Contemporary Instrumental Review: Mark Barnes-Winter Wishes

Release Date: April 19, 2023

Label: ‎ Independent

Website

Mark Barnes’ website says Winter... a time of renewal… a time of peace… a time to reflect. I agree that it can be a time to reflect so you find renewal and peace. Winter Wishes is his latest release. You may find, if you listen close, that what you seek is everything suggested. It is the season when the magic of snowflakes hits the air, and the birth of Jesus is honored. 

The music may warm your heart during old man winter’s cold spells. However, it looks like the worst of the Winter is in the rearview mirror; folks living in the Northeast know it may come back at any point until we are out of April, even though it was in the 80s the past few days!

 

Mark’s music is piano based, with orchestral layers that follow his lead, enhancing each piece with purpose matching the artwork and tracks. That is how it is supposed to happen, so you must look at everything presented and think about it while listening. At least, that is my process, and I highly recommend you try it if you have not to this point.

 

The temp and flow are gorgeous. For instance, “Snow Angel” is an invitation into his world created especially for each listener. If you are in a warmer climate year-round, you may not realize the significance of Winter and all its wonder and beauty. And even though there is beauty all around you, there are times that it can be cold and complex, and treacherous. Living here for most of my life and experiencing warmer climates for several years in California, I realize more as I age that beauty and peace can be at any time of year. 

 

Music can hold so much beauty as well. Mark brings each track to life by wrapping the winter season in his warm blanket via the ivory keys. I heard throughout the recording a foundation that sounded like classical taken to another place in new age and contemporary instrumental. I hear music like this often for weeks, months, and years. Given that timeframe, capturing my imagination and thought process while listening takes considerable effort. 

 

Winter Wishes was an excellent way to reflect upon Winter and much more as the recording moved through each track. I think the closing track, “Aurora,” will discover how it mirrors the beauty of the aurora borealis or the city based in Colorado, which is the gateway to the Rockies. Whatever way you look at it, it works as a magnificent ending to an exceptional recording. 

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

April 15, 2023

Tracks:

01. Winter Sky

02. The Snow Globe

03. Chilled Out

04. Snow Angel

05. Solstice

06. Winter Wishes

07. The Faerie Forrest

08. Wonders Of The World

09. Rhapsody in Winter

10. Aurora

David J. Peña-The Journey-Contemporary Instrumental Review

Release Date: January 6, 2023

Label: ‎ Independent

Website

David Pena’s The Journey starts with “The Sun Will Rise Again.” As you look at the image on the album cover of the soldier, some light is behind those darkened skies. A piano player extraordinaire takes us on another contemporary instrumental journey.

 

I am a veteran, and my father was a WWII veteran. So, there is some sadness attached to that. That first track felt emotional, and I was sad but had some hope around the corner. And that hope and energy were found on the next track, “Kaleidoscope.” When you hear that word, the first thought is a panorama of colors and light. That is the kind of positive energy I needed after all the feelings initiated by the first track.

 

“Tribute to W. Tx Pianist Doug Smith” transitions to softer touch on the keys. There is warmth and honesty that comes through. The connection from one artist to another was unique, and David provided a lovely tribute.

 

“You Took My Heart With You” sounds like it will be a tear-jerker and some reminiscing. The title certainly paints those feelings on the musical canvas. The orchestrations are gorgeous as they accompany David’s nimble fingers on the keys. 

 

“The Journey” continues with upbeat and high hopes as the instrumentalist reaches for the highest mountain and invites you to come along. The piano is rich with rhythm and purpose, and the orchestrations are exciting and moving. The emotions ebb and flow like a river after a rainfall, then it slows down and ends. 

 

“Eerie Night” sets the stage for pensiveness. As David starts to play, it does not create that feeling until the song is around the 1:50 mark; then, it climbs the ladder of musical anticipation. The stage is set, and the atmosphere is appropriate as you wonder what is coming next.

 

Fortunately, “Good Feeling” comes your way for a dramatic turn of moods. The fast-moving instrumentation opens the door to better days. David’s piano sounds bright and fluid and, yes, happy. I felt those good chills go up my back and down my arm. I knew something special was happening while listening.

 

“Stargazing” can be an exhilarating experience and, at times, a spiritual one. My son told me he was looking at the night sky one night, and I felt small. I thought that made sense. The vast and beautiful expanse of planets and stars can be mind-boggling. Well, at least it has been for me. David’s eloquent piano paints the right picture.

 

“New Beginnings” gives you the hope and promise of a new day. In our fast-moving technological world, we forget to be grateful to wake up every day. You think about those things if you are close to losing your life, which happened to me last November. The underpinnings of the new age genre run through this track like a golden thread holding it all together so beautifully. 

 

“Breakout” is the curtain closer. And it is a self-fulfilling prophecy, if you will, as David cuts loose and gives the keys a workout with tremendous energy and feeling. The track is panoramic and full of color and life with the growing pace of the orchestrations and the piano. I love the way this album closes out.

 

The Journey is everything it says it is and more. David J. Peña has released a recording to remember.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

April 10, 2023

Track List:

01. The Sun Will Rise Again

02. Kaleidoscope

03. Tribute to W. Tx Pianist Doug Smith

04. You Took My Heart With You

05. The Journey

06. Eerie Night

07. Good Feeling

08. Stargazing

09. New Beginnings

10. Breakout

Electronic-Ambient-New Age-World Review: Michael Whalen-Our April Tigers

Release Date: April 21, 2023

Label: ‎ Sprout/MWM

Website

Emmy Award Winning composed, and internationally renowned recording artist Michael Whalen had an idea about creating a group of composers and players to collaborate on a new instrumental recording that would defy style or genre. He wanted to pick people who had careers in soundtrack global ambient alternative and beyond that, including Bassist Michael Manring, guitarist Michael Brook, trumpeter Jeff Oster, percussionist/remixer Karsh Kale with Whalen starting the tracks collaborated on seven songs with the musicians doing their engineering in their studios in New York City, India, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. So, Our April Tigers was born. (Information from artist press release)

 

Even though I am classifying it as Electronic-Ambient-New Age-World, and it is a refreshing combination of those genres, I think Michael Whalen and his collaborators succeeded in creating something so original and different. Still, it does make it difficult to point to one genre expressly. For my listening pleasure, that makes it inviting and unique. 

 

Working remotely and separated by many miles is common today in putting together a recording, so it is nothing new, so what is going to make this release stand out? Michael started by creating melodic snippets that went from one musician to another, each adding their parts. Listening to it now makes it more unique and quite impressive. Creating the music would be easier if everyone were in a face-to-face studio (although I don’t think it is ever easy). The talent of each artist comes shining through on every track. Michael is the keyboard wizard and music master; every other partner is masterful with their respective instruments.

 

Never was that more apparent than on tracks like “Morning Bell.” Michael Manring’s hypnotic bass and Jeff Oster’s trumpet provide the textures and colors that mix beautifully with Michael’s array of keys. It sings instrumentally and pulls you in with ease, like meditation music. Many types of ambient instrumental music do serve that purpose, and Michael has been one of the more eclectic musicians with each release. As a person fortunate to provide coverage of his music, I wonder what he will come up with subsequently and anticipate an entirely new adventure each time. I am happy to say that he never disappoints.

 

Diversity is the key to the excitement of each next track. After “Morning Bell,” then “Visceral Organ” comes on. It sounds like it could be an entirely different album. It is a funk fest with a colorful atmosphere with the wonder of every second pouring out of it. That is one of the best examples of complete transitions going from one track to another. You better strap yourself in because that is the modus operandi of the release. Don’t expect a steady flow of the same thing; because of that, expect to feel a smile develop from the inside out.

 

Our April Tigers is indeed Michael Whalen and his significant contributors. As spring is happening and the flowers blooming are right around the corner for those in the Northeast, this music will fully bloom, inspiring listeners, and musicians worldwide.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

March  21, 2023

Tracks:

1. Over Water 5:27

2. Disappear 5:09

3. Morning Bell 4:43

4. Visceral Organ 4:29

5. So Fragile 3:59

6. Hope Haunts 4:54

7. Temporality 4:17

New Age Ambient Instrumental Review: Stephen Peppos-Celestial

Release Date: February 20, 2023

Label: ‎ Independent

Website

Celestial will be the fifth release from Stephen Peppos that I have enjoyed listening to. His new-age ambient journeys are the musical chicken soup for the soul we all need.

There are eighteen tracks on Celestial. You get the complete treatment of the new age ambiance he so expertly produces album after album.

Ce·les·tial-Positioned in or relating to the sky or outer space as observed in astronomy: "a celestial body"

That is the primary term and title of this album. And beautifully illustrated on the cover art with a giant bright moon behind a tree. It was likely the stone age when the moon was that close to the earth, and what a sight that must have been!

I had always had a fascination with astronomy going back to when I was a little boy. That interest has never waned. It has become stronger over the years. I always look to the stars to feel a sense of wonderment about what kind of life could be millions and billions of miles away. It makes you feel small in the big picture of the universe.

Music makes a person feel whole, and at times the sounds put you into a trance-like state or in the space of meditation. Whatever your choice, instrumental music filled with synths, color, the tinkling of bells, etc., presented on Celestial, will allow you to move on to a different level of freedom and existence. For my tastes, that is very important to find that release point where the thoughts of the day melt away, and the focus is on the music alone.

If you are looking for calm, serenity, and the magic healing powers of music, it's time to take a trip on the "Celestial Highway." That is how this recording starts with that track, and it is a beautiful introduction to what you will hear and experience along the way. Track by track, you can take the journey with Stephen and listen to (what I call) experiential music. You, the listener, decide how the door opens and closes on this recording.

There are stars and galaxies so far away that we will never discover them, even with the most powerful telescope. Here is your chance to create your universe with the sounds to soothe and penetrate your being. Your mind and body become one with the music, and you can discover new worlds within your mind's eye and realize you could not go during a typical day without the help of this music. That is the point of music such as this, to step away from the norm and experience something out of the ordinary, relax, and recharge those batteries for another day.

Celestial gave me pause to reflect. All the layers of ambient keyboards reminded me of some of my favorite artists, such as Jean-Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream, and similar groups. 

As all artisans were appreciated thousands of years ago, they are still today. People like Stephen Peppos are an intrinsic part of our lives and help to enhance our world. So, please sit back, listen, and let the chaos of our planet and perhaps your day, disappear with music from Celestial.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

March 16, 2023

Tracks:

01. Celestial Highway

02. Night Sky Revealed

03. The Sun Sphere

04. Ambrosia

05. Celestial Interlude part 1

06. Look To The Quivering Sky

07. Celestial Longing

08. Fields Of Stars

09. The 4th Dimension

10. Celestial Interlude part 2

11. Heavenlies

12. Celestial Joy

13. Wonder

14. Beautiful Cry to the Universe

15. Celestial Interlude part 3

16. Celestial Dawning

17. Celestial Traveller

18. Celestial Dance

Instrumental New Age-Meditation Review: 2002-Clouds Below

Release Date: January 7, 2023

Label: ‎ 2002 Music

Website

 

Introduction from the artist: Clouds Below was inspired by opposites - contrary forces that depend upon each other to exist and evolve. The sun above by day and the moon at night share a magic moment when they briefly mingle before one yields to the other. 

Clouds drift along regardless of day or night, and they appear below when we soar in an airplane, climb above them on a mountain, or a chance to see them reflected in a pond. The songs on this album explore the beauty found all around us, above and below. The music reveals unexpected paths, inviting us to follow.

 

Are you ready to follow? It is another blessing when I can cover a familiar artist. Music is a gift to all humanity, and animals and plants enjoy it. Listening and following can be a spiritual experience; with this family group of Pamela, Randy, and Sarah Copus, that has always been the case for my tastes and needs. I need music daily to inject energy into my body and uplift my spirits. It’s like wearing a watch your entire life, then one day, you forget to put it on, it becomes a part of you, and you feel incomplete. Music soothes our souls and completes the circle of life. 

A family relationship like this is a beautiful thing to develop in music as they (and us) go on an aural journey.

 

I know that sounds prolific, and it can be for everyone. Walk through that door and find your “Soulmate,” whether that is a person, a cat or a dog, or the music itself. It can all be interchangeable. If there is a “Glimmering Hope,” you can find your “Landing.” It is not intentional that I find a connection to tracks like that; it just happens and makes sense as they unfold and dovetails into one message. I hope this makes sense to many of you. It’s not complicated if you just let the music and you become one. 

 

The ethereal layers and colors presented on each track on Clouds Below are meditative examples of new-age ambient instrumental music with an objective. For instance, the interspersing of a saxophone on “City Blue” gives you a glimpse into the eclectic world of the Copus family. The quiet storm of jazz creates an alternate universe and takes a listener elsewhere. However, it does remain relaxing and meditative. Each member’s contributions are significant and in sync from beginning to end. 

 

At the “First Light of Dawn,” the cosmos grants you another day of life on this beautiful planet, and as you take “The Flight Home,” the “Clouds Below” reveal the beauty and awesomeness of our world and the “Everyday Miracles” that we can witness. We must open our eyes, hearts, and minds and let the music in. It’s simple and direct, resulting in healing and a feeling of blessedness we cannot find anywhere else. 

The Copus family are gifted purveyors of magical instrumentations and sounds you will appreciate. Their journey as artisans continues, and I am grateful to join them on their cloud for a short time and rejoin them any time I choose, and so can you!

