From the Depths By Soul Improvisations

 

From the Depths

By

Soul Improvisations

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Improvised music is I believe, some of the most honest forms of art one can create, here on this mammoth work, self-taught pianist Devorah (Soul Improvisations) roams the vast dimensions of extemporisation of tone and timbre, and in doing so she creates a cathartic soundtrack for all who wish to try, and transform their existence on this globe to a higher frequency, it is entitled From the Depths.

This 10 track work of art is a huge cosmos of tonal delights, starting with the empowering opener called Keep Hope. This is a potent long form composition to raise the energies of those who need lifting from the floor on up, her transformative presentation here succeeds, and sets the listener up for the musical journey ahead.

There is a plethora of stylish offerings on this release that demand attention, like the track Be Still in Divine Power, a crisp uplifting solo piano narrative that caresses the vibrancy of the moment, and pieces like Just a Little Light is emphatic in its essence too, and both of these compositions literally breathe a fresh perspective into a cloudy reality of change, the latter being almost anthem like in its construction.

Devorah states that her mission is to help uplift the spirits of others and foster recovery from trauma, a worthy goal indeed, tracks like Love from the Heights, is a fine example of her success on this voyage, a powerful and insightful presentation on the piano here leads the listener by the hand to calmer lands, whilst on In Quietness and Confidence, she manifests one of my personal favourite tracks from the release, this is a meditative yet imploring narrative that works on many levels, bringing peace, but also exploring the growth that has been attained through past negative events, this is one of the finest dualistic creations I have heard for quite some time.

We are about to transverse into the second half of the album, and as we do so we come across a longer narrative entitled Waking Up to Wonders, Modeh Ani, after some research I found this to be a Jewish Prayer said every morning upon waking. The light tones here give the listener a cloud like structure to float upon, and a certain state of tranquillity to drift within, whilst on the following track we have something a little different in Spring Rebirth.

I adore long form music and here is a fine example of such and called Spring Rebirth, this wondrous composition, one that spans just under a quarter of an hour, is a piece that one can literally walk through sun kissed woodlands, with the artist in full and fluent piano flow, for me personally this brought back many memories on long distant walks through the countryside, with the blue skies of hope glistening above, this is a fantastic example of how to manifest something long, and still incredibly engaging.

Variations in Loving Memory, is another amazingly powerful opus of grandeur, with classical motifs and confident arrangements and at times reminding me of my old friend David Lanz with its lush and creative melody and passionate message of love, at other times it poses an interesting musical juxtaposition of major and minor, pause and reflection, and then an increasing full flow of emotion.

The penultimate offering is entitled Reflections on 39 Years; this is without doubt a reflective piece of great colour and texture. The elevated notes partnered with the deeper tones, once more allows the listener to gaze over the shoulder at times gone and lessons given and perhaps learned.

The craft that goes into making sure a concluding track does the job is a clever one indeed, here on The Liberation, Soul Improvisations does just that, a happy refrain can be felt here, one redolent of the subject matter, and of course is with utter certainty the perfect final part of this quite amazing project.

From the Depths by Soul Improvisations is an album that speaks from the soul of the composer to the hearts and minds of the listener, bringing a moment of musical clarity calm and healing to all who give themselves to the moment. Here is an album that solo piano fans will also love, and a delight that contains 10 tracks of medium to long form arrangements, to thoroughly get into an enjoy the creative and inspiring experience, I have a feeling this one could well be marching its way up the charts very soon.

Demitasse By The Mayfair Arrangements

 

Demitasse

By

The Mayfair Arrangements

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The talents of pianist Patricia Wasy known as The Mayfair Arrangements are without doubt unquestionable; here on this single she takes on the micro form nature of solo piano, and manifests something so compelling that it leaves you waiting, side by side, with a flavour of great anticipation of what is to come, and all this on her creation entitled Demitasse.

However I had to allow a wry grin to crawl across my face when I researched the title to find out it refers to, a small coffee cup, usually being adorned by the lush taste of an Expresso. The reason for that somewhat of an internal grin was because I have literally just got back from a visit to my favourite coffee shop just before writing this review.

The tone of this manifestation though is quite beautiful and extremely easy to listen to; in fact I am now on a continuous cycle of this solo piano arrangement alone, and one must also add when that is done, a blissful sensation of tranquillity and calm can be found in a presentation that is a fluent classically styled motif.

Demitasse by The Mayfair Arrangements as far as short form solo piano narratives goes, is one of the best I have heard, and without a doubt one of the best 94 seconds I have musically recently spent.

That Summer By The Mayfair Arrangements

 

That Summer

By

The Mayfair Arrangements

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There is a delightful memory filled oasis that any listener can wander through whilst listening to this most charming solo piano narrative entitled That Summer by The Mayfair Arrangements. Perambulations into glorious mental sanctuaries abound here on this utterly stunning single of sultry solo piano.

