Rhapsody In Twilight By Kristin Amarie, David Lanz & Czech National Symphony Orchestra

 

Rhapsody In Twilight

By

Kristin Amarie, David Lanz & Czech National Symphony Orchestra

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There are those who will be satisfied with a good career in music, those that become great and leave many musical memories, and then those whose utter genius stands tall over the decades that pass, their music therefore becomes a timeless waterfall of sublime inspiration and beauty, and one can levy that last statement at David Lanz and Kristin Amarie who now must be an undeniable force in the genre of neo classical music, and will never be forgotten, and today it is a gift of gifts, as we take a look at the latest single from the artists entitled Rhapsody In Twilight.

This new creation continues the symbiotic partnership with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, and follows on from the previous offering Flower Moon (Sonata in Cm), and for another amazing 4 minutes plus we are blessed with a work so good, that the God of music himself Apollo, would have showered the duo with his praise and applause. The powerful nature of this piece is remarkable and most noteworthy, with ease it should be featured in a Hollywood blockbuster, please pay heed movie producers I know you read me!

Also note the wonderful crescendo at 1.14 minutes into this stunning composition, it is one of the best that I have heard, and builds a fluent mood of empowerment through the creation, that crescendo is repeated in a further minute onwards, at this point, like Elton Johns Funeral For a Friend, the composition gathers a swing to its narration, and a blissful colourful dance like state whisks the listener into a state of utter bliss with ease.

One must view this as one of the best works of the composers Lanz and Amarie ever, they continue to take the globe by storm with such a fine array of musical intelligence and glorious performances, and on Rhapsody In Twilight by Kristin Amarie, David Lanz & Czech National Symphony Orchestra, they have taken it up a notch further, if that is even possible, and manifested one of the most compelling hits ever, if music could ever be legendary, then this is what it would sound like.

Piano Dreams By James Michael Stevens

 

Piano Dreams

By

James Michael Stevens

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I really don’t know how James does it, album after album, release after release, but as the years roll past, each of his delicious offerings are as fresh, textured and colourful as ever, but for me the secret is that his music is comfort for the musical soul, as once more James Michael Stevens gifts us another new offering called Piano Dreams, and never has an album been better named.

The opening to this lush release is called Dreamy Nights and Quiet Skies an arrangement that does exactly what it says on the can with utter ease, a gentle ramble through musical tonal fields of a golden dawn and we are off again on another delightful voyage of calm with the pianist.

There is nothing quite like the subject of this next track, Early Morning Sunrise, the freshness of the air, the sounds of nature and the joy of being in a solitude of natural bliss before humanity rears its head above the sheets. Here for me, James paints that picture perfectly with a soothing refrain on piano, but one that encapsulates a slow and soft palate of a summer sunrise.

I have many memories of this subject matter, being next to one always was a thing of great comfort and pleasure, it seems somewhat strange that I am now a resident of a country that has no rivers other than mountain streams if we’re lucky, but there are many other benefits. River Stones is a charming musical narrative and in part also reminds me of my late, but still great friend Annie Locke, whose musical narratives about these delightful waterways were always a sensitive pastiche of tones too, this is marvellous from the artist, and a track that brought back some simply moving memories for me personally.

The change in key was remarkable and brought about a subtle, but poignant mood to this next brilliant piece called Misty Reflections. This one could easily follow on from any sunrise moment, I have been fortunate enough to watch many special misty moments across many lakes and ponds in my time, and this composition catches that mysterious mood with great aplomb.

We now move to a spring reverie called Yellow Tulips, the slow and careful narrative created by James here brings a wonderful symbiotic feel to the overall mood of the creation as one can completely feel the sway and movement of the tulip in the soft April breeze.

This next piece reminded me of a song I heard whilst drifting through YouTube and coming across a long form video with a copious amount of light Jazz piano playing under the said Jazz Coffee shop, both brought me great comfort, in the very same way this arrangement does, there is something so very calming about this composition that after a while it became a timeless dream of great beauty and called Purple Smoke - Slow Jazz Piano.

This next offering had such an attractive title that it totally fascinated me and called Brandywine Falls. I have recently found out that it is in a national park in the US, so even though I cannot go to this location physically, I can at least travel vicariously through this marvellous manifestation by the artist and it is indeed a most beautiful experience indeed.

The deeper part of this musical forest would reveal a stunning gem of a composition called Theme from Wanderer Fantasy, this musical memory place of a composition was indeed a highlight from the album, its moody refrains encapsulate the title perfectly and its reflective musical gaze doubly so.

The penultimate track from the album is entitled Summer Lullaby and this appropriate performance is redolent of the subject matter entirely as I sit here in temperatures that in the old Fahrenheit would seem somewhat extreme at just over 107°F. This crafted composition though is clever, its slow and torpid presentation is exactly how it feels when you try to do anything in this heat, so lay back, grab a cocktail and listen to a James Michael Stevens playlist instead.

We conclude our musical voyage with the composer with the last creation from the album and this parting gift is called Reminiscent of a Dream, which is a nice way with which to leave the release almost like we started it, a gentle soft touch on the keys, a sweet light jazz motif, in a way it really can’t get any better than this.

So the composer, pianist and creator of chill solo piano, does it again, by producing a sublimely chilled collection of tranquil, yet thoughtful musical narratives on his trusty piano, leaving us ever grateful listeners full in the knowledge that the world of relaxing piano is safe in the hands of James Michael Stevens and his latest album Piano Dreams, a release you must have at all costs.

