Eventide By Rick Sparks

 

Eventide

By

Rick Sparks

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The music of Rick Sparks has been a source of constant relaxation and great beauty over the years I have been musically invested into it, it started way back in 2014 and an album called Endless, and since that time the artist has penned some utterly transcendent releases, here today some 12 years on from that release, we dive in deep with his latest album called simply Eventide.

There is literally nothing to dislike about the instrumental music of Rick Sparks, the artist at least gives us solid 5 to even six minute compositions to fall in love with, which thankfully bucks the trend of the 90 second creation nonsense. The title track Eventide for example would be one of my personal favourites from the album, some superb keyboard and synth pad work bringing us the listener something so redolent of the subject matter.

Then there is such beauty to be found on the pristine arrangement called The Presence of Love, this in parts reminded me of a combination of David Sun and Mike Rowland from back in the day, whilst his last single Mykonos still resonates deep with in my heart, its soothing narrative is a relaxing moment of great colour, whilst compositions like Sea Wind still haunt my mind in the best possible way with its very gentle onward progression.

Eventide by Rick Sparks is a 10 track album packed with textures and tapestries of tender tones and vibrant colours. We indeed find another lush offering at the half way juncture with the creation A Time to Heal, this piece has such a delicate and tender touch to its manifestation, one could not help but be enchanted by the string section and the slowness of progression here.

I have yet to go to Spain, but it is on my radar, until then I choose to travel vicariously with Rick as he performs the piece Barcelona Nights, a piece that builds slowly, but from a place of wonderment and depth of timbre, one of the finest compositions from the album for its creative interplay between and the keyboard notes and synths.

Dream Rain holds the listeners attention and manifests a sense of anticipation and expectation, this is a clever explorative composition that seems to hover around us, whilst the piece Every Hope happens to contain the title of the longest track off the album at over 6 and a half minutes long, a slow tempo and a careful movement highlighted by some very pleasurable vocalisations and synth work.

The album is a master work of texture and consistency, and is a fine example of musical uniformity, pieces like Give to the Winds Your Fears is a beautiful paradigm of such a soothing chronicle of tonal delights in its pristine and almost lullaby nature. Whilst the concluding tale to be told is entitled A Quiet Heart, here Sparks is the is the invigilator, as he brings together a multiplicity of sounds, pads and keyboard structures, to gift us one of the most prolific pieces from the album to end with.

Eventide by Rick Sparks in my view is probably one of the best albums the artist has released thus far, many who really know me, know I never say those words as a throw away. The tempo and heartfelt intent with this release is so plain to see and feel, it is a collection of 10 pieces that are designed to leave the listener utterly in a state of bliss and peace at its conclusion, which is why this album is going to be a huge chart hit, and is certainly award worthy for Eventide by Rick Sparks.

Caribbean Sunset By Jennifer DeFrayne

 

Caribbean Sunset

By

Jennifer DeFrayne

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Pianist Jennifer De Frayne is back with another new single from her forthcoming album Soul Love, this tasty musical morsel is entitled Caribbean Sunset, a colourful pastiche of musical energies that highlights the locational narrative of the composition. Its’ also fairly topical for me as I will be heading out that way this coming January, and I will indeed be enjoying something of a plethora of the subject matter of this song.

A rhythmic creation can be found here, one incredibly redolent of the subject matter and packed with supporting musicians who in their own right are legends in the new age music industry. This is a heart-warming piece, I would recommend pulling up the art worked and listening to the track whilst doing so.

Jennifer has produced some superb singles lately with You and I and Finding You also coming, like this one, from the forthcoming album Soul Love.  This new single has that touch that creates a warm sense of peace and tranquillity, De Frayne’s piano is the chief narrator and fluently brings this deeply attractive offering together, whilst manifesting a cornucopia of multi-instrumentation. This is a guaranteed hit and a piece that will calm and ease the listener into a state of peaceful bliss, and called Caribbean Sunset by Jennifer DeFrayne.

Sunset at Shaw's Cove By Janice Lacy

 

Sunset at Shaw's Cove

By

Janice Lacy

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Following up from her pervious single Beside You,  Janice Lacy is back with another new manifestation, this time the textures and the colours of this rainbow of music drift across the listeners palate in such a beautifully way, so much so, that one can’t but help be entranced by this new single entitled Sunset At Shaw’s Cove.

Lacy includes the twin towers of brilliance in this lush composition, with Jill Haley on English horn and Eugene Friesen on cello, two maestros in their own right, and here on this new creation by Janice they lift the arrangement into what could easily be a film score standard of a creation.

Locational compositional creations are just my bag of joy, as I create music myself from the inspirations I see as I travel my country of Cyprus and the world at large. Here Lacy turns artist and literally paints with her piano, whilst the horn and cello assist in this lexicon of magical tonal colours.

The listener would do well to note the soft and steady tempo, this gentle performance allows each and every one that will have the good sense to purchase this single, a few moments in time to just sit and be in a location of their choosing that brings them as much joy as this one does for the artist.

This is a top quality performance by all concerned, and of course produced by Tom Eaton and the legend that is Will Ackerman. This is why I have no doubt that Sunset at Shaw's Cove by Janice Lacy won’t just be a big hit for the artist, but a piece of timeless music that will ease the woes and sufferings from each and every one who listens to its graceful cathartic vibrations.

Kissing My Memories Good Night By Dreamscapist

 

Kissing My Memories Good Night

By

Dreamscapist

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This wonderful early summer afternoon was spent in utter bliss listening to the track Kissing My Memories Good Night, by Dreamscapist aka Paul Headon, interestingly enough I featured this track on one of my radio shows recently and the listeners absolutely adored it, especially the longer version of the two at well over 11 minutes, so thankfully we are talking long form here folks and long may it shine.

I spent 5 listens in a row to this track and found it incredibly easy on the ears, beautifully gentle on the mind body and soul, as you would probably expect from a composition with a title like Kissing My Memories Good Night, but it is also very meditative as an arrangement, and as an electronic ambient musician myself, this slice of genius by Paul is much appreciated.

Then after my 6^th play it came to me, that beautifully layered rising and lowering of synth tone, the mood filled oasis of wonder, that vast soundscape of tonal delight, reminded me greatly of a softer, more tender version of a composition from the year 2000 called Cumulonimbus, from the UK synth master Kevin Kendle on his Clouds album.

I would recommend this piece to anyone who loves ambient music, this is a fine example of an artist who clearly plays from his heart to yours, and allows the track to start, form, flow and naturally end, absolutely top marks indeed go to Kissing My Memories Good Night, by Dreamscapist aka Paul Headon, and with ease is my favourite long form ambient single release of 2026 thus far.

Carousel by David Lanz

 

Carousel

By

David Lanz

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I must admit to have been shocked when I realised just how long my musical relationship with David Lanz had been going on for, I can take you back to 1983 and a release called Heartsounds, let’s not forget I am a European, and back then the internet wasn’t a thing, yet still the music of the master of new age piano found a way into my heart, lets fast forward some 43 years later as I sit enjoying the tones of David’s latest and I must say brilliant creation called Carousel, and it is an utter gem of an album indeed.

The opening piece is proudly the title track Carousel, I appreciate it when musicians do that, it’s like saying here is my title track, my inspiration, and I love my musical child. Here Lanz performs one of his brightest tracks for some time in a rapid tempo, here is a flourishing piano narrative that contains fun, happiness and a great energy as well, this piece was also a released as a single earlier on this year.

The other single from the release is called La Fontana; I don’t know what it is, but I love fountains, the progression of notes on this piece were particularly impressive, ever climbing and cascading, and at that peak Lanz adds a classical motif like a strawberry on top of the cream moment. La Fontana is so elegant and graceful its one of those feel good pieces that you simply never want to end.

On Aria Nova we have that classic Lanz phrasing and melodic beauty, the fluency of this one piece also is enough to inspire any new pianist on to even greater heights, it has a certain energy about it that simply begs to be listened to.

Carousel by David Lanz is a masterwork of 11 delicious tracks from new age music’s finest ever pianist, one can hear David roll back the clock on this next memorable and moving opus called April Ayre. This track screams classic Lanz; however there is a sense of underpinned freshness and rejuvenation within the notes of the track that makes it so very palpable.

The short form fans of solo piano get a rare treat now from the middle placed piece called Summer Ayre. Here is a deeply energetic and emphatic composition, and even though its duration is just 149 seconds long, it makes its sun kissed point beautifully.

However one of my personal favourites is up next and called Autumn Ayre, I found this specific creation deeply moving, and I going to stick my neck out here and rate it as one of David’s most beautiful manifestations for many a year. The repeating motif and the proud tonal tale told here are some of the finest I have heard from the master, and one that will resonate in my mind’s eye for as long as I can breathe.

We conclude the seasonal narrative with December Ayre, as you would expect Lanz manifests something deep and chilling, this is both melancholic and also reflective, but in a way that allows the listener a journey of their own through the icy fields of Decembers cold and barren plains, one has to pay particular note to the emphasised performance on the heavier notes, ones that build a compelling winter tale of time and tide.

I have always thought that David’s music is like a gentle caress, something that we all need and not afraid to embrace it, on Sonata Reprise we have that gentleness and tender tonal tapestry, mixed with more emphatic moments, but always leaving the listener feeling safe and secure whilst doing so.

The rapidity of this track called Home At Sea creates a somewhat energetic juxtaposition for the listener to enjoy, however as up-tempo and creative as it is, one could easily see the control that Lanz has over the musical tiller, in this exciting short form narrative that can be found in the deeper waters of the release.

The penultimate track from the album is called Waves of Gold, the fluency and sweeping performance here has a beautiful sense of rhythm within its construction. The symbiotic waves, melodious vibrations, and the sculptured piano performance for me, make this one of the most crafted and wonderfully composed and played pieces from the release.

The concluding tale told by David is a more full bodied offering entitled In the Fullness of Time. This is a dream like reverie to utterly enjoy; each of us has a moment like this song hidden away in our own memory palace, something so redolent of the best bits of our lives, which are an unwoven tapestry of charming natural beauty and love.

Carousel by David Lanz carries a theme across the album that is nostalgic, and allows childhood memories to evolve, seasons come and go and pass, imagination always remains, and however emotional our memory is, it is always fondly remembered, with Lanz’s polished melodic piano style he makes the experience of listening a sheer joy of unadulterated pleasure, which leaves me to predict with ease I have just listened to one of David’s finest releases for a decade. Here is a release that will top the charts and win awards, and one would do good to remember that a deluxe version containing 2 bonus tracks, of this release can be purchased from the artist very own website, that’s certainly something you cannot miss out on as we close the book on Carousel by David Lanz.

Reflections of Japan By Christine Brown

 

Reflections of Japan

By

Christine Brown

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have been following the music of Christine Brown for an amazing 15 years now, since the release of her album The Wishing Well back in 2011. However I must say that this locational based album truly captivated me to the extent that I rate this to be her best work thus far.

The opening piece is called Whispering Cherry Blossoms, like the entire album this piece is more about atmosphere and emotional texture, and her soft yet breeze blown piano narrative is a rhythmic delight to enjoy, its rich texture and tonal delights are a total pleasure to bathe within.

This is a 13 track collection of some of the finest examples of solo piano music around, offerings like the crisp yet melodic Echoes of Kyoto have a sway about them that is absolutely addictive and moving. Roots and Wings is another slice of solo magic that has a memorable feel to its energy, and again a sway to its mood that makes the piece literally palpable.

One can safely enjoy this album with the certainty that instrumental solo piano is safe and in the hands of some great artists, and Christine Brown is a leading light in this strange 21^st century, pieces like the charming Garden Waltz doesn’t just have that mood of the dance, but a spring texture to the flowing tapestry that emanates from the instrumentation.

There is always a great opportunity to manifest some fantastic moments of melancholia when the subject matter of a musical piece has rain in the title, Sakura Rain offers up that moment and it is grasped by some of the most passionate of performances by the artist.

There are also pristine moments of great beauty on the album too, like the charming and incredibly sweet opus of Maiko Dance, however my favourite track from the entire release would be the utterly beautiful Soul of the Keys, this heart rendering song, has so many textures in it, it is an utter delight to just sit within, moments of imploring tonal cries, segments of quietude, and a soft and melancholic melody made this for me the stand out composition from the album.

Shorter narratives like Bamboo Breeze and Quiet Rituals gift the listener almost cinematic black and white movie energy to the proceedings, with some outstanding performances on both by Brown, at times almost touching the hem of the classical piano in the structure thus created.

Beneath Fuji's Gaze is another memorable piece that explores a locational narrative, a slow melodic movement and a reflective mood can be found here, whilst on Ancient Reflections a lighter feel can be heard and touched, and a defined eastern motif heard within the arrangement, one that whilst subtle adds to the overall flavourer of the track.

The penultimate piece reminds me of my home in Cyprus and our range of monoliths in the distance behind my location, and called Mountains in the Mist, this is an explorative offering that I adored, and was another one of my personal favourites, the dramatic flow here was perfect and not too overwhelming, but enough to allow one to get caught up in the moment, mountains always do that to me, I have literally just got back from the Carpathian Mountains in Romania, and I hear and feel music, this is exactly what Christine is giving us all here, and it is so empowering and inspiring.

The concluding tale is called Path of Tranquillity and is simply the most idyllic offering with which to finish the album with, a calm repose, and a gentle look over the shoulder at the journey thus travelled. Reflections of Japan by Christine Brown is in my view the artist’s best work so far, this is the most melodic album I have heard from her, every single track is strong with colours and textures, this is a tale well told by one of the finest female pianist alive today, as such this has to be a top ten album with absolute ease.

An Embodied Heart By Fred Grenot

 

An Embodied Heart

By

Fred Grenot

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There has been something about the recent works of Fred Grenot recently that has caught my attention, the beautiful layered synths are there yes, the textures are full and flowing, indeed, but the tempo and mood is so deep and slow it’s like watching the wind in a mighty oak tree, or a summer tide wash up upon the beach of an alternate dimension. That depth and vastly slow movement is here on what I rate as Grenot’s best release of all time called An Embodied Heart.

This composition is the very epitome of what really good new age music should sound like, a gentle movement, a healing vibrancy, and all cooked together so beautifully in a slow cooking pot of great musical taste and texture. This is 6 and a half minutes of utter bliss and a good investment in your wellbeing, and it can all be found right here by listening to this opus of great beauty.

Fred has been likened to one of the grand masters of new age music in Chuck Wild, known to most as Liquid Mind, one can see why with the soft and healing vibrations, and subtle and cathartic tonal changes, that is certainly not a bad thing to be seen as one who stands with such a luminary as him. However Fred has not stood still and accepted this musical likeness, I truly believe he is carving a lush canopy of genius all by himself and ushering in the era of meditative bliss and harmony, just when the world needs it the most.

So when you listen to An Embodied Heart by Fred Grenot, listen to it not just because it’s nice or its soothing and relaxing, yes its all of that, but please enjoy the sheer depth of the keyboard and synth work here, this new single is without doubt the future of new age music as we know it, and a sure fire hit with ease for Fred Grenot and An Embodied Heart, and without a shadow of a doubt total award worthy.

Never Lose Hope (Reimagined) By Matias Bacoñsky

 

Never Lose Hope (Reimagined)

By

Matias Bacoñsky

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This is a fascinating new single from Matias Bacoñsky called Never Lose Hope (Reimagined), the sheer volume and depth that this new composition exudes is literally impressive. The artist has been on an ever fascinating arc of discovery through his works since Life and Death back in 2016, since then everything he touches is heartfelt and poignant and deeply moving, he is therefore back with another powerful new arrangement entitled Never Lose Hope (Reimagined).

From the off the piano instigates a careful narrative filled with trepidation and concern, but there is an underlying sense of something else being birthed within the deeper weave of the music, it is the one thing that on this currently greed riddled and nasty world, we seek the one thing that we hold high above the hate, and that’s hope.

Here perhaps Matias Bacoñsky is offering up an anthem for a comeback to express that not all is lost, the piano is the masterful force that narrates this film score potential epic, whilst the orchestration and ethereal vocalisations raise the energy of the piece to its highest possible level, as we are treated to one of the most powerful opuses he has thus far created.

Bacoñsky is known for his emotive performances, but here on this new single he may be offering up a symphonic gesture that could speak a thousand words in one musical moment, this is exactly how any good instrumentalist should build and progress a composition, and as such I predict another chart hit for Never Lose Hope (Reimagined) by Matias Bacoňsky. 

Nocturne By James Michael Stevens

 

Nocturne

By

James Michael Stevens

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

My music relationship with James Michael Stevens surprisingly only goes back as far as 2020 and an album called Italian Preludes, Nos. 1-8 - Solo Piano. This seems somewhat remarkable when you consider that some 55 albums later I am delighted to find I am reviewing the most prolific recording piano artist on the planet known to me once more, with his latest soothing release entitled Nocturne.

I don’t know how James does it, but to his credit time and time again he produces something utterly beautiful and tender to listen to, and with Nocturne that pattern continues unabated. The start is a familiar playing ground for the artist as he mixes his major and minor to create a loving composition called Sleep My Love.

Dreamy Nights and Candlelight is a favourite of mine and probably of yours as well readers and listeners of sublime piano based music, there is a gentle increased upscaling on this offering that is fascinating, and the mood it creates is very redolent of the subject matter.

The next composition has a decided mournful repose, but a picturesque one never the less and called 'Neath a Lydian Sky. The Lydian mode is a major-scale-based musical mode distinguished by a raised fourth scale degree, giving it a bright, ethereal, and slightly unresolved sound, and James has it perfectly depicted on the cleverest of compositions from the album.

This next piece felt and sounded somewhat familiar to me, a slight nod to a classical piece I have heard before in the past perhaps, but I still just can’t quite pick out in my mind’s eye, regardless of my memory lapse, this is a stunningly beautiful offering called Musings at Purple Shore, one that offers much to be enjoyed, in what was without doubt one of the prettiest performances from the entire album.

The trickling musical narrative and tonal structures on this next track were some of the crispest I have heard for many a year on the piece Misty Stream, the fluency was a delight and the dreamy chord changes equally so, once again the artist dances with light and shadow on this stylish track.

Nestled in the centre of the album is the composition called Midnight Iris, there was a beautiful dualistic reality forming within the weave of this piece, one that cleverly interplayed with a tone and timbre, giving us a symbiotic mood of music, from the garden to the piano bar and back.

Elegy at Sunset Forest has that delightful regal energy about its composition that you just can’t help but like, this splendid proud performance is like watching the sunset through the trees of the aforementioned Forest, being part of that very experience with the musician yourself whilst listening.

The next track has some interesting nuances with its structure and called Waiting in the Shadows, the melody on this specific offering is utterly outstanding and beautifully crafted, manifesting wondrous juxtapositions of major and minor with utter glee.

Our musical boat has arrived in the deeper waters of the release where we will find the offering entitled Blue as the Midnight Hour. Almost blues, almost jazz, almost a lullaby, perhaps all three but then one can hear within this attractive musical narrative something special taking shape from the place of the heart called love.

The penultimate offering could be described as one of the more reflective offerings from the album, but Stevens is so good at switching to that mode that any of the aforementioned tracks could perhaps be described like that, this one called Somewhere a Serenade is particularly homely and heartfelt, and very warming to listen to.

The concluding tale of tone and timbre is entitled Dreams of Yesterday, a truly easy on the ears piece with which to finish the album with indeed. With the flowing styled arrangement and the thoughtful structures, this parting gift was the perfect end to what once again has been another delightfully heart-warming album from the artist.

Nocturne by James Michael Stevens is one in a long line of quite amazing solo piano albums by the artist, but his ability as a pianist and a composer is so good, he always keeps his fans and listeners in the land of piano love. When a new album is on offer, a warm smile always crawls across my face, because the peace and tranquillity that follows is always remarkable, thus I predict another solid hit is on the cards with ease for Nocturne by James Michael Stevens.

When We Meed Again by Curtis Macdonald

 

When We Meet Again

By

Curtis Macdonald

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There are few artists who have been so consistent over the many years I have been following them musically as Curtis Macdonald, he has been in the industry for some three decades, even from my first album of his Shadow Crossing in 2002, time and time again he produces upmarket classy work and never fails to satisfy the need of really good instrumental music fan with a tender mood, and this new single continues that lengthy legacy and is called When We Meet Again.

The first few opening bars are a symbiosis of keyboards and pads as the direction of the track kicks in, then percussion adds its rhythm to the proceedings and another TV theme is in the making, there is something about Macdonald’s music that always makes you feel like you have been given a warm hug.

The tender onward progression is a delight, and the tonal backdrop and pads offer an almost 90’s feel to the proceedings, this calm yet moving reverie is like visiting a scrapbook and gazing fondly over all the years of laughter and joy that have flowed between the cracks of time and tide.

Curtis Macdonald is in the foreground of this new movement now called New Age pop without a shadow of a doubt, and long may he remain so, and I think therefore that When We Meet Again will add another notch in his musical belt, and a truly good chat position along the way. 

You can find out more here: https://ampl.ink/GlpMo

More Now Everywhere by Andy Mitran

 

More Now Everywhere

By

Andy Mitran

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have been in rapture for years with the releases of Al Jewer and Andy Mitran, my first taking me all the way back to 2003 and the album Two Trees. They produce some of the finest, what could be, and sometimes more than often is alluded to is, as some of the best contemporary instrumental music on the planet in this modern age of ours, but when they go solo that effect doesn’t change one iota, as we are about to dive in deep with Andy Mitran and his solo album More Now Everywhere.

The opening piece of this 11 track release is entitled Shape Shifting, here you will find some of the most dreamy keyboard working you could ever wish for on this oasis of a composition, however one of my personal favourites would be the following offering called Ocean and Sky, with a fretless base and electric piano, magic is made here in a track that reminds of their joint release in 2018 called Transmigration.

That floating feeling stays with us on another favourite of mine called Atmosphere, the synth and guitar combo here, produced for me another incredibly palpable track, one that would stay in your mind for the whole day and take up residence, and in parts reminded me slightly of some of the more ambient aspects of the UK’s synth supremo Kevin Kendle at times.

With tracks like the effervescent Breakers, we have a charming driving offering, adding in a rhythmic drum, whilst on offerings like Emergence, room and space can be easily found for the listener, the delicacy of the harp here added an extra layer of calm, while the brass contained within offered a balanced composition one slowly becoming aware, in the most patient track off the release.

To See is nestled in the middle part of the album and has a truly ambient texture to its compositional structure, whilst Isolata adds a little extra rhythm and guitar into the mix with consummate ease, the synth work here is also clever and crafted well to fit with the overall theme. 

The next track is a far differently styled piece, and I’ll think I will feature it in my smooth Jazz show next month, it is called Memory Road, this is magical, a walking bass starts us off and then a smooth jazz fused piece drives us home with delicate pertinent synths, and a stunning guitar performance from Kraig McCreary, made this piece for me one of the stand out tracks from the album.

In the deeper waters of the release we come across a globally infused creation called More Than Once and this thrilling arrangement of instrumentation manifests something quite enthralling, and utilising a frame drum, talking drum, udu, guiro, Chilean bombo, marimba, synths, guitars, strings, reeds, brass, and acoustic bass, now this is what you call the ultimate multi-instrumentational offering.

The penultimate narrative is entitled The Woven Path, this is where everything becomes interconnected, it is with ease the most spiritual piece of the release, with the ethereal sounds and soothing keyboard, which sets us up perfectly for the final chapter of the album entitled The Last One, how appropriate indeed, this clever and relaxing instrumental composition narrated by a commanding piano concludes things perfectly for the listener.

This is a special album, one can tell with ease that this entire collection of superior instrumental music comes from the heart centre of the musician, and he has to be applauded for that, he also cites one of our personal heroes in his final comments when he says, and I quote, “Lastly, I want to thank Eckhart Tolle for the valuable lessons about the power of the moment and creating a significant change for the better in my life”. I can only add to that saying More Now Everywhere by Andy Mitran is a guaranteed hit, and Andy you are here to enable the divine purpose of the universe to unfold. That is how important you are!

You and I By Jennifer DeFrayne

 

You and I

By

Jennifer DeFrayne

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The second single release from sublime pianist Jennifer DeFrayne is now upon us, and is from her exciting new album Soul Love, which is coming in June. This piece of piano magic is called You and I, a lush and colourful creation that utterly signifies that she is back upon the music scene in a big way, and this tapestry of tonal delight is the bed that we can drift along to in these early summer days.

You and I contains the skill sets once more of her team of superb musicians in their own rights, and the combinations by such artists like Charlie Bisharat on violin and Jill Haley on English horn offer much indeed, as do the others on the piece that with ease raises the bar of beauty for this composition specifically.

The song itself is a smooth carpet of fluent tone and timbre that drifts across the horizon like a sailing ship at sunset, always present, but always steadily moving forward, the mixture of strings and piano here is undeniably creative and deeply moving.

From the inception of the track, one is held and comforted within one of the artist’s warmest piece of all time, the symbiotic impassioned manifestation is beautifully played, and DeFrayne on piano is really finding her way in this brave new world of instrumental music that is now upon us all. You and I by Jennifer DeFrayne isn’t just a guaranteed hit, it is a musical panacea to cure your woes and stresses, and gifts you several minutes of joyful bliss.

What Have We Done to This World by Stacey Lord

 

What Have We Done to This World

By

Stacey Lord

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

A new artist here for me, but with a message that most normal people would think of an anthem, yet politicians would run and hide in the corner of the darkest room, and count there greed filled coffers in the silence of the greed of the destruction that they have caused. Yes this is a powerful song, but I wouldn’t call it a protest song, it’s far stronger than that and it is one that demands to be listened to.

Here on What Have We Done to This World by Stacey Lord, she literally rips the pages out of the book of truth and rams them in everyone’s face, and screams do something about it whilst doing so. As I write I live in a country that is being greatly affected by a manufactured war by the greediest nation on earth, this song needs to be brought to the main stream as an anthem of the voice of the people, to say STOP enough is enough.

Musically this is stunning, and I may say thank you so much for making a brilliant piece of music like this come in at some 6 and a half minutes long, to me this shows conviction and a belief in the narrative. Joni Higgins-Wilson our singer here is outstanding; her tone gives the listener a poignant moment of pause and reflection through her vocal style.

Harvey Summers & the Sing Space (Bexhill) children, form a choir for the chorus, there is something redolent of the 60’s about that chorus, it is so compelling, again anthem like, but their vocals were very powerful and pronounced superbly, which only elevated the entire project further. Harvey Summers wrote, mixed & mastered the music, which is without doubt one the most passionate singles of 2026.

What Have We Done to This World is an environmental and socially conscious song that combines emotional lyrics with cinematic musical elements and in my view is one of the most cogent and intelligent singles I have heard for literally ages. This song is something that should be featured on every TV station around the world, and should be flying up the charts, and maybe more on the horizon can be seem for What Have We Done to This World by Stacey Lord.

Almost Here By Kerani

 

Almost Here

By

Kerani

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It’s not until I looked, but it had been a while since I had heard from Kerani, in fact back in 2024 and her album Silent Heart, but two strange years have been added to this crazy worlds historical narrative, and in 2026 I am elated to be listening to and writing about the last masterpiece by one of the finest female instrumentalists in the 21^st century Kerani and her latest release Almost Here.

This classy new release is packed with top class items, such as the moody and deep opener entitled Glass Between Us, the elements of tension here are built perfectly by the artist on synths and keyboards, and the distant percussive nuances only add to that. Here is a track which highlights unresolved and hidden issues, which cast a sense of foreboding and suspense upon proceedings.

Kerani is well known for her work in the neo classical genre, but here she seems to meld into many genres, cinematic, soundtrack, a meditative texture at times, then glorious almost full on classical styled motifs, in a very impressive collection of creations. One of my personal favourites was the ambient yet inspiring Frozen Spaces, then onto Ember Morning, that more deliberate classical style is evident here, and introducing a cello solo and hobo, plus of course Kerani’s signature cinematic style on piano in a glorious offering indeed.

The title track can be found next and called Almost Here, for me this is one of the best title tracks the artist has ever manifested, a movie style opus yes, but one that just holds back enough for that resolution to be hinted at as a very real later conclusion, reminding me in context of that of the artist and former Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord did, on his classically inspired Pictured Within album many years past.

Of the more classically emphatic compositions this one truly moved me and at certain stages had elements of both Vaughn Williams and Eric Whitacre within the weave of the piece, this track for me is probably the best composition I have ever heard from Kerani, the soaring juxtaposition between flute and strings emphasising release and joy with such beauty, hurrah for Lifting the Veil a dramatically glorious track indeed.

The concluding narrative is entitled High Air, here the artist once more mixes the high notes of release with the darker back drops of a more academia styled manifestation, thus another cinematic piece if born, but here’s one that signifies that the track may have found the final solution to that of the aforementioned piece Almost There, in a dramatic soundtrack styled final offering.

Almost Here by Kerani in my view is one of the finest bodies of work I have heard from the artist since her release Small Treasures back in 2018, this is splendid in every aspect, it is a fine example of utterly transcendent neo classical crosser music, and an absolute must have for any aficionados of the more classy instrumental styled opuses, without a doubt this is top notch and should be a huge chart hit for Kerani and Almost Here.

Fragile By Forrest Smithson

 

Fragile

By

Forrest Smithson

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I must declare from the very off that I am a huge fan of the work of Forrest Smithson, his electronic and ambient vibes have been thrilling my musical palate for years now, ever since 2013 and the album Dreaming Time and of course my favourite of all releases of his Ooti from 2015, but time flies past, and some 11 years later I am here bathing in the sonic bliss of a new release from the master called Fragile, and this could very well be the artists apex recording of all time.

Speak of vibrant pieces and one will appear, and it does so in the guise of the title track Fragile, there are elements of the Ooti album here with other keyboard sounds, even a guitar deep in the weave, but the up-tempo energetic nuances of this incredible opener certainly set the scene for a wondrous ride indeed.

Fragile is a complex album, but easily accessed by any lover of truly good instrumental music, classy and beautifully organised pieces like August reflect the past brilliances of Smithson’s sheer electronic genius, whilst the offering Auramind gifts the willing listener an almost spiritual moment of meditative bliss with its fluent yet ambient harmonics and tonal delights.

This 9 piece release is packed with some of the best creations within the electronic and ambient genres; the depth of tracks like Within is utterly palpable and deeply moving, one could easily get lost within its mysterious confines, here is a track that could be utilised in a science fiction movie, the synths are a beautiful complexity of a ripeness of sound, and an interwoven narrative of an anticipation of something unfound and perhaps until now unknown, and yes, this is my personal favourite from the album.

As we move from the middle of the album a true electronic gem can be found in all its ambient glories, an ethereal quality can be garnered here that is symphonically amazing and uplifting, and called Voyager, one can enjoy the floating synths and the galactic feel of the creation as we drift ever onward through this incredible cosmos of sound and vibration.

Ambience can be found in another personal favourite of mind, the more new age sounding Everpresent moment. This creative mastery is a veritable mixture of three prolific styles and combinations, just goes to show what a natural and heart felt musician Forrest actual is, on the most moving offering of the release, one that I will play repeatedly on my personal playlist of calm and relaxation, the natural sounds included here were so beautifully recorded and set to perfection, that it lifted the overall texture of the track to a new height.

There are some lighter tonal delights within this release that need to be appreciated by its audience, like the charming almost hypnotic effect of the track Importarium. Then one could drift into the John Carpenter styled manifestation called Prepared location, however Forrest offers us here a more complex creation, and one that varies in its overall narrative to deliver its structure and journey.

The concluding composition is entitled Pinnacles of Awareness and for me it was one of the most spiritually alive moments from the album, deeply meditative and powerfully rooted in the mysterious elements of self-discovery and well-being. At some 17 minutes long it is a true long form opus of grandeur that needs not to be skimmed over, but listened to on repeat; it is truly an epic of gargantuan proportions.

Fragile by Forrest Smithson is in my view the artists best work to date, I don’t say that lightly having been a fan of his music for some 13 years or so, but his compositional structure, the production and balance in both ambient new age and electronic music, make it easier for me to state that here is an album destined for the top spot in the charts, and maybe more, kudos Forrest Smithson. Fragile is simple awesome.

Love And The Sea By Shambhu

Love And The Sea

By

Shambhu

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Shambhu has been described as a new-age jazz guitarist blending acoustic guitar, ambient, and world influences, I would go further and say he is one of the finest exponents of truly good instrumental guitar work there is in the world today, and after reviewing much of his work over the years that have passed, I am extremely pleased to be doing the same thing again, as I gaze at one of my favourite subjects, the ocean, and I gaze longingly at this new single called Love And The Sea.

I look upon Shambhu’s work as an investment into your well-being, the tones and musical vibrations that emanate from his instrument of choice are of a superior quality, and on this single there is a rhythm that is almost like the undulation of the sea as it moves back and forth, one could feel a defined movement and a delicacy of tonal direction.

Then just over the mid-way point, the piece increases in elevation and adds in another layer of rhythm just before the two minute mark, where one can feel a sense of unbridled happiness and love, then beautifully from the 2.30 minute moment, a lush solo can be heard and experienced as the eventual coda drifts off onto the horizon of tomorrow.

