Instrumental Contemporary-Jazz-New Age-Classical Review: Javier Marquez-Momentum

Release Date: March 8, 2024

Label: Independent

Website

Before listening to Javier Marquez's third album, Momentum, I read some information he provided: Momentum could be the perfect showcase of Márquez's universe. Its soundscapes are an excellent place to surrender. And there, Javier surrenders to his feelings and daydreams, often using various wind instruments.

I found the cover art compelling, and it reminded me of the Mott The Hoople album The Hoople. It's a different genre, but there are some similarities and good memories for this music fan.

 

Javier plays the Armenian Duduk, bansuri, oboe, soprano sax, piano, guitars, pan drum, marimba, EWI, synthesizers, and sequencer.

 

"Resilience" starts the recording with atmospheric music and superb vocals from Julie Elven. The Armenian Duduk provides some delicate acoustic picking; the dreamy vocals will have you floating away in no time. Give yourself up to the music, as the artist offers all the sounds to allow you to open that window of opportunity to let go.

 

"Duermevela" begins with a soft and light piano, and a Bansuri (Bamboo flute) induces atmospheric sounds of tones and colors. As the track moves on for over two minutes, it takes on a jazz-world feel, most definitely with the fretless bass lines.

 

"Quietude" fits the title perfectly, with its opening Armenian Duduk taking the lead as the piano stays in the background and then goes to the front with the background of strings to accompany it for an orchestral direction. The track sounds sad around the three-minute mark, and you can feel that emotion in the music's quiet. Relaxing and contemplative, we move on to something different to follow.

 

The title track, "Momentum," begins with operatic vocals. The Armenian Duduk is the lead here again, and Clara Sorace lends her angelic voice to give the track a decidedly heavenly touch of class. At 3:25, it is one of the shortest tracks on the album but leaves an indelible mark on your consciousness. Interestingly, this approach was taken with a strong title for the track.

 

"Balada Das Ondas," which translates to "Ballad of the Waves," is another short-lived track and the shortest at 2:33. The piano and guitar are lovely, with a soft touch that gently and convincingly brings you into the music. Because of the song's length, it must move you instantly, which it did to me. It melts the stress away from your day.

 

"Pulsar" starts very differently than all the other tracks. It is upbeat and free from any expectations from hearing all the previous tracks. In other words, it is as eclectic as the entire album has been; however, the difference between this is that the energy and level of instrumentation go in an entirely different direction. It is hard to define any categorization. However, jazz has influenced it more than any other track, and it is the only track featuring the soprano sax.

 

"When We Leaving Home," as it indicates, would have some strong feelings attached depending on the circumstances of your leaving. Whether for an hour, a day, or permanently, each feeling would have a range of intensity. The Duduk and nylon guitar playing is very laid-back and reflective, and there is a hint of sadness as well. A nice flow and softness invite a listener into the music without a care.

 

“Ephémère,” translated, is ephemeral, fleeting, faddish, and short-lived. It starts with an exciting sound, the pan drum (Javier), with its ringing echoing tones similar to steel drums but much higher and more resonant. It is a stimulating track that picks up in pace with varying degrees of sounds and tones. It almost sounds like two instruments playing at once. It was the most intriguing track on the recording because it was so different, an outlier, compared to all the previous compositions.

 

"Under no Flag" could have many meanings depending on your identity and the possibilities. I will look at it as the artist is under his influence, and no country or flag controls what he creates for his audience to listen to. It ends up being one of the more beautifully constructed tracks with three main instruments converging: the piano, oboe, and acoustic guitar. It was the quiet storm of jazz for my ears and a superb way to close the curtain on this mixture of sounds and textures to engage your consciousness.

 

Momentum is a strong release that showcases diversity and musicianship. The mixture of contemporary, classical, new age, and jazz is a musical patchwork quilt that any discerning music lover can understand and appreciate.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

September 3, 2024

Tracks:

01. Resilience

02. Duermevela

03. Quietude

04. Momentum

05. Balada Das Ondas

06. Pulsar

07. When We Leaving Home

08. Ephémère

09. Under no Flag

Featured Track: Ron Korb Flutist at Angkor Wat-Cambodian Pie Pook

With his unique bamboo woodwind flute, Ron Korb performs the traditional Cambodian song “Cambodian Pie Pook.”

