You Know I Will Remember You (Room 112) by Wayne Bethanis

 

You Know I Will Remember You (Room 112)

By

Wayne Bethanis

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have known Wayne Bethanis for many years now; musically his piano exploits are passion filled arrangements of either solo piano, but usually with added instrumentation, his efforts to explore varying colourful narratives are deeply impressive, but none more so that this latest single called You Know I Will Remember You (Room 112) and relating a story about his time volunteering in an aids ward in a hospital in the US, in a poignant and emotive musical journey, which is deeply powerful.

Wayne Bethanis’s work on this new single also can be found in the early stages of his masterwork album called Sonic Bloom, but here the artist utterly nails his best ever composition, one that with ease manifests the most expressive, moving and emotionally charged pieces I have ever heard from the performer.

His flourishing heart felt narrative moved me greatly, his fluent style, his graceful tenderness on piano, all brought together by some of the most delightful crescendos ever. You Know I Will Remember You (Room 112) by Wayne Bethanis, has just one destiny, to become the biggest hit single the artist has ever had, it is that good.

Remote Isolation (The Silence) by Keith Richie

 

Remote Isolation (The Silence)

By

Keith Richie

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There is certainly something to be said for the work of electronic music artist Keith Richie, his musical genius has enthralled me over the years, and his darker side of ambience has even encouraged me and inspired me to create my own music. Here on this latest single he continues to do so, as he brings you his latest single entitled Remote Isolation (The Silence).

In true John Carpenter style he brings us a new composition that gifts the listener a moment that floats between the movies Assault on Prescient 13 and Escape from New York. Richie’s skill at creating fluent cinematic music is simply outstanding, his music dives head long into a realm so powerful and all encapsulating, its utterly magical.

This is truly inspirational stuff, I could listen to music like this for hours and never get bored, synths, keyboards and floating audio, spoken narrative and over tonal delights, all go to making up one of the most compelling new singles around today, if this one doesn’t get into the top then, then there is simply no justice in the music world, as a huge hit must be on the cards for Remote Isolation (The Silence) by Keith Richie.

Christmas Magic is here to stay By Juan El Grande

 

Christmas Magic is here to stay

By

Juan El Grande

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It’s unusual to hear such a lively upbeat single for this time of year, with all the doom and gloom in the media something is needed, and perhaps that panacea is Christmas Magic is here to stay by Juan El Grande, here this new release brings vibrancy back to the Christmas genre that I believe it has truly missed over the decades, many have got all too serious about this time for year, but here on this new single by Juan El Grande, he brings back a little seventies fun with this upbeat pop narrative.

Christmas Magic is here to stay by Juan El Grande, has energies of happiness and cheer, fun and laughter, which indeed is what it should be all about, the compositional structure of the track is pretty clever, moving an upbeat-tempo, into a flowing Xmas melody, with all the right hook lines and sing along sections, there can be no doubt in my mind, that Christmas Magic is here to stay by Juan El Grande is the track the genre has missed since Slades iconic Merry Xmas Everybody. 

Whispers of Selene By Richard Theisen

 

Whispers of Selene

By

Richard Theisen

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It is always fantastic to write reviews for albums that contain a subject matter than you have a major interest and qualifications for, and being a Greek Mythologist I eagerly awaited the first few bars of this latest, manifested by composer Richard Theisen to caress my senses, from his latest wonderful album entitled Whispers of Selene, and I was at the conclusion of the release most pleased I had done so.

From our home in Cyprus we have many such legends to dream of, in my view Selene is often much undervalued, but today Richard puts that perfectly in place with one of the finest New Age albums of the year. The beginning of the album develops nicely through the work entitled First Breath, a piece that draws a gentle calming narrative with which the rest of the album builds beautifully from.

Avalon is our next destination; its exact location is unknown and debated, with some traditions linking it to Glastonbury in England, an area that I have been to many times, here Theisen manifests a keyboard based offering that contains both mystery and imagination, and trust me is very redolent of the location.