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-TFOV Founder

March 5, 2023

Tracks:

01. Soulmate 4:53

02. Glimmering Hope 5:38

03. Landing 4:16

04. City Blue 5:56

05. First Light of Dawn 4:35

06. The Flight Home 4:12

07. Clouds Below 4:33

08. Air and Light 4:26

09. Riding the Current 4:32

10. Everyday Miracles 4:28

Contemporary Instrumental-New Age Review: Orchestra Indigo-Requiem

 Release Date: March 10, 2023

Label: ‎ Independent

Website

Last fall, I had my introduction to Orchestra Indigo-the creation of long-time blues artist Rick Randlett. His first album was titled Farewell To Memories. I was impressed with the musical paradigm shift that Rick successfully made. 

Now Requiem, his sophomore release, is ready for release. 

Rick Comments: Requiem comes from a lifelong fascination with the form, growing out of college performances of both the Verdi and Mozart requiems. In my version, I've tried to create the same flow and emotions without using any Latin text but with piano, synthesizers, and vocal sounds.

 

Those who can appreciate classical music's importance and timelessness undoubtedly appreciate what was accomplished in this release. And in some instances, listeners that enjoy contemporary instrumental, ambient keyboard-based, and new-age music will find appreciation with this listen. I can feel gratitude from all aspects; however, I am unfamiliar with Rick's inspirations that propelled him to a place of creative essence. After listening to his progressive versions, I understand his fascination and passion.  

 

I remained focused and relaxed listening to this fantastic concept and tribute to some great composers without previous knowledge. And therein lies the key for listeners who may be like me. If you can present a thought process or feel about anything and use music to make it come to life and be believable, then you have completed the circle and reached your goal as an artist. That is what Orchestra Indigo achieved on this release.

 

I felt transported from an existential plane to the ether in the eleven tracks. The dreamy synth sequences and wordless vocals felt regal and heavenly, making me think of centuries ago when incredible people created great classical music. Telling a story is very important in most music and challenging in instrumental music.

 

So how does a lifetime of the blues transform into something like Orchestra Indigo? I don't have an answer to that. I know one thing; Rick Randlett is a very talented individual who stepped out of his comfort zone, took a big chance, and created something beautiful that all listeners can enjoy and appreciate any time of day or evening. 

 

Requiem is quite different from Farewell To Memories. I did not know what to expect but was genuinely impressed.

 

The tracks have a nice flow, and I found it easy to get into that rhythm and sense what this means to the artist and realized what it became for me. I felt moved emotionally and spiritually. In essence, I found everything I hoped to see inside the music. That is all anyone can ask.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

February 23, 2023

Tracks:

01. Introit 4:00

02. Kyrie 3:34

03. Dies Irie 4:34

04. Hostias 3:29

05. Lacrimosa 5:12

06. Offertorium 4:09

07. Sanctus 4:00

08. Agnus Dei 3:43

09. Lux Aeterna 3:51

10. In Paradisium 3:27

11. Libra Me 4:46

Contemporary Instrumental Review: Robin Spielberg-All The Best Returns

Release Date: November 18, 2022

Label: ‎Independent

Website

Robin Spielberg's All the Best Returns celebrates resiliency, hope, and the power of positive thinking. That is the first thing I read about this album before listening. This is the music we all need to hear and a message we should embrace. She is a world-renowned Steinway artist celebrating the release of her 22nd album.

I have always found appreciation, comfort, and joy in the music Robin creates. This new EP clocks in just under 20 minutes.

As the recording unfolds, you get a sense of this being the listen that will lead you down a particular path, which is an intent more strongly than any music with lyrics. It must reach out and grab you and touch you in some way. Right from the beginning of "In Search of the Forest Fairy," you find the enchantment that the artist is hinting at on the cover art.

The only track that hinted at any sadness was "The End of Summer." The sun's brightness will stay present in many of these fall and winter months; however, the temperature will surely drop. Depending on who you are, that is a gift because you are into winter sports or enjoy being outside regardless of the weather, or something you dread and would rather stay in a warm house and go out only when you must. Whatever your choice is, this song is relatable.

"Shche ne Vmerla Ukrainy" is Robin's gift to the brave and resilient war-torn Ukrainians as she performs their national anthem elegantly. I saw a video of some of the folks in Kyiv lining up to get water. They were smiling and said they had no intention of leaving. I had to look at myself and ask what I would have to complain about.

EP's do end much quicker, unfortunately, so you must savor each minute and give it a chance to process within your mind and senses. From the artist's viewpoint, it takes more of a compact focus. I can assure you that Robin makes every second count, so however fleeting it may seem, it sure is lovely.

Robin Spielberg is like a musical clairvoyant interpreting and delivering all the music through her fingers. The flow is smooth and natural, with exemplary production values. And everything about this music brings forth good feelings and hope. 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

November 6, 2022