Wolf Moon By Peter Calandra

 

Wolf Moon

By

Peter Calandra

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The talents of Peter Calandra have been felt across the globe; this man’s skill set has adorned TV and films with his illustrious compositions, and he is back with us right now as he gifts us his latest single Wolf Moon.

The piano here are Calandra’s brushes and paints, and with both he crafts notes and manifests resonances, that create lush and beautiful narratives of  the song we now know as Wolf Moon, a piece that also has a delightful reflective energy built into its composition.

Calandra’s performance is thoughtful and memory filled, it is an arrangement that contains a well of passion and intensity too, and is without doubt a single that will indeed entrance the listeners along the way.

 

Threshold Of The Universe By Jim Ottaway

 

Threshold Of The Universe

By

Jim Ottaway

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have been following the works and musical career of Australia’s Jim Ottaway for some 13 years now, in fact the Orion album is where I first dipped my toes into his musical galaxy. Now I produce and present my own space music show called Lagoon Of Eternity on One World Music Radio, so reviewing this album, Threshold of the Universe is akin to leaving a child alone in a sweet shop.

This galactically spirited journey starts with the opening piece Beyond Space And Time, the intent is set here and the deep excitement of an uncharted territory can be felt deep within the progression of the music, beautifully performed by Ottaway and setting the scene wonderfully.

The somewhat apprehensive tones of this next piece once again gift us a musical insight to our location, it is called Starburst In Celestial Darkness. Here we have a classical EM styled offering of well over seven minutes that is truly crafted, the high tones represent for me the starbursts within the dark void of space.

As we move further along on our journey we come to a track that has it all called Infinite Space. Ottaway has impressively built a tempered sense of drama into the weave of the album as a whole, but more so in this powerful and vast opus. I’d guess it would be like opening your crafts view screen and the very magnificence suddenly hits you.

This one seems to be a popular offering with some that I know, and I can see why, Celestial Parallax is a blissfully fluent and an incredibly smooth arrangement of truly very good electronic space music, the gentle build and anticipation on this offering is really breath taking, one can feel the swirl, movement and change of the position that is built within the track splendidly.

One of my personal favourites would be this one; there was a mood about this piece that hooked me in and never let me go. Alien Star floats in the distance, the incredible slow build here gives a feeling of approaching this giant giver of life, the sounds and electronics within the piece emphasise that even more. This is one of the most intricate offerings on the album, and I love it.

The softness of this next track was another total winner for me; it’s entitled Parallel Suns and is one of the most ambient arrangements off the album with ease. The keyboards and synths here create something so very reassuring and warm to listen to. There is a crafted deeper bass segment that is layered perfectly toward the mid and latter segments of the composition, which adds another layer of class to the piece.

I have recently selected this very track to be a part of my stations playlist on my space show, for me it gave the listener a perfect representation of space music and Ottaway’s total overall project, and at well over 9 minutes the longest track off the album. Two Trillion Galaxies has everything, a vast opus of sound, a sense of drama and anticipation, and all the while painting a musical backdrop with such a skill and musical dexterity; at times whilst listening to this offering I was reminded of the works of one of the masters of electronic music in Vangelis, yes, it is that good.

The penultimate offering off the album is called Dark Matter In Distorted Starlight, it contains a magnificent harmonic resonance and it is as if space itself has manifested a choir of its own. The electronic sounds and effects give us the distortion of starlight, but the powerful nature of the artists synths truly reign supreme in what is a stunning arrangement of really excellent vast space music.

I respect the artist’s decision to leave the title track to last, this is the main inspiration to the whole idea and it really does sum the whole project up beautifully.  Threshold Of The Universe is a grand melodic composition that has that touch of magic about it, and that will make it timeless as years go by, it could be a piece that may well become a seminal body of work for Ottaway too. It is without doubt the best way possible to leave the album, and in some ways, its warmth reminds me of Eno’s Always Returning.

Threshold of the Universe by Jim Ottaway is the artist playing from his heart to yours, this vast body of work will be adored by all who love electronic and space styled music, but I believe also by those who appreciate a hard working musician that bears his soul to you. Threshold of the Universe by Jim Ottaway is one of those albums I would recommend any day of the week, it will transport you to a place where you don’t need to think, just be.  

 

The Lost Summer By Ryan Judd

 

The Lost Summer

By

Ryan Judd

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The skill set of Ryan Judd grows with each passing day and with each passing composition created, and now Ryan is part of the Myndstream Summer Flights project, we can enjoy another new manifestation; this time entitled The Lost Summer.

This has to be one of the most pristine and gentle performances I have heard for years on acoustic guitar, and Judd’s crafted approach gifts us mournful structures, emotive chords, and some quite delicious harmonics, in one his most chilled presentations ever.

Ryan Judd has captured the mood and feeling perfectly with The Lost Summer, I can testify to that, here we wait for the summer to come, but by the end of August you wish for it to end, due to the unrelenting heat, but when it does, you have a sense of mourning for its slow passing. Here Judd caresses those strings with such artistry that you feel like you’re watching the last summer sunset on the balcony with the artist himself, a breathtakingly emotive new release indeed.

Water to Land By Chris Haugen

 

Water to Land

By

Chris Haugen

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Chris Haugen is one of those guitarists that you could listen to for hours and never tire of the experience. I am therefore most grateful that Chris has released a new song for the Myndstream Summer Flights project entitled Water to Land.

Haugen has such a wonderfully warm performance skill, his guitar is some of the most fluent your likely to hear, and listening to this presentation of Water  to Land is indeed like sitting in a safe harbour and watching the tide slowly recede to reveal the foreshore.

The chimes and gentle backdrop of sound only goes to enhance this offerings overall energy of serenity and calm fullness, and must make this one of the most relaxing guitar based arrangements I have heard for quite some time. Full marks Chris Haugen, this is musical tranquillity in motion.

 

Night of a Thousand Stars By Michelle Qureshi

 

Night of a Thousand Stars

By

Michelle Qureshi

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Over the last seven years or so the music of Michelle Qureshi has played a big part in my life in one way or another, she is a composer of great thought and care. Her artistic abilities are always something to completely look forward to, and that’s just as well as today I am bathed in the beauty of her latest release, as part of the Myndstream Summer Flights project, with a classy composition entitled Night Of a Thousand Stars.

This in my view is one of the best creations from the mind of Qureshi yet, the guitar work is sublime and spans the ages, and using all the experience and knowledge gained thus far to manifest something incredibly ambient, but soulful. Night of a Thousand Stars is one of those pieces that will mean something special, but different to all who listen to its transcendent performance and tones; a total and utter winner in my humble opinion.

Good Morning Light By Carl Borden

 

Good Morning Light

By

Carl Borden

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I must admit off the bat that Carl Borden is one of my favourite musicians, his ambient creations have manifested many a good and even inspirational mood for me personally, and I am elated therefore to be able to construct this review for his part of the Myndstream Summer Flights project, with a truly moving offering entitled Good Morning Light.

It’s strange really; neither of us could rest early this morning, so we got up at 5:30 am and jumped in the pool, one can really see through the stillness of the moment why it is the best time of the day, and here on this new composition Borden has captured that to perfection.

The moody keyboards manifest that early morning peace and calm with ease, and one can see within the mind, the clouds drift off to be burnt by the early morning sun, one that ushers in a whole host of opportunities that only a brand new day can give, an utterly moving, uplifting and beautiful creation by Borden indeed.

Phonic By Michael Whalen

 

Phonic

By

Michael Whalen

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The multi-talented, beautifully skilled, and ever artistic Michael Whalen is back, and with a release that is part of the truly exciting and fresh, Myndstream Summer Flights project, with an offering entitled Phonic; here is a composition that is birthed from the fires of his last album Sacred Spaces, but an arrangement that explores even deeper the more fascinating depths of his electronic musical wizardry than ever before.

There is a texture here that is so appealing, and at times reminded me of the former new age artist Llewellyn, with slight elements of Tomita into the mix as well, but an arrangement that has been manifested with a calming sensitivity that is so palpable, and so very agreeable, the colours, the chimes and the notes that emanate from Whalen’s keyboards, are some of the most chilled I have heard for simply ages. 

The Edge By Eamonn Karran

 

The Edge

By

Eamonn Karran

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Eamonn Karran has been one of the ever growing lights of class that has been glowing over the horizon of brilliance for a few years now, and with each brush stroke of his ever so very craft minded hands, comes something so beautiful and wondrous called The Edge.

This latest offering contains the hall marks of a film score within its realms of construction, the delicious orchestrations and smooth and fluent piano all go to create something so very mystical, so very charming, and with a slight Celtic edge as well.

There can be no doubt that Eamonn Karran is one of the most consistent composers of classy contemporary instrumental music around today, and this new release which is part of the Myndstream summer flights project, will certainly lift this artistic composer and performer to even greater heights.

Gell'n By Hanslik & Moniz Experiment

 

Gell'n

By

Hanslik & Moniz Experiment

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I would have to say Gell’n by Hanslik & Moniz Experiment has to be the most unique and fascinating album in the electronic field I have heard this year. The long-time collaboration of Alan Hanslik (Synths/keyboards) and Steve Moniz (Guitar) have really pushed the boat out of dock for this latest experiment entitled Gell’n, and in my view it works brilliantly.

The opener is a sublime beginning and one of my favourite pieces off the album. Time progresses onwards, it is an unrelenting offering that steadily moves around the face of its own musical clock, with the combination of electric guitar and keyboards.

However my personal favourite would be up next and called Traveling Ministry, the floating electric piano sounds and synths are utterly wonderful, and then add to that a crafted guitar by Steve Moniz; this just created for me something I hadn’t heard the like of since Rainbow Dome Music by the great Steve Hillage.

Clock Works is a superb creation of creative and artistic minimalism, mixed with electronic segments to manifest what could be a whole new genre entirely; here is a fine example of experimental music working in complete harmony with the creators, there is a delicious random energy that could be assumed here, but it is a clever one, and both artists weave in and out of each other’s flows with consummate ease.

Two more intriguing pieces follow with the almost electronic classical crossover energies of Gooey, and then the more traditional title offering of Gell'n, which has a touch of Berlin School built into the weave of the construction of the arrangement. We then conclude the project with Interference, a fine piece to end with, and one that also happens to be the longest composition off the album at well over 10 minutes, there is a certain lightness and sublime flow to this concluding long form arrangement, that continues to build change and morph towards the conclusion of the offering.

Gell'n by Hanslik & Moniz Experiment is without doubt the best work from the artists thus far; its fresh and dynamic approach should be appreciated by lovers of both electronic, and experimental minimalistic music. The performances by both Hanslik and Moniz are spot on, full of flavour and with no fear at all of trying something new at all, one has also to add that this is a very addictive album, once you’ve popped Gell’n you won’t be able to stop playing.

Outside Man By Hanslik & Moniz Experiment

 

Outside Man

By

Hanslik & Moniz Experiment

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The Hanslik & Moniz Experiment has come to town and dipped their musical toes into the vast expanding waters of the singles ocean, and has done so by creating one of the most addictive offerings I have heard for a long while.

An electronic backdrop is the consistent and onward narrative, mixed with a curious bubble effect that seems to just swirl all around. The driving bass and electronic wizardry on keyboards is utterly mesmerising; trust me, this is one of those pieces that you start to play and keep on hitting repeat because it truly does get into your musical headspace. I have a feeling that Hanslik & Moniz Experiment with Outside Man are onto a winner here, and a big chart presence is going to be felt very soon with this creation.

500 Years By Rhonda Head

 

500 Years

By

Rhonda Head

Written by

Chrissie Sheppard

 

I have listened to this latest release from Rhonda Head several times now, and each time I listen it makes me cry, the words are so powerful, yet so true. Rhonda is a Mezzo-Soprano from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, and the song 500 Years was written about her mother’s experience in the residential system in Canada, and is dedicated to those who didn’t make it home.