Over the last few years compositions from the sensitive musical soul that is Patricia Wasy (The Mayfair Arrangements) have gifted our realities with the most persuasive of tonal enchantments, so it’s incredibly satisfying to note that another is now on this horizon of ambient fascinations, and called That Summer.

Timing is everything, we here in Cyprus are now drawing to the close of another red hot summer, and already the change that is September is occurring early, I say this primarily because the soft piano pastiches and tender tones presented by Patricia are so redolent of the current subject matter for me, and this also reminds me of some of the more reflective work of U.S. piano supremo Tim Neumark.

For me personally I found this new single entrancing, her encapsulating performance on piano was sublimely beautiful, utterly attractive, and without a shadow of a doubt it should be a huge chart hit for the artist, solo piano as good as this most certainly is, doesn’t come around that often, so please enjoy That Summer by The Mayfair Arrangements, it is simply gorgeous.

Reveal By Forrest Smithson

 

Reveal

By

Forrest Smithson

Written by

Andy Rogers

 

Forrest Smithson is a composer of beautiful and entrancing music. Hailing from North California he has been releasing wonderful albums full of musical invention and harmony for many years.

Perhaps best known for his ambient and atmospheric albums such as Future Temples and Parallel Worlds this brand new release, Reveal, sees him take his music in an unexpected direction - that of solo piano.

The album itself has 19 tracks of simply wonderful music. Each track has that inimitable Forrest Smithson “feel”, the music is warm and full of invention. Some are over four minutes Reveal and Watershed and grow slowly, drawing you into the track with alluring and reflective piano sounds. Others like Circule, Mirrors and Easy may only last for a minute or less, yet in that short time they are able to convey the emotion perfectly. 

The mood of the album changes constantly, but turns contemplative, at others reflective and just occasionally un-nerving. From the soothing almost new age feel of the title track Reveal, to the dark almost ambient Shadow, a piece that really does give you the space to allow the music to just be, the album holds your attention both by the change of moods and of course the strength of composition and Forrest’s exquisite playing of the piano. Each track is an experience to be enjoyed - the album certainly demands repeat plays in order to be really appreciated and perhaps even more deeply understood.

Look Closer changes the tempo slightly, and raises the energies of the album too, asking you to not just take things at face value, but to look closer and see what is hidden behind.

As we approach the end of the album, we come across a delightful arrangement called End of the Day, I could really imagine listening to this as my day unwinds, sitting back, reflecting on what has happened during it, and just enjoying the moment.

Make no mistake, this is not your usual sugar coated sweet new age background music. Rather, this is music to listen to and delight in, designed to musically open your mind to the differences between dreaming, awareness and perception of the world around us.

I really like this album. In sound feel and concept it reminds me of the work of Stephan Moccio or Ola Gjeilo, and as an admirer of both those pianists there is no finer compliment. If your taste in music is for contemporary solo piano that is musical and lyrical yet demands to be heard properly then Reveal by Forrest Smithson is an album you will treasure. 

There are times when an album walks into your life and in doing so a veritable shift can be felt, this is the case with Reveal, Forrest has taken the road less travelled perhaps, and in doing so has come away with a wondrous cornucopia of solo piano delights for us all to get lost happily within, this is one of those albums that you must have in your life at all costs, and by the very nature of its musical reality a huge hit must be on the cards for Reveal by Forrest Smithson.

Passage By Eric D. Lawrence

 

Passage

By

Eric D. Lawrence

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The smoothness of a composition is an art that one learns to construct over many years, and from this acquired skill manifests a beauty that can heal, give comfort, and bring a sense of a musical sanctuary for any listener, this is what I believe that Eric D. Lawrence has achieved with his latest manifestation entitled Passage.

The soft melody is sublime, one can with ease just drift off into a sun kissed reverie with it, the gentleness of performance is a most noteworthy aspect as well, this entire creation is played with a level of sensitivity that is utterly charming and soothing, and the result is a solo piano track that is a musical panacea for the mind.

The energies of the piece itself are reflective and whilst they contain a mood of introspective tenderness, the manifestation also contains a general uplifting narrative of tone and timbre within the composition, giving much needed hope of better days ahead to the listener, which was completely emphasised by the friendly coda to conclude the single.

Passage by Eric D. Lawrence must be applauded by me personally for being a solo piano composition over three minutes in duration, when we now live in a world of micro creations of barely a minute. This is one of the most peaceful and blissful piano pieces I have heard for quite a while, and I believe that its harmonic resonance will achieve a wonderfully high chart position for the pianist, and rightly so.

Away Into a Memory By Robert Linton

 

Away Into a Memory

By

Robert Linton

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There is a simple pleasure in my life, one that doesn’t come often, but when it does it changes everything, that would be the release of new Robert Linton album and called Away Into a Memory. This is a guitarist who feels every note he plays, and creates ambience with every passing measure, Robert still holds a firm position in my top 50 albums of all time from all genres with his 2013 release Throughout The Autumn Light, but today we go on another journey of acoustic bliss with added instrumentation with him.

When I saw this arrive on my desktop my heart leaped as I knew this would be another entire album to get lost within, and I would be proved right, proudly the title track starts our voyage of plenty and called Away Into a Memory, the mournful manifestation of a good cello always hits the emotions, so with the addition of Graham Cullen on that very instrument magic was made.

Away in A Memory is a 9 track collection of some of the most inspiring and moving instrumental music you are ever likely to find, pieces like the memorable and emotive Times of Gathering create a summer farewell of a melody, whilst Reaching the Field's Edge, brought a whole new perspective to bear, and utilising the talents of a Sarah Milonovich violin was simply inspirational at manifesting a multi layered approach to the composition.

Covering the Pathway had that delightful minor edge to its composition that made it so very palpable, Linton’s guitar is the master narrator here, and partnered with a lady I haven’t heard from for simply years in Jennifer De Frayne, but this time on clarinet, this incredibly moving piece allowed us to float into the following gift with ease called In The Quiet Of The Trees, a very pleasant long form opus of colours, textures tones and timbres. The names continue to fall like autumn leaves as this masterful creation contained one of the finest English horn players in the world in Jill Haley, and the additional guitar of Trevor Gordon Hall took me further into the piece with the extra harmonics, this is Linton firmly on home ground and loving every minute of it.

The duet of Cullen and Linton gave us a blissful folk moment of peace and tranquillity on Aglow in the Windowpane, whilst the perambulating narrative of Searching for Clovers gave us a wistful reprise in nature, under a cotton wool of serene cumulus clouds, the symbiosis of the cello and guitar was simply magical.

The penultimate piece from the release is entitled Shaping the Moment, here the guitar, cello and violin all join musical hands and manifest a clever juxtaposition of tone and tenderness, again Linton’s prowess in his expertise on acoustic guitar is unmatched in its sensitivity, whilst the concluding musical narrative called Flickering of Summer Light brought us a perfect departing point, as we say farewell to another raging summer here in Cyprus, and we can be grateful for the autumn that follows, that essence is here for me, as is an added manifestation of musical grace courtesy of Premik Tubbs on EWI, and the stylish Jeff Haynes on various percussion.

Away Into a Memory by Robert Linton is an album that I will cherish through the autumn and winter months and beyond, it is a panacea to calm and ease the soul, and is an album that will literally bring into a reality, a sanctuary of soothing sounds to rest within. This is the album I have been waiting years for, its holds dear to its heart some of the most intelligent artistic and crafted performances within, and if there is any justice in this crazy world, this is an album that simply has to be a massive chart hit, and without doubt is most certainly award worthy too.

Out There, Right Here By Shirley Cason

 

Out There, Right Here

By

Shirley Cason

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I must admit it was a pleasant repose today for me as I gazed through my musical lens at the latest release from new age keyboardist and composer Shirley Cason and her latest beautiful offering called Out There, Right Here. September has just walked in through the door left open by summer here, and its tonal delights spoke volumes about the cadence of my day thus far.

Shirley has a beautiful flowing style, and after hearing the opening track entitled Voyage to the Heart, I felt even more at ease and calm, the melody and piano performance also reminded me of Al Conti and his 2013 album The Blue Rose.

The second piece snared my attention even further through its soft synth pads and swirling vibrations, this charming musical narrative is called Lift Off to the Unknown, the soothing and tender presentation manifested an uplifting voyage of new age delights; this was turning out to be an album of very special pleasures indeed.

We moved swiftly to the mid-way juncture of the album and a purely blissful composition called Between Stars and Earth, now being a creator of long form electronic ambient music myself, I absolutely loved all 8 minutes and 12 seconds of this track with a passion, its soft pastiche of tone reminded me of the work of US musician Forrest Smithson, in its deep felt, but almost meditative musical voyage, now this is the sort of music I could listen to on repeat for hours.

Treading delicately into the second half of the release we come across another breath taking tale of tone and timbre called Heart of the Cosmos, another long form opus of great quality and style, but here contained within the weave of the song, the complex, but moving chords was a creation that truly touched me, it’s passionate atmospheric magic almost emulated a classically inspired moment not too far removed from the composer Vaughn Williams, in that beautifully fluent, poignant, expressive style, and without doubt one of the highlights from the overall release.

The penultimate track from the album is a short form manifestation that treads the boards of ambience with careful precision and called Cosmic Breath, this elegant slice of ambience then led us into the concluding composition from the album called Homeward Bound, and a more appropriate parting gift of a musical present you will not find, deep keyboard patterns meld with a tasteful and onward tonal manifestation, one that sums up the entire album completely, leaving each and every wise listener with a feeling of complete satisfaction and comfortable joy.

Out There, Right Here by Shirley Cason is without a shadow of a doubt one of the best new age instrumental albums I have had the fortunate pleasure to listen to this year with utter ease, from the very first notes of this compilation of colour and textures, I found myself drawn into a world peace and contentment, this is an album that literally creates a musical sanctuary around the listener, one that I never wanted to leave, and as such I predict with certainty that Out There, Right Here by Shirley Cason has to be huge chart hit for the artist, and is most definitely award worthy.

My Weary Heart By ENILSounds

 

My Weary Heart

By

ENILSounds

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have been tracking the career of ENILSounds since the receipt of her first single back in 2022 called Soar High, since then a steady progression of the artist’s work has ensued, but here on this brand new offering, in the latter half of 2025, she has literally soared to new heights with the release of her new creation called My Weary Heart.

From the very beginning of this new single the musician shows her intent by washing the background with a gentle soundscape, then the piano narrative picks up the energy of the composition, from then on it’s a master class of build and progression, and one has to say with the most insightful passionate and powerful lyrics of the composers career thus far..

The song illustrates the struggles of love and life, and the continuous efforts to balance the two, the performance on the keys is sublime here, the backdrop and elevation of tone is masterful too, and a power ballad would be an apt description indeed.

This new manifestation from ENILSounds is most certainly the path on which the artist should continue to tread, she has brought into reality her best work by a mile thus far, and as such I predict a huge chart placing for My Weary Heart by ENILSounds.

Resilience By Shambhu & Leo Steinriede

Resilience

By

Shambhu & Leo Steinriede

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This exciting new single from the combination of Shambhu & Leo Steinriede had it all for me, and I can’t recall listening to a single that had so much in the content, that would take me across three decades of guitar playing and a multitude of styles to reconcile my musical perambulations, this is an outstanding piece, and a fine example of a symbiotic partnership of not only playing, but learning to listen as well.

The ambience created here at times reminded me of the opening chords of Nirvana, at times the mixture of blues took me back to artists like Robert Cray, or in more modern times guitarist of both blues and new age in Australia’s Ian Cameron Smith, as I said this single has it all for anyone who delights in cross genres and wonderfully fluent guitar music.

Steinriede on his beloved Electric Nashville guitar, manifests a gentle, yet poignant conversation with the harmonious instruments of Shambhu, performing also on bass, this classy and much laid back offering is one of those singles that you will find yourself leaving on repeat for ages, and not being aware that you have done so.

There can be no doubt that this is seriously superior guitar work, holding the content and allowing it to breathe, almost in the same way as one might have a meaningful conversation, and the duo must be applauded for such artistry and musical patience, one that I know will be appreciated by the followers of the genre, and truly good instrumental music the globe over.

 

Dreamweaver: Music for Deep Dreaming By Sherry Finzer

 

Dreamweaver: Music for Deep Dreaming

By

Sherry Finzer

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It’s been a while since I have had the pleasure of reviewing a Sherry Finzer album, but that opportunity has arisen and I am going to make the most of the ambience that it creates. I first came into contact with Sherry musically through the album Sanctuary from 2009, and it literally shocked me to even consider that 16 years has literally flown by, but it has, but graciously this exciting and soothing new album blows in through the same door that my precious memories depart from, so it is now time to sojourn in the reality of this latest work entitled Dreamweaver: Music for Deep Dreaming.

Recorded in the resonant walls of The Tank in Rangely, Colorado, Sherry delivers a pitch perfect collection of wistful arrangements for us to literally float on summer clouds of comfort with. This 8 track release begins in the most meditative way with the chime of a bowl, and into a long tonal resonance as Somnolence is birthed, this wondrous and vast composition manifests a feeling of wellbeing in us all in a moment of flute reflection.

The album contains such beauties as Retrospection, something that I seem to be doing more of, as we move here towards a more gentle autumnal season. I found Sherry’s presentation here deeply moving, one could imagine being up in the mountains listening to a piece like this, and allowing the emotions and pent up frustrations just flow, free and away into the eternal mists of nevermore, this is such a liberating performance from one of the finest flautists of her day.

There is something for anyone seeking a musical sanctuary here, tracks like the deeper labyrinths of the creation Mystical, a gift to the world of a deep almost trance like manifestation, but through her flute, Finzer builds a safe place for those who just wish to root themselves in the harmonic convergence of the moment, whilst this slow falling sensation continues through the medium of the following narrative entitled Otherworldly, Sherry uses many flutes on this album, but on this piece the sheer profundity of the track makes it so compelling and intense.

Finzer’s collection of flutes including concert C, alto, bass, and Native American flutes gifts the avid listener and seeker of sonic calm a place of musical shelter, tracks like Fascination, allow the addition of the singing bowl to create an elevation of tone and timbre, before the higher noted flute joins the restful embrace, whilst on Enchantment a flowing tale of mystery and imagination slowly appears, takes command of the twinkling instance, and builds a flute inspired realm of total peace and tranquillity.

One of my personal favourites is this wonderful penultimate offering called Confluence, the slow build of chimes and flute are outstanding in manifesting one of the most compelling tracks off the album, for me previous paths of nature are revealed once more to me, as the tones of this simple delicious creation illustrates the flow of two rivers side by side, and choices to be made, this charming narrative also reminds me of the Uk’s Nigel Shaw in its calming reverie and natural sense of outstanding beauty.

