Contemporary Instrumental Ambient- New Age Music Review and Interview: Orchestra Indigo-Hearing Visions

Release Date: January 31, 2025

Label: Independent

Website

Hearing Visions is the fourth release by Rick Randlett's alter musical ego, Orchestra Indigo. I have had the honor of covering every release thus far. For listeners who may not be familiar with the artist, he was a blues guitarist for many years, known for his soulful riffs and emotive solos. However, he decided to take a different road, exploring ambient and instrumental music realms. So here we are several years later with another new release. The stunning cover art is bound to get a reaction as you ponder its beauty and meaning. Listening to the music will reveal your answers and yours alone.

 

Rick's musical prowess shines through in this album, where he composed all the music, played the synths and piano, and produced it. The diversity of his DIY approach is evident in every track, promising a musical experience that will surely captivate and surprise you.

 

The title is thought-provoking and makes sense if you think about it momentarily. Instrumental music creates visions through the auditory senses.

 

"Emergence" begins with a resonating acoustic piano, followed by a synth layer in a short minute. At 2 minutes, it is one of the shorter tracks but a suitable introduction to get you comfortable and into the right mindset for what will be next.

 

The title track, "Hearing Visions," is up next and starts immediately with the two layers of synths, then another with a rhythm and tone that sounds like it could replace another main instrument in a band setting, which is a different way of looking at it but a reasonable one as well. The pace slows, and the flow changes with some beautiful piano playing, with the synth layers giving a solid background. The keys float along the top, making the piano notes more attractive. Are you hearing the visions yet?

 

"Reverie" features a slowly played piano. The notes are punctuated by synths and colored with a sense of calm and assurance. The title means pleasant dream-like thoughts, and the music perfectly paints that picture for you, settling into your senses like a warm blanket or a comforting pillow under your head after a tiring day.

 

"Chimera #1" is the shortest track in under two minutes. The word Chimera means, in Greek mythology, a fire-breathing female monster resembling a lion in the forepart, a goat in the middle, and a dragon behind. However, in this case, there is just the word Chimera minus the mythology tag, which means a thing that is hoped or wished for but is illusory or impossible to achieve. We may realize more about this as the other tracks are played.

 

"Through the Portal" features a sound like a violin around the beginning segment. The pace changes just before it hits the two-minute mark with a syncopated sound, and its consistency sets a beat for adding more changes. The delicate piano's feathery, faster-paced synths run in the background and melt into each other. It fades out nicely at the end as the next track begins in a few seconds, making it sound like a segue.

 

"A Hidden Glen" begins with a lovely piano and synth layer. The combination is a slice of heaven. It felt ethereal and uplifting to my spirit. Music like this makes me smile inside with optimism about life itself. Something about it was no longer hidden, as the title would imply. Interestingly, one of my town's most popular natural sites is the Glen up the street from my home. Thinking that before the song began gave me a warm, loving feeling I have for Mother Nature and have always honored. Such pleasing tones and emotions brought a force through the music.

 

"Looking Inward" is what new age instrumental or contemporary and ambient music is supposed to do. The piano once again forges the path for everything else, slowly and methodically, as the synth offers another sound more like something you would have heard on a Tangerine Dream or Jean Michel Jarre album, which I always enjoyed. Those two elements made this a change in the direction of the sound as if it was a movie soundtrack or background to a particularly epic scene in a movie. It felt that way, sounding very regal and vital, like a tribute march.

 

"Eidolon" is an idealized person or thing or a specter or phantom. I think because of the music, it is safe to say it is referring to a person or thing in reference to an ideal. As you start to listen, its tone is more emotional than the previous tracks, with the rhythms repeating, and that gorgeous piano to disarm you and let you fall into the music like it was a warm pool of soothing water. The idea here is to heal with the sounds, let the world be lifted off your shoulders, and let the light in so you feel lighter, just like this incredible music!

 

"In the Shadows" is a very descriptive title and brings many things to mind; at least, it did for me. The piano, as lovely as it sounds consistently, can give the feeling of the unknown in this case. What is in the shadows that awaits introspection? Do you embrace it or ignore it like it's not there? This music is so inviting that it changes your attitude immediately, so perhaps it's you in the shadows of your own thoughts, or there are things you must look at to move on in your life. Again, healing and the light are key in this kind of music, and if you listen intently and focus and look inward as you did on a previous track, everything you need will step out of the shadows and into the light.