Love And The Sea by Shambhu is another sublime new single from the artist, a guitarist who plays with his hands and manifests beauty from his soul, a musician that has the halcyon touch of magical proportions within his musical aurora. Without doubt I predict yet another hit for Shambhu with Love And The Sea, it’s that good. 

Mykonos By Rick Sparks

 

Mykonos

By

Rick Sparks

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have been lucky enough to have reviewed much of Rick’s music over the past 12 years since the arrival of my first Sparks album called Endless back in 2014, Half Moon Bay from 2018 being one of my all-time favourites, but now we turn our gaze to the singles of which Rick has started to increasingly release to his eager fans and general public, and thus in 2026 I have the usual pleasure to write about another Greek Island, this time not my home in Cyprus, but Mykonos, which sits in the Aegean Sea and is a popular summer destination for travellers from all over the world.

Rick’s latest single, which happens to be from his forthcoming album “Eventide”, reflects the peace and quiet and soothing calm from one of the smaller Greek Islands, the music reflects this. For context, you can cross Mykonos in under an hour by car, crossing my country of Cyprus (east to west) can take 3–4 hours. Here Rick takes that charm of the island and manifests something utterly transcendent, from the guitar opening, the soothing pastiche of the pads under the bed of the song, and the chiming night life styled tones of the keyboard.

Mykonos by Rick Sparks therefore is a perfect representation of the subject matter by the artist, perhaps of the lights of the harbour at night, the soft lapis seas caressed by a blanket of stars, or the charming iconic Mykonos Windmills, all of which are beautifully illustrated by one of the finest single releases of his career on Mykonos by Rick Sparks, which of course is a guaranteed chart hit and perhaps more for the artist.

Tranquility By Jenn Steege

 

Tranquility

By

Jenn Steege

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This specific combination of talents first came to my attention some three years ago when Jenn Steege wold release a single called Time in a Bottle featuring Mary Ellen Loose. Fast forward three years later and we have another opportunity to sample such beauty yet again, through the medium of her latest offering entitled Tranquility.

Here once more the artist uses ambient textures, and slow phrasing to create a peaceful atmosphere, Mary Ellen Loose is the perfect symbiotic partnership from which brilliance is born within this new and startlingly beautiful single. Jenn’s music has often been described as music that is soothing, reflective, and meditative, and this new manifestation does not veer off course one little bit through the arrangement.

Tranquility is a timeless drifting piano and flute narrative that anyone who listens to it will float on a bed of delightful tone and timbre too, and likely never want to return, there is a certain ambience here that is incredibly reflective, akin to finding that precious moment you just never want to end, that halcyon segment in life that can never be repeated perhaps.

This is actually a remarkable offering from the duet; it does indeed promote calm and peace, but moreover builds upon a steady reflective backdrop and never lets go, the piano at times illustrates a raising of awareness within the performance, and the flute grounds the listener with some of the most mellow performances one is ever likely to hear in this genre.

Tranquility by Jenn Steege is one of those lucky pieces that could be called timeless, this is a track that will never grow old and wither away, because each note is created in between the tick and tock of the clock. I can see this becoming an important part of someone’s daily meditative processes and listening enjoyment, and thus I pronounce that Tranquility by Jenn Steege should sought out and added to your playlist of ambient choice, your mind  body and soul will love you forever for it.

Lamento en suspiro menor By Javier Márquez

 

Lamento en suspiro menor

By

Javier Márquez

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Back in 2021 I remember coming into contact musically for the first time with the artist Javier Márquez, the album in question then was The Shelter Point, a powerful emotive release. Here some 5 years later I am lucky enough to be writing about the artist’s latest single Lamento en suspiro menor, and it was one of the most transcendent moments of the year with ease.

The multi-instrumental nature of this track is utterly charming, and the arrangement and calm production make this new manifestation from the artist one of the finest example of global neo classical fusion I have heard for many a year. Javier says it best when he states that “Lamento en suspiro menor is conceived as a process of sonic healing: a bridge between absence and acceptance, where emotion is transformed into sound, and endures as a contemplative experience”, a perfect explanation of this great beauty that rolls out before me and into my heart and mind.

Instrumentally minded thoughts go out to the sublime performances on this single, namely the tender tones of the piano of Marco Guerrero, the moving rendition of the violins of Encarnación Almansa and Modesto Berná, the depth of the viola of Esperanza Ortiz, and the reflective deepness of the cello of Antonio Fernández, and of course the composer himself on duduk, the masterful Javier Márquez.

For me this fluent masterpiece is everything it says it is and more, it does indeed bridge the gap between absence and acceptance, but more over it is a manifestation of something so beautiful and radiant, and without doubt it is a prime example of the utterly amazing gifts of the human mind-set. To be able to achieve this level of blissful class and superior tonal delight is something to indeed be proud of. One hopes that this is going to sail high up and the charts and hopefully rake in award after award it is that good, and it is definitely that moving and emotive that it would be advisable to add Lamento en suspiro menor by Javier Márquez to your playlist of choice as soon as humanly possible.