 

The building the two men are standing in front of is the historically significant ancient Angkor Wat.

 

The music has a transcendent sound and atmosphere, resonating with the listener's spiritual essence and evoking a profound sense of peace and serenity.

 

The video is of several pictures taken by Ron and Jeff Greenway. The images are of the incredible stone structures built for the inhabitants of that time between the 9th and 15th centuries. After hearing the call of Ron’s mesmerizing flute, the pictures provide a journey through time, making you wonder how those buildings were constructed long ago. The people of that time were incredibly dedicated and tied to their beliefs, as evidenced by the human carvings into the stone, inspiring a sense of respect and awe.

 

Ron Korb’s flute is the perfect complement to all the images, inviting you to reflect and ponder the mysteries of the past. Much like the great Pyramids of Egypt, the enigma of how these structures were built adds to the intrigue and boggles the mind.  

 

History:  Angkor Wat is a magnificent temple in the ancient Khmer capital city of Angkor in modern-day Siem Reap, Cambodia. Ron’s trip to Cambodia came after he met Peter Gabriel while recording at Real World Studios in England. Gabriel suggested he contact Cambodian Human Rights Activist and musician Arn Chorn Pond. Ron visited Arn in Lowell, Mass., where they became friends. Arn asked Ron if he would come to Cambodia to help him make archive recordings of some remaining Traditional Cambodian master musicians.  It was a remarkable experience to see the massive stone temple complex of Angkor, now crumbling and overgrown with vegetation, and imagine what it would have been like in the 9th to 15th century. The bamboo woodwind Ron is playing is called the Pie Pook and was made for him by Cambodian master flutist Yim Saing, who is pictured teaching us at his home in Phnom Penh.  

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

August 25, 2024

Visit Ron Korb's Website

New Age-Contemporary Instrumental Review: Bernward Koch-Calming Colors

Release Date: ‎ August 30, 2024

Label: Tree Tales Records

Website

Bernward Koch, a renowned musician in relaxation and meditation music, once said, "Music gives wings to a brighter life." His music, including the album Calming Colors, is a testament to this belief. Calming Colors is his sixteenth release, continuing his legacy of creating soul-soothing and mind-relaxing music.

"Distant Bell" leads off the album. Soft and gentle piano starts you on your journey. In just a second over four minutes, the artist changes the colors and tones of the composition with rhythm and eloquence. The sound of the bell is calming and reassuring.

 

Based on the title, "Solemnly" takes on a different outlook and sound. We go from absolute beauty to a more reflective and solemn mood. The piano encourages us to look at something more serious in our lives, process it, let it go, and move to the next track, free of that change in mood. The beauty of the music leads you out of that frame of mind to find a silver lining in a dark cloud.

 

"Meadow Dreams" indicates a lovely place in your mind's eye or an actual physical area where your dreams can take place and become more of a reality just by being there and getting the necessary focus. The music is dreamy and soft, and you can imagine yourself floating on top of a cloud in a clear blue sky. Everything begins to come together quickly, with the cloud as your transport and the sky as the message coming through.

 

"Sunny Fields" continues the same path as the previous track with a purposeful and gentle invitation to that place where you go, body, mind, and spirit, to reenergize and make the sunshine in your heart. Again, this could be a place you design spiritually or go to physically, as the music soothes and leads you there. The piano is absolute and beautiful. At the end, the music flutters like a colorful butterfly taking flight.

 

In "Children's Lullaby," the sweetness and innocence of childhood come into your view. If you are a parent or you know a child through marriage or another family member, the significance of a child can change your life and way of thinking quickly and permanently, and it should. The background layer of a synth and orchestration complements the piano's spirit and love of the subject matter.

 

"Windy Walk" changes the atmosphere again, as all the previous did convincingly. Going for a walk in the fresh air, sunshine, or sunrise or sunset can be calming to the soul. Even though the wind may be blowing, it feels refreshing as it brushes across your body, especially at a particularly warm time of the year. The music tells you the story, highlighting a few key things, such as there is no storm, it is precisely the opposite, and you can add flavor and appreciation for the elements to your walk. The wind precisely provides that.