This is a piece she and her family should be very proud of, the story she tells in song is true, about the past, but listening to it made me ask myself how much has really changed since then, have we learnt from the past? I only wish and hope the answer is yes.

500 Years by Rhonda Head is a beautiful creation, with haunting lyrics that will remain with you throughout your day, and really does deserve to be a big hit for the artist.

 

Fruition By James Asher

 

Fruition

By

James Asher

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

James Asher is a name probably known more for his stunning works of percussive brilliance throughout the years, but here on this new single, the artist shows us his skill set on the keys is also incredibly creative as well. Fruition is a reflective offering that has a gentle, but thoughtful build and progression built within the weave of the arrangement.

This is the follow on single following Asher’s first solo piano release Gleam On; now I have listened to this piece several times, and each time I do, several memories spring to the forefront of my mind, it has a beautiful base to its arrangement, and is one of those tracks that will remain timeless over the years to come, as it offers each and every listener an opportunity for personal reflection, in the calmness of a musical meditative moment.

Evening Sun By Andrea Sertori

 

Evening Sun

By

Andrea Sertori

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This is one of those singles that at first you are not sure what to expect, but after a few seconds, and then minutes into the composition, you are utterly blown away by its power and majesty. Evening Sun by Andrea Sertori is one of the most emotive and breath taking singles in the contemporary instrumental genre currently.

My home location is one that I’m lucky enough to see a glorious sunset every night, and this music depicts that perfectly. The amalgamation of keyboards, the mellow mixture of synths and textured notes, makes Evening Sun by Andrea Sertori one of the most artistic and beautifully performed single releases of 2021.

Dream World By Joseph Akins

 

Dream World

By

Joseph Akins

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have been following the work of Pianist Joseph Akins for some 8 years now, since we were standing Under a Southern Sun. Here Akins has produced someone of his finest work ever, and dare I say it, probably one of the best emotive solo piano albums I have heard this year, with the outstanding Dream World.

The title track, Dream World kicks things off and is a wonderfully dramatic and deep offering that really ticks all the boxes; personally I adore the depth it goes to, the floating notes seem to drift from one realm to another, and the negative chord structures and deeper keys are simply a creative back drop of an almost mysterious movie scene, in what has to be one of the most crafted beginnings to an album I have ever heard from the artist.

Another favourite that really deserves a big mention is the following track Peacefulness, a calming reverie can be found here, but more than that, I simply delighted in the ambience it created, a soft Sunday morning refrain, and a melodic memory palace of a number.

Dream World is an 11 track compilation of some of the most mature solo piano I have heard for quite some time, this aged and wisdom filled energy can also be found in pieces like Who Am I?, another thoughtful moment on the piano, when you can almost hear the music raise the question of the title given, or the minor heaven of Melancholy, a song that almost cries on your shoulder whilst your listen.

Then there is the mood filled Night Storm, this is performed quite brilliantly, painting a wonderful juxtaposition, especially on the word storm, which could indeed have many alternative reasons behind its creation, a truly clever piece indeed.

Dream World by Joseph Akins is with ease the artist’s best work so far, he has allowed himself to dive into a whole dimensional of emotional structures, and the result is the creation of Dream World, which in my view also has to be the most creative and mature solo piano album I have listened to for many years. This is a release I would recommend to anyone who likes good music, it’s played with a sensitivity that is touching, and also maybe illustrates our own path and journeys as well.

Mirage By Joseph Sullinger

 

Mirage

By

Joseph Sullinger

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Joseph Sullinger in my opinion is one of the most sensitive acoustic guitar performers in this current day and age, and if this new single by the artist entitled Mirage doesn’t back up my statement, nothing will.

The minor chords just ooze a reflective energy, and mixed with the melody creates a wonderfully moving opus of sound to thoroughly enjoy.

Sullinger’s performance is both colourful and textured, and it is one of those easy on the ears pieces, that you could add to a summer playlist to take centre stage on; this smooth and laid back arrangement is the epitome of chilled music at its very best.

Under Arctic Stars By Eric Heitmann

 

Under Arctic Stars

By

Eric Heitmann

Written by

Chrissie Sheppard

 

The latest release to come from Eric Heitmann is the perfect follow on to his previous release Requiem and is called Under Arctic Stars. Heitmann is a new artist to me, but one whose music is a grand mix of piano and instrumentation, with a gentle mix of natural sounds added to the mix, which really does add so much more to the feel of the music.

Under Arctic Stars takes you on a journey of discovery as you travel on a musical sojourn under the stars, following the twists and turns in the musical pathway, that lead to a gentle conclusion, as you drift off under a canopy of galactic bliss.

Under Arctic Stars by Eric Heitmann is a composition that I can see doing well in the charts, and should therefore become a hit single for the artist, without any problem at all and of course thoroughly recommended. 

Wind Medicine By Silvia Blaser

 

Wind Medicine

By

Silvia Blaser

Written By

Chrissie Sheppard

 

I was really excited to be given the opportunity to write about this latest release entitled Wind Medicine the new release from Silvia Blaser. I have only known Silvia’s music for a few months now, but I know we can be guaranteed a fantastic journey through nature with the wonderful sound of her flute leading the way.

In The Deep starts our journey, the sound of waves and a hovering synth really set the scene perfectly, then the flute enters to take you by the hand and lead you forever onwards, taking you safely deep within yourself, allowing you to feel safe and healing on a deep level to start working.

The length of each track on the album varies in length from just under 6 minutes to just over 10, and all are a discovery of sound, where the flute always takes centre stage, with synths providing the mood, the hovering intention, but never overpowering the flute. Each track allows you to submerge yourself completely in the music, where time has no meaning or need at all.

I love the way Blaser utilises the use of natural sounds within the arrangement Forest Talk, the sound of rain as a thunderstorm passes over us, the conversation between the 2 flutes is so easy to listen to, but what do they say? I will let you decide.

The natural breath sounds in Inner Path and Sacred Breath, open these 2 pieces so perfectly, reminding us to stop and breath, take in that deep breath, and pause before letting it go, allowing us to unwind and relax.

The natural sounds are emphasised further on the closing track Dawn Chorus, as the bird song is constant throughout the composition, and brings us to a gentle conclusion to what has been a delightful journey of sound.

This is an release I could easily use in my meditations, as therapy album or when I simply want to escape from the world and bring myself to a place of peace and tranquillity. Wind Medicine by Silvia Blaser is an album that she should be very proud of, and I am sure will be adored by anyone that listens to it.

 

Love is my Religion By Anita Lerche

 

Love is my Religion

By

Anita Lerche

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

From the very opening track I could feel the positivity that would pour from this album by Anita Lerche and entitled Love Is My Religion, her honest and open approach to song creation will be much appreciated by all who listen, as will her charm filled vocals, and the multi-instrumental approach contained within.

The opening piece is the perfect place to start and it is one of the nicest beginning compositions I have heard for a while. As we listen to Follow Your Heart, the slight folk ethic is beautifully textured, and the piano and guitar work in a splendid harmonic convergence, one can hear the range and fluency of Lerche vocals on this piece too.

One Life starts with a warm acoustic segment, perhaps this could also be an anthem for our lives, and again perhaps we should not being afraid to make mistakes, as this is where lessons should be learned from. The guitar on this piece is some of the most descriptive and lush I have heard this year, and let’s not forget that rhythmic bass as well.

We now move on to a track entitled I See the Light, the vocals and smooth voice of Lerche are so beautiful here, the strings sections within this track are cleverly layered to create a deeper sense of the colourful tapestry of tone we are experiencing. The song itself is refreshing and uplifting especially in its narrative of positivity.

I must admit my favourite track is up next and of course it is the title composition Love Is My Religion. The eastern ethic is strong in this piece and I must also state that I completely agree with the artist’s words and lyrics as Love Is My Religion too, but added to that I am referring to unconditional love, it is the only real love. This is a song of truly high quality, and in fact if you could listen to a Diamond, this could sum up the experience, multi-faceted and sparkling, but each and every glimmer is an open doorway of utter and crafted beauty.

The Danish born singer songwriter is a class act indeed, she gifts us a penultimate offering now that exemplifies that even more, with the track Grab the Moment, a wonderfully performed piece that has a sumptuous vocal performance contained within, and of course she is right, grab the moment, the now is all you will ever have. Listen also to the clever elevation build, progression and conclusion within this song; it is utterly artistic and well crafted.

Our last composition is called Let Go, and is something I have personally been doing a lot of lately, but the freedom and happiness that follows are all well worth it. This is the perfect concluding arrangement, leave the listener wanting more, but in total peace and happiness, and filled with a positivity to set them up for success, a beautiful song, well performed indeed.

We must give a hats off also to the team that made this possible, from the fantastic Indian instrumentation of Mohit Kashyap, Subhash Kali and Satwinder Pal Singh, the cellist Simone Vitucci and the ever golden Jim Kimo West, who performs on several instruments, kudos to you all.

Love is my Religion by Anita Lerche is one of those albums that you will be grateful to have in your collection, it is a blissful compilation of positivity, honesty and love, sung with such a textured vocal quality, and produced and performed in a colourful multi-instrumental style, how could one not adore an album of this quality and called, Love is my Religion by Anita Lerche.

Mr Shiny Shoes By Claudio Casanueva

 

Mr Shiny Shoes

By

Claudio Casanueva

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Sometimes you hear a song and just know it’s going to be a hit, it has that infectious beat and such a smoothness of style about its creation, you just know it’s has success written all over it. This can certainly be said for the new single from Claudio Casanueva entitled Mr Shiny Shoes, a song with its feet firmly planted in the chill out genre.

The stylish back beat and percussive mastery has been produced and mixed with a crafted keyboard, to bring us something truly special, there is even a screaming guitar and rhythmic vocal harmonics, simply put, this single is as addictive as chocolate, but probably better for you, and a guaranteed hit all the way.

Malibu, Point Mugu By Palm Reading

 

Malibu, Point Mugu

By

Palm Reading

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The natural beauty and uniqueness of this following recording is something that has been much needed in this industry for a long time, Malibu, Point Magu by Palm Reading is a breath taking, yet peace filled new release by the artists, and our first location is Malibu, Point Magu.

Let me give you a little back story here to set the scene, Palm Reading is a musical project by Skooby Laposky and Charles Copley, and inspired by plant life, the natural environment, and bathed in the traditions of ambient and mindfulness music. This new construct is simply idyllic, they also contain some of the best field recordings I have heard for many a year.

White Sage (Salvia apiana) is our first exploration, the guitar and the harmonics that flow like waves from this piece are utterly sublime, one could easily just drift away in a total blissful reverie, in fact I have now listened to this composition three times and I feel so calm and tranquil, it would be very easy to leave this arrangement on permanent repeat.

White Sage (Salvia apiana) Interlude is our next mood filled creation, the gentle and balanced fluency here, create the perfect bridge of serenity to guide us with respect, to our last offering entitled Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina), a composition that has a slight hovering intent about its construction, especially in the early stages, and at well over eight minutes is our longest track off of this quite delightful location, the ambience offered up here is something not just to accept, but to dive headlong, and deep into.

Malibu, Point Mugu by Palm Reading is a wonderful concept, and a most worthwhile project; I cannot wait to hear more, the mix of acoustic and electronic synthesised sounds are quite honestly some of the most transcendent tones I have heard for ages, and we must add a most humble and sincere thank you to the plants for their Biodata, this locational release is certainly recommended by me, and would truly be a wonderful addition to any meditational practise, in fact I am going to give that a go right now.

https://myndstream.fanlink.to/Palm-Reading-Malibu 

All is Not Lost By Lisa Swerdlow

 

All is Not Lost

By

Lisa Swerdlow

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There comes a time to us all in our lives, that poignant and moving moment that seems a change the course of one’s own very existence, that poignancy is expressed incredibly emotionally, but with such a tender style of arrangement in All Is Not Lost, the latest single by Lisa Swerdlow.

I also call these moments’ crossroad segments, when life literally stops you in your tracks and changes everything. Lisa has had a few recently, as you may have seen on social media, but I truly believe that within this song, this outstanding composition, she hasn’t only faced these challenges, she has expressed them musically in a piano performance which in my view is her best work ever, and given to us a huge slice of hope, something so golden right now, that ALL is NOT, when you think it is, LOST, a fine masterful work by Swerdlow, and rounded off with the best art work I think I have ever seen on a single release to this date, created by Ken Vehecke.

A Time to Chill By Craigology

 

A Time to Chill

By

Craigology

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There should always be time to chill, and this latest release by the artist Craigology is the perfect tool with which to do that with, filled with exciting beats, but calmed with a sublime touch of serenity and sublime artistry.

A Time to Chill is a 5 piece release that would fit nicely into several genres, but opens its doorways for me to be a really good chill-out offering, with a smattering of a little Jazz thrown into the mix, this can be found on the opener entitled The View: Nature's Beauty. Natural sounds open the window of a crafted performance, where smooth synths create a bridge to an undeniable percussive beat.

The flow from one track to another is seamless, and the more Jazzy elements can be found on this next arrangement entitled Mr. Picnic Basket, again a clever track, one that contains a little funky flavour within the weave as well.

Water Bed caress our minds now, a sun kissed piece that is perfect for any summer beach moment. The beat and keyboards create an interesting juxtaposition of tone and interplay, in what I believe to be a truly clever mix of electronic music and keyboards, under a bed of smooth Jazzy beats.

The penultimate track off the album is a classic chill-out composition, with a layered backing vocal and an intricate percussive beat, Hiker's Dream, has a crafted sense of an onward movement built into the construction of the piece, but for me, this was one of the most artistic performances from the album, and one that I shall personally visit again.

We now conclude our visit with the last piece off the release, it is called Comfort Zone, a totally unique blend of new age reggae could possibly be found here, heavy on the bass and a deliciously enticing drumbeat; this is one of those songs that becomes so utterly addictive to listen to, and with that being said, a very classy way to end the project.

A Time to Chill by Craigology is a truly fascinating release, filled with rich textures and colours, fluent tones and sounds, it is a compilation of songs that will find their way into the hearts and minds of all who listen to it, and it will then refuse to leave, its qualities and depths bring the listener something new fresh and very chilled, with every second played.

Attractive By Craigology

 

Attractive

By

Craigology

Written by

Chrissie Sheppard

 

Attractive is the perfect title for this single from Craigology, a real chilled release indeed.

There is so much to hear within the arrangement, that I have listened to it several times now, and still hear something new each time that I hadn’t really noticed before.

The music takes you on a journey of discovery with the sounds of the piano and a drum beat, along with other percussion and strings, as we wind our way along a road with many twists and turns, but one that always brings us back to the main drag every time.

Another great release from the artist.

Mr Picnic Basket By Craigology

 

Mr Picnic Basket

By

Craigology

Written by

Chrissie Sheppard

 

Well I did not really know what to expect when I sat to listen to this new release from Craigology entitled Mr Picnic Basket, but wow, was I in for a real treat. The jazzy chilled vibes that in store for all that listen are a real pleasure to dive within.

I love the piano and beats that open the arrangement as it then progresses into a track with a real summer feel.

A must buy for anyone who likes chilled music with a jazzy ethic.

Twilight Dreams By Rick Sparks

 

Twilight Dreams

By

Rick Sparks

Written by

Chrissie Sheppard

 

There is a magical feeling that comes from the latest single to come our way from Rick Sparks; it is the piece Twilight Dreams from his album Bella.

The arrangement has a slight Celtic touch to it, but the main feeling that comes from this composition is one of a magical realm, where you can feel safe and protected at all times, like an angel watching over you whilst you sleep.

This is a beautiful serene composition that is so delightful to swim within, and one that I could listen to on repeat for hours without getting bored.

Hats off to Rick Sparks on this wonderful release, I am sure it will be received well by his fans and others alike.

