This Too Shall Pass By Unleashed Dreams

 

This Too Shall Pass

By

Unleashed Dreams

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I must admit to have a lot of emotional content wrapped up in this song, Unleashed Dreams have now released this as a single, but before that it appeared on our radio stations charity album A New Beginning, and I am so grateful for that.

Lindsey Gaye Walker features on vocals, and partnered with the quite amazing Sean Paddision as Unleashed Dreams they have created something that is deeply moving and strongly emotive, especially given the current pandemic we are all struggling to deal with.

The orchestration within this piece is stunning and Walkers vocals sublimely angelic with slight Celtic motifs; there is one slight issue I have with this track … it brings me to tears each time I listen to it, more out of hope than anything else, as they sing This Too Shall Pass, and of course it will. This single is simply and utterly beautiful with each note played.

Forest Whispers By Dyan Garris ft Sherry Finzer

 

Forest Whispers

By

Dyan Garris ft Sherry Finzer

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I am always on the lookout for amazing slices of ambient music and I can honestly say I am eternally grateful to have found Forest Whispers, the latest single by Dyan Garris, and featuring the amazingly talented Sherry Finzer.

Dyan Garris and this marvellous melodic construct is utterly natural and multi-instrumental in nature, whether it piano or keyboards, her talents as a creator of tranquil ambient music are so beautifully created, and when you add one of the best flautists on the planet in Finzer into the mix, you have a single that will remain in your musical mind for a life time and beyond.

Forest Whispers by Dyan Garris ft Sherry Finzer has to be tipped for a top 5 place at least in the charts and for those of you like me, listeners that like to find incredible meditative music to be at peace with, then Forest Whispers has to be added to your music library as soon as possible, if not quicker.

Every Time You Breathe By Dyan Garris ft Juliet Lyons

 

Every Time You Breathe

By

Dyan Garris ft Juliet Lyons

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Dyan Garris has really embraced the single revolution in the new age music genre, and what a better time to create a beautiful collaboration than in the middle of a chaos that surrounds us all. The connection between Garris and all time flute supremo Sherry Finzer and vocalist Juliet Lyons is what the world needs right now, a sweet and soothing musical narrative and a full flowing and fluent composition, one that brings utter peace and serenity to the soul.

The natural state of bliss brought on by this charming arrangement needs to be applauded, there is a wonderful sense of tranquillity here, and this symbiosis of Garris on piano, Finzer on flute and the vocalisations of Lyons is a truly addictive offering, one that will bring some much needed peace into your respective worlds right now.

Encounter: Medicine Songs from Ma By Prem Vidu

 

Encounter: Medicine Songs from Ma

By

Prem Vidu

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have now listened to this album several times and I can say this is one of the finest works of its kind I have heard since Mitten and Premal released Blown Away back in the early part of this century. I have longed to find something that good again, and now that lays before me in all its melodic glory.

Prem Vidu mixes spirituality with beautiful new age vibes, and draws an utter winner at the albums conclusion. The starting offering could easily be a single, the impassioned tones and imploring vocals of the artist get us underway with a perfect opening offering entitled Holy Divine Mother.

The strings sections on this next offering are sublime, the vocals and lyrical content are superior and offer much freedom.  May I Have the Strength is a song that will enrich your soul. It is also good to hear an old friend of One World Music Radio in Vito Gregoli on this album and specifically this track as well; the ending words for me are the strength we all seek……so just let go.

Up next is a vibrant, yet smooth arrangement entitled Cancel the Show, a song with poignant words within the lyrical content, especially for this day and age. There was something truly deep about this offering that will move you within; the musicianship is of course spot on, yet another track that will continue to take the listener on a musical journey of enlightenment.

At the mid-way juncture we come across a transcendent offering entitled Oh Your Glory. This anthem like opus starts with a gentle Sitar, which allows us to completely float with the vocals of Prem Vidu. There is much to explore within this piece on a musical level too, with lush performances on bass by Gregoli, and pertinent percussion by the headline artist, pay careful attention to the extremely sweet mixture of major and minor chords in the latter half of this track, utterly sublime indeed, and this midway arrangement sets us up beautifully for the final half of the album.

As we step with divine love into the second half of the release, we come across a truly powerful offering entitled Mighty Presence. This one took me to another place entirely, as it reminded me of the power and divinity of an old friend of mine in Russell Stone, of the band The Gathering. The build progression and quite beautiful musicianship made this one of my personal favourites off the album.

As we drift on the ebb and flow of a musical tide, we come across the calm waters of one of the most beautiful pieces of the album entitled Floating. This composition is a fine example of total symbiosis between pianist (Gregoli) and vocalist (Prem Vidu). The passionate voice of the artist is bathed in such a beautiful resonance, one that creates a song that combined with the piano, manifests something quite special indeed.

The penultimate offering off the release is called Your Love Heals Me, this one really raised the rhythm’s for me, the energy that this composition gave off was truly inspiring, the chord changes again from minor to major created something emotive, but the percussive explosion and the organ brought such an amazing essence to the arrangement, a tip of the hat for the perfect slice of electric guitar in this quality offering, just one of many clever nuances to be deeply valued.

Time to arrive at the last portal of the album and you won’t find a better way to leave than this next track entitled Everything That is Here. Infused with a little Jazz, a new age/pop ethic and a world vibe, this song has literally everything within its construction, but holds it beautifully and ends the album with sublime creativity, in an uplifting energy.

Encounter: Medicine Songs from Ma is a wonderfully empowering album, Prem Vidu brings us the only truth in the universe, music bathed in layers of unconditional love, caressed by a tender spirituality. This is devotional music at its very best; its upbeat and modern ethic brings us eager listeners, one of the finest albums released this year with ease, and one that I am more than happy to recommend. Nods of appreciation must also go to Girish (Tabla), Candice Calms (Viola), Gershone Hendelberg (organ & clav) Max Ribner (flugelhorn & trumpet) and of course the multi-talented David Vito Gregoli, all who make up the band that is fronted by one of the most honest and talented individuals around in this genre, Prem Vidu, this is music to set you free, and a musical companion that will never leave your side.

La Chica Bonita By Victor Samalot

 

La Chica Bonita

By

Victor Samalot

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There is always something magical when the guitar of Victor Samalot plays, here on this brand new single entitled La Chica Bonita, we are gifted a luscious slice of summer in music.

The mix of both electric and acoustic guitars offers us something redolent of the great Santana in style and composition, and indeed Samalot is so smooth!

A mention must also be given to Bobbi Holt who features on Bass Guitar and also Efrain Hernandez on Drums.

This vibrant new offering is just what is needed in the world right now, and I can see it being a huge success on both the charts and radio, and I wouldn’t mind betting around the pools and balconies of many a summer retreat too, full marks, Victor has done it again.

Deep Heart's Core By Eamonn Karran

Deep Heart's Core

By

Eamonn Karran

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Over the last 8 years I have watched, listened, and been delightfully pleased with the exceptional growth of artist Eamonn Karran, from A New World, to this latest offering Deep Heart's Core, each and every release has sparkling gems of musical magic contained within.

This eight track collection of sublime songs manifests moments of pure bliss like the emotional reflections of Carrauntoohil, or the vibrant Celtic dance of the most powerful track on the album with Fair City.

This is without doubt Celtic music with a twenty first century twist. Harmonic convergences can also be found in abundance, as on the piece High King of Cashel, a track that is blessed not only with a fine performance on piano, but with some quite haunting angelic vocalisations as well.

Albums produced and created by Karran are a journey unto themselves; you only have to listen to moments of wonderment like March on Tara Hill, (a personal favourite of mine) to feel the grass beneath your feet, or perhaps the scent of salt in the air on the track Spike Island;, wherever Karran paints musically, you are literally transported there.

The haunting The Walls is our memory packed and emotive penultimate offering, while the artist finishes with a flourish with the last song off the release entitled Wings over Glenveagh.

Deep Heart's Core by Eamonn Karran is a real contender for album of the year; here is a musician, a pianist, and keyboard supremo, who literally pours his heart and soul into each new work, the result is musical beauty, and is an album that contains compositions that are so beautifully produced and performed, it will be enough to move you to tears of joy and feelings of bliss whilst listening.

 

Beyond the Sunrise By Carl Borden

 

Beyond the Sunrise

By

Carl Borden

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There is always time for a little Carl Borden in your life, the textured pads and the soft synths of this master musician are the sublime tools that the artist uses to create such redolent compositions, and here on his latest offering entitled Beyond the Sunrise we have a veritable wonderland of classy arrangements to ease you through the stresses and strains of the day.

This album is perfect for the now, and Beyond the Sunrise represents for me opportunities for change, and perhaps a chance to begin again. Listen to the clarity of the opening piece At First Light, a track so empowering it lifts the soul and kisses the heart.

The deep resonance of the title track is truly something to marvel at, Beyond the Sunrise is a tapestry of ambient electronic genius that radiates energy so pure and beautiful with its stunning performance and presentation.

Here is an album that is restorative and soothing; you only have to listen to moments of ambient genius like the galactic Drifting Stars, or the emotive qualities of pieces like Jamila's Song, or perhaps the pristine textures of the penultimate offering off the album entitled The Road Home, a more serene composition you are unlikely to find.

Beyond the Sunrise is another faultless release in the catalogue of artist Carl Borden; it is an album that is cathartic and therapeutic, a release that touches the emotions and hugs the heart, and a must buy for all those that adore to be truly moved by the music they listen to.

The Pale Blue Dot By Terry Lee Nichols

The Pale Blue Dot

By

Terry Lee Nichols

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Two years previous I was literally blown away by the Terry Lee Nichols album We Have Only Come To Dream... I rated it as one of the best albums I had heard in that year, I am once more at that very point with this absolutely breath-taking new album by the artist entitled The Pale Blue Dot, an album that plots the transition of our home from its beginnings and the journey thus far.

The artist in creating this his own miracle in music, has once again manifested something beyond brilliant, a colourful and picturesque start on In the Beginning... (Quantum Fluctuations) and a virtual cinematic explosive masterpiece entitled First Stars; Terry Lee Nichols through this track alone proves himself to be a master painter with sound and tone.

For the listener there is so much to enjoy and to dive deep within, perhaps it could be the utter ambience and vocalise of Stardust (Clouds of Gas and Dust) featuring the talents of Rebekah Eden, or it could be a sojourn with the piano based symphonic gestures of East of Eden, a track that contains one of the most fluent performances you are ever likely to hear, or maybe one could simply give into the simplicities of the track Child's Play.

Terry Lee Nichols is one of those composers who can literally reach into your chest and touch your beating heart. The ending track says it all as we revisit in a fashion, a composition on a former album with the piece The Pale Blue Dot - Train to Dachau Redux. This one made me feel deeply reflective, for we live on such a beautiful planet, but all we see is fear and what we fear we never truly see. A beautifully poignant end to what is an album that deserves all the plaudits it gets, listen specifically to the spoken word in this incredible composition.

The Pale Blue Dot by Terry Lee Nichols is probably going to be one of my top five albums for 2020; it is a quality release of natural beauty, and a sublime presentation from a musician who clearly wears his heart on his musical sleeve. The album is one of those rare collections of musical perfections; it is a release that speaks to the population of the planet, and without doubt must be regarded as the apex of what is called the contemporary instrumental genre, it really doesn’t get any better than this.

Zentronique By Michael Regina

Zentronique

By

Michael Regina

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

A completely chilled and fascinating experience can be had by listening to the latest release by artist Michael Regina and his brand new album Zentronique. Here is an album that is packed with an abundance of smooth yet classy compositions, and one that I have just enjoyed listening to in its entirety just before writing this review.

The journey starts with the Vangelis styled opus Frontiers, a grand beginning full of power and electronic flavour, with a little hint of David Wright in the mix as well.

This most illustrious of openings leads us into one of several charming chill out tracks, this one entitled The Gates. As an ambient keyboardist myself I found the arrangement particularly interesting, the melody was warm to listen to and gave the listener an utterly charming film score like musical narrative to enjoy.

All Good Things is our next port of call, a beautifully fluent piano styled arrangement which seems to just drift past like an errant summer cloud. The performance here was deeply enjoyable and gave a certain feeling of ambience to me that I found particularly pleasing.

The next offering entitled Connections seemed familiar to me; the percussion added more depth to the song, and manifested for me a wonderful sense of musical movement that carried me along as a willing partner.

As we touch the half way marker we come across a beautiful opus called Human Condition. There was something so very moving about this track; its gentle symphonic gestures reminded me in parts of David Whaler at times. This offering would turn out to be one of my personal favourites off the album, partly because of the amazing transition at the 1:40 mark, from a new age floaty offering into a full blow and empowering cinematic sound track of a composition.

The time has arrived for us to enjoy the title track, and thus Zentronique is before us, this wonderful chill out arrangement has all the hall marks of becoming a classic track that will be remembered by fans of this genre, and more so the electronic one for ages to come. Here is a piece that flows like an April stream, the percussion is perfect and the keyboards swirl to manifest a wonderfully mesmeric state.

Maxim M Chill picks up the pace and escalates the albums energy to a completely higher plain. This is music for a hot summer’s day by the pool, and one composition that is just about to get selected for my next chill out lounge playlist.

We have a state of complete bliss before us now, one that creates its own musical narrative by its chilled beat, and defines itself by its classy production and performance. Regina’s musical prowess has grown with each passing track and this masterful piece of electronic wizardry is another fine example for you to enjoy, and called In The Ether.

The mixture of EM meets chill out is idyllic for my tastes as I hope it is yours too, with that in mind, we are now swimming in the deeper waters of this release, and as we do so we come across another movie styled opus called Hybrid. The perfect measures of synths, keyboards and percussion deliver an almost Sci-Fi arrangement.

Communion is our penultimate offering and this anthem like arrangement is a perfectly placed calming composition that allows us a little time of reflection. The tranquil keyboards are so redolent of the subject matter, then the percussive marching beat gives us a sense of something all coming together just at the right time, a fine example of build and progression within a musical composition can be found here.

So we have reached the last gateway to the album and it is entitled Hello Together. I listened to this a few times and would have to agree this is the ideal track to end the album with; it has a narrative that seems to wind up the entire experience of the album. The melody is cheer filled and happy, and a more fluent and charming performance you would not find in many musical places, what a great and sublime parting gift indeed.

Zentronique by Michael Regina is a thoroughly enjoyable album packed with chilled tracks and crafted electronic performances, the melodies flow like an abundant musical river, and this is without doubt one of those releases that is utterly timeless in its presentation. Zentronique by Michael Regina is a must have electronic chilled release that will bring comfort calm and happiness to your day and that can’t be a bad thing can it?

Walk In Beauty By Bearheart Kokopelli

Walk In Beauty

By

Bearheart Kokopelli

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I must say I simply adore the energy of a Bearheart Kokopelli composition, the production quality is excellent, the structure and arrangements are sublime, and to be blunt, they are absolutely delightful to listen to.

This new single of the artist brings us all that and more and called Walk in Beauty, something I try to do each day. This vibrant and exciting new single has much to offer, a delightful tempo and a multi-instrumental nature that incorporates Didgeridoo, flute, percussion and more.

The composition grows with each minute played and leaves the listener in a garden of musical heaven; I can see this one being very popular with the fans and followers of really good music, and expect to see a decent chart position for this charming new offering.

From My Heart to Yours By Ken Noland

From My Heart to Yours

By

Ken Noland

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Ken Noland is back and fresh on the trail of his chart topping success with the hit album Walking the Path of Peace. This new organic offering is entitled From My Heart to Yours and contains many fascinating insights into the world of solo flute and nature as well. 

The first few footfalls are partnered with the refrains of the woodland bird community, as Noland gifts us his opening piece Greeting a New Day, the symphonic choir of nature sings in perfect harmony with the artist on this new beginning. 

We have many elements of originality within this new release, one that even contains either a toad or a tree frog, we have them here, but the sound is slightly smoother. However this is a truly clever performance as one can feel the symbiosis with the flautist on the piece called, My Old Friend. 

The longest piece on the album has a virtual choir of nature around it, this harmonic convergence entitled Free Me was one of my personal favourites from the release, combine this with the rustic fire crackling opus of All is Well, and you have two of the finest offerings off the album, this one in particular reminded me of flute performer Paul Adams and his work on the Sleep the Dreaming Flute. 

The healing sanctuary of water is our next stop; it truly feels like Noland has taken us for a magical walk through the countryside on this musical sojourn and Peaceful Time with its ever flowing stream continues that theme. 

A sublime moment of solo flute will fall upon your very soul with the quite breathtaking Creator Hear Me, if ever there was a true song of respect, this would be the one, a deep and heartfelt performance. 

Breath in the Air has to be one of the most original compositions I have heard for years, connecting with the elements is a wonderful idea, but I don’t think I have heard a musical song to the air done so well and as fluently as this one. 

We are now solidly in the latter half of the album and as we move ever onward we come across a warmly performed tune entitled Joyful Soul. There is almost a motif of a dance within this performance that is so addictive to listen to, one with a backdrop of nature to aid the way as well. 

The scene is set perfectly by the artist on Raindrops. There is a mournful repose to his performance that gives time for thought and reflection, the rumbling distant storm in the background was absolutely sublime and moved us into the next piece with ease, an after dark composition entitled Night Voices, once more the mood was captured perfectly and the sounds of the dark hours danced with Noland’s bright and celebratory flute. 

On I Hear Your Voice, we have a deep resonating flute; one that tugs at the very emotions of the listener, this one resonated with me greatly and reminded me of flautist Chrissie Sheppard’s Raven Cove in the context of the oceanic energies and spiritual sentiments. 

My Heart To Yours takes us into the darker regions of our musical forest, and this solo performance sets us up perfectly for the penultimate track off the album entitled Heart Song, a track of natural rustic nature. 

We have now arrived at the last meadow of our woodland concert and here we have the gift of Hello World to take us out of the album, Noland uses a lighter flute for this ending composition, and finishes with a crisp and clear arrangement. 

From My Heart to Yours by Ken Noland proves the artist is on the right pathway to becoming a very well-remembered flute performer, his cultured, organic and heartfelt performances all work beautifully with the constructional theme, and the natural sounds are simply idyllic, if you’re a fan of solo flute music, you’re going to want to have From My Heart to Yours by Ken Noland in your collection as soon as you can.

Eternity: Improv in B-Flat Major By Tim Neumark

Eternity: Improv in B-Flat Major

By

Tim Neumark

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Tim Neumark has to be one of the finest male solo piano performers around today, his touch, his style and sensitivity, are simply outstanding and enjoyable, talents to bathe in. Now the artist has happily brought out a major new single for us to enjoy in this time of confusion and despair called Eternity: Improv in B-Flat Major.

The performance is indeed eternal, and the continuing motifs on the keys bring us a never ending example of beauty in presentation, then the increased elevation in power and then the slow pulling back was truly crafted.

The key element for any listener was the warm and friendly melody, one that gave hope and comfort; this is one of those singles that you will find it impossible not to like. Eternity: Improv in B-Flat Major I am sure will be destined for the higher echelons of charts with ease.

Across the Evening By Jon Durant & Robert Jürjendal

Across the Evening

By

Jon Durant & Robert Jürjendal

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There is something truly ambient and all-embracing about this latest release by Jon Durant & Robert Jürjendal entitled Across the Evening. This is without doubt a fine example of contemporary instrumental music and how to create a pastiche of colour through tone and sound.

We push away from the docks with the quite brilliant opener entitled Early Evening Colors, one of many personal favourites for me this one; the repeating motif throughout the piece was beautifully layered, and the textured guitar work utterly transcendent.

There are several moments on this release I like to call sublime genius, the next two compositions in particular are fine examples, and the first is called Distance Groove. The elevated tempo and crafted performances on guitars by the duo were simply delightful to drift upon, and then to literally float into an ocean of musical bliss with the track Reflective Sea, this was akin to touching the very clouds of heaven themselves, we must also tip the hat of appreciation in the direction of Aleksei Saks on Trumpet, an instrument badly underused within this genre, and I have not heard something so good since Kevin Kendle employed its use on his winter album back in 2006.

Mirage started with an exciting percussive beat, and that Middle Eastern flavour excelled further across this musical desert with a crafted electric guitar presentation by Robert Jürjendal. There was a harmonic resonance about this composition that created a wonderfully addictive energy to the arrangement.

As we tip-toe into the second half of the album we come across another charming musical narrative that contained layers of both ambience and colour, a nod of appreciation goes to Colin Edwin for some delicate but purposeful fretless bass on this offering, a track that almost had a sense of late 60’s early 70’s rock about its overall construction too.

There was a lightness of presence about this next track entitled Beguiling Eyes. For me there was a distinct familiarity also with a previous opus entitled Mirage, and a top class performance by all can be found here on this rhythmic arrangement especially Andi Pupato, whose percussive genius at times took me back to the great days of Hossam Ramzy.

As we now drift smoothing into the deeper rivers of this album, we come across a truly beautiful creation called On the Water. The guitar work on this offering was exceptional and manifested for me a vast wonderland of ambience to musically sail upon, this would also become another personal favourite of mine, I must own up to having listened to this one several times, as I seemed to just hover away with the sublime tones each time I did so; this I believe could be tagged as utterly majestic.

Return to Russia is the longest track off the album and one may also add performed live for the release. The Trumpet of Saks returns and manifests such a heartfelt mournful repose, it is hard to not be moved by its transcendent beauty, mix that with the caring and crafted performances on guitar by Durant and Jürjendal, and I believe you have here, an offering that sums up the entire project, and a composition that literally rivets you to the spot and demands your full attention; this is contemporary instrumental music at its very best.

