25 By Mark Barnes

 

25

By

Mark Barnes

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have known Mark Barnes musically since 2008 and an album called The Awakening, you remember those days when CD’s used to drop through your letter box, my how things have changed, but the good news is the music of the bad boy of chill out has just got better and better as he celebrates 25 years in the business, and to raise a glass to that, his album called 25 is given to the world, and it is utterly blissful in every musical aspect.

The opening piece is called Believe and is originally from Marks 2017 album Once Upon A Time, this is a very sweet start, one that I would recommend to anyone who’s finding Marks music for the first time; its delicacy reminds me in structure to the music of 2002, that hovering and fluent main theme is a real delight.

There are some beautiful seasonal tracks on the album as well, like the medium paced Mary Did You Know, or his version of O Come O Come Emmanuel originally released by the artist back on Storm Of Solace back in 2014, a clever track indeed from Barnes can be found here, plus a truly vibrant version of We Three Kings, a full flowing musical narrative can be found here too.

Way back in 2019 Barnes would release an album called The Path; here a track from the album is featured and called Snowbound, this has to one of the prettier tracks that Mark has ever produced, revealing a white tone and timbre of pristine quality, a beautiful touch can also be found on the track Slumber For The Sleepers.

Early on in the year Mark would release a single called Innocence Lost, It is a truly beautiful musical repose with a delightful timbre, a study in perfection can be found on this manifestation.

Barnes also touches the hem of the long form style with his track from the deeper waters of the release entitled Shipwrecked; this has to be one of the most reflective opuses I have ever heard, a track just shy of seven minutes by the artist, Barnes is at his most moody best here on my favourite track from the album.

Abandoned happens to be our penultimate offering and offers up a pretty powerful composition, one that has a wonderfully layered context and illustrates moments of being lost with a tinge, perhaps, of hope mixed into the weave. Whilst we can conclude out journey through the medium of the last endeavour called All Of Us, this is another slice of ambient genius, one that has a lush vocalisation in the mix, in a Gregorian styled vibration on one of Marks finest endings of all time.

25 by Mark Barnes is one of those albums that should be a must purchase, it’s not just a comprehensive gaze at his work over the years, it’s the artist at his most reflective, creating moving and stunning musical reveries for us to all enjoy, this is a truly special album, one that should be embraced by all that adore quality contemporary instrumental music, as such this one should rocket up the charts, it’s certainly deserves too. 

Between the Worlds By David De Michele

 

Between the Worlds

By

David De Michele

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The music of David De Michele has gone through a change in recent years swapping galactic journeys for voyages into a middle earth realm, at times we all have to evolve as musicians and get inspiration from one thing or another, to constantly reignite the spark of creativity inside us all, listening to this and reviewing a previous album, is indeed changing my course as well, but for this album from David, he seems to have captured one of the most ambient constructs of his illustrious career thus far on this new manifestation Between the Worlds.

Now there are 11 perfect tracks on this release that demand to be listened to, the opening offering uses perfect synths and an ethereal vocalisations to manifest a mysterious dream like environment, and this starting gem is called Midnight Moon.

Then gifting us one of the most wondrous moments ever, the artist steps passed the Rubicon of previous endeavours with a remarkable offering entitled Between the Worlds, which of course is the title track, this powerful opus has all the usual hallmarks of David De Michele Vangelis styled passions, but also some of the most beautifully layered electronic vibrations I think I have ever heard from the artist, and brings us a true anthem of a composition.

The fairy like Equinox floats into view; its energies remind me of early Kevin Kendle and the vocalisations 21^st century Andy Pickford, in a piece that is supremely powerful and moving, this is followed by the more complex arrangement of Mystic Dawn, combining electronic percussion sound effects, with the vocals, and under pinned with pin point keyboards from the artist.

One of my favourite times of the year is upon us and called Solstice, the repeating keyboard motif has an element of Mike Oldfield within the arrangement, whilst the crescendo and main body of the track manifests a cinematic offering of great quality too.

Across the borderlands of time and tide we find a total gem called The Circle, again a mixture of beautifully slow keyboard measures can be found here with some of the most delicate synth work you would ever wish to find, reminding me in musical context of Brian Carters 2004 classic the Heart of the Circle.

The entire album is a pastiche of textures and colours like you have never seen before, and fans of Celtic music will adore this next piece called The Hidden; here the artist gets deep into the weave of the story, and captures images of lost and mysterious warriors of the lands of mists, manifesting a similar vibration with which Medwyn Goodall did with his release of his Clan albums back in the day.

There is always time for a gentle narrative, but one that grows, changes and breathes love and light into the situation, this tapestry of enchantment is called Crystal Vision, a timeless classic is birthed here, one that has a lightness of touch and a sweet tonal delight, mixed into its overall narrative.

Once more that Celtic vibe is captured on Mystical Isle, but this time to an almost Arthurian manifestation, one could easily imagine standing on the rocks of Cornwall as the mind listens to the glory of this piece, whilst gazing down at Tintagel perhaps, note the progressive keyboard work on this track.

The penultimate offering gifts us a thunderstorm to start us on our way, incredible haunting vocalisations gather the energies of the journey up into a whirlwind of power and passion, on one of the most impactful and inspiring pieces from the release, this golden nugget of tone is called In the Balance, its centre point reminds me of a symphonic classical voyage, touching the hem of Isao Tomita at times as well.

Our concluding musical arrangement is called The Awakening; this dream like offering concludes our voyage of plenty, and in doing so manifests one of the most mesmeric tracks from the release, from keyboards to synths, to vocalisations, this is without doubt a track of perfection for us to bid farewell to.

Between the Worlds by David De Michele is another album in his series of middle earth styled narratives, but dare I now stick my neck out and say that I believe this to be one of his finest works of all time, possibly, but most certainly it is from this series of albums, he has the depth perfect, the pitch correct, and now that level of ambience is balanced sublimely with the elevated segments and crescendos, I would also say that the emotive moments were stunning on this pretty perfect release, and as such, how can this album not fail to grace the higher echelons of the chart for Between the Worlds by David De Michele.

Closer to You By Moon and Aries

 

Closer to You

By

Moon and Aries

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Moon and Aries are a duet comprising of Jordana Moon and Tom Aries, their twin powers have combined their skill sets from Canada and Germany, since our connection back in 2024, we have been inundated with classy singles, smooth sultry compositions, and tracks that seem to flow so beautifully, like a late summer tide. Now they have a new single out and this moment of inspiration is entitled Closer To you.

There is a subtle complexity to the work of this magical duo that has to be admired; this new song has been self-described as a Bond-worthy noir pop anthem, when listening it’s not too hard to get that, and it does have that latent cinematic quality to its overall arrangement.

Here is a chilled musical prose, one which contains some most excellent, yet incredibly subtle guitar moments, which work sublimely with the overall theme of the manifestation. The vocals of Jordana Moon also adds layer upon layer of sensuality to their music and on this very piece, and an almost sultry weave is woven into its tale, a beautiful vocal that reminded me so much of Enigma back in the day.

Closer to You by Moon and Aries is once more a foot up the ladder of success for the artists, this laid back and chilled new single should be a blissful song to be found in many playlists across the globe, and should, if there is any justice in this industry, should most certainly be chart worthy.

Whispers of the Witch (The Haunting) By Keith Richie

 

Whispers of the Witch (The Haunting)

By

Keith Richie

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It’s good to see a familiar name come across my desktop this late October day, that of ambient electronic music artist Keith Richie, a man whose music has been a constant reminder to me of what is good, proud and bold in the world of electronic music. Richie has a quality that few ever get close to, but today he is back with a haunting new reverie entitled Whispers of the Witch (The Haunting).

This new single shows Richie at his moody best, a dark veil appears to drop over us from the first few measures, as The Queen of Black Places gazes into her ball, Riches tonal vibes and chants hold us close in a compelling mysterious and deadly narrative, it is as if this witch, once human, though twisted by dark magic is watching us, and waiting to strike.

The keyboard work is a combination of dark ambience and highlighted with Vangelis like motifs, the production quality and superior performance by the artist is one that is both hypnotic and compelling, Richie’s devilish witch seems to hold dark magical abilities, one can feel through the vibrations of the arrangement that manipulation and betrayal may well be the method that lies behind the success of her darkness, this composition would certainly suggest a twisted mind, and an obsession with dark magic, these are ones that would indeed make her a formidable force.

Regardless, Whispers of the Witch (The Haunting) by Keith Richie has to be one of the most professionally manifested horror soundtrack singles on the said theme of witches, this quality new offering is a guaranteed hit, in a world that has certainly moved on. 

Keith has also stated that this is the first single and clue to his next major album release, but for now, that meanig is still hidden.

The Witching Hour By Piscean Daydreams & Tatiana Korkach

 

The Witching Hour

By

Piscean Daydreams & Tatiana Korkach

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The drops of water and the synths are the start of this clever narrative suggest a tonal voyage for this time of year, Halloween approaches, and The Witching Hour by Piscean Daydreams & Tatiana Korkach plays on my media player as I write on this incredibly warm end to October 2025, and as I do so, I am struck by the interesting juxtaposition of my environment and the compositional structure, but I just flow with the music.

Piscean Daydreams has been on my musical radar since ‘24, but the name of Tatiana Korkach is fresh to me, but here on this joint effort we are gifted a lush carpet of musical mystery and imagination redolent of the subject matter, there is a decided darkness about this release that makes this single so very compelling to me.

The fluency of synth and keyboard work with added sounds is my own home musical territory, I have just release a single similar myself, but the smoothness of tonal palette here is decidedly superior, and the imagination flutters into a cacophony of soft pastiches of timbre, one that for me creates such a beautifully layered and descriptive haunting arrangement.

The Witching Hour by Piscean Daydreams & Tatiana Korkach is a work of a very high standard indeed, regardless of the time of year, any ambient electronic synth fan would be proud to have this one in their collections.

Década en Directo By Aura Noctis

 

Década en Directo

By

Aura Noctis

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This has to be one of the most fascinating albums I have had the pleasure to listen to for a number of years, I am of course referring to the brand new release by Aura Noctis entitled Década en Directo, and after two complete listens before composting my own work here on this review, I could not believe the strange and wonderful roads this amazing release took me on.

The opening foray is a track called Drops, Olga Bartolomé Garcia and her trusty piano reign supreme here, and the symbiotic partnership with the cello of Susana Rico add flavoursome tastes and a delicious repose into its blissful content.

The album contains of 9 quite breath taking tracks, all of which are flourishing musical narratives filled with an abundance of style and crafted genius. Perhaps the listener may find themselves drawn on the path of tracks like the mysterious Stay, it was this that reminded me of early Genesis at times, surely prog and classical cant mix, but this is music we’re taking about, and tone and timbre will find its own way.

Perhaps the dark halls of Cracovia may lure the unexpected listener into a world of deepening shadows, while offerings like Descubre or in English I believe it is Discover, holds a totally different energy with its lighter refrain and melodic gestures, mixing the classical with a new age ethic perhaps, the vocals of Mar Cabello are descriptive and pristine, as they unpack the shortest track off the album.

The multi-instrumental magic of this album can be found in the long form opus of Solsticio, where on piano Olga Bartolomé García literally dances with the depths of both the oboe via Carmen Ruiz Revuelta, and the luscious cello of Susana Rico, with this splendid offering of anthem styled manifestation.

Then on the piece Siberia, which brings a string based fluency which is much appreciated as the chill of the night unfurls is tendrils of icy intent and expectation. We find a haunting narrative on the track Cantar de las Hojas, which once again contains the vocals of the outstanding Mar Cabello, in this most melancholy of creations, the oboe and piano weave a crooked path through the dark alleyways of tonal delight.

Omnia or Everything in English is our next port of call; the slow tempo of this track lures the listener in during this wonderfully dark classical tale of musical plenitude, whilst the entire album is brought to a conclusion by my personal favourite track from the entire album and called Viajes. This blissfully long form chronicle of brilliance is a master work of instrumental intelligence, containing all members of the chamber including the pertinent frame drum of Sergi Perales; a veritable symphony is manifested into the world of light and shadows, and one that leaves the audience in now doubt that they have just witnessed something astonishing.

Década en Directo by Aura Noctis is one of a few albums in my life that literally made me stop, and demanded to be listened to, its musicianship is creative, crafted and impressive, the narrative woven crossed genres constantly, and this made it for me one of the most unique releases I had heard for decades, surely this one has to be chart bound if there is any justice in this tattered world of tone.

Redemption By Carbe and Durand

 

 

Redemption

By

Carbe and Durand

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have adored the music of Carbe and Durand for some years now, it literally shocked me to find out that my collection goes back as far as 2000, and an album they recorded under the name Incendio called Misterioso, so 25 years later I get to review their latest single as Carbe and Durand entitled Redemption and it is one of the smoothest Latin acoustic guitar journeys you could ever wish to take.

The duo’s expertise in creating vast soundscapes on duel guitars and light percussion is well known, some will know the religious connotations of the word Redemption, but aside from that this is a tender word of sorrow and it can also mean making up for past mistakes or proving oneself after failure, I’ve had many, but the title more than likely comes from where the single came from, as the arrangement was conceived whilst working with their guitar student in a state prison.

Here the duo manifest something incredibly rhythmic, but also something quite poignant, the pastiche of tone and timbre here is made even more layered by the soft backdrop of a light orchestral floating narrative in the distance towards the middle and latter half of the piece.

Redemption by Carbe and Durand is such a delightfully respectful composition, its sympathetic refrain and empathic nuances can be felt to an incredibly palpable level, this is the artists at their most fluent and emotional, and as such another huge hit must be on the cards for Carbe and Durand with Redemption.

Japanese Onsen By Monster Taxi

 

Japanese Onsen

By

Monster Taxi

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The Far East is a region of the globe I have yet to travel to, but its quintessential uniqueness is captured perfectly by the artist known as Monster Taxi, manifesting in music a trip to the lands of mists and ancient history, this though does give me a wonderful opportunity to travel vicariously through the medium of music with the artist.

The musical narrative is imbedded with an eastern motif from the start, reminding one of Vangelis and the album China, both releases have that dedicated mood of the subject matter, here Monster Taxi creates a lush landscape with which to disappear into, as a willing participant of a glorious instrumental offering.

A Japanese onsen is a natural hot spring bath, deeply rooted in Japanese culture and tradition. It refers both to the geothermally heated spring itself and the bathing facilities built around it, this certainly sounds like my sort of thing, so more incentive to travel perhaps.

Japanese Onsen by Monster Taxi is another classy single from the artist that brought us Pacifica earlier on this year, and with ease should pacify the demands of the fans of chillout music, and those general globally fused palates, the keyboards structures and the all-encompassing percussive vibrations, should create another big hit for Japanese Onsen by Monster Taxi, with utter ease.

Traitors Among Us By Michelle Qureshi

 

Traitors Among Us

By

Michelle Qureshi

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There are times as a writer and radio presenter that you come across something so decidedly different, so exciting, so wonderfully fresh, that a tingle runs down the whole of your body igniting your senses along the way, this is exactly what happened to me when I listened to the new Michelle Qureshi single Traitors Among Us, in what I rate as a land mark sea change for the artist, and one of the most exciting moments of her musical career in my view.

This scene setting movie styled opus takes on a vibrant journey through instrumental music, in exactly the same way as a Phillip Glass soundtrack, in fact at times I liked this new manifestation to Glasses’ works. The piece has a blissful symphonic gaze to it and a delicious electronic element too, with synths and keyboard moments flourishing in a glorious crescendo of genius.

Traitors Among Us is a powerful step into the world of the cinematic style for the artist, and in my personal view is the most exciting work thus far from the composer, reaching across a void of emptiness to grasp at one of the most insightful and exhilarating creations possible. When I first heard this piece I was rooted to the spot, and my only expression that was valid was a solid wow.

This single has everything; it is a musical glossary of great quality, with a accelerando in its early stages moving the piece on, then in the latter half going from adagietto to adagio and adagissimo until its inevitable soothing coda. This is what masterful instrumental music should all be about, a world class performance from Qureshi for Traitors Among Us, in what should by right be her biggest hit ever.

Ancient Seeds by Aco Takenaka

 

Ancient Seeds

By

Aco Takenaka

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

What if someone could take all the songs from the ancient world throughout time, and keep them safe in a botanical garden of music, keeping them safe for the decades and centuries ahead, on Ancient Seeds by Aco Takenaka the artist has tried to do just that. The album has one of the most original concepts I have ever come across, as ancient chants from Yoruba and other African traditions, Native American, Tibetan, Indian, and Japanese songs are all arranged in a contemporary musical soundscape, and caters for everyone’s palate, on its forward thinking journey.

There are 11 tracks on this brilliantly arranged, composed and recorded album, ranging from one of the most harmonic starts ever in Ame Kuni, whilst my knowledge of Japanese is quite limited, I believe translated it means rain country or land of rain, the repeating chant here is mesmeric, and the use of pause within the piece brilliantly executed.

The listener can find music from the great Native American nation The Lakota in the piece Wani Wachi Elo, which I believe is a Lakota Peyote Healing Song, boy does the planet need this right now, or the energy raising O Mama Bakudala, Xhosa women sing this song at the beginning of gatherings or celebrations as an invocation to the spirits of their  matriarchal ancestors. The words translate literally as “The mothers from way back used to pray."

Next we fall into one of the most beautiful of all pieces in my view called Ramadasa, The Ra Ma Da Sa mantra is often used in healing practices, specifically in Kundalini yoga, I remember a version of this a few years ago by Snatum Kaur way back around 2010, the gentle acoustic guitar and layered vocals make this track for me one of the most cathartic from the album.

Lokah would be one of my wife’s favourite tracks from the release, Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu is a Sanskrit mantra that’s translation reads; “I wish peace and happiness to all beings. May my actions and behaviour contribute to others in a way that brings peace and happiness, and reminds me of the Reiki Precepts of, Just For Today, Do not Anger, Do not worry, Be Humble, Be Honest in your Work, Be Compassionate to Yourself and Others, this is also one of the finest examples of globally fused music I have heard for decades.

The conclusion to the album is the most powerful of all and called Tohokami Emitame, from my research I believe it is an ancient Japanese Shinto mantra believed to invoke divine protection, harmony, and spiritual connection, the incredible vibration from this track alone makes it a stand out track, and the powerful vocals remind me of Miriam Stockly with AO Music back in the day.

Ancient Seeds by Aco Takenaka has to be one of the most original albums of the year thus far, probably for many a year, and with this being said, I highly recommend this release for all who wish to immerse themselves in a myriad of musical chants and cultures, showing it’s not just our planet that requires our respect and love, it is the world of tone, timbre and music and art as well, leaving me in no doubt that Ancient Seeds by Aco Takenaka will be thoroughly embraced by all who listen to it, and a huge chart hit and possibly more will be seen on the horizon of hope for the artist.

What You've Been Looking For Was Here All This Time By Kaminata

 

What You've Been Looking For Was Here All This Time

By

Kaminata

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

A new name and a new style for me to enjoy within the vast realm of the solo piano genre, as I peak across the horizon of tone at the latest single by Kaminata called What You've Been Looking for Was Here All This Time. This interestingly long title though reveals one of the most ambient new solo piano singles I have heard this year with ease.

The slow start is blissfully serene setting a vista of total harmony and peace, the slight increase in vibration can be found at the early juncture of this short form piano narrative, and yes this is one of those extremely rare smaller content musical structures that fulfils the need, and ends a story with style.

There is also a slight eastern feel to the mid-way segment with the piano creating a delightfully meditative tale; in part this gentle refrain was both a pleasure to listen to, but to enjoy as a tranquil serene offering on its own, one could easily imagine a long form version of this doing well in Tai Chi classes, it has that beautiful flow to its overall arrangement.

What You've Been Looking For Was Here All This Time by Kaminata is a truly good example of how ambience and a slowness of tempo can combine to bring musical happiness and peace to all who listen to its delicious tonal output, this is ambient solo piano at its very best.

Andante Amar By Kristin Amarie, David Lanz & Czech National Symphony

 

Andante Amar

By

Kristin Amarie, David Lanz & Czech National Symphony

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

With every pen, with every brush stroke, a new moment of musical genius is born, with every key touched, and every note played and manifested, a halcyon segment of a perfect moment is brought into the world by the twin powers of Kristin Amarie and David Lanz, and supported by the illustrious and moving Czech National Symphony Orchestra, this time we have a peach of a hit in waiting called Andante Amar.

