Instrumental New Age Review: Stephen Wallack-Colors

Release Date: November 12, 2021

Label:  ‎Gale Road Records

Website

Before I hear the music and it touches me somehow, I must find out a bit about the artist. In addition to that, knowing how the artist found the energy and inspiration to create the music is a crucial component before I go on my audio journey.

I was moved when I read about the process of Stephen Wallack on his recent release titled, simply and appropriately, Colors. This beautiful solo piano music is about an artist's journey through these trying times of ours. Also, his nephew Marlon, who suffered a brain injury as a baby, cannot move or communicate. This great spirit used his fingers to create the album art. Just speaking those words and hearing the music gave me a chill. The feeling is when an angel touches you. Marlon, then Stephen, two angels communicate through his contemporary instrumental piano solo music with a new age foundation. Listen to "Marlon," and you will understand what this music means.

Most importantly is understanding the new age foundation. It is something that has developed over time through my own listening experiences. This singularly beautiful picture taken via the keys of a piano will bring many realizations to light. Knowing intuitively that the premise of the music comes from the heart and soul of an individual with a higher purpose, allows for that strong foundation for the story to be built upon.

For my senses, the sound of one piano is perfection. Stephen recorded this stunning and picturesque music on a Steinway S Grand Piano. It does create images in one's consciousness; some are flowing and rhythmic, while others have those intrinsic elements weaved in with moments of sadness and joy. In other words, the feelings and emotions of the artist are translated through his very talented fingers.

"Brave" was one of my favorites. The title says it all, and I think he may be referring to his sister and nephew and how they have handled what life gave them. There is gratefulness and peace in moments of the track and then some high points and energetic bursts filled with the "Hope" (another moving track) and faith of another day. These are the moments in life to be cherished and never forgotten and what "Dreams" are all about.

Everyone has a purpose on this planet, and if you are fortunate enough to realize it in your lifetime, you are blessed. The prerequisite to reaching that goal is time, patience, faith, and a lot of energy. At times we find our purpose through another person's misfortune or a life-changing event. Stephen Wallack found his way to creating this music with the help of his sister and nephew. And with the many thoughts this music kindles within, we all should find gratefulness for what we have and not a yearning for what we don't have.

I can say with conviction that Colors will be enjoyed and give you many different feelings. And, above all, a spiritual connection to an artist you just met. Now that is the universal power of music.

Take some time out of your day today, with no strings attached or expectations, and listen to the Colors of one person's life. It will be like opening a present you never expected.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
December 1, 2021

Tracks:
01. Birch Lake - 7:08
02. Josh - 4:00
03. Colors - 5:41
04. Stunning - 4:36
05. Brave - 4:49
06. Dreams - 5:29
07. Earth - 3:44
08. Hope - 4:39
09. Marlon - 4:28
10. Midnight- 3:33

Acoustic New Age Review: Trevor Gordon Hall-This Beautiful Chaos

Release Date: September 14, 2021

Label:  ‎Independent

Website

I am familiar with Trevor Gordon Hall and his work from previous albums Mind Heart Fingers (2014) and Late Night With Headphones (2016). Here we are five years later, and now I am listening to his latest release from this September, This Beautiful Chaos.

A title like that deserves some thought before listening to see if it matches well with the presented music. Straight away, I thought this was going to be some complex picking and strumming, which can be chaotic to one person yet beautiful in every way to another, or both. But that is my thought process, and each listener will find their way to explain what they hear and what it means. Trevor said that life can be crazy and chaotic but beautiful at the same time. I read into that as an indication of a complete life with many experiences.

The album features six different guitars, including a Standard Acoustic, Baritone Acoustic, Nylon String, High Strung Guitar, Electric Guitar, and a Portuguese instrument named Viola Amarantina. Guitar enthusiasts and those who appreciate various acoustic guitars will find this album well stocked with all flavors of ear candy for audible consumption.

Based on past experiences, I awaited a gratifying experience again, which I received. Trevor’s style of playing is a thing of beauty. What I have found to be exceptional is the ability to take one instrument, in this case, several types of acoustic guitars, and make so much music without any accompaniment. His abilities reach far and wide into his area of expertise. What people may find interesting is that This Beautiful Chaos is a culmination of experiences the artist has had over the years with concerts he has played, the people met along the way, lessons learned, and all the foods enjoyed. The beauty of a fast-moving life becomes a reality for a successful musician grateful for everything he has experienced within the music. Now you can hear all of that interpreted through the tracks on this recording.

“Know Thyself” is an excellent title with many layers of playing, including precise notes plucked with a nice flowing strumming rhythm beneath for those the notes to float over. It is life expressed fully through one composition. You can feel the joy, emotion, and movement of life within that song. I felt some good energy, and it made my heart smile. Such honesty on an internal level can be expressed externally by a person then amplified by the music. That is what Trevor accomplishes with the track and throughout the entire recording.