Enlightenment is a truly gentle way with which to depart this blissful musical project with, it raises the rhythms and the overall energy without breaking the meditative spell that has been cast on us listeners so far, and is also a piece that reminds me of the good old days of Deuter and his Buddha Nature album from 2001.

It’s been a pleasure for me to once again review a Sherry Finzer release; it has indeed been a moment that has been deeply enjoyable and restorative too, this has to be one of the best overall meditative flute albums around today, and it has something that we all crave for in that style, a fluent consistency throughout. I have therefore no doubt that Dreamweaver: Music for Deep Dreaming by Sherry Finzer is going to become a timeless sanctuary of sublime peace for listeners to return to for decades to come.

As The Snow Fell By Sean Christopher McGee

 

As The Snow Fell

By

Sean Christopher McGee

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I must admit to being incredibly impressed by this new single from Sean Christopher McGee, it had literally everything that a good piece of musical art work should have, and because of that for me it has become one of the finds of the year thus far, and one of the finest examples of painting with a piano you will possibly find.

As The Snow Fell is a graphic composition of great quality, it is a moment of ambience to be treasured; something that is so rare in music these days, the piano speaks volumes without trespassing on your tranquillity, yet it still breathtakingly explores the desired narrative of a very cold winter chilled occurrence.

The magical happening is brought together buy a good ear and an intelligent mind, the long wind sound that trails in perfectly, the slow, but insightful build and progression on the keys, one can literally feel the snowy story of magical nature unfurling, the careful onward structures manifest a feeling just like walking through an actual snow drift.

A profound string section drifts in at the half way juncture as the composition manifests something quite artistic and extremely well arranged, as such I have a feeling we are looking at a massive chart hit and maybe more for As The Snow Fell by Sean Christopher McGee, this is exactly what truly great instrumental music should sound like.

A Symphony Of Mantras By Sacred Circles

 

A Symphony Of Mantras

By

Sacred Circles

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The continued rise of New Age music in the multi genres across the world is so wonderful to see, I have been a champion of this style for some 30 years on air, and now we have some of the most illustrious acts, artists and musicians, gracing our senses, two of which are Sacred Circles (Holly Fischer and Phil Kanakis) who with their brand new release entitled A Symphony Of Mantras, have gifted the planet one of the finest examples of musical peace and serenity.

A Symphony Of Mantras is a 10 track release that is full of textures and musical colour, listen to compositions like Diva Tapati, the crisp vocals of Fischer float on a bed of harmony across the green plains of tranquillity, the guitar within lifts the piece even higher in its energetic expression, whilst offerings like Effulgence manifest a darker tone, one that is more reflective in its essence, the orchestral gift from the Macedonian Symphony Orchestra adds further layers in this tapestry of tone and timbre.

Here is an album that has a global collective within the weave of the release, over 70 artists from around the world have committed their time and genius to it, offerings like the gentle Tisarana, resonate with the calmness that lies within us all, in some trying to escape, in others it is the base of their awareness, for me this was one of the most beautiful tracks on the album.

After a short form interlude creation, we are back with an all-time classic in the world of healing mantras and deeply devotional music with Om Shanti Om, this is a delicious two vocal version of such a powerful musical prose, both artists give such an imploring performance to allow the sheer intent and magnificence of the creation to encapsulate each and every sense of the listener.

The conclusion to this simply breath taking collection of fine works is the anthem like Prayer For Peace (Orchestral Version), the message of this last creation needs to be accepted as the norm by the entire global collective of humans, as we lay to rest the tired worn out failure of tribalism. This is the prefect composition to end with, and one that will leave the listener with the one thing they need most, hope.

Sacred Circles have produced one extremely listenable album, it is a release that spans a multitude of genres and continents, it is an album that brings together the mood of peace, the desire of serenity and calm and the hope of global happiness, through an honest sense of harmony.  A Symphony Of Mantras by Sacred Circles is a multi-instrumental and premium vocal delight, gifted to the world in the heart felt expression of peace and harmony for all, and as such this has to be a true globe wide hit.

Shayan By Charu Suri

 

Shayan

By

Charu Suri

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The beauty of an album can sometimes be its tone, its insightfulness, perhaps its production and compositional structures, then from time to time we are gifted a release dedicated to the wellbeing of another, or others, this new album from the artist Charu Suri is without doubt something wonderfully special, from the genesis of genius to the world as a panacea of peace, to help one and all, a veritable musical experience given to humanity, as a pathway to healing and blissful rest, can there be a higher calling?

Shayan is a 7 track release, the 5^th from the Queen of Raga Jazz, one that blends the effects of ancient healing Raga’s, into the mix of some of the most ambient and cathartic instrumental music that you are ever likely to hear.

Our opening composition is a wonderful piece of great quality, and one that shines so brightly, and of course is our title track Shayan. I have heard many sublime healing based albums in my life, but here is one whose intent and exquisiteness glows like the northern lights upon its textured musical horizon, the harp of Peter Sterling was a most gracious addition to the overall arrangement as was the delightful cello of Tess Remy-Schumacher.