 

Is "Chimera #2" no longer illusory or impossible to achieve after hearing all this uplifting, spiritual, and healing music? Although a short composition, the tones, and frequencies hold the questions. It puts it out there for you to decide what the truth is, your truth.

 

"A Distant Glimmer" continues this musical story, a landscape of sounds, colors, and feelings that come alive in the music and then translated within for each listener to discern its meaning for them. The piano guides you in every track as the synth creates layers of additional beauty and texture where you can be safe and honest with yourself. It centers you and makes you whole as you go from one track to the next. Like many other tracks, I found this exceptionally relaxing and spiritually uplifting. The glimmer may be distant in your mindset, but it's closer than you think. It sounds so hopeful and can change to something within a grasp.

 

"Euphoria" is a heightened sense that can be wonderful, but be careful of lasting effects that determine a reality that is no longer there. The music comes at you carefully, slowly, to help you release that the track title does not necessarily mean your energy hits the sky. Everything seems unreal, and you lose touch with reality. It is quite the opposite; the music is saying the euphoria, in this sense, is beautiful, heavenly, spiritual, renewing, relaxing, and all the above. That is a favorable inference and, in its way, euphoric with certainty.

 

"Culmination" segues from the previous track, starting with just piano; the sound resonates in your ears and spirit, and those effective synths enter the mix again to give you instant pause and a breathing-out effect of relief. As this closes out the recording, the culmination of all the feelings, colors, tones, and wonderful feelings this music brought about, you feel satisfied and fully re-energized.

 

With Orchestra Indigo, you will Hear Visions. These visions become a reality with this ambient keyboard-based music. I see no end to the creativity that Rick Randlett has found on this road, and I look forward to the next journey.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

January 20, 2025

Tracks:

01. Emergence 2:00

02. Hearing Visions 4:38 

03. Reverie 4:18 

04. Chimera #1 1:52 

05. Through the Portal 3:42 

06. A Hidden Glen 5:35

07. Looking Inward 5:18

08. Eidolon 4:16 

09. In the Shadows 5:24 

10. Chimera #2 1:48

12. A Distant Glimmer 4:45 

13. Euphoria 4:44

14. Culmination 3:14

Track Feature: Al Jewer & Andy Mitran, featuring Hans Christian - Aquamarine

Al Jewer & Andy Mitran, featuring Hans Christian, continue their gemstone releases with “Aquamarine.” The gem connected to the ocean and sky is beautiful and mystical as you gaze into the crystal.

The music evokes a clear and crystalline sound to reflect that inner beauty. The cello provides the steady line to follow as the flutes, ocarinas, Marimba, piano, synths, and orchestral brass follow and intermingle for a rising yet relaxing sound.

The three men utilize all their talents and instruments to significant effect in “Aquamarine,” which is just under six minutes of superb instrumental contemporary new-age blissfulness.

I enjoyed how the Marimba and ocarinas added a distinct worldly flavor when they came into focus. Six Minutes is a reasonably long track when listening to the complete album. However, with the track so stunning and abundant to your senses, it could have gone on longer.

It is interesting how the mind and expectations change when there is just one track to focus on. Take a moment to listen to the stream and see if you agree!

 Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

January 22, 2025

Andy Mitran

Al Jewer

Hans Christian

Credits:

Al Jewer - Silver flutes, ocarinas

Hans Christian - Cello

Andy Mitran - Marimba, piano, synths and orchestral brass

“Aquamarine” was released on January 15^th, 2025.

Websites:  http://www.al-jewer-and-andy-mitran.com/ / https://www.hanschristianmusic.com

Instrumental Classical-New Age Reviews - From The Angelic Harp Realm-The Best of Christina Tourin

Release Date: January 17, 2025

Label: Independent

Website

From The Angelic Harp The Best of Christina Tourin is a collection of thirty diverse harp tracks, each with its unique sound that intrigues and fascinates. The pleasant sounds interspersed throughout the album create an optimal environment for relaxation or meditation. Despite the many tracks, the variation in the harp playing and added elements kept the experience enjoyable, sparking numerous thoughts and ideas about the music.

 

The first disc's track is “Harbor Cove,” which begins with a soft, rhythmic harp accompanied by a floating background synth. Like a fluffy cloud, the synth harmonizes with Christina's heavenly sounds. The delicate and precise harp's soothing and healing powers invite you to pause, reflect, and relax.

 

"Tranquility" befits its name. The Harp starts slowly with purpose, then Christina plays some parts quickly, and you notice the emphasis. Then the pace, tone, and rhythm change again, sounding so comforting, like a lullaby.

 

"Gentle Souls" surprised me with its harp sound resembling a piano, a similarity I hadn't noticed before despite my years of listening to harp music. This shorter track exudes warmth and is sure to resonate with your soul.

 

"In the Glow" ironically begins with a piano! Then, the Harp joins in, and they come together nicely. A layer of synth enters, and then a flute begins. All the different parts start falling into place. An acoustic Spanish-flavored guitar comes into the mix for a more worldly sound, and then the flute returns. The composition gathers momentum, creating a gorgeous soundscape that delights the senses. The Harp brushes over the other instruments like a feather for the final touches.

 

The track “Passacaglia—Handel's Healing Harp” is a flavorful mixture of sounds that showcases the harp's diverse capabilities. It sometimes sounds like an acoustic guitar, demonstrating that the harp is more than one-dimensional. This surprising diversity can bring a range of sounds to the listener, delighting and surprising them.

 

"Unité" is a magical combination of the harp and a lovely flute, creating a sound that transports you to a densely populated forest with the sun peeking through the trees. Its pleasing, melodic rhythm is sure to captivate your senses.

 

"Prelude in C" is just under three minutes; however, it makes an impression quickly with some adept playing with the synth layer for it to float over for a nice touch.

 

"Love of Creation—The Dove" starts with the bell ringing to begin your meditative journey. The Harp plays, and a background synth sounds like voices coming together, like a small choir. The harp magic creates another vision to complement its purity and simple beauty.

 

"Anam Cara" is another track that takes under three minutes. I liked the track's mixture of time frames, which always seems just right—neither too little nor too much. The sound was pleasing and rhythmic, not toe-tapping but more like a sync or flow that makes you feel like you are one with the music.

 

"Carrickfergus" is a large town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, dating back to the 12th century. It is known for its castle and its walled town. The emerald isle gets a tribute that is as picturesque as its cliffs by the ocean and the lush green grass everywhere—a bit of history set to music.

 

"Music Is Love" is a true statement. If it's not, then what is? Its directness, purity, and simplicity soothe the soul and give us time to go inward to reflect or let the day's worries slip away—most of all, particularly with music like this, is spiritual and healing. You can hear all of that in every note.

 

"Geodepédie-Hidden Light" is a journey with wordless singing that is quite lovely and the perfect complement to the Harp. Christine plays the Harp the way a guitarist moves their fingers up and down the strings, effortlessly evoking images of serenity and joy. The complexity of her playing is fantastic on this track. A lot is going on with those fingers! It's such a lovely song.

 

"White Rose" has that synth layer again, which sounds like voices coming together and complements the harps' sound and colors. It is like a musical sermon that will engage you every time.

 

"Avondale" is like a satin sheet sliding across your skin; the flute calls you with a whisper in the wind. You follow willingly as the Harp has you hypnotized.

 

"Sky's Invitation" starts and gives you a look into the vastness of space, which is the intention to bring about that feeling. There is a whirling synth sound like cosmic winds that will carry you away on this cloud of enchanting music. Suddenly, there is a change of significance where the music takes a different direction, sounding slightly more pensive than usual, like a warning. Then you realize the awesomeness of the universe and the feelings of the unknown rush over you. The Harp reminds you this is a spiritual journey, and nothing will harm you.

 

"Clair de Lune," written by French poet Paul Verlaine in 1869. It inspired the third and most famous movement of Claude Debussy's 1890 Suite Bergamasque. Bird sounds are in the air as the Harp serenades them, and the synth layer provides a solid launching pad for any other sound to land on, as it has so well in prior tracks. It is a classic composition, given some elegance and an ethereal mysticism that only the harp can provide.

 

CD 2 begins with “Imaginings,” a light-hearted arrangement that will make you smile inside. It is a step away from the sounds you had heard. It sounds more pop-like and happy, and then a guitar is added to echo that feeling and atmosphere. The guitar is jazz-inflected with its rhythms and softness, adding to the texture and approach of the harp.

 

"Colors of the Season" is a personal invitation to whatever season of the year you may love or would like to focus on. The Harp's exquisite sound of tenderness is like a flower opening with the first rays of the new rising sun.

 

"Amethyst Of Avalon" starts with angelic, wordless vocals as the Harp's notes dance around the vocals like a graceful ballerina telling a story with physical movements alone. That picture came to my mind rather quickly.

 

"Willow" begins with a running stream and birds singing, a perfect scenario to start a meditative state. The flute makes itself known after being absent from several previous tracks. The flute has an affinity for an organic setting that fits so well with nature and its surroundings. The flute playing is exemplary. I will use this one to help with relaxation and meditation.

 

"Fingal's Cave and The Sea" is a cave on the uninhabited island of Staffa, in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, known for its natural acoustics. Once again, the connection between nature and the sounds you will hear is significant in these compositions. As the harp moves along like a metronome setting the pace, the flute gives us another look at its versatility and pleasant sounds.

 

"Canon In D" is Pachelbel's Canon, which was initially scored for three violins and basso continuo and paired with a gigue, known as Canon and Gigue for three violins and basso continuo. The Harp begins with light steps of plucking to introduce the choir of wordless vocals, creating a scenario of angels singing in heaven. The Harp's history has that connection to heaven and artwork across the centuries and in many other instances. Six minutes of perfection in music and clarity to enrich one's soul.

 

"Shadow Spirit" features some complex playing in a more compact track in under three minutes. Everything one would want to hear from the Harp is accomplished in those few minutes. The artistry is perfected on this consistent canvas of beauty.

 

"Light of Life" quickly adds the flute's spellbound abilities, and something new I had not heard yet is a cello. Cellos typically have a longing, sad tone; however, this track sounds more like a lower-toned violin, which complements the composition's melody and feather-like atmosphere.

 

"The Swan" is a beautiful and graceful creature. The Harp is the appropriate instrument to mirror that kind of natural beauty. And it does so with the grace and preciseness you have become accustomed to hearing throughout this compilation. The flute is here to add to its overall ambiance and is always a welcome addition.

 

"Reminisce"- Most people enjoy "reminiscing," consciously or subconsciously. Reminiscing is a sweet reminder of our past and what we hold dear. The Harp is all alone and nicely setting the atmosphere for that frame of mind.

 

"As Above, So Below" is a prevalent term I think most people have heard. Regarding tarot cards, for instance, it is a popular modern paraphrase of the second verse of the Emerald Tablet. This short Hermetic text first appeared in an Arabic source from the late eighth or early ninth century.

 

Clocking in at 8:40, it is the longest track of the set. The Harp is efficient in its approach, and the synth plays a significant role in shifting sounds and textures. The timing of each sound is purposeful and measured. Gorgeous layers of sound fall on you like a light and warm rain washing over, beautiful. Another track that would be an excellent meditation guide.

 

"Birch" differs significantly from all the previous tracks, and I enjoyed it. The drums sound like a tribal rhythm, and a pleasant flute accompanies its auditory brilliance. The Harp comes in, and you start to hear rain. Here again, the sounds of nature form a patchwork quilt of sound and living beauty.

 

“Adante” is Mozart’s sonata 13 andante. Many of these songs are influenced by classical music, and I like this one in a literal sense, as it is the actual composition and tribute to its creator. It sounds so regal and enchanting. The music will cast its spell upon you and take you back to another time and place.

 

"Cherubim" refers to a Cherub, known in the plural form as Cherubim, an angelic figure repeatedly mentioned in the Bible. Cherubim is described as serving the will of God and performing divine duties in the earthly realm. The heavenly sounds of this magnificent instrument called the Harp end this lovely compilation and variations of sounds with the most appropriate reference that it could. This music indeed performs the divine will of God. It is the shortest track to close the curtain at 2:24 and the most magnificent way.

 

From The Angelic Harp—The Best of Christina Tourin is an expansive career retrospective for one of the world’s most accomplished Harp experts. It contains music that combines the best elements of new age and classical while offering many choices for relaxation and meditation. 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

January 17, 2025

Tracks

CD1:

01. Harbor Cove-4:56

02. Tranquility-7:03

03. Gentle Souls-3:29

04. In the Glow-6:21

05. Passacaglia - Handel's Healing Harp-5:01

06. Unité-3:59

07. Prelude in C-2:46

08. Love of Creation - The Dove-4:41

09. Anam Cara-2:47

10. Carrickfergus-2:39

11. Music Is Love-2:11

12. Geodepédie -  Hidden Light-4:52

13. White Rose-2:56

14. Avondale-3:01

15. Sky's Invitation-5:52

16. Clair de Lune-3:37

CD 2:

01. Imaginings-4:40

02. Colors of the Season-2:57

03. Amethyst Of Avalon-3:29

04. Willow-5:49

05. Fingal's Cave and The Sea-4:25

06. Canon In D-6:00

07. Shadow Spirit-2:46

08. Light of Life-5:30

09. The Swan-3:50

10. Reminisce-3:57

11. As Above So Below-8:40

12. Birch-4:56

13. Adante-5:55

14. Cherubim-2:24

Electronic-Ambient-New Age Review: Thierry DAVID-Six Waves

Release Date: January 17, 2025

Label: K-VOX

Website

Thierry DAVID's latest project, Six Waves, rings in 2025 with his New Age-Electronic-Ambient sounds.

 

"Causality" begins with sounds of waves, as you may have suspected, but not in the traditional sense. The music is atmospheric and relaxing, with many layers of sound and ambiance. Right away, I recall some of my favorite bands of this type, like Tangerine Dream and my favorite album, Le Parc. The whirling and swishing sounds are sublime and hypnotic as you move on to the next track.

 

"Into the Wave Axis" has more of an edge at first, which is industrial to my ears, in the sense of machines and man working. Then, it changes with various tones flitting about as the sounds echo back and forth, finding their way into your consciousness and subconsciousness. The atmosphere felt more pensive, and fear of the unknown was approaching.  Going into an axis, as it were, is more methodical and mechanical, so that is how the sounds rush over you. Spooky and ethereal, the magic of the music sounds like it could be a soundtrack in a science fiction movie, like gazing at the endless darkness of space. The longest track clocked in at 10:30 minutes.

 

"Elliptical Tales" takes another turn, as you should expect at this point. The gentle synths brush over your body as you quickly immerse into the layers of sound, merging and becoming one. The eventuality is that you, too, become one with the music. The timing of sounds starts to feel like an internal clock slowing down or speeding up, dependent on your frame of mind or focus you decide to have once it starts. Some pictures pass through your mind, and the sounds and textures encourage that. For those of you who are cerebral, this can engage you from start to finish. For those looking to empty their minds and relax, that is also an option for this track and acts as a twofold exercise for individuals looking for both elements to work together.

 

"Ultrasonic Vibes" is the second longest track at 10:17. The beginning is intriguing, and your interest holds steady as the flow of change continues. Reverberating sounds travel back and forth, backed by a steady beat, and the layering of many sounds converges (as they always do) as the track builds. Halfway through, there is a brief millisecond pause, then a complete change of direction, and then it reverts to the core sounds. Always full of surprises, Thierry uses the tools to give a listener an expectancy and a wonder about what may be next. Anticipating is futile; you must wait and listen to what happens next. A few prolific change elements insert themselves without losing sight of the center of concentration, including a repetitive sound for focus; however, you can hear everything else without losing your mindset.

 

"Submarine Whispers" captured my imagination before the start of the music because of the title alone. The track begins with a crackling radio signal like a submarine trying to reach its home base in the ocean's depths. It also reminded me of what an older, uncleaned vinyl LP sounds like when you pick it out of the dollar bin. I used to call it the "frying eggs" sound. There is a bass sound that sounds like a heartbeat, and the crackling sound is maintained. And a bell-like ringing that a synth produces so well. It feels ominous in my frame of reference of the underwater craft. The whispers become more of a warning of something imminent. The strange thing about this track is that even though I felt like I did, I believed there could be moments of relaxation and reflection.

