Contemporary Instrumental - New Age Review: Harrison Edwards-Into The Unknown
Release Date: September 3, 2019
Label: Harrison Edwards Music
Into The Unknown is the fifth proper album from Harrison Edwards. All the music is written and performed by Harrison and even the photos on the CD sleeve are by him and his son. The Northern Lights on the front are near Tromso, Norway. It is a gorgeous picture befitting the music you will hear on this album.This is what Harrison has to say about his album on his website:
The music on this CD explores the notion that our spirits have always existed and always will. Each song tells a story about a different phase in their journey, from their initial creation at the beginning of time, throughout their human journey of discovery, revelation, and finding peace, and about their ultimate return to the spirit world as they travel through eternity in search of the Great Mystery.
This comes at a perfect time for me as I just lost my brother a few days ago and I am wondering where he went after he passed. I think we all wish we knew where our loved ones were and had the opportunity to communicate with them somehow once they leave this physical existence. It surely is a journey Into The Unknown.
This is incredibly beautiful music. All the instrumentation blends perfectly making for a soundtrack to find solace in the day, a quiet place in the heart and soul, or a time for regeneration of your energy. It all brings you light, filled with the emotive paintbrush of one talented artist that can be a self-sufficient music multi-tasker.
The opening track grabbed my attention right away and I added it to my New Age Music Reviews Spotify Playlist. While some of the tracks offer the time to chill and reflect others serve as an epic trip to another time and place, perhaps somewhere across the globe from your current location. That came to mind while I was listening to “Revelation.” No surprise there, considering the title of the track. So maybe when we take the spirit form and are still bound to earth before we ascend upwards to the heavens, we can travel from one point to another at the speed of light? If we are in the form of a spirit, I suppose that is possible.
That is what music like this does for me, it pushes me to think and explore the possibilities of the subject matter that is being offered in the music and track titles… if you listen the music will reach out to you and give you this gift.
Thank you, Harrison Edwards, for the timing of hearing this beautiful music and how it gave more meaning to the passing of another loved one. It helped my heart to start healing and gave me hope that there is a better place in the afterlife for all of us.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
October 8, 2019
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
01. First Light
02. The Awakening
03. The Dawn Land
04. Into the Unknown
05. Discovery
06. Revelation
07. Finding Peace
08. The Arrows of Time
09. Into the Light
10. Reawakening
11. On Heaven's Shores
12. The Great Mystery
Tracks:
01. First Light
02. The Awakening
03. The Dawn Land
04. Into the Unknown
05. Discovery
06. Revelation
07. Finding Peace
08. The Arrows of Time
09. Into the Light
10. Reawakening
11. On Heaven's Shores
12. The Great Mystery
Acoustic New Age Guitar Review: Geoff Hall-While It Lasts
Release Date: March 28th, 2019
Label: Hall Studios
Well, it certainly looks like all
that practicing has paid off for Geoff. While
It Lasts is his second solo venture. It is a beautiful album
that embodies his choice of instrument and style of playing. I think Will Ackerman
would be pleased.
I did not hear his debut but it
did not take long for me to realize that this is a significant release. I am
sure that the new age community will embrace this artist and his music. And by
that, I mean listeners and peers alike.
“Lifted” was the track that got
my attention, so much so that I put it right on my New Age Music Reviews
Spotify Playlist. (Side Note: For the uninitiated, that is located on the
sidebar of my site right at the top).
The simplicity and beauty of this
music is its greatest asset. Even when there is orchestration added like on
“Pheidippides,” it still comes across intelligible and easily digested by your
senses. With a title like that, you just need to add the orchestration, that is
all there is to it. The pace of the song fits, as that name is a central figure
in a story that inspired the marathon race. So, I tip my hat to you sir for
making such an excellent and exciting piece of music. I could easily envision
that track as part of a soundtrack in a film. Not only is it represented well
as a standalone work of art, which the entire album is, but it could also be
used as a tool for various purposes, and all positive. As cliché as this may
sound, it is a win/win any way you look at it.
If you have an affinity for
moving music that relaxes or a few tracks in between that offer that
exhilarating climb and crescendo, you find it all here on this recording. Go
ahead, give yourself a nice relaxing cup of gorgeous sounds and positive
vibrations and enjoy it all While
It Lasts, then repeat the same exercise. You will be glad you
took my advice; I promise.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
October 1, 2019
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
1. Arrival
2. Something on the Wind
3. Resolved
4. Solitary Alignment
5. Lifted
6. Remembering
7. Pheidippides
8. While It Lasts
9. Departure
Tracks:
1. Arrival
2. Something on the Wind
3. Resolved
4. Solitary Alignment
5. Lifted
6. Remembering
7. Pheidippides
8. While It Lasts
9. Departure
New Age Chill: 7and5-Rhythm of Life
Release Date: September 20,
2019
Label: Nix Records
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I love the way this album started
with “Gravity.” It is an energetic opener and just the perfect setting to get
your pulse to rise. It makes it rise in a chill kind of way, the only way John
knows how, with thumping dance-like beats and a layer of keys that invite you
on this magic carpet ride of music. I absolutely love it. I made it my Spotify
Playlist pick without a second thought.
If I had been born during a
different decade, I think I would have lived in the dance halls filled with
trance and thumping beats. But alas folks, I am a rocker at heart that happens
to enjoy a wide variety of music and I have a true appreciation of any creative
process. Music just happens to be my sweet spot that I derive so much happiness
and peace through. It serves as the looking glass into my soul, the mirror of
my true self. Speaking of that, check out “Reflection,” it’s an epic ride on
the clouds that brings you peace and makes your heart smile.
With music that portrays
the Rhythm of Life,
what more could I possibly ask for? The eleven tracks encompassing this
recording shines the light on a very talented and creative human being. He wants
to impart all of these sounds, textures, and colors into one beautiful package
for us to consume. I think there is a lot of crossover appeal with this release
as well, not fitting into a neat little box but a broad scope covering new age,
chill, ambient, and contemporary instrumental slots on your streaming stations
all over the planet.
I appreciated the nice gentle
touches of the piano with the other key layers and beats swooshing in and out,
creating a colorful tapestry of instrumental bliss. It comes together very
nicely and I am sure this kind of project takes a while to put together
considering it is one person doing all the composing.
The maestro is 7and5, the alter
ego of John Nixon, a brilliant instrumentalist, and composer that knows how to touch
your soul with his music. I say play it again maestro! I can’t wait for the
next album in 2020!
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
September 26, 2019
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
01. Gravity
02. Take Me Back
03. Air Meets Water
04. So It Begins
05. While the Rain Falls
06. Wildflower
07. Rhythm of Life
08. Reflection
09. Paradise
10. Heartbeat
11. A New Horizon
Tracks:
01. Gravity
02. Take Me Back
03. Air Meets Water
04. So It Begins
05. While the Rain Falls
06. Wildflower
07. Rhythm of Life
08. Reflection
09. Paradise
10. Heartbeat
11. A New Horizon
Contemporary Instrumental Review: Jarred Walker-Becoming Tomorrow
Release Date: January 1, 2019
Label: Independent
One of the more gorgeous tracks
is “Dream of the Firefly.” I quickly put it on my New Age Music Reviews Spotify
Playlist. Folks that do not read the review will be able to hear it if they go
to the site.
Spotify has a huge market share
of streaming music now and it looks as though they are here to stay. That is
just fine with me, it is a handy tool to access music and sample some new
artists or listen to your library or anyone you follow. It is a great platform
to get your music out there and people like Jarred need to be heard, it's as
simple as that. It works I cannot deny it.
One of the more difficult things
to accomplish with instrumental music is to keep a listener’s attention,
particularly those that are accustomed to hearing vocals accompanying all the
music. The music needs to demand your attention and paint a picture within each
song. Jarred does accomplish that within the ten tracks on Becoming Tomorrow.
Songs like “Turning Point” are
uplifting. The rhythm and pace are something that you would hear playing during
a more positive fast-moving scene in a movie. Whether it is one that you are
watching or the one developing in your mind's eye, you feel it happening. This
is the kind of realism that needs to happen in instrumental music or your
audience is lost. Music such as this gives you pause, perhaps a moment to
reflect, or just kick off your shoes, sit in a comfy chair and put the day behind
you. It is satisfying, like a good day’s work, it keeps you going strong then
lets you down easy when the track comes to a close.
All the music you will hear
on Becoming Tomorrow was
composed by Jarred. His ability to take a diverse array of influences, colors
and various complexities within compositions is his greatest attribute. What
you get is a composite of everything the man knows coming together like a
patchwork quilt with perfected stitching everywhere. It is a contemporary
instrumental potpourri that is sure to calm your nerves and satisfy from
beginning to end.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
September 19, 2019
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
01. SOMETHING NEW 3:37
02. ALONG FOR THE RIDE 3:25
03. DREAM OF THE FIREFLY 4:06
04. FILL THE STARS 4:00
05. STEAM HORSE 3:22
06. THIS TIME 4:27
07. TURNING POINT 2:25
08. LOOKING BACK 4:16
09. AROUND THE BLOCK 2:20
10. END OF THE LINE 3:05
Tracks:
01. SOMETHING NEW 3:37
02. ALONG FOR THE RIDE 3:25
03. DREAM OF THE FIREFLY 4:06
04. FILL THE STARS 4:00
05. STEAM HORSE 3:22
06. THIS TIME 4:27
07. TURNING POINT 2:25
08. LOOKING BACK 4:16
09. AROUND THE BLOCK 2:20
10. END OF THE LINE 3:05
New Age Instrumental Review: Michael Stribling-One World
Release Date: September 20,
2019
Label: Leela Music
Now with the arrival of One World, I get
another opportunity to explore his diversity and explorations of world and new
age music.