Mohanan Hymn has the honour of following in the paths of the previous moment of genius, this is a prime example of a musical horse of a different colour, the composition contains the brilliance of a man whom I seem to be constantly writing about lately in the realm of the master of acoustic guitars very own Jim Kimo West and once again the delightful cello of Tess Remy-Schumacher which was played with so much heart. The narrative was a true mixture of west meets east on one of the most fascinating pieces from the release.

The production quality of this entire album was on another level entirely, tracks like Inner Peace with the vibrant piano segments and authentic eastern instrumentation, gifted us very eager listeners something almost transcendent to bathe within, in a style that created an anthem like feel, whilst the creation entitled Raga Jog brought a desirable atmospheric meditative energy into the proceedings, and reminded me of Laraaji’s Day of Radiance album from 1980, the depth of the string movements will bring the listener to a new level of peace and tranquillity.

Charu Suri shows on this next creation just why she is an award winning pianist, Nightingale is with ease one of my favourite tracks from the album, and the symbiotic partnership she garners with the legend that is Jim Kimo West is simply astonishing, one could with ease imagine the tone and timbre of this piece alone merging into a pastiche of colour that would transfix anyone, and move them into a willing and happy resting state.

Raga Durga is amazingly our penultimate track from the album, the piano of the artist is the main focus here, creating an almost Pachelbel tonal delight, whilst dancing with the multi-instrumental textures of the overall musical narrative, the floating movement is so palpable, and mixes a wonderful eastern motif into a willing western influence.

The concluding piece is Shayan the Reprise of the opening composition, but one that adds the genius of the Venezuela String Recording Ensemble, and another man whose musical aptitude has crossed my path in flautist Ron Korb. Here the team bring the whole project together for this final resolution, and in doing so round the musical circle to bring to a close one of the most beautiful healing albums I have heard for decades.

Shayan by Charu Suri is one of those globally fused albums that literally everyone should have in their collections and be proud they have done so; each piece is crafted with care and good intentions by Charu and her band of willing cohorts, the result is an album of outstanding natural beauty, a gift of peace and serenity to all who need it, and a veritable sonic journey of natural rhythm.

So let’s list that line-up of artists who appear on the album with Charu Suri and give them the recognition they all deserve: Jim Kimo West (guitar), Tess Remy-Schumacher (cello), Premik Russell Tubbs (flute) Max ZT (dulcimer), Ron Korb (flute), Ranicro Palm (Venezuela String Recording Ensemble), Ravichandra Kulur (flute), Anita Lerche (vocals), Haruna Fukazawa (flute), Philip Vaiman (violin), Peter Sterling (harp), Ramya Ahankar (ukulele), Mary Dawood Catlin (vocals) and last but not least, Siyer (vocals).

Book of Life Concerto By Lisa Swerdlow

 

Book of Life Concerto

By

Lisa Swerdlow

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Before I even began the process of writing this review, I read the notes contained within the album, I was so deeply moved, as this is something that I am going through myself right now, recalling my life’s pathways, errors made, all the positives, the negativities, and all the times I kept quiet and did nothing, when I should have been making changes, but we don’t always have the tools, until we can grace that moment of reflection with age, wisdom, and learned experiences.

Here on Book of Life Concerto composer and performer Lisa Swerdlow tackles all of life’s avenues, byways and highways, and in doing so manifests a glorious and emotionally powerful concerto. With youth comes Possibilities, we are unbeatable, energetic, and hopeful that as time goes on everything will fall in our favour.

There is a delightful fluency within this arrangement that is both charming and confident in its construction, one that also contains elements of a multitude of opportunities that can deflect one from their perceived goal, Swerdlow’s dualistic presentation here is cinematic in its build and progression, a deeply moving construct that has wondrous classical motifs and symphonic gestures.

The inevitability of this next track is something that each and every one of us has felt perhaps many times over and called Disappointments. The depth here is heart rendering, but poignant in its inevitable outcome, as from what are disappointments, what we describe as failures, are also indicators of change that must be faced and addressed and learned from, before more progress can be attained. Swerdlow’s mammoth performance is so vast and all-encompassing that it fills the mind and heart with a profundity of emotive awareness that is so very palpable, from this well of demonstrative sagacity comes one of the most formidable arrangements of all time, almost Beethoven in its objective and mood.

The lighter tones of this next stunning reverie are something of a personal anthem to oneself, at this point of growth and of passed ages, with wisdom found, and experiences felt learned from and acceptance gained, what does one do now, for me, there is only one answer, keep on doing what makes you feel fulfilled, and I am, and will continue to do so. Here on Discoveries, Swerdlow balances out a wonderfully clever juxtaposition of uplifting tones against a symphonic back drop of decades passed, and the result is, we are back where we started, with more possibilities for positive life changes.

There are two other tracks of great beauty on the album, the first of which I found quite soothing and called Through it All, this classy melodic piece is both deeply reflective in the ambience it creates, and fluently meditative in the opportunity to gaze back over your shoulder at a life’s rich tapestry.