What Theisen does so well is to bridge mainstream success with deeply personal, spiritual artistry, and each track here takes me back to the golden years of new age music and artists like Medwyn Goodall, and Phil Thornton, however on slices of ambient genius like Whispers of Silence he balances shadow and light to perfection, and on one of my favourites Light of the Ancients, he brings a true Stonehenge vibration into the weave on a slightly more electronic energy in this weave world of musical mastery.

Selene is the ancient Greek goddess who personifies the Moon, often depicted riding a silver chariot across the night sky. She embodies lunar beauty, cycles, and mystery, and was worshipped during the new and full moons, whilst some could say she is the very shadow of Apollo, whose role was to bring the sun back, and allow the day to unfurl. We can listen now to Blood Moon Remix, for a true flavoursome offering, this greatly reminds me of US artist Timothy Wenzel with his ever onward approach and melody.

Whilst Selene and Apollo had no other connection, especially not of a romantic nature, one could possibly shed a Silver Tear for her famous love Endymion a beautiful mortal shepherd (sometimes described as a hunter or king) who lived in Elis or Caria, here Theisen manifests a beautifully reflective and heart felt offering filled full of expressive emotions and passion, redolent completely of that love which was once shared between them.

The Inner Flame is a piece bathed in the deeper waters of the release one that unfurls with a persuasive tempo and delicious bass line leading us nicely into the arms of the penultimate offering entitled Eternal Dawn, which would turn out to be one of the most attractive manifestations from the album, classically building on a steady narrative, and built upon a mystical keyboard performance, one that leads tenderly into a multi-instrumental moment of pure magic from the artist.

Sangreal concludes the album, a dramatic last arrangement that balances intrigue and mystery. Knights of the Round Table, especially Sir Galahad, sought the Sangreal as the highest spiritual achievement. Here Richard Theisen finishes in style with a wonderfully flowing and fluent musical piece of sublime art.

Whispers of Selene by Richard Theisen is pure artistry at its very best, and one of the finest examples of new age instrumental music around, this is a very rich tapestry of tone and timbre that one cannot help but fall head over heels in love with, and with my mythologists hat on, a delightful repose into the legends and myths of the times long gone, but never forgotten. I personally rate this album very highly and as such I’m expecting to see a huge chart placement for the album, Whispers of Selene by Richard Theisen.

In The Bleak Midwinter By James Michael Stevens

 

In The Bleak Midwinter

 By

James Michael Stevens

Written by

Andy Rogers

James Michael Stevens is a pianist, composer and arranger from Nashville, Tennessee.  A prolific performer and composer, he has a large and very successful back-catalogue of albums and is currently accruing over 75,000 listens per month on Spotify.

This new release sees James turn his attention to Christmas and consists of his own take on 12 seasonal favourites for solo piano: most are very familiar to us all but there are one two surprises in there too.

The album starts with the title track “In the Bleak Midwinter”. James has opted for the Gustav Holst tune rather than the one by Harold Darke. The familiar tune is played in a soothing calm way along with some lovely variations, and it is clear already that this album is no straightforward run through of those old much loved tunes, instead we have a collection of personal interpretations of the music.

“Ukrainian Bell Carol” (aka “Carol of the bells”) is a beautiful version of the well-known tune, taken at a slower pace than usual and I must say is all the better for it. Just lovely.

“Away in a Manger” is a carol known to us all from our school-days and James evokes that sense of childlike wonder with a softly played version that stays true to the original.

Next up is the longest track on the album. Beginning and ending with “O Holy Night” it segues cleverly into a version of “Holy Holy Holy” before returning to “O Holy Night” to end the track. A very unusual idea but it works beautifully.

It wouldn’t be a Christmas album without “Silent Night” and James does not disappoint with his version. The familiar tune is lovingly played with variations and embellishments plus a few unusual harmonies that work perfectly.

Track 6,”Sing We Now of Christmas” starts with the tune we all know before James takes it to new places with musical bridges and a wonderful arrangement of the melody.

The next track was new to me; "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne" is a hymn written in 1864, reflecting on the humility of Jesus' birth.  A gorgeous tune given a suitably melodic simple rendition.

“Still Still Still” is the popular Austrian Christmas carol & lullaby and as such is played in a gentle and calming manner with little or no extemporising. This may just be my favourite track on the album.

Up next is “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”. This carol is sung to a great many tunes and I thought I had heard most of them but this was a new tune to me… it has elements of “Joy to the World” and yet is definitely not that tune. Nonetheless, it is rather lovely and of course it’s exquisitely played here.

Track 10 “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” is a carol dating back to the 17^th Century. James gives the old tune a simple harmonious treatment that suits the atmosphere of the music perfectly.

The penultimate tune here is “The First Noel” played with a beautiful arrangement by James that takes the familiar old carol to a new place without losing the feel of the much-loved piece.  

Finally we come to “Auld Lang Syne”, the classic Robert Burns tune sung to say farewell to the old year and welcome in the new. Softly and reflectively played it is the perfect end to the album.

This is an album for those people looking to celebrate Christmas & the Holidays without the razzmatazz and over commercialisation that has swamped the season. This beautiful calm piano album is perfect to play at home with the lights on the tree, a candle or two and perhaps a glass of something festive to savour as we reflect on what this magical time of year is supposed to be about.

Deciding a Simple Life By Curtis Macdonald

 

Deciding a Simple Life

By

Curtis Macdonald

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It seems like decades have rolled past since I heard my first Curtis Macdonald song, then I shocked myself by actually looking, 2002 and an album called Shadow Crossing. Here some 23 years later, as we draw to the end of another year, the master of instrumental pop is back with another new and classy composition called Deciding a Simple Life.

Curtis and his keyboards are a thing of great beauty, at times manifesting a sun kissed moment, then a reflective segment of great poignancy, but always that subtle and beautiful fluency is there, like a second hand on a watch, never ceasing, always reassuring. 

The slow build and intermediary narrative reminds me of US keyboardist Holland Phillips, whilst we march onto the chorus and melody which could easily be a pop song, with lyrics. Macdonald is a genius at creating the sweet sound melodies, and on this new single he has created a thoughtful arrangement that will be loved by fans and musical aficionados alike, a guaranteed hit is on the cards for Deciding a Simple Life by Curtis Macdonald.

You can find the music here: https://ampl.ink/nAn41

Elysian Dreams By Anaya Music

 

Elysian Dreams

By

Anaya Music

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

In the 21^st century the world of AI continues its march into the future, here in the world of music, it has made its beachhead, one that will doubtless never be lost, and a new world of sound is upon us whether we like it or not, this brand new single called Elysian Dreams is a combination of humanity and artificial intelligence in a symbiotic dance of a future as of yet untold.

There is no doubt that the construction of this new manifestation is sublime, Anaya does feature on both vocals and orchestration, in a powerful new age pop song that could easily be a chart hit on the commercial charts as well, it has a classic hook line, a melody, and builds and progresses to perfection with its inevitable chorus.

The word “elysian” is a beautiful one. It comes from Elysium, the part of the ancient Greek afterlife reserved for heroes and the virtuous. I have always admired the Greek Pantheon; it’s far more honest in its protestations. Ancient writers described it as lush meadows filled with music, and one can feel the liberation from pain and suffering with this song, as the elevation of tone and timbre will raise the mood and lift the heart.

So a classic new age pop song has been birthed into this world of new age music, with new age technology, combined with the magical human touch for Elysian Dreams by Anaya Music.  

Zagara By Renato Siracusano

 

Zagara

By

Renato Siracusano

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Sometimes you hear something that literally transports to you a location or a time, when I took my first listen to Zagara by Renato Siracusano, I fell in a timeless love for the contents of this short form manifestation from the artist, the guitar was some of the smoothest I have heard for quite some time, whilst the flute or whistle sound was a true scene setter, bringing a little Celtic influence into the weave of the piece.

The combination of strings and, that lush symphonic effect, took me way back to the early part of the century and artists like Medwyn Goodall that used this style so effectively on releases like his Clan Trilogy back in the heady days of 1998. Regardless this manifestation from Renato Siracusano was something to be thoroughly enjoyed.

One could easily see this track being used in television or films; it has that colourful light energy about it that would fit into a multitude of dramas. Here is a piece that could be developed well beyond the 2.28 duration of the arrangement, but regardless, this music is a prime example of what truly good instrumental music should sound and feel like, and called Zagara by Renato Siracusano.

Amar By Kristin Amarie, David Lanz & Jay Dref

 

Amar

By

Kristin Amarie, David Lanz & Jay Dref

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Mixing talents is an interesting thing to do, but when you are at the very apex of a genre, it becomes a thing made in heaven, creating and manifesting all manner of beauty and pleasure for the mortal listeners who eagerly await their musical fodder, that latest dish of quality fine dining is entitled Amar by a trio of luminaries in Kristin Amarie, David Lanz & Jay Dref.

Kristin Amarie is a leading figure in modern classical crossover, celebrated for her angelic voice, award-winning albums, and collaborations with David Lanz, who is a celebrated pianist and his stunning Cristofori’s Dream remains a cornerstone of New Age music. With a career spanning over five decades they are both joined by the third in this musical holy trinity in Jay Dref, who is setting the scene alight by carving out a niche as one of the rising stars in classical crossover, bridging opera and pop with a modern, heartfelt approach.

Here the combination of those three musical titans brings to the listener something of great beauty, something that transcends the banality of today’s dreary pop genre, lush tenor vocals from Dref, who was invited to tour with Sarah Brightman on her Christmas Symphony Tour in 2021, rounding all this off was the immaculate work from Kurt Bestor the Emmy Award winning composer and arranger.

There is no doubt that Amar is top of the tree quality by Kristin Amarie, David Lanz & Jay Dref, and as such will be remembered as a timeless work of outstanding natural beauty, by a team of artists who are the equivalent of Marvels Avengers in the Neo Classical and crossover genre.

Shakuhachi Dreams By Russ Jones

 

Shakuhachi Dreams

By

Russ Jones

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There is something incredibly special about a Shakuhachi flute, ever since I heard the great flute master Deuter use it on his Buddha Nature album I would continuously seek its sound and meditative solace throughout the years, so to be blessed with this wonderful album to review is something utterly pleasurable indeed, as I gaze eternally on the latest musical masterpiece from Russ Jones called Shakuhachi Dreams.

The first footfall of this zen pathway through the forest of tone and timbre starts with the lush and atmospheric opening called Rebel. Here indeed is a composition that offered up much, gifting blissful moments of serenity and calm, and indeed reminding me of that aforementioned Deuter album.

My Heart is our following musical narrative, here is a slightly more elevated track, and one that lifts the listener on its resonance and embraces a more fluent manifestation, once more its ambience flows like a spring river in mid-April, capturing the elements of a tranquil moment brilliantly.

The album itself is 7 tracks of some of the most soothing music you are ever likely to hear, like this next offering entitled Running. The flute here seemed almost dream-like in its presentation. The shakuhachi is not just a musical instrument but a spiritual practice tool. Its sound is associated with mindfulness, meditation, and inner calm, and on this very piece one can hear that in abundance.

We are well within the weave of the album now as we come across another haunting reverie called See Me.  Russ Jones is a sublime flute performer, and on this piece he seems to build upon a gentle start and ends up manifesting something quite vast at the conclusion of the creation. Traditional solo pieces, called honkyoku, were played by monks as a form of meditation rather than performance; this could easily fit into that category.

We now find ourselves at the longest piece from the release called Telling. The meditative qualities of this track are amazing, I listened to this album in its entirety twice before writing, and on both times this very track pulled me into the darkness of an ancient forest, of which an old temple resided covered in vines, this for me was the most powerful piece off the album, one that I’ll never tire of.

So from the longest track, to a short form narrative now called Edo, the word Edo literally means “estuary” or “bay entrance”, reflecting its geographic location at the mouth of rivers flowing into Tokyo Bay, if one has ever had the privilege to view this bay, I am sure that its arrangement would be most redolent of the subject matter.

The final piece from the album is one of the deepest and called Soothing Neptune. An extremely clever way with which to leave the album, if you were unaware of the reasoning behind the name, it’s the title used for various ambient and meditative music projects, often inspired by the calming imagery of the planet Neptune. I must admit I adore them and especially this offering, what a crafted way with which to leave an album of such high quality.

Shakuhachi Dreams by Russ Jones is an album that everyone should have in their collections, it’s not just a superior flute release, it is an offering of great calm and serenity, and a must have for any meditational regimes too. I could listen to this album for hours and I’d never get bored with it, Shakuhachi Dreams by Russ Jones is a timeless work of art, manifested into this world by a musical artist who has a clever mind, and an open heart and therefore should easily be a top 5 album in the charts with consummate ease.

Voltage Controlled Connection By Bernard Reeb

 

Voltage Controlled Connection

By

Bernard Reeb

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Recently I have come across a superb new electronic music album called Voltage Controlled by Bernard Reeb, there are some absolute gems within its confines, and I was lucky enough to cross paths with one that truly resonated with me called Voltage Controlled Connection.

Here is a track that would have been perfect for John Carpenters 1976 film Assault on Precinct 13, indeed it reminded me greatly of it at times, that slow approach to begin with setting up the scene was utterly perfect, a slow swirling synth added a mysterious element into the proceedings, and then the sound particles of genius manifested a perfect film track for us all.

The darker side was also embraced quickly adding another dramatic layer into the proceedings, and at times reminding me of Anantakara, aka Phillipe Wauman. However that overriding glorious arc of power from this electronically charged composition made it for me one of, if not the most, compelling electronic music track I have so far heard this year with consummate ease, all hail Voltage Controlled Connection by Bernard Reeb, and from his brand new album Voltage Controlled.

Voltage Controlled Inspiration By Bernard Reeb

 

Voltage Controlled Inspiration

By

Bernard Reeb

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

One of the greatest joys of mine is exploring new music and finding absolute gems of a sparkling nature that lay like diamonds in the rough of a musical field that is so wide and vast, that is the way of the electronic music field. I speak from personal experience being an electronic music artist myself, and one that finds great inspiration from others, this occurrence happened today whilst listening to Voltage Controlled Inspiration by Bernard Reeb.

Akin to a diamond in a multiple of ways, this track is a wonder composition, and at just three minutes plus long, it enthralled me, taking me back in time and manifesting a level of serene inspiration within the artist in me as well. Voltage Controlled Inspiration starts off with some very lush and layered synths, and its hovering intensity reminds me of the more ambient days of Deuter.

The composition then builds and manifests a far more pronounced electronic style, lightly touching the hem of Berlin School and the great old days of artists like Ashok Prema and David Wright. This for me was beauty in tone, a masterclass of fluency, and a stunning deep track from the album Voltage Controlled by Bernard Reeb.

Comme la lumière d'un vitrail By Bernard Reeb

 

Comme la lumière d'un vitrail

By

Bernard Reeb

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The slow nature of this piece was the first thing that attracted me to this splendid offering from Bernard Reeb, the track is called Comme la lumière d'un vitrail, or in English if my translation is correct Like the light of a stained glass window. This is one of the most fascinating manifestations from his album Rosace, released earlier on this year.

I grew up taking acoustic guitar lessons at college many, many years ago, with the likes of Julian Bream and John Williams being two of my heroes. This reminded me of those days creating music myself, in a self-imposed solitude, the track is very self-expressive, and if we look at the subject matter it is also very redolent of it too.

The slow pastiche of notes and strings played are all a piece of a grand jigsaw of tone and timbre, and for me personally is some of the most artistic I have heard for many a year, one can literally get lost in the moment with this one, perhaps watching the sun kiss the colours of a stained glass window in late autumn, regardless the performance and presentation are simply sublime on Comme la lumière d'un vitrail by Bernard Reeb.

Magnetic by DM Ascension

 

Magnetic

By

DM Ascension

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It’s not hidden knowledge that I’m a big fan of Jazz funk, acid Jazz and all the other associated genres that spill over this tea cup of musical bliss, the band DM Ascension have been knocking it out of the park lately, and once more this superior single seems to be paving the way with a new, more fluent and insightful manifestation of musical prowess.

Magnetic is a brilliant new offering from the duo Mike Dooley and Daniel White, known as DM Ascension, and this time around they are joined by Dan Bray on sax and the amazing Rachel Thorne on vocals, her voice alone takes me back to the good old days of bands like The Brand New Heavies.

The vibe on this single is so chilled its cooler than snow on an August afternoon, the sax and keyboards flow so well, and the tone and vibrancy of this new single is one that I am convinced will rocket up the charts and will continue to guide DM Ascension to an even higher state of musical being.

Magnetic, by DM Ascension is a refined and captivating track that will transport you back to the vibrant, funk-infused funky vibes of the 1990s. With its smooth grooves and sophisticated jazz undertones, the composition stands out as both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary; this is a must-have release for fans of modern jazz, and one of the most impressive new works in the genre I have heard for simply ages.

The Solfeggio Experience by Extasis

 

The Solfeggio Experience

By

Extasis

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It’s not often you get an album based on something that you have studied in depth for decades, but on The Solfeggio Experience we take an in depth musical look at the Chakra system, and brought us by one of the finest new age artists of his day in Extasis aka Allan Susoeff.

The chakra system is an ancient framework describing seven main energy centres in the body, aligned along the spine, each linked to physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life. They run from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, each associated with a specific colour, vibration, and function.

Here Extasis explores that system, and in doing so brings one of the most exciting new albums on the subject to light. We start with Root: 396 Hz, a deep and demanding place indeed. Some theories suggest that solfeggio tones influence both the conscious and subconscious mind. Proponents argue that listening to these frequencies can help clear subconscious fears and negative thoughts, promoting mental clarity and emotional balance, and there is no better place to start that at the base chakra, the inclusion of synths, pads, strings, singing bowls and drums give is a sense of awe, but more importantly a good grounding to start our journey with.

The journey through the system moves to what to some is known as the sacral chakra, a balanced sacral chakra fosters healthy relationships, emotional resilience, and creative vitality. It helps you feel connected to yourself and others, while enjoying life’s pleasures without guilt or excess. This track is an exceptional creation from the artist, bringing a sense of sensuality and rhythm into the proceedings, there is also something about this track that reminds me of the Jonathan Goldman album Chakra Dance released back in 2004, this offering was released as a single earlier on in the year and is called Sacral: 417 Hz.

A Tibetan bowl sound takes us onto the most beautiful opus of the entire album in the track that was released as a single called Navel: 528 Hz.  The solar plexus chakra is the centre of personal identity, helping you believe in yourself and your abilities and governs determination, motivation, and the ability to take action, it is also one of the hardest chakras to clear of negativity, but here on this amazing offering Extasis gifts us a track of the utmost high quality, in the most sensitive and caring offering from the album.

One of the most important energy centres is one that sometimes people over look, and that is the heart, a chakra that can sometimes be seen in meditations as either green or pink. Feelings of loneliness, bitterness, jealousy, or difficulty in trusting others occurs when this chakra is blocked, but after listening to the beautiful natural elements of Heart: 639 Hz from the album with the slowness of the synths and orchestration, one will no doubt feel loved enough to help harmonize feelings, embrace forgiveness, and offer acceptance.

In my work as a radio host the throat chakra is vitally important. Living in alignment with integrity and speaking your personal truth is something that I endeavour to do, sometimes it’s not easy, but I am sure it can be achieved and indeed enhanced by this charming arrangement by the artist, Throat: 741 Hz, the keyboard narrative is onwards and forthright in building confidence, and its ever upward trend manifests a slow build harmony to enjoy as well.

We near the end of our journey, but still have a few more doors to open such as the third eye. This chakra is a really fascinating one, and on the track Third Eye: 852 Hz, its mysterious tones offer up much, it describes in music perfectly those who wish help with discerning the truth, make wise decisions, and perceive reality beyond illusions. This is another favourite of mine from the release, so if you are overthinking, or have difficulty distinguishing imagination from reality, then you really need to listen to this stunning new age almost neo classical offering, it is outstanding.

Our last port of call is the apex of chakras and called Crown: 936 Hz, through deep meditation, mindfulness, or simply sitting in stillness one can connect with this energy centre. The keyboard tenderness reminds me slightly of Llewelyn’s Journey to the Temple album from 2000, but its glorious crescendos and climatic endeavours manifest a more David Arkenstone styling, to bring us one of the most standout offerings from the album.

So sadly I must conclude my journey, and we do so with a beautiful composition entitled Peaceful Return. A lush round up manifestation to bring us back to our point of grounding, to allow us to conclude our journey filled with acceptance and gratitude, of having taken one of the most beautiful musical experiences you could wish for, 1st & 2nd violins, viola and cello offer up a wonderful backdrop of sound with which to depart the album, one that ends with a crescendo of pure class as its clever coda.

The Solfeggio Experience by Extasis is an album that every new age music fan should have in their collections, this is an album also that will never age or get old, it has a timeless reverie that will live forever in the hearts and minds of those who seek peace, calmness and clarity, and as such I believe I have just listened to a number one release by allowing The Solfeggio Experience by Extasis to enter my awareness.

Reverie By Richard Brooner

 

Reverie

By

Richard Brooner

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

So another new name comes my way in the guise of multi-instrumentalist Richard Brooner and his new album Reverie, there have been many new age albums coming to me lately, but listening to this latest release from Richard is like taking a journey back to the golden age of the genre, with one of the finest new albums of the day.

The opening piece is a real east meets west composition, a soft pastiche of percussion can be found on the title track Reverie, a fluent and extremely charming flute and added background instrumentation makes this one of the classiest beginnings to a new age album ever.

A major change occurs with the following narrative called Morning Light, there is something very redolent about the subject matter here, the piano of the artist dances symbiotically with his flute, and a morning anthem is explored in the most beautiful of ways.

The depth of this next piece called Whispers of Tomorrow, is a real treat, a darker backdrop of sound can be found, whilst Brooner’s piano plays a soft line of harmonic genius. It was at this point I started to compare Brooner’s flute with that of the UK’s Nigel Shaw, it’s quite quick and clever note changes and imploring minor reveries were simply idyllic on this utterly transcendent offering.

The rhythmic tonal delights of The Edge of Night almost brings a little Latin vibe to the overall narrative of the composition, whilst the percussive element enhances the rhythm already given, and delivers a composition that is both attractive and vibrant.

On Dream Among the Clouds the flute takes centre stage and backed by a drifting and mysterious soundscape, the orchestration flows with the flute of the artist to manifest a lush and spacious atmospheric overture of stunning proportions, in one of the most meditative offerings from the release.

Reverie is an 11 track collection of blissful multi-instrumental offerings, tracks like the abundant and darkening sky styled arrangement of A Languid Dream can be found in all its tempting glory, a deeply surreptitious offering can be found here, one that you can never be sure which direction the flow will take it next.

The longest and most ambient of pieces is up now at just seconds short of five minutes and called Etherium, The word Etherium is derived from the Greek word "ether," which means "upper air" or "heavens." The flutes plural here, are outstanding on one of the most celestial offerings from the album, and without doubt is one of my personal favourites.

The deep water of the release is now reached when we roll out this next contribution called Dark Night Passing. A different styled percussion of chimes and shakers can be found here, which is eventually joined by light drums, synths and a transcendent flute, on one of the most complex creations from the album, a track that reminded me greatly of my old friend Phil Thornton at times.

Guitar, percussion and flute join forces on this most commercial manifestation called Something Simple. If ever a composition was made to be released as a single from an album I would point to this one right away, a fluent start, a quick step to the melody, and a charming tempered technique make this a must play track of choice for the listener.

