Isle of Shadows By Christopher Boscole

 

Isle of Shadows

By

Christopher Boscole

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have been following the pathway musically of pianist Christopher Boscole for some 10 years now, from Floating On a Melody to Dawn Of Love and now into the most welcome arms of this current voyage through piano entitled, Isle Of Shadows, featuring music from the classical genre, some that are known well and some lesser explored narratives.

The familiar tones of Chopin flow from the keys of Boscole on the tracks Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2 in Eb Major and 24 Preludes Op. 28 No. 17 in Ab Major, the former containing a wonderfully emotive performance, and the latter a presentation that is as fluent as a spring mountain stream.

One of my personal favourites is featured on this illustrious release in Pathetique Sonata No.8 Op. 13II. Adagio Cantabile originally by Ludwig van Beethoven. Here Boscole creates a sublime performance that captures the essence of the master, and that imploring sense of drama and passion, Beethoven is also represented twice, the other presentation probably one of the best known of all times in Moonlight Sonata No. 14 Op. 272I. Adagio sostenuto, one has to say that Boscole’s rendition is a brilliantly deep execution of the original, and one I could listen to many times over.

As previously stated some lesser known works are also represented here, and one I simply adored was the title track itself Isle of Shadows 6 Lyric Pieces Op. 28II. Skuggornas o by Selim Palmgren, a fine exhibition, one that I felt created a whole raft of ambience, and among the many great choices; there was even time for the artist to showcase a new track himself, with the piece Until We Meet Again. This was a sumptuous way to conclude the album, and one that had an almost cinematic energy about its construction as well.

Isle of Shadows by Christopher Boscole is a 12 track album of class and elegance, a release of masterful performances, and an offering of passionate performances that remind us of some of the all-time classics, and shine a much needed light of quality on those lesser known ones as well. There can be no doubt that Christopher Boscole is an elegant pianist and a crafted composer, and here on Isle of Shadows, there can be found 12 performances that raise the artists stock tenfold.

St.Georges Island (Birth Place of Apollo) By Steve Sheppard

 

St.Georges Island (Birth Place of Apollo)

By Steve Sheppard

Written by

Chrissie Sheppard

 

I must admit the latest release from Steve Sheppard, his single St.Georges Island (Birth Place of Apollo) is one that I totally adore, now I know the story behind the music, it is a piece he composed about a location not too far from our home, a little island surrounded in history that is still a mystery to most people, a place that is according to legend, the birthplace of Apollo.

The use of natural sounds that are used so well throughout the arrangement are used to perfection, even the sound of the boats engine taking you the island are timed perfectly, and in some ways reminds me of Mike Wall and his album A Time for Healing.

The build and progression are just idyllic, they take you on that journey with him to that very location, where you too can explore the mystery behind the island, and the sounds of the children laughing also add so much to the arrangement.

I must also give a mention to Andy Rogers, who added some additional keyboards to the piece, they were just right, and did not distract from the original composition.

St.Georges Island (Birth Place of Apollo) I am sure this will be a huge hit for Steve Sheppard, and even maybe an award winning piece too, as it will be loved by all who adore good music that tells a story.

LOVE... Harp to Heart by Denise Fink

 

LOVE... Harp to Heart

By

Denise Fink

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

In my view the harp is a much underused instrument, but lately I have been seeing a slow move towards this utterly beautiful artistic tool, and an album that gives us 8 cover songs to enjoy on it, will certainly help the revival of one of the most beautiful instruments of all time.

LOVE... Harp to Heart by Denise Fink takes us on a memorable journey with the contents of its instrumental dimension, and starts with the track Love Me by Yiruma, an uplifting imploring piece that Fink draws ever upwards with her sparkling performance on harp, and then offerings like When You Believe, performed once by Witney Houston and Mariah Carey back in ‘98 would prove to be one of the most powerful pieces off the album, hats off to not only Fink but to the vocals of Trez Gregory, who will appear on this album several times on tracks like Blessings and the quite breath taking Hallelujah, a song that has been manifested with such texture and tone from both Fink and Gregory together.

LOVE... Harp to Heart by Denise Fink is an eight track album that explores great musical narratives of the past, and offers up her own perspectives on them, for example listen to the crafted skill set of the artist on one of my favourite tracks off the album entitled A Whole New World, and if I remember correctly from Aladdin, such flourish and such panache, and wonderfully magical.

The album concludes with the piece Seal Lullaby, originally penned by a Facebook friend of mine in Eric Whitacre, Finks version here is sublime arrangement, the choral vocalisations utterly charming and the whole flow of the piece makes this for me my personal beloved creation from the album, and with ease a truly clever track to conclude it with as well.

LOVE... Harp to Heart by Denise Fink is an album that will stand out from the throng; it is a release that is fresh, innovative and memorable. Finks exploration into these moments of creative genius is an example of just how truly beautiful the harp can be, and showcases the artist with all the bells and whistles you can muster.

His Last Melody By Victor Birkan

 

His Last Melody

By

Victor Birkan

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The new single from pianist Victor Birkan is upon us and entitled His Last Melody, Birkan is a fluent composer of classy solo piano pieces, but on His Last Melody we may well have seen the artist’s best work thus far, as this moody and reflective opus has all the hallmarks of a truly great cinematic arrangement.

The slow and careful approach grows to an impressive level of intensity and then drifts back into a mist filled arena, this is without doubt a presentation of outstanding textured and artistic intelligence, and just to add to the flavour of the song, take a look at the art work for the single, and then gaze at it while you repeat play, it is stunningly haunting, but you will have to buy the single to find that out for yourself of course!

His Last Melody by Victor Birkan is the pianist’s finest creation so far, and I can see this becoming a fan favourite, and a huge hit for the pianist.

A Rhapsody Lives in You By Lisa Swerdlow

 

A Rhapsody Lives in You

By

Lisa Swerdlow

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This new single by the amazing Lisa Swerdlow is a breath taking opus of pure emotion and intensity, this powerful new composition also has a delicious melody line, and adding in the strings and orchestration, creates probably one of the most cinematic styled releases I have ever heard from the artist.

A Rhapsody Lives in You by Lisa Swerdlow is a celebration for me, of life and love, and the twists and turns in the road along the way. Swerdlow’s performances are very much from the heart, and on this new offering one can feel a powerful energies of an emotive embrace pouring from the piano, which makes me think, that this could very well be a huge hit for the pianist, and a memorable opus that will live on forever, without doubt it is a piece that everyone should have in their respective collections at all costs.

Blue Sky Within by Ryan Judd

 

Blue Sky Within

By

Ryan Judd

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Ryan Judd is producing some of the most amazingly tranquil music of his career currently, but on Blue Sky Within, we may well have seen him produce easily his most ambient single of all time.

Judd has taken the art of an acoustic guitar performance and allowed the silence within to grow exponentially. Blue Sky Within is a new offering and I am currently on my fifth listen concurrently to, and soon to be sixth, within this new single you will find, peace, tranquillity and harmonic bliss, I cannot recall another solo acoustic track I’ve heard this year that has given me all that and more.

Blue Sky Within by Ryan Judd is a beautiful land of ambience created by one of the most sensitive acoustic guitarists around today, a true sanctuary of the soul can be found here.

Snowy Landscape By David Pinter

 

Snowy Landscape

By

David Pinter

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Pianist David Pinter is in the midst of creating a new album and from it one of the most descriptive tracks will be featured here today in this review, the new album in question is Winter Sunrise, and the track we are taking a look at is the quite breath taking composition called Snowy Landscape.

I have now played this song several times today alone, its gentle start is wonderfully clever, as the piece soon picks up speed and intent, almost akin to a snowball rolling down a hill, but here on this new track, its manifests shades, colours and textures as it continues on its way, without a shadow of a doubt this is one spectacular arrangement, as I am certain that the album will be in the same vein as well when it is released.

Continuum By David De Michele

 

Continuum

By

David De Michele

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

David De Michelle is a musician who has been on his musical path for some time, I remember the works Through Indigo Eyes from 2003, and Passage Through the Central Sun from 2004, skip forward some 18 years and we have an album that is probably the most stunning of them all in, Continuum.

This flavourful journey of space time and synths, starts with the single and title track Continuum, this has to be one of the most beautiful compositions ever penned by the artist, its moving descriptive elements all coalesce with the repeating keyboard motif to bring us, a track that is simply beyond all that we can imagine, and transports us through the Continuum itself, to worlds, galaxies and solar systems that are utterly breath taking: listening to this track, you may be minded to think of Jonn Serrie meets Mike Oldfield.

We can imagine our musical starship speeds past an asteroid belt, those near to the craft seem to speed by, those faraway seem to just drift on the wings of time themselves, thus Parallax. De Michele creates here a clever crafted piece that seems to float within itself, and has classic New Age elements built within too; one must also applaud the use of vocalisations, as it brings a sense of heavenly harmony to the overall proceedings.

Inner Space is a mysterious semblance of ambience, a light percussive beat lays deep within, one that creates a sense of movement, but it doesn’t overwhelm the sincerity of the track, the soft pads and chords raise and lower the mood of the piece, it’s like listening to an ocean tide flow in and drift out, and as such, utterly idyllic indeed.

One of my favourite and emotionally charged subjects is the quality of light, which is why I adore the season of autumn, on Luminosity we have a composition that radiates a pureness of a textured brightness, one that flows back and forth like waves on a galactic ocean, the percussion remains steady and within the backdrop of the arrangement, whilst the magical synths of De Michele manifest an almost regal sense of awareness at times.

