New Age-World Review: Caro Pampillo-Sindhu

Release Date: September 1, 2018
Label: Independent
Website

Going into my first listen of Caro Pampillo’s Sindhu (her alter ego) , I had predetermined, based on the title and cover art, that this could very well be a meditation album. Well, it is that and a lot more. It is not hard to do that if you have been reviewing new age music for a while and the same would go for the avid listener.

Based on Caro’s website I was given some indication of who she is and what to expect on the new release.

Here is some insight into the artist from her website: As a self-taught musician, she has developed her own unique sound as a composer and a producer, combining her South American roots with many other world influences, live looping her voice and other instruments. Caro’s studies in Buddhist and Zen philosophy and practice of Kung Fu and Meditation led her to the name "SINDHU" (Sanskrit for sea, ocean, river, or water) for her alter ego and this musical project.

I feel this sort of information will enrich the review and make the potential listener’s experience more all-encompassing. That is my vision of the complete listening experience and it also allows me to dig a little deeper and express my feelings on another level that relates to the music.

Just to give you an idea of the world influences on this recording, this is what Caro alone contributed: Her gorgeous vocals, background vocals, acoustic guitar, Venezuelan Cuatro, programming, looping, and Tibetan bowls and chimes. She also had some help from other talented people that contributed keyboards, electric guitar, piano, strings, classic and electric guitar, Moog synth, and Theravox and many more. Well, you get the idea; the list goes on and on. Saying this was “World” music is definitely the genre, or new age world to be more specific.

I found the music to be lush, inviting and very complex. Caro’s vocals blended well with the music. At first, hearing her sing in a different language threw me off a bit, however, I was able to focus on the music at hand and the eclectic approach she took. I sincerely appreciate that kind of special touch and all-around talent one artist can lend to a recording session.

I especially appreciated the tracks “OM” and “Har Hari,” which was like listening to a pop tune in a different language (ancient Sanskrit). At that point it really hit me, this one has more crossover appeal than most recordings I have heard this year. Regardless of the language barrier I could relax (this is where your meditation can take place), and let the music flow. You will then arrive at a different level of consciousness. For this listener that means Sindhu accomplished the mission!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

July 22, 2018

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks: 
01. Om Namah Shivaya
02. Om Shanti
03. I Shin Den Shin
04. Om Mani Padme Hum
05. Gate Heart Mantra
06. Nai’a Narayanaya
07. Har Hari
08. OM
09. Signos de Amar
10. Signs of Love

World-New Age Reviews: Elise Lebec-Origin – One World Turning

Release Date: July 21, 2017

Label: Bay Area Film Company Inc.

Website

Elise Lebec will be releasing a very ambitious album on July 21, 2017. Origin – One World Turning may very well be one of the most interesting and diverse world-new age recordings you will hear this year. This is a year of evolving world change and we desperately need healing. We all should be getting on the same wavelength as this woman is.

Typically, the music I hear for review is piano based instrumental, which is wonderful however it can begin to sound the same after a while. Any genre can. What Elise gave me was breath of fresh air, a recording so different and unique that I felt engaged and energized after listening. The difficulty in arranging and producing a project like this on a scale from 1-10 is without question a 10.

Her goal was to merge the male and female energies together with synergistic music that combines an Egyptian Middle Eastern base with a new age conceptual vision. And there a few songs that have a rap tempo, which is very interesting and something I have never heard before. This is in all a different language which makes it more thought provoking and provocative if you only know English.

Much of the music I enjoy has a cinematic quality and Origin – One World Turning has that value and substance. This is music that has nothing but potential, potential for a multitude of uses in the world of media and technology used for films and art presentations.

Elise Lebec combines the timeless traditions of an ancient civilization with her beautiful voice, which serves as the main instrument in channeling the Gods and Goddesses of a time long past. She brings them back to life however who is to say they ever left?

Origin – One World Turning epitomizes the spirit of indie music and the heart and soul of creative expressions. An excellent example of that thought is “Sekhmet: The Goddess Awakens.” It is very ear catching and it has the power of transporting you like any good track should. The exception this time is that it is a literal time machine that gives rise of a Goddess. Like a phoenix she rises from the ashes in a blaze of light. The music brings about these visions, which was surely the intent.

Elise Lebec has accomplished a great many things with Origin – One World Turning and mainly getting my undivided attention and interest from start to finish. Anyone with an open heart and mind will embrace this music as a new journey that just may provide a different outlook on a new day.

