New Age-World-Instrumental Review: David Arkenstone-Quest For The Runestone

Release Date: July 1, 2024

Label: QDV Music

Website

Quest For The Runestone Listening Party on June 30. 

CDs are available at  https://davidarkenstone.bandcamp.com 

Some names are synonymous with specific genres of music, and David Arkenstone is one of those artists immediately recognized for his contributions to the new-age music community. With a stunning 70+ albums, multiple Grammy nominations, TV scores, and over 1 billion streams, the man is accomplished in many fields of work.

Quest For The Runestone is a unique and captivating release that is set to captivate audiences worldwide with its distinct blend of new-age music.

The CD box of Quest For The Runestone offers more than just music. It includes a 48-page booklet, custom sleeve, *Vellum, sticker, pendant, magnet, and miniature rhinestone, providing a truly immersive experience.

(*Vellum-It is often distinguished from parchment, either by being made from calfskin (rather than the skin of other animals) or simply by being of a higher quality. Vellum is prepared for writing and printing on single pages, scrolls, and codices (books).

"Prophecy" starts with a dreamy, esoteric atmosphere. Then, as the percussion comes in, the track begins to build. The bell tolls, and the vocals call to the heavens as the story's meaning takes another turn. The orchestrations soothe and excite at the same time. Will the "Prophecy" be fulfilled?

"The Soothsayer Speaks" as the instruments and voices merge to emphasize the track's meaning. It reaches an apex and then starts to wind down as the wordless vocals come in like a chant from a faraway land. Once again, the pace picks up to convey more emotion and meaning to convey the crucial information they receive. It is one of the best tracks, for sure. It's so colorful and exciting.

"Ancient Magic Awakens" starts with tremendous color and energy. The instruments come alive with every note, notably the thrilling percussion, which drives the Celtic theme. Wordless vocals give it the epic feel when you reach the apex of the musical mountain. The violin leads the way from the beginning to the closing. There is a very soft interlude for a short time; then, it launches back into the excitement.

"Réann" begins with the Uillean pipes, which always give a song that original Celtic imprint. The old meets the new as the keys, violin, and cello enter the mix. This is the first track where the pipes are the main instrument, and everything else builds around it. It is very different from all the previous tracks and is the most effective.

In "Eyes Of Skata," the violin starts accompanied by a beautiful acoustic guitar. Then, that fantastic percussion comes in, this time more subtle but rhythmic. The vocals are in sync with the rhythms and atmosphere of the music.

"Oceans Of Ice" is like a veil of satin brushing over your skin. The story continues, beginning slowly, and then the tempo changes as the cello and acoustic guitar partner. The bass tones are a strong undercurrent, replacing the previous track's vital percussion parts.

"Path Of The Mountain's Bones" brings back the march of the percussion, and Celtic solid influences take over to inspire the climb up the mountain. The path is clear, and the people traveling do it purposefully. The rhythm and chants push them along to their journey's end. The vocals are strong and hold the promise of its people. Think of an Irish gig combined with a battle hymn—epic echoes of the past launch you into the future.

"Stars Without Light": For what is a star without its light? It begins with a mystical tone, and the wordless vocals give it a spiritual feeling. The music and vocals are soft. The cello cries, the violin answers, and a gentle picking of the acoustic guitar adds substance and beauty. A touch of melancholy towards the end makes you think about what could come next as it picks up the energy and flows again. It ends with those spirit-like vocals and leaves you wondering.

"The Arbos Stirs" begins quietly and thoughtfully as you anticipate a change. It arrives quickly, a bit more subtly than the opener, until the percussion arrives. As the track title indicates, the booming drums are an awakening, a stirring. Nice guitar picking accompanies the anthemic vocals. It is a powerful song that ends definitively and suddenly. It sounded like a warning to me that something was about to happen.

"Inscriptions" begins pensively as the violin enters the mix. The feeling is anticipation, as the measured beat of the drums enhances the overall atmosphere. As you move through those feelings, the track gently fades.

"Secrets Of The Runestone" you expect to be magical, and it is. The mystery and the secrets held are expressed in the feelings of the music as it takes shape. The familiar march of the Celts returns with percussive elements, moving along with strength and purpose and powerful wordless vocals to match. I appreciated a sharp electric guitar part about three-quarters of the way through; then, it continued to change and gather strength to the finish. It was my favorite track.

"Keeper Of The Flame" brings back the Uillean pipes and that fantastic violin. As the song gathers momentum, it gives you the feeling of watching a picturesque scene in a movie, like people traveling to an ultimate destination. The instruments merge into a gorgeous orchestration that provides inspiration to carry on and keep the flame burning.

Quest For The Runestone is an engaging and musically complex project for which David Arkenstone will receive many compliments. He created all the compositions, and he played a multitude of instruments. With some help from his friends, he has created an instant new-age and world classic.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

May 21, 2024

Tracks:

01. Prophecy 5:24

02. The Soothsayer Speaks 5:25

03. Ancient Magic Awakens 4:53

04. Réann 4:03

05. Eyes Of Skata 4:44

06. Oceans Of Ice 4:20

07. Path Of The Mountain's Bones 4:33

08. Stars Without Light 4:12

09. The Arbos Stirs 4:34

10. Inscriptions 4:30

11. Secrets Of The Runestone

12. Keeper Of The Flame 5:39

Ambient-Chill-New Age Review: Dark Sky Alliance-Interdwell

Release Date: March 12, 2024

Label: ‎Spotted Peccary

Website

Interdwell, the debut album from the Dark Sky Alliance group, is a testament to its members' collective experience and expertise. The group, which includes music industry veteran percussionist Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel, Indigo Girls), keyboardist Rupert Greenall (The Fixx), synthesist Eric "the" Taylor, and cinematic ambient guitarist David Helpling, has crafted a work of art that is sure to captivate listeners.

The first thing that captures one's imagination is the cover art—the globe with a logo suspended in the air. It immediately gives you an indication of what you may hear. At least for me, artwork tends to paint a picture of what kind of music is in store for my body, mind, and spirit to absorb.

If being aroused in some way does not sound like something you want at the moment, there is always some other benefit to music that has an atmosphere that creates a certain mood or feeling (and all music does, of course). I want another state of consciousness from any ambient chill or new-age recording I am hearing. Most listeners of this type of music would have that expectation.

"Search" is a short intro to set the stage for what else is coming.   "Fortunate One" is 7:19 minutes of new-age ambient chill that offers an anticipatory trajectory, particularly with the percussion. The chanting fits well with the soundscape created as you listen. It is very complex, with many divergent elements coming together. Although intricate, it is masterful in presentation and production. You recognize this from this point and in the future during your listening.

"Warm Inlet" has a super cool vibe with an echoing guitar and prominent bass line weaving through it, all strengthened by the excellent synths and keys. It has a jazzy feel, especially with the guitar and bass, that quiet storm feel I love so much in jazz. However, regardless of hearing that, the ambient and chill carry your consciousness to another level of being. Its innate eclecticism and the many genres and influences that come together define it. I would not mind hearing more of this musical improvisation with that underlying chill atmosphere. 

"The Desert Mind" starts with a synth and birds, making you feel you are in the middle of a rainforest in some remote land. The echoing and natural sounds combined with the music strike you in a cerebral way, yet they're emotionally calming. The connection between the music and your spirit is undeniable; there is something extraordinary going on with this track. It is like the mind is a desert waiting to be populated by sounds and music frequencies.

"Latch" is one of the shorter tracks (3:16). It starts with an ominous wave of synths, creating a curtain of sound and a feeling of wondering which way it will turn at any moment. But it doesn't. It maintains that heavy synth sound, reminding me of some other bands (open to interpretation) I have heard that focus on primarily instrumental. It was a significant change of pace and mood and very effective in pulling you in an entirely different direction.

The title track, "Interdwell," is the second-longest effort at 8:30 minutes. As it has been from the start of this album, percussion is vital to start pushing the composition as the other elements are added. Looking at its length, I was ready for many transitions and was not disappointed. I liked the way it was built as it went along. There is plenty of excitement and colorful collaborations of the instrumentation. I heard a good guitar line come in to add more potency to the mix. It is a very transitory musical experience and sounds fantastic at a higher volume level; it will fill your room.

"The Far Cry" begins gently with the synths, and then an acoustic piano arrives. The percussion is still bold and well-placed. Once again, your mood shifts at a different pace as the music dictates. The bass sounds like a beating heart as the layers of keys acknowledge its presence. I found this track cinematic, like you are watching a movie, and the scene goes through its movements and changes; the sounds match what you see. We all have been there before, and usually, the music is in the background, helping the scenes along, but you don't appreciate it. This makes you realize how this music can be filled with many colorful emotions. Next time you watch something, you may want to take note.

"Marotta Swamp" is Jerry's track, and although you hear him clearly throughout this album, it gives you pause to sincerely appreciate his artistry and talents and what he can bring to a soundtrack. Ironically, percussion is not part of the presentation. The track is more balanced with the synths, bass, and layers that help it build as you move along. 

"Tré Pur" is relaxing, like melting into a cloud and riding through a clear blue sky. The keys have a rhythm like a musical clock or a metronome to focus on your breathing and heartbeat. Quite beautiful.

"The Slow Train Home" is their most ambitious work, clocking in at 10:30, and it lives up to its name. I am thinking about time and how it consistently carries a definitive mood. It starts very purposefully, and then a cello joins in. That instrument can be melancholy in its effects, but it depends on what other instruments or effects join as the track moves along. It takes little time to sound appropriate once the layers of synths are alongside it to enhance the listening experience. Based on the composition's subtleties and length of time, it could serve as a meditative tool. Towards the end, you can hear a train going across the tracks, the perfect way to lead to the conclusion. 

"Linear" starts in a spacey manner, then a whooshing sound arrives, and the percussion changes the entire direction. The guitar is a nice touch with the echo effect as it punctuates the track. You can hear exciting sounds; it is entirely different in style and approach than any other track, so I appreciated it more. It ended up being one of my favorite tracks, and the guitar lends a more rock feel, which I loved with all the other instruments.

"Bring Myself To Say It" is the finale. What would they come up with next after the previous track? It is a shorter one at 3:50 minutes. It was an excellent way to close out the recording. The brief, soft, sweet piano and layer of synths lead you out gently as your feet again touch the ground, and the musical journey is over. 

Interdwell is an excellent recording that is very eclectic and entertaining. The instrumentation, mastering, and engineering are superior. The musicians involved are all veterans, and it shows from track to track. You will love this if you enjoy instrumental ambient chill with a new-age flavor!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

May 25, 2024

Tracks:

01. Search

02. Fortunate One

03. Warm Inlet

04. The Desert Mind

05. Latch

06. Interdwell

07. The Far Cry

08. Marotta Swamp

09. Tré Pur

10. The Slow Train Home

11. Linear

12. Bring Myself To Say It

New Age-Contemporary Classical Instrumental Review: Deuter-Komorebi Sunlight Through Trees

Release Date: May 17, 2024

Label: ‎CurveBlue

Website

Deuter, a renowned new-age classical solo artist, has captivated audiences worldwide with his soothing sounds. With an impressive discography of 60 albums, his latest release, “Komorebi's Sunlight Through Trees,” is a testament to his unique style and musical prowess. 

"Komorebi" begins with a beautiful and rhythmic soundscape, getting you into the proper space physically, mentally, and, if you do "listen," spiritually.

Komorebi means "sunlight leaking through trees." The artwork, which is very basic but effectively portrayed, describes the beauty and wonder of rays of light dappling through overhead leaves and casting dancing shadows on the forest floor.

"Komorebi - The Walk" continues with that meaning and theme, going through several changes in the track during its 10:08 minutes. It starts with a violin, then the flute enters, and as the song progresses, the subtle electronic elements enter with synth sounds that are dreamy and ambient. Eventually, the acoustic piano arrives, which Deuter is a master at, as you realize early in listening to this album. His touch is brilliant and precise. Over 10 minutes is a lengthy song; however, it is just perfect and lovely.

"Enchanted Forest" also begins with a violin then straight into some orchestration from the synths. As you can see by the track titles the theme stays in place from beginning to end. Music can be enchanting and so can the forest with all its mystery and adventure. I remember taking long hikes as a young boy with my friends and looking up at all the trees and wondering what kind of creatures we may encounter. We never knew where we were going but always made it back home.

"Silent Glow" is a track that resonates with the inner spirit. It evokes a sense of glowing from the inside out, a feeling that can be immediately seen and felt. This inner glow is not limited to humans; it also emanates from plant life. The living plants and trees rooted in the forest form a vast underground ecosystem that communicates with each other. The composition weaves a tapestry of sounds, including soft wind and water, and if you listen closely, you can hear, see, and feel that silence. As Mozart said, "The music is not in the notes but in the silence between." This track embodies that sentiment, inviting the listener to delve into its meditative depths.

"Clairière" means clearing a piece of land of wood, etc., for cultivation. A clearing in the forest. The track is just as beautiful as the ones that preceded it, and it changed my viewpoint of the word cultivation and clearing. Cultivation is not necessarily something wrong; it can be healthy. There are gently ringing bells and whooshing synth sounds as it moves through the composition layers and, once again, a gorgeous flute that calls to you and asks you to come along.    

"Anemoi" in ancient Greek religion and myth, the Anemoi (Greek: Ἄνεμοι, "Winds") were wind gods who were each ascribed a cardinal direction from which their respective winds came and were each associated with various seasons and weather conditions. They were the progeny of the goddess of the dawn, Eos, and her husband, the god of the dusk, Astraeus (Wikipedia). Where the four winds blow as it were. The cello is particularly gentle yet prolific, and it captures the meaning of the wind blowing and doing whatever Mother Nature decided it should do at the moment. Once again, the synth underlies the main instrument, adding that ambient layer of pure relaxation.

"Anemoi -Touch" is just under one minute and is a sequel to the previous track, closing out the album with a brief but nice touch.

The softness and invitation of this music are its main attractions. It is a perfect choice for listeners seeking out relaxing and meditative music. Deuter's Komorebi Sunlight Through Trees is a testament to his ability to create music that soothes the soul and calms the mind. It is a musical journey that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

May 18, 2024

Tracks:

1. Komorebi (6:38)

2. Komorebi - The Walk (10:08)

3. Enchanted Forest (6:12)

4. Silent Glow (6:30)

5. Clairière (8:41)

6. Anemoi (4:43)

7. Anemoi - Touch (0:58)  

New Age-Ambient-Jazz Review: Masako-Lost there Found here

Release Date: May 24th, 2024

Label: ‎Independent

Website

Masako has consistently released her solo piano compositions year after year. The artist is locked in a very productive cycle. Once an artist gets to that point in their career, they want to keep recording in fear of losing that momentum and creative process. It makes sense to me.

Lost there, Found here will be out soon. It features twelve tracks of new-age ambient jazz sounds that will surely make their mark, as always.

"Spirit Forest" is a musical narrative that begins with a deliberate, slower approach, gradually transitioning into more delicate and light tones. The shift in the pattern and the notes played profoundly mirrors the ethereal power a forest holds. This track is a testament to Masako's ability to evoke emotions through her music.

"Miracle of Spring" is a breathtaking spectacle, mirroring nature's awakening as leaves and flowers start budding and eventually burst into bloom. If you're fortunate enough to witness the four seasons, this is a particularly poignant time, a true miracle of life. The piano captures these moments, starting with anticipation, then building momentum, and finally gently receding, much like the foliage we witness each year. The piano is in full bloom, guided by Masako's skilled fingers.

"Walk Together" is the second longest track at 5:01. It starts with an excellent acoustic guitar strumming and lovely wordless vocals, with the piano entering the celebration of the light-hearted walk through your own space in time. Painted on an empty canvas in your mind's eye, then blending a palette of colors through all the sounds and textures in the song. It has a cool jazz feel to it with new-age undertones.

"Ice Blue," like the sky in the cover art, brings an airy feeling to the atmosphere. The piano's significance cannot be understated; it is gorgeous and adding a trumpet to accompany those lovely notes gives the track additional ambiance and beauty. As cool as ice and clear blue as the sky, this one was one of my favorites. It provides a listener with moments to pause and reflect.

"Reasons" may be the artist saying through her instrument that giving titles related to nature inspires the music, and there are many valid reasons for this. The song is filled with rhythms and brief seconds of space between notes, hoping you will find the same inspiration to protect and love Mother Earth. It ends with low notes, firmly making you believe this is serious business.

"Brooks and Cascades" starts with a violin, then the piano enters, followed by some wordless vocals to give the track a heavenly feel. It sets you off on your journey through the beauty and wonders of nature once again. It is picturesque and tells a story that you will want to relive.

"Somber Day" has the mood and tones you would expect based on the title. We all have those days, but perhaps it's sad for the world with our nature and habitats being polluted and destroyed. It is a hard look at reality through the lens of the elegance of a solo piano song.

