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Tracks: 

01. Home
02. Border
03. Survivor
04. Queen
05. River
06. Whisper  
07. Compass
08. Candle
09. Father
10. Orbit
11. Beyond
12. Infinity
 

Instrumental Jazz/World Review: Pablo Embon-Funky Side of The Road

Release Date: December 19, 2016

Label: Independent

Website

The last album I heard from Pablo Embon was The World Within back in March. It rapidly became the most read review and remains at #1 on my Write A Music Review site. So, at this point my expectations are already set, I expect more of same…great music, quality sound and a good mixture of genres. So now we have the arrival of Funky Side of The Road coming out in December. It lived up to my expectations in every way possible.

Some of the tracks serve as a good jam session and others have more middle of the road run times. The mixture of jazz, rock and world is very enticing to a listener seeking a variety of sounds or all of them combined. Pablo keeps it fresh and moving from start to finish on this recording.

There is a lot to take in amongst the 12 instrumental tracks on Funky Side of The Road. The operative phrase that is best suited to encapsulate this project is “variety is the spice of life.” Pablo puts ample amounts of spice in his music to give it a life all its own.

“Midnight Blues” reminded of me of a favorite album from the Al Di Meola Project titled Soaring Through A Dream. That was also the year I saw him in San Francisco playing cuts from that album. The track is atmospheric and landing right in the middle of jazz and blues. They are in the same family traveling the same road but take different exits if you will. There is nothing more powerful in a listening experience than validation and familiarity with other favorite artists. It is like being in the here and now and looking back to the past all at the same time.

The tastefully done “Misfortune” has a late night smoky club vibe to it. Delicate and pronounced keyboards make their entrance and pull you away into dreamland. Not quite the funky side until the next track starts. 

The playful and provocative “Naughty Lucy” sounds a little Steely Dan goes to the carnival and never gets off the ride. Or better yet, you the listener has a free pass to stay on and you decide to get off (when the track ends!). The carefree playful mood of the track puts a smile in your heart and gets your feet tapping or doing an outright dance on floor, whatever comes first, it works on you and gets you up and out of your seat.

“Our Last Dance” seems like it would be a fitting way to close out the album because of the track name alone. However, this is not the case here, Pablo keeps you guessing and more importantly entertained throughout the run of this album. This one is more of a traditional jazz number that is as smooth and pristine as a shiny new car on the showroom floor. It hollers out to you and invites you to sit down and take a test drive.

Funky Side of The Road is indie music at its very best. A multitude of talent is presented and you get a front row seat to some tastefully done tracks, some have a slower pleasing pace while others grab you and take you for jog around the block and keep you energized. When all is said and done you just heard a very solid and entertaining album full of instrumental jazz and world music.

I took more than a test drive I was there at the starting gate and went to the finish line listening to a fine group of tracks presented by one multi-talented artist.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Midnight Blues, Naughty Lucy, Our Last Dance

Tracks: 
01. Is that You?
02. Golden Peak
03. 2222
O4. Wedding Day
O5. Green Lizard
O6. Our Last Dance
07. The Time Has Come
08. Naughty Lucy
09. Misfortune
10. One Day Left
11. Midnight Blues
12. Fools Game (Unplugged)
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

November 15, 2016

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New Age Instrumental/World Music Review: Rupam Sarmah- Omkara-The Sound of Divine Love

Release Date: July 15, 2014

Label: Rj International

Website

Rupam Sarmah is an engineer, director, singer/songwriter, Guinness World Record holder and an award winning producer. For over twenty years his music has touched people around the globe. Recently it was noted in Time magazine that Sarmah had the most musicians present in an orchestra. His mission is teamwork to make the world a better place for humanity and peace for all. 

Music and healing have been hand in hand for as long as people have been on this earth.  Sarmah has compiled an impressive list of contributing musicians inspired to share their gifts with the world. Using the chakra system, the album is linked to each of the seven stages, the final track being a journey from birth to enlightenment. 

Contributing artists are: Grammy winners Pandit Vishwa Moham Bhatt, Laura Sullivan and Brian Vibberts. Also a part of the album are Grammy artist Rocio Marron, Padmashri Sumitra Guha, Pt. Subhen Chatterjee, Shayna Young, Matthias Muller, Jonathan Kay and others.

“Power-Solar Plexus Chakra” is the third track on the album and deals with transformation. The myriad of instruments whirl around you, bringing to life a vortex that sweeps you in. Change is part of life. Taking the next step and becoming who you are meant to be can be a frightening thing. This track in particular held a resonating factor for me as I embark on a new life journey with my job and writing career. The texture of the piece is a well woven basket of sound, structure and complex composition that I could listen to for hours on end (and have.) It features the incomparable Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt among others.

“Communication-Throat Chakra” is the fifth chakra. It is centered on communication and intuition. Melodious with flute and other instrumentation, this piece features Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and other artists and combines a Western style musical experience with Indian Raga. The past and present collide in a vision of world peace and the love and appreciation of all peoples. It is a lighter than air piece with wispy sounds and the curling smoke of fine instruments and vocals done well.

“Heaven Bridge- Enlightenment” is a journey of birth and a life spent in contemplation of the final state of enlightenment. Celestial in its composition, Indian music again meets the West in a seamless composition of classical and World music. Multiple instruments craft a healing sound that transcends time and place and at the longest track on the album of twenty three minutes it is an unstoppable force of subtle qualities. 

At one hundred and five minutes of music with Indian Raga, Western sounds and World music, this album is being used in conjunction with therapy programs in numerous disability and cancer treatments. It is well known that sound can influence mood and in some cases can be an influencer against pain, depression and disease. The artists in this audible chakra journey lead us on a path of deliverance and uplifting sound that will stay with you long after the last note is done. 

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Power-Solar Plexus Chakra, Communication-Throat Chakra, Heaven Bridge-Enlightenment

Tracks:Track 1: Survival - Muladhara - Root Chakra
Based on Classical melodies with Influence of Hansdhwani Raga, Classical, Western and World Music

Track 2: Life - Swadhisthana - Sacral Chakra
Based on Classical melodies with Influence of Yaman Raga, Classical, Western and World Music
Track 3: Power - Manipura - Solar Plexus Chakra

Based on Classical melodies with Influence of Kafi Bhimpolashi Raga, Classical, Western and World Music

Track 4: Love - Anahata - Heart Chakra
Based on Classical melodies with Influence of Ahir Bhairav Raga, Classical, Western and World Music

Track 5: Communication - Visuddhi - Throat Chakra
Based on Classical melodies with Influence of Desh Raga, Classical, Western and World Music (including Vande Mataram, Mahatma Gandhi's favorite Bhajan Raghupati Raghava and Azan representing World Peace, Loving and Kindness in Communication)

Track 6: Wisdom - Ajna - Third Eye Chakra
Based on Classical melodies with Influence of Bhupali Raga, Classical, Western and World Music (sound of Shiva Tandav Dance)

Track 7: Transcendence - Sahasrara - Crown Chakra
Based on Classical melodies with Influence of Charukeshi Raga, Classical, Western and World Music

Track 8: Enlightenment - Swarga Setu - Heaven Bridge
Based on Classical melodies with Influence of Various Ragas (Nat Bhairavi, Kaushik Dhwani, Gorakh Kalyan, Hansdhwani, Hemant), Classical, Western and World Music with 9 transitions of frequencies.
 

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

September 16, 2014

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews