Eternity II By John Lyell

 

Eternity II

By

John Lyell

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There comes a time, not very often it has to be said, but there does come a time when you are asked to review an album and as soon as you hit play to start, you are just taken to a whole new level buy the contents contained within, and you can honestly rate what you are listening to as some one of the best music you have listened to in a specific genre for a long time.

With Eternity II that delightful occurrence has just happened, this is the new super ambient work by artist John Lyell, and it simply some of the best work I would say I have listened to this century with utter ease.

We can start this divine journey with the opening piece called When The World Was New, a sublime pastiche of soft synths and natural sounds, the combination of tone and timbre here remind me in part to David Naegeles 1982 masterpiece Temple in the Forest, this meditative creation is one of the best starting tracks I have heard this year from an ambient artist with ease.

From that amazing starting point we float into the welcoming arms of A Moment In Time, another gentle stream pours its ambience across the furrowed brow of our needy senses, and once more we can be set adrift on a sea of unearthly keyboards and soft synths, this takes the previous composition to a whole new level, and leaves the listener in a total state of tranquillity.

There are very few albums that make it onto my personal streaming list, but this is most certainly going to be added later today, and Gateway to the Stars will be one that I will drift on harmoniously in a timeless reverie with, the melodious ethereal sounds that emanate from Lyell’s synths and keyboards are utterly peace driven and serene at all times, this is the style that gave the UK’s Kevin Kendle so much success with as his alter ego Aetherium.

We now move into the realm of long form as we encounter a deeper arrangement, one that holds a minimalistic energy and entwines it with the vibration of a timeless portal of a shadow world, in the title track Eternity II, this is a brilliant example of electronic ambient music at its very best, and similar tones and moods to a certain Brian Eno and the On Land album can be found here too, but both brighter and warmer.

We move to our penultimate offering and this bed of brilliance is entitled Observatory, a universal mood can be found within the tonal touches of this classy composition, once more the tempo is perfection, with those mood filled synths swirling and manifesting a far ranging and vast arrangement that we as willing listeners will be more than happy to explore.

The concluding piece is Final Approach, the fine presentation of synth and keyboard work here is worth noting and enjoying, this ending offering is sublime, a textured composition that every little nuance is enjoyed and is also simply breath taking. This cogent and wonderfully constructed creation completes one of the best ambient music voyages I have had for utterly decades.

Eternity II by John Lyell has to be one of the best albums of any genre I have had to pleasure to listen to and review this year, from its first note, to its last, magic is created. I have no problem stating that Eternity II by John Lyell doesn’t just deserve to make a big splash in the charts, it deserves to reap the benefits of winning an award, this my friends is what really good ambient music should sound like, grab a copy now!

KIMO VITO By Jim Kimo West & David Vito Gregoli

 

KIMO VITO

By

Jim Kimo West & David Vito Gregoli

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This combination of two guitar geniuses is fast becoming a winning partnership in the instrumental world today, now with numerous hit singles already on the charts, the dynamic duo of Jim Kimo West & David Vito Gregoli turn their attention to the release of their brand new album and it is utterly stunning.

KIMO VITO is indeed a clever title, it sticks in the mind, and for some reason it reminds me of a Latin phrase from the Roman Era, regardless here is an album of top quality songs and compositions, started off by the latest version of Stings Fragile released originally back in 1988, this is a lush and colourful tip of the hat, one for a summer afternoon cruise without doubt.

As you would expect from a Vito Gregoli release it is going to be multi-instrumental, you can also enjoy twin acoustic guitar moments of great style and excellence and on, On the Road to Windham you have just that, add a delightful fretless bass into the mix and you have a very memorable travelling song indeed.

Two become three on this next opus called Where Is Home Now? featuring MB Gordy from Opium Moon on percussion, and Joss Jaffe on tabla, this questioning musical narrative does have a global feel to it, but also one that crosses many borders and countries as it goes, Jim Kimo West’s guitar here is a delight to swim musically with.

Southern Coast is our next port of call and is a relaxing composition filled full of sun kissed beaches, rugged coastlines and glistening oceans, well at least that’s the images that fill my mind on this hot July day on the south west coast of Cyprus. This is a truly cheer filled song that raises the level of happiness in anyone that needs it.

The smooth textures of this mid-placed track now heads our way with the piece In Your Eyes, there is an emotive taste within this piece that I adore, I also revered the harmonics as well, and the symbiosis of both guitars here made this a very attractive and meaningful offering indeed.

As we slide down the hill of the latter part of the album we come across a bass driven start to a piece that is entitled Michael and Michael, a track that creates an artistic moment of acoustic magic for us all, and moves us with style onto the composition Pandora's Musical Box. This is a fascinating offering, one that drifts from corner to corner lighting up a fresh musical path as it goes, with elements of folk contained within, one must wonder if Hesiod would have approved of this container being opened, I would have thought so, as this is one of the most ambient pieces from the album, and certainly one containing a completely adorable melody that reminded me so much of Black Sabbaths Fluff creation.

We draw closer to the banks of the deeper waters of the album, and we do so we come across a deeper musical narrative, one with a global feel called Land of Dreams. Tones of a Middle Eastern vibration can also be found here on this breathtakingly magical offering of a delightful multi-instrumental flavour, with rhythmic percussive elements that are so very palpable.

The slow and gentle progression on Sanctum (feat Joss Jaffe on tabla) was a loving thing, this soothing musical segment gives us a moment to breathe and appreciate all that we have heard thus far. When the addition of the fretless bass, sitar and harmonics that float into this wonderfully crafted opus, I’m sold completely on what I rate as one of the best tracks on the album.

The concluding offering from the duo is called Let It Be, now this is one of those songs that you will know instantly as soon as you hear it, the memorable tones of this Beatles classic will remain forever in our hearts, now doubly so thanks to this most excellent rendition. I personally feel there is something quite tranquil and healing about this creative version, and what a stunning choice as the last track on the album, indeed this is the perfect parting gift.

KIMO VITO by Jim Kimo West & David Vito Gregoli is an exceptional body of work that brings it all together for the artists, perfect in presentation, production and performance, stylish in the multi-instrumental textures and tones it gives the listener; one has to add that this collection of superb compositions has to be an album that can be held up to the globe, as one of the finest examples of a guitar based instrumental music release of the decade thus far.

A Promise Of Eternity By Jim Ottaway

 

A Promise Of Eternity

By

Jim Ottaway

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Jim Ottaway has been an electronic musician that has been on my personal musical radar for some 18 years and the album Aurora, since that time his manifestations have always been explorative, fascinating journeys of sonic sound and colourful textures of electronic mastery, and we’re about to go on another voyage today with the release of his latest album entitled A Promise Of Eternity.

The forest of musical manifestation with Jim is always one of countless bounty; take the opening track for example entitled Path of Destiny. Here is a track that tempts the listener to join him on the trek with a gentle opening, but one that seems to slowly grow and expand whilst doing so, one that reminded me of an old friend of mine in Geigertek back in the early part of this century.

The artist has quite a palate of musical paints with which to choose from, his knowledge and wisdom over the years have allowed him such a wide array of tones and vibrations to work with, enjoy the higher levels of such on this quality composition that arrives next and called Shadow Dreams, the deft percussive element in this piece adds weight to an already pristine arrangement.

A charming musical narrative can be found on this next offering entitled Light Dawns (Reimagined), a mixture of Jean Michel Jarre and refrains from what used to be called the chill out genre can be found here on this most delectable composition. Whilst an emotive and inspiring reverie will be located upon this next manifestation called Horizons Beyond, this one is a bit special, its percussive tangents bring us a fine example of electronic music of the highest quality, and reminded me greatly of Norway’s Glenn Main.

The up-tempo and fast paced creation called The Edge of Knowing is up next and is nestled beautiful in the mid-way half of the album. The repetitive keyboards build on a progression that is always about to explode into action, the inclusion of a more solid drum beat continues the onward movement of the offering, with a crafted and clever intent that is utterly sublime.

The fulcrum is reached within the refrains of the track Days without Yesterdays.  The synths here are symbiotically partnered with sumptuous keyboards and a deft and delicate percussive element, while on Dancing in Shadow and Light we have a light and incredible appealing composition that will lift the energies of the listener with ease At times this reminded me of David Wright and his track, The Sound of Waves.

The technical aspects of Jim’s albums are always a pleasure to note, his skill set on performance doubly so, and on Once Forever we see that combined perfectly in a piece that swirls with an intent, and then is added to in a perfect example of build and progression within a compositional structure.

The upbeat Whispers of the Soul is next on the check list of our musical voyage of plenty, this one is pretty unique, as there is a clear global and world music vibe contained within this tribally rhythmic composition, one that has a smooth bass line as well, whilst on This Fleeting World Ottaway produces one of the finest example of electronic music, with a Berlin styled opus that flourishes with great style and fluency.

So we are here at the title track of the album, this has to be one of my personal all-time favourites from the artist in A Promise Of Eternity. The crisp tones and the natural timbre of the performance are simply beautiful, and perhaps a touch of early Vangelis can be found within the heart of the construction as well, a stunning reverie indeed.

The concluding piece is called Light Dawns is also a spectacular offering, a grand opening akin and redolent of the subject matter, flowing synths abound like the mist hovering across the Elysian fields, and we have the perfect final parting musical gift from Ottaway.

A Promise Of Eternity by Jim Ottaway is an impressive collection of 12 very crafted and well-presented electronic music compositions, even so, each song, each piece, has something a little different contained within, each composition has a journey and a tale to tell all of its own.

Here is an album not afraid to cross musical boundaries, not fearful of changing tempo and style, in short I believe Jim Ottaway has gone for it here on A Promise Of Eternity, and it’s worked brilliantly, with that in mind, you should really avail yourself of a copy of this album as soon as you can, music of this quality does not come around that often.

A Tear and A Smile By Victor Towle

 

A Tear and A Smile

By

Victor Towle

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Lately I have received some very impressive acoustic guitar submissions; in fact I would say I have had more in this last month than in the rest of the year proceeding it, this new release by Victor Towle is a positive affirmation of that aforementioned statement, this new single is called A Tear and A Smile.

The gentle guitar narrative wends its way through the woodlands and timberlands of a kindly summer musical forest, and never fails to charm along the way, the performance by Towle is indeed very impressive, with its uplifting tones and vibrations, and its alteration of posture to allow us to both swim in its ambience, but pay attention to the wonderfully constructed nuances as we go.

This is one of those tracks that you just find yourself leaving on repeat for ages; it’s a colourful pastiche of notes and chord progressions, and a delightful arrangement to show two sides to an emotional story, one that concludes with the smile, and wiping the tear from the face.

Towle has manifested something simple yet poignant, the shadow play of moods is impressive and his acoustic guitar performance doubly so, one has to look at this piece and feel that its contents, and the artists presentation is that good, that a huge hit could well be on the cards for A Tear and A Smile by Victor Towle.

Openings By Shambhu feat Leo Steinriede

 

Openings

By

Shambhu feat Leo Steinriede

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Shambhu is a well-known guitarist of sublime quality and calm, each and every composition is created with care and attention to detail to give the listener a total moment of pleasure, here today on this brand new single entitled Openings he combines his skill set with that of young guitarist Leo Steinriede to brings us a combination of electric stringed magic.

Openings from its early inception, has to be one of the most chilled reveries I have heard this year with ease, the duet of electric guitars, something we’re slowly getting used to in the new age music genre these days, eases the listener into the day and beyond an horizon of blissful peace and tranquillity.

This new single will be released on the next Shambhu album called Reflections in this coming September, in the meantime, those with an ear for serene musical pleasures will delight in this imploring and meditative bath of soft sounds and resonating vibrations.

It is so good to hear this mixture of guitar reflections and shadows, the music itself seems to float like a misty sunbeam dancing into an open sky from an errant summer cloud. In the way that Fleetwood Mac brought us Albatross back in the 1970,s shocking the world with an instrumental guitar hit single, I truly believe that Openings by Shambhu feat Leo Steinriede in 2024 will also take the charts with a charming smile of confidence, and itself become a song and perhaps a beacon of pure tranquillity for any listener, this composition has not just got hit written all over hit, but possible awards too.

Coastline (The Solo Version) By Ryan Michael Richards

 

Coastline (The Solo Version)

By

Ryan Michael Richards

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I remember with great fondness the release of Ryan’s album Experiences back in 2014, and I can hardly believe it possible that 10 years has passed and here we are once again listening to the best track off that album and now in 2024 his latest single, a solo guitar version this time and called Coastlines (The Solo Version). Ryan Michael Richards is back and that is so good to both see and hear.

I love coastlines, anyone who lives by the ocean such as we do, will completely appreciate this great solo acoustic guitar composition, here Ryan gifts us an opportunity to walk gratefully along the long coastal line, watching the birds drift by on the thermals, seeing and hearing the tides caress the shoreline, and watching the sun kiss the lapis waters below, all this and more can be found on this sublime recording from the artist.

This is one of those pieces of music that will remain timeless, unforgotten and much loved, Ryan’s guitar picks the way ahead on this song, and we can feel the gentle onward movement through the arrangement, one can also literally take pleasure from this musical vista of peace and tranquillity created by the artist.

A gentle loving song can be found in Coastlines (The Solo Version), a simple blissful melody, one filled full of appreciation and gratitude, and as such this one will be totally adored by lovers of truly good music, and acoustic aficionados across the globe too.

Colors By Hiromasa Kobayashi performed by Ivajla Kirova

 

Colors

By

Hiromasa Kobayashi performed by Ivajla Kirova

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There is always a little time to kick back and enjoy the musical sanctuary of a new artist to you, this is my mood on this sunny Wednesday in July, the heat of the summer rages outside, but within my cool studio I can listen to the fascinating and very charming piano presentations of Hiromasa Kobayashi, performed by Ivajla Kirova, and this latest release entitled Colors.

From the very first reverie called Purple, we have one of the most chilled Jazz styled lounge tracks possible. I remember fondly spending many hours in Atlanta Hartsfield Airport listening to a piano player perform songs like this, and while his dollar jar increased in paper money, bliss was found in its much needed ambience. Here I feel I am not too far of the mark, a tale is being told by a very classy performance indeed, perhaps one of wishes unfulfilled, but still very colourful in its textures.

The next track is called Blue and is indeed a composition of a totally different colour, one that reminds me of our journeys out on the boat here in mid-summer, the repeating motif and flowing movements perfectly depict the lush lapis ocean below.

This is without doubt one of the most fascinating piano based albums I have come across for a few years, this next track highlights that statement, we open the piece Orange and are delighted by its soothing and tasty contents, there is a gentle folk styled narrative in the arrangement, and a delicious level of gratitude too, perhaps the colour of a western sunset is beheld.

We now move with such style and grace to out next composition called Green, which just so happens to be one of two favourite colours of mine, this piece abounds with the reveries of spring in all its glory, Kirova’s presentation flows with the abundance of nature and all it brings to this wondrous globe, her pristine touch is cleverly created, one that manifests vistas of excited dragonflies and butterflies on one of the most graphic arrangements on the album.

Yellow is utterly delightful, it’s a fluent composition of a great textured quality, one that I enjoyed immensely, there is a certain eastern influence within the vibration and timbre of the composition that is charming, a certain regal mood to the offering can also be found here, something full and rich in tonal pleasures, and it is delightful.

When I think, the first thoughts about the colour White are usually that of snow, something that is very rare in my country of Cyprus, unless you go high into the mountains of course, but the artist’s portrayal of this colour, her delicacy of touch and her awareness of tone, remind me at times of piece Snowflakes are Dancing originally Debussy, but later also performed by the electronic wizard Isao Tomita, a beautiful melodic and reflective energy can be found in this sumptuous composition.

We move now into the dark realms of the night for this last but one creation called Black. The shadowy vibrations of dark alleyways reverberate within this fascinating offering, one that builds and progress with such a dramatic flair, I also wondered if this could be used in a movie segment of that ilk. This melodramatic power piece is one of my favourites, with its many twists and turns, its alternating pace and tempo, in fact we could well be watching an old black and white film unfurl before our very eyes, in all its theatrical glory.

The last manifestation from the album is called Red, this passionate piece has a certain texture and vibrancy from a location just over the sea from me, from its glorious performance one can visualise vast desert lands, and its inhabitants wondering like nomads across its plains to the monolithic pyramids ahead, then pausing from this sublime presentation to cool and rest at a grateful oasis, a wonderful last dramatic offerings, and a very clever and crafted way with which to collude the project.

Colors by Hiromasa Kobayashi and performed by Ivajla Kirova is a breath taking pastiche of solo piano passion and fire, its dramatic corners and alleyways have constant surprises in store for every listener, and must at all costs not be missed. Here is a fine pianist indeed, one not afraid to show her full tapestry of undeniable talents on the piano to an ever waiting world; as such this is a thrilling ride of musical enthusiasm, so grab your ticket now, and be ready to be enthralled.

Afterglow By Kevin Kendle

 

Afterglow

By

Kevin Kendle

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Ever since 1992 I have been enthralled with one of the finest electronic music performers the world is ever likely to see, yes ok, I’m being biased, but over the years and the albums gone, I think Kevin Kendle is right up there with the giants, he has proved himself time and time again. That 1992 album was called Watermusic and Kevin will be the first to admit his music and its production has come a long way since then, now with the arrival of his latest release Afterglow, we have a moment to stop, breathe and enjoy, one of the most beautiful albums I have had the pleasure to listen to for decades.

The opening offering is lush and coloured and called Firelight, it reminds me of those lazy hazy days of mid-summer, the flame of a candle that keeps those pesky bugs at bay, and the vastness of the cosmos above us all. Kevin’s relaxed synth pads and delightfully layered tones say it all on a beginning that is so soothing to the soul.

I can truly appreciate this piece; I live on an island where every sunset is angelic and utterly encapsulating, this next offering takes that and emboldens it further and its name, Sunfall. The cascading tone and timbre here reminds me partly of Meditation 1 by the great Laraaji, here is a piece crisp yet tranquil, uplifting yet serene, and flowing yet dreamy, simply put Kendle’s performance here is perfection.

Twilight sums up this album perfectly, the long drawn musical narrative and soothing synths create a piece that would be perfect to drift off into a dream to. Kevin’s keyboards on this melodic and charming offering really do hold the listener close and tenderly, this whole track ushers forth a level of heart felt musical love like no other.

The chime at the start of At Dusk is so delightful, the piece itself is full of rich flavours, but its healing properties are so very palpable, here is the most meditative manifestation I have heard from the artist in a long while, and I adore every second of it. The repeating motif builds, and as we listen we fade into a peace filled reverie of total calm.

Skyglow is a track that reminds me of tones and vibrations passed; its floating narrative here is so redolent of artists like Tomita, but even more so, Kevin’s old friend Iasos. Fortunately for us Kevin has produced a tempting long form track of just over nine minutes for us to enjoy.  If we listen to this track carefully one can drift off into a timeless space of great tranquillity, and it may even remind us of his days as Aetherium and albums like Healing Gold.

Allow yourself to breathe into this next segment of great beauty called Below the Horizon. Now I must state that at this point I had to quickly save my work as I had lost myself totally in Afterglow, trust me that is an easy thing to do, so with that done and a sigh of relief given, I fall arms open into this next piece called Below The Horizon. With its angelic like harmonics and its space like tones, we can be literally amazed at the level of serenity this artist can create, a track of utterly imperturbable energies indeed.

Our last but one reverie is entitled Strange Light, this piece reminds me of past meditations I have done, the harmonic convergence and the lush atmospherics contained within are simply breath taking, whilst the concluding offering, which is proudly the title track Afterglow, tops the whole project off with a level of class like none before. Afterglow is the ultimate meditative long form opus of just over 11 minutes, and is simply addictive to bathe within its sonic soothing narrative too.

Afterglow by Kevin Kendle is the album that we have all be eagerly awaiting, and upon its arrival it certainly didn’t disappoint, in fact, as ambient albums with a penchant to manifesting a healing vibe go, Afterglow has to be one of the best I have heard this century with utter ease, it is a release that will please all that have the good sense to purchase a copy as soon as they can, this has to be an award winning album surely.

On The Road To Windham By Jim Kimo West & David Vito Gregoli

 

On The Road To Windham

By

Jim Kimo West & David Vito Gregoli

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Anything that falls from the Vito tree these days is simply magical, and here is the master instrumentalist once again, with one of the finest slack guitarists on the planet in Jim Kimo West, are ready once more to please and gifting to us ever eager listeners a new single called On The Road To Windham.

Without a shadow of a doubt any reader or listener who knows anything about contemporary instrumental music will instantly recognise the title, and it is indeed one that pays homage to the mecca of greatness and wonderment known as Windham Hill Records.

Many have walked through that door, many are our on-line friends right now, and most of them leave changed, grown, advanced in their musical states, perhaps beyond what they could have possibly imagined. Here both Jim and David create with their guitars and associated instruments a new single that has a sense of respect of this theatre of greatness, and a passion for all that it has brought to the world of music.

On the Road to Windham by Jim Kimo West & David Vito Gregoli, is a timeless classic that will be much appreciated by fans of Will Ackerman’s beloved theatre of dream. I am sure too that he will enjoy the clever acoustic guitar refrains and nuances, the extremely classy fretless bass, and the ever onward progressive creation that should be streamed by the bucket load and called On The Road To Windham. Here is a rock solid hit if ever you heard one, and one of the finest acoustic based singles released this year with ease.

Spirited Away By Russ McRee

 

Spirited Away

By

Russ McRee

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The latest single from Russ McRee lies upon my desktop, contained within this file is a short form acoustic guitar narrative with a rhythmic percussion, which when combined gives us a song called Spirited Away, and once manifested becomes one of the most addictive compositions of its type I have heard this summer.

The slow but ever onward musical narrative moves us across the bridge of our dreams, and into an alternate reality where the energies of the day have started winding down, and the world has moved on.

The style of performance on guitar here is simply compelling; I have listened to it some 6 times in a row now and I still find clever little nuances hidden within, some that remind me of The Eagles and segments once found within the realm of the Bob Segar Silver Bullet Band, with its charming acoustic reverie and its rustic mid-western charm.

For me this is a solid gold hit, a song that you will take you to the dusty highways and plains, or perhaps down to the crossroads, which and whatever you choose, this explorative guitar with its beautifully played notes and progressive structures will always be with you, and as such I must predict a hit for Spirited Away by Russ McRee, and award it the most addictive guitar based piece of 2024.

As The World Falls Down By Carbe and Durand

 

As The World Falls Down

By

Carbe and Durand

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Well it’s not often you get asked to review a song written and composed by the one and only David Bowie, but as the dynamic duo of Carbe And Durand have released As The World Falls Down from the movie Labyrinth as their latest single, I get that opportunity.

The paring of these two artists have brought us some amazing music over the years, even their own version of another hero of mine in Ozzy with their rendition of Crazy Train among others, but here on this Bowie classic both Carbe and Durand are at the optimum power, creating a smooth backdrop to this memorable ballad from 1986.

J.P’s guitars have always been a class above many others and here on this new single he once more teams up with his symbiotic partner, the amazing Liza Carbe on vocals and bass, and magic is made. The whole single is close to the original, but one has to say that a little Latin flavouring and styling has been added to give it a more romantic feel.

Here is a hit single in the making, a guaranteed composition that will soar up the charts and give the duo of beautiful vibrations a much need oasis of respect, many will remember this song from the decades past and probably like my wife they may well be a fan of the movie Labyrinth too, as such I would easily recommend getting a copy of this new single, it will fulfil a need, it will slide most aptly into you musical scrapbook of musical memories never to be forgotten and retain a place close to your heart called, bliss.

6/8 Time By Denny Rauen

 

6/8 Time

By

Denny Rauen

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

To listen to a guitar in full flow is like watching a vast lapis ocean move in and out, back and forth, creating yearning tides, indeed as Geddy Lee from Rush once sung “I learned to lay my fingers across the wires, and to turn the keys to make them sound differently. As I struck the wires with my other hand, I produced my first harmonious sounds and soon my own music!” (2112)

This I did myself, I have 3 guitars upstairs that cry out for attention and thanks to the inspiration garnered from this album, they will indeed get that this coming autumn. The first piece off this delightful album is called Soloed, it is a sublime start to the release, one that draws a peaceful narrative and a calming spirit.

6/8 Time by Denny Rauen is a picture book of an acoustic guitar journey from the artist, it is a sketchbook of time passed and musical joy found, and also as a tip of the hat to the past, like the song Leonardo, it may be short, but it’s very sweet and honours the master De Vinci, plucking his first notes on his Lute, perhaps in his own Kithara moment.

This album is wonderfully crafted by a man who clearly knows his trade and is in love with it, this 9 track release is evidence of that love and passion, on pieces like the deep and mood filled opus of Silo Echoes, and onto the charming refrains of the youthful Skipping Stones, sun kissed memories can be found in all, as we live our lives through this ever changing corridor of life.

There is a little folk mood that drifts across the horizon of the penultimate offering Little Creek, another delightful redolent memory bathed in some of the finest note picking I have heard for a long, long while. 

We even had a special moment of love and time and tide, as we listen to a piece well known and long adored in the amazing Greensleeves, a composition also much appreciated by the artist’s mother around Christmas time too.

The entire album is a master class of acoustic guitar genius, listening to a musician of this calibre should be enough to inspire any lapsed player like me, and totally enthral any musical aficionado on their journey of perfection in music.

6/8 Time by Denny Rauen is technically outstanding, colourful and wonderfully textured, it is also a very pleasing musical journey of much calm and serenity, one that any seeker of a sanctuary of much needed peace would be more than happy to find and enter, this album should be a huge hit in the charts, and perhaps even loved enough to receive an acclaim from the pundits of musical tone and timbre.

Sonic Landscape By The Song Gardeners

 

Sonic Landscape

By

The Song Gardeners

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

What the world needs now more than ever is The Song Gardeners, their music, the lyrical overtures of peace and love are without doubt a commodity we desperately need to wipe away the fear, miss communication and utter gullibility that seems to be spreading around the globe like a wild fire in July, truly good honest uplifting and positive music like Sonic Landscape can make a difference, and if each of us embrace music such as this, the noise and confusion within our minds can change too.

That aforementioned statement is well catered for in this opening song entitled Present a fine example of musical instructions on how to think far more clearly and, critically, and whilst doing so in the Present, the song itself is should be a constant mantra for us all.

This collection of eight previously released singles should be sought after post haste, especially one of the best new age pop singles ever released in Send Love to Everyone Heal the Divide, this would have worked well in the 60’s and 70’s with ease, whilst offerings like the inspiring More of This with its electro funky beat and percussive Sympathy For the Devil opening hit the spot beautifully.

This is an album you simply cannot go wrong with, all the hits are there, for me it was great once more to bathe myself in the sonic soundscape of tracks like April Sky, a release that reminded me of my youth and the hours I used to spend alone under the galactic vastness, this song is also a perfect example of the genre that we now New Age Pop.

Within concludes the album release, one that I personally hope will be a huge success for The Song Gardeners, I have much respect for them and what they are trying to achieve. Within is in fact the perfect ending track, after all if we cannot be true to ourselves just what hope do we have of being so with others.

Sonic Landscape by The Song Gardeners should be given more attention than any of the news channels on your TV, as at least the information contained within the album is real, honest, true and packed with integrity.

Corrie Dunn and Mary Gospe should be applauded for their efforts in general, but even more so for the release of this their new album, its fluent and powerful messages and musicianship drift across the landscape of all that is utterly splendid musically speaking, and hopefully for the ladies of empowerment, that not only a chart hit is on its way, but awards are to follow in its wake also, this is easily an album I can honestly recommend.

New Kind of World By Top Shelf

 

New Kind of World

By

Top Shelf

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Fortunately for me I have spent time in Jamaica, at the birthplace of the all mighty Bob Marley and in the land where music is the one constant that the country can rely on, here Top Shelf have produced a vibrant new Reggae based album that has elements of both Rap and Ska contained within, and it is a most compelling release indeed.

The culture of Reggae music as said to me whilst in Montego Bay by a fellow musician was “Mon you have to feel the vibe, feel the rhythm, and be heavy on the bass” thankfully all that and more can be found on New Kind of World by Top Shelf, especially the opening piece Wake the Lion, a pulsating opening with all the aforementioned styles and traits found within.

This 12 track album is literally a summer compilation of smooth vibrancy, especially like beach hits such as The Solution and the classic Rock Steady, the start is so Marley it’s delightful, then the happy dance styled motifs kick in with a full flourishing production, and some craft fully clever guitar by Korey Ross.

The more brass and piano based offerings like Omw give us a tempting juxtaposition of tone, while songs like Sunshine State (feat. CootDog & EMCEE RADIOACTIVE) is exceptional in its party styled elements, and then offerings like Bumpy Ride will fill that desire for a little more undeniable rhythm and bass, the vocals and styling here are breath taking from Carter Lane, add to that the mixture of a classy symbiosis of minor and major refrains, and you have my favourite track off the album.

The project is concluded by the final gift of the piece Struggle; once more a perfect vibe can be felt and touched, while the total essence of Reggae music is saluted in the most respectful of ways, and of course is simply the best way with which to leave the album.

A big salute must also go to the champions of tone, the band itself Top Shelf, with sublime and classy presentations and performances by Carter Lane on superb lead vocals, Korey Ross lead guitarist, and the lord of cool string touches, the king of the engine room Chad Goodin on bass, his crisp and rhythmic partner Drew Nicoll the drummer, let’s hear it for Gabriel Winter keyboards, Phillip Goldie on the sultry sax, and of course we must not forget Achilles Poloynis gifting us some almighty trombone.

So one must give up the respect for New Kind of World by Top Shelf, this album must be without doubt one of the best releases this summer and an album that should be spun more times that a spiders web this August. If you wish to fill your life with some very cool reggae vibes this season, then you really must avail yourselves with a copy of New Kind of World by Top Shelf as soon as you can, then hit the beach, crank open a Red Stripe and enjoy!

Camelot By Richard Dillon

 

Camelot

By

Richard Dillon

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Alfred Lord Tennyson once lyrically wrote “On either side the river lie, Long fields of barley and of rye, That clothe the wold and meet the sky; And thro' the field the road runs by To many-tower'd Camelot” and there is something about this brand new single from masterful Richard Dillion that draws a compelling narrative about that very location, and quite rightly called Camelot performed by Neil Patton.

Dreamy days of summers long past haunt the green woods and forests as we walk in the tonal footprints of another brilliant new composition from Dillion. Patton's tender touch on the piano is akin to an August breeze blowing across the face of a loved one.

This single is not just a great work of solo piano, it is incredibly descriptive, with a posture, power and intensity all of its own, and then contained within the already strong musical prose, comes a sensitive segment that is both deeply touching and steeped in ancient energies.

Camelot is also multi-faceted; I found a serene sense of ambience within this new offering, the juxtaposition that this offered when partnered with the more robust and regal tones made this for me ultra-special, this could indeed be one of the finest arrangements that Richard Dillion has manifested, I certainly adore it.

Breakfast with My Best Friend By Richard Dillon

 

Breakfast with My Best Friend

By

Richard Dillon

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Richard Dillon has produced some quite breath taking pieces over the years, but here on this new single called Breakfast with My Best Friend he produces a much more laid back style as the title would suggest, here is a light new composition that will ease you into any new day ahead with a sumptuous ease.

The term easy like “Sunday morning” is probably over used, but in this instance is a good example to use, the smooth and incredibly chilled tones created here by the artist are utterly delightful, one can imagine with ease the sun kissed day about to start, and two friends relaxing on the balcony watching the day move up a gear, whilst sipping a cooling drink and perhaps consuming some of the nicest jam on the most delicious fresh toast.

There are light Jazz elements here by Dillon, these are also wonderfully added, they paint an overall descriptive narrative of the most pleasant of early morning moments, this is one of those tracks that whilst reasonably short in duration, one could leave on repeat and not even notice.

The gentleness of the piece itself is utterly addictive and most pleasing to the senses and this is why I believe that a hit is one the way for Breakfast with My Best Friend by Richard Dillon.

Smiles on the Way By Victor Birkan

 

Smiles on the Way

By

Victor Birkan

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It’s always pleasing to me when a new single from Victor Birkan arrives on my desk; this one is especially pleasing as it is a light, cheer filled reverie of solo piano called Smiles on the Way. There is also a sun lit melody here that is as equally delightful, and most certainly very pleasant on the ears, heart and mind.

Birkan is often described as the king of Felt, but here he gifts us a wonderfully flowing example of his stylish performances on a standard piano composition, and it works beautifully.

His flourishing style and colourful gestures on the piano are crisp, well performed and craft-fully produced; it’s great to hear the artist in an abundantly bright mode, lifting our energies with his full flowing musical narrative, and raising the rhythms of a very passionate performance.

Smiles on the Way is a composition worth a listen and if you’re a fan of piano based music that has a story to tell, and a vibration that is both addictive and passionate in its compositional structures, then you need to make this brand new single part of your collection or playlist as soon as you can, one can pretty much predict that this new offering will burst into the charts, and will also be very well received by the genres legions of adoring fans.

Resilience By Jim Gelcer and David Vito Gregoli

 

Resilience

By

Jim Gelcer and David Vito Gregoli

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The very opening of this new single entitled Resilience by Jim Gelcer and David Vito Gregoli was a wonderment all on its own, bringing to me visions of old movie segments and tales told in books, long torn and dusty, there can be no doubt that this new offering by the artists is a composition of utter quality and depth.