Long Desert Night is our penultimate manifestation, from the warmth of the day, to the deadly cold of the night, this penultimate arrangement captures every little nuance, there is a hovering intensity about this track that is adorable and incredibly compelling, where one is literally transported to whatever desert location you desire from the very first notes of this outstanding composition.

We therefore conclude our journey with the artist and a truly deep reverie called Into the Dark, the flute manifests a soft meditative tone, but the overall narrative is one of a darker nature, in a closing piece that is artistically intelligent and deeply thoughtful.

Reverie by Richard Brooner is a stunning album, it has depth, passion, it flows with a story telling styled performance, it has colour, texture and tone, and is one of the finest flute based, new age albums I have heard this year with ease. There can be no doubt at all that the listener will have many reasons to embrace this album fully, and as such I expect it to reach the top 10 of the charts with consulate ease.

Gloria By Neil Patton

 

Gloria

By

Neil Patton

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This time of year brings the many adaptations of holiday classics as one would expect, here Neil Patton brings to the fore probably one of the most original and all-encompassing I have heard for many a decade and called Gloria, in a gaze across the years of snowy winter landscapes and the Christmas genre.

The start is indeed incredibly impressive and is entitled O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, regardless of any religious beliefs cultural or otherwise, it’s useful to look at the album from a musical perspective entirely, the version that Patton draws, presents and gifts us is in my view, the best piano version I think I have ever heard, filled full of passion and power and containing a fluency that is strong and forthright in its endeavours.

Gloria is an 11 track release destined for seasonal greatness; it contains within its ranks pieces like Joy to the World. A universal rejoicing can be found here, a sacred renewal perhaps, and is one that illustrates nature’s harmony within the amazing universe we all reside in, and all manifested in one incredibly up-tempo version.

We can find the ambient refrains of Still, Still, Still, this gentle Austrian Christmas carol and lullaby and was originally a traditional folk tune from Salzburg, passed down through oral tradition, as many are. Here Patton and his piano manifest something remarkable, and a sense of lush ambience and a melodic sense of beauty can both be found here.

Many of your seasonal favourites can be located here like What Child Is This? This is a beloved Christmas carol written in 1865 by William Chatterton Dix, set to the hauntingly beautiful melody of the English folk tune Greensleeves, the mixture of piano with instrumentation here is as green as the leaves that once lived in the forest, and is one that also features the skill set of Cathy Patton on flute and piccolo, who can also be found on the album later.

Powerful moments of musical expectation can be achieved on offerings like the glorious Hark! The Herald Angels Sing or the fluent tenderness of The Christ Child Lullaby, which is a traditional Scottish Gaelic hymn known for its affectionate melody and deep religious roots.

Deeper in the weave of the release we will once again join Cathy Patton on the intricate version of Gabriel's Message, interesting cultural roots can be found here too, as the carol originates from the Basque Country, a region straddling northern Spain and southern France. It is based on an older Latin carol, Angelus ad Virginem, dating back to the 13th or 14th century; one can relish woodwind and piano in full flow within this track.

A vibrant version of, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear can also be found upon the album, whilst the deeper vibrations and tones of Emmanuel (God With Us) is nestled nicely in the more intrinsic part of the release. Whilst the shortest piece from this compilation of seasonal goodies, is our penultimate gift and entitled Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella, this is a real call to action, the lyrics urge villagers to bring torches and quietly approach the new-born, emphasizing reverence and joy, the fast upbeat tempo of this version injects an urgency and intensity into the overall narrative.

The artist most sensibly ends with probably the best know carol of all time in Silent Night. Its gentle melody and simple lyrics have made it a symbol of hope and serenity, especially during times of conflict and uncertainty. This for me is the crown jewel in the album, played at a perfect tempo and ushering in colour and multiple layered textures whilst doing so.

As holiday and seasonal music goes Gloria by Neil Patton has to be one of the best I have had across my desktop in a long time, each piece is played to an ultra-high standard, with style panache and great class, making this for me a Christmas hit this year, one that should be embraced by the fans and followers alike the world over.