The concluding musical narrative is entitled Dawn Contemplation, and is a sublime composition with which to conclude an album with, a powerful and mood filled opus indeed, with grand orchestration that would grace any Hollywood movie.

One must tip the hat also to Doug Hammer for his classy orchestral genius on this album, the moving and passion filled arrangements within this release gifted us, the ever eager listener, moments we will never forget on Book of Life Concerto by Lisa Swerdlow.

Here for each and every fan of neo classical music is an album of outstanding natural beauty, one that is created with such an insightful truth and an intuitive intellect, and moulded into one of the most compelling bodies of work on the subject of life I have heard, perhaps Albert Einstein was right when he said “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” 

The Gallery of Mystical Delights By Steve Sheppard

 

The Gallery of Mystical Delights

By

Steve Sheppard

Written by

Andy Rogers

 

Steve Sheppard is of course well known as a presenter and part owner of One World Music Radio and is very much respected as a reviewer of all kinds of music; New Age to jazz, Rock and more.

The last couple of years have seen Steve starting to record his own music in a new-age and lightly-ambient vein. Early releases were more personal, looking back at times spent with his father or reflecting on the times and spaces he shares on Cyprus with his wife Chrissie. This new album, while keeping the ambient feel of previous releases, takes Steve’s music in a new direction, that of long-form quite dark ambient pieces.

There are just four pieces on the album, the longest is 14 minutes long, the shortest clocks in at nearly 9 minutes. Like all ambient albums this is not a “quick listen” or the sort of thing you play when friends come over. Rather this is an album that demands you sit and absorb it… let the music wash over you and get lost in the deceptive simplicity & repetition – Like the music of Brian Eno there is a lot going on here but you need to listen to it properly to fully appreciate the subtleties.

We start with “The Rocks”, based on a painting of the same name by Vincent Van Gogh. It opens with birdsong and a bright major chord before there is a sudden change. The mood darkens, the birds vanish and the music then reflects the barren landscape of the painting: it’s as if we are under dark grey clouds of an approaching storm. The musical texture reflects this with ominous chords that at times sound like storm force winds. Eventually as the track ends the dark mood passes with the return of brighter skies and birdsong…

Track 2, “Rain”, is based on pictures by the artist Howard Hodgkin and is the longest on the album. The sound of falling rain and distant birdsong leads us into the track where a hypnotic B-minor chord undulates gently then suddenly the rain stops and a D-major chord with a sound almost like the breath of the Gods leads us onto the next section of the track. Finally, the sound of the rain and birds returns to end the track with calm and tranquility.

“The Poppy Field”, based on the famous painting by Monet, is next. The sound of wind in a field of wheat along with birdsong is joined by a positive C major chord setting a positive and light mood. An interesting swishing sound brings to mind the image of the mother and child in the picture as they walk through the long grass before intermittently discordant chords serve to disturb the bucolic mood of the piece. At the end the music fades out to the sound of distant crows and other birds.

Track 4, the last on the album, is “Mountains” and was inspired by the work of Charles Adam Platt. The painting is a bleak monochromatic work and Steve’s music quite brilliantly conveys this: the loneliness of the landscape and the cold colours of the picture are captured wonderfully by an electronic whirlwind of sound. There is nothing comforting here. This is music of desperate desolation that quietly fades away until suddenly and out of nowhere we have a burst of bright major chords until, at the very end, we return to the bleak lonely windswept landscape we heard at the start of the track. 

Steve Sheppard tells us that having wanted to try long-form music for some time he was inspired to record this album by his love for modern art, and the music it creates in his mind. He has succeeded admirably. This is an album that demands to be listened to properly and will be enjoyed by anyone who likes the darker side of long-form ambient music. 

Two Shores By Jim Kimo West & Michael Whalen

 

Two Shores

By

Jim Kimo West & Michael Whalen

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

A once vibrant and fulfilling genre that we lovingly call the contemporary instrumental field had been flagging for quite some time, lately we have seen signs of re-emergence, but after the release of this very album Two Shores by Jim Kimo West & Michael Whalen, we can confirm that its now not only back at full power, but that this very album is expected to have reignited its purpose entirely.

This simply fabulous new release from two of the finest exponents of classy instrumental music in the business today, have joined forces and have brought into the world one of the most vibrant albums of its kind to the globe, tracks like the title header Two Shores, a reflective, chilled and laid back shoreline composition of great quality, and a little 90’s mood starts the project with a beautiful bounce and a gleeful smile.

The release contains 10 splendid pieces, all beautifully produced, presented and performed. As an islander in my corner of the world, I can relate to offerings like the funky vibes of Ocean's Embrace, I can enjoy the fun and laughter of pieces like Sand Between My Toes, and I can understand the next offering called Malibu Breeze, its chilled guitar from the master of acoustic reveries Jim Kimo West, combined with the keyboard maestro we know as Michael Whalen is indeed a partnership that is the epitome of a symbiotic musical relationship.