 

Now, we have reached the "The Sixth Wave." The final part of the waves completes this recording. It is another substantial track at 9:09 minutes. You will hear more of a mellowed-out sound with an echoing guitar sound; sometimes it's hard to tell these days with all the computer-generated facsimiles; you can decide as the synth percolates like morning coffee on the stove (like many years ago!). The sounds again feel like the tic-tock of a clock turned internally to get in rhythm with your center self and the music. 

 

Those two things must happen before using this music as a tool other than background music, which is your choice as the listener. The colors and tones are relaxing, and with the addition of a few sounds you have not heard prior, the music takes on another element or flavor that I found very appealing.

 

Six Waves is a beautiful group of tracks that would sound amazing in the vinyl format, surround sound, or 7.1 Dolby you hear at the movie theater. I did not listen to this with any of those enhancements and was mesmerized from start to finish. For this listener, that is mission accomplished.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

January 17, 2024

Tracks:

1. Causality 

2. Into the Wave Axis

3. Elliptical Tales

4. Ultrasonic Vibes

5. Submarine Whispers

6. The Sixth Wave

New Age Instrumental Reviews: Monica Logani-The Depths

Release Date: January 10, 2025

Label: Independent

Website

Monica Logani is about to start the new year with her latest release, The Depths. This album, which showcases a captivating blend of classical and modern elements, is sure to pique the interest of New Age music enthusiasts. Our last coverage of this artist was in 2016's Secret Garden.

 

"Dreams of Zagyva" opens the recording with a lovely melody and an atmosphere that, for some reason, brings me thoughts of Italy. It has that old European romantic sound as you take the boat down the waterways. It is very picturesque. Zagyva is a river in Hungary (which I had no idea), so I had the right idea.

 

"Stars" is intended to get a listener to look up to the skies at night to take in all the wonders of the universe. Perhaps, as usual, it is up to the listener. The divine piano piece helps to point you in the right direction with calm and the rhythm of your heart.

 

The cover art portrays "The Depths" to give you more thought to the album title. The sun shines through the water at the surface as the beautiful dancer falls gently into Mother Nature's arms. The piano is taking its time as the person in the picture is frozen in time and now perhaps in your thoughts. Is it water ballet in all its beauty, or is she drowning? What is the piano saying to you?

 

The track "Silver Lining" poignantly reflects life's challenges and urges us to find the positive in every situation. The piano, accompanied by the haunting sound of a violin, evokes a range of emotions, compelling us to reconsider our perspectives.

 

As I have appreciated in previous tracks, "Midnight Express" provides rhythm and connectivity through the piano keys, which is so important. The continuous flow of this music is consistently strong and emotive. This one sounded more classical-based than the others. The addition of the violin and electric guitar adds more elements and layers to the story, making it more captivating.

 

"Intermezzo" in music, in the most general sense, is a composition that fits between other musical or dramatic entities, such as acts of a play or movements of a more extensive musical work. (Wikipedia) I had to look up this word, which I had never encountered before. Once you start listening, you realize how nicely the composition fits that description. Again, the piano keys seem to effortlessly float along Monica's fingers as the violin has a longing and sadness that answers the notes emanating from the keys.

 

"Wonder" is an impactful word that comes to mind significantly, and often, as I listen to the music, it envelopes me in its warm tones and consciousness. It can always tell a story and capture my imagination. It does so in under 4 minutes, as it begins, then pauses long enough to make you stop to see if the song ends, but you know that much time has yet to pass. However, the change is significant enough to sound like another track, immediately allowing me to wonder again. It is another nice combination of the piano and background ambiance.

 

"Wooden Horses" is soft and invites you into the world of a child (?). That was my first thought. All though the wooden horse I had, which they called a hobby horse, gave me much pain as a 2-year-old. I do not remember the incident; however, I am told I fell off, and there was a lot of blood, and it pushed my two front teeth up into my gums. My teeth were supposed to come out black, which they did not, just later in life, like around 5th grade. It's a sad story for such a beautiful composition; however, it brought that thought back to me after decades of never thinking about it. The power of music at work!

 

"Solitude" is the shortest track at 1:29. Unfortunately, it can be that fleeting for some people. It's simple and just the piano's expression of that singularity that everyone occasionally needs to relieve stress or be with their thoughts.