Some of the track titles are prolific, like “The Presence of Absence” and “Resolution in Tension” is a slow burner, systematic, and for a good reason. Now that is something everyone can use! Just saying the title is an affirmation or confirmation of that state of emotion you could be in and how to resolve it. I like to take in a breath and count to 4, then release it counting to 8. That helps; however, music always opens doors for me into different states of consciousness. With this album, I felt gratitude knowing what the artist has shared, its importance, and how communicating with listeners can help lead the way to change in a positive direction.

This Beautiful Chaos is relaxation, meditative, reflective, friendly, and easy going, like a sunny day with nothing but blue skies. Life is fast and complex, and it certainly can be chaotic, but we have artisans like Trevor Gordon Hall and his music to slow things down and show us a different way. I found myself once again amazed at this man’s talent and ability to mesmerize me with one instrument.

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

Tracks:
01. Chase the Chills (2:49)
02. This Beautiful Chaos (6:02)
03. Momentum and Meaning (5:18)
04. Know Thyself (3:54)
05. The Presence of Absence (4:30)
06. A Daddy and his Daughter (3:57)
07. Saudade (5:02)
08. Resolution in Tension (4:31)
09. Ontic Blues (5:25)
10. At Peace with the Struggle (4:03)

Contemporary Instrumental New Age Review: Various Artist - Fall Flight (myndstream)

Release Date: November 19, 2021

Label:  ‎myndstream

Website

With the change of seasons and Fall ushered in, the myndstream label features six tracks from various artists. The compilation is appropriately titled Fall Flight.

“Autumn” with Roger Kellaway and his piano is the perfect gateway to a new season arriving and starting this compilation. His nimble fingers bring us to the change of season gently with a greeting only an acoustic piano can create—a perfect way to begin your audio journey.

 “The Golden Hour” features the acoustic guitar of Karlijn Langendijk. This one is with acoustic guitar taking a singular approach. While building the track with different strokes of the strings, it shines the light on the purity and clarity an acoustic guitar can have. The track is an example of the absolute beauty portrayed on a musical canvas.

“Insects” is from the well-known artistry of one Mr. Larrry Fast and Synergy. He has played with many great musicians during his long and successful tenor and created a bevy of solo material. Keeping with the legendary progressive sound he is known for, the music is powerful and cinematic, changing the entire mood of your listen. Perhaps the boldness and directness which contrast the previous tracks show us how the changing of seasons can be abrupt and rapid, especially for those living a more petite reality as an insect. Think of the winds blowing and the leaves creating their little cyclones on the ground and in the roads as the insects scramble to preserve their very existence.

“End of One Thing” from David Baron brings you synth sounds. The various layers are more progressive with a distinct universal and futuristic tone. It is ambient and ever-changing, showing how eclectic the synthesizer can be within one track.

“Favor from the Wind” features the acoustic guitar of Janet Noguera is another sublime track. The music creates a path to enlightenment through the vibrating strings of a guitar. The composition is acoustic divinity coming from the fingers of this talented woman. She brings you peace and joy from her soul.

“An Old Fairy Tale” by Bernward Koch features gentle piano and textures that invite you to partake in the new season ever so gently. The piano whispers like the wind that blows the leaves off the trees as they prepare for the winter. I found it to be an excellent way to close the curtain on this fantastic group of tracks while comparing and contrasting with everything that I heard preceding it.

Fall Flight is right on time to take you through the next season with many different colors, textures, and moods, which is what every new season us about, particularly with the changing colors of the leaves. It all falls into place nicely with a good flow and constant change, which the four seasons always bring with each passing year.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
November 19, 2021

 Tracks:
1.Autumn – Roger Kellaway
2. The Golden Hour – Karlijn Langendijk
3. Insects – Larry Fast/Synergy
4. End of One Thing – David Baron
5. Favor from the Wind – Janet Noguera
6. An Old Fairy Tale – Bernward Koch
   

Instrumental New Age Review: Jill Haley-Wrapped In Light

Release Date: November 5, 2021

Label:  Cor Anglais

Website

Many of the recordings I have had the distinct pleasure of enjoying from Jill Haley were the series of national parks she covered. She went there and recorded, and the results were astounding.

This time the focus is on inspiration from The Book of Psalms with the recently released title Wrapped In Light. The subject matter is ancient, known worldwide in many different languages, and I would consider it spiritual in every way.

