Rumination By Hanslik & Moniz Experiment

 

Rumination

By

Hanslik & Moniz Experiment

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The longest piece from the release Chaotic Hypnotic is the vast opus called Rumination, now released as a single. There was something about this track that I loved, It wasn’t until my second spin that I noticed a sense of rhythm that was hidden deep within the weave of the arrangement too, also the slow build here was juxtaposed brilliantly with the inventive work of both artists, one was never quite sure where this creation was going, but for some reason the ambience it created made that question almost irrelevant.

Here is an offering that one could leave on repeat for hours and not notice, that state of aforementioned ambience was a mixture of artists like Laraaji, from his Ambient 3: Day of Radiance album back in 1980, the guitar manifested memories of Steve Hillage and Rainbow Dome Musick from the year before, in one of the most complex performances from the duet of Hanslik and Moniz.

Without doubt one of the most emphatic states of bliss can be found here for electronic ambient and experimental music fans the globe over, a sonic sanctuary of harmonic convergence that one would never wish to leave perhaps, and as such I believe this to be destined for the top 5 of the charts with absolute ease, as we applaud the latest single from Hanslik & Moniz Experiment called Rumination.

Lament for a Lost Cup of Tea By George Pendred

 

Lament for a Lost Cup of Tea

By

George Pendred

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This is an interesting new single by George Pendred and based around a simple but humble cup of tea. Lament for a Lost Cup of Tea may seem like a whimsical musical tale, but it is in fact much more, as any British person would tell you, it is a symbol of calm, offering someone a cup of tea during a time of crisis is a classic British way of providing support, creating a moment of calm, and a chance to "regroup". The ritual of "putting the kettle on" offers a pause and a return to normality when things are going wrong.

Here though Pendred builds a narrative on his flute that is totally addictive, a soft imploring start, percussive intelligence builds, and is soon joined by a global styled, almost Reggae bass line, one which manifests a delicious rhythm to the track. Pendred is well known for his expertise of a perfect build and percussion within his music, and it certainly shows here on this multi-faceted and layered new single.

This one is without doubt a hit in the making, and leaves me wanting to reach for a cup of Earl Grey as I listen. Vibrant, smooth and delightfully rhythmic, a guaranteed hit is on the cards for Lament for a Lost Cup of Tea by George Pendred with ease, now please excuse me whilst I just put the kettle on.

Moments in Time By Lisa Cullum

 

Moments in Time

By

Lisa Cullum

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Time has started drawing near to the closing of another year; as such I usually see a plethora of albums taking a reflective look at the year gone by, here however Lisa Cullum gifts us an new album where musically she captures seven moments in time, on a release that is simply beautiful and idyllic.

Moments in Time is a moving release packed with some of the most sensitive piano with added instrumentation you are likely to find, like the opening offering entitled Leaving, a memorable piece that drifts in the midst of a yesterday still longingly remembered, the reflective nuances here are some of the most beautiful, whilst on the proceeding musical narrative we have a textured ambience that gifts the listener a sanctuary of piano, on one of the best compositions I personally feel the artist has thus far created on the gem called Interlude.

Beginnings is a softer tale woven into a bed of sound that is deliciously ambient, where the cello adds a flavour to the overall tapestry of the track, whilst on Distance there is a postulation of tone and timbre which is rather creative, one that ushers forth an intriguing and well woven arrangement into an almost cinematic conclusion.

Deeper into the weave of this collection we find Hope, a truly reflective moment in time can be had here, a track where the listener can dive in to literally feel the waves of unbridled emotion behind the structure of the composition.

The penultimate piece is called Change, this smart once again cinematic styled opus hovers with intent, the sound of a cello manifests a mournful repose, whilst the uplifting performance by Cullum on piano offers up a powerful juxtaposition of mood and style, one that shows us the way from the darkness and back into the light.

The conclusion to this colourful album comes with the track entitled Endings. Here the listener will indeed find a piece that is so redolent of the subject matter, that it opens the gateway to peace for the listener on the final coda of the composition, in a track that is a perfect concluding narrative as you would ever wish to find.

Moments in Time by Lisa Cullum does exactly what it says on the can and gifts the listener seven moments of her arrangements since 2020, much emotion and feeling is tied to this collection of piano based reveries, it is an album that is tender reflective and heart felt, and one that should resonate with the vast legions of fans of any piano genre across the globe.

Bone Envy By Aleksandra Takala

Bone Envy

By

Aleksandra Takala

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It had been quite some time since I had heard from the artist Aleksandra Takala; the last time our musical paths had crossed was back in 2021 with another classy instrumental album called In My Own Time. This new release takes us towards the end of another year of our time on this Earth, but Takala has gifted us an early present with a truly eclectic album that is simply heart-warming and beautiful.

The opening foray is a track called Windswept, a  classic new age styled instrumental keyboard narrative can be found here in the early emergence of the track, but it builds to much more, a vibrant beat and an addictive repose from minor to major and back, makes this track so palpable from the California based neo-classical, new age musician.

A delicious Scottish vibration flows through this next offering called The Highlands. The early strum gifts us that notion, and this track and her performance style started to remind me of another now retired new age artist in Al Conti. Here Takala utilises her usual piano based start and builds perfectly, building melodies that function as conversations and expressions of feeling, with orchestral textures built into the weave, manufacturing in this case a perfect Celtic dance like refrain, on one of the most energetic tracks from the album.

Awaiting the Outcome is our third track on this 7 piece release and has elements of Oldfield’s Tubular Bells and a dramatic crescendo all built into the first few moments of the song. The build and almost suspenseful composition matures with a growing intensity, in an almost progressive rock style melee, this has to be one of the most fascinating pieces from the artist ever, a cross combination of Genesis meets New Age, in one of the most powerful and emotive offerings from the album.

We move into the latter half of the album now with the shortest piece from the release called Missing You. This keyboard driven narrative pursues another emotional roller coaster of a ride and achieves it brilliantly, with some of the most haunting piano in the middle part of the arrangement.

The brilliantly titled El Rio Del Tiempo (The River of Time) is up next, and with its Latin flavours, offers up much to the listener to enjoy and roam around in its corridors of time and tide with, this is a spectacular instrumental manifestation, again one of superior flavours and textures. Here is a narrative that is redolent of the subject matter, with haunting vocalisations and a steady build and purpose in its ranks; here one will find a cinematic offering of a growing eminence and style.

A percussive timbre starts our journey on this long form opus, one that is our penultimate offering from the album and called Dance of Joy. A track that builds like Emerson Lake and Palmers version of Abandons Bolero, but has that lush classical element that manifests something truly special, this suite of cleverness weaves a tale of passion and power, with heavy over tones of classically inspired reveries, which should come as no surprise as the artist holds a college degree in classical music theory, performance, and composition.

We now arrive at the last offering from the album and this one has some amazing elements within its entirely original constraints. Never have I heard a song that mixes a prog Jazz styled Soft Machine influence, with disco pop of the late 70’s, the last few moment of funk were a real treat, and show the utter range of artistry from Takala. I have to admit this is one of the most enjoyable endings to an album I’ve ever heard, and called Latina Fantasia.

Bone Envy by Aleksandra Takala is the very epitome of a musical release that literally has something for everyone, so many genres and borderlands of music are crossed here its unbelievable, but they all work. I must say this is one of the finest instrumental music albums I’ve heard this year, and I have a feeling that a number one spot awaits Bone Envy by Aleksandra Takala, it’s that good. 

Aeralyth By Sylion

 

Aeralyth

By

Sylion

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There are many inspiring electronic musicians out there today; I’ve been so inspired by the revelation of electronic music over the last few years that even I have joined its ranks, however listening to this new single by Sylion entitled Aeralyth, makes me realise just how far there is still to go, as this work of art is some of the best I have heard since Jarre gave us Oxygene.

This remarkable new offering from the artist is extremely powerful, fluent and deliciously smooth, its electronic vibe reminds me of both Geigertek and Glenn Main, its pulsating rhythm and percussive elements provide a true driving track of great quality.

On a personal level this is a sublime performance by the artist, one of remarkable quality, speed and intent, and as such I see no reason why Aeralyth by Sylion should not be a massive hit on the charts, and perhaps even an award worthy single as well.

