My Weary Heart By ENILSounds

 

My Weary Heart

By

ENILSounds

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have been tracking the career of ENILSounds since the receipt of her first single back in 2022 called Soar High, since then a steady progression of the artist’s work has ensued, but here on this brand new offering, in the latter half of 2025, she has literally soared to new heights with the release of her new creation called My Weary Heart.

From the very beginning of this new single the musician shows her intent by washing the background with a gentle soundscape, then the piano narrative picks up the energy of the composition, from then on it’s a master class of build and progression, and one has to say with the most insightful passionate and powerful lyrics of the composers career thus far..

The song illustrates the struggles of love and life, and the continuous efforts to balance the two, the performance on the keys is sublime here, the backdrop and elevation of tone is masterful too, and a power ballad would be an apt description indeed.

This new manifestation from ENILSounds is most certainly the path on which the artist should continue to tread, she has brought into reality her best work by a mile thus far, and as such I predict a huge chart placing for My Weary Heart by ENILSounds.

Resilience By Shambhu & Leo Steinriede

Resilience

By

Shambhu & Leo Steinriede

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This exciting new single from the combination of Shambhu & Leo Steinriede had it all for me, and I can’t recall listening to a single that had so much in the content, that would take me across three decades of guitar playing and a multitude of styles to reconcile my musical perambulations, this is an outstanding piece, and a fine example of a symbiotic partnership of not only playing, but learning to listen as well.

The ambience created here at times reminded me of the opening chords of Nirvana, at times the mixture of blues took me back to artists like Robert Cray, or in more modern times guitarist of both blues and new age in Australia’s Ian Cameron Smith, as I said this single has it all for anyone who delights in cross genres and wonderfully fluent guitar music.

Steinriede on his beloved Electric Nashville guitar, manifests a gentle, yet poignant conversation with the harmonious instruments of Shambhu, performing also on bass, this classy and much laid back offering is one of those singles that you will find yourself leaving on repeat for ages, and not being aware that you have done so.

There can be no doubt that this is seriously superior guitar work, holding the content and allowing it to breathe, almost in the same way as one might have a meaningful conversation, and the duo must be applauded for such artistry and musical patience, one that I know will be appreciated by the followers of the genre, and truly good instrumental music the globe over.

 

Dreamweaver: Music for Deep Dreaming By Sherry Finzer

 

Dreamweaver: Music for Deep Dreaming

By

Sherry Finzer

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It’s been a while since I have had the pleasure of reviewing a Sherry Finzer album, but that opportunity has arisen and I am going to make the most of the ambience that it creates. I first came into contact with Sherry musically through the album Sanctuary from 2009, and it literally shocked me to even consider that 16 years has literally flown by, but it has, but graciously this exciting and soothing new album blows in through the same door that my precious memories depart from, so it is now time to sojourn in the reality of this latest work entitled Dreamweaver: Music for Deep Dreaming.

Recorded in the resonant walls of The Tank in Rangely, Colorado, Sherry delivers a pitch perfect collection of wistful arrangements for us to literally float on summer clouds of comfort with. This 8 track release begins in the most meditative way with the chime of a bowl, and into a long tonal resonance as Somnolence is birthed, this wondrous and vast composition manifests a feeling of wellbeing in us all in a moment of flute reflection.

The album contains such beauties as Retrospection, something that I seem to be doing more of, as we move here towards a more gentle autumnal season. I found Sherry’s presentation here deeply moving, one could imagine being up in the mountains listening to a piece like this, and allowing the emotions and pent up frustrations just flow, free and away into the eternal mists of nevermore, this is such a liberating performance from one of the finest flautists of her day.

There is something for anyone seeking a musical sanctuary here, tracks like the deeper labyrinths of the creation Mystical, a gift to the world of a deep almost trance like manifestation, but through her flute, Finzer builds a safe place for those who just wish to root themselves in the harmonic convergence of the moment, whilst this slow falling sensation continues through the medium of the following narrative entitled Otherworldly, Sherry uses many flutes on this album, but on this piece the sheer profundity of the track makes it so compelling and intense.

Finzer’s collection of flutes including concert C, alto, bass, and Native American flutes gifts the avid listener and seeker of sonic calm a place of musical shelter, tracks like Fascination, allow the addition of the singing bowl to create an elevation of tone and timbre, before the higher noted flute joins the restful embrace, whilst on Enchantment a flowing tale of mystery and imagination slowly appears, takes command of the twinkling instance, and builds a flute inspired realm of total peace and tranquillity.

One of my personal favourites is this wonderful penultimate offering called Confluence, the slow build of chimes and flute are outstanding in manifesting one of the most compelling tracks off the album, for me previous paths of nature are revealed once more to me, as the tones of this simple delicious creation illustrates the flow of two rivers side by side, and choices to be made, this charming narrative also reminds me of the Uk’s Nigel Shaw in its calming reverie and natural sense of outstanding beauty.

Enlightenment is a truly gentle way with which to depart this blissful musical project with, it raises the rhythms and the overall energy without breaking the meditative spell that has been cast on us listeners so far, and is also a piece that reminds me of the good old days of Deuter and his Buddha Nature album from 2001.

It’s been a pleasure for me to once again review a Sherry Finzer release; it has indeed been a moment that has been deeply enjoyable and restorative too, this has to be one of the best overall meditative flute albums around today, and it has something that we all crave for in that style, a fluent consistency throughout. I have therefore no doubt that Dreamweaver: Music for Deep Dreaming by Sherry Finzer is going to become a timeless sanctuary of sublime peace for listeners to return to for decades to come.

As The Snow Fell By Sean Christopher McGee

 

As The Snow Fell

By

Sean Christopher McGee

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I must admit to being incredibly impressed by this new single from Sean Christopher McGee, it had literally everything that a good piece of musical art work should have, and because of that for me it has become one of the finds of the year thus far, and one of the finest examples of painting with a piano you will possibly find.

As The Snow Fell is a graphic composition of great quality, it is a moment of ambience to be treasured; something that is so rare in music these days, the piano speaks volumes without trespassing on your tranquillity, yet it still breathtakingly explores the desired narrative of a very cold winter chilled occurrence.

The magical happening is brought together buy a good ear and an intelligent mind, the long wind sound that trails in perfectly, the slow, but insightful build and progression on the keys, one can literally feel the snowy story of magical nature unfurling, the careful onward structures manifest a feeling just like walking through an actual snow drift.

A profound string section drifts in at the half way juncture as the composition manifests something quite artistic and extremely well arranged, as such I have a feeling we are looking at a massive chart hit and maybe more for As The Snow Fell by Sean Christopher McGee, this is exactly what truly great instrumental music should sound like.

A Symphony Of Mantras By Sacred Circles

 

A Symphony Of Mantras

By

Sacred Circles

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The continued rise of New Age music in the multi genres across the world is so wonderful to see, I have been a champion of this style for some 30 years on air, and now we have some of the most illustrious acts, artists and musicians, gracing our senses, two of which are Sacred Circles (Holly Fischer and Phil Kanakis) who with their brand new release entitled A Symphony Of Mantras, have gifted the planet one of the finest examples of musical peace and serenity.

A Symphony Of Mantras is a 10 track release that is full of textures and musical colour, listen to compositions like Diva Tapati, the crisp vocals of Fischer float on a bed of harmony across the green plains of tranquillity, the guitar within lifts the piece even higher in its energetic expression, whilst offerings like Effulgence manifest a darker tone, one that is more reflective in its essence, the orchestral gift from the Macedonian Symphony Orchestra adds further layers in this tapestry of tone and timbre.

Here is an album that has a global collective within the weave of the release, over 70 artists from around the world have committed their time and genius to it, offerings like the gentle Tisarana, resonate with the calmness that lies within us all, in some trying to escape, in others it is the base of their awareness, for me this was one of the most beautiful tracks on the album.

After a short form interlude creation, we are back with an all-time classic in the world of healing mantras and deeply devotional music with Om Shanti Om, this is a delicious two vocal version of such a powerful musical prose, both artists give such an imploring performance to allow the sheer intent and magnificence of the creation to encapsulate each and every sense of the listener.

The conclusion to this simply breath taking collection of fine works is the anthem like Prayer For Peace (Orchestral Version), the message of this last creation needs to be accepted as the norm by the entire global collective of humans, as we lay to rest the tired worn out failure of tribalism. This is the prefect composition to end with, and one that will leave the listener with the one thing they need most, hope.

Sacred Circles have produced one extremely listenable album, it is a release that spans a multitude of genres and continents, it is an album that brings together the mood of peace, the desire of serenity and calm and the hope of global happiness, through an honest sense of harmony.  A Symphony Of Mantras by Sacred Circles is a multi-instrumental and premium vocal delight, gifted to the world in the heart felt expression of peace and harmony for all, and as such this has to be a true globe wide hit.

Shayan By Charu Suri

 

Shayan

By

Charu Suri

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The beauty of an album can sometimes be its tone, its insightfulness, perhaps its production and compositional structures, then from time to time we are gifted a release dedicated to the wellbeing of another, or others, this new album from the artist Charu Suri is without doubt something wonderfully special, from the genesis of genius to the world as a panacea of peace, to help one and all, a veritable musical experience given to humanity, as a pathway to healing and blissful rest, can there be a higher calling?

Shayan is a 7 track release, the 5^th from the Queen of Raga Jazz, one that blends the effects of ancient healing Raga’s, into the mix of some of the most ambient and cathartic instrumental music that you are ever likely to hear.

Our opening composition is a wonderful piece of great quality, and one that shines so brightly, and of course is our title track Shayan. I have heard many sublime healing based albums in my life, but here is one whose intent and exquisiteness glows like the northern lights upon its textured musical horizon, the harp of Peter Sterling was a most gracious addition to the overall arrangement as was the delightful cello of Tess Remy-Schumacher.

Mohanan Hymn has the honour of following in the paths of the previous moment of genius, this is a prime example of a musical horse of a different colour, the composition contains the brilliance of a man whom I seem to be constantly writing about lately in the realm of the master of acoustic guitars very own Jim Kimo West and once again the delightful cello of Tess Remy-Schumacher which was played with so much heart. The narrative was a true mixture of west meets east on one of the most fascinating pieces from the release.

The production quality of this entire album was on another level entirely, tracks like Inner Peace with the vibrant piano segments and authentic eastern instrumentation, gifted us very eager listeners something almost transcendent to bathe within, in a style that created an anthem like feel, whilst the creation entitled Raga Jog brought a desirable atmospheric meditative energy into the proceedings, and reminded me of Laraaji’s Day of Radiance album from 1980, the depth of the string movements will bring the listener to a new level of peace and tranquillity.

Charu Suri shows on this next creation just why she is an award winning pianist, Nightingale is with ease one of my favourite tracks from the album, and the symbiotic partnership she garners with the legend that is Jim Kimo West is simply astonishing, one could with ease imagine the tone and timbre of this piece alone merging into a pastiche of colour that would transfix anyone, and move them into a willing and happy resting state.

Raga Durga is amazingly our penultimate track from the album, the piano of the artist is the main focus here, creating an almost Pachelbel tonal delight, whilst dancing with the multi-instrumental textures of the overall musical narrative, the floating movement is so palpable, and mixes a wonderful eastern motif into a willing western influence.

The concluding piece is Shayan the Reprise of the opening composition, but one that adds the genius of the Venezuela String Recording Ensemble, and another man whose musical aptitude has crossed my path in flautist Ron Korb. Here the team bring the whole project together for this final resolution, and in doing so round the musical circle to bring to a close one of the most beautiful healing albums I have heard for decades.

Shayan by Charu Suri is one of those globally fused albums that literally everyone should have in their collections and be proud they have done so; each piece is crafted with care and good intentions by Charu and her band of willing cohorts, the result is an album of outstanding natural beauty, a gift of peace and serenity to all who need it, and a veritable sonic journey of natural rhythm.

So let’s list that line-up of artists who appear on the album with Charu Suri and give them the recognition they all deserve: Jim Kimo West (guitar), Tess Remy-Schumacher (cello), Premik Russell Tubbs (flute) Max ZT (dulcimer), Ron Korb (flute), Ranicro Palm (Venezuela String Recording Ensemble), Ravichandra Kulur (flute), Anita Lerche (vocals), Haruna Fukazawa (flute), Philip Vaiman (violin), Peter Sterling (harp), Ramya Ahankar (ukulele), Mary Dawood Catlin (vocals) and last but not least, Siyer (vocals).

Book of Life Concerto By Lisa Swerdlow

 

Book of Life Concerto

By

Lisa Swerdlow

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Before I even began the process of writing this review, I read the notes contained within the album, I was so deeply moved, as this is something that I am going through myself right now, recalling my life’s pathways, errors made, all the positives, the negativities, and all the times I kept quiet and did nothing, when I should have been making changes, but we don’t always have the tools, until we can grace that moment of reflection with age, wisdom, and learned experiences.

Here on Book of Life Concerto composer and performer Lisa Swerdlow tackles all of life’s avenues, byways and highways, and in doing so manifests a glorious and emotionally powerful concerto. With youth comes Possibilities, we are unbeatable, energetic, and hopeful that as time goes on everything will fall in our favour.

There is a delightful fluency within this arrangement that is both charming and confident in its construction, one that also contains elements of a multitude of opportunities that can deflect one from their perceived goal, Swerdlow’s dualistic presentation here is cinematic in its build and progression, a deeply moving construct that has wondrous classical motifs and symphonic gestures.

The inevitability of this next track is something that each and every one of us has felt perhaps many times over and called Disappointments. The depth here is heart rendering, but poignant in its inevitable outcome, as from what are disappointments, what we describe as failures, are also indicators of change that must be faced and addressed and learned from, before more progress can be attained. Swerdlow’s mammoth performance is so vast and all-encompassing that it fills the mind and heart with a profundity of emotive awareness that is so very palpable, from this well of demonstrative sagacity comes one of the most formidable arrangements of all time, almost Beethoven in its objective and mood.

The lighter tones of this next stunning reverie are something of a personal anthem to oneself, at this point of growth and of passed ages, with wisdom found, and experiences felt learned from and acceptance gained, what does one do now, for me, there is only one answer, keep on doing what makes you feel fulfilled, and I am, and will continue to do so. Here on Discoveries, Swerdlow balances out a wonderfully clever juxtaposition of uplifting tones against a symphonic back drop of decades passed, and the result is, we are back where we started, with more possibilities for positive life changes.

There are two other tracks of great beauty on the album, the first of which I found quite soothing and called Through it All, this classy melodic piece is both deeply reflective in the ambience it creates, and fluently meditative in the opportunity to gaze back over your shoulder at a life’s rich tapestry.

The concluding musical narrative is entitled Dawn Contemplation, and is a sublime composition with which to conclude an album with, a powerful and mood filled opus indeed, with grand orchestration that would grace any Hollywood movie.

One must tip the hat also to Doug Hammer for his classy orchestral genius on this album, the moving and passion filled arrangements within this release gifted us, the ever eager listener, moments we will never forget on Book of Life Concerto by Lisa Swerdlow.

Here for each and every fan of neo classical music is an album of outstanding natural beauty, one that is created with such an insightful truth and an intuitive intellect, and moulded into one of the most compelling bodies of work on the subject of life I have heard, perhaps Albert Einstein was right when he said “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” 

The Gallery of Mystical Delights By Steve Sheppard

 

The Gallery of Mystical Delights

By

Steve Sheppard

Written by

Andy Rogers

 

Steve Sheppard is of course well known as a presenter and part owner of One World Music Radio and is very much respected as a reviewer of all kinds of music; New Age to jazz, Rock and more.

The last couple of years have seen Steve starting to record his own music in a new-age and lightly-ambient vein. Early releases were more personal, looking back at times spent with his father or reflecting on the times and spaces he shares on Cyprus with his wife Chrissie. This new album, while keeping the ambient feel of previous releases, takes Steve’s music in a new direction, that of long-form quite dark ambient pieces.

There are just four pieces on the album, the longest is 14 minutes long, the shortest clocks in at nearly 9 minutes. Like all ambient albums this is not a “quick listen” or the sort of thing you play when friends come over. Rather this is an album that demands you sit and absorb it… let the music wash over you and get lost in the deceptive simplicity & repetition – Like the music of Brian Eno there is a lot going on here but you need to listen to it properly to fully appreciate the subtleties.

We start with “The Rocks”, based on a painting of the same name by Vincent Van Gogh. It opens with birdsong and a bright major chord before there is a sudden change. The mood darkens, the birds vanish and the music then reflects the barren landscape of the painting: it’s as if we are under dark grey clouds of an approaching storm. The musical texture reflects this with ominous chords that at times sound like storm force winds. Eventually as the track ends the dark mood passes with the return of brighter skies and birdsong…

Track 2, “Rain”, is based on pictures by the artist Howard Hodgkin and is the longest on the album. The sound of falling rain and distant birdsong leads us into the track where a hypnotic B-minor chord undulates gently then suddenly the rain stops and a D-major chord with a sound almost like the breath of the Gods leads us onto the next section of the track. Finally, the sound of the rain and birds returns to end the track with calm and tranquility.

“The Poppy Field”, based on the famous painting by Monet, is next. The sound of wind in a field of wheat along with birdsong is joined by a positive C major chord setting a positive and light mood. An interesting swishing sound brings to mind the image of the mother and child in the picture as they walk through the long grass before intermittently discordant chords serve to disturb the bucolic mood of the piece. At the end the music fades out to the sound of distant crows and other birds.

Track 4, the last on the album, is “Mountains” and was inspired by the work of Charles Adam Platt. The painting is a bleak monochromatic work and Steve’s music quite brilliantly conveys this: the loneliness of the landscape and the cold colours of the picture are captured wonderfully by an electronic whirlwind of sound. There is nothing comforting here. This is music of desperate desolation that quietly fades away until suddenly and out of nowhere we have a burst of bright major chords until, at the very end, we return to the bleak lonely windswept landscape we heard at the start of the track. 

Steve Sheppard tells us that having wanted to try long-form music for some time he was inspired to record this album by his love for modern art, and the music it creates in his mind. He has succeeded admirably. This is an album that demands to be listened to properly and will be enjoyed by anyone who likes the darker side of long-form ambient music. 

Two Shores By Jim Kimo West & Michael Whalen

 

Two Shores

By

Jim Kimo West & Michael Whalen

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

A once vibrant and fulfilling genre that we lovingly call the contemporary instrumental field had been flagging for quite some time, lately we have seen signs of re-emergence, but after the release of this very album Two Shores by Jim Kimo West & Michael Whalen, we can confirm that its now not only back at full power, but that this very album is expected to have reignited its purpose entirely.

This simply fabulous new release from two of the finest exponents of classy instrumental music in the business today, have joined forces and have brought into the world one of the most vibrant albums of its kind to the globe, tracks like the title header Two Shores, a reflective, chilled and laid back shoreline composition of great quality, and a little 90’s mood starts the project with a beautiful bounce and a gleeful smile.

The release contains 10 splendid pieces, all beautifully produced, presented and performed. As an islander in my corner of the world, I can relate to offerings like the funky vibes of Ocean's Embrace, I can enjoy the fun and laughter of pieces like Sand Between My Toes, and I can understand the next offering called Malibu Breeze, its chilled guitar from the master of acoustic reveries Jim Kimo West, combined with the keyboard maestro we know as Michael Whalen is indeed a partnership that is the epitome of a symbiotic musical relationship.

There is literally something for everyone on this sublime release, a cooling swim in the musical ocean of tracks like Tides of Your Touch, or the track of all tracks that I found incredibly uplifting, A Moment Like Forever, a wondrous composition that installs a feeling of wellbeing into your psyche, at this point listening to the multi instrumentation, it’s worth knowing that all of it, every sound created, was done so by both musicians in an effort that is unparalleled in this genre.

More fluent arrangements now follow in the guise of pieces like Pikake, which in a strange way for me is rather bizarre, in just two reviews I have now written about the Cyprus Jasmine flower, the Pilipino national Jasmine plant, and now the Hawaiian jasmine, but what a beautiful fragrance, and the smooth and serene tones of the song totally emphasise its natural beauty, in one of the most chilled compositions from the album.

Watching The Rain is up next, again something that here in August would be as rare as a real life rocking horse, however it is worth noting the change in style in this arrangement, with the percussion and various percussive sounds giving us the hope of a cooling much needed rain, the keyboard structure and light acoustic string touches make this one for me the most artistic pieces from the release.

The soulful tones of the penultimate track of the album is now upon us, one that contains personification of a truly chilled guitar from Kimo on the offering Rise With The Sun, this one piece also is a masterclass of build and progression that any budding instrumentalist would be well to embrace themselves with.

We can conclude the creation now with the final part of the project entitled Weightless on the Wind, this slice of genius, is one that for me contained a little Vangelis styled anthem feel into its weave of utter class, and created for each and every listener an idyllic end to a simply fantastic musical mission.

Two Shores by Grammy and Emmy winning artists Jim Kimo West & Michael Whalen is without doubt one of the premium albums to have come into the world of instrumental music this decade with ease, here is a release created by two of the genres finest artists, that will be eternal in its musical prowess, and should live across the decades in a timeless reverie as an example of luxurious contemporary instrumental music, and is an album that everyone should have in their collections at all costs. 

Philippine Dreams by James Michael Stevens

 

Philippine Dreams

By

James Michael Stevens

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

One of the all-time most prolific piano composers of his day is back with another release, as we welcome to the world another blissful recording from pianist supreme James Michael Stevens and his latest delightful creation entitled Philippine Dreams, and an opportunity for many of us to travel vicariously to another country with the musician on a bed of soothing piano tones.

We start with a flower that is abundant here in Cyprus, Jasmine; its intoxicating aroma is so redolent of warm summer nights, here on Sampaguita, which incidentally is the national flower of the Philippines, we have a serene composition that drifts on an August breeze across the beaches of an early evening, this evocative start from the artist truly sets the scene for the entire 11 track album.

This whole release is a musical panacea for all of us who are experiencing tough times and woes, its tranquil melodies and soothing refrains, just ease us out of that mind-set, offerings like the emotive Dreams Alcala, or the two back to back short form narratives in Silent Ballerina and Serenity Falls fit the bill perfectly and bring the listener a sanctuary of tone and timbre that is almost pristine in style.

The creation of or the observance of ambience I believe is a rare thing these days, especially when most people are transfixed by their phones and fail to see the beauty of life around them, pieces like Ambient Morning deserve a good listen, there is space here for the listener to explore, there is an absence of time and an abundance of tranquillity on one of my favourite pieces from the release.

This next piece though was another absolute gem from the album, a mournful energy, a reflective glance over the shoulder, all can be found here on Solitary Journey, a true sense of loneliness encapsulates a voyage taken in such a powerful and emotional way, and at times reminding me of the keyboard manifestations of the America’s Holland Phillips, on a truly sensational offering.

The entire album is a musical voyage of plenty, and the listener can take a tonal journey with pieces like Pilgrimage Island, a scenic offering that contains a gentle melodic structure, or Bridge to Cebu, a composition that creates a soft downward spiral of tone and timbre, and breathes an interesting juxtaposition of an arrangement together for the listener.

Speaking from the perspective from one who once got caught in the subject matter of this next track, I would say the artist has nailed it completely on Tropical Rain. A composition that has a dark sky musical backdrop, a slight eastern motif, and the heavier notes illustrate the heavy rain fall, in my view one of the most artistic tracks from the album.

Well we have had an ambient morning, now we can enjoy a Cantabile Sunset; I have to admit this is one very charming piece from the artist, yes this is true James Michael Stevens country, but it’s so very heart warming and comforting to enjoy, literal music for the soul can be found here on this penultimate offering.

Our concluding narrative is a sweet sound indeed, the composer is so skilled and aware of his listenership, that he knows exactly how to end another beautiful project, and finishes with an almost lullaby creation called Night in Pangasinan, one could imagine gazing at a star filled sky through summer blown net curtains, and slowly falling into a blissful sleep with its tones.

Philippine Dreams by James Michael Stevens is another in a long line of scenic vistas of musical brilliance by the master of the peaceful piano; each and every listener will be charmed by its beauty and serenity, in a cathartic voyage of sight and sound that should garner the creator a huge chart placement and maybe more.

Navel 528 Hz By Extasis

 

Navel 528 Hz

By

Extasis

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It is an absolute pleasure to be able to write a review for something I used to study and instruct as a Reiki Master Teacher in the realm of the Chakra system, and it is also so very good to hear truly good new age music continue to grace the airwaves once again, in this new and much needed era and revival of the genre.

Here Extasis, the artist, gifts us a blissful journey through the Chakras towards the Navel. The third chakra, Manipuri, or “solar plexus chakra” is an energy centre that retains a focus on our self-worth, our feelings of confidence or lack of, and is one of the energy centres of highest importance when trying to chakra balance, here that becomes a little easier as it is recorded in the Solfeggio frequency of 528 Hz.

Extasis has indeed created something special here; fans of this genre throughout the ages would have enjoyed other great names from the style and this subject matter during the decades past, and this wonderful new single by the composer Allan Susoeff Jr, AKA Extasis stands tall among them, the track itself has a soothing narrative that floats, creating a peace filled vibration for each and every listener.

The keyboard structures are both melodic and creatively cathartic; the energy of the overall composition will bring each and every listener a tranquil and most pleasant experience, one that will in turn allow any healing to take place, musically speaking this is one of those tracks that retains a timeless resonance to its construction, and should be well loved by fans of the genre.

Cosmic Odyssey By Jim Ottaway

 

Cosmic Odyssey

By

Jim Ottaway

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Today we journey upward and beyond in a Cosmic Odyssey from one of the finest electronic music artists from down under, with Australia’s very own Jim Ottaway. It is always a pleasure when you see a new Ottaway album on offer, and it shocked me a little to think that it’s been some 19 years since my first album from this wizard of the synth, that album was Aurora back in 2006.

Here on this latest release we have a true soundscape of an album to enjoy, one that begins with a beautiful opening piece called Stardust from Infinity, a track that I personally loved and had a hard job of pulling away from it was that good, the higher elevation of chords reminded me of an old classic album by the artist Llewellyn called Journey to the Temple, and it was a composition that reminded me of the arrangement Crown Chakra from it.

As we move on through this galactic wonderland of an album we come across a piece entitled Undiscovered Worlds, here is one of the most graceful manifestations I have heard from the artist, again a lush meditative piece in a different key, and this lower range of musical fortitude allows us as listeners to survey a tonal delight, the synths here are amazingly explorative and drift on a bed of calm through a myriad of musical dimensions.

A next track is one that has a grandiose title called Citadel of the Stars, the track itself carries a true sense of mystery and imagination with it, a mood of wonderment is also conveyed, whilst the keyboards of Ottaway reveal the majesty of our view in space, this is a marvellously constructed piece, one that manifests graphic galactic images and sensations, a repeating electronic motif then takes us onward to the tracks conclusion.

Hidden Galaxies is a more traditional space themed styled opus, the classic cosmos synth sounds are here, but also is a mood of awe and awareness, one that I have not heard in such colour and tenderness since Kevin Kendle’s Stellar Nursery track from his 2005 Light From Orion album, this amazing offering has the unusual aspects of being both mournful and uplifting at the same time, and in my view one of the best compositions ever created by the musician.

The mid-section of the album has been traversed and it is here we find the electronically sculptured art called Edge of the Cosmos. A creation that carries such a wide open sense of mystery and imagination, and once again through the keyboard stylings, the sounds used, and the slow build and progression reminded me greatly of classic Vangelis from the late 70’s.

Quite naturally this next piece floats into sight and across our view screen on our musical Starship, from this tonal region of space comes the offering Endless Cosmic Horizon, without doubt one of the most ambient manifestations from the album, the gentle performance by Ottaway here allows the listener to create their own dramatic vistas, partnered by the willing resonances of an ethereal Ottaway keyboard.

Our journey into deep space has been a long one, but thankfully it’s time for a distraction, we can glance to port to watch a rare sight indeed as we take in Supernovae, this event in itself a powerful and luminous explosion of a star, here Ottaway with his vast range of synths, sounds and drifting keyboards, manifest a sonic soundtrack of great quality for this occurrence.

On Peaks of Eternal Light we have a horse of a different musical colour so to speak, there is a decided depth and texture here that is very compelling and also deeply moving, the range of presentation is complex and careful, Ottaway is mindful to allow this track to come to the boil on its own, and once it does it then becomes an electronic masterpiece of a true soulful melodic configuration.

Our space hub approaches, but before we reach the docking bay, we are gifted the penultimate piece from the release with a composition called Cosmic Odyssey, which of course is the title track from the album, this clever and artistic piece sums up the entire voyage up perfectly, and Jims pinpoint precision on keyboards and synths is a delight for us all to revel within.

So we reach our final destination and have time to reflect, time to gaze back over the vast realms and regions of space in this stunning universe of ours, so no better time for the musician to gift us with a final track that has an anthem like energy, and is entitled Celestial Voyager, for me this soothing reverie was the perfect ending arrangement, one which will leave a smile of satisfaction on the face of every humble listener.

Cosmic Odyssey by Jim Ottaway is, and I say this with my both my writers and musicians hats on, the artists Magnum Opus, as already stated I have been following Jims music for near on 20 years, and this album has lit me up, and also allowed me to state that Cosmic Odyssey by Jim Ottaway is one of the best examples of electronic space music I have ever heard, and right up there with the aforementioned Vangelis and Kendle, and as such is most deserved of not only an award, but a huge chart position too, simply put, it really doesn’t come any better than this.

Dreaming Northern By Masako

 

Dreaming Northern

By

Masako

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have many decades of musical memories in my current life time; those tones and familiar vibrations comfort me, and create a sanctuary of harmonic peace to reside within, Masako as an artist has been one those aforementioned creators, I have been on a voyage of musical plenitude with her since 2012, it started back then with the self-named album Masako, it continues today with her ninth release named Dreaming Northern, a testament, a musical tribute to all those soothing conditions to be found in the northern lands of her existence.

We all have personal predilections, and these penchants of the northern realms have allowed the artist to draw upon a veritable fountain of artistry, to allow us as the listener to bathe within, from the solo piano narrative that starts this project called Mamabear Dreams, and onwards through the next 12 pieces, the listener will literally find something that they relate to as well.

For me it was track two One by One, laid before us is a gentle keyboard narrative with added synths gifted by Tom Eaton, with a delicious flugelhorn segment added by one of the finest in the business in Jeff Oster, for me this dream like opus allows the listener to drift on the winds of musical time with utter pleasure.

Masako has manifested a whole new oasis of calm on this brand new album that will be adored by listeners, and loved by piano based musical aficionados the globe over. Tracks like the multi instrumental genius of Our Bluebird Day raise the rhythms and the expectations, whilst offerings like But It Is Life manifest a tranquil lake of tone and timbre, and are added to by the magical hands of Vin Downes, a guitarist I haven’t heard from for simply years, the melodic nature of this track, for some reason, reminded me of that classic song by Neil Young, Harvest Moon.

The album itself was brought into our reality at the world famous Imaginary Road Studios, the castle of the king of contemporary instrumental music in a certain Will Ackerman, who performs on composition 5 called Love Beyond, a simply beautiful pastiche of textures and colours, combining the optimistic notes of the guitar, partnered with a symbiotic Oster on flugelhorn, and a rhythmic percussive base created by Jeff Haynes.

The entire album is a veritable musical journey with uplifting narratives like Stairs in the Sky, where one sees violinist Charlie Bisharat make his first appearance on the album, followed by the fluent and reflective vibrations of a true mood filled solo piano oasis called My Old Abbey. Whilst on the next manifestation we find another favourite subject of mine on the creation Shape of the Clouds, where the soft synths of Eaton allow the master painter of piano tones, build one of the loveliest pieces from the release in a truly artistic style.

One of my favourite seasons is autumn, here we find another delicate and gentle song from the artist called October Children, and I found this particular track deeply moving, perhaps it was the harmonic and melodic piano of Masako, but the combination of Eugene Friesen on Cello and the angelic vocalisations of Noah Wilding, juxtaposed a very creative composition indeed.

Deeper in the weave one will find the ambience of tracks like Dancing in the Snow, and onward into the loving arms of the penultimate piece called Between the Two Trees, a more tranquil sanctuary of music you will not find, this is rounded off perfectly with our last, and very ambient composition Agiochook.

Dreaming Northern by Masako is another masterwork in the career of the composer, one that in my view sees a more explorative side of the artist, and some wondrous picture book arrangements that will bring the listener calm and contentment, and also I truly believe this will not only be a massive hit on the charts, but an album that is most certainly award worthy too.

Angel By Ilka de Gast featuring Tommy Graven

 

Angel

By

Ilka de Gast featuring Tommy Graven

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This brand new single by the artist Ilka De Gast is a memorable creation from the artist, and one tinged with the sadness of the passing of a dear friend, but one bathed in the appreciation of a life now concluded, and done so in the most beautiful of ways.

Since the release of Talking to Whales, De Gast is now firmly on the global map of great new age musicians of in this 21^st century, here on this melodic and reflective new offering she excels on Angel, with the breath of freedom, release and compassion, a wondrous manifestation indeed.

The gentle tones of a Tommy Graven acoustic guitar can be found on this new release, and also his trademark Native American flute too. The soft pastiche of timbre on this piece is compelling, it allows us to listen and be in touch with the empathic natures.

The smooth fluency of the single is also deeply moving too, without being overly mournful, instead the energy of appreciation and gratitude can be found here, and that all too important facet of a soul, musical or otherwise, that understands the meaning of what unconditional love truly is. This is a blissfully brilliant breath taking new song, and one that leads me to think that Angel by Ilka de Gast featuring Tommy Graven is going to become a massive hit on the charts in the weeks and months ahead.

KYOUMEI - Harmonic Life By Hiroki Okano

 

KYOUMEI - Harmonic Life

By

Hiroki Okano

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

For the many fans of the music of the Hiroki Okano, who thought that Tenkawa: Pilgrimage of the Sacred Sound was the apex of his career, then you need to take some time out, and take in this scenic pathway, through this beautifully spiritually charged collection of outstanding reveries entitled, KYOUMEI - Harmonic Life.

The cinematic qualities of this album are beautifully portrayed by the artist, and indeed he has a plethora of instrumentation on this album that manifests qualities of sound, tone and timbre like none before it, and like the first track, is a reminder of ones heritage and culture, this opening offering is entitled Dear One’s Heart Ver.2 ‒ Furusato, this grand opus contains the harmonic bliss of the Wuling Senior High School Symphony Orchestra, in Taoyuan, Taiwan. A better starting piece you would not find, highlighted by the Native American Flute of the composer.

The tracks that follow breathe life and love into the world and begin that process of raising our energies once more, Into the Mystic Forest with its natural sound of a stream, this partnered by Hiroki’s expertise on guitar and synths is an outstanding focal point, this is soon followed by the global ethic of Rimpa Myabi ver. 2 and indeed was one the theme from the film PEACE NIPPON.

Never have I had the good grace to bathe in such sonic bliss from the new age delights of the natural well of tone and vibration called Awakening Seeds (Ikujusai I). Here the listener can float with one of the rarest stones the Sanukite, and listen to its pure unsullied spiritual resonance, one manifested into this reality by Reiko Komatsu.

The ambience is continued on this next offering entitled Winds of Vitality (Ikujusai II), and then built on by a layered and sensitive percussive element by drummer Gaku Nakamura, that ladder of rhythm is climbed as the piece then expands further with added vocals and a deeply crafted bass courtesy of Naoki Mitsuoka.

Listeners of this most fluent of albums will be drawn to the beautiful blending of sounds, ones that cross musical boundaries with a simplistic ease, tracks like the new age styled opus Transcending Ego, containing a delicate stream, which leads us wonderfully into an oasis of calm and tranquil wonderment, the combination of Native American flute and synths work so well here, combine that with the uplifting narrative of Eternal Gratitude (Ikujusai III) and you have a winner of a release, this has to be one of the most moving pieces from Hiroki ever, a stylish violin from Shizuka Kashima, a deep well of emotion from the cello of Ranna Sakimoto, and the powerful vocals of TeN, ALŮMA, TOMOKA, partnered symbiotically with the drums of Gaku Nakamura, and you have an opus of total grandeur and class.

The album begins its conclusion with the penultimate track in the anthem styled KYOUMEI - Harmonic Life. The once theme from the film PEACE NIPPON reigns supreme, before the conclusion of the album with the angelic harmonics of an amazing piece called Blissful Shine, a better ending it would be impossible to create. Synthesizer and Native American Flute are both brought to life by Hiroki Okano, and with such a warm genius too, whilst a stunning juxtaposition of musical class is echoed by the vocals of TeN, ALŮMA, TOMOKA.

KYOUMEI - Harmonic Life by Hiroki Okano is in my view the artists best work thus far, the sheer beauty of each and every piece is a journey worth taking, never before has an entire album brought me such balance tranquillity and serenity, this album is a harmonic convergence of outstanding natural beauty, and as such should take the charts by storm, and is without doubt most certainly an award worthy creation.

Find out more by visiting :

https://www.domomusicgroup.com/blog/2025/07/08/kyoumei-by-hiroki-okano/

or purchase here: 

https://domorecords-store.com/products/hiroki-okano-kyoumei?variant=51512059429167

Evo (Acoustic Remix) by Russ McRee

 

Evo (Acoustic Remix)

By

Russ McRee

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There are many instruments who breathe fresh life into the world of the music aficionado; one of the best is an acoustic guitar, an instrument that throughout the centuries has grown, had many shapes and changes, and created a plethora of unique sounds along the way, here today Russ McRee brings us a hint of that aforementioned statement, through the medium of his latest single entitled Evo (Acoustic Remix).

There is a delicate, yet delightful cadence to this new creation, one that literally bristles with energy and excitement, yet it seems to echo a new start, and a brand new day of opportunities as well. McRee’s premier playing style offers much, a slice of finger picking class that is rare these days, yet also a melodious rhythmic pastiche of sound that seems to float upon feeling of an early morning sunrise.

Evo (Acoustic Remix) by Russ McRee is a crisp and fresh acoustic guitar reverie, solidly based in the moment; both the performance and arrangement are sun kissed and fluent in their intent, and thus for me is a winning combination that is veritably timeless in structure and tone. So without doubt there is a level of confidence in me that states that Evo (Acoustic Remix) by Russ McRee is simply destined to be a big hit for the composer with utter ease.

Sea Wind by Rick Sparks

 

Sea Wind

By

Rick Sparks

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There is always something special in that moment when a new Rick Sparks composition is on offer, a sense of happiness and pleasure runs through your reality, as you know the next five minutes or so is going to be a blissful experience, that aforementioned statement would never be truer, after a listen to the musicians latest single Sea Wind.

This one is especially meaningful for me as I live literally minutes from the coastline, a delight I am honoured to have when I want it, a walk down the path, across the sands, and towards the silky waves of the Mediterranean, this composition gives me that feeling of treading the costal tracks in our sparkling winter, when the beaches are bare and there is no one around.

The high elevation of tone and timbre here are magnificent, the ethereal and angelic vocals deliver a vista of such radiant beauty, then as we approach the half way juncture a little depth and reflection are added in a piece that is as breath taking as it is beautiful.

Sea Wind by Rick Sparks is another in a long line of sublime creations from the master of harmonic bliss, a memory filled of oasis of pure calm awaits any listener who sensibility purchases this composition or adds it to their play list of choice; an ocean of tranquillity to enjoy for eons is available for everyone, this is classic instrumental new age music at its very apex, and a guaranteed chart hit with ease.