Africa By Jim Kimo West & David Vito Gregoli

 

Africa

By

Jim Kimo West & David Vito Gregoli

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have fond memories of this song from the early eighties, I even remember where I was when I first heard it, but that tale is far less interesting than the music, here Jim Kimo West & David Vito Gregoli join forces with MB Gordy and Joss Jaffe and produce something that takes us on another journey down memory lane, with the Toto track Africa.

Written originally by band members Paich and Porcaro and despite the constant rumours of the song being about a personal romance, this creation is indeed a love song, but one for the continent of Africa itself. Here on this fresh, new and exciting rendition the team breathe fresh life into one of the biggest pop rock songs of all time, which is still a constant on radio shows to this day.

One has to be in bliss with a Vito fretless bass and it is here in abundance, while Jim Kimo West produces what he always does, sublime, fluent classy guitar. The further combination of MB Gordy gifts the listener African percussion and marimba, and with Joss Jaffe on the harp like African Ngoni, we must have the most creative cover of this song for all time.

This new single Africa from the effervescent talents of Jim Kimo West & David Vito Gregoli is yet another step in the ladder of creative success for the duo, and one that I feel comfortable in saying, will be embraced by fans and listeners alike, and is therefore a sure fire hit about to happen.

Secrets from a Gemstone By Craigology

 

Secrets from a Gemstone

By

Craigology

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It’s good to see Craigology continue to grow and expand his repertoire, here on this brand new EP he does just that, this is a veritable mine of musical exploration called Secrets from a Gemstone, and a most fascinating collection of freshly born tracks it is indeed.

The opening foray is one of the most fascinating offerings I have heard from the artist thus far, a track with many facets, and this presentation of solo piano is almost an entire suite of musical components in just under 4 minutes, in a truly artistic endeavour indeed called Rain Drops.

We now move to the title track Secrets from a Gemstone, and once more we find a beautiful fluent arrangement of a combination of major and minor keys, one that swirls through its time signatures akin to a stead moving stream in April, personally I adored this track, the added keyboard structures manifested a wonderful backdrop, whilst the narration from the artists piano is some of the most expressive I have seen in this style since Neil Sedaka composed Lighting Ridge.

A more ponderous creation can be found on this next piece called Regenerate, a more modern popular presentation starts the process of the arrangement, this soon manifests into an enthralling composition that has you on tender hooks just to see where the piece will end up, the art of any good musical creation is to keep the listener hooked, and this track certainly does that.

The penultimate track is the ever popular Forward Direction; a piece released as a single last year, the steady onward direction of this arrangement is well built upon, and the added instrumentation further builds the narrative into a thoroughly interesting composition.

As you may guess from the title of this next creation Eclosion (Emerging from the Chrysalis), we will find a composition that is slow to build, and to a certain extent is true, however the strings segments added more energy to the overall arrangement, and the coda is a sublime pastiche of power and crescendo as the conclusion is finally reached.

Secrets from a Gemstone by Craigology, has to be one of the most fascinating EPs that I have recently had the pleasure of reviewing, the good news about this collection of musical fortitude, is that it makes me want to listen to it again, perhaps to just make note of any nuances I may have missed, but regardless in my view this is the artists best work thus far, and with that said, Secrets from a Gemstone should be a huge hit for Craigology.

Montana Stillwater By Wayo Hogan

 

Montana Stillwater

By

Wayo Hogan

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The genre that is solo piano has been a constant in my life over the last 10 years or so, it’s an ever growing one too, so to stand out in it can sometimes be a perilous thing, however this debut album from pianist and composer Wayo Hogan does the one thing that convinces me that a star is on the rise in the genre, and that thing is the creative intelligence to manifest musical locations and make then incredibly palpable, through the compositional structures of the up and coming arrangements. Here on Montana Stillwater, Wayo Hogan does just that and more, this is an album that depicts Glacier National Park’s breath-taking landscapes, and does it with great style and panache.

The opening offering Stillwater Landing, is a vibrant scene setter of a composition, one that juxtaposes the calming sight of a natural location connected with the life that surrounds it. That is followed up with the piece On Lake McDonald, I adore lakes and nature, and I found that Hogan’s presentation has that quality that only sublime compositions have contained within their narrative, and one that is so redolent of the subject matter, so this for me personally had a lush flow to its arrangement that I simply adored, and it was indeed my favourite piece from the release.

This album flows with passion, colours and textures, which weave a creative tapestry into the mix. When we look at the composition Whitefish Lake, this for me, became a flourishing narrative that created an image of a vibrant location, whilst the offering entitled Swan River delivered a haunting reverie of great beauty and charm. One of the most delightful of things to do if you live in the right location is to watch swans swim with the rivers flow, and for me Hogan once more created that reality from my past.

At the half way juncture I feel the need to acknowledge the moments of natural sounds at the start of some of the compositions, they are brief, but very cleverly added, on the track Going to the Sun, we have a sense of happy times in the wilderness of nature’s rich tapestry, whilst the following creation entitled St. Mary Falls is indeed a horse of a different colour entirely, and its flowing voyage of solo piano is almost regal in its intent, as indeed only a waterfall can be.

When we reach the piece Bear Valley we come across a contemplative narrative, one that ushers forth a mood of contemplation and reflection, and perhaps even the grounding energies of the bear as an animal totem too, whilst the next piece entitled Huckleberry Mountain has a homely feel to its compositional structures, a mood of growth both natural and spiritual can be found here in abundance.