"Winter Tale" is the parallel universe "Miracle of Spring." There is a dissimilar approach to this season, the one of harsh temperatures, snow, and ice. It is all beautiful watching from the warmth of a house; however, when you venture into it, your mood can change quickly. The flute is a nice touch, and once again, the wordless vocals give it a touch of class. The song has a finality and sadness, yet the piano notes are soothing and hopeful.

"Mid-Hudson" features a catchy rhythm pattern that exudes joy. The violin returns, injecting more substance and thought into the track. It is a toe-tapper, which I usually reserve for other genres. The contagious rhythms get your spirit to move and your body in motion, just like the river with the name Hudson, as some soft percussion adds more spice to the mix.

"Homebound" is full of promise as you return to your comfort zone. It is a concise track, quite a step away from the previous tracks' complexities and lengths.

"Camino del Monte" is lively and colorful, imbued with the artist's feelings for the location being honored. It instantly pulls you in as you listen for hints of what it may look like there. It is a pleasing track.

"Into the Dusk" is appropriate for closing out this recording. The temperament is fixed on the unwinding of the day as the sun goes down and darkness begins changing the light and mood. The violin hints at sadness at the end of another day, yet the piano's delicate notes promise a new day.

Masako has created a masterful group of compositions highlighting her focus and high skill level. It is solo piano music at its best on Lost there Found here.

It is solo piano music at its best on Lost there Found here.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

May 8, 2024

Tracks:

01. Spirit Forest (3:24)

02. Miracle of Spring (4:24)

03. Walk Together (5:01)

04. Ice Blue (4:15)

05. Reasons (2:50)

06. Brooks and Cascades (4:44)

07. Somber Day (4:18)

08. Winter Tale (4:197)

09. Mid-Hudson (5:06)

10. Homebound (2:33)

11. Camino del Monte (3:43)

12. Into the Dusk (3:38)

New Age-Ambient Review and Interview: 2002-Time Traveler

Release Date: June 7, 2024

Label: ‎Galactic Playground Music

Website

As a devoted fan of 2002, I eagerly await each new release, and Time Traveler is no exception. This will be my fifth journey into their captivating world, and I'm already brimming with anticipation. It's a testament to their consistent quality that I can't help but have high expectations, and I'm confident this album will not disappoint.

Let's take a moment to appreciate the Copus family: Pamela, Randy, and Sarah. Their musical prowess is awe-inspiring, from composing to playing all the instruments and producing. Their unique approach to music, doing everything their way, is a testament to their creativity and dedication. They even invite guests to join their musical journey, as they do for this recording: James Song (violin), whose soaring melodies add a touch of classical elegance to “The Morning Breeze,” and Dan Totan (cello), whose rich and resonant tones enhance the emotional depth of “Love of My Life.”

The artwork accompanying Time Traveler is a visual element and a portal to a unique and immersive experience. It's the first thing that grabs your attention; its significance cannot be overstated. The artists have a profound understanding of how each element harmonizes, and by taking the time to connect, listeners can truly delve into the depth and significance of the album.

This music is a journey, as the image of the ship indicates. I always wonder what it would be like to travel back in time to tell myself a few things and then wonder what my life would be like today. This kind of project reminds me of those thoughts and feelings. It's okay to dream and let yourself wander into another level of perception that can be genuinely experiential. In this case, with Time Traveler, you can use this music, which is a new age, characterized by its soothing and atmospheric soundscapes, as a foundation, splintering off into ambient, relaxation, and a sleep aid as the ultimate tool to accomplish that space in time for yourself. The entire recording is expressed that way. All ten tracks offer you a respite from the day.

Along that train of thought, the delicate guitar on "The Essence of a Dream," with its intricate fingerpicking and melodic lines, the flute, which adds a whimsical and ethereal touch, the layers of keyboards, creating a rich and atmospheric backdrop, and the sounds of orchestrations, adding depth and grandeur, all come together to create an elegant and immersive musical experience. These are the tenets of what they do for a listener.

I believe this close-knit family possesses something magical. They are all blessed with talents and willing to share them with our world. We are the fortunate recipients of these blessings, and I am grateful to listen to every song. I remember hearing their music time and again, and always feeling so relieved. My mind is empty, my heart opens, and my spirit experiences a renewal, reminding me of who I am minus the hectic daily activities and a constant stream of thoughts. 