 

A Song Of Thanks (For Delome) By Louis Colaiannia

 

A Song Of Thanks (For Delome)

By

Louis Colaiannia

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There is a wonderfully empowering energy within this new single A Song Of Thanks (For Delome) by Louis Colaiannia that is so heart-warming to listen to, the mood raises the spirits to one of hope, from the depths of a past memory. Colaiannia utilizes a multi-instrumental approach to this new offering and it works brilliantly.

A Song Of Thanks (For Delome) is respectful soundtrack that tugs on the heart strings, and contains gentle, careful and delicate orchestrations that are so very sweet to listen too indeed. This is a fresh direction for the artist, but one that has been created with a tender touch on the keys and a spoonful of unconditional love along the way.

Time's Illusion By Michael Regina

 

Time's Illusion

By

Michael Regina

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have followed the talents of Michael Regina for a few years now and enjoyed the many musical reveries along the way, one that would take me back to 2018 and the A Far Better World album. One must say that the excitement is building now as we begin another journey with the artist and his latest release Time’s Illusion.

The opener is exceptional, it is called The Chosen Few and has a build akin to Floyd on Shine On you Crazy Diamond and then natural sounds lead us to an undeniable earth beat, the flowing synths of the most charismatic opener are irresistible and some of the best I have ever heard from the artist.

Scan your radio right now, add that resultant audio capture to a glorious electric piano and you get the beginning of this next superb piece entitled Frequencies. There is subtle but beautifully composed rhythm to this track, one that would feature well in the chill out genre too.

There is a real mood of reflection on this next track from Regina called Days Gone By, the keyboards and synths laydown a feeling of a carpet of memories being rolled out upon the ground of forevermore, and a composition that reminded me greatly of US based instrumentalist Holland Phillips.

Time and Again nudges us closer to the half way marker, and the tick and tock of the relentless clock sets the scene for a powerful yet tempered piece that had a wonderfully chilled inner vibe to its construction, one that is smooth, fluent and very easy on the ears indeed.

Noctis Decus fulfils the night time perambulations of the mind with a dream like offering from Michael Regina, there is much to like here as the percussive elements weave a tale of intrigue and fascination with the keyboards.

The tor of musical pleasure has been breached as we enter the second half of the album with the arrangement Remembrance. After the build and synth progression of the opening few bars, we are gifted a beat so empowering and forceful that it wouldn’t be unlike that of a soft rock track in its resultant texture.

On Unity Quest we have a composition that builds with a gentle reflective intent and adds an almost regal poise to the arrangement, the percussive elements and pleasingly weaved synths and keyboards, compose something as close to a movie track as possible, and makes for me the most unique offering from the album.

We now move into the deeper waters of this release, and as we do so we come across a track entitled Smile Through Sorrow. The sadness is palpable here and the tones manifest a visual image of walking through a lonely forest at night in the depths of a deep unrelenting sorrow, it is always hard to portray this style of reflection musically, but here Regina progresses this arrangement so beautifully that one may even find hope at the end of the track.

A Traveler's Tale is a return to the classic contemporary waters of artist like the aforementioned Holland Phillips of even Timothy Wenzel, both artists very proficient at their skills; we can now add Michael Regina to that list of master creators of mood felt music, this track specifically has a fantastic sense of movement within its manifestation, one that shows a permanent onward direction from a time worn individual, this is musical art in motion at its very best.

Our penultimate piece is bathed in a mood of angelic apprehension, from a world of ethereal escapes and is called Shrouded in Light. The organ was delicious and much appreciated; the upbeat tempo and energy of the song created a dominant and robust feeling from deep inside of the very soul of the composition.

One of my favourite pieces off the album was the gentle but quite beautiful The Fortress. The final song off the album and one that has a slight Celtic lilt to its overall mood, the percussion explodes into action and we are marched across the country side to the safety of our fortress. I adored the interplay here between the soft elements of the track and the more powerful movements within; this created a very classy juxtaposition to enjoy, and thus manifesting simply the perfect ending composition for the album.

Time's Illusion by Michael Regina is a fine example of very good contemporary instrumental music, the album is packed from rafters to basement with quality compositions, each one so craft-fully created, they manifest a journey and a story all of their own, making for me, Time's Illusion by Michael Regina a very easy album to recommend indeed.