 

"Diamond Gaze" brings a shine and light. The crystal polished to perfection adorned on a gold band brings many thoughts. In another instance, it can be a gaze from another human that is so sparkling and pure that you cannot deny its brilliance. The piano is gorgeous on this track; it is purposeful and relaxing like it's looking right at you.

 

"Offering" (longest track at 5:08) unusually starts with a slow, thoughtful guitar with a Middle Eastern flair. It takes you down a new path, or offering, as it were, to a new form of consciousness as the piano joins in. The track felt more like you were waiting to see what would happen next, like in a movie scene that puts you on the edge of your seat (in your mind). Such a change of direction surprised me based on the previous track's mood and atmosphere. I did appreciate the diversity and difference. I suddenly feel a total change in the story as I look at the titles of the last two tracks. Where are we going now?

 

"Resurrection" begins more like the sounds you were getting used to before the previous track's impactful change. The mood sounds uplifting and positive. I could picture a Phoenix rising from the ashes, flapping its beautifully colorful feathers, and flying away to a new life. Some acoustic guitar comes in to accompany the rhythmic piano lines. This one had a jazz feel, with Monica taking her classical core to another level of purpose.

 

"Eternal" means forever, undying; where life and your consciousness go once, they leave your body—the age-old question. We will not find out until that time comes; however, it holds so much promise. The piano tells me so, with the keys being so enlightening and heavenly, that I cannot help but believe it's true. Time is irrelevant in eternity, and music is eternal as well. Once created, it does not disappear; it remains with us until the end. I enjoyed how the electric guitar came in towards the end, sounding like a violin. The track was a great way to close out the album.

 

Monica Logani should be proud of The Depths. I think she went to the "depths" of her soul to pull this music out, and what you will hear are twelve tracks of instrumental beauty and emotions looking through different windows of the soul (hers and yours) on every track. As always, the listeners have the freedom to let it be what it needs to be, and that is the beauty of music without words.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

January 10, 2025

Tracks:

01.Dreams of Zagyva [3:06]

02.Stars [3:27]

03.The Depths [3:30]

04.Silver Lining [3:15]

05.Midnight Express [4:27]

06.Misty [4:11]

07.Intermezzo [1:32]

08.Wonder [3:36]

09.Wooden Horses [2:51]

10.Solitude [1:29]

11.Diamond Gaze [2:59]

12.Offering [5:08]

13.Resurrection [4:23]

14.Eternal [4:57] 

 

New Age-World Contemporary Review: Murray Grant-first… listen

Release Date: January 2, 2025

Label: Rooftop Recordings

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Murray Grant, a Canadian Contemporary Instrumental/New Age-World artist, has self-produced an album titled first…  listen. This album is a collection of his own instrumental compositions that uniquely combine acoustic ethnic instruments from around the world with contemporary Western instruments. The title first… listen suggests that this album is meant to be experienced with fresh ears, inviting the listener to embark on a new musical journey.

“temple” begins with an ambient backdrop as the flute, bass, drums, and erhu (a Chinese instrument that sounds like a violin in a lower key) come in. You have thoughts initially that it was going to be an ethereal, spacey track; however, all those elements enter the mix and make it a new-age world cornucopia of sounds and colors for an intriguing opening track. The bass is quite prominent around three-quarters through, the flute takes the lead, and the keys sprinkle more taste into the whole platter of gorgeous sounds. What an energetic way to start things off, superb music!

“water and stone” starts calmly with a rhythmic piano and shakers as the flute arrives again sounding mysterious and echoing like a bird flying away to a distant mountain peak. An erhu begins to mesmerize, and that thumping bass serves as a tribal drum of sorts calling all the other instruments to the meeting. The keys form a lovely layer of sound the draws you in further as it fades out.

“tempus fugit” is a song that I was just listening to a man play on electric guitar yesterday and it was phenomenal. This is entirely different with an amalgam of instruments joining at once for an irresistible rhythm formed by the drums and bass as the flute and keys flow like a clear running stream into one another. The track, like a story being told through the music, reflects the fleeting nature of time and the beauty found in each passing moment. The guitar, with its steady progression, repeats and lays the groundwork for all the other instruments, creating a sense of continuity and progression.