Rising up from the pillars of creation comes this next offering entitled Ascension, here we have another deeply moving opus, but one that contains a drifting sense of ambience within its realm. Each track, one after another, seems to flow with a natural beauty that is so welcome; this dream like piece is a fine example of the artist’s honest and heartfelt pursuit of perfection.

A distant star explodes; raining billions of years of space dust across the universe, here on Supernova, David De Michele manifests something utterly special, deeply emotive and extremely powerful, with the panache of Kevin Kendle, the fluidity of Jarre and the grandness of Vangelis, this is a masterful work of art from the musician.

We can now move toward uniformity, to that union within life itself as we mix completely with the universal energies of this next track entitled Convergence.  The chords from the artist are stunning, drawing us in with such a powerful grace, through the percussion we continue that constant onward movement, the synths are almost imploring in nature here, this is a splendid penultimate offering indeed.

It is time for our musical craft to follow a specific flight path and on the last offering from the album called Trajectory we can do just that. Note the gentleness of the offering, it is like were looking over our shoulder at the journey taken, and through the keyboards and synths we are now focusing on this last part of our voyage of plenty, our return home, a wonderfully narrated track from one of the best space music artists in the business, a classy way indeed to conclude the album.

Continuum by David De Michele is without doubt a work of art, its right up there with the classics of this genre; it is an album that once play is pressed, it’s simply impossible to stop listening until the final brush stroke of genius.

Continuum by David De Michele will be a much sought after album for all space music enthusiasts, but surely one that will see some recognition in the shape of an award nomination at some stage, electronically majestic and an absolute winner with ease.

Franz Liszt Rhapsodies, Etudes and Transcriptions By Sophia Agranovich

 

Franz Liszt Rhapsodies, Etudes and Transcriptions

By

Sophia Agranovich

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Sophia Agranovich is still basking in the success of her last major hit Celebrating Beethoven many months after its release, whilst its chart position may be waning, her influence over the world of piano and classical music is growing exponentially, and now with the release of a brand new album entitled Franz Liszt Rhapsodies, Etudes and Transcriptions, things have never looked brighter for the musician.

Franz Liszt Rhapsodies, Etudes and Transcriptions is a wonderfully strong and fluent album, and the opening piece is one of the most colourful yet impassioned performance pieces ever, in Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6 in D-flat Major. The intensity here is palpable; this was of course the sixth work of the 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies composed by Franz Liszt, the steady bass line and the fast moving melody is a real treat with which to start this voyage of classical delights with.

Our next piece is the creatively performed Hungarian Rhapsody No. 13 in A Minor, an arrangement with a colourful Hungarian Folk ethic within its realms of wonderment. Agranovich presents this so stylishly, and her performance has an artistic flourish that enhances this early romantic offering with such a crafted and intelligent enactment, this is without doubt a piece that contains a truly engaging musical narrative for all to enjoy.

Our journey finds us at the doorstep of the following piece entitled Ständchen (Serenade), and is without a shadow of a doubt the most heartfelt and emotive pieces from this new album. Agranovich brings this mood and passion into her moving performance; this once poem of yearning is textured perfectly by the artist.

Erlkönig (Elf King) would be one of my personal favourites off the album, Agranovich creates a mood so mysterious and deep that one just literally has to follow her bright burning lights of a passionate performance. Schubert originally composed this piece back in 1815, and Liszt would arrange this for solo piano, while one of my favoured composers in Hector Berlioz would later manifest this as well as an orchestrated composition, and this tale of a boy being pursued by a supernatural being lives on within the music forever.

As we move into the deeper pools of our musical river, we come across one of the most attractive and artistic tapestries of tone and timbre and called, Die Forelle (The Trout). Originally composed by Schubert in 1817, this clever composition tells the tale of pursuit, capture and morality. Agranovich gifts us a textured and persuasive performance, one that takes us to the very clear mirrored pools of the home of the trout itself, in a presentation that is simply breath-taking and sublimely intelligent.

So we find ourselves knocking on the portal to our penultimate piece off the release, it is Transcendental Étude Ricordanza in A flat Major. This has to be one of the best performances by the pianist; the composition demands a level of sensitivity and delicate finger work. Some would regard this as long form, but the actual term is Rondo form, with a relatively brief recurring principle theme in between lengthy episodes. Here we see Agranovich rising to her pinnacle on this dream like presentation.

Our concluding arrangement is sheer genius; it is a performance that is golden in texture and iron clad in structure and presentation, on Transcendental Étude Mazeppa in D minor. Rated to be one of the hardest Études to execute, and based upon a poem by Victor Hugo, Agranovich pulls off a masterful accomplishment and a simply majestic concluding achievement, one with great speed and endurance and sublime commanding finger movements.