4.5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

June 20, 2017

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
1. Taaly Maaya: Come with Me
2. Queen of Light
3. Cairo Morning (feat. Sheikh Mahmoud el Tohamy & Mahmoud Abu Zaed)
4. Bolero (feat. Sheikh Mahmoud el Tohamy)
5.Rumi Song (feat. Mai Mostafa & Mahmoud Abu Zaed)
6. Sekhmet: The Goddess Awakens
7. The Jam: Luxor, Egypt
8. Sufi Dance (feat. Marv Ellis & Mahmoud Abu Zaed)
9. Hob Elahy: God Is Within (feat. Sheikh Mahmoud el Tohamy, Turon Davis & Mai Mostafa)

New Age/World Review: Darlene Koldenhoven-Color Me Home

Release Date: April 21, 2017

Label: TimeArt Recordings

Website

The list of credits for Darlene Koldenhoven on her upcoming release Color Me Home is mind boggling. She is credited with Producer, vocalist, pianist, composer, lyricist, vocal and instrumental arranger, keyboardist and solos, programmer and engineer, Native drums & shaker, album notes and a coloring book.

Yes, that is not a typo, a coloring book. A very interesting and fact filled booklet comes with the CD and many pictures that can be colored in. This package is quite unique. I have seen a lot things over my 19 years of reviewing music but this is something special and a pleasant surprise. The pictures in the book are very intricate and personally I would not attempt to color them in fear of ruining their beauty. I am sure there are people out there that will feel entirely different.

I understand there are adult coloring books now selling like hotcakes now because people use it as an exercise in relaxation. So, you take that and add the music of Ms. Koldenhoven and you have a potent combination of serenity and spirituality all in one package. The artist grew up encouraged in an environment to color while listening to music. So, everyone that purchases this CD has an opportunity to color Darlene home, hence the inviting title.

I must say that I thought there was not much uniqueness left in the music industry but this recording and packaging puts that thought to rest.

Along with all the talents that Darlene brings to the table she had 16 guest artists along for the journey. I will not go through the roll call in case I forget someone so I will leave it to you readers to do your research if you feel compelled to do so. Let’s just say the people involved are prominent musicians in the new age community.

Darlene’s voice is that of an angel and it is operatic at some points. Her range is phenomenal. And the music? It is incredibly beautiful … filled with textures, colors and all sorts of atmospheres that make your mind wander into dreamland. The combination of vocals and instrumentation is superbly placed within each track. It takes true artistry and natural talent to create such a diversified recording and so many worldly new age flavors. I particularly appreciated the native drums and sounds that made me feel one with humanity and mother earth. It always has that effect on me and it feels warm and real. Who wouldn’t want to listen to music that makes you feel that way?

I can say with certainty so early in the year, that Color Me Home should be up for a Grammy. With all things considered and the work and craft that went into this music, I certainly think it deserves all the consideration for awards of recognition. You be the judge and let me know what you think after you stream the player and watch the video provided for your preview.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 16, 2017

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:

01. First Light
02. The Pleasure of the Mourning Dove
03. Kalahari Calls
04. Song of the Swans
05. Eternal Love's Song
06. Indian Summer
07. Embracing This Moment
08. Ode to Our Orb
09. Until
10. Open Skies
11. Color Me Home 

New Age-World-Instrumental Review: Al Jewer & Andy Mitran-Transmigration... a journey with friends

Release Date: March 4, 2016

Label: Laughing Cat Records

Website

Al Jewer and Andy Mitran have been musical partners for 15 years now. The multitalented duo released Transmigration...a journey with friends in March this year. It is culmination of 2 years of hard work. They had some help along way, their friends were 22 luminaries such as Miriam Stockley, Tony Levin, Jeff Oster, Jeff Pearce, Ricky Kej and Richard Gannaway to name just a few. The new age community is a tightly knit group that likes to join their talents to form powerful and meaningful collaborations. This recording was no exception.

There are 14 tracks to enjoy on this album and every one is a diverse slice of new age world instrumental fusion. They have a worldly meditative atmosphere that draws you in. 

“Council Fire” is one that really got my attention; it features the talented horn player Jeff Oster. The brass certainly adds another welcome element to the mix. The feeling of finding one of those ancient civilizations comes to mind with elders gathered around a fire for deep and moving discussions are pictured.

The multitude of instruments that are used gives it that world fusion sound and that is what makes it so eclectic and each track a new adventure. “Cloudwalker” is another track that summons certain visions. Clouds are soft, light and they paint the blue sky with their natural beauty. The music takes you away as you float with the dreamy sounds of piano and flutes. They fill the air as other sounds are mixed in to complete the walk across the sky with the clouds. It sounds like it could be a Native American name given to a spiritual leader or it can be anything you see with your mind’s eye. That is the gift of music, its purity and beauty speaks to you.