Travelogue By Jim Kimo West & David Vito Gregoli

 

Travelogue

By

Jim Kimo West & David Vito Gregoli

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

When I first came across this album I was intrigued as in my younger days used to be a bit of a global traveller, so here I am once more, off on my travels, albeit vicariously thanks to an album called Travelogue, manifested into reality by two of the finest instrumentalists around in Jim Kimo West & David Vito Gregoli.

The album is an 11 track work of great colour and texture, and the first steps is a song called Friday Harbor which is packed with multi-instrumental magic from the guitar, to the banjo, to the sumptuous fretless bass. The song is quite clever in its build and progression, to both hold the relaxed vibe, but to build a temperate level of excitement, as one does when one starts out on a new journey.

The next offering starts quite attractively with a fluent and imploring guitar narrative on Islamorada Sunset, for some reason it reminds me of Fields of Gold by Sting, but without the lyrics, which in a way are easy to picture, especially if the said location is Florida, which has almost the same weather conditions as my home in Cyprus.

It is always a great pleasure to listen to the combination of Vito and Kimo, they always bring a veritable tapestry of tonal colour to all of their illustrious compositions, such can be said for this rare gem of a piece called Lake Crescent, a slow and gentle acoustic guitar narrative allows us to travel to an idyllic location with the artists, in fact the arrangement of the compositional structure could well gift any listener a boat ride memory through music.

One of the most attractive locations on the album was Yosemite, the dualistic convergence of guitars here was utterly sublime at creating a vast landscape of musical beauty, it was once on my bucket list of places to go to, but now that’s no longer possible, I will have to create my own visual through the medium of this most harmonic of creations.

Crystal River is one of the more meditative pieces from the release, a track that creates soothing tonal delights and gentle images of calmer days and times in blissful surroundings, whilst Big Sur manifests into reality a rugged location, a vibration of nature allowed to be free can be found in this sensitive arrangement.

The album holds much in its musical hands, a real treat can be found on the piece Highland Life, starting with some gorgeous harmonics, we seem to be weaving along a country lane almost hand in hand with the symbiotic guitar work, one that for me contained a little Celtic lilt to its overall narrative.

On Blueridge Moonlight one of the finest compositions from the release can be found, and with ease one of the most inventive and creative acoustic guitar compositions I have heard for quite some time, the use of the pause here was timed to perfection in a true colourful vista of a composition.

We find ourselves now in one of the most remote locations from the album as we listen to High Sierras. The multiplicity of instrumentation, and combinations of an assortment of guitars, both bass and acoustic can be found on a soft bed of sound that drifted with calm in the background of the offering, and it was without doubt one of the most fascinating and breath-taking tracks from the album.

The album is concluded with a track that was a massive hit for rock band Toto back in the 80’s called Africa, earlier on in the year this single by the pairing was released to the world and also included in it were performances from MB Gordy & Joss Jaffe, in what is a very chilled way with which to conclude the album.

There can be no doubt that that both artists are top of their respective leagues as instrumentalists, and here on this brand new album they show that in absolute abundance, each piece is carefully curated, calmly performed with great skill and intelligence, and the result at the conclusion is one of the finest experiences one could ever wish for in the world of guitar based instrumental music, there can be no other outcome other than a massive chart hit on the horizon for Jim Kimo West & David Vito Gregoli with this bliss filled new release Travelogue.

Spiraling Up By The Song Gardeners

 

Spiraling Up

By

The Song Gardeners

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I remember 2020 for other reasons than the pandemic; it was the year that The Song Gardeners came into my life with a composition called Altered State, what a great song, and little did I know at the time, but a whole new genre (New Age Pop) would be spawned from those humble beginnings. Today though we can march forward 5 years from the chaos of that horrendous pandemic, to the chaos, fear and hatred in the world caused primarily by one person, however The Song Gardeners may have a solution to those woes, with their latest creation Spiraling Up.

A powerful percussive beat somewhat similar to that of 80’s Genesis starts our journey; the vocals of Mary Gospe give us hope to cling to with her poignant lyrics, some of which state “We're spiraling up, brighter and wiser, filled with compassion and love in our hearts” Wouldn’t that be something special, a global ethic that reached out, and used love and compassion, instead of greed and fear.

The powerful rock motifs are mixed amazing here in this new composition, one to grasp the moment and Carpe diem perhaps. The intense beat is a sign of things to come in this song, as Gospe and Dunn manifest one of their most powerful singles to date, the production as usual is delicious, the performance doubly so, and the musicianship some of the best we have heard from the band, I predict something big from Spiraling Up by The Song Gardeners, could this be the anthem for revolution and freedom we all so badly need!

Echoes of Earth and Sky By Earthsong Voyage

 

Echoes of Earth and Sky

By

Earthsong Voyage

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

A beautifully vibrant album would come my way this roasting June morning, and what a breath of fresh air it was indeed, the release in question is Echoes of Earth and Sky by the artists Earthsong Voyage, a delightful mixture of Native American flute and world percussion, which can be summed up as a true global fused mixture of addictive creations.

The opening piece The Chase in F# Minor is a gentle but forthright offering that dances with a serene energy onto the centre stage of our minds eye, with a subtle percussive beat and a mesmeric flute performance.

Earthsong Voyage members are the Empert’s, with Jamie on flutes and added instrumentation, whilst Joe literally flows fast and smooth on all manner of percussion, on the track Saffron Sizzles that much becomes evident, reminding me of an old friend in Phil Thornton and his world and Egyptian vibe, combined with the late but great percussionist Hossam Ramzy they were unbeatable.

The next piece is a horse of a different colour, as a more tempered and calming beginning is gifted on the piece Unearthed, and although this is slightly elevated by some of the most stunning flute work ever by Jamie, the whole narrative remains steadfast in its calming overtones and meditative fluency, this for me was a deeply moving creation, and something I will be certainly revisiting at some stage in the future.

Tracks like Finding My Way Home gave us a little Celtic lilt and a reflective gaze, whilst the pieces like After the Sun Sets offered up a truly mystical journey of sorts, in an almost east meets west guise.

The remarkable production on this album is also noteworthy, sometimes percussion as a lead, or joint lead instrument of choice can be difficult to get just right, here the Empert’s nail it completely throughout the entire album, also especially on creations like Serengeti Stomp, a true African legend of a composition indeed.

The listener will find the mixture of flute and global percussion compelling, it is quite unique and original, and pieces like Song of the Storm take it up a notch as well, adding some natural sounds, a dreamy and mournful flute with a storm raging outside, this really grabbed my attention, and Jamie’s flute work reminded me so much of an old friend of ours, in the UK’s Nigel Shaw, and yes this would be one of my favourite manifestations from the album, but as a lot of people know, I do so love a good storm.

Joe shines on the rhythmic pulse of tracks like Kool Kat, and again on the Flying in the Wind, where the dance like ethic with Jamie’s flute brings resonance and energy, both Chrissie and I love playing with our frame drums, we have several upstairs in our music room.

The penultimate track from the album was one of the most moving I have heard from many genres so far this year, and called Celestial Echoes. The piece itself had a vast depth to it, passionate flutes that resonated across the eons of time, and into perhaps the very ears of the ancestors themselves. Without doubt this would be my personal favourite from the album, the minor mixture, the moody presentation, and the heart felt energy was incredibly compelling.

I composed a winter track a while back and it took longer than I anticipated getting it right, but seasonal tracks often do, here on our concluding musical narrative Jamie and Joe manifest something not only amazingly wintery, which is a blessing for me right now as it is boiling hot June day as I write this. Solitude of Winter is a perfect ending creation, and ideal for bringing this delightful musical journey to a conclusion, with pure class.

There are times when you get to review an album that you completely enjoy in its entirety; there are no weak tracks, no fillers, just wall to wall brilliance from the artists, beautifully narrated compositions, flourishing with intelligent and fun performances, and all on a bed of a delicious production foundation. There can be no doubt that Echoes of Earth and Sky by Earthsong Voyage is going to be a huge hit on the charts, and the pristine fluency of this great release may even see more great things rolling over the horizon of success for the duo.

Pianistically Speaking by Richard Atkins

 

Pianistically Speaking

By

Richard Atkins

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The world of solo piano came knocking at my door for the second time today, but this time in the guise of pianist supreme Richard Atkins, and today we can unveil the latest creation from one of the hardest workers in the business, as we take an in-depth look at Pianistically Speaking, the artists latest release.

It is said that every picture tells a story and that most certainly can be said for this album, each note is a poignant step in the direction of a tale to be told, the beginning point starts with the reflective piece Torn Apart, the title suggests a moving and deeply felt occurrence, but hope lays within the weave of the performance, nestled between warm memories of love and times well spent.

I get this next track entirely, as I have literally been there. Enamored is a composition that is full of love and hope, for me that hope turned into reality when I would be lucky enough to marry the women I had become enamoured with. For me this smooth almost lounge styled piece speaks tender volumes of comfort and peace, and knowing that everything at last in your world is as it should be, note also, Atkins passionate presentation toward the latter half of this gloriously sun kissed narrative.

Nirvana is up next, it is said that this is the final goal of Buddhism; this performance highlights eastern motifs, but at the same time, manifesting a somewhat mysterious opus whilst doing so, the gentle notes are beautifully juxtaposed to the more emphatic tones on this fascinating composition; this is one very artistic and well-constructed musical creation indeed.

There are fluent reveries akin to the pieces Lost Love, a creation all about loving and losing, and then something I still have on an ever growing list of things to do, having a coffee in a French Café, a delectable and pristine offering indeed.

Pianistically Speaking by Richard Atkins is a vast body of work and each listener will enjoy the 15 separate compositions that reside on the album with joy, like my favourite moment of the day as its Coffee Time, strangely enough it actually is here! This is a heavenly piece, full of an easy, let’s just kick back energy, one could with ease imagine watching the rain hit the windows of a coffee shop, the chink of spoon in cup, and a soft jazzy reverie enjoyed by all, that’s with ease the mood I get from this wonderful manifestation.

Just about at the half way juncture of the album we find dreamy manifestations like the creation Peace, the soft melody and construction make this for me very ease on the ears, it is without a doubt an offering that calms the mind in its meditative musings, whilst the following narrative filled with many textured memories and past ruminations can be found on the creation called Reminisce.

I am extremely lucky enough to live near the Mediterranean ocean and each second I spend there, each sunset I see, fills me full of joy and happiness. On this next track by Atkins, called Out to Sea, I feel those same emotions, the ever changing guard of nature, but the same fluency of love from one single piano, to one open heart, in a lullaby for us costal citizens.

There can be no doubt that Atkins has that golden touch, and much like my old friend and fellow coffee shop patron David Lanz, he shares that ability to manifest something of great beauty almost seamlessly, on Always There he does just that, and supplies us very eager listeners with another moment of unbridled peace.

One can thoroughly enjoy the sheer depth of this next transcendent piece called Ocean. Winter here in Cyprus paints a dangerous picture with regard to the temper and tendencies of the sea; it is as if Poseidon himself is letting off steam after the holiday makers depart for home. On this piece I feel the deep rooted respect we all must have for our oceans and seas, and Atkins classical styled soundtrack composition is both breath-taking and utterly cinematic.

This track came at a good time for me, I need to relax more and Chill is that type of manifestation it would be very easy to do so with, whilst the short form narrative of Triste highlights the highs and lows of a romantic connection, in a piece that is played with such a tender touch by the artist.

I can open up the door to many memories, but some are best left alone, left in the corner with a white sheet covering the dusty boxes, of dark past remembrances, on Echoes we have a track that is both mournful and deeply reflective, the house is empty but time stands still and embraces the echoes inside. Here Atkins on this penultimate offering brings a tear to the corner of the eye of any embracing listener, in one of the most outstanding compositions from the album.

When I first heard this one I could hear lyrics in my mind, the song is called Its Time to Go, it is a beautifully textured jazz styled opus of great emotion and tenderness, of course how could any other track be as perfect as this one to end such a quality album like this.

There can be no doubt that Richard Atkins is one of the finest solo pianists in this modern day, his manifestations tick many emotive boxes along the way, he allows each willing listener to experience a journey of calm and serenity for a while, perhaps a moment to take the eye off the clock or the depressing news channels, and just enjoy a deeply blissful album of wondrous colours and moods. With that being said I would have to say that Pianistically Speaking by Richard Atkins has been one of my most desirable and enjoyable solo piano voyages to date, and as such, surely a huge chart position and perhaps more is on the musical horizon for the composer and performer.

Red Sky at Night By Helen Keeling-Marston

 

Red Sky at Night

By

Helen Keeling-Marston

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Solo Piano in its many guises is one of the most expressive mediums there can be and perhaps a textured and artistic moment of tonal joy too, here on this brand new single by Helen Keeling Marston, we have such a delight to bathe in and enjoy, and this guilty pleasure is entitled Red Sky at Night.

I have had this song on replay for some time now, just drifting through its reflective gaze, filtering through the shards of sun kissed dust particles upon a summer window pane, and the performance is so very heart felt and truly moving, time literally stands still whilst listening to this piece.

Helen is a pianist of great quality and her calm reposes into the realm of instrumental music are a delight to always have around the senses. The pianist, like my wife Chrissie, is from Hampshire in the UK, and is one of the best at manifesting compelling emotive compositional structures, which of course makes her a true artist in every sense of the word.

Here on her new single, she flows with the midnight tide, and builds upon a sweet narrative that you simply never want to end, as such this is a timeless reverie and an utterly beautiful creation, which must mean a big hit could well be on the cards for Helen Keeling-Marston and Red Sky at Night.

Ananya By Shambhu

 

Ananya

By

Shambhu

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Shambhu has become one of the finest instrumentalists of his time, normally known for his textured and soothing acoustic guitar creations; however here on this brand new single, the artist manifests one of the deeper compositions of his career, on this brand new and exciting single called Ananya.

The moody piano leads us carefully by the hand through a manifestation of musical twists and turns, bringing to the listener a melodic but moving pastiche of tone and timbre. Shambhu features his skill set on the electric guitar quite beautifully on this latest creation, and does so with great skill and care, whilst doing so.

Ananya as a composition has a blissful overall narrative to its structure, but built within the weave of the piece are moments of sublime mystery and suspense, so much so that the track itself is perfectly balanced, to give us, the ever eager listener, an intriguing and an encapsulating experience.

There is so much to adore, here, the constant minor nature built around the uplifting guitar and moody synth work is sumptuous; one would have to say that Ananya by Shambhu has to be one of the most in-depth and cinematic  compositions that he has ever created, and is most certainly well worth adding to your playlist of choice immediately. 

Sonic Bloom By Wayne Bethanis

 

Sonic Bloom

By

Wayne Bethanis

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The pianist and composer Wayne Bethanis has been on somewhat of a musical journey of grandeur now for many years, I first came across the artist some 10 years ago, via a single called Reverie – Debussy, and since then album after album, composition after composition, has flowed from the colourful pen of the composer, eventually cumulating into what sits before me now, a project called Sonic Bloom, perhaps his latest and easily his grandest musical adventure yet.

Wayne’s beginning opus is as grand as they get, but this important manifestation is an incredibly meaningful one, a piece that lifts the down trodden spirit and gives it the one thing we all need right now hope, the soft passages by Bethanis allow for a layer of confidence to build upon a choir of resonant passion, for one of the most special opening tracks you are ever likely to find on, We Will Rise Once More.

Don't Look Back (The World is Changing) is a very relevant piece for this very moment in our globes history, with chaos abounding from just about everywhere, it seems to me that a shift to a very different world is occurring, as to exactly where that will lead I am not even sure, however Bethanis ushers in this brave new world with another powerful creation, where we can only stay strong and keep moving forward to face what is to come.

I have now listened to this piece entitled You Know I Will Remember You (Room 112) several times, and I will be openly honest here and say that I truly believe that this is the greatest composition Bethanis has ever produced; its emotive slow moving emotional tones bring tears to the eyes and a shiver down the neck and arms. The story behind this track is a personal one of the artist back in his 20’s, and his volunteering efforts in an Aids ward, the rest you can read via the notes yourself, the music here is some of the most heartfelt and stunningly beautiful I have ever heard, and it moved me greatly.

Our journey of sight and sound now takes us to this next creation called There is a Place Beyond the Heart. A song which was recently released as a single makes the grand stage as number 4 on this incredible album, here we find a song that constantly grows and expands through an almost classical moment of sublime intervention, and then its symphonic gestures literally explode crescendo like, with an angelic choir and a brass section lifting the narrative even higher than one ever thought possible.

Next is a rather interesting manifestation a veritable collage of fluent piano, percussion, soft gentle tones, string sections, with a lyrical content that would make any good pop song, on the uplifting narrative entitled These Are More Than Memories.

The natural sound effects that start this next opus were redolent of the subject matter of the song, a piece called Dream of the Golden West. The song is built around a memory of film star Rock Hudson and the movie Giant. This ever onward construction has a true sense of movement built within the weave of the piece, and several grand overtures and crescendos to boot as well, in a track that actually reminded me of another American pianist called Terry Lee Nichols and his creation, The Last Cowboy.

Time for another sensitive musical narrative now called My Father Never Saw Paris. I have yet to travel to France, but I will, until then I can do so via the medium of this quite beautiful opus by Bethanis. Elements of outstanding views can be felt here, mixed with moods of emotive dichotomies, in personal relationships perhaps. This is a memory palace of a piano piece, performed by one person, and dedicated to another, in a moment of humble respect.

The classical elements that began this track entranced me, then the piece built into something quite moving and all-encompassing, and I was hooked. Legend tells us here in Cyprus of the Sirens that sung upon the rocks, pulling many a boat adrift and the sailors on board to their deaths as well. However on Waltz of the Sirens there is a truly happy refrain to the overall arrangement, a delicious swing to the composition, and a very inventive coda as well.

We are now swimming in the deeper waters of the release, but we have come across a track now with a bounce and level of joy that flows from the piano keys of Bethanis like a Tsunami of excitement, one of possible love, on the sister to a previous massive hit of the artists The Bexley Bop, this rebounding overture however is called Ten Of Hearts, and is a piece that will simply electrify your night ahead.

The sound of a music box can sometimes be a haunting thing to listen to; something mysterious perhaps, what’s coming next? we can be heard to say, but her on this quite beautiful creation Bethanis eases our fears with a dualistic offering, a sensitive and tender track mixed with some majestic crescendos, this is the artist as his most creative best, elements of the classical entwined with good old new age piano, in a style that only Bethanis could achieve on the piece, New Age Music Box.

The most fascinating track ever is up next with the beguiling moniker of St. Declan's Traveling Dulcimer Candy Corporation, the weave of the arrangement at times contained a little Beatles energy into the construction of the said narrative, whilst the main fluent body of the piece could easily be used in a TV theme perhaps. This is one of those tracks that rarely come around, a colourful pastiche of crafted intelligence, akin to a perfect sunrise, a halcyon moment perhaps.

So we arrive at the parting point of the album, and as we push the boat free from its musical moorings for one last moment, we are gifted a final melodic narrative from the composer called That's How We Say Goodbye. This is the perfect song to conclude an album with, one tinged with the sadness of a goodbye moment, but one lightened by the happiness and positivity shared on a truly sublime performance by the artist.

Sonic Bloom by Wayne Bethanis was and is a journey of many colours and textures; it is a veritable tapestry of brilliance created by a pianist and composer who stands tall and undaunted in the centre of the ring, of the vast dimension that incorporates piano in all its guises. It may be an old cliché to say this is the best work yet from the artist, but when I say it, you know it to be true, and surely big things must be on the horizon for Sonic Bloom by Wayne Bethanis, it is without a shadow of a doubt his most seminal work thus far.

North Manitou Trail by James Filkins

 

North Manitou Trail

By

James Filkins

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

James Filkins and his trusty guitar have been weaving their spell over me now for some 3 years, a plethora of singles and one previous album have paved the way forward for this most proficient of guitarists, and with each string picked and strummed comes forth excellence and quality by the bucket load, today it’s another exploration of a rare new album called North Manitou Trail.

Its American location means it is very unlikely I will ever get to visit what is a truly beautiful place, but thanks to James and this new album I can do so vicariously. The opening foray is a great beginning and one of many singles previously mentioned on this release called Walking Mojo, which I believe, is about the artist’s dog, but this onward progression begins our journey with style and great skill.

One of my favourite tracks from this release was the following musical narrative Ashes to Ashes; it reminded me of an old friend from back in the day that I hear little from now in Vin Downes, the memory palace of minor refrains was indeed quite beautiful, as was the inclusion of Crispin Campbell on cello, which in my view is such a moving and emotive instrument.

The following piece called Keweenaw was a single earlier on this year, and its vibrant harmonics were a delight to listen to, with moments of excitement and calm all rolled into one creative composition, the inclusion of Crispin Campbell on cello once more offered a sensitive and melodic juxtaposition of tone and timbre.

I remember this next song so well; it was largely due to the title, A Raft of Loons, as an ornithologist it is one bird I have seen in many countries in the northern hemisphere of our beautiful planet. Here Filkins draws a textured and at times an ambient pastiche of tones to highlight this birds movement and moments, adding in both Katie Larsen on Cello and Sav Madigan on violin was a decision of sublime genius, as their inclusion manifested layer upon layer of artistic craft for us all to enjoy, and on the longest piece of the release.

I have had the pleasure in my life time of being able to walk within nature and through many places as depicted in this next creation called Tunnel of Trees. A knock on the body of the guitar was also a nice and clever touch by the artist, as was the dreamy clarinet and flutes of Brandon Wilkins and Luis Vilca, both adding different tones and moods to this quite crafted composition.

Just a short while ago James released this next track as a single, here in Cyprus looking at this tree in bloom is a delight and so very moving, so when I listened to this fantastic offering I felt the emotions pulling at me through the contents of the performance on Wysteria in Bloom, for me there is such a mournful refrain that speaks to me from this creation, perhaps it was also that sensitive aforementioned cello as well.

We can traverse the midway point of the album now through the piece Winter Vine, Campbell is back on cello and we have a dream of a piece that we can float on and into the night with, the guitar mastery here by Filkins added quality minor chords and delicate notes, all which created a truly colourful musical narrative to enjoy.

The delicacy one can find by just changing chords and notes on a guitar is what makes it for me one of the most expressive and adaptable instruments there is, here on Sunny Park in Harbor Springs we have such a piece, also a clever interplay can be found here as well with Filkins guitar, and for the first time on the album the talents of Juan Ignacio Gobbi on viola can be heard, in partnership with the mesmeric violin of Richard Downs Jr.

My favourite moment is now, as we reach the title track from the album which of course is North Manitou Trail. The composer is joined by Jack Dryden on an instrument normally associated with jazz on an upright bass, the ultra-fluency of Brian Donohoe on saxophone also joins the party, which then does indeed add a little light jazz ethic to the creation after all.

We are now deep within the weave of the album, and as we move so carefully through this deep forest of tone we find a track that has an imploring folk styled narrative and called Regrets. The accordion of Alex Somov can be heard adding to this tapestry of tone, but for me the symbiosis formed by Filkins guitar and Oleksandra Vyentseva on violin was simply outstanding, deeply moving and so very heartfelt.

We can drift back to early 2025 and a single called, Redheads on the Wing for another beautiful nature filled reverie, one that included a charming performance from the artist, and a soft and cathartic flute courtesy of Luis Vilca, the combination was a masterful composition that was indeed very easy on the ears and the soul.

The penultimate musical journey, Tending the Garden has only recently been released as a single by the artist, for me there was something almost classical about the arrangement of the melody, but one that fitted in so well with the main body of the piece. A nice and timely partnership was formed with the composer, with the inclusion of violinist German Dmitriev, who added much to the aforementioned classical motifs.

Our final and concluding musical narrative was this gem of a composition called Squall Line, a perfect ending reverie, a memorable package of instrumental magic is created here, one that perhaps reflects on the entire journey of the album, and perhaps it should be the right thing for the very classy Crispin Campbell on cello, to partner the creator on this final manifestation.

James Filkins has done what I urge every musician to do, pay attention to detail, allowing the little moments to meld with the larger segments of the release. James has got it right on the money with this fantastic collection of fluent creations, and a true journey of sight and sound can be experienced by every willing and humble listener. With ease the artist has produced his best work thus far, and as such North Manitou Trail by James Filkins should be a huge success for the composer and musician, with utter ease.

Que Chilero by Victor Samalot

 

Que Chilero

By

Victor Samalot

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Now you will have to excuse me, I speak a few languages, but Spanish is one I have only just started learning, so I have a feeling that the title of this brand new and brilliant new single from Victor Samalot titled Que Chilero means something like, that’s awesome, or it’s awesome. Regardless it’s been a while since I have heard from Victor, but I always enjoy his flourishing guitar narratives, and even more now on this great new composition.

So yes it is a truly awesome new creation, a fast paced Latin guitar that you may hear from the likes of JP Durand or Jim Stubblefield, but also a razor sharp electric one as well, and the skill set here is some of the most exciting and professional you are ever likely to hear.

Samalot has it all on this new manifestation that will induce outbreaks of sensual dancing at whim, the rhythm of the guitar, the pace and the upbeat tempo, and the added pulsating percussion all goes to make up what is a wonderfully passionate and addictive new offering.

I first came into contact with the artist back in 2017 thanks to his release at that time entitled Esperanza, but with this new single some 8 years later, I think we could well see Samalot edge ever higher to the upper echelons of the musical charts and deservedly so, therefore once more ushering in great success for Victor Samalot and this full flowing new single Que Chilero.

Global Canvas By Ron Korb

 

Global Canvas

By

Ron Korb

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

When you think of the genres of world music and global fusion, one name springs to mind as one of the front runners of instrumental music that can be found within those musical realms, that name is Ron Korb, with ease one of the finest flute performers of the genres aforementioned.

I have been an avid listener of Ron’s music for some 25 years now, ever since the release of Celtic Heartland. I am therefore proud to announce that 25 years on I am honoured to review the new massive oasis of world music, quite rightly called Global Canvas.

If ever a name suited an album this one does, it is an album that contains all manner of instrumentation and more renowned musicians from these two primary styles than you could ever possibly imagine, for example when we look at the simply stunning first two tracks, the first part of the prelude of the following narrative entitled Dream Of The King. Here Korb paints a lush picture of the past with a sublime performance on bamboo and bass flute, the layers unfurl further with the textured addition of cellist Margaret Maria, but for me the clever interplay came with the inclusion of Sharlene Wallace on Celtic Harp, creating a beautiful juxtaposition of east meets west

The release is a huge body of work, spanning some 18 amazing tracks, including pieces like the rhythmic Havana Sun, a country (Cuba) I nearly ended up in by accident, but that’s another story, applause to Hilario Durán on piano for the vibe of that area which is so unmistakable. Other classy offerings include the gentle refrains of Kindness, a track where Korb masterly performs to great aplomb on bawu, bass flute, and standard flute, whilst the performance by Xiaoqiu Lin on erhu captured the moment and the magic of it perfectly.

Even light Jazz and delicate funk motifs could be found of pieces like Blue Heron, I would also like at this point to praise the engine room on this piece as well, as the bass player usually gets forgotten, so let’s hear it for the sublime performance from Steve Lucas on an instrument that is becoming more recognised by the day on the 6-string bass. However this complex creation deserves all the plaudits it gets, it is a brilliant creation, and from a multitude of added performers too.

Now every so often I will find a little sanctuary in nature and just listen to some stunning solo flute, a good flute played well is one of the most expressive and meditative moments you could ever wish for, and Korb provides us with that on the track Peace Flute, a composition I will be coming back to over and over again for an age.

The penultimate track and concluding narrative is Three Kingdoms, firstly the short prelude and then the full and last glorious opus. This is the way with which to leave such a big project and with a little swing into mood as well. Great performances to wrap things up came from of course flute master Korb, but also with Larry Crowe on percussion, shaker and cajon, timely fluency came in the guise of the strings of Victoria Yeh violin, Margaret Maria on cello and many others, all contributing to a sun kissed last offering from the album.

Ron Korb has been responsible for many a sublime album over the years, but I truly believe he has crowned it with this one, with Global Canvas perhaps being the artists best work thus far, which considering the quality and standard of his creations, that’s no mean feat. Here though however he has manifested a true global fusion of compositional brilliance, and in doing so gifted us a timeless compilation of distinctive musical manifestations for us to enjoy for eons, this one has to be a huge hit on the charts, and perhaps even more!

I Wish Everyone Well By Curtis Macdonald

 

I Wish Everyone Well

By

Curtis Macdonald

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Curtis Macdonald has over the years become somewhat of a legend in the instrumental world, I still have fond memories of the first album I received from him back in 2002 called Shadow Crossing. Today I am gifted another gem from this colourful musician to review, a single called, I Wish Everyone Well.

On this sparkling new release Curtis produces a misty morning start, one that finds momentum and continues through an ever growing musical narrative, into one of his most accomplished instrumental offerings yet.

The smart percussive elements join the arrangement at around one minute plus, and is a smooth transition to a higher levelled chillout composition, the beautifully lush bass adds a perfect layer of tone, almost as a carpet on the bed of this wondrous musical creation.

The total value of this stunning reverie is amazing; at certain times one could easily expect this piece to burst into life as an international dance anthem, but thankfully it restrains itself and blesses its vibrations, but holding firm into a coloured and textured chilled summer beat with simplicity.

The way the world is now, this title is a somewhat refreshing statement of choice, one that I wish would be taken up by certain people who should know better, regardless this is a fine new creation by Macdonald as he continues to produce quality musical gifts, one after the other, and with regards to this new single, I predict with ease that another major hit is on the cards for I Wish Everyone Well by Curtis Macdonald, there can be no other outcome.

This new single releases June 20^th 2025 and will be available on all major streaming platforms.

Across The Years By Michael Hoppé

Across The Years

By

Michael Hoppé

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It seems like a life time, but Michael Hoppé has been in my life musically now for some 37 years, and ever since that release in 1988 called Quiet Storms: Romances for Flute and Harp I have been sold on this incredible man’s work and accomplishments, therefore I am even more delighted, if that is even possible, to be given a gift of writing a review for his latest work of art entitled, Across The Years.

Now I mention art work for this single as a place of importance as well, few now care for art work either on albums or singles, which is incredibly sad, but here Hoppé doesn’t just embrace it, he manifests a theme around it, one can with ease visualise the glider in question and perhaps a returning loved one that will land in it, I remember going up into the hills to watch the gliders as a young man, and I was always enamoured at their soft, smoothness of flight, and much can be said for this arrangement.

Across the Years is a symphonic delight, one that rises to kiss the sun, and drifts downwards to caress the clouds below. The harmony manifested by this most beautiful composition is both breath taking and deeply emotional, it hits the heart in the same way that Vaughn Williams used to do classically, and then manifests into a theme that would suit a Hollywood movie conclusion perfectly.

Across The Years by Michael Hoppé is that piece of music I have been waiting years for, a walk down the harmonic convergence of life in a grand symphonic way, and is without a shadow of a doubt, a piece that will be remembered as a timeless oasis of heart felt musical love, and with ease the best single that the composer has ever created, yes it moved me that much.