Franz Liszt Rhapsodies, Etudes and Transcriptions by Sophia Agranovich is a recital that you would willingly buy tickets to watch, it is a formidable collection of great works performed by an artist who has a sublime sense of technical skill, and also the creative and artistic intelligence to make it happen, one so magical that it brings to the world a recital of such class and colour, it also opens the world of classical music up, and makes it accessible to anyone.

Chasing Horizons By Russ Hewitt

 

Chasing Horizons

By

Russ Hewitt

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It is so good to see a new album from Russ Hewitt hit my desk, it’s been some 6 years since his last endeavour with the release Cielo Nocturno, but now he’s back with a sparkling new compilation of great new songs entitled Chasing Horizons, and my day is looking more sun kissed and harmonious by the moment because of it.

The first footfalls of this new offering has the title Allende, a wonderfully smooth Latin feel can be found on this opening piece, a colourful and rhythmic starting point for an artist, who must be one of the finest acoustic guitarists around in this style today.

Chasing Horizons is our illustrious title track and one that features the talents also, of non-other than Nuno Bettencourt on guitar, this combination is simply undeniable and would not be the only piece where a former rock musician flows into the welcome arms of the Flamenco style.

That aforementioned comment now becomes even more relevant as former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman now joins Hewitt on this next flavour filled musical narrative entitled Vivir Libre, the textures of both guitars here flow like a mountain stream in early spring, simply idyllic.

Something special now walks these halls of musical majesty, and it is Amor Perdido (feat. Bucharest All-Star Orchestra) a wonderful mood is set here; the strings of the orchestra add such a calming layered feel to the composition, whilst the rhythmic percussion and the masterful Hewitt, produce one of the finest arrangements from the artist, perhaps of all time.

Luminous is one of those tracks that has a magical energy about its construction, I am lucky enough to live on the Mediterranean and this is exactly the sort of composition that would be a delight to drift along to in my pool, as the sun goes down and sister moon rises high in the sky, a warm and an incredibly comforting piece indeed.

It’s time for a Sunset Samba (feat. Jorge Strunz) this would be one of my personal favourites from the album, it’s chilled almost jazzy vibe made it for me, one of the most versatile and picturesque tracks on the release with ease, one that would fit many moods and occasions as well.

Luna has an almost double edge to its construction; there is a dark and moody performance here that is also underpinned by a fluent and smooth performance by the artist, this is also a track that has an almost sultry side to its persona, making it for me one of the most crafted pieces off the release.

It’s now time to take a visit to the Cubalia Café, now here is a track that has all the hallmarks of a great single, passion filled, rhythmic and redolent of a Santana fuelled moment of musical majesty, it has a melody that is utterly addictive and a hook line that screams repeat play! The added instrumental guitar genius of Ardeshir Farah is weaved into the story of this piece too, which makes this composition one of the standout pieces off the release.

A more gentle refrain can be found here on our penultimate offering entitled Serein, again another favourite of mine, the performance was so delightfully laid back, but it gave one a sublime sense of tranquillity and calm, and that in today’s crazy world, cannot be a bad thing at all.

The final offering contains the breath taking work of Tri Nguyen on Vietnamese Zither and called Return to Simitai, one must applaud Hewitt here for producing one of the most remarkable and original tracks with which to conclude the album with, this last arrangement has a blissful reflective energy and a track that simply leaves you wanting more at its conclusion.

It may well have been 6 years, but it was certainly worth the wait. Chasing Horizons by Russ Hewitt is a splendid body of work containing a vast array of musicians and skill sets within its hallowed halls. This is the kind of album that every passionate music lover of extremely good taste, must at all costs have in their collections. Chasing Horizons by Russ Hewitt is an acoustic guitar based release that will fulfil all expectations and leave you fully satisfied at its conclusion, a must have album indeed.

Reflections on Inner Transformation By Joe Kenney

 

Reflections on Inner Transformation

By

Joe Kenney

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There are so many styles within the vast dimension entitled solo piano it is hard sometimes to pick something that fits your mood and preference, but within this brand new album called Reflections on Inner Transformation by pianist Joe Kenney, I think I may have found one of the best there is, and one that suits my laid back summer mode to perfection.

The first piece off this album I have now played 3 times in a row, it is so calming and tranquil, yet contains a delicate pastiche of Jazz, even a hint of a modern classical motif can be found here too; this reminds me of my global journeys, and sitting in Atlanta Hartsfield airport listening to the piano by the bar while waiting to fly home, utter magic indeed can be found on Reflection, No. 1: Courage.

The second of this 16 track album is entitled Reflection, No. 2: Grace (Libby's Lullaby), there is a delicious moodiness about this composition that is addictive; this is a deeply reflective and nostalgic performance, one that contains classical and new age notes within its presentation.