 

"Forever Green" continues down the path of life, that of nature, I would believe, as the warmth of the sun and the essence of life water rains down to invigorate the green life. People who live in warmer climates can live this 365 days a year. It can also be a song of hope that we will stay green to sustain all life and have the respect of Mother Earth she so deserves. I appreciated the rhythm and gentleness of the track and how reassuring the music is filled with healing and the creator's spirit. Such incredible beauty is found in the keys of a piano.

 

"Little Daydream" brings back that state of mind when we can disconnect for a little while, spend time inside our minds and souls, and go to that place that belongs only to us. The piano leads with a tenderness yet strong direction and purpose. Music that touches your soul and provides the tones and frequencies to get to that brief timeframe where you slip away just because.

 

"Autumn Light" brings us back to nature, which is valid for those who experience the change of seasons, which can be incredible and experiential. It is a precursor to winter when living creatures and plant life go into a deep slumber. The mix of colors fills the mountains and hillsides and draws people from all over to witness the beauty. The piano again paints the proper scenario of perhaps a leaf gently falling to the ground, signifying the season is here. The season's coolness is refreshing, making you feel alive.

 

The title track, "Calming Colors," is exactly that; all the colors in the music and instrumentation offer different shades and colors in the atmosphere. The music is undoubtedly atmospheric, creating moods via all the sounds and frequencies, like the human mind reacting to varying colors through your eyes. There is also a subconscious level of interaction, and likely not recognized or acknowledged enough, the keyboard layers give another lens to process the calming effect of specific colors. 

 

"Sweet Solitude" is necessary to collect our thoughts, organize things for our day and evening, or decompress from a busy day. Because this music is so beautiful and luring, it makes that solitude even more special and filled with the energy to change a thought process or mood considerably. Life is sweet, and solitude is sometimes the one ingredient that can help us keep it that way and be grateful for each we receive.

 

Now it is time for a "Walk on the Beach," which can be entirely different than all the other experiences we have had listening to this piano-based music. This has more energy taken from jazz, and you hear some guitars for the first time. The feeling of tropical paradise takes shape as the piano and guitar bring you there. The track is the most different than them all, stepping away from the style that set a precedence on the eleven tracks before. It is nicely done and a surprising yet delightful change that leaves you wondering where we could go.

 

In conclusion, Calming Colors is a consummate collection of tracks that can be used for relaxation or meditation. Each track, from the gentle piano of "Distant Bell" to the energizing jazz of "Walk on the Beach," offers a unique sonic experience. The album's title serves as a guide, indicating the mood and atmosphere each track is designed to evoke. If you approach this album with an open mind and a desire for tranquility, your experience will be as complete and enjoyable as possible.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

August 17, 2024

Tracks:

01. Distant Bell 4:01

02. Solemnly 3:15

03. Meadow Dreams 3:07

04. Sunny Fields 3:44

05. Children's Lullaby 2:52

06. Windy Walk 3:41

07. Forever Green 3:35

08. Little Daydream 4:09

09. Autumn Light 3.46

10. Calming Colors 4:44

11. Sweet Solitude 3:50

12. Walk on the Beach 5:08

Contemporary Instrumental Review & Interview: David Franklin-One Day in Spring

Release Date: June 7, 2024

Label: Independent

Website

When one thinks of spontaneity, several things may come to mind. I start by saying this because David Franklin recorded this album spontaneously in one sitting. That is an incredible achievement. So, One Day in Spring, David sat at his piano and created ten tracks related to one season of nature that gives life back after a cold winter.

 

"Just Before Dawn" starts softly, as one would expect in the quiet of the morning when the first rays of the sun start shining through. It's a serene and peaceful moment, beautifully captured in this track. The notes fall off the keys like morning dew, creating a sense of tranquility and peace.

 

"The Gloaming" takes you to the twilight or dusk of the day. We fast-forward in time, opposite the previous track but just as picturesque and meaningful. The softness of the keys gives you comfort as another day ends and you look forward to a new day, instilling a sense of reassurance and hope that is both comforting and optimistic.

 

"Birds Start Their Songs" takes you back to another day filled with the joyous sounds of our feathered friends. I love birds and their different songs. The keys take you on an intimate exploration of their sounds during the early morning hours and throughout the day. Birds are one of God's miracles, and I appreciate them. David continues the flow of musical expressionism with his delicate touch.

 

"Another Bird in the Garden" continues the story of birds in a different light. The piano remains relaxing and inviting; however, some changes bring a different color and energy this time. If you are a gardener, you hope the birds are eating those pesky insects invading your food as you picture that scene. It is an exquisite tune with an untypical rhythm of the previous tracks.

 

Initially, I thought that "Grieving the Dreamscape" as a track title was a step away from the concept of this album. That thought was put to rest rather quickly as David played the tune as beautifully as all the others. It is slower and, thus, very purposeful to reflect upon the meaning. I am unsure of the meaning, but it means something to the artist, and you will find meaning in it just as you did all the others.

 

"As Light of Mourning Finally Flows" is a play on words. Previously, you were grieving, and now you are mourning. Is this the stage you must go through emotionally to get to the other side? Whatever that may be, there is light, providing a positive direction for one to go. The piano serenades your thoughts, feelings, and emotions as they merge. You listen to those beautiful keys, which take you to the next stage. It's time to leave, and so…

 

"Night Has Left Us All" is the logical next step in the composition process. These compositions follow a thought pattern and a particular flow as the artist moves his fingers to express what is in his soul. There is a sadness overshadowing the night as it departs.

 

"Remembering George Winston" takes a few minutes to pay tribute to one of the greats on the piano. David's appreciation for George Winston's albums, particularly those named after the seasons on Windham Hill, was a significant inspiration for this album. His work was instrumental in shaping David's musical journey, and this track is a short and sweet remembrance of that influence.

 

"Caffeinated and Reconsidering Slime Molds" is quite the title, and it did lose me for meaning. That was unimportant once I started listening, even though he helped me with the rest of the tracks. This is music for those who truly can appreciate the piano as an orchestra in and of itself. David "gets caffeinated" with the music towards the song's end as it picks up considerably. It is a lovely piece and very rhythmic.

 

"Trees and Silence are Living Beings" is a great title and is so true. They are living beings with a vast underground network where they create habits for insects and other creatures and communicate with each other. So, as they may stand there silently, they are busy beneath the earth. This is the curtain closer to the recording and very appropriate. It has color, liveliness, purpose, and meaning as David takes the instrument through the paces to end this musical journey with elegance.

 

David Franklin's One Day in Spring is a beautiful group of compositions that is relaxing, meditative, and often energetic with the waves of chord changes and tones. Like the season it represents, it brings warmth and life to the piano's keys, and new thoughts and hopes to emerge from your consciousness; like the flowers and other plant life sprouting their leaves from the trees and ground, a new season begins. The music will touch you and leave an impression.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

July 23, 2024

Tracks:

01. Just Before Dawn (3:23)

02. The Gloaming (3:24)

03. Birds Start Their Songs (3:20)

04. Another Bird in the Garden (4:30)

05. Grieving The Dreamscape (4:23)

06. As Light of Mourning Finally Flows (4:34)

07. Night Has Left Us All (2:32)

08. Remembering George Winston (2:51)

09. Caffeinated and Reconsidering Slime Molds (3:30)

10. Trees and Silence are Living Beings (2:34)

Contemporary Instrumental Review: Hans Christian and Thomas Barquee-Meloydia

Release Date: August 1, 2024

Label: Allemande Music

Website

The musical team of Hans Christian and Thomas Barquee have released Meloydia.

 

Hans Christian's versatile skills on the cello, lap steel guitar, Sitara, psaltery, fretless bass, keyboards, and programming, combined with Thomas Barquee's mastery of piano and keyboards, promise a musical journey that is both diverse and expressive with emotion.