“Transmigration” is the all-important title track. This one lands at number 8 but it does not overshadow the importance it carries for the album. Many times a title track can open the curtain for an album and set the tone however in this case it was not necessary as every track is a standalone piece of art. I think the many instruments and the way that they are presented make the difference with this recording. It is evident that this was quite a journey for all involved and the fact that it took two years makes sense once you take in all of this incredible music. It is very complex and moving. The title track is the longest and most prolific clocking in at 7:17 minutes. 

Beauty lies in the eyes and in this case, the ears of the beholder. Behold Transmigration...a journey with friends one of the best new age and world releases of 2016.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Council Fire, Cloudwalker, Transmigration

Tracks: 
01. Talking Stone (feat. Miriam Stockley & Tony Levin)
02. Portal (feat. Richard Gannaway & Adam Ben Ezra)
03. First Crossing (feat. Jeff Pearce)
04. Council Fire (feat. Jeff Oster)
05. Rendezvous (feat. Ricky Kej)
06. Cloudwalker (feat. Lisa Downing)
07. Red Road (feat. TC Furlong & Biff Blumfumgagnge)
08. Transmigration (feat. Vito Gregoli & Kimberly Haynes)
09. Unfolding Path (feat. Biff Blumfumgagnge)
10. Passage (feat. Muriel Anderson)
11. Higher Elevations (feat. Kraig McCreary)
12. The Intention (feat. Paul Von Mertens)   
13. Quiet Waters (feat. Muriel Anderson & Sherry Finzer)
14. Event Horizon (feat. TC Furlong & Biff Blumfumgagnge)
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

July 11, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

New Age/World Review: Logical Drift - Pacific Journey

Release Date: February 25, 2016

Label: NYCMusic

Website

John Matarazzo is Logical Drift and his album Pacific Journey is a tribute to the beautiful islands of the South Pacific Ocean.

There is nothing like good instrumental music to create scenery for your mind’s eye to put you at peace and center you. It always comes to me at the right time and makes me feel more connected to our world.

This Pacific Journey certainly has the ability to transport you to another place and time. The music you will find on this aural journey is as diverse and colorful as the flora and fauna you will find in the islands that are the subject matter.

For my ears I liken this kind of music to a musical story and I allow my heart and soul to be an open book to its pages. It is my objective to convey the premise of this recording through a few choice tracks and discuss whether or not it delivers what it promises in reference to the title and the CD cover.

“Himalayan Heights” is part of the travels you take while listening. Matarazzo takes several instruments to create his sounds so they coalesce into something that is musically palpable. On the artist’ website it is explained as such: Combining his knowledge of ancient spiritual systems, psychoacoustics and aural imaging, he creates soundscapes that heighten the listeners’ sense of wellness and tranquility. The stimulation of the Chakra portals carries listeners on a journey toward greater awareness and aliveness. That puts it all into proper perspective as far as I am concerned. The synths, drums and other worldly sounds and textures added make it all sound so real like you are there enjoying everything in real time. “Himalayan Heights” made me feel that way.

“To Meet The Sky One Must” is another beautiful soundscape that puts you in touch with your spirit and mystical places of mother earth. The soft drums and their rhythm in this song are like your heartbeat and the sitar sounds are alluring and magical. The female vocals added gently invite you in. It is like a slice of heaven knocking at your door. All you need to do is listen and transport from your current state of existence. I think this place of peace lies inside us all, we just need some help to find it and music like this puts us in touch with that other self that awaits our call. It is that easy. 

“Rainy Jungle” helps one to get in sync with the nature that abounds around us. We are all connected to mother earth and water is the essence of life. In the jungle there are many different types of animal and plant species and without the rain they do no survive. It is the life blood of our planet. This track is very atmospheric using layers of keyboards to create a symphonic walk through the complexities of the jungle and all its offerings. Perhaps those of us that have not had the pleasure of witnessing this place on earth can still understand the absolute beauty and perfection that lies within this wondrous place. Allow the music to take you there and it will.

That is but a taste of some of the marvelous music found on Pacific Journey. The listening experience brings you many thoughts and feelings and hopefully delivers you to the beauty of the south pacific islands. It certainly worked well for me and I would recommend you listen and take the journey yourself.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Himalayan Heights, To Meet The Sky One, Rainy Jungle

Tracks:
01.Pacific Journey
02. Dance In The Lotus Garden
03. Himalayan Heights
04. To Meet The Sky One Must
05. Sanur Beach
06. Rainy Jungle
07. Open Skies Are
08. Mediation On A Blue String
09. Darker Dreams
10. Once Upon The Horizon

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

March 23, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews