Contemporary Instrumental Review: Dave Eggar-Awakening

Release Date: September 10, 2021

Label:  ‎Domo Music Group

Website

If fortunate enough in our lifetimes we receive an awakening or several, if the universe allows it, and somehow, we do need it. Dave Eggar had his Awakening during the pandemic when he moved from NYC to the mountains of Tennessee. Getting back to your roots and in touch with the beauty of nature can heal the soul and trigger creative inspiration for many of us. For a multi-talented artist that has mastered the cello and piano like Dave, that is exactly what transpired. Moving from a bustling city to the mountains in Tennessee is what I would call a location paradigm shift. Literally, everything changes and the location is just the beginning.

Awakening features fourteen beautifully composed and performed tracks. This music truly touched me; its pure beauty engaged me in a spiritual journey. When listening I became reflective, grateful, and at times sad. The sadness relates to everything going on in the world and particularly in our country, its leadership, and what has been happening overseas. My heart cries for those in peril, suffering, or fleeing for their lives for poor decisions made by one man. It is at times frightening to see what has happened to our world, our country, and its people. I hope those seeking comfort can find some in this music, which I did with continued listening.

I am deeply moved by music such as this and it brings me back to who I am, what I believe, my history, and where it has brought me today. The track that triggered all these feelings was “Beyond.” And interestingly enough, it is telling me I must get past this, heal, keep the faith, and that God will watch over the children of the earth. I need to get “Beyond” this and move to another point of growth. Without that, I do not have the optimism and faith I need. I am sure many of you out there will not understand this process and my comments, and certainly, there will be those that will. My point here is the power of music and how it can change your train of thought and the outcome of your decision-making after listening. My decision to share what is in my heart was captured by this amazing music. That one track catapulted me to another space where I could feel everything at the moment then be able to communicate it to anyone that wants to listen.

“My Simple Gift” also pulled on my heartstrings. The combination of the cello and piano is always prolific for my listening experience. The cello has that longing sound that pulls you and makes you think. I think of it as a big bass violin. The piano helps the emotions that come up subside and smooth out. This, and I speak for myself, helps me to process everything going through my mind and how it translates to the heart. My oh my this is so powerful and affecting. Instrumental music allows you to open a door without being prompted by words to pull you in a specific direction. The best aspect of this transitioning effect is that you, the listener, get to choose what direction to go while taking all of these sounds in. It is indeed a beautiful thing to listen to this gift of music and the artistry of audio delights.

If you want to experience a true Awakening listen to this music.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
August 26, 2021 

Tracks:
01.  Awakening
02. Faded Memory
03. Through The Glass
04. Beyond
05. Forest Afternoon
06. Diamonds
07. My Simple Gift
08. Russian Winter
09. Arise
10. Fallen Leaves
11. Bristol Morning
12. Coming Home (featuring Avalona)
13. Earth Story
14. New Dawn (featuring Priya Darshini and Will Calhoun)

Classical Vocal Review: Danaë Xanthe Vlasse-MYTHOLOGIES

Release Date: August 6, 2021

Label:  ‎ Independent

Website

"MYTHOLOGIES" - Mrs. Vlasse honors her heritage with an album inspired by Ancient Greek myths. Centered on vocal works, MYTHOLOGIES celebrates some of the most lasting legends in history and offers a return to creative collaboration with sopranos Hila Plitmann and Sangeeta Kaur. The album offers several performances of Mrs. Vlasse herself at the piano, along with pianists Robert Thies and Brendan White; the album also includes renowned South-African flutist Wouter Kellerman, and features memorable string performances from violinist Lili Haydn, cellist Eru Matsumoto, and violist Virginie d'Avezac de Castera, along with percussion from Nadeem Majdalany and Emilio D. Miler, Emilio D. Miler and Mrs. Vlasse co-produced the album. MYTHOLOGIES is an immersive Contemporary Classical journey into an ancient fantasy realm that invites listeners to ponder long-standing cultural concepts such as idolized heroism, divine power, crisis of faith and morality, and the junction of fate and free will. (Information provided by the artist)
 
For those listeners that can appreciate classically-based music and vocals that bring Greek Mythology to life, Mythologies will be an unforgettable listening event. The musicality is at another level to compliment the two Sopranos, Hila Plitmann, and Sangeeta Kaur. The aforementioned cast of musical talent is appreciated by this attentive listener.
 
From my perspective, this was a step away from the norm. That is the kind of experience I welcome. This music gave me an appreciation for an art form that started centuries ago. The combination of the voices and instruments is like coming home to your place in heaven. The angelic vocals welcome you as your spirit rises and you start an existence on another plane. This is the picture that my consciousness presented me to observe and absorb, then process.
 
Danaë’s piano playing is superb and with all of the beautiful vocals on display, courtesy of Hila Plitmann and Sangeeta Kaur, this is an opportunity for appreciative listeners of this genre. That combination provides a stunning tribute to the subject matter at hand. Mythological characters are no longer in that framework, you can imagine them as living breathing entities brought to life through the vocals and music.
 
To musically interpret these stories is not an easy task to be sure. The length of these tracks is considerable, raising the difficulty level that much further. “Sirens” opens the recording and clocks in at 11:12 and then takes you out to finalize the album in the “Sirens (Cinematic)” version at 14:12. In between those two tracks “Nepenthe” is a dramatic and moving instrumental showcasing the musical talent that is up to the challenge. The listener will note the tides of passion weaving throughout the song. Instrumentally this is as close to perfection as one could get.
 
I felt “Penelope” was particularly beautiful as Danaë’s remarkable piano playing is joined by her female counterparts with the rising vocal expertise you have previously witnessed. The blend of the music and all of those voices are incredibly moving and visionary. The changes of pace are impressive within the time of 7:19 minutes. I note the time of these tracks as I feel it is important to recognize the effort that went into them by these amazing men and women.

MYTHOLOGIES is a refreshing interpretation of Greek history. Emotion and collective expertise are key in making this album a success. Certainly, this album will be revered worldwide exponentially as time passes. It will be like adding a fine piece of art to your collection to treasure for years to come.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
August 23, 2021

Tracks:
1. Sirens by Danaë Xanthe Vlasse, Hila Plitmann, Sangeeta Kaur & Brendan White        
2. Poseidon & Odysseus by Danaë Xanthe Vlasse, Hila Plitmann, Sangeeta Kaur, Wouter Kellerman & Nadeem Majdalany
3. Penelope by Danaë Xanthe Vlasse, Hila Plitmann, Sangeeta Kaur & Wouter Kellerman
4. Nepenthe by Danaë Xanthe Vlasse, Lili Haydn, Eru Matsumoto & Robert Thies
5. Euterpe's Lament by Danaë Xanthe Vlasse, Hila Plitmann, Sangeeta Kaur, Virginie d'Avezac de Castéra & Eru Matsumoto
6. Metamorphoses by Danaë Xanthe Vlasse        
7. Sirens (Cinematic) by Danaë Xanthe Vlasse, Hila Plitmann, Sangeeta Kaur, Brendan White, Nadeem Majdalany & Emilio D. Miler

Contemporary Instrumental-New Age Reviews: Darlene Koldenhoven-The Grand Piano Spa: Legacy

Release Date: October 22, 2021

Pre Order Date: August 22, 2021

Label:  TimeArt Recordings

Website

Buy CD for only $5 until Oct 28^th

^{The Grand Piano Spa: Legacy is the sequel to the award-winning release of the Spring this year The Grand Piano Spa. This recording continues the gorgeous piano compositions and unique flow of the music that will appeal to the lovers of contemporary instrumental and easily cross over to new age.}

^{For my tastes, this is the perfect listening experience. Darlene is a brilliant musician that knows how to create perfect beauty with the ivory keys. Your expectations as the perspective listener, should you be familiar with her work, is to expect originality and a genuine extension of her personality.}

<sup>The Grand Piano Spa: Legacy begins with the grandeur of the cover art which gives you the initial visual of something special and singular. The artwork is the doorway to the music which in a short time you find peace, pleasure, and appreciation for a prolific artisan willing to share her gifts once again.

I have found Darlene to be high-energy and very positive. It does not take very long to appreciate that energy and the presentation of the ten tracks. A natural extension of the previous album is what I anticipated and knew was coming right after the first release.

Cinematic and expressive are good adjectives of what you will experience. “Love Eternal” I found to be one of the more expressive tracks. Of course, with a title like that, you would expect something eloquent and affecting. And it most certainly is. Darlene has that special touch and grace with her style and the way she wants to deliver each track. I say it’s all cinematic because it is natural to see a picture forming in your mind’s eye, like watching a movie play along with the music. I believe that is the intent with most music, to engage each listener in such a way that it pulls them out of one space in time into another. In turn, if the music is powerful and transitional, that essence is what triggers the experience. This artist accomplishes that consistently throughout this release.

“Glaciers” is another pictorial audio experience. The playing is slow, elegant, and purposeful. It moves slowly like the melting of a glacier, or that is the way it was meant to be prior the global warming. If we could only turn back the hands of time when it comes to things so important and change the course of the history we created. This music helps to ignite feelings of hope rather than despair and a sense of giving up, it brings us to higher ground and a more positive mindset.

This music is about us, the human condition, our environment, and the “Lucidity” and “Radiance” we all have within. And most importantly, the command that this one incredible woman has with her instrument. Her lucidness comes through in her piano playing thus creating a magnificent radiance for us all to absorb and enjoy time and time again.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
August 21, 2021</sup>

<sup>Tracks:
01. Radiance 3:31
02. Lucidity 3:58
03. Migration 4:04
04. Sweet Conversations 3:41
05. Love Eternal 3:45
06. Glaciers 4:54
07. Moonlight Minuet 4:41
08. Black Swan 5:58
09. Cumulus 5:36
10. Ancient Forest 5:09</sup>    

New Age Instrumental Meditation Review: Palm Reading-Malibu: Point Mugu

Release Date: August 13, 2021

Label:  ‎ myndstream

Website

Palm Reading is the musical project by Scooby Laposky and Charles Copley, inspired by plant life, the natural environment, and the traditions of ambient and mindfulness music. Malibu: Point Mugu is the first in a series of locations that these recordings will be created.

That introduction to this music was just what I needed to read on the artist's one sheet to get immersed into this spiritual and nature-themed meditative music.

This is an effective combination of synthesized electronic music that is generated by biodata recorded from plants using a biodata sonification device. The device works by measuring microcurrent fluctuations occurring across the surface of a plant’s leaf, which then generates MIDI notes when a change in conductivity is detected, allowing a user to listen to the invisible biological processes occurring within plants.

I find this a fascinating way to make music and connect with nature using hi-tech instruments and electronics. Note the cover of the CD how the electrodes (Tens style sticky pads) are connected to the leaves? What a brilliant idea to where music intersects with mother earth, science, and electronics. The outcome is very relaxing as well as the original acoustic guitar accompaniment. I never thought a tool I have used to relieve pain in my back would be used this way. The Tens unit is an instrument many people use in their homes and are commonly found in a chiropractor’s office. This is not a Tens unit, however; it simply uses the principle of the sticky pads to keep the wires in place to detect the biological processes of the plant.

The tender guitar lines interspersed with the ambient electronics create a very placid and inviting atmosphere. Listeners will find it easy to meld right into and float away with, whether just relaxing or falling into a desired meditative state.

I feel a lot of anticipation for the next volume of recordings and wonder what location will be selected. There would be many to choose from if the duo decides to travel up the California coast on Highway 1. While a gorgeous drive along the coast, it would be interesting to turn off some exits into some smaller towns to see what flora and fauna were on offer.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
August 13, 2021 

Tracks:
1. White Sage (Salvia Apiana) 5:57
2. White Sage (Salvia Apiana) Interlude 1:30
3. Laurel Sumac (Malosma Laurina) 8:17

New Age Instrumental Reviews: Peter Sterling-The Winding Way

Artist: Peter Sterling

Title: The Winding Way

Release Date: August 13, 2021

Website 

Peter Sterling is “Calling All Angels” (track 4) with his magnificent harp playing on his new release The Winding Way.

Like many of his contemporaries, Peter has a multitude of talents that can be enjoyed. I would recommend visiting his website to see the array of artistry he presents with several recordings, works of art, and a book titled Hearing the Angels Sing: A True Story of Angelic Assistance.

I have said this before, and it bears worth repeating, this harp music is the closest thing to heaven on earth on an audio level that I have heard. Beyond the audio, there is an experience available. The listening is just the beginning. For my senses it is transformative. I can go from being restless, stressed, and worrisome, to a very satisfied meditative state. And what all that equates to is a strong feeling of gratefulness for everything presently in my life. That is a tremendous feeling of spirituality and oneness. For one recording to enable all of that is a miracle, and it must make the recording artist feel quite gratified because I can assure you that is the goal for this music.

In the new age instrumental genre, the music must speak to you in some way. Without words, a message must be carried by the music alone. With the music of Peter Sterling, there is the harp leading the way in every track however there are layers of sounds and elements that embellish and support that main instrument. There is an old saying, behind every great man there is an equally great woman, and vice versa. With music, there is always a wellspring of talent and production values that support the main instrument. In this case that applies along with a beautiful wordless singing (with the exception of the spoken word on #9 “The Elven Queen”) that is a lovely touch that makes the chosen tracks more elegant and desirable. I would not think that was possible but it is, just that harp is beautiful enough, and then to add the additional layer of the talented background vocals is taking it all to another level. It is like more roots growing on a strong oak tree.

Lately, I have seemed to been getting away from mentioning certain tracks and just focusing on the album in its entirety. I listen to it like I would watching a river flow or the snow or rainfall. Like it was a living live thing coming alive before me. It was almost like all 11 tracks wrapped into one ongoing story unfolding and all of my senses joining in and becoming one with the music. This is truly a spiritual thing for me and I am very pleased that it happens that way. This does not happen all the time, just more so lately. I can look it at it as a different level of conveying my feelings and thoughts of what I am hearing to potential listeners. This to me is another form of growth and coincides with my studies of Buddhism. It all works together.