One of my favourites would be this following musical narrative called Reflection, No. 3: Connection, yes, so very redolent of a lazy Sunday morning, watching the cadence of the day and being filled with the gratitude of the moment, a ballad for the open heart, a wonderfully chilled jazz styled arrangement, made this as a presenter of a Jazz show, a moment of absolute heaven.

Reflection, No. 4: Commitment would give us a special moment to enjoy; this song could well spur a new sub tier genre, perhaps classical new age. There is a powerful even tempered intent here that is so listenable, and indeed this performance is one of the finest solo piano presentations I have heard this year with ease.

So let’s dive into the deeper waters of musical emotions through the piece Reflection, No. 5: Immersion, the juxtaposition here between styles was simply wonderful, a colourful classical new age style, mixed with some powerful ambient flavours, all of which go to create a blissful and passion filled arrangement that I absolutely loved.

Time to let loose with a little unadulterated jazz magic on the song Reflection, No. 6: Respite (Jazz Break), grab a glass, play for fun, and enjoy with a smile, this light hearted reverie is just what was need, and perfectly placed.

One area of musical intelligence is the ability to capture fluency in an arrangement, and here is a prime example to hold up. Reflection, No. 7: Dynamism is a charming and flowing offering that is so easy to listen to, enjoy, and savour each delightful moment of technical craft with.

Another favourite is heading onto my playlist of musical moments of brilliance; this one is called Reflection, No. 8: Authenticity, once more the artist has a perfect sense of inbuilt harmony and grace, one balanced with an essence of humility and integrity, a piece that is filled with a performance that is so real and truthful.

On this next track the title says it all, Reflection, No. 9: Depth (Dakota's Dance) simply put, it does what it says on the can, and this simple yet effective solo piano dance styled presentation has lightness about its construction that portrays a wonderfully happy feel.

There is a gentle cadence to this next piece that is so idyllic, it’s called Reflection, No. 10: Spirit (Mirabelle's Minuet), a track that flows with such a warm sense of gratitude and peace in a new age jazzy style, this is one of those tracks that impossible not to fall in love with.

Time to go short form now on what is in fact the shortest creation from the album called Reflection, No. 11: Compassion. The performance by Kenny here is simply idyllic and utterly picturesque.

Reflection, No. 12: Discovery is our next offering, the tempo picks up on this track, where a full on sense of movement can be detected within that is also emotive and reflective at times too. A powerful sense of the classics mixed with a little new age style, gifts us a track of supreme craft and intelligence.

As we swim to the far banks of this vast lake of solo piano music, we come across a composition that is warm and all-encompassing and called Reflection, No. 13: Presence. One could imagine sitting and just watching the cadence of the day unfurl to this timeless track, and most certainly an arrangement that assists us to staying the current moment with ease, probably one of the most artistic pieces from the album, a song that truly expresses itself with simplicity.

Reflection, No. 14: Expansion has a powerful intent and a direction that it will not be swayed from, but also written within the weave of the song is a wonderfully intense and emotional background; here Joe Kenney plays with his heart on his sleeve, and presents a flourishing musical story for us all to enjoy.

The penultimate offering from the album is entitled Reflection, No. 15: Catharsis, this bright, empowering piece is a crafted arrangement indeed as it seems to hold both the heart and mind in full focus throughout the composition, it is both emotive, yet inspiring, emotional, yet victorious.

The last song and concluding musical tale is called Reflection, No. 16: Transcendence (For Florence), here can be found a tale of memories, a final piece that floats on the wings of time, and disappears within the mists of life’s reflection, a sublime way to end the album indeed.

Reflections on Inner Transformation by Joe Kenney has to be one of the best solo piano albums I have heard this year, it is a 16 track album jam packed with sublime performances, by an artist who truly knows and understands his skillset. Each and every track on this release is a pleasure to listen to, and is a story as of yet untold, Reflections on Inner Transformation by Joe Kenney is an album I would recommend in a heartbeat.  

The Heart Of Joan Of Arc By Paul Vens & Friends

 

The Heart Of Joan Of Arc

By

Paul Vens & Friends

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

A tale known by many is expressed in song and music by Paul Vens & Friends, on this latest single entitled The Heart of Joan of Arc. The song is wonderfully created and produced, with the vocals both male and female lead on the composition being the apex of this style of song, which is a mixture of a folk and new age ballad, with even a little hint of country in the weave as well.

There can be no doubt that Paul Vens has assembled a fine band with his friends, and this new single is an emotional respectful and heartfelt new offering, one surrounded by some excellent guitar work and simply sublime harmonies, and I am sure one to be treasured by those who appreciate truly good music and storytelling.