A gentle tonal delight now awaits us on the penultimate offering from the album called Many Glacier, here can be found an almost meditative manifestation of great visuals, and drawing images of a calm stillness from each note played on the piano, and is in my view one of the more mood filled compositions from the album.

The concluding musical narrative called Cherry Pickin ends our voyage of piano with the artist, here is a full flowing creation filled with a mixture of moods and sensitivities. The culmination of efforts here bring about a final cascade of crafted solo work from the performer, one at its final conclusion that brings about a resolution of sorts, and is the perfect way with which to end the project.

Montana Stillwater by Wayo Hogan is a vibrant new solo piano album from an artist who clearly brings a level of excitement, and a fresh perspective to this vast genre with his latest work. Each piece is fluent, artistically sound and always redolent of the subject matter, and will easily be loved by fans of the piano realm with ease.

Hidden World By David De Michele

 

Hidden World

By

David De Michele

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There can be no doubt that David De Michelle is making his mark in the new age ambient world of music, now with added vocalisations and vocals, and the changing up a gear into the fantasy world of hidden realms and worlds within worlds, he is fast becoming an artist that one day we could expect to hear his music feature on a TV show or movie, it is progressing to those borderlands of greatness and success.

This new album is called Hidden World, and here is a suggestion, pull up the album art whilst listening to this release, it’s a scene setter and a beautiful fantastical work of art. The opening piece is a proud composition of gigantean proportions; fluid vocals induce a sense of an ethereal paradise.

This nine track release is a sublime recording; De Michelle really has embraced this new path and compositions like the ethnic Forest Echoes explores that narrative perfectly, the cross vibes of an indigenous sound and a Celtic motif in this creation is some of the best I have heard.

This album is a production of the highest quality, all one has to do is to embrace tracks like the Ariel qualities of Hidden World, with its angelic harmonics and its film score scene setting keyboards and synths, then pieces like Realms Within gift the listener a moment of reflection, crossed with a delicate pastiche of mystery and imagination and you have something utterly beautiful and creative.

Dreaming of Elvendom takes the listener to its first dream like mythical location, and literally manifests a portal of music that could transport ones senses into an alternate reality of myth and magic with ease, I did ponder on the scene in Lord of the Rings and the location of the elves and thought to myself that this piece would have been perfect for that sad part of the movie, where all what was left were falling leaves and memories, as the world moves on.

Here is a release that will snare the listener’s imaginings, deliver them a delightful tapestry of sound and to emphasize that, please listen to the utterly charming Into the Night. Note the Celtic percussive beat, the swirling synths and vocals; at various stages this also reminds me of Medwyn Goodall’s Clan series of albums from the late nineties.

By composition seven we have reached a level of brilliance that the artist has been heading for as the weeks and months have rolled by, here on By Your Side, we have a companion of a track that flows like a spring river from the vast mountain range, I was much appreciative of the herald cry, one could literally imagine a row of Elves with their trumpets in hand blowing the arrival theme of a new dawn approaching.

The last but one creation is one of the most ethereal of all and called Awaiting Your Return, the build and progression here is some of the best work I have heard from the artist thus far, again I am left saying this is film score standard and reminds me in part of the great Mike Oldfield with its repetitive presentation, mix that with the supreme power of Vangelis and you have the general idea just how good this penultimate offering is.

We conclude this latest release with a wonderfully drifting musical narrative called The Return, the hero is back on the wings of an angel, the performance reminds me of Kevin Kendle’s album Aerial Vistas, with regard to its creative and flowing synths, then the magic of this track is that its slightly morphs into a piece that reminded me slightly of early Enigma in production.

Hidden World by David De Michele is the latest album in the arsenal of brilliance from the artist, this in my view though is his greatest creation yet, building on the past, and creating for the future, I believe that De Michelle has both the balance, compositional structure, and artistic flair 100% right with this album, I am expecting to see good things on the charts for Hidden World by David De Michele, and maybe even more could be hidden in the forests of evermore for this sublime new creation. 

Liquid Mind XV: In The Love BY Liquid Mind

 

Liquid Mind XV: In The Love

BY

Liquid Mind

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

When I first landed in the genre of new age music back in 1998, I filled my day with many British composers of that time, as you would expect coming from one born in England, however I came into contact with a more knowledgeable person on the subject at that moment than I, and he gave me an album in 2004 that I would carry with me today called Liquid Mind! Ambience Minimus, by non-other than the amazing Chuck Wild, stating if I wanted to hear one of the finest examples of new age music there is, then I needed to start here, with Liquid Mind, and so I did, and some 21 years later I get another opportunity to write about another stunning album from him called Liquid Mind XV: In The Love.

As with all of Chuck’s albums over the years, each and every one offers the listener much peace and tranquillity. Liquid Mind has been described by the composer himself, as being a weaving of the classical and the more popular music of the day, and with images of Brian Eno and Beethoven forever entwined is a fascinating portrait indeed, but in truth this is very true, and it can be found on the opening piece of the album entitled Gratitude, for me this delightful composition is a drift into a repose so idyllic, and personally has elements of Vaughn Williams and Antonín Dvořák written into the tapestry of the arrangement.

We move into the welcome arms of Soul Whispers, here lays a track that is so calming in its perfection, one can only ponder on the fact that time has slowed down now, that the breathing has eased, and the heart rate in balanced, and tranquillity abounds in all its illustrious pleasure, this is without doubt eight plus minutes of musical bliss, all rolled into one arrangement you never want to end.