There are so many things to enjoy here on this textured instrumental journey that it’s difficult to know where to start, perhaps the simply delectable Auracle hand pan of Gelcer, an instrument that is as colourful and soothing as a sunset in late September.

The vast array of tones created a pastiche of purpose and colour like none before, and offered up images of a heat filled desert where little survive, but still do, whilst the guitar segments, Oud, synths, and that oh so amazing fretless bass, still gift me images of that mountain ridge on the edge of the western deserts of mid world, where the man in black went, and the gunslinger followed.

How many images can a piece of music sum up, its simply idyllic and beautifully produced at all times, the combination of the instrumentation reminded me of artists like the Uk’s Phil Thornton, a long standing contemporary new age instrumentalist, and even more so the stylish US duo of Al Jewer & Andy Mitran.

There is no doubt Vito and Gelcer have found the magic formula here and created one of the most scenic instrumental singles I have heard for decades in Resilience. This one must be part of your musical collection as soon as you can, and of course a huge chart and an award could soon be on that dusty horizon too for Resilience by Jim Gelcer and David Vito Gregoli.

Radical Expressions By Craigology

 

Radical Expressions

By

Craigology

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

If you ever wanted to listen to an impressive instrumental offering that is piano based, then you need to look no further than the latest single from Craigology called Radical Expressions, this power piece has all the flow and intention of a soundtrack for a TV series, and one to be thoroughly enjoyed by the listener.

The pronounced keys at the initial stages of this piece set the scene immediately, whilst the oncoming rush, and one has to say commanding percussive element, took the whole song to a totally different level, one of extreme excitement and intensity.

However my personal favourite slice from this sublime new single was at 1 minute and 23, where a delightfully melodic pull back of dominance can be found in a simple delicious segment, after that a symbiotic and very balanced sovereignty of sound, could literally be seen dancing with Craigology’s softer alter ego of tone.

This in my view is the artist’s best work so far; he has built on previous successes and is slowly developing his style into what could be called soundtrack quality, and as such I have a feeling that Radical Expressions is going to be looked upon favourably by the listeners and indeed the charts. 

A Sense of Distance By Holland Phillips

 

A Sense of Distance

By

Holland Phillips

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

As an instrumentalist Holland Phillips must be one of the finest in the world today, his thoughtful and sometimes reflective compositions always allow one a momentary pause within life’s busy schedule. His music has been a part of my life now for some nine years and more, and it is a simple delight to travel with the artist again on another mollifying musical voyage of plenty, and this time around called A Sense Of Distance.

There is much to love on this new release, one I believe that has brought the very best out of Phillips again, and how pleasing it was to see the first track referencing a subject that I recently qualified educationally with in Greek Mythology, as we listen to a son of Zeus and his mortal wife Danaë on a track created by Phillips called Perseus Rising, a gentle and thoughtful keyboard based composition indeed to start this voyage.

The album is jam packed with splendid treats, one of which is the quite brilliant Through the Rabbit Hole, this somewhat darker creation builds with a sense of mystery and imagination and the possibility of getting lost in a world of confusion, whilst in my view Holland has found the perfect piece in Bittersweet, this is the artist from the days of Save The Dance and Serendipity, it is so good to hear this reflective connection again, sublime keyboard structures that for some reason take me back to the 90’s in compositional structure.

Offerings on this 10 track album also include the enigmatic Behind the Veil, the gentle almost Phil Thornton styled New Age opus called Enchantments, and of course the simply breath taking title track A Sense of Distance, with that mixture of piano and electronic vibrations in a mixture of a calming sense of reality.

It is always a pleasure to review and of course listen to a Holland Phillips album, and within its latter extremities one can find offerings like the uplifting and self-empowering musical narrative of Flying Solo, with slight hints of late 1960’s music and its crescendos of sublime perfection, or you may like do delve much deeper and into moving opuses of intensity like the film score styled Hope Remains.

The vibrant penultimate offering is called On Whistlers Ridge and gifts us as the ever eager listener a moment to cast a glance over a vast landscape of what seems infinite space, in a track of keyboards and light percussion, which must be the most visual piece from the release.

We sadly end this musical journey with the artist and as we do so he gifts us one last musical present entitled For the Love of it. This is perfection, the tone and vibration of the keyboard’s sums up this beauty of an album with succinct ease, and leaves the listener with a sense of complete satisfaction, at its conclusion.

Well it has been so good to see the master instrumentalist back in the seat, and once more producing sublime and quite brilliant new compilations of classic contemporary instrumental magic, I personally could listen to this album for hours on end, and will probably do so, thus I am in no doubt that this truly good release should be a part of your lives as well, therefore I believe that A Sense of Distance by Holland Phillips should not only be a huge chart hit for the artist, but also one that may make some headway in the world of musical awards, it is simply that good.