So much thought and tenderness go into these tracks. "Love of My Life" sounds heavenly and straight from the heart of those presenting it. The wordless vocals are that of an angel sent to give you comfort. It simultaneously moved me to a profound sense of sadness (for some reason), a burst of joy, and a deep feeling of gratefulness. That is some powerful medicine. The "love" could be a significant other, a child, a home, a friend, or a place; any of these things could qualify. That is what good music can offer a listener; the options are yours to choose, and the feelings are yours alone to experience and keep.

Time Traveler is a gorgeous group of tracks. Let the gentleness and cooling of "The Morning Breeze" touch your face and soul as you begin your journey of discovery. Like ether and clouds, music surrounds you, and you are the ship's captain, navigating through the ethereal soundscape. Now go ahead and take the helm and sail away… 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Tracks:

01. The Morning Breeze (4:56)

02. Falling Stars (4:20)

03. Seasons Fade (4:08)

04. Love of My Life (4:34)

05. Time Traveler (6:49)

06. The End of the Journey (5:58)

07. Beyond the Veil (5:32)

08. The Essence of a Dream (5:07)

09. Adrift in a Memory (4:32)

10. Where You Are (4:12)

Contemporary Instrumental Classical Review: Pam Asberry-24 Impromptus

Release Date: May 3, 2024

Label: ‎Independent

Website

Pam Asberry commented about her new release, 24 Impromptus:  These 24 Impromptus follow the classical music tradition of writing a set of pieces in all the major and minor keys of the chromatic scale. Each evokes a unique feeling or emotion that can be summed up in a one-word affirmation, attached as subtitles to the traditional classical titles. 

It was essential to explain what exactly Pam was talking about. Casual listeners are likely unaware of these complexities, nor do they care. To me, it's fascinating. There is a scientific and mathematical part of music and all its makeup that we can hear if we understand details like this. It has been a lesson learned for this music fan. Pam shows in the track listing how she goes up and down the scale for the variations in sounds and tones.

The twenty-four tracks encompassing this recording are shy of 1 hour (55 minutes). The first track, "Journey," is the longest at 3:29.

Every track is clear and concise, and her playing is exquisite. I particularly enjoyed the rhythm and flow within each composition. Her attention to detail and tempo gives the listener enough time to process all the music presented. Pam’s musical intelligence makes her approach to the keys infallible, and it works beautifully even though many of the tracks sound like they would be challenging to play. Many sounds resonate from the piano; sometimes, it's hard to believe it's just one person.

Twenty-four tracks are a lot, but don’t let that give you a false impression. However, considering it’s under an hour, it seems to go by rather quickly. When that happens, for me anyway, it means I enjoyed the music so much I did not want it to end, and it seemingly flew by like a busy day. On the contrary, though, the music is not busy. It's very relaxing and elegant—something you can use to ease the stress of a day or as a tool for meditation.

The solo piano I have had the privilege of listening to and writing about still amazes me after all these years. At first, when I started this journey, I did not understand how one piano could fill a room with so many vibrant and colorful sounds. To hear it separate from any vocals or other instruments is very special. People like Pam Asberry are gifted artists who can translate the intricacies of the keys into compositions that are so beautiful and full of emotion that you always walk away from them once they all end, touched in some way. The entire spectrum of human emotions can be realized in one listen of 24 Impromptus.

Notes For Those Interested: The Chromatic Scale (or twelve-tone scale) is a set of twelve pitches (more completely, pitch classes) used in tonal music, with notes separated by the interval of a semitone. Chromatic instruments, such as the piano, are made to produce the chromatic scale. In contrast, other instruments capable of continuously variable pitch, such as the trombone and violin, can also produce microtones or notes between those available on a piano.

Most music uses subsets of the chromatic scale, such as diatonic scales. While the chromatic scale is fundamental in Western music theory, it is seldom directly used in its entirety in musical compositions or improvisation. (Information from Wikipedia)

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

March 26, 2024

Tracks:

01 - Impromptu No. 1 in C Major, "Journey"

02 - Impromptu No. 2 in A Minor, "Brave"

03 - Impromptu No. 3 in G Major, "Bliss"

04 - Impromptu No. 4 in E Minor, "Fierce"

05 - Impromptu No. 5 in D Major, "Triumph"

06 - Impromptu No. 6 in B Minor, "Yielding"