For The World by Steve Markoff & Patricia Lazzara

 

For the World

By

Steve Markoff & Patricia Lazzara

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

For the World by Steve Markoff & Patricia Lazzara is a huge body of work of some 19 tracks of flute and piano by a trio of quality musicians who have brought the world a glorious triumphant collection of great works for us all to enjoy and bathe in. This musical voyage of our planet is a tip of the hat to all that is good, artistic and pleasant about our home, expressing creativity and artistry in abundance, it is an inspirational sanctuary.

This melodic journey starts with Ashokan Farewell which is a modern American folk composition that sounds like a 19th-century lament and written by Jay Ungar in 1982, despite the description of the piece being somewhat a song of loss and longing, I found the refrain and its Celtic influences fluent, and played with delightful warmth and reflection.

The trio involved in this oasis of work are Steve Markoff on alto flute, he is known for his creativity and warm interpretive arrangements, Patricia Lazzara, flute, a multi-award winning soloist, chamber and orchestral musician, and the journeyman Dave Malyszko, soloist, accompanist, and ensemble member on piano, a man who has performed with some of the biggest stars in the business.

Textures of tone and timbre come in abundance with tracks like the beautiful Bakit Pa a heartfelt Filipino ballad, one that with rising flute raises the energies of the listener, and at times strangely reminded me of the Roberta Flack song Killing Me Softly, clearly I have been in the music business for too long! Then Bang Chhun Hong which seemed familiar to me, then I remembered my old friend Tim Wheater and all made sense, with its classical flute timbre.

Native American Suite was an incredibly poignant composition, inspired by the original culture, its crisp piano performance was incredibly well performed in a symbiotic presentation with both flautists, in what to me was a landmark arrangement from the album.

The depth of tone and flute in Belarussia is a piece that pays grand homage to its cultural roots, in an almost regal processional styled offering. Tracks like Canadian Railroad Trilogy, a celebrated folk song originally written and performed by Gordon Lightfoot, released, let’s just say too many decades ago, here the trio bring an extra quality of lightness to the overall narrative of the composition.

Dreaming in blue and yellow is a track I know very well, having written a review for it a couple of years ago by British-American composer Michael Hoppé, a man who has created wondrous compositions with the aforementioned flautist Tim Wheater, here on this track Steve Markoff & Patricia Lazzara manifest something equally as touching as Michaels original lament for the plight of the Ukrainian people.

As soon as I say El Condor Pasa most people will no doubt spark Simon & Garfunkel who made this inspirational creation popular in 1970, however this is a superb rendition, one that leads us hand in hand to one of my favourite pieces, the quite ambient in its inception, The old years, however this track soon morphs into something more rag styled in an almost Ian Anderson way, in one of the most exciting creations from the release without doubt.

I always listen to any album in its entirety at least once before I even attempt to write, when listening to this collection of beautiful tunes, I came across a piece I remembered from my school days called Scarborough Fair, and was also once again popularized by Simon & Garfunkel in the 1960s, however this beautiful piece can be dated back as far as perhaps even the 17^th century, in my view this has to be one of the best modern instrumental versions I have heard, all artists in total balance and harmony with this quite breath taking rendition.

We have the short form narrative of My Father Is an Appenzell to entertain us with its bright and jolly refrain, whilst Japanese Suite gives us a flavour of the Far East with its sultry and meditative tonal delights. This is followed by another large offering of music which we can refer to now as Suite of Israeli Songs, Yoav Talmi’s original suite is moving and powerful, and this cultural tip of the hat originally composed in ‘67 is given the five star treatment from the artists, and one so good I found it quite emotive to listen to at times.

The dramatic tones of Calikusu were brought to life some 550 miles north of my home in Paphos, Cyprus, in the location of Sivas in Turkey, way back in ‘86 by composer Esin Engin, it isn’t surprising to me that this is a piece that has a very deep emotional core, and a powerful and compelling melody, whilst offerings like The Homes of Donegal, where the locational aspect is obvious, the performance on flute is quite remarkable and uplifting, and also deeply soulful.

Danse Espagnola was the very epitome of the saying a horse of a different colour, and one inspired by traditional Spanish music and dance forms. However the very next piece will take the listener back to the 70’s in the best way possible with an iconic version of the legendary band Abba’s I Have A Dream, a huge hit single, and taken from there equally iconic Voulez-Vous album, here the trio of Steve Markoff, Patricia Lazzara and Dave Malyszko, gift us a memory box of fluent beauty.

The penultimate offering from the album is entitled The One That You Love, one may remember back in the early years of hair rock, a band called Air Supply, so this is that reference you seek and you can scratch your head no longer, as we take you back to ‘81 with a fine instrumental version, one that contains a sublime piano performance by Malyszko in this classic ballad.

Sadly we have come to the end of our journey and we do so by closing out with the mournful Shenandoah, this is a smart last composition, leaving the listeners with something truly anthem styled, I seem to recall a deep and emotional version of this song  by Paul Robeson back in the day.

For the World by Steve Markoff & Patricia Lazzara is every instrumental fans musical panacea; there can be no doubt that there is something truly engaging and palpable about this album. The performances within it are sublime moments of perfection, and as such I fully expect this to make the top of the charts with consummate ease.

Moonlight Reveries By Jon Richards

 

Moonlight Reveries

By

Jon Richards

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Jon Richards is without doubt one of the most artistic new age music creators around today, his lush contributions have taken me from Pangea released in 2008 till now, some 17 years later, and this beautiful new offering entitled Moonlight Reveries, a real crossover new age and classical album that one can’t help but fall head over heels in love with.

This amazing journey starts with a piano driven narrative called The Light Beneath the Brambles. Immediately I am taken back to the days of artists like David Sun and Phil Chapman, the slow progression in an almost processional style is perfect, the added vocalisation doubly so, and leads us into the sumptuous refrains of a harp layered arrangement entitled Woodlands Edge, the beautiful crossover between Richards love of both Classical and New Age music can really be felt in a growing trend from this point onwards.

Enchanted Nature is our next composition, a more ambient track lies within the tones of this masterful creation, and in some ways I tried to capture this ambience on one of my singles called Winter Sunrise, but Jon’s soothing textures take this voyage to the next level and beyond on one of my favourite offerings.

The picturesque tale of A Moonlit Path is delivered sublimely by the artist, a magical tapestry flows through this piece, and once again that clean vocalisation is heard drifting through the woodland with the arrangement. Pieces like the flowing Hidden World, offer up much beauty, and for some reason reminded me in parts of Ravels Pavane for a Dead Princess at times.

The album is 13 tracks of some of the most comforting music around, offerings like the consoling Summoned By Starlight, with its almost lullaby styled piano leads the way to the centre of the release, where we will find Richards on his familiar new age territory, with offerings like the classic tonal delight of The Velvet Hours.

The shortest piece off the album is up next and its piano and vocalisation symbiosis manifests something lush and textured, adding a cello sound deepened the experience on Nocturne for the Wild, this allowed us free passage to a track that captured my senses entirely called, Where The Night Folk Wander, a true Midsummers Night of a composition can be found here, on this very jolly reverie.

Of Moon and Meadow takes us deeper into this forest of atmospheric bliss, with this uplifting classically styled offering, this delightfully light-hearted reverie, raised the energies of tone and timbre, with the delivery of a piece that would have been perfect for a Terry Pratchet movie.

The listener can get totally lost within the realm of this album, tracks like renascence styled Night Whispers, takes us deeper into the weave of a middle age narrative, whilst the more lyrical and Celtic tinged composition, The Crossing At Fernbrook, could be found, this manifestation can be summed up with one word, charming. This would turn out to be another favourite of mine, perhaps Richards is now making a pivot to a more lord of rings moment in the Shires with this last but one offering.

So we have found our way to the end of the release, but one last gift from the master of artistic new age music is to come, and that is entitled Lanterns Left In The Hollow. A very gentle tonal delight can be found here, in a composition that reminds me of the band 2002 at times, and is simply a lush and colourful gaze over the shoulder moment, of reflective magic from Richards.

I must admit, I totally enjoyed this journey with the artist. Moonlight Reveries by Jon Richards, and his beautiful compositional structures have got him another winner of an album here, perhaps even one of his best ever, Jon Richards is the consummate new age musician, and I believe that this album, is a highlight of not only the artist artistic abilities, but his skill set overall as a musician, this one gets absolutely full marks from me.

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

 

You Know I Will Remember You (Room 112)

By

Wayne Bethanis

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

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

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

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

Remote Isolation (The Silence) by Keith Richie

 

Remote Isolation (The Silence)

By

Keith Richie

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

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

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

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