So, Peter Sterling, I thank you for the opportunity, the realizations that your music revealed, and how the timing of my listening experience was meant to be, perfect for these moments in time. Hearing your amazing new album, The Winding Way made everything crystal clear.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

August 13, 2021

Tracks:  

01. Beauty Abounds         
02. Clouds and Sky         
03. Deep Dive         
04. Calling Angels          
05. Along the Way         
06. Rose Petal Tea         
07. Every Which Way         
08. The Noble Knight         
09. The Elven Queen         
10. Hope for Tomorrow         
11. A Love That Lasts

Contemporary Instrumental Review: Evan Wish-Alone In A Crowd

Release Date: October 1, 2020

Label:  ‎ Independent

Website

Have you ever felt like you were Alone In A Crowd? It is an unfortunate feeling however it does happen to some of us. I have learned that it is a psychological thing when one is trapped within their mind without any escape route. When nothing can distract you from the deep-seated feelings and thoughts you are experiencing, then any amount of people around you would not matter. This may be relatable or so farfetched for some. We are different with experiences all our own. The one thing we can all relate to is good music.

As Evan Wish is pictured alone with his piano on a stage, it is the perfect vision of being Alone In A Crowd. This is his latest instrumental piano offering comprising contemporary, classical, and new age, into every track. This music embodies romanticism, joy, sadness, and the flow of life. Without uttering a single word Evan’s fingers take flight on the ivory keys and bring audio magic to your soul. What struck me readily was the sense of rhythm in his music. The piano is an amazing instrument and this artist knows how to manipulate it beautifully befitting each track title.

I found the title track very moving in several ways. It was an emotional journey for me, spurring those old feelings I had described previously, yet the music made it feel different. It was like the healing of that moment in time when I felt that way. Even though it was something so long ago for me, it is easy enough to reach back and revisit. What I learned in this particular timeframe was it is ok to be reminded of the past but to focus on the here and now. In essence, enjoy the music, go with the feelings and the flow of the sounds you are hearing and let it take you where it may.

When I enjoy a musical experience as I have with Alone In A Crowd, it seems to travel so fast. Like a short story with a succinct beginning and end. If you enjoy being swept away by superb piano instrumental music, this recording will become one of your favorites of the year.

Evan Wish…teacher, world traveler, storyteller, and immaculate musician, takes all of his experience and wraps them into a warm blanket called Alone In A Crowd. Having that warmth takes away the loneliness and comforts you. The blanket is the music and Evan provides all the warmth you could ever need as he weaves a tapestry of sound, vibrations, and color to fill you up with the love of life. You never have to feel alone again with these moving 10 tracks.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
August 2, 2021 

Tracks:

01. The Hill
02. Alone in a Crowd
03. Fleeting Beauty
04. (Full) August Moon Love
05.(For) Just a Penny        
06. Falling into You
07. Silhouette    
08. Carousel         
09. Sometime Around Midnight    
10. I Like Us

Kirtan Lounge, Ananta Govinda, Gopi Kallayil-Mystical Awakening

Release Date: July 23, 2021

Label: Independent

Website

Ananta Govinda, Kirtan Lounge, and Gopi Kallayil have released two beautiful tracks for the community of souls seeking peace through meditation or other similar practices.  Mystical Awakening was officially released today.

“Mystical Awakening” and “Gayatri Mantra” are exceptional tracks that mix the ancient Sanskrit text with world music. It comes packaged in striking artwork the brings about thoughts of time and space centuries ago.

This is new age world music modernized with today’s technologies and recording tools combined with saxophone, ambient flowing guitars, drums, and the conch.

In just two tracks you can find inner peace, truth, your higher self, and the rhythms, sounds and, textures that will bring amazing color to your consciousness. This is the color of life, love, and true happiness that resides in us all. The translator of music and ancient traditions is very effective for those who listen and tap into this source of spiritual awareness, mindfulness, and love.

Ananta Govinda and the heavenly vocals of Gopi Kallayi and Paulette Penzvalto will help you to renounce Samsara (Buddhist term for suffering) and find the emptiness for the clearing to focus, then the purity of your being. This is the music that will guide you to that place you desire, and it can be just the beginning of a lifelong journey. For some of you already on it, you will find this music to be an addition to your daily practices of meditation or yoga.

This music encapsulates spiritual enlightenment.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
July 23, 2021

 

Tracks:

1. Mystical Awakening - Musical Exploration of Bhagavad Gita
2. Gayatri Mantra