07 - Impromptu No. 7 in A Major, "Clarity"

08 - Impromptu No. 8 in F-sharp Minor, "Vision"

09 - Impromptu No. 9 in E Major, "Serenity"

10 - Impromptu No. 10 in C-sharp Minor, "Mercy"

11 - Impromptu No. 11 in B Major, "Resilience"

12 - Impromptu No. 12 in G-sharp Minor, "Reflect"

13 - Impromptu No. 13 in G-flat Major, "Tranquility"

14 - Impromptu No. 14 in E-flat Minor, "Patience"

15 - Impromptu No. 15 in D-flat Major, "Wonder"

16 - Impromptu No. 16 in B-flat Minor, "Wisdom"

17 - Impromptu No. 17 in A-flat Major, "Grace"

18 - Impromptu No. 18 in F Minor, "Solace"

19 - Impromptu No. 19 in E-flat Major, "Joy"

20 - Impromptu No. 20 in C Minor, "Forgive"

21 - Impromptu No. 21 in B-flat Major, "Compassion"

22 - Impromptu No. 22 in G Minor, "Persevere"

23 - Impromptu No. 23 in F Major, "Freedom"

24 - Impromptu No. 24 in D Minor, "Magnify"

Contemporary Instrumental Review: Doug Hammer - Swim to America, Vol. 3 (une rétrospective Stephan Eicher au piano)

Release Date: March 22, 2024

Label: ‎Independent

Website

Doug Hammer has reached the end of his journey, covering Stephan Eicher's music. This is the third and final installment of a three-part series. I again continued reading and listening to a story using this music.

The opening track, "Tomorrow Will Be Your Day," is vibrant and full of life. Doug's energy and quick fingers start things off positively for the listener.

"Nur Um Di" continues with that energy and focus, energizing the listener with good vibes and exceptional artistry.

"Zrügg Zu Mir" changes tone and pace with a softer, slower rhythm. The emotion is touching and tender. Translated, it is "Zruegg to me," but I still don't know what that means.

"Demon" has dark implications; however, that is not what I heard in this beautiful track. The rhythm is steady and robust. Things pick up towards the end, touching you in a way you remember with a hint of sadness.

To me, "Still" means a certain kind of focus. The music enhances that feeling and thought process of being still, enjoying the moment, and appreciating it.

"Étrange" involves many sounds from one man's piano. It sounds like two players exchanging notes at once. I pictured what his hands were doing to get that sound, doing crossovers and complicated things like that. Beauty and purposefulness are all wrapped into one excellent package.

"Donne moi une seconde" is a moody piece. It is atmospheric and filled with anticipation of what will happen next, yet it is soothing and reassuring. It is a short but impactful exercise.

"Eldorado" is one of the longer tracks at 4:05. Starting gently and slowly, the piano eases you into its doorway. With its consistent rhythm and pace, you stay mesmerized by its power of persuasion. It engages you to be reflective.

"Haiku" is short and sweet at 1:39 and leaves you wondering what it could have been. It is a happy song that makes you think of a sunny day walking with a cool breeze brushing over your face.

"Toi et ce monde" is emotive, as if the piano is saying, "Come with me, I will give you a different view of life and yourself," and indeed it does. It promises a new day and a renewed appreciation of life. After sharing these thoughts, I read the translation, "You and this world." I was heading in the right direction with how it made me feel.

E*  is the longest track on the album and one of the most gorgeous; the rhythm and flow are perfect.  Something about the feeling and emotion of it moved me differently than all the others.

"Oh, Ironie" is a lovely way to close out this recording. It is moving with changing emotions and colors. It captures the spirit of this entire recording.

Doug Hammer's dedication and hard work were evident in all three volumes and all the compositions. I was honored to cover all of it. Anyone who appreciates instrumental solo piano music will find great joy and pleasure once they listen to the tapestry of sounds of one man with his piano on Swim to America, Vol. 3.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

March 20, 2024

Tracks:

01. Tomorrow Will Be Your Day 3:23

02. Nur Um Di 2:51

03. Zrügg Zu Mir 4:18

04. Demon 3:54

05. Still 2:54

06. Étrange 4:35

07. Donne moi une seconde 2:46

08. Ds Alte Paar 2:55

09. Eldorado 4:05

10. Haiku 1:39

11. Toi et ce monde 4:00

12. E*

13. Oh Ironie 3:52