 

There is no track under five minutes so that you will get a panoramic and absorbing musical experience. As mentioned in the publicity notes, there's room to breathe in Meloydia, and the music speaks equally well during soft background listening and a focused listening session.

 

"The Gift" begins the recording. The track is very peaceful and precise. The instrumentation is excellent in portraying a gift for a listener, whatever that may be. It is reflective and sweet to engage the soul. The gift is the music itself, as its calming effect sets a tone you may anticipate throughout the rest of the listen. However, that is not the case.

 

"The Promise" is the most extended piece on the album at 8:22. The piano and keys enter the mix, playing off each other, and that pairing is beautiful. The cello comes in nicely to add another soothing layer of instrumentation. The pace picks up at about the halfway point, as the keys lead the way with an orchestration followed by a rhythmic piano. It goes from calming to cinematic with more energy. It circles back to the cello, and the orchestration returns to accentuate the piece. The entire composition sounds perfect for a scene in a movie.

 

"Persistence of Time" follows the energy of the previous track. A more upbeat introduction sets the atmosphere, then quickly changes to a more defined approach. The music moves like a person taking steps towards something with a purpose or how a river may flow before and after a hard rain. And even though there is that variation, its ambiance is quite lovely.

 

"Opalescence" begins with the Sitara, which sounds very Middle Eastern. The bass and percussion add an excellent rhythmic sense to the piece. It all sounds very world-new age and cinematic at the same time. It summons images of a faraway land, like a vast desert of silence in a never-before-visited territory. It creates a sense of wonder and the unknown.

 

"Your Heart Remains," based on the title, could make you feel that it would be a very reflective composition. It begins as such and then changes a bit with more colorful instrumentation added to get your attention and focus so you can hear what may happen next. The lap steel makes its presence known, adding a flavor you had not experienced up to this point. The longing you feel with that sound, a country bluesy effect, pulls at your heartstrings as the artists intended.

 

"That One Thing" starts with the piano leading off, and the cello comes along to create a layer that cries out like the cello always does. Once again, the lap steel gives the piece a feeling far off the horizon. As the cello cries out, the lap steel answers with sadness. The track picks up the pace as an acoustic guitar starts strumming, like a horse galloping to keep up. I like the lap steel addition even more in this track as it is more poignant. As the track gets about three-quarters of the way through, the cello returns and all the other instruments intermingle for a combined sound, which makes it one of the highlights of the listen so far. Excellent!

 

As the title indicates, "Do We Remember" would need to be more cerebral. A combination of instruments joins in with some orchestrations from programming that add another layer of atmosphere. Once again, the Sitara gives the composition more color and flavor because it stands out with its unique tone and is placed well in the piece. I enjoyed this music's shifting sounds and paces, which kept my interest going from beginning to end.

 

"An Echo's Soul" is a title that sounds profound and meaningful. It comes in at precisely five minutes to close out the recording. The subdued mood and color give you time to focus on the sounds and frequencies, so it would be apparent to hear your soul echo feelings and translate them into something lucid. It will be meaningful for those who can use music to relax totally or meditate. Either way, it is very effective as the bass and keys are beautiful and soft, like a billowing cloud passing by on a clear blue sky. It takes you away and removes you from one train of thought to another.

 

This recording is called Meloydia for a reason, and once you listen, you will understand why.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

July 20, 2024

Tracks:

1. The Gift (7:45) 

2. The Promise (8:22) 

3. Persistence of Time (6:13)

4. Opalescence (6:15) 

5. Your Heart Remains (5:20) 

6. That One Thing (6:40)

7. Do We Remember (5:43) 

8. An Echo’s Soul (5:00

Featured Track: Ryan Michael Richards-Coastline (The Solo Version)

Ryan Michael Richards is a superb guitar player, particularly with the acoustic six-string. His intricate fingerpicking, as showcased in "Coastline (The Solo Version)," again proves his great talent.

When I think of a coastline, it is not the East Coast where I live, with its bustling cities and crowded beaches; it's the West Coast on Route 1. That gorgeous shoreline stretches along the California coast like an old friend beckoning me to revisit. It can be a ride in your car you will never forget, and its beauty must be witnessed to be believed.