Synths, keyboards and the correct tempo and presentation of performance that complement the creation, are vital elements of composing truly good ambient, new age music, here on this next track the artist embodies that with utter perfection on the piece Sanctuary. All those aforementioned instrumentations and exhibitions can be found on this next glorious long form opus, truly good long form narratives keep the listener in a state of awareness, yet partnered with a willingness to listen and just be, here on Sanctuary Wild achieves that goal with aplomb, its 11 minutes plus that you will be more than happy to enjoy over and over again.

We can now step into the second half of the album with the creation called A Willing Spirit. This is the shortest composition on the album at a comfortable 4 and a half minutes plus, but there is more than enough time here to continue this journey of serenity and stillness, here is a track that I like to call tidal music, the ebb and flow of the timbre of this manifestation is so similar in speed and tempo to our ambient oceans here in Cyprus, as they drift up upon the sandy beaches, kiss them, and say farewell for a few heart felt moments.

It is now time to allow another long form manifestation to wash over you, this time through the medium of the composition called In The Love. These delicious tones are the very embodiment of a musical caress, and if when listening to this arrangement you feel yourself start to drift into a beautiful slumber, please do so, the music will continue to play, and you will feel so much better, much more relaxed and soothed by this blessed warm hug of a creation.

The penultimate offering is entitled Forgiveness, Wild has created a perfect moment here that lifts the listener carefully and attentively, whilst allowing the recipient to hold onto the calmness and serenity that they have thus far connected with. Forgiveness is one of the most important aspects of growth as a human being, along with letting go, and here Wild expresses that mood and more on a track that may well bring forth the emotions to be cleared, but done in such a caring and beautiful way.

With the talk at the start of the review of classical inspirations within the artists music, and my preferences of that genre, we arrive at the last track of the release called Coming Home, a piece that reminded me of Dvorak’s Going Home or Largo theme at times, but a track that literally sums up the entire album in just short of eight magical minutes, through the voyage of this tonal delight one truly does feel like they have arrived back home with lessons learned, but one has to truly emphasize the magnificence of peace and harmony one feels when listening to this incredible work, the uplifting nature of this track is so very palpable, and in all honesty, deeply moving and emotive too, what a sublime end to another fantastic album by Liquid Mind.

Liquid Mind XV: In The Love by Liquid Mind now takes me to a 21 year musical journey with the composer, one can only hope that voyage continues with optimism and hopefulness, but there can be no doubt of the effect this artists work has had on my life, and this new album is yet another layer of tone that has now been weaved into that ever growing tapestry of musical mastery. With the new age music scene on the rise once again, I have a feeling that is so empowered by listening to this album, that Liquid Mind XV: In The Love by Liquid Mind is going to grace the top of the charts and become a musical beacon of hope for all to enjoy and benefit from.

Echoes in the Wind By Carbe and Durand

 

Echoes in the Wind

By

Carbe and Durand

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The smoothness of this new single makes one long for a beautiful blue sky and a Mediterranean beach, a warming sun and a soothing cocktail or three, however even here on the island of love in Cyprus we still have a little while to wait for that moment, but we can travel so vicariously in our imagination with two of the finest guitarists (including bass) of this genre in Carbe and Durand and their new single Echoes In The Wind.

I don’t know how many times I have played this new creation, but each time I do it comforts me and takes me to my favourite sandy beach a few short miles away, the sublime touch of J.P. Durand on guitar is always an attractive moment to be had, this song is so melodious and heart-warming, yet contains a reflective energy of summers past perhaps, and friends no longer around.

The gentle rhythmic construction by the amazing Lisa Carbe is something to enjoy as well, bringing a delightful sense of warmth into the piece, a woman who clearly knows her instrumentation and one who began playing at the tender age of just 8 years old.

The duo on this new single though have brought reflection, a little whisper on the wind of times past, and magical moments still yet to come, but drifting on a summer breeze yet to be birthed. I know a hit when I hear one, and I believe that Echoes in the Wind by Carbe and Durand could be their biggest one yet.

This Is Your Time by Shervin Boloorian

 

This Is Your Time

By

Shervin Boloorian

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This brand new single by Shervin Boloorian called This Is Your Time highlights the very real plight of those who are removed by war from their lands, and found themselves forced into a whole new realm with no fault of their own, like the singer and composer whose family had to escape the Iran/Iraq war, in a region of the globe, that like many others, is still in turmoil to this day for one reason or another.

This is one extremely beautiful moment, and something to be grateful for, as it is a truly powerful creation by an artist who captured the Global Peace Song Awards in 2020, and indeed this specific song, this brave new release, is deeply moving and transformative in tone and timbre, and is also lyrically superior in its content.

The soft vocals of Shervin Boloorian create a warm blanket of sound that you can allow to wash over you, inspired by a poem “Let this Little Girl Win” by Manal Omar, this song has a tenderness that is hard to match, and its sincerity is palpable, utilising Shervin as a multi-instrumentalist of great talent, with a Persian Ney Flute and a piano arrangement that smooths the way to a path of decided tranquillity and calm. At times the voice of the Shervin reminded me of the artist Mitten, with his kindly vocal vibrations, and I feel with ease this should be a huge hit single for the artist, and perhaps even more!

Ocean of Light: Music to Soothe the Soul By Ilka de Gast

 

Ocean of Light: Music to Soothe the Soul

By

Ilka de Gast

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The new age genre continues to grow experientially, and fresh, great new music is flooding into the studios of our radio station regularly. We haven’t seen such a growth in this genre since the late nineties, and joining that throng is debut musician Ilka De Gast and her album Ocean of Light: Music to Soothe the Soul, a lush tapestry of sound and tone to create a state of healing for the listener to both enjoy, and feel benefit from.

From the point of entry on this new album by California based singer songwriter, sound healer, Qigong and meditation teacher, researcher and psychologist, who originally hails from the Netherlands, is a delightful reverie entitled Spirit Eyes, a transcendent offering that hovers like an autumn mist in October, and a flute by Tommy Graven that is so all encompassing, match this with tender female vocals and you have the perfect beginning.

The deeper realms of awareness can be found on the next track entitled Ocean Waves Overtones, this style of vocalisation I first became familiar with many years ago, its swirling harmonics create a bed of sound that is totally unique and transformative, the same can be said for the following narrative in Sophia's Song, a track written about Ilka’s daughter, and once more this Native American styled composition contains both the guitar and flute of the aforementioned Graven.

Abalone Skies is unique in as much that the composer De Gast learned to play Native flute especially for this very track, that being said this is one of the most vast soundscapes from the album, its back drop of sound is akin to an immense green forest, and her flute the call of a spirt guide that leads you on a path less trodden, this is indeed a mystical offering.

We can now take a careful footfall towards the middle section of the album and the piece Song Bird, the Koshi chimes in particular reminded me of the ones used in Deuter’s album Buddha Nature.  The vocalisations here are incredibly powerful and dynamic in every way, and energetically open up a portal to brighter opportunities.

Time passes so slowly, as we slide into the latter half of the album, but what follows now is something deeply rhythmic in the new age style that I haven’t heard the like of since the days of artists like Sika and Steven Cragg, and the vibrancy of both the didgeridoo, performed by Pamela Mortensen, and the tabla guiding the light along the way with this pulsating presentation on the track Desert Dance.

We change pace now with a composition entitled Harmony Chant; I found this specific manifestation a meditative arrangement that I could literally fall right into, the vocals here were soothing and ethereal in composition, and upon further research I would find that the song features an ancient Chinese healing mantra from the Zhineng Qigong. This resonated with me and reminded me of various Reiki chants and mantras I had learned from the Japanese healing tradition, many years ago. 

On Soul Shimmer a classic new age styled opus is created, a veritable dance between lush ethereal vocals and keyboards, thus creating the perfect tone and timbre for relaxation and tranquillity, whilst on the following musical narrative entitled Light, Sacred Connection we have a gentle and considerate composition that has a texture to it, one that is deeply sensitive and heartfelt.

Light Chant (Remix) is our penultimate creation and a song that once more contains the work and skill set of Tommy Graven on acoustic guitar and flute. This tapestry of tonal delight floats with and around the listener in a mist of magical healing properties that offer up a soothing female vocal and a gentle backdrop of sound.

The album concludes with Healing (Remix), this time containing the serene tones of the harp, thus bringing a lighter energy into the proceedings, and in doing so was simply the most perfect way with which to leave the album.

Ocean of Light: Music to Soothe the Soul by Ilka de Gast is an album that needs to be listened to on repeat for a multitude of times; just to enjoy each tonal delight and each heart felt nuance, and meaningful touch of a healing meditative moment thus given. It is so good to hear such accomplished music like this back on the scene again, and is probably the album that the New Age genre has waited so very patiently for, and now it is here, so make sure you avail yourself of a copy of Ocean of Light: Music to Soothe the Soul by Ilka de Gast, it’s an album your spirit will fall in total love with forever.

The Road We Chose By Curtis Macdonald

 

The Road We Chose

By

Curtis Macdonald

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have long been a fan of Curtis Macdonald, his creations always paint vivid pictures within the mind’s eye, his compositional structures manifest clever views on a positive narrative, sometimes on a thoughtful structure, and today on this brand new album entitled The Road We Chose, we have a more reflective gaze that we can take in and enjoy.

I can remember back as far as 2002 and the album Crossing, this release began my journey with the artist, one of melodious keyboard structured pop with a chillout vibe, and now here on the new offering we have that signature percussive lounge beat, coupled with a very moody and introspective theme, as we travel the road less travelled, and are fortunate enough to have a little retrospectivity on hand through the journey as well.

This voyage of reflection with a beat starts with the proud title track The Road We Chose, a composition with a slow but certain build crafted to gain that soundtrack or television theme style, and it works superbly.

The album itself is 9 tracks of some of the smoothest creations in this genre you are likely to find, like the bubbly and effervescent Change on the Horizon, a track that contains a dance like beat with swirling keyboards all mixed into a beautiful pastiche, and reminds me of music from the Buddha Bar collection of albums back in the early part of this century.

There are more electronic pieces like the fascinating Designing Life, a track that dances with the keyboard narrative and swims around a vibrant percussion, then we can enjoy reveries akin to The Depth of Our Distraction, an evenly paced manifestation with a backdrop of a keyboards that seems to pose questions for us to ponder upon, whilst songs like the penultimate creation entitled It is Never Farewell, build the energy up to a flowing tale, and in doing so, bring through the medium of the keyboards and tempting beat, a musical appreciation for a new reality found.

The release concludes with Clear Skies, this is a fascinating piece, it has a light funk element mixed with a smooth jazz vibration, and with the keyboards it manifests a clever backdrop of a vast vista of possibilities before us, what a sublime way with which to finish the album with indeed.

The Road We Chose by Curtis Macdonald is a sure fire hit without a shadow of a doubt, one that catches the artist in a more reflective mode, and that is a beautiful thing to create, as it shows intelligence and a willingness to embrace a deep artistic crafted reality. This is an album that is simply impossible to deny and all too easy to embrace, and as such a huge hit must be on the way for The Road We Chose by Curtis Macdonald. 

You can check out the album here: https://ampl.ink/Ov2xR 

Wildflower in My Heart By The Song Gardeners

 

Wildflower in My Heart

By

The Song Gardeners

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

 

The Song Gardeners have been one of the most prolific new age bands now for some 5 years, and now we have another delightful single before us to bathe within entitled Wildflower in My Heart, a song which in my view could be one of the most commercial singles released to date by the band.

We can always appreciate the lyrics of any Song Gardeners release, they offer up hope, peace, tranquillity and an honest natural reality, here on this brand new single we have all of that, but I must add the production quality and compositional structures are unbelievably brilliant, I truly believe that this one song could be a massive hit outside of the genre it has been released within, it is that good.

Who could not love a valley filled with wild flowers, I have seen many and still yearn for more, and when you take in and absorb such lyrics as the following,

Crossing the flowing stream magic unfolds

We’re stepping into fields of beauty

Each wildflower blends into a colorful bouquet

A fragrant harmony enhancing life with its display

Magic is made, and of course the hook line of one of the most beautiful choruses soon follows.

I’m going to stick my head out of the parapets here and state, that this I believe is the best work from The Song Gardeners so far, and as such I will be amazed if it doesn’t grace a top chart position and snag an award slot, this is one single that you will be elated you have given time to, grab it now and show it some love, kudos to the team of Corrie Dunn and Mary Gospe.

You can also watch the lyric video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/z5jNC3ghNgs 

Yellowstone By Mad Dog Friedman

 

Yellowstone

By

Mad Dog Friedman

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Mad Dog Friedman is a musician who adores creating music that literally transports the willing listener to the very location of his desired project, on this brand new release called Yellowstone we have a huge vista of possible explorations on offer, and as it is very unlikely that I will ever travel to this glorious place, I can do so vicariously with the medium of this breath taking beauty of an album.

This huge vista I alluded to in the aforementioned paragraph, is an album of no less than 24 incredible offerings for the listener to enjoy, starting with introductory arrangements like September at the Mouth of Chipmunk Creek, a piece which leads us into the flute based narrative of A Gaggle Of Geese, a thoroughly organic manifestation can be found here.

There are many stand out tracks on this album that deserve a mention, such as Geyser Hill, a locational composition that nature abounds and dances with the flute, this can also be said for most of the tracks here, such as the stunning reveries of Bison Rut, I truly never could imagine the power of a Buffalo until I came face to face with one, then the longer form narrative of On the Shores of Peale Island softly takes the listener by the hand and allows them time in a sanctuary of solitude and introspection.

The listener can traverse through a myriad of other short form creations that set the scene of nature’s beauty in such a picturesque and graphic way, I then landed on the composition Wild Snipes and was rooted by the arrangements mesmeric tones, this in my view was a masterful flute performance by the artist, and the natural sounds just set the scene with such sublime ease.

I remember another flute performer in Deuter creating a track called Wind Through The Trees, whilst neither composition are in anyway similar, they both achieve the perfect end result by creating a song redolent of the subject matter, but Mad Dog dares to go one further in manifesting a track with a raging wind, but one that is perfectly balanced by his commanding flute performance, and that is not an easy thing to do.

My Grandfather used to teach me the difference between a Moorhen and a Coot, but I never thought I would see a musical arrangement about such a lively and fun bird, especially one that is gracefully long form at well over 11 minutes in duration, and encapsulating the energy of the bird perfectly, a composition that indeed concludes the album, with the piece A Fleet Of Coots.

Yellowstone by Mad Dog Friedman is an organic truly natural flute based album that gifts its willing listener a vast project of locational compositions and nature based arrangements to simply bathe ones senses in. This style of work takes a lot of dedication and determination to get the right mood and sound, but Mad Dog achieves this with a soft and gentle approach, as he walks in beauty on this new release Yellowstone.

Keys to Secret Door By Astrid M & Piano Lilium

 

Keys to Secret Door

By

Astrid M & Piano Lilium

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have fond memories of the opening track to this new EP by Keys to Secret Door, it being gifted as a single earlier on last year, as indeed are the many of the other creations upon this release, but the lyrics to that song are something I have embraced recently, and the results from our endeavours were certainly created by being the change we wanted to be and see. The song itself is a classic slice of inspiration that reminds one that we have many choices, so Be the Change and take a chance.

The next composition on this new and fresh compilation of compositions is 1.4.3, another single from last year, a curious title, but a presentation that carries a reflective theme on piano and a song that poses questions, that one can perhaps answer with a little introspection.

The lively refrains of L'ombre et la lumière is upon us next, and I do speak a little French so I think means Light and Shadow for those predominantly English speakers. This is a powerful song that swings along with a passionate piano performance, and perhaps postulates a thought about the constant flux between dark and light, bathed with a little nostalgia.

The penultimate track is entitled Pour Toi (For You) here is in my view one of the most powerful pieces from the release, yet there are several tender touches on the piano, in among the more passion filled moments, and is certainly a song sung well and, perhaps for you!

We conclude the album with the title track called Keys to Secret Door, which in my view is one of the best titles for a piece of music I have heard for some time, and is a more authoritative version of the opening composition and in instrumental mode as well, which brings to a close this commanding project called Keys to Secret Door by Astrid M & Piano Lilium, and in bringing this ep to fruition, have manifested one amazing release filled with both expression and passion to a global audience.

Hold You by Arielle Margalit

 

Hold You

By

Arielle Margalit

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The tender tones of Arielle Margalit in this new single Hold You are something to utterly enjoy, this is a tonal panacea to help us move onto bigger and better things and a stunning new offering that is a gentle ballad of emotive anthem like proportions.

The loving and supportive message contained within is heartfelt and something to embrace in all ways, the vocals of Margalit is like a beacon of hope in an otherwise fearful world. I continually hear singles in this genre released that fail to capture the mood, but here on Hold You the artist snared her audience and never lets them go.

The magic here is created by the slow build and progression, all anthem styled compositions should have this, one that grows slowly, and then becomes totally undeniable, and blossoms into a track that everyone wants to hear at a concert before the artist leaves the stage for the last time.

It’s not easy manifesting something this good, but on Hold You, Arielle Margalit does herself proud and produces one of the best vocal arrangements I have heard for quite some time. With all that being said I am more than happy to put my money where my mouth is and bet that a top 10 chart place at least is heading the way of Hold You by Arielle Margalit.

first... listen by Murray Grant

 

first...  listen

By

Murray Grant

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Murray Grant was a new artist to me, but one that by the end of the project I was glad to have engaged with, as I would thoroughly enjoy the tonal selections contained within his album entitled first...  listen, a curious title maybe, but one packed with colours, textures and delightful contemporary instrumental vibrations.

The opening foray called temple started with an electronic intent, but soon morphed into something much more; a light percussive beat would soon take us by the hand into a veritable wonderland of instrumental magic, with the highlight the flute of Dave Weiss as the narrator of the composition.

Murray Grant is a sublime drummer and keyboardist, and has graced the world of contemporary instrumental music with many a fine creations, here on this brand new album he draws with him a team of artists whom will go on to manifest something uniquely brilliant in the album first...  listen, with pieces like the lush vibrancy of water and stone, a track that so reminds me of an old friends work in Al Conti, perhaps from his Blue Rose album.

Time certainly does fly, especially the older you get! Here on tempus fugit, we have that very essence weaved within the textured pathways of the song, this fast paced reverie has a soundtrack element built into its tone and timbre, with a Jethro Tull like flute, powerful percussion from Grant that literally drives one on, and a constant keyboard adding an extra layer into the offering.

I feel that at this juncture it is quite correct to introduce you to the team that joins Grant on this quest of instrumental perfection. We start with Amanda Toh on erhu, the smooth skill sets of Bart Dietvorst on guitars, Dave Olson on bass, and the exceptional Dave Weiss on flutes, with Elena Stern at the cello, Maria Grigoryeva on both violin and viola, and the ever so rhythmic Max Serpentini on djembe, darabuka, and shakers, you have a stunning dream team of artistes joining composer and instrumentalist Murray Grant on this voyage of musical exploration, as west meets east, of which are exemplified on tracks like in that moment, a beautifully layered arrangement indeed.

As we edge inexorably towards the middle section of the album we come across my personal favourite track entitled darkness, note the light rock ethic on guitar, the moody backdrop of sound utilising the keyboards to their very best, kudos to Grant there, this whole piece reminded me of a globally fused slice of prog rock, and I absolutely loved every second of it.

There is always hidden on every album a little gem that you are just glad that you came across and will never forget, awakening was that piece for me, the crisp keyboards, the fluent flute, and that charming plunging bass of Dave Olson created for me a charming musical narrative that I would want to go back to time and time again.

echoes used the bass at its premium, almost as a lead instrument, then utilising a keyboard narrative so very rhythmic and enticing, with an added percussive beat that was simply undeniable and breathtakingly sublime, the east meets west global fusion here was some of the best I have heard for ages, and reminded me in part of the work of fellow instrumentalist Arun Shenoy, in a blissful seven minutes plus of a piece you never wanted to end.

dania gave us a moment to chill too, its gentle and calming refrains allowed us room to stretch out and enjoy the evening sun, whilst listening to a sumptuous multi-instrumental ballad, and then we we’re back on the trail again with the interestingly named shades of grey.  The mixture of keyboards guitar chords and flute here manifested a vista of a track that was both smooth in its production, but also explorative in its overall nature.

The penultimate offering is entitled hellos and goodbyes, there is a drifting cadence here that peaks the interest, the flute and keyboards seem to slowly dance in a symbiotic partnership on this beautiful composition, one that leads us gently into the arms of the concluding musical narrative.

an ending (is not the end), apart from being a clever title is a crafted way with which to conclude a project, it’s a perfectly balanced composition, one that builds, progresses, and offers up some delicate tones, then pulls the listener into a final foray of a globally infused offering.

first...  listen by Murray Grant maybe an album that got complicated by the global pandemic, but the final result was well worth the wait; this is one of the most prime examples of exemplary contemporary instrumental work that I have had the pleasure to listen to in years, and as such, I see no reason why first...  listen by Murray Grant shouldn’t charge up the charts at the very least and maybe even more could be on the horizon for this superb album.

Mangata By Deuter

 

Mångata

By

Deuter

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It is always a total pleasure to write a review for one of your favourite musicians and Deuter is certainly one of them, his legacy has remained with me from as far back as 1971 and the release of the album D, moving forward his work has been an influence on me personally with his sumptuous and delicious recordings called Buddha Nature and Reiki Hands of Light, being a constant on my player for decades still to this day.