Evening Whispers By Craigology

 

Evening Whispers

By

Craigology

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Craigology has been on a total roll over the last couple of years with many charts hits, and here with his latest single Evening Whispers he may just have the biggest one on his hands ever. This beautifully performed Jazzy styled dance single is a blissful tapestry of colour and texture.

The charming melody that flows from this creation is deeply memorable and thoroughly enjoyable, the keyboards and percussion create an addictive and beautifully balanced arrangement, one perhaps that could even be used in a summer film sequence, and this without doubt is the best work of the artist thus far, full marks Craigology.

 

Within By The Song Gardeners

 

Within

By

The Song Gardeners

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The Song Gardeners are an inspirational new age band; they have literally changed the course of the genre over the last few years with their upbeat, almost pop mantra style, with many hit singles and a superb debut album, they are now trail blazers for this type of music. Here once more they walk the path of brilliance with a new single entitled Within.

It’s always worth noting the lyrics on a Song Gardeners release, they are as usual as inspirational as the music itself, the words that resonated with me were, “it all begins with gratitude, it all begins with forgiveness and compassion”, never a truer word said.

Within by The Song Gardeners is a bright, positive new offering by the band, one that is destined for a super high chart spot, this new single should be played as a positive mantra each morning before the day begins, sublime work from the band indeed.

Waltz in the Desert By Victor Birkan

 

Waltz in the Desert

By

Victor Birkan

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Victor Birkin has a new single out and its tones are wonderfully artistic, as are its flowing peaks and troughs of vibrancy, like a dune across the widest of deserts, or the dance of wind and sand, perhaps the movement of the moon and stars on a warm summers night, great imagery can be found here in this flowing solo piano performance.

The delicate touch on the keys allow for a sensitive frame of mind to consider the colours and narrative of this craft-fully created piece. Waltz in the Desert by Victor Birkan is fascinating arrangement by the artist, one that could be used in a film segment perhaps, but certainly a song that should resonate with the legions of solo piano fans across the globe with ease.

ConTempoRary Violin By An Vedi

 

ConTempoRary Violin

By

An Vedi

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There are those performers who have a wonderful technical ability, those who play instinctually and those who play so beautifully from the heart, and then there are those like An Vedi who encompass all of the above, and embrace the talent of being a story teller of great skill.

On ConTempoRary Violin you have a 17 track release that is cleverly created and crafted, the first 8 pieces are from the master Johann Sebastian Bach, all of the parts are from the whole Partita No. 1 BWV 1002, and one of the longest that Bach created for Violin. Vedi and her amazing skill set start the journey with a transfixing presentation of Bach – Allemanda and into Bach - Allemanda Double, never has ten minutes been better spent listening to those two tracks, the imploring and emotive narrative is completely compelling, Vedi would also present to her audience renditions of Bach Tempo di Borea and Bach Tempo di Borea Double, two stunning performances that literally danced before and within me, the mirrors to the musical soul so to speak.

An Vedi and her violin are a symbiotic partnership of sublime talent; as we approach the more modern styles within the album, we touch on the shoulders of composers such as András Derecskei, Jan Tamzejian, Jay Reise, Colette Mourey and of course the artist herself. The presentation of Andrās Derecskei’s Amorf reminded me of my time with the music of Olivier Messiaen, while Vedi’s gift of Jan Tamzejians – Heyran (Imaginary Kurdish Love Song), was very redolent of the folk music that can be heard floating through the mountains of my home here in Cyprus.

One of my personal favourites from the album would be the following piece, as An Vedi produces Jay Reise - Starless Nocturne with such an emotional hand on the bow, with elements of an ambience manifested in a minimalistic environment, she had me from the very first note played in a quite breath taking performance indeed.

Vedi also gifts us a textured universal overview of existence with the classy presentation of Colette Mourey’s - World's Theorem Mov.1 through to 4, a fascinating sequence and collection of tracks that I would find so very easy to get lost within, and then to conclude this amazing manifestation of classical class.

Vedi finishes with a piece that has such colour and mood, with eastern European flavours, and a performance that will make you cry from the sheer passion and emotional power of the presentation, it is Fantasy on Tokaver's Cranes.

ConTempoRary Violin by An Vedi is an absolute must for those who adore the tones of a violin and wish to be taken on a musical journey that they will never want to return from. Here is a musician, who has created a symbiotic relationship with her instrument of choice, and Vedi’s Violin gentle weeps tears of sublime professional beauty with each passing measure, simply put, classical violin doesn’t get any better than this.

Blue Skies, Yellow Fields By Helen Green & The Mayfair Arrangements

 

Blue Skies, Yellow Fields

By

Helen Green & The Mayfair Arrangements

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There is a lot to be said for truly good solo piano music, if the composition is right, it can create some of the most soothing and memorable moments, here on this brand new single by Helen Green & The Mayfair Arrangements we have just that and more.

