Infinity By Jacquelyn G. Kleine

 

Infinity

By

Jacquelyn G. Kleine

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

One of the finest female instrumentalists around is back with another beautiful single, as Jacquelyn G. Kleine releases her latest electronic masterpiece called Infinity. Jacquelyn has a string of wondrous singles to date, with On Crystalline Seas being just one of a plethora released last year.

There are many musical realities around, many dimensions and genres I have visited over the many years of being involved in the music business, but Jacquelyn has carved a niche out for herself in the instrumental style, and here brings us moments of an almost neo classical nature on this electronic reverie.

There is also something quite calming to this release that is certainly palpable, could it be at its core, infinity (symbolized as ∞) refers to something that is limitless, boundless, or endless. Thus the tonal tentacles of this fabulous offering is so ambient yet textured in nature, and indeed it seems to wind in and around and onward.

Infinity by Jacquelyn G. Kleine has lush classical motifs that lift the soul and allows the listener to drift on a bed of blissful vibrations, ones that should once again bring another hit to the table for the artist Jacquelyn G. Kleine and her new single Infinity.

La Fontana By David Lanz

 

La Fontana

By

David Lanz

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

When I was talking to David a couple of weeks ago he told me about this new single, and his description, and my love for fountains intrigued me, I don’t know what it is about fountains, but I love them, and David’s musical tale of one is utterly delightful, so with great enjoyment I review the latest single by David Lanz entitled La Fontana.

Interestingly enough there is reference to the first fountains being used in ancient Greece as decoration, but for me this track has a real Renaissance feel about its construction, its flourishing narrative and its bright sparkling notation and tonal exquisiteness, being part of the said musical equation of brilliance.

It would be in Italy perhaps, Florence, or Rome where fountains were turned into full-on drama with such delightful motion, sculpture, and symbolism, here the Lanz performance is utterly charming as are all of his compositions, but here on La Fontana we have a tapestry of timbre that is not only redolent of the subject matter, but notes fall like gold from the cascading waters from the fountain itself.

This one has to be a huge hit for the artist, one of a few rare musicians on the planet who has never created a weak composition; in short David Lanz equals quality, and La Fontana is the piece that will continue to rejuvenate the listeners hearts, with an absolutely cheer filled performance, this one is destined for the high life and is another master piece, from the grand master himself.

As One with the Sky By Gregory Cain

 

As One with the Sky

By

Gregory Cain

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It’s always excellent when you find an album so good you wished you had composed it yourself, but with my musicians hat on I found much inspiration from the ambient and contemplative composer from Northern California Gregory Cain, and his latest release As One with the Sky, upon it the listener will find some of the most fascinating ambient and electronic constructed observations they could ever wish for.

Starting strong Cain gifts us a moment of clarity and great beauty with the soothing narrative entitled Wandering Curious, gentle synth pads swirl around us creating a cadence so soothing for the onward sonic voyage, a careful percussive element and bass line take us on a musical journey it will be hard to let go of.

The electronic vibe gets a deeper wash thanks to this next moody composition by the artist entitled Full Moon Over Nob Hill,  this is one of several tracks that I adored, and in some way track two of my up and coming release is similar in its depths and textures. Here Cain breathes tone emphatically into a vast wide open range, a vista so expansive, that the overall mood of the track is utterly breath taking.

I’m always a big fan of title tracks, I believe that they should reflect the overall narrative of the project, and this piece for me called As One with the Sky certainly presses all the right buttons, and also in creating a spacious open atmospheric tone, it gifts the listener a sense of ambience much needed to take sanctuary within, and at time reminding me of the most soothing creations of the late but still great Vangelis.

We can now move to a somewhat shorter piece entitled Celestial Machine, this is a true space ambient offering, one that also reminded me in part of the UK’s Kevin Kendle and his deep skies series with its textured synth pads, subtle atmospheric layers, and gentle evolving tones over the course of the three minute plus opus.

The midway marker is reached when the listener casts the rope to the dockside of truly sublime electronic music, with the following arrangement entitled October Dream. This is yet another favourite of mine; October is one of my favourite months, and for me, here the music evokes a quiet, reflective autumnal mood, a sense of cooling air, drifting leaves, and shifting light that mirrors the emotional and sensory qualities often associated with October evenings. Deep, reflective and extremely artistic music can be found on this track alone.

Now for a total course change as we arrive at a more powerful creation, and curiously called This Thing Shouldn’t Be Just out Here, this one has a decided more forceful feel to its construction, evolving from a dream like scenario perhaps, twisting and turning the knife of normality with complex sounds and percussive beats, and reminding me of US electronic experimental artists Hanslik and Moinz at times, in an almost controlled chaotic juxtaposition of a track.

One of the longer tracks from the album is called Give Me Your Tired, the inception seems to herald water sounds, perhaps like the boatman Charon conveying souls to Hades, in one of the most inventive and artistic pieces from the release, at times floating into the realm of electronic artists like Laraaji. Here Cain literally bends sounds and manifests a pace of electronic styled music that is similar to that of Berlin style, but more artistic in texture.

Next in the deeper weave of the album, is a track that is close to my heart, as I don’t live that far from the subject of this next piece, as here in Cyprus, where I live, we have such an area where turtles can be found. Flowing In Turtle Alley, the music, I can confirm is very redolent of the subject matter, fluent, slow paced and wistfully meditative, a title that evokes images of water gently moving through a quiet, hidden channel, or upon a sandy beach, where gratefully the touch of humanity has yet to tread, for me this was one of the best slices of ambient new age music I have heard for years, and I hope one day to create something as beautiful, the sweeping synths evoke a transcendent moment on what is indeed the longest offering from the album at just short of eight bliss filled minutes.

The penultimate track from the release is called An Eddy in the Stream; Cain has followed the last opus of beauty up with another, a gentle sonic movement is found here and one that perhaps invites listeners into a meditative, introspective space, regardless this goes to further emphasise just how good a composer and musician Cain is, as he creates a place in a musical stream where current doesn’t hurriedly carry you onward, but lets you linger longer, and circling around whilst doing so, in tone and timbre.

The natural sounds at the inception of this parting gift called Winter Shadows at Lost Slough, remind me of the tree frogs here in the summer, the teasing synths drift in and out manifesting a truly lush sunset arrangement of outstanding natural beauty, the sonic palette on this composition conveys cool, hushed tones and a sense of slowed time, but one moment that could easily be described as halcyon.

I salute the artist for this album. As One with the Sky by Gregory Cain is with ease one of the best electronic new age ambient styled albums I have had the pleasure to dive deeply into for around a decade at least, its creative, contemplative, exciting, mysterious and utterly beautiful, I would recommend As One with the Sky to any fan of instrumental music in a heartbeat, it has all the hallmarks of something utterly magnificent and transcendent, and could easily be held up as a prime example of the very apex of the new age music genre. 

Wishing Song By Ilka de Gast

 

Wishing Song

By

Ilka de Gast

Written by

Chrissie Sheppard

 

The latest single release from Ilka de Gast entitled Wishing Song serves as the lead single for her forthcoming children's meditation album, a project that focuses on safety and confidence for younger listeners, however, its profound sense of calm offers universal appeal.

Originally from the Netherlands and now based in California, de Gast brings a unique multidisciplinary perspective to her art as a singer-songwriter, sound healer, and licensed psychologist. For this release, she once again collaborates with award-winning multi-instrumentalist Tommy Graven.

"Wishing Song" opens with the rhythmic sounds of the ocean, layered with melodic vocals and a drumbeat designed to mimic a steady heartbeat. Complemented by a soft acoustic guitar, the track then transitions into a brief guided meditation. This segment encourages listeners to practice gratitude and serves as a powerful reminder of self-worth—a message that is often overlooked in daily life.

This track is a standout addition to de Gast's growing discography. Her work continues to resonate deeply, and this single is poised to become a staple for listeners of all ages. Incorporating "Wishing Song" into a daily ritual provides a meaningful opportunity to pause and reflect on one's inherent value.

Eternity By Kate Jaconello

 

Eternity

By

Kate Jaconello

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It is so great to be back and connected musically with Kate Jaconello, we first met in London way back in 2011 after the release of her album Earth and Sky, and so much has changed for everyone since those heady days of the past, but in 2024 Kate returned with a single called Silent Alchemy, now two years later and we have a grand release called Eternity.

The beginning opening sequence starts in traditional new age style with a fluent progressing onward keyboard, reminding me of fellow UK artist Phil Thornton in the early stages of the piece, however a sea change of absolute genius is about to evolve from the volcano of talent that is Kate Jaconello.

Percussion is employed; a flourishing keyboard and we are in a totally different ocean of sound, one you may expect artists like Kerani to swim within, regardless this symphonic almost neo classical excursion is incredible to listen to, with elements of Vangelis within the weave as well.

A dramatic last one minute can even be found lurking like a musical Kraken in an under pinned soundtrack of an ending, one that is simply breath taking and compositionally stunning. One has to ask is this the artists best work thus far, and one would have to emphatically say yes, in fact I would dare to put my money where my mouth is an predict a top 5 slot at least for Eternity by Kate Jaconello, it’s that good.

Creation By Soul Improvisations

 

Creation

By

Soul Improvisations

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Soul Improvisations certainly made a splash on the instrumental scene during 2024, and my first encounter with this brave new world of solo piano was through her debut single called Warrior Heart, Conquering Life's Challenges, which I had the pleasure of reviewing, as I have her other releases too. After the release of an album called From the Depths, Devorah M. Lewin known as Soul Improvisations is back with a brand new single entitled Creation, and it is probably the most grand of all her manifestations thus far.

This arrangement is utterly glorious, in its early stages the tone and timbre manifests a steady voyage of vibrancy, the fluency drifts into musical eddies along the river bank of this ever onward tonal delight, and with an element of a cinematic production the piano explores the narrative deeper, and a more impassioned piece comes forward like the foam bursting from the waves of a winter ocean.

There is also a beautiful melody floating within the arrangement that is so exquisitely palpable and imploring that needs to be enjoyed as well. The theme of the planet and the universe combined in its cosmological manifestation is beautifully illustrated. The artistic qualities of this piece are both dramatic and cleverly presented to each and every listener.

This lush and creative opus sums up in a single composition the glory and majesty of our world and the universe in which it resides. Each note emphasises a certain aspect of life, a mountain range, a sunset, a passing cloud, all of which go on to sum up how wonderful and incredibly special our mother is.

When one deeply listens to this moment of musical charm and crafted magnificence, one can feel utterly connected to it, within the last one minute of the piece a reflective energy can be adored in the same way with which David Lanz did with Cristofori's Dream, and then concluding the musical narrative with a deep and meaningful coda.

Creation by Soul Improvisations is a power arrangement bathed in the glory of the globe and the transcendence of the cosmos, here is an emphatic arrangement, one so colourful and textured that a veritable tapestry of tonal delight awaits each and every listener, and as such an absolute huge chart hit must be on the cards for Creation by Soul Improvisations.

Belong by The Song Gardeners

 

Belong

By

The Song Gardeners

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Back in the year of the pandemic The Song Gardeners burst onto the scene for me, bringing us Altered States, Love Flows, Love is the Magic Of Change and Sabbe Satta Sukhi Hontu, and year after year since, more incredible music has been added to a part of the overall genre, and the nuanced side genre of New Age Pop, today some 6 years later they have released a brand new single to hit the airwaves called Belong.

The theme is pretty current given the mood of political tyranny in the country of The Song Gardner’s, America. The band themselves say it all and I quote “The lyrics and music were written by Corrie M. Dunn at a time in her life when she felt disconnected; an outsider, not fitting into the norms of society. Currently and throughout history we’ve seen groups of people being labelled as aliens and treated as less than human, the chorus is written from the point of view of an alien in society yearning to belong”, very poignantly said ladies, and very true.

Musically the song is one that grows on you and never lets you go, it has that singer songwriter feel to its arrangement, and is beautifully performed and sung by Dunn, as a singer myself, what she has achieved here on this new creation is quite difficult, with differing tones, pitches and keys all being alternated in the space of one superb song.

One might say typical Song Gardeners and it is, but there is a clever underpinned narrative here that juxtaposes a specific mood at the moment in the world or part of it, that has to change and perhaps Belong by The Song Gardeners is the creation to do it.

The Weight Of The Sky By Derek Wille

 

 The Weight Of The Sky

By

Derek Wille

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It’s always nice when you come across a new musician to you personally, and then are so impressed with their work, that you wondered how you have missed them in the 30 years that both the artist and yourself have been in the music business, so it is with joy that at last I listen to The Weight Of The Sky by Derek Wille and what an abundant ride of piano mastery it was as well.

The Weight of the Sky is a 14 track release of great power, intensity and flare, tracks like Eyes Across The Room is a delicious arrangement built on the back of a hopeful pattern of tenderness and love, and is a composition that has a sparkle and a certain romanticism about its construction too.

Rhapsody In Shadow is a fine example of blending jazz, classical, new age, and improvisational styles all into one sumptuous slice of musical magic, the classical influences within this gentle narrative gave this arrangement an almost timeless feel to it for me.