Today we celebrate his latest release called Mångata, and I truly believe that this is the New Age legends best album for years, and from it, we see him firmly back on the path to success with this stunning new creation, this 9 track collection of sublime new age creative and artistic compositions.

Pieces like the opening and title track Mångata thrill me, with the signature plunging Deuter tones, the hovering synths, and the dream like keyboards and flute, this is utterly magical, and we get a marvellous nine minutes plus to enjoy as well.

The whole album is a wondrous delight of long to medium term musical manifestations, tracks like the crisp and comforting refrains of Horizon of Light, with its rhythmic pastiche, soft guitar and soothing flutes, whilst tracks like the only short form story on the album called Écho de la Lune at just under two minutes, build a textured vibration for us to all enjoy.

This is an album that takes the musical soul and lifts it high with hands of tenderness and care, while offerings like Mondklang mit Perlen (Moon Sounds With Pearls) truly emphasises that, and its beautiful long form narrative reminds me of another glorious epic from Deuter in the piece Illumination, this track like the aforementioned one for me is the perfect meditational offering that I cannot wait to use personally, its tranquil tapestry of tone is a blissful bed of calm and peace we all so truly need so much right now.

Mångata is an album you won’t skip forward on, it is an album that you will allow yourself time to bathe in its sonic delights, and more than likely get lost in its wonderful reveries, that very thing happened to me on the piece Northern Lights, if ever a track was transcendent this one most certainly is.

Creations like the more flute based Fjallastelpa, this one I found extremely interesting, as it seemed to take me to the frozen lands of Iceland, and as far as I can detect means Mountain Girl, compositionally this reminds me of music that the grand master of New Age once created on his album Sun Spirit, and here is a splendidly uplifting offering indeed.

Deuter’s skill set in creating scenic music is well known, and on compositions like Moonlight Rêverie, the keyboards of the composer manifest a soothing beauty, whilst the penultimate manifestation builds upon a sense of hope, and its string like creation offers up exactly what is stated as the title in the piece Resonance of Silence.

The parting gift is the composition Sunset Gratitude, there is a deepness and quality of sound here that seems to cover the senses like a warm blanket in winter, it’s a piece that exudes gratitude, and is simply the best way with which to conclude the album.

Mångata by Deuter is not just a stunning new album from one of the finest new age music composers of all time; it’s an album that raises the bar for all to follow, it is a release that is beyond the realm of beauty, and its compassionate tones will remain in the heart and mind of each willing listener for an eternity. If ever an album deserved to be top of the charts this one most certainly does.

 Mångata by Deuter is the album that the new age music industry has been waiting years for, and this is not only a good thing for the composer but the entire genre itself, and as such, is without doubt a must have album at all costs.

Amore Simplice By James Michael Stevens

 

Amore Simplice

By

James Michael Stevens

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have had the pleasure of listening to the piano works of James Michael Stevens for some five years now, and reviewing many of them in the process. The artist is a pianist whose presentations always give a sanctuary of tone to hide one from the stresses of the world, currently this is my life, so for the next few moments of time I am going to allow the tonal delights of Amore Simplice by James Michael Stevens to wash away those fears and concerns.

The opening piece is always the best place to start, and I am proud to say that this melodious composition is in fact the title track entitled of course Amore Simplice, as solo piano goes this anthem styled comforting piece is a sublime layer of blissful pleasure to enjoy.

The curiously entitled Dark Zen is upon us next, a little mysterious motif haunts the corridors of this track, one that has a slight eastern taste to its construction, whilst offerings like the following lush narrative entitled Driftwood Shore are filled with artistic and moving segments of textures and colours.

Then from the previously memory bathed piece we now soar upwards with the composition Fly My Dreams. We all have dreams, but how many of us embrace them wholly, so here is an assuring little number that will allow you to do so.

I have a fondness for the fall and on Mellow Autumn we can come across a veritable truism, for me the time of mists and falling leaves is always mellow, and here James depicts that to perfection.  Whilst on the midway offering called Moment Winter we have a sombre reminder that even the our part of the earth must sleep, regenerate and rest before growing again, the beauty of this performance is so palpable and deeply touching.

Prelude Sentimentalis is track 7 from this 12 track album, and is another classy solo piano reverie that contains narratives of both major and minor refrains within its illustrious content; this gentle creation is almost a lullaby of sorts, whilst following that our senses are given grace thanks to one of my personal favourites from the album called Promenade at Swan Lake, I love watching swans, they are so fluent and beautiful upon the water, and this performance is simply a perfect depiction of their movements.

Solo piano is safe in the hands of performers and composers like James Michael Stevens, whose heart filled manifestations always give one hope, calm and tranquillity, much of that can be said for pieces like Rustica, an offering that is timeworn but still offers up much charm, and Serenade Autumn, whose partnership with track 5 is well made, here is another stunning reminder via the piano of how inspirational this season is.

James pulls a rabbit from his magical musical hat on the penultimate offering called Shimmers in the Night, manifesting a glorious star filled sky of a composition that literally sparkles into life, whilst the entire album can be concluded thanks to the final piece from the release entitled Sunrise Meditation, a clever finish indeed, one that signals the end of the album, but offers up the hope of a brand new day to once again seize and make the most of.