I was a bit in awe of the talent
this man has at his command. I was looking for this long list of credits and
what I saw was all tunes, tracks, and tinkering by Michael Stribling. I
certainly did not expect to see that when I heard the first and title track as
it filled the room and enter my consciousness.
Tom Eaton did the final master of
this recording and as with so many others, he did an excellent job. And so, it
is, as many that have traveled that road before him, Michael made the right
choices. Because of that series of events and choices he has created an
absolute masterpiece of eclectic world new age music.
The lead-off track “One World” is
one such track that is the perfect introduction and pacesetter for what will
follow. There is something mystical and alluring with the wind chimes these
artists use in their music, and that was one of the finishing touches for that
track.
The one thing you can count on
with One World is
an amazing cross-section of music utilizing traditional world music instruments
and the new technology for the finishing touches, so everything comes through
crystal clear and the kind of gentle and impactive persuasion that you would
expect from a recording like this.
The lighthearted “African
Marketplace” puts you right there walking down the street and visiting with all
the vendors. I imagine it is quite different than what you would witness in the
U.S. I would expect the goods being offered would be interesting as well. I
have a feeling Michael is speaking from his own special experience. If not, he
sure knows how to paint a picture with his music. It gave me a sense of being
there. That is what any recording artist would want his or her audience to
experience while listening to music. So, from my perspective, it was mission
accomplished!
Michael takes you to a “Shaolin
Garden” then to an “Aboriginal Campfire” and then back to the rat race with
“Marching Through Manhattan” (although that term may be out of context when it
comes to this music). The point is that you become an instant world traveler
through the music and colors brought forth on every track of One World.
The whole point is that we
are One World,
one community, one people, and that is not only obvious with the track titles,
but the music also speaks for itself. This is all done very with a very
impressive recording with a panoramic view of the world that is conveyed
through one man’s music.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
September 12, 2019
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
01. One World
02. A Gathering of the Elders
03. Shaolin Garden
04. Aboriginal Campfire
05. Buddhist Nursery
06. Barcelona Nights
07. Persian Night Caravan
08. African Marketplace
09. Asian Dawn Maneuvers
10. Marching through Manhattan
11. Across the Moor
12. Black Forest Cuckoo Shop
13. Gaia Weep
14. One Planet, One People
15. Benediction (Prayer for World Peace)
Tracks:
01. One World
02. A Gathering of the Elders
03. Shaolin Garden
04. Aboriginal Campfire
05. Buddhist Nursery
06. Barcelona Nights
07. Persian Night Caravan
08. African Marketplace
09. Asian Dawn Maneuvers
10. Marching through Manhattan
11. Across the Moor
12. Black Forest Cuckoo Shop
13. Gaia Weep
14. One Planet, One People
15. Benediction (Prayer for World Peace)
Instrumental New Age Music Review: David Wahler-Two Hearts
Release Date: August
30, 2019
Label: David Wahler Music
That amount of time is perfect
for those seeking a period that allows for a deep relaxing or meditative state
right from the first track onward. I think the running time is key to get you
to that level and then keep you there. Two
Hearts accomplishes that.
David is an interesting
individual and blessed as well. He was a successful businessman for several
years then “retired” to make music. It is people like him that give me the
inspiration to carry on and do something else once I finally leave the routine
of a day job. Being in a daily routine day job does not allow for the
spontaneity one desires to keep the energy level high and your mindset in the
excited mode. David is one of the fortunate individuals that found his way
rather quickly after stepping away from the rat race.
“Paris Rain” caught my ear for
the ambient textures and spacey interludes. I added it to my New Age Music
Reviews Spotify Playlist right after I heard it. There is more to hear besides
that kind of style, however. For example, directly after that track, “Night Sky
of Orion (Remix),” starts with a nice acoustic guitar and all the other
elements of keyboards and layers come in to create that instrumental magic that
you will be accustomed to hearing throughout this release.
I think what David may be saying
with the title of the album is it takes two hearts to beat as one. All the
birds on the wires maybe all the thoughts one person can communicate through
the lines of communication we now have at our disposal. That is my
interpretation that may provide some insight for potential listeners, I am not
sure if that is the correct insight, but it’s a thought.
The music is exceptionally
relaxing and it was all composed, produced, and performed by David Wahler. It
was also mastered by Tom Eaton at Will Ackerman’s Imaginary Road Studios. All
of those credentials add up to excellence from start to finish on Two Hearts.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
September 8, 2019
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
01. Always
02. I Remember You
03. Paris Rain
04. Night Sky of Orion (Remix)
05. You and Me
06. Love Lost
07. Two Hearts
08. Bloom
09. One Fine Day
10. Confession
11. Then She Went to Sleep
Tracks:
01. Always
02. I Remember You
03. Paris Rain
04. Night Sky of Orion (Remix)
05. You and Me
06. Love Lost
07. Two Hearts
08. Bloom
09. One Fine Day
10. Confession
11. Then She Went to Sleep
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