There literally is something for everyone on this release, like the rapid jazz feel of Shadows on the Sidewalk. One might say that this piece is from introspective to whimsical and back again, there is certainly a fun juxtaposition between dark and light being played out here, and in the most palatable of ways.

Moving with pace now to one of my personal favourites from the album called The Years Between. The left hand here is the constant that keep us grounded, whilst the tension of emotional portrayals of musical colours and textures is brilliantly presented to the listener.

The longer my journey through this release went on, the more I feel in love with its expression, its sometimes meditative, sometimes excitable arrangements, and on Reflections On A Quiet Night, the piano conveys a sense of night-time calm, memory, and subtle emotional nuances that remind me of the most fully flavoured compositions from my dear friend David Lanz at times.

The listener will find opportunities to experience the occurrence of crossing genres with this album as well, and sometimes on one piece of music as well, flowing from a globally infused arrangement towards new age piano we can enjoy the rhythms and textures of the track Standing In The Storm, a veritable power piece of a performance.

The concluding narrative is entitled A Lifetime Ago, it channels nostalgic sweetness and bittersweet memory, evoking emotional reminiscence and introspection, through its melodic phrasing. For some reason I am mindful of other artists like Elton John on his more passionate tracks like Funeral For a Friend, and in some ways reflects perhaps on the slow passing of time and the never ending tick and tock of the relentless clock.

The Weight of the Sky by Derek Wille may have been my first introduction as a music writer and broadcaster to the musician, but one that I thoroughly enjoyed, and with total honesty, I now yearn for more. For me this says everything that is good about solo piano, everything that is inventive, artistic and interesting, and drawing on many of Wille’s influences like jazz greats and classic solo piano traditions. This is a solo piano of great style and distinction and one I hope will take the charts by storm, it’s The Weight of the Sky by Derek Wille.

Heaven by Anaya Music

 

Heaven

By

Anaya Music

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There can be no doubt that Anaya is a fine instrumentalist in her own right, my first encounter with her music was an album called Eternity back in 2016 and since then 10 years have passed, she now embraces new technology to manifest vast soundscapes, and her arrangements have become both poignant and touching, here on the album Heaven she immerses the listener into a project that is both deeply moving and palpable.

The opening track is in fact the title header and of course called Heaven. The strings are both emulated and orchestral in nature and are prominent on this and most tracks, thus giving the music a cinematic, orchestral feel. The idyllic sound frame one has of this mythological environment of hope is deeply moving and heartfelt.

Tracks like the flowing Ethereal give the listener a happy and uplifting narrative to enjoy, whilst offerings like Harmony in Nature offered another moment of enriching lyrical brilliance and an outstanding vocal pastiche on tonal delights. One can then move to one of the most fluent offerings from the album called Whispers in Harmony; this is another fine example of Anaya’s cinematic tendencies, as a veritable movie sound track is explored.

This release is a seamless transition from one milieu of beauty to another, Melodies, is a piano keyboard solo to start, and then it becomes a gentle duet with flute, supplemented by soft keyboard textures and gradually building with other instruments in a wondrous juxtaposition of instrumental fluency.

Tender notes can be found on tracks like Celestial with its neo classical roots, silent moments of reverie can be found here, an instrumental stargazing twinkling composition of great passion too, and reminds me of the work of artists like Kerani, with its lush and all-embracing sweeping melodies.

Harmony starts with an acoustic guitar leading the piece, strings in abundance soon follow in this more pop styled music approach, the perfect single for the 21^st century perhaps is on offer here.

Offerings like Afternoon sees the artists in her old stomping grounds, natural sounds of birds accompany her ethereal and angelic keyboards, and in some ways it reminds me of her early albums in texture. The penultimate piece is called Ethereal Dawn, once more that cinematic touch is found, but this specific manifestation has a more mellow vibration about its construction.

The concluding music narrative is the vocal based track of Harmony of the Spheres, in a song which is rare these days at just short of eight minutes in duration, but it is one that is utterly transcendent and the perfect way with which to depart the album.

This album is a sea change for the artist, embracing the technologies of the 21^st century and pursuing an instrumental narrative with occasional powerful vocalised tracks, this release should bring the artist many new fans and plaudits. Piano and keyboard foundations are central throughout the release, and then add sweeping orchestral scopes and additional flute and guitar passages, and magic is made by Anaya and her album Heaven.