Jill gets some help from David Cullen (guitar, bass), Graham Cullen (cello), and Corin Nelsen (recording, mixing, mastering, and production). The addition of their instruments and engineering is a beautiful compliment to Jill's artistry. For those unfamiliar with her work, she plays Oboe, English Horn, Piano, and Synthesizer. With all of that talent and diversity, she could cover the gamut of a new age instrumental recording. Still, she opted to flow different personalities and energy into the music to engage with her own. The result is another stunning recording for Jill.

The artwork says a lot, and it is appropriate to match the title of the release. One look at the sun peeking out behind the clouds and the orange colors in the sky near sunset or the break of dawn is the perfect way to enter this musical journey.

The feeling of being Wrapped In Light figuratively and spiritually is the duality of life and an echo of the human condition. The sun's warmth gives us life as sentient beings and brings mother earth all of her gifts for us to enjoy. In a spiritual sense, it radiates joy, positivity, closeness to the heavens above and beyond, and at times to those things esoteric. In simple terms, the music will be most pleasing for those seeking a place of solitude, not to think and enjoy the sounds, to meditate, or listen while you are reading a good book, or for any time or occasion for that matter.

As each track played, I found an appreciation for all the instruments. The "Unfolding" of this music flowed on the "Wings of Dawn" and finally came "Wrapped in Light." The music connects to me on a visual, audio level, and track titles.
 
Of course, the guitar and bass can be important for most music we all hear, and, in this case, I felt the piano was second to the horns. The cello certainly adds another dynamic and personality of its own to the overall sound. Every instrument was essential to the eventual beginning and end of each track. All contributors made this recording a success.

Jill has stepped into another inspiration area and set it all to music in the most memorable way. Wrapped In Light is her slice of heaven delivered to all of your senses. It can be your own space and place to reach that state of mind of gratitude, love, and acceptance of your world. It can initiate thoughts and reflections of where you need to go to find your peace.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
November 8, 2021

Tracks:
01. Wrapped in Light
02. Clouds Rise
03. Forest Sings for Joy
04. Unfolding
05. The Mountains Rose
06. Fields Be Jubilant
07. Wings of Dawn
08. Springs Gush Forth
09. Flourishing Grass
10. Pools of Water

Progressive New Age-Ambient Review: Mars Lasar-Coastal Escape

Release Date: June 30, 2021

Label:  ‎Sound Manipulations

Website

 Mars Larsar's website states his music is predominantly electronic, and it also contains elements of jazz, pop, world, ambient, and rock. I can agree with that assessment.

Coastal Escape was released this summer. This album was my introduction to this multi-talented music man. He also has a vast discography with an array of subject matters that boggles the mind. While the piano is his main instrument of passion, he creates electronic soundscapes of absolute beauty.

Right from the beginning, with the opener "Big Sur Skies," I was captivated. The entire recording succeeds in capturing the subject matter of water in the different forms that mother earth delivers to us. Along with the purity of water, the essence of all life, the sunsets, and beaches are portrayed beautifully. With "California Dreams," I believe it has always typified songs to follow those dreams, all of the sunny beaches and the gorgeous sunsets. As you make your way through this listen, you may feel euphoria, excitement, relaxation, or all of those things in one track.

I particularly enjoyed the electric guitar in this music, which is not common in the new age genre. It is all tastefully done and placed perfectly when the artist uses it. That is the key to giving the listener some energy and creating more color in a track. I heard so much in every way; it was impressive.

"Glass Beach" for example, has the sounds of the surf and seagulls to give the sensation of being there. That is one example of many to be discovered. I love the ocean, the warmth of the sun, and all the sounds that are part of that experience. To hear it all come to life through my speakers was very comforting, and it took me there. I have not been there in a few years now and miss it terribly. I have promised myself to return next year. The music and track titles made me think of the beautiful times I spent on the beach with my loved ones. To me, the world is perfect in that scenario. The music made it easy for me to go there, which is the whole point of this music. It works!

Mar's Lasar has created and delivered something extraordinary and close to my heart. At times it takes the music to put everything into proper perspective. If you seek a pure experience that comes in the form of audio with music and sounds of nature, you are in for a journey you never shall forget. 

Coastal Escape is what it says it is. I found my true self in this music, and I am very grateful to have had the experience. The human condition weaves its way through every track's fabric, which is why it was so easy to relate to on many levels.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
November 6, 2021

Tracks:
01. Big Sur Skies 3:58    
02. Valley of the Giants Revisited 4:14    
03. California Dreams 3:44    
04. Carmel Midnight Shores 4:17    
05. Enchanted Forest 4:10    
06. Glass Beach 3:37    
07. Mendocino Love 4:00    
08. Sea Arch Sunset 5:01    
09. Lost Coast Trail 4:36    
10. Little River 4:26

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...