 

Just Imagine By Craigology

 

Just Imagine

By

Craigology

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There are times, when over many years an artist comes to your attention, and one can see them grow, expand and become something incredibly special, in the world of instrumental music that can be most certainly said for the artist Craigology, and to highlight that ever further we can enjoy the vibrations of his latest album Just Imagine.

The artist has been known to me musically since 2021, a year of utter confusion for the world, but here was a chilled manifestation called appropriately Time to Chill. Some 4 years later he brings to our attention one of his finest manifestations to date, a jazzy and funky collection of very addictive songs indeed called, Just Imagine.

One might feel like they have drifted back to the 90’s with the opening piece called Doing it. The slow and sultry progression on keyboards and percussion gifting us an opening offering that is as sun kissed as a June morning, the brass section in the latter half of the piece, completing the narrative beautifully.

Interesting title for this next funky dream of a track, one entitled Hot Smoothie. Now those who know me will know for my love of the electric piano, here Craigology does me proud with not only a funky Average White Band styled opus, but bringing both synths, wa-wa guitar and a heavy happy helping of electric piano to yours truly, and yes, this was my favourite track off the release, how could it not be!

This next one, as it was once said in a very famous movie is, “A horse of a different colour” (Wizard of Oz). Here one can find a soft, soothing, chilled summer beat that would go down beautifully in any Jazz bar or chill out room. Sunset is the piece in question and it is redolent of the subject matter yes, but in a sublimely professional way with one of the classiest of presentations on piano from the artist. This is one of those tracks that you will not be able to resist pressing play on just before our beautiful sun drifts below the horizon, even the harmonica adds great value to one of the most attractive pieces from the compilation.

Pollination floats like a musical bee across a warm landscape of tone and rich colours, again the skills of Craigology have truly progressed and become one with nature, almost like a soft Samba hovering on the flavoursome scents of an aromatic summer afternoon. The percussion and keyboards from the artist are something to enjoy here, on the most rhythmic piece from the release with ease.

The curiously entitled funky pastiche called Aquarium is up next, I have beautiful memories of my trip to Jamaica, swimming in the ocean, there I had my own oceanic aquarium, and here in Cyprus I am lucky to have the same again. Once more the artist employs a cross musical narrative of a dance styled motif, mixed with a Latin styled beat, as a totally addictive penultimate composition.

The soft tones of the electric piano lead us into the concluding composition from the album, and this last gift is called La Vie Fantastique. Fortunately one of the languages I speak is French, so, Profiterons de cette vie fantastique et soyons heureux. In English, Craigology gives us indeed the opportunity to enjoy this fantastic life and be happy, on one of the most colourful and soothing musical narratives from the album.

It gives me great pleasure to review albums like this, as I said earlier, I have seen the growth in the path of the musician, and he is now on the cusp, I do believe, of truly hitting the big time, and perhaps Just Imagine by Craigology could be the musical vehicle that helps him get there, this is an album that you really don’t want to miss!

Mystical Origin By Carlos Garo

 

Mystical Origin

By

Carlos Garo

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

A new unfamiliar artist with me made its way onto my desktop for review today; now whilst I adore the sound of the guitar in all of its forms, I was left stunned by the sheer beauty of this new album recorded by Carlos Garo called Mystical Origin, this would be a release that was totally unforgettable.

The opening piece is some of the most fluent guitar you are likely to find and is called Eclipse, the back drop of percussion and the multi-instrumental vibe was quite delicious, and the coda at the end deeply inventive and quite moving, with the organ drifting in and out.

This most textured of albums is 10 tracks in duration, and has tempered offerings on it like the moving opus of Winter in the Forest, the strings and piano here were so wonderfully symbiotic and created a magical new age styled sound you may have heard back in the late 90’s, whilst pieces like The Oasis built upon a layer of sound that garnered a middle eastern flavour, quite redolent for me as that is where I live in Cyprus, the cross cultured motifs were simply breath taking.

However one of my favourite pieces would be this one, entitled Enigmatic Wind, we have such weather at the moment, blowing my curtains into my office, and then followed by a warm early summer wind, so this composition was indeed very fitting for this moment of time for me. One must applaud the guitar of Garo, expanding upon the instrumental nature and early vocalisations to manifest a sublime offering indeed.

Egypt is literally across the ocean from us, we plan to go there one day, and perhaps I will take this rhythmic track with me called The Pharaoh. This is an outstanding reverie of electric guitar and percussion, building upon a Middle Eastern tone, and mixing it with power and intensity therein, and in some ways reminding me of other guitarists of a similar elk like Paul Speer and David Clavijo.

The release is brought to a conclusion with the moody offering entitled Storm in the Sahara, the result of which we would see here on the island of love, with the dust turning the sky blood red and dark in the middle of the day. Here on this marvellous creation Garo ends the album with a global vibe and some fascinating synths in the mix as well.

I must admit to be completely enamoured with this new album, it was a mixture of European and Middle Eastern flavours, a true global fusion of an album, packed with rich guitar textures, sultry keyboards, and sensually charged and rhythmic percussion. This is one of those albums you should not miss out on, it is simply outstanding, and big things will surely be on that shimmering desert horizon for Mystical Origin by Carlos Garo.