The term "Adante" is derived from the Italian word "andante," which means "moderately slow." In music, it indicates a tempo that is neither too fast nor too slow, often described as a "walking pace". The symbiotic energies of Kristin Amarie and David Lanz are two of the foremost most leaders in the neo-classical genre, and Andante Amar is another musical child they have gracefully delivered into our world.

The slowness of the tonal palette is both palpable and utterly delicious, and yet again motion movie worthy, this slice of wondrous romanticism gifts us a whole new era of Baroque, music characterized by its grandeur, its expressive melodies and the establishment of lush tonal harmonies.

This isn’t simply a great arrangement, this is a gift to be treasured, a slice of historical genius to hold close to then heart, and thank, just thank the universe you were born in the right timeline to have heard such greatness, as we welcome a new super hit onto the scene with Andante Amar by Kristin Amarie, David Lanz & Czech National Symphony.

Walking Among Ghosts By Orchestra Indigo

 

Walking Among Ghosts

By

Orchestra Indigo

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Orchestra Indigo has been on my musical radar for a few years now, three to be exact, and with each passing release magic is made. The sublime textures of a Rick Randlet composition are becoming more and more flavoursome and palpable with each passing measure and here on this latest creation called Walking Among Ghost we have a superbly timed release just before Halloween, and this one is literally a stunning and deeply moving manifestation of brilliance.

I must admit to being a bit of a fan of Orchestra Indigo, however this creation is literally amazing, I love pieces that embrace a reflective energy and minor chords and structures, similar with which the artist Llewellyn did back in 1999 with his album Ghosts.

Time has flown by this year, but I rate this as one of the finest examples of moody contemporary Instrumental music around, Randlet has the symphonic feel spot on, and the mysterious and haunting keyboard progression with a background ethereal vocalisations, reminds of EM artist Geigertek on his track Beyond the Garden.

For me this is exactly the sort of composition I love to listen to, and I hope you will embrace this haunting reverie as well; I can see big hit coming for Walking Among Ghosts by Orchestra Indigo, this single is a whole new level of instrumental mastery.

Sacred Balance By Dan Chadburn

 

Sacred Balance

By

Dan Chadburn

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Dan Chadburn has to be one of the longer term musicians I have known from the states in my time as a writer and broadcaster, my collection dates back to 1998 and an album called simply Solo Piano, some 27 years later we are gifted a beautiful release from the master of sensitive piano called Sacred Balance.

Here is an album rich in musical aromas, to quote Chadburn and to add some context the album is dedicated to the memory of Mark Alan Smith, an extraordinary artist and cherished friend, who faced his battle with cancer with courage and grace.

The opening piece says it all, a perfect blend of cello and piano paves the way for something quite extraordinary, both perfectly played by Chadburn, this starting point is breath taking and is the proud title track Sacred Balance.

This is a large body of work containing both a fine solo piano performance and the sound of a cello, on all 14 pieces. Chadburn is at his best, bringing emotion and colour into every pore of the music, and on pieces like Blessed Be, a symbiotic presentation that winds its way down the country roads of life, or the charming narrative of Descending to Heaven, with a carefully progressive tonal delight that is accomplished in bringing a lush level of tranquillity with every note played.

Beyond Imagination is one of those offerings that sets a postulation of something better around the corner, here a Chadburn piano is a wonderful thing indeed, and a breath taking kaleidoscope of beauty can be found here, whilst on the offerings like Four Months an almost dance like comparison can be felt, this waltz-like opus drifts across a horizon of reflective precision.

The album is a tapestry of serious gratitude and love, tracks like the outstanding Cosmic Resonance hovers expectantly like a new star being born into the universe itself, where Chadburn’s piano is the master narrator of that very lofty goal, one can also detect a sultry layer of synths perhaps in the backdrop too.

Walking Each Other Home is a happy familiar theme of joy and charm, with a little Celtic hint mixed into the weave of the arrangement too, in a track that has a delightful sway to the manifestation. Then we can be blessed with offerings like One Day Soon, a crisp early morning sunrise of a track that is bathed in the cool light of day, a song of hope perhaps.

There is even time for a short form narrative called Patches; a windswept oasis of tone can be found in this most picturesque of piano compositions, and even though this track is barely 118 seconds long, it is complete in its beauty and expression.

A vast sense of anticipation can be found on this more spacey track called Waiting, the openness and soft pastiche of its electronic backdrop is one that manifests something very compelling, whilst even the micro form is gifted to the listener with the track Quick Costume Change. This segway’s brilliantly into the following heartfelt piece called The Long Goodbye, a memory box of thoughtful tones can be found here on this most emotive of moments from the album.

The penultimate offering is the track 13 and is entitled Thirteen, here we can enjoy a soothing piece as Chadburn’s sensitive approach offers up a little sun kissed cadence to the day, whilst the concluding narrative entitled Lost and Found leaves the listener wanting more, and reminds me of Keep Sakes in the Attic by Jeff Bjork, on this final gift to the listener which ends the project with great skill and tenderness.

Sacred Balance by Dan Chadburn is the latest in the line of beautiful albums given to the world by the artist, thus pacifying the hoards of adoring solo piano fans globally. A delicate balance has been found, a symbiosis of musical tone all weaved into a tapestry of piano with an accompanying sound of a cello, one which highlights just what a proficient pianist Chadburn truly is and what a thing of great beauty Sacred Balance actually has turned out to be.

Light Beyond the Shadow By Joshua Zimmerman

 

Light Beyond the Shadow

By

Joshua Zimmerman

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The soft mellow tones of another sublime solo piano album is now on offer from composer Joshua Zimmerman, this latest manifestation of creative charm is called Light Beyond the Shadow, and follows the equally successful release Finding Peace released earlier this year.

Piano as a musical medium is one of the most descriptive there is if the narrative is well presented and contains a flourishing and compelling elegance, and yes you’ve guessed it, this album has all of those qualities and more. The starting opus is called What's Meant to Stay, it has that Lanz style in its more up-tempo segments, but this dualistic offering has both light and shade, and its tonal shadows interplay perfectly with each other.

The more sombre composition called Beneath the Surface is up next and is one of the most heartfelt pieces from the album, there is a sense of truth coming to the surface in this piece that I found quite palpable and very compelling, and Zimmerman’s stylish grasp on the dramatic was beautifully portrayed here too.

Light Beyond the Shadow is another of those reflective moments of solo piano masterful manifestations, and of course is the title track, the high notes draw an interesting juxtaposition between the more melodic and the darker edge of the piano, there was something quite Elton John about this creation at times, in the more thoughtful of musical instants.

The sensitivity of the album continued its upward arc with the piece Whispers of Hope. Here though is a track that was birthed from the tender touches of a few notes, then just continued to grow exponentially, by the midway section its expanse created a deeply moving narrative, and continued to build into a crescendo of beautiful tone, and ended with an utterly charming coda, on one of the most noteworthy pieces from the album.

There is an under pinned excitement in the track that lays on the half way juncture called Unseen Path. A delicate build up is followed by a charming melody as if someone has just found something that they never knew existed, that level of unexpected excitement of adventure perhaps, once more it contains a charming symbiotic melody entwined with the main theme.

The opening notes of Made New were a beautiful pastiche of repeated notes, how such a simple opening could contain so much colour was a wondrous thing indeed. This is classic new age piano, one with a flourishing nature and it was at this point I could equate the styles of Dan Chadburn with Zimmerman, who I rate as one of the most sensitive performers on the keys of all time.

On Everything in Time we have an ageless reverie that has a sense of calm in the weave of the piano performance, a sagely piece filled with wisdom and experience, Zimmerman’s commanding performance here manifested something quite cinematic, with its energies of reconciliation and harmony built within.

I’ve always thought the deeper waters of any album need a strong track, and on Breathing Still we have just that, Joshua once more delivers a gentle narrative, but one bathed in charm filled fluencies and creative essences on this most grateful of compositions.

The penultimate offering is entitled Grace Without Words, it’s an amiable pacifying last but one offering that feels at times like a lullaby, but has more in the depth of the narrative as Zimmerman’s piano shows in the latter half of the arrangement.

The art of closing down an album has been brought to light brilliantly here by the artist, as he draws the curtain across this splendid album with a parting gift called From Here. This is a track that perfectly sums up the entire journey and leaves the listener with hope and positivity at its conclusion.

Light Beyond the Shadow by Joshua Zimmerman has been one of the best solo piano experiences I had for a while, there is no doubt that the artist has that level of intelligent performance, balanced with a creative thoughtful flair, as such I’ve n doubt this is going to be a fan favourite with the legions of solo piano fans across the globe, for Light Beyond the Shadow by Joshua Zimmerman.

Sonic Calm 2 by Alexander Sussman

 

Sonic Calm 2

By

Alexander Sussman

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Following on from the success of the Sonic Calm 1, comes the follow up Sonic Calm 2 and calm is something I need right now! I must say that listening to this wonderful release created a well of tranquillity I could willingly fall into, Alexander Sussman has done himself proud with this release as this constant wave of classy new age music returns to the airwave in force.

The entire album could be described as a meditators Elysian Fields this is a place where I could rest and enjoy eternity listening to such beauty as this, the opening track proves my point entirely and is called Hymn, the slowness of the tone and timbre is utterly delightful, and reminds me of Chuck Wild who many will know over the decades as Liquid Mind.

The etymology of this next word Hygge, which is Norwegian and Danish in origin, a word in English we would know it as cosy, and here in my country of Cyprus we describe this happy warm feeling as Anetos, regardless it is one of the most layered and textured pieces from the release, the careful progression of keyboards and synths is utterly pleasurable and soothing.

Twilight is a beautiful time of day, it is the betwixt and between the tick and toc of the clock, it is the subtle moment of change that many completely miss, and here on that track we have a very sensitive keyboard based construction, one that lifts and salutes the day passed, and bows with grace to the eventual night that follows.

The pristine quality of this next piece is a halcyon touch of a timeless reverie, the key structures are more pronounced, the back synths float on a bed of cheer filled memories, whilst a dream like narrative is constantly contained within the composition, this is yet another moment of musical bliss to literally bathe within and called, Nocturne.

The next track was one of my personal favourites and reminded slightly of one of my own pieces called Walking on the Edge of Occam's Razor minus the singing bowl. Reverie of course is a state of being pleasantly lost in one's thoughts; a daydream perhaps, and here Sussman delivers the perfect musical narrative, a drifting tonal soundscape can be found here, and one of the most ambient musical constructs from the release.

The almost galactic vibrations of this next piece fascinated me and called Hypnagogia. There was a vastness about this track that I adored, Hypnagogia comes from the Greek Hypnos meaning sleep, and agōgos meaning conductor, and is the transitional state from wakefulness to sleep, and here Sussman achieves this goal beautifully, manifesting a mesmeric composition that at times reminded me of UK Synth master Kevin Kendle in arrangement.

Now for something that I personally have been doing rather a lot of work on recently, a track called Introspection. Looking within one’s self can be a very valuable tool in life, the examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes is a vital step to wellbeing, and to better critical thinking skills. Once more full marks goes to the artist for creating and expansive offering that explores and roams free, creating possibilities and alternate postulations wherever it goes, on one of the most tender tracks from the album.

Our penultimate offering is now upon us and called Retreat, I personally found this particular track deeply emotional, the word itself has a few meanings, but by listening to the tones and timbre within this piece I choose to withdraw to a quiet or secluded place, and if I had this specific piece with me, my search for a musical sanctuary would indeed be complete.

So for the conclusion, its title track time and Sonic Calm is out last musical cloud of choice, the sheer smoothness of this track leaves me in no doubt that I have probably listened to one of the best New Age music albums of the year thus far. Here the mood is pulled back even further; the energy is utterly peace filled and tranquil, what a blissful way with which to leave an outstanding album.

Sonic Calm 2 by Alexander Sussman is one of those albums you could leave on repeat all day long and be glad you did so, its meditative qualities are sublime, its serenity manifested is filled with wisdom and self-belief, and are like the words inscribed on the Oracle Of Delphi “Know Thyself” Never have I loved an album so much as Sonic Calm 2 by Alexander Sussman, here lays the magical tones of a timeless reverie that will be membered as long as the sunrises and sets exist, this quite simply is outstanding, and is most certainly an award worthy album.