There is literally something for everyone on this sublime release, a cooling swim in the musical ocean of tracks like Tides of Your Touch, or the track of all tracks that I found incredibly uplifting, A Moment Like Forever, a wondrous composition that installs a feeling of wellbeing into your psyche, at this point listening to the multi instrumentation, it’s worth knowing that all of it, every sound created, was done so by both musicians in an effort that is unparalleled in this genre.

More fluent arrangements now follow in the guise of pieces like Pikake, which in a strange way for me is rather bizarre, in just two reviews I have now written about the Cyprus Jasmine flower, the Pilipino national Jasmine plant, and now the Hawaiian jasmine, but what a beautiful fragrance, and the smooth and serene tones of the song totally emphasise its natural beauty, in one of the most chilled compositions from the album.

Watching The Rain is up next, again something that here in August would be as rare as a real life rocking horse, however it is worth noting the change in style in this arrangement, with the percussion and various percussive sounds giving us the hope of a cooling much needed rain, the keyboard structure and light acoustic string touches make this one for me the most artistic pieces from the release.

The soulful tones of the penultimate track of the album is now upon us, one that contains personification of a truly chilled guitar from Kimo on the offering Rise With The Sun, this one piece also is a masterclass of build and progression that any budding instrumentalist would be well to embrace themselves with.

We can conclude the creation now with the final part of the project entitled Weightless on the Wind, this slice of genius, is one that for me contained a little Vangelis styled anthem feel into its weave of utter class, and created for each and every listener an idyllic end to a simply fantastic musical mission.

Two Shores by Grammy and Emmy winning artists Jim Kimo West & Michael Whalen is without doubt one of the premium albums to have come into the world of instrumental music this decade with ease, here is a release created by two of the genres finest artists, that will be eternal in its musical prowess, and should live across the decades in a timeless reverie as an example of luxurious contemporary instrumental music, and is an album that everyone should have in their collections at all costs. 

Philippine Dreams by James Michael Stevens

 

Philippine Dreams

By

James Michael Stevens

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

One of the all-time most prolific piano composers of his day is back with another release, as we welcome to the world another blissful recording from pianist supreme James Michael Stevens and his latest delightful creation entitled Philippine Dreams, and an opportunity for many of us to travel vicariously to another country with the musician on a bed of soothing piano tones.

We start with a flower that is abundant here in Cyprus, Jasmine; its intoxicating aroma is so redolent of warm summer nights, here on Sampaguita, which incidentally is the national flower of the Philippines, we have a serene composition that drifts on an August breeze across the beaches of an early evening, this evocative start from the artist truly sets the scene for the entire 11 track album.

This whole release is a musical panacea for all of us who are experiencing tough times and woes, its tranquil melodies and soothing refrains, just ease us out of that mind-set, offerings like the emotive Dreams Alcala, or the two back to back short form narratives in Silent Ballerina and Serenity Falls fit the bill perfectly and bring the listener a sanctuary of tone and timbre that is almost pristine in style.

The creation of or the observance of ambience I believe is a rare thing these days, especially when most people are transfixed by their phones and fail to see the beauty of life around them, pieces like Ambient Morning deserve a good listen, there is space here for the listener to explore, there is an absence of time and an abundance of tranquillity on one of my favourite pieces from the release.

This next piece though was another absolute gem from the album, a mournful energy, a reflective glance over the shoulder, all can be found here on Solitary Journey, a true sense of loneliness encapsulates a voyage taken in such a powerful and emotional way, and at times reminding me of the keyboard manifestations of the America’s Holland Phillips, on a truly sensational offering.

The entire album is a musical voyage of plenty, and the listener can take a tonal journey with pieces like Pilgrimage Island, a scenic offering that contains a gentle melodic structure, or Bridge to Cebu, a composition that creates a soft downward spiral of tone and timbre, and breathes an interesting juxtaposition of an arrangement together for the listener.

Speaking from the perspective from one who once got caught in the subject matter of this next track, I would say the artist has nailed it completely on Tropical Rain. A composition that has a dark sky musical backdrop, a slight eastern motif, and the heavier notes illustrate the heavy rain fall, in my view one of the most artistic tracks from the album.

Well we have had an ambient morning, now we can enjoy a Cantabile Sunset; I have to admit this is one very charming piece from the artist, yes this is true James Michael Stevens country, but it’s so very heart warming and comforting to enjoy, literal music for the soul can be found here on this penultimate offering.

Our concluding narrative is a sweet sound indeed, the composer is so skilled and aware of his listenership, that he knows exactly how to end another beautiful project, and finishes with an almost lullaby creation called Night in Pangasinan, one could imagine gazing at a star filled sky through summer blown net curtains, and slowly falling into a blissful sleep with its tones.

Philippine Dreams by James Michael Stevens is another in a long line of scenic vistas of musical brilliance by the master of the peaceful piano; each and every listener will be charmed by its beauty and serenity, in a cathartic voyage of sight and sound that should garner the creator a huge chart placement and maybe more.