Christopher Jessup EP By Christopher Jessup

Christopher Jessup EP

By

Christopher Jessup

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The works of classical composers have influenced us throughout the years, for some of us; our own music has influences that sometimes remain unknown until mentioned by others of greater knowledge. Here Christopher Jessup takes us on a journey through six splendid compositions, many of which may well have influenced the way I even think about music.

Back in the late 90s I enjoyed the changing tones of a performance by Daniel Barenboim of Debussy’s Préludes, Book 1, L. 117: No. 12 "Minstrels" here on this new album by Jessup we can delight in reliving that moment once again, with a superb performance on piano by the artist, one that is crisp, technically sublime and beautifully fluent.

I had many composers I liked back then, and of course still to this day, one of them was the Norwegian genius Grieg, here the artist gives us a tender rendition of his famous work, Grieg Piano Sonata in E Minor (2nd movement), with splendid flourishing moments of a masterful performance, Jessup embraces the energy of the piece beautifully, and thus this manifestation is a delight not to be missed.

From Debussy, to Grieg and now to the lair of the great Austrian composer Franz Joseph Haydn, a man who was once labelled as “Father of the String Quartet” and a composer who was heavily influential in the development of Chamber Music itself. Here Christopher Jessup seizes the moment, and gifts us a perfect recital of the work Haydn Keyboard Sonata in B Minor (1st movement), this is one that contains a controlled precise performance, and one that is without a shadow of a doubt, technically superior.

We arrive at a truly important juncture, during the 1920’s and 30’s Ravel was internationally regarded as France's greatest living composer, now around 100 years later we can listen to Jessup perform the piece Ravel Sonatine (1st movement), and to this day there is still a recorded performance of Ravel playing his own creation. Jessup’s performance here is nothing more that sheer genius, his virtuoso presentation is almost dream like in proportion, I got lost in the realms of this amazing presentation, its mesmeric tones and vibrancy were simply magical.

The penultimate piece is a live performance and a truly magnificent accomplishment, as Jessup brings us the immortally powerful Le Revenant (Live from Carnegie Hall). To manifest such a commanding piece such as this is simply mind blowing, at times dominant, at times deeply influential, but always a formidable presentation, one performed with such skill and technique.

Our last offering may well be a favourite of many as we listen to Mozart Piano Concerto No. 19 in F Major, K. 459 (3rd movement), originally completed in the latter half of 1784, this athletic composition is so gracefully performed by Jessup, but with much vigour and dynamism, and one must heap the praise on the artist in choosing this fine creation with which to conclude the album, and in such vivacious style as well.

 

Angels Among Us By Lisa Linsky

 

Angels Among Us

By

Lisa Linsky

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The dimension and expansion of the solo piano genre is far and wide and indeed vast, so it is with a great pleasure I get to dive into the world of Angels with pianist Lisa Linsky, a subject not usually within the realm of solo piano, so this for me makes a very nice change, and an opportunity to explore a different world of piano based magic, on this latest release Angels Among Us.

It’s also good to hear the title track as the first piece off the album, here it sits proudly upon its throne of accomplishment, and as we listen to Angels Among Us, there is much to enjoy, as Linsky manifests something quite bright and full of all the right intentions, and all done with a masterful musical narrative at its driving force.

Our toes are now dipped into this angelic realm, and therefore we can now hop from one stepping stone to another, as we listen to the following track entitled Angels Dance, a bright reverie, an exciting full flowing melody with a wonderfully happy energy built within its musical weave.

From our position we can now see the Angel’s Love radiate across the universe, this wave of colourful energy floats all around us, and like this amazing performance, which was one of my personal favourites, the track pulls back and forth like a summer tide, and creates different moments of tranquillity, within a timeless imaginative performance.

Angel’s Flight is an illustrious offering, one could literally hear see and feel the movement within this most attractive of songs, the lightness of spirit and textured presentation here, makes this composition one of those that would be impossible not to fall in love with, it is also noteworthy, that here is a creation that could easily be used in a movie segment, it has that classy mystical element about its construction too.

As we approach the half way marker we come across a gentle musical tale called Angels Landing, there was a softness about this manifestation that was particularly attractive, but also a piece with a slight alteration in tempo that created for me a dualistic reality, one that was very enjoyable indeed.

From our mid-way vantage point we have a delight of the earthly realms now, as we gaze over the Angel’s Garden; I would have to say that this is a glorious track, rich in tone and timbre, it is also a track that allows the creation of some most pleasing imaginative visuals, the green growth of a flourishing garden, with the symbiotic touch of an angel’s wings perhaps.

The shortest track at just over 2 minutes was the compelling composition entitled Angel’s Journey, this, although relatively short form in construction, was a song that had so much within, and its purposeful onward motion of sound made this for me, one of the most artistic pieces off the release, and yet another song one could see featuring within a film’s soundtrack.

I think I may have said the word flourishing before, but here it is again, this has to be one of the most majestic offerings off the album and called Angel’s Above, a song that had such a powerful and positive essence, and retained such a mixture of presentational styles, there is that flourishing touch, that sensitive refrain, and that passionate flow of a melody so strong it was deeply moving.

Angel’s Wish is our next doorway, one we push open with joy; the performance here is heartfelt and thoughtful, the build and progression here is something quite spectacular, layers of hope are explored, on what is a meticulous presentation by the pianist.

Angel Asrael is a construct that is completely different from all that has gone before it; this is a moody composition of great depth and sincerity, the deep well of notes and performance by Linsky is simply cinematic in presentation, and as such, a wonderfully complex, yet penetrating offering can be found here.

As we reach the penultimate track from the album, Angels Calling, we note that we have been gifted a true present from them, this is a piece that flows in the warm winds of the universe, and whilst doing so, creates calm and serenity. The performance is so good that it manifests a warmth of presentation, and an energy of security as it plays.

Our concluding composition is entitled Angel’s Glory, a final piece that shines as brightly as the stars above, anthem like in style, but deeply powerful, and a track that resonates with such a clever juxtaposition, darkness and light, shadow and sun, it’s all here in a final performance that is simply sublime.

Angels Among Us by Lisa Linsky is a solo piano album that will enchant you with its narrative, pull you in deeper with its melodic structures, and leave you in utter awe and the artistic endeavour that has just revealed itself. Angels Among Us by Lisa Linsky is an album any serious fan of the solo piano genre must have at all costs, a full flowing and passionate tale, told by a pianist who is truly in touch with her musical muse. 

Piano Stories 2022 By G. Will-K.

 

Piano Stories 2022

By

G. Will-K.

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have been looking forward to listening to this specific album for a while, I had until now, dipped in an out, and found much to enjoy, now here and with the opportunity to share my thoughts via a review, I find a true cornucopia of piano treasures, because Piano Stories 2022 by G. Will K. is not just another solo piano creation, for me it is an open door to a dimension of creative and artistic music.

Raindrops is a fine example, not that we get many of them here in Cyprus, but I can remember November days in England, wondering if the sun actually existed or had it been stole by the thief of always, as I watched with sadness as the rain constantly kept falling from the grey leaden skies above, and thinking. Now many years ahead, this specific track would have summed up my mood perfectly back then, a deep and profound manifestation of tone and expression can indeed be found here.

Moonlight has always encapsulated me, on this piece the pianist has brought a great sensitivity to the table, and created a track that is filled with a soft silver texture, much like the moon, as it radiates the sun’s rays down upon our sleeping world, this has to be one of the most emotive compositions on the album, though not in a sad way, but in a delicate and appreciative fashion, and one much appreciated.

Something most sane people want is Peace; this proud, explorative, emotional and imploring musical narrative, is a sublime representation of that search for Peace. There is a wonderful gentleness that is so pristine here, one that reminded me in parts of U.S pianist Dan Chadburn in its overall warmth and thoughtfulness of presentation.

We are heading towards the darker realms of the release, and towards one of my favourite tracks in Twilight, apart from being one of the best times of the day, here is an arrangement that is at first cautious in its initial approach, ambient in its construction, but also full of suspense and anticipation; this song is a prime example of excellent story telling via the medium of the piano, at times almost classical, but at all times, a piece that grabs you and never lets go.

The long dark nights of winter are nearly upon us, and as I had last night from that darkness, from those portals of fear, came the army of the Nightmare realm. My experience was disturbing, dark, and at times, I could even hear the pounding of the tale-tell heart, and the flapping of the dark wings of the Raven. Nightmare, a performance with darkness and depth, a piece so apprehensive and uneasy that you simply cannot stop listening to it; I am now on listen 6, and onwards into the small wee hours of the clock!

We arrive at the last doorway to this existence known as Piano Stories 2022, and we gracefully accept the gift of Fading Stars as our concluding offering. One must applaud the artist here; this is a simply beautiful offering, one that has a fluidity and sensitivity all of its own and it is simply the best way with which to conclude the album.

Piano Stories 2022 by G. Will-K. is an album or EP, it matters little which, it is a creation of outstanding quality, it is a release I am glad I listened to today, as its artistic brilliance has enchanted me, as I hope it will you as well. If you’re a fan of solo piano, you would be remiss not to have a copy of this creative album Piano Stories 2022 by G. Will-K., it is in my opinion a must have offering, and a release that illustrated for me, the very best in story telling via the medium of the piano.

Orient To Occident By Joe Weineck

 

Orient To Occident

By

Joe Weineck

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

If music was food, this album by Joe Weineck entitled Orient To Occident, would be full in flavour, with a rich tapestry of world aromas, and seasoned perfectly to attract all who would wonder by. This is just the sort of album that inspired me in the late 90’s, and the early part of the century, and from such artists as Phil Thornton and Lesiem.

This sublime new 15 track release of wondrous textures and colours is an album to be revisited many times over, with a start so powerful and attractive in the title track itself Orient To Occident, a more rhythmic entity at the start of an album you simply will not find.

The entire release is a fluent and veritable basket of talented tones, ones that reflect the nature of a myriad of subjects including locations, an example of this can be found on the laid back, chilled vibe California; flowing keyboards can be found here, ones that manifest a perfect driving song.

A more chilled touch can be felt and heard on pieces like the light jazzy offering of Leaves In Sunlight, a smooth consistency and a laid back progression with some absolutely delightful symbiotic performances on both keyboards and guitar, whilst offerings like A Day In Spain give us that sun kissed Mediterranean feel, with a creative, passionate percussion and pulsating beat.

This album is packed with ripe fruits of musical class; the penultimate offering is a brilliantly fascinating one, a rock guitar, a rhythm from the Middle East and a back drop of sound that could well drift across from the Sahara desert itself, on Oriental Elevator.

While we can conclude this quite breath taking release with a piece entitled Sonic Forrest, and at eight minutes the longest creation from the album. Hovering synths are joined in this slow build and progression by a vibrant electronic beat, that build up an amazing level on anticipation and excitement, on one of the best finishing, and most creative compositions I have heard for quite some time.

Orient To Occident by Joe Weineck is indeed an album everyone should give a listen to, it’s a release that truly does take you on a journey and refuses to let you go until this voyage of plenty is concluded. Here is an album of a true multi-instrumentational nature, and one not afraid to cross boundaries, borders and genres at a whim. Orient To Occident by Joe Weineck is a sublime manifestation of colourful and influential instrumental music, that all listeners should have in their collections at all costs, miss this one, and you have missed a total gem.

Dancing Lights By Suzanne Herman

 

Dancing Lights

By

Suzanne Herman

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This glistening new single by Suzanne Herman contains a performance that is as radiant as the first day of a long sought summer. Her presentation is sun kissed, and packed with an abundant energy that flows like a fast tide on the coast-lines of musical bliss, and is also the follow up to her last big hit, Path of the Sandpiper.

Dancing Lights by Suzanne Herman is a new single that will capture the imagination of the listener with great ease, Herman is an artist in more than one sense of the word, and this textured yet flowing musical narrative, is sure to be a huge hit within the solo piano community, and even beyond.

On Reflection By Lorna James

 

On Reflection

By

Lorna James

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Sometimes you come to a piece of music and find that it fits the title perfectly, doing exactly what it says on the musical can, here on this brand new piano based multi instrumental single entitled On Reflection by Lorna James, we have just that.

The soft build and progression with a slight symphonic backdrop is a deeply appealing musical tapestry to enjoy; James piano illustrates just how important it is for us all to have that moment of reflection in our lives, as it can lead to appreciation, lessons learned, and segments of blissful gratitude.

Listeners will get a lot from this brand new single entitled On Reflection by Lorna James; it is a calming oasis of piano, and a prime example of truly good instrumental music.

Previous Life By Victor Birkan

 

Previous Life

By

Victor Birkan

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Victor Birkan has a new single on offer for all to enjoy and this mysterious new single is a felt piano creation that has a wonderfully artistic energy to its creation. This is also a clever composition, one that manifests an upbeat tempo, but also retains a crafted sense of reflection built into the weave of the song.

Birkan’s flowing muse has created several new singles this year alone, and perhaps Previous Life could well be one of the most thought provoking, and as such, fans of the solo piano genre, will find this a must to have within their collections.

Darkness To Light By Ryan Judd

 

Darkness To Light

By

Ryan Judd

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Ryan Judd is an artist I have a lot of respect for, he has slowly but surely made his way through the ranks, and must be rated now as one of the finest acoustic guitarists in the new age genre. His melodic and soothing structures create an oasis of calm, and a soothing musical massage of the soul like none other.

Here on this brand new single called Darkness To Light he has probably created one of the finest ambient manifestations he has ever penned, and in doing so, brought into creation one of the most meditative acoustic guitar pieces for I have heard for years. Judd deserves much praise for this new tranquil single, if this isn’t a big hit,there is no justice in the world.

Tender Night By Brenda Warren

 

Tender Night

By

Brenda Warren

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It’s good to see Brenda Warren back on the scene with a single; it was at this point that I remembered my first album by her back in 2003, and called As Years Go By, a lot of water has gone under our musical bridge since that day. Here Brenda embraces the singles culture, and brings to the table one of the most emotional offerings I have heard for ages.

Tender Night by Brenda Warren is well named, there is a lot of love and sensitivity within this most affectionate of pieces, this is one of those compositions that it almost impossible to stop listening to, the arrangement itself is so deep and endearing and at times powerful as well, so much so that this has to be a sure fire hit for the artist, and deservedly so.

A Glimpse of Grace By Kurt Reiman

 

A Glimpse of Grace

By

Kurt Reiman

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It’s been good to hear from Kurt Reiman again, this is a wonderful new album that returns me to his musical dimension, one that I gleefully enjoyed back in 2018 with the debut release of North Maple Road. Here though we take a ticket and embark on a journey of beautifully expressive piano music like never before.

Our departing point is the opening track Dawn to Dusk, a picture perfect starting composition, one that is easy on the mind and heart and paints us a serene picture of the road ahead, from a still point of musical reference that never waivers.

From the calmness of the first track we now traverse into a piece entitled Quiet Confidence, a slice of musical cleverness that literally does what it says on the can, as the presentation is assuredly fluent, and artistically colourful at all quarters, and contains a lush and moody horn as well.

Set in the Imaginary Road Studios, this album was pieced together by the legend that is Will Ackerman and his trust worthy team of, Charlie Bisharat on Violin, Tom Eaton on Bass, and Eugene Friesen on Cello, while the brass section saw both Jill Haley and Jeff Oster employed on both English and Flugel Horns, while Premik Russel Tubbs and Noah Wilding added some sensitive saxophone and ethereal vocals respectively throughout this sublime album.

As we reach track 3 we find that texture flowing utterly on the composition called Goodbye for Now. This is a memorable offering that I believe Kurt and his fans will remember for decades to come, and perhaps even be in rapture to hear at any concert, for this is a sensitive heart felt opus that literally moves the listener with its narrative and multi instrumental approach.

The brief but most pleasing Blessings is now upon us and this semi reflective solo piano offering is created with a most humbling ingredient, gratitude, and leads us perfectly onto our next arrangement.

Here is that very composition and it’s a radiant piece that captures the imagination of the listener from the off, Dreams of My Return shines like the sun of a new spring day, the performance here by Reiman is some of the best I have heard from the artist, on a track that would become one of my personal favourites from the album, but who can really resist that little interplay between major and minor!

Set Free starts with a delicacy, almost hesitancy perhaps as well, but that drifts away to a full blown and breath taking piece that contains the horn to add a memorable texture to the proceedings, whilst on Triumph we have almost the second part of the previous song, as here it seems that once being set free, we are now triumphant! An onward sense of movement can be found within this track, one that could easily be an anthem of success.

For some reason this next opus reminded me of Robert Frosts famous poem Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, and contained the words

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep …

I could with ease visualise this song The Way Home, being used as music to accompany a recital of that famous work, there was something so wonderfully lyrical about its construction, and without doubt one of the most beautiful compositions on the album.

So, we have crossed the boundaries, and step over the border, and into the second half of the album with an offering entitled Pathways, this moving creation is perfectly placed on the album to raise the energies of the listener as we dive into the project deeper, and as we do so we find a song that I adored called River's Edge. I am a fan of music constructed about rivers, a subject matter than can be so descriptive, like this very song.

Elegy for Justice is up next and Reiman has created a song that is not just deeply emotive, but a requiem for all who seek fairness and integrity in this world, rare commodities I know, but the artist does the subject matter proud, and the vocals of Wilding within this piece were so sensitive that they sparkled in the noon day sun.

I always look forward to the title track moment, and I was right to do so, as A Glimpse of Grace is one of the most elegant pieces I think I have heard from the artist, listen to the care and attention to compositional structure and detail here, it is something very special, and adding the multi instrumentational flavour to the piece, only added more weight to this wonderfully fluent arrangement.

A clever elevation of tone and tempo would give us Joyous; another song that does exactly what it says on the musical can, this bright sun kissed moment of solo piano is an energy booster of a track, one that allows us to swim perfectly into the arms of the next song with such ease.

That aforementioned track would be the tapestry of gentleness entitled With Every Step. We are deep into the realms of this album; it is so touching to find such an elegant piece at this juncture, the horn used in an almost symbiotic partnership with Reiman’s piano was simply idyllic, and perfect for this part of the album.

The penultimate track off the release is named This Dance, and its essence of a light but purposeful energy seemingly pirouettes us into our seats for the last track off this vast body of work called Dawn to Dusk (Reprise), where we return to our beginnings for a conclusion to a truly incredible work of art by the artist.

This 16 track album has to be the best work of the artist thus far; its textures and flavours bring us an unforgettable moment of piano based bliss, one that contains some of the finest session musicians of their days. A Glimpse of Grace by Kurt Reiman is an album of creative heart felt piano, rolled in a bed of warm and sensitive multi instrumentation; it would be hard to see this album not being a huge hit with its listeners and fans alike, and of course a sure fire chart hit at the very least, as such A Glimpse of Grace by Kurt Reiman, is one of the finest examples of contemporary instrumental music I have heard for simply ages.

Harmony: Lokah Samastah By Sarves Thiru

 

Harmony: Lokah Samastah

By

Sarves Thiru

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

A brand new single comes our way now with the release of Harmony: Lokah Samastah by Sarves Thiru, a vibrant, yet full flowing devotional new offering by the artist.  This global vibe of a composition contains nothing but positivity, and the energy that pours from this new piece is certainly a total pleasure to listen to.

Here is a multi-instrumental moment of peace and love for all to enjoy and of course embrace, the gentle build and progression within this offering was impressive, and as such I see no reason why Harmony: Lokah Samastah by Sarves Thiru shouldn’t be a huge hit for the artist on the charts.

Melancholia By Doug Hammer

 

Melancholia

By

Doug Hammer

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Doug Hammer is back with a brand new album entitled Melancholia and this is an album, that like it or not, speaks to us all as we scramble to get every ounce out of the day, and as much as we can from each breath we take. Here the artist explores the dark realms of life’s rich and turbulent patterns, and it is us, the ever eager listener, who gets to travel these candle lit corridors with the pianist.

Here is an album that touches our hearts and souls, and flirts with our imaginations, for each moment passes like a feather in the wind on an October day, and is then gone, on Darkness Falls we find that truth speaking loudly to us, and even more enticing and real that the raven at the end of Poe’s bed, a sombre but honest beginning indeed, one that contains a splendid build and progression within.

The following piece really reminds me of early Harold Budd and his work with Eno on Ambient 4 from way back in the early 80’s, this is a tremendous creation from Hammer, one that manifests acres of ambience to just flow and enjoy, the lightness of touch allows us to create our own realities as we listen to the offering, The Long Night.

The following musical narrative created a somewhat European feel for me, perhaps even one from a long distant past, when films were black and white and silent. Here Hammer brings us a track entitled Long Ago, which seems very appropriate, and from the keys we can see the ghosts of two dancers still swaying to the rhythm of a long dead time, caught in the residual pathways of forevermore perhaps.

The older we live, the more we rely on our memories, sadly the more we think, the more dangerous it can be, as we can get pulled into moments in time that contain regret or sadness, and nothing can be achieved from that. Within Just A Memory, this is an opportunity to examine those thoughts, dark or otherwise, Hammer once more produces a moving onward opus of a piano piece, one that is as fragile as the memory itself, a touching performance indeed, one that drifts quietly to an end, like life itself.

It is interesting that today I have reviewed two very reflective solo piano albums, this one even more so, and here on this next track a different memory came to light, as 12 days before I was born, the Soviet Union launched a dog into space called Laika. Now I’m wondering if this song could be about this memory, this event, long passed and gone into the bin of time, but never the less, a crafted performance indeed.

That European motif is certainly strong and even more so on this creation called Monsieur Barre's Carousel. This is a timeless performance by Hammer, one that moves into a circular journey with the carousel, and gifts us a performance that still hovers in the winds of yesterday.

As we reach the half way marker on the album we come across a soft, yet reflective composition called Empty Chair, that chair used to contain the energy of one no longer, and is now just a chair, but the memories still flow like rivers across deep vales of contemplation, a delicate presentation by Hammer indeed.

The following musical tale is a haunting arrangement entitled Missing You, I had several of those moments the other week whilst Chrissie was thousands of miles away from me, but thankfully she returned home, There are many who from our lives are gone forever, but that doesn’t stop us from missing them, and here Hammer creates the perfect soundtrack for that very segment in time, one filled to the brim with an emotional performance.

Dancing Alone is a moving piece, quite sad in its overall structure, but a piece that illustrates the lost, the loves passed, and the emptiness inside, this is Hammer drawing a creative tale of a single person simply still dancing with the memories of happy days long since departed, this is without doubt one of the most heartfelt and powerful pieces off the release.

One of the hardest things we all have to master is the art of Letting Go, it wasn’t until I understood this, that I was truly able to move on. Doug Hammer always has the potential of producing absolute classics, and I believe that on this mournful and desolate piece he has done it again, the delicacy of presentation is sublime, but be ready for the actual letting go, and the march onwards with fresh energy into a brand new life moment, a truly masterful composition indeed.

The dark corners of our lives are haunted by the slowing down of our very existence, and on Winding Down we have a piece that is almost as expressive as the actual moment itself. We are as melodic as ever, but sands still drift from one half of the glass into the other. A pristine performance can be heard here by a pianist, one who is clearly in touch with his emotional musical muse.

The penultimate track off this album stands before us and is called Almost Midnight, time speeds up the older you get, and the more you try and hold onto a moment, the more you wish for the hands on the clock to stop, but the quicker they seem to go. On this last but one offering we can almost hear that in the presentation, a change in speed, a juxtaposition of time versus reality in a quite stunning performance.

Our last port of call is an arrangement entitled Farewell; this sombre conclusion to a moving album sums up the entire project, with a suggestion that the entire creation of this album may well have been a cathartic journey for the artist, a wonderfully respectful and warm way with which to finish from the artist.

We live our lives in a sequence of moments, some happy, some sad, some even carry an energy of ambivalence, but here in this creative and artistic endeavour Doug Hammer has pretty much covered all the bases on this his new album Melancholia. Here is an album that is like a scrapbook of memories, and each and every crafted track upon this 13 piece album is taken, birthed, lived and felt with great emotion by the musician, a must have indeed for all fans of solo piano.

Laying in the Sand By Mythic Beats

 

Laying in the Sand

By

Mythic Beats

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There is calmness of spirit within this new single Laying in the Sand by Mythic Beats, and a combination of keyboards and guitar that we have grown used to from artist combinations like Kevin Kendle and Ian Cameron Smith, one that gives us such a laid back vibe, a relaxed easy like Sunday morning feeling that drifts across your mind, and leaves a mood of total peace and tranquillity upon our day.

That aforementioned statement cannot be a bad thing at all, and the artist here has managed something of a bliss filled moment of ambient genius within this most attractive track, this is one of those compositions that could carry on for half an hour or more and you would still get lost within its serenity and fall in love with the moment you are currently in, this is a must have for all fans of the chilled ambient genres, and new age music followers alike.

Why not check out the music here: https://songwhip.com/mythicbeats/laying-in-the-sand 

The Bexley Bop By Wayne Bethanis

 

The Bexley Bop

By

Wayne Bethanis

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There is so much in this brand new single it’s hard to know where to start reviewing it, elements of Jazz, light added percussion, glistening guitar segments, and a fast vibrant beat that crosses many genres, in such a happy and bubbly way.

Bethanis has gifted us the perfect new single to brighten our day, and shake off the blues. It’s an unusual style for the artist known more for his expansive works of piano art, but one that really works, and as such, a track that will become totally infectious among the fans and listeners alike. The Bexley Bop by Wayne Bethanis is going to become one of those songs you just won’t be able to leave alone, so you may as well purchase it right now.

Here Now By Julie Hanney

 

Here Now

By

Julie Hanney

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The last couple of years have been an amazing time for talented pianist Julie Hanney, her growth within the realm of the solo piano genre has been nothing less than remarkable, she has now released a new EP called Here Now, and it is the title track itself we are featuring in this review, which has also been released as a single.

Here Now is a moving opus, a heartfelt piano performance of great quality; Hanney’s creations are always textured and emotive, but also contain a great depth of reflection and hope, which can be found in this offering. This specific track is abundant in all that and more, its calming repose settles the troubled mind and eases the furrowed brow, this is indeed a fine composition, and is a valuable addition to this creative compilation of 4 tracks on the EP which is also called Here Now, and is an absolute must for all fans of this genre. 

I Loved You By Lisa Cullum

 

I Loved You

By

Lisa Cullum

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Lisa Cullum is indeed an accomplished pianist, and the last couple of years have been excellent for her release wise, she is indeed truly making a mark on the genre of piano with instrumentation. However, with this new single entitled I Loved You, I think she may well have sealed a future of radiant brightness within the musical confines this, her new offering.

Delicate textures, a sublime orchestral backdrop and a sensitivity of performance like never before, this is one of those arrangements that may well be the rocket that launces the next stage of her development, and with ease her best work thus far, a big hit surely must be on the cards with, I Loved You by Lisa Cullum. There is also a vocal version too, featuring the talented Bria Sade a talented vocalist from America.

Discovery V By David De Michele

 

Discovery V

By

David De Michele

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The journey ladies and gentlemen is about to start so please strap yourselves in while we leave space dock.  It is always a pleasure to fly into space with the subtle and stunning tones of David De Michele, and this brand new voyage we are taken on is one that takes us forever more into the cosmos, with a new release entitled Discovery V.

The opening offering is an outstanding beginning, and of course proudly it is the title tracks itself, as we lift off with in Discovery V. This is classic De Michele, but here the artist also brings forth a wonderful sense of anticipation within the composition, one that pays the respect forward to its oncoming journey, but builds a level of excitement and certainty as it does so.

The gentle flowing tones of the artist’s synths pave the way now for a delicate composition called Reflections; this is a blissful harmonic convergence of a track that is now one of my personal favourites from the artist’s entire catalogue. One can imagine looking back on our planet, perhaps with a tinge of reflective sadness, but an underpinned reality of tales of a future yet to come to pass, this is such a moving opus of fluency indeed.

First Light can now been seen, there is a slight trepidation to the build here which is simply fantastic, each segment towards the main body of the track is paved with small nuances of utter class, here is a piece that really needs to be used in a soundtrack to a movie, it is so expressive, so vast, and the build within this arrangement simply sublime.

Mid-way into this heavenly new release we find a real gem, it’s entitled Quantum, the word quantum refers to the smallest amount of something that you can have, here David De Michele pulls of a master stroke by creating a sense of quantum minimalism, by manifesting a wonderful ambience within the song, yet juxtaposing that with an ethereal uplifting chorus, sheer genius indeed.

The starting point to this next track, Resonance, had a vibrancy that you may find in the opening segment of a progressive rock release, here is a build so powerfully created by the artist that was absolutely impressive, perhaps even Tony Banks of Genesis back in the day would have been proud of it. The use of a constant forward moving percussion added to the splendid shimmering synths made this track for me simply innovative and artistic with ease.

Switching moods somewhat the artist brings us another reflective moment of magic on the composition Memories. The softness of this track fills me with emotion the way Tomita’s interpretation of Ravels Pavane for a Dead Princess did back in ‘84, the soft pastiche of moving synth work floated around me like veils of regret on a winters day, emotive, moving, and deeply touching with every note played.

The penultimate track off this most illustrious of albums is called Contact, something we perhaps hope for, something that would show us that we are not alone in the universe. This track has that energy about it, a mixture of keyboard work here that ranges from the great works of Vangelis, to the expansive halls of the works of England’s Kevin Kendle. The progression here on this piece is nothing more than a collation of classy fluent passages of musical intelligence.

Our final jump to warp speed will be given to us by the last parting gift from the artist, this is the luminous and accomplished concluding piece called Culmination. This track is like reaching the highest point of a summit and expressing all you feelings of the view once you arrive there, one has to say without doubt, this is a breath taking way to leave the album indeed.

Discovery V by David De Michele is another wonderful addition to the ever growing catalogue of sublime electronic space music by the musician; I could honestly leave this album on repeat for hours and still be in ecstasy at its final conclusion, listening to this release will affirm David De Michele among the ranks of some of the finest electronic musicians of his day with ease.

Liquid Mind XIV: Simplicity By Liquid Mind

 

Liquid Mind XIV: Simplicity

By

Liquid Mind

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The works of Chuck Wild, known for decades as Liquid Mind, were probably one of the few New Age artists I was originally introduced to when I first started showing interest in this genre of music, since then, and till now, I have been a fan of this all-time legend of the industry, it’s a given fact that when a Liquid Mind album is on offer, you just know it is going to be blissfully brilliant, and this latest release Liquid Mind XIV: Simplicity, follows that narrative of sublime calm perfectly.

From the very first track Transcendence, we are gifted an uplifting yet tranquil musical voyage, one so beautifully paced, played and produced; it would be very easy to just float off into an ocean of serenity to. The album itself is a colourful and pleasurable 7 tracks of new age genius, as drifting harmonious keyboards guide us by the hand, through sensitive pieces like Simplicity, one that raises the emotional energies so carefully.

Simply put there are seven places of musical sanctuary within this album, all of them equally comforting and tender in tone, tracks like In The Moment, a place I strive to stay within each passing day; it’s soothing vibrancy make that reality much more real for me.

You simply cannot go wrong with this new release by Liquid Mind, there truly is something for everyone on this album, and it was the concluding offering that took me to another level completely, and called A Gentle Rain In My Soul. This is how to bring to a close a sublime moment of musical magic, by producing a track with such a gentle narrative; the soft rain sounds, I may add, were some of the best I have heard on a recording, they set the scene so beautifully, and from then on, it’s just up to you to simply let go and enjoy a sojourn into a realm of peace and serenity, one that you may have never touched before.

Liquid Mind XIV: Simplicity by Liquid Mind is a wonderful album, it will slow the listener down, allow any healing to take place, and throughout the entire duration of the album, bathe the listener in a lake of peace and tranquillity perhaps never felt before. Liquid Mind XIV: Simplicity by Liquid Mind has to be one of the best New Age music releases of the year, as Liquid Mind, does it yet again, by producing exactly what is needed in this most confusing and chaotic of times, by gifting us a musical sanctuary of the soul.

Memories Through Birds By Chrissie Sheppard

 

Memories Through Birds

By

Chrissie Sheppard

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There are somethings in life that take time to mature, take time to come to fruition, and need to grow with an expectancy with each passing day, until that moment comes that you feel you are now ready to finally complete your life’s dream, as Stephen King once said “Everything’s Eventual” sooner or later, but here we finally are, after years of growth, expectation and patience, the debut album from my lovely wife Chrissie Sheppard, Memories Through Birds has finally been brought into reality.

This sojourn of reflection and serenity starts with the opener and former number one single Song of the Skylark and containing the keyboard skills of M.G recording artist Andy Rogers, who you will find on other tracks on this album as well, the Skylark for me always represents fair weather and warmth, and here with the natural sounds and the sultry tones of her flute, Chrissie creates an idyllic moment, fond memories can be found within the refrains of this song, of watching the lark disappear high into the sky and beyond on a cloudless day in June.

This 8 track album is full of pleasant surprises, one of them was Sparrow: Childhood Memories, a delightfully cheerful composition, with the flute imitating the birds energetic musings, the children’s happy chatter added to that mood, whilst the skill use of synth chords to push forward and pull back, made this track for me one of the cleverest from the release.

The master thief is upon us, as The Cuckoo Awakens, I always used to love hearing my first Cuckoo, a sign that summer was close, here Chrissie brings a really creative process to the fore, and manufactures a wonderfully warm and almost sultry moment for us to enjoy, the notes here are delightfully long and mood filled, as indeed are the very gentle keyboards within the back drop of this most artistic offering.

I have my own memories of this track, I guess when you all listen to this album each of you will have your own special thoughts and reflections, here on Blackbird Memories, a very poignant memory comes forward to be acknowledged, a moment on in the hill sides of the Isle Of Wight at sunset, and as Chrissie stood under a tree playing her flute, the Blackbird sang out his heart above her in the branches of an old Oak, also listen for the bell, what a very crafted inclusion indeed.

Another huge hit single is now upon us and called Raven Cove, this single obtained an award for its art work, but the music contained within, is a magical representation of a small bay at the bottom of our road, one we go to when summer is done and the pool is too cold, this is a haven away from all the scurries and hassles of life. Here Chrissie draws a fine narrative of a lonely mystical place, where the ocean, nature and birds are the masters; the hovering intensity in this piece reminds me to this day of Gheorghe Zamfir’s music for the movie, Picnic at Hanging Rock.

Interestingly enough here in Cyprus this bird is a constant vocalist, it’s even in two of my tracks as well, Laughing Dove swirls and moves around the listener in an almost mysterious way, listen very careful to the natural sounds in this track, it is a true work of art. The overall piece is rather moody and simply blissful with headphones. For us, this is an early morning reverie of peace, with a mysterious flavour to the arrangement.

There is a tale of the legend of Zeus’s temper here, with his penchant for turning people into animals or birds, in this case The Kingfisher and Persephone are one in the same, it is said that if you see two kingfishers on Christmas Eve, then luck will follow you forever, this has happened twice for us so far here in Cyprus, it seems to work! Chrissie’s imploring flute dances with the natural sounds, floating keyboards move slowly across the mist filled scene, where magic is real and anything is possible, another sublime performance of great colour can be found here in this picturesque offering.

The concluding piece is truly fun, and may remind some of you of a certain time of year, the use of electronic wizardry and chimes added so much to this clever arrangement entitled Robin Redbreast. Listen carefully to the light percussive elements here, they all add to the pastiche of the piece, and hover perfectly to end the album with an utter flourish, in the same way Kevin Kendle once did with a track called Awaken on his release First Light.

Memories Through Birds by Chrissie Sheppard, the question must be asked, was it worth the wait? The answer an emphatic yes! Contained within this album are 8 artistically manifested tracks, all with a reflective moment contained within, it also allows you to add yours as well. This debut album from flute performer Chrissie Sheppard has set the bar incredibly high, but with complete unbiased honesty, this is an album destined for the higher echelons of the charts and perhaps, even an award, it is that good, and you would be most remiss not to have this one in your collection of quality music.

Wondering By Stephen Wallack

 

Wondering

By

Stephen Wallack

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It’s always good to see a brand new album from pianist Stephen Wallack, you just know the content is going to be fulfilling, and the narrative one of great depth and texture, and this new endeavour by Wallack does not disappoint as we walk through the hallowed halls of what we will now know as Wondering by the artist.

To be stunned by the first track off any album is a rarity, but here on this new release we can listen to, in my view, the best composition that Wallack has ever created called Beyond, here is a piece that has depth, power and intensity, and a minor moody construct that simply delights me in the same way as it did back in the day with artists like Elton John.

After that breath taking beginning we float into the arms of Castles, a track that is as easy as a Sunday morning, but also that wonderful reflective vibration, one that seems to gently guide us through portals to the past as it plays.

Wondering by Stephen Wallack is a 10 track release that gifts you all you will ever need in the solo piano genre, the artists inventiveness here, and his artistic prowess is incredible, listen to pieces like Sorry, a mournful repose that is bathed in a truth that cannot be denied, but one fading into the mist of yesterday, or perhaps Games, another mysterious opus that leaves you with a level of expectation and intrigue, there is also the lightness of the penultimate piece off the album entitled Wolves, where Wallack draws a musical narrative that has us literally running through the forests in winter.

This glourious new album ends with the track Goodbye, which in my view could easily be a single; with this piece, the aforementioned Elton John comment seems even more relevant now, a fluent chorus line, an addictive hook, it’s all there, and would make a sublime song, and I am sure a huge hit.

Wondering by Stephen Wallack I am pleased to say, is by far the best work ever by the artist, once again he has taken to his trusty piano and has drawn, into one amazing compilation, easily his best and most reflective album thus far, there is much to enjoy on this brand new collection, and one that I would dare to say is possibly even award worthy as well, this is a must have album for all solo piano enthusiasts.