“in that moment” immediately sounds Middle Eastern and or Asian with the instruments being used. The percussion is hypnotic as the erhu provides more focus to center yourself on the sounds emanating from the speakers. It makes you feel like you are in an ancient land far away from home as you witness the tribal elders in a circle around a fire chanting. That is the picture created in my mind’s eye with this powerful combination of instruments and how they are being played. Be in the moment, live in the moment, and just be. The flute and percussion lead you out the door to another one as it fades away…

“darkness” as a title can fit many scenarios, physically, mentally, or simply the opposite of light. It begins as you may suspect, very thoughtfully, slower, although the flute is so beautiful, maybe the darkness is not such negative connotation after all. It is a place of rest and thoughts and a wind down from the day of light. The drums are well placed and strong as the flute rises to the top with the violin. It ends with an echoing flute and the sound of a heartbeat (percussion).

“awakening” comes after the “darkness” subsides and the sun shines on the new day. There is a definite progression of the tracks related to the music and track titles as I am sure you have noticed early on, and this one that makes sense. The piano and flute combine their strengths as the erhu and piano come together as well to form a mystical and magical partnership as the bass holds down the bottom line nicely as it has the entire recording. A very picturesque soundscape is formed at its peak giving the listener exciting colors and tones to interact with. 

“echoes” starts slowly and changes pace rapidly with the drums and bass driving it along as the keys invite the flute in then the drum cuts away on a spotlight solo sounding amazing. The piano carries the rhythm to stay with the bottom end as things move along nicely with some sprinkling of keyboard and synth sounds for extra magic injected into the composition. Halfway through an echoing sound is made as the track continues, it builds into a lovely combination of instrumentation and layers and finishing at 7:28 minutes, it is the longest and most complex composition on the recording. It could easily be a wonderful soundtrack to a movie scene or other media. It is very progressive but not too long, just right actually and the most prolific and beautiful song on the album.

“dania” starts with percussion and shakers for a nice rhythm as the flute comes in with the piano to begin a nice path to visualization and or meditation. You will find a good place to be centered and whole as the music fills you up and the day melts away as you reach complete relaxation and a comfort level attainable only with this music. The track is one of the easier going presentations with the excitement minimized and the focus on the tones and colors more for a spiritual journey. The flute leads the way out with a gorgeous segment.

“shades of grey” starts with a floating synth sound as the flute comes in to say hello then the piano enters carefully stepping into the walk into musical paradise. And there is that heartbeat of a bass to keep the musical clock ticking in sync and the mysterious and beautiful erhu adds to the mix. Grey may indicate parts of something in the middle or neither black or white, so you really cannot pinpoint something or give a definitive answer. However, in this case the music answers the question clearly with its pure beauty and earthy tones that can excite and relax all at the same time. Maybe that is why there is a shade of grey?

“hellos and goodbyes” has a title that is all about human emotions, the meeting and the leaving of a person, place, or thing perhaps. It is about where you are at with the frame of reference while listening. What are you thinking about as the music draws you into its storyline? The bass, piano, and percussion are magnetic as usual and then the erhu creates an esoteric element that creates wonders and thoughts and pictures of many things. This music is magnificent, are we saying hello and goodbye in every track as it merges into your soul and makes an impact? It feels that way to me and it happened near the beginning of this recording, but this track just continued to reaffirm those feelings.

“an ending (is not the end)” it is another opportunity to close one door and open another. The music starts significantly differently this time then changes with the addition of the piano, then as we have become accustomed, the flute is introduced, with a layer of synth and a strong bass line leading everything along with the drums to a fruition of sound and color. It is like starting with a blank canvas and painting a scene so quickly and precisely you must listen closely, or you will miss the meaning. The erhu feels like a like stroll into a Chinese garden or the place of retreat where the master imparts knowledge on to his students. Its sheer beauty and magnificence are awe inspiring and a gives your spirit a supercharged feeling of love and energy.

Murray Grant's first…  listen is a musical and spiritual message to the world. The new age and world elements that make up this music with old and new instruments and today’s technology form a masterful recording that is unforgettable for this listener. It held meaning and brought so much joy as I listened. Highly recommended for those that enjoy world and new age music combined.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

January 1, 2025

Tracks:

01. temple

02. water and stone

03. tempus fugit

04. in that moment

05. darkness

06. awakening

07. echoes

08. dania

09. shades of grey

10. hellos and goodbyes

11. an ending (is not the end)