The artists paint a wonderful tone here, one that just seems to just ebb and flow, like a summer tide onto the sandy beaches of evermore. This is a beautiful arrangement indeed; one dedicated to the people of Ukraine. Blue Skies, Yellow Fields is a gentle pastiche of colour, a tranquil tempo of a peaceful reverie, and a single release that will remain as a constant panacea in the hearts and minds of those seeking a musical sanctuary of sorts.

 

Into the Ether By Arrizza

 

Into the Ether

By

Arrizza

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It’s always a really good sign for me, when my first reaction to a new song is an exclamation such as wow! This word was the first one I uttered when I first played Into the Ether by Arrizza, this is a stunning new single and it is simply one of the best instrumental offerings I have heard this year.

Arrizza has become a well-known name on the radio, with recordings that date back as far as 2014, and I believe that Into the Ether will propel him quickly up the charts once more, this new offering is a wonderful example on how to build a single, progress a composition, and grow an arrangement.

Into the Ether by Arrizza is a mixture of keyboards and guitar, with a delicate ever onward beat, one that stays in your mind for ages and never lets you go, a sure fire hit without a shadow of a doubt can be found here.

Dreams of Youth By Andrea Sertori

 

Dreams of Youth

By

Andrea Sertori

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Andrea Sertori must now be regarded as one of the most accomplished pianists of this decade, over the last couple of years the artist has produced a double figure amount of single compositions, and with the release of Dreams of Youth we may have just found one of the most sensitive and gentle songs of his career.

A tranquil, yet harmonious performance can be found here, this presentation is so redolent of the subject matter, as I draw into my mid 60’s, I don’t dream of recapturing my youth, I just wish I had the sense of calm, peace and tranquillity, that this piece brings me now, when I was a youth! Still I have it now, that’s the main thing, and I also have Dreams of Youth by Andrea Sertori, which I rate to possibly be the best work thus far by the pianist.

Reflections (From Taking Flight) By Julie Hanney Written by Steve Sheppard

 

Reflections (From Taking Flight)

By

Julie Hanney

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Julie Hanney has been in a fine vein of form over the last couple of years, and her muse has created some of the most atmospheric solo piano you are likely to hear. On this brand new track entitled Reflections from her EP Taking Flight, Hanney explores the more imploring narrative of memory and reflective energies.

This is a beautifully played and performed offering; its mood seems to dance with the cadence of the day, and in between the tick and tock of an unrelenting clock, her piano creates scenes of sparkling oceans, and long passed memories of walking along the beach of forever. Hanney has indeed manifested a wonderful composition here, it is one that captures the heart as well as the ears, and leaves the senses totally satiated. 

Sonic Light By Jacquelyn G. Kleine

 

Sonic Light

By

Jacquelyn G. Kleine

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It is always a delight to listen to a beautifully produced ambient music album; this genre is a great peace maker, one that manifests oceans of calm to get lost within, and on Sonic Light by Jacquelyn G. Kleine the artist has created a veritable sanctuary of tranquillity to willingly drift with.

The very opening track gives us a great hope of peace and serenity and is a wonderful tapestry of what is to come, the title track for me is always special, and as such Sonic Light is a weave of wonderful electronic ambience, and a manifestation of smoothness and fluency.

There are seven exciting tracks on this album, and on Liquid Sound we can hear the stylish and natural flute presentation, one that floats through the forest as if on a mid-summers night’s dream, while pieces like Elderspeak have an ancient vibrancy about its construction, one with a pulsating electronic rhythm that plays throughout the eons of time.

Lemuria: Symphony of the Dolphins was one of my favourite pieces, its new age roots were firmly established in this piece, and it greatly reminded me of when Kevin Kendle joined Llewellyn to give us Journey To Atlantis, that vast roaming quality of ambience was there within this track, one that will give you a desire to seek further and to search the mystical pathways of an alternate reality, on a track that is utterly majestic in its cinematic like qualities.

Gentleness of tone and timbre can be found on Tranquility, an offering that is wonderfully meditative, and the penultimate offering Breath Of Water brings a depth of energy to the proceedings like none other, the natural sounds of the sea were perfect, which is not an easy thing to do, I have just released a single myself with the same sound and getting the balance right is vital here. It must be said that this piece alone is one of those that is utterly addictive, so much so, that you never truly want to leave its sandy beaches.

The last composition offered here on the album is entitled Synthia, an arrangement filled with a symbiotic partnership of a repeating electronic vibe and a sparkling flute, one that created for me the perfect ending offering, and a great way to conclude the album.

Sonic Light by Jacquelyn G. Kleine has to one of the best New Age albums I have had the pleasure to review this year, each and every track has a blissful, rich and smooth production quality, and within this colourful pastiche of tone lays a sonic delight of many textures and tastes, each composition is a narrative unto their own, and as such this release should be a huge hit for fans who love their music to take them somewhere they will never wish to leave.

Light of Hope By Ian Cameron Smith

 

Light of Hope

By

Ian Cameron Smith

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I must admit it quite shocked me when I looked back and found I had been following, listening, and thoroughly enjoying the music of Ian Cameron Smith for over 20 years now, and here he is once more back in my life, with a beautiful and tranquil new single called Light Of Hope.

Hope is something many of us need now more than ever, and this sometimes emotive, sometimes soothing musical narrative, could well be the anthem for the realisation of that dream.

Cameron Smith plays an acoustic guitar with so much feeling and that mood is transported to the listener with ease, and is a true panacea of peace and calm, making this new release, Light of Hope, yet another success in a long line of work created by one of the best new age guitarists in the business.

Mysteria By Louis Colaiannia

 

Mysteria

By

Louis Colaiannia

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There are many pleasures in life, music is one of the biggest there can be for me, and then with regard to piano, one of the most descriptive of all instrumentations, there are those who can literally paint with the keys in the same way as Van Gogh did with his trusty brushes, a rare and priceless skill set indeed, in my view Louis Colaiannia is one of this rare breed, and listening to a new Colaiannia release is like receiving a Christmas present early, with that in mind we can now walk through this veritable art gallery of music entitled Mysteria with the artist.

I remember the opener well; it was a single release back in the dark bad old days of the year of 2020, a year that everyone wants to forget due to the pandemic, however One Day At A Time was an oasis of calm and a gentle flowing piano based multi-instrumental narrative that was a total joy back then and now.

Colainnia’s magical touch comes truly to the fore with the following piece entitled Gentle Touch, the string section here is quite beautiful and almost seems to dance with the artist’s piano, this has to be one of the warmest compositions I have heard from the musician.

As we move ever onward drifting in a dream of musical majesty, we come across a classy and clever arrangement entitled Along The Road; the keyboards here created a crafted soothing backdrop of sound, whilst the strings partnered Colainnia’s piano with all the love and respect it deserved.

Lonely Bird was another 2020 release that brought solace to our fearful hearts, this was a careful tender and delicate song that has stayed in my mind’s eye for an eternity, the stylish performance here by the artist is actually quite moving and emotional, and one can picture a bird in flight through the empty waste lands of time. Here one will find passion, empathy, intent and a sense of a building drama too.

On A Song Of Thanks (For Delome) different memories come to mind, the simple delicacy of this piece is a wonderment all of its own. Released back in the year of hope 2021 as a single, this almost anthem styled offering is a prime example of Colainnia’s artistic intelligence, and his fearless attitude of building an arrangement of such intense emotions and colours, and with a gentle running stream towards the end as well (a tribute to his childhood music teacher), ingenious indeed.

A New Day had a special feel about its construction, its build, progression and purpose reminded me of my dear friend David Lanz in style. The ever onward movement on the keys is utterly charming and almost reassuring for some strange reason, this piece had, and has, all that we need as we step into a brand new day, hope!

We move to the other end of the mood scale now with the track Melancholy, the sombre yet colourful narrative here is still a charming yet reflective tale to take in, and the artists presentation here, also has a haunting, almost jazzy energy to its overall composition.

The intrigue of this next piece had me riveted; Discovery manifested a careful, slow and explorative styled progression, one that reminded me of Timothy Wenzel at times, but Colainnia’s artistic genius pushed the musical ball even further, and created an almost soundtrack of a musical narrative that simply would not allow you to leave its court.

The opening to this next song was so wonderfully expressive and called Old Mountain Town. Strange really, because we’re about to visit some old mountain villages in our country in a couple of weeks’ time, and I am pretty sure that as we do so, this heart felt melody will still be running its course through my mind, this is with ease one of the most artistic pieces off the album without doubt.

One of my favourite parts of any new album is the title track, and that is where we are right now, lying in the arms of the creator and his creation that all was birthed from, the composition Mysteria. This is a powerful opus packed with suspense and intrigue and performed with a colourful flourish by the artist; this is a full flowing musical moment that is simply blissful to behold.

The penultimate offering off the album is called Reconnections, and this last but one treat has a real heart-warming feel to its manifestation. There is a charm about this piece that is so warming to the touch, a memory palace of a composition that has a crafted reflective arrangement built into its proud elaborate construction.

Our final parting gift from the artist is called Dreaming, this concluding musical present is a sensitive presentation, and a track that allows us as listeners to be grateful for the journey we have taken with the musician this time around, a classy way indeed to end the album.

Mysteria by Louis Colaiannia is a vast body of work with many memories and many moments that are completely unforgettable, here Colaiannia allows his muse full reign of his artistic skill set, and the result is one of the finest albums he has ever produced, and simply a must for lovers of truly good contemporary instrumental music.