Listening to this track, all those memories from my time in California come flooding back. The West Coast, where I spent 8 unforgettable years, is a place I'll never forget.

Ryan's music, with its gentle, soothing notes, can transport you to your favorite coastline. Whether it's a place you've visited or one that exists only in your mind, his music brings you back to a place of peace and natural beauty. The power of the ocean waves is tamed by the sandy beaches, and the cliffs look as if they were hand-carved by a master sculptor over time. This beautiful acoustic guitar track is a journey for your mind's eye, perfect for meditation or simple relaxation.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

July 26, 2024

Growing up in South Philadelphia, Ryan Michael Richards began learning how to play the guitar when he was fourteen years old after being diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder. Ryan's parents encouraged him to learn how to play a musical instrument, for the arts are considered a great way for people to cope with learning disabilities. It did not take long for him to decide that the Guitar would be his musical instrument of choice…READ MORE…

Instrumental New Age/Ambient/Meditation Review: NTHNL-Ontogenesis

Release Date: July 12, 2024

Label: ‎Independent

Website 

The album Ontogenesis by NTHNL is different from your typical collection of songs. It's a unique and captivating transformative journey, part of the Tranquility Studies series, precisely volume 3. Each track, known as Music of the Body (specifically), serves as a gateway to a new state of being, setting it apart from other ambient new-age music.

This is a soundtrack to feed the mind, body, and spirit. The music of the body speaks to us all in different ways. If you look at the track listing, it gives you a detailed description of what the body does, can, or will do during this procession of sounds, textures, and light, and, for instance, in the second track, "Nourishing, holding," it begins with the sound of waves. The soothing sound of water, used frequently during meditation recordings, is spiritually connected to all life. To return from whence we came, the beginning can be a cleansing experience.

 

As is usually the case with ambient new-age music, the main instrument is keyboards or synths. This provides a perfect foundation and a springboard to other sounds, computer-generated or natural, that complement that primary base.

 

Another example of a prolific exercise is "processing, detoxifying," which ends with birds chirping. It's a nice touch after all that focus and relaxation. Those two words are essential; you must process them before detoxifying the mind or body, mentally and physically; they all work together seamlessly. However, if we let them, they can put us in the wrong direction and have us self-destruct, thus the detoxification. The body and mind are incredibly complex instruments. We must be the masters of ourselves; our well-being and spirituality are intrinsically connected.

 

The arrangement and duration of the tracks in Ontogenesis are meticulously crafted to guide you into a state of focus and meditation. This paves the way for an altering experience, potentially leading to profound healing and offering a beacon of hope and optimism. Furthermore, the album beckons you to venture into unexplored realms of perception and existence, fostering a deep sense of self-healing.

 

I like the thought and action of "straightening, dispersing," which by no coincidence is the lengthiest track at 5:34. To me, I believe the straightening is the leveling of the body and dispersing your energy to attain that state, which in turn would open the door to absorbing the music and letting it assist you to another state of being. It's kind of like ironing the wrinkles out of some clothing stuffed in a drawer. That is my vision and interpretation alone; it is up to each listener to determine what it means and accomplishes for them. And that is the beauty and simplicity of it all, empowering you to create your own unique experience.

 

If everything were like music, the world would be a utopia, and alas, we know it is not, and that is precisely why we need tools like NTHNL to provide for us on Ontogenesis. Uncomplicated, pleasant, and easily accessible, that is what instrumental meditation is and always should be. If it's like work, it won't work. It has to be a joyous sense you feel and the freeing of all the sounds that relax your entire being to reach a state of consciousness conducive to a complete change of your surroundings and the trail of thoughts that invade your mind disappear. Now, "return to the cloud, thank you."

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

July 12, 2024

Tracks:

01. welcome procession 3:15

02. nourishing, holding 3:13

03. straightening, dispersing 5:34

04. reaching, striving, praying 3:23

05. processing, detoxifying 3:28

06. assurance, rising 2:46

07. heart 3:09

08. aerating, billowing 4:09

09. transmitting, unraveling, communing 4:29

10. synthesis, memory 3:46

11. return to the cloud, thank you 3:38