Amore Simplice by James Michael Stevens is another in a very long line of quality solo piano based albums by one of the finest composers of heart felt sincere work in the business today, and is without doubt some of his best work thus far. There is literally something for everybody in this album, moments of tender love, mystery and imagination, wonderment and comforting sanctuaries of sound, and to find that all on one album is a luxury one simply cannot deny themselves.

Forgotten Hero By Antonija Pacek

 

Forgotten Hero

By

Antonija Pacek

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It is interesting the term Hero; one can reference heroes of War, of ancient deity’s of a mythological past like Heracles or Achilles, or simply someone in their home town who has achieved much by their good deeds, regardless on this brand new single by Antonija Pacek called Forgotten Hero, the artist and composer manifests a solemn reminder that even the bravest of all may one day also be forgotten.

Pacek has creativity about her piano performances that makes one want to listen deeply; it is very easy for one to get totally drawn in by her compelling musical narratives, the gentle build and progression on this piece is a timely reminder, that piano with an artistic heart still beats out there among the plethora of micro arrangement banality, that seems to be on offer these days.

This new single is like a story, a tale of a long forgotten protagonist; perhaps one that has not swam with the movement of time, but has drifted away in the thoughts of the many, as the world has moved on. The piano presentation by Pacek is among some of the most heartfelt I have heard for years, and as such I say truly that Forgotten Hero by Antonija Pacek deserves to be a huge hit on the charts, and like a true hero, needs to never be forgotten.

Indigo By Nitish Kulkarni

 

Indigo

By

Nitish Kulkarni

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have had the good fortune this year in reviewing albums for artists like Grammy winner Ricky Kej, Devan Ekambaram, and Karsh Kale and whilst all have thrilled me with their musical exploits, I must admit to being thrilled to see the name of Nitish Kulkarni arrive on my desktop, and his latest album Indigo for review, and indeed it is this voyage we must travel today.

It’s been a while since we first musically met; it was back in 2015 and his outstanding album of then entitled Synesthetic. On this latest release Nitish takes us on a breath taking journey of 14 delicious tracks that would grace any chill out album proudly.

This travelogue of a global fusion styled collection starts with short Prologue (Alaap) to help us along on our way, and one that morphs into nothing less than the proud title track itself in Indigo. This is a headline piece that drives the listener onward with a composition filled with a multi-instrumental world styled ethic.

On Let Me Show You we have a decided eastern feel to the arrangement, one that contains the Bansuri of Varad Kalhapurkar and is based upon Raga Bhimpalisi. While the following narrative Without You manifests a fluent Asian melody that even has hints of Chinese folk music contained within, but holds firm to its original conception.

I found this next piece particularly compelling, the track called Identity caressed my senses with a gentle persuasion and a soothing tale to tell, the chimes and lightness of this creation were now firmly in the realm of what could be described as new age, but we absolutely have an album here that crosses boundaries with a simplicity of ease and a wondrous charm whilst doing so, the synths on this track were also a marvellous addition to the classy compositional structure.

As we drift to the middle of the album we come across a charming offering that is the epitome of truly good instrumental work, and this gem is called Hello Winter. This largely piano narrative, with a light percussive slice of musical magic, would be easily classed as quality contemporary instrumental music in today’s business, with an added Bansuri too, and is also based on Raga Bageshri, to add a few eastern notes into the pot of this most textured of pieces.

As we touch the hem of the track Falling we realise that we have made it to the half way juncture of the album, and here we find another piece of Raga inspiration, this time from Charukeshi. This light yet addictive offering builds with precision, and manifests a rhythmic overall musical sense of drama to encapsulate us.

This is one of those albums that is hard to leave alone as each track is so different and interesting, including pieces like Night Eyes (Balama), containing traditional vocals by Vibhuti Kavishwar and also the tender tones of Shreyas Bedekar to add a perfect balance of the offering, this is also a fine example of Kulkarni’s skilful electronic prowess as well.

The scene is set well by the artist on this next colourful piece called Meeting Saraswati, now this is a fascinating subject as we can learn that Saraswati is what can be describe as a pan Indian deity, venerated not only in Hinduism but also in Jainism and Buddhism too, this is a full flowing piece, with a hint of mystery entwined within and one of my personal favourites.

Without doubt this album gifts to us some incredibly beautiful compositions, like the utterly handsome The Flower in the Pages, a gentle keyboard piano narrative lays here, whilst offerings like Digital Age offer a more electronic based reality from a virtual future where man meets machine, and this relationship bears musical fruits that are both exciting and rhythmic.

In the deep waters of the album we have Let Me Show You (Redux), a piece that pushes the aforementioned narrative of track 3 further, however when we arrive at the penultimate offering you will also find one of my personal favourite from the album called Painting the Canvas. Here lays one of the brightest and best tracks that in my view Kulkarni has ever created, and one that uses the beautiful vocal talents of singer Akhila Mamandur, as major meets minor and what is created is musical magic, in one of the most sensual pieces from the album, and furthermore, if the artist was ever thinking of releasing a single from the album, I would point him to this very track to do so.

Having started with the prologue, it of course comes to pass that we end with a short form narrative of the Epilogue, a succinct and concise conclusion to what in my view is an outstanding album.

It is always an excellent sign when you are listening to an album and you never want it to end because you are simply enjoying the journey too much, but this is without doubt the case with Indigo by Nitish Kulkarni. Here is an album that floats between many genres and is not afraid to cross them, but to put them all together in a big old melting pot of brilliance, this album is simply sublime and is in my view one of the best global fusion albums I have heard for many a year, and as such should take the charts by storm.