The last track off the album is the only one that we see the use of vocals being used, and they come courtesy of the talented Inna Kovtun on the track Balkan Blue. There was a sense of a slight folk ethic within this creation that made it even more compelling, and a clever way indeed to leave what has been a truly fascinating album to have journeyed with.

Across the Evening by Jon Durant & Robert Jürjendal is a reminder to all that the genre of contemporary instrumental music is alive and well, the performances on the album are all beautifully crafted, wonderfully produced and sublimely performed, the narrative is strong and consistent and takes the listener on a musical journey of great class and professionalism, this of course makes it so easy for me to completely recommend this offering to you all.

Spells from the Moon By Santiago Trigueros

Spells from the Moon

By

Santiago Trigueros

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This new single from Santiago Trigueros has to be one of the smoothest electronic arrangements I have heard for absolutely ages. A full floating musical narrative can be found here, one that will literally transport the listener to brand new heights musically.

The performance on keyboards and synths by the artist is exceptional, and the quality of production even more so; the use also of female voice overs and harmonic convergence created by the almost ethereal and angelic vocals, took this single to a whole new level.

Kudos must be given to Santiago Trigueros for bringing this new single into our musical arena, the style and professionalism with which this new creation has been manifested is sure to make it a huge hit with the listeners along the way as well.

Songs for Elodie By Philip Campbell

Songs for Elodie

By

Philip Campbell

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There is always a time when solo piano fits the bill perfectly, that moment for me came this afternoon, after listening to an album of dark intent and then gazing at the news headlines of 2020, that’s never a good idea, so I gave myself to the moment and decided to dive in deep with the debut album from Philip Campbell, entitled Songs for Elodie, and was extremely happy I did so.

Now while there is a strong link to the U.S style of what can be described New Age piano, I actually found Campbell’s style and performances refreshing and absolutely original, with warm musical narratives like the opener Sweet Dreams, the artistic deep and reflective moods created by No Way Out, and the stylish and mesmeric performance of arrangements like Strange, the latter with a little classical flair in the weave as well.

This is what is special about Campbell and what he has to offer, the traditional solo piano and those much loved New Age overtones and motifs are all there, but masterfully brought up to date with a little classical styling, and pieces like Daydream and Gentle are but two fine examples that will back up my aforementioned statement.

Campbell also has a talent for manifesting a fluent narrative into a song as well, Almost Home was my composition of choice with respect to that comment, and a piece I never wanted to leave, it is both powerful and tender at the same time.

Songs for Elodie from the Northern Irish composer Philip Campbell, is a delightful collection of new solo piano music that you must really add to your music collections as soon as possible, especially if you’re a seeker of truly beautiful and moving music, and this being the artists debut album, makes this even more exceptional. I am sure that his daughter, whom the album is named after, will be proud of her father’s first musical manifestation, it is certainly a winner for me.

Galactic Underground Vol 2 by VENJA, ft Michael Stearns, Erik Wøllo, Nyoko Mizuki

Galactic Underground Vol 2

By

VENJA, ft Michael Stearns, Erik Wøllo, Nyoko Mizuki

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This brand new almost dystopic album from VENJA, ft Michael Stearns, Erik Wøllo and Nyoko Mizuki is a graphic work of art that pulls the listener into an almost cinematic styled opus and never lets them go.

The opening offering entitled Out Of Control and the following piece Darkness (featuring Michael Stearns) sets the scene perfectly, the keyboards and synths give us a backdrop of an utterly hopeless situation, the use of spoken word was a sublime idea and added even more weight to what is a truly crafted album.

The soft and mysterious elements in tracks like The Stars Are Better Off Without Us, morph into a dark and harsh reality of musical tone, one that is extremely poignant, mix that with the mechanical dimensions of the offering Glitched  and you have a dark mood filled panorama.

This 13 track release is one of the most addictive albums I have listened to for months, compositions like the outstanding Event Horizon, with its dualistic electronic intent, almost took me back to the days of Tomita, and the full flowing and inspiring arrangement Awe, manifested a reality for me of hope in the grand structure and mechanics of the universe perhaps, and were my personal two favourite tracks from the album.

Galactic Underground Volume 2 by VENJA, ft Michael Stearns, Erik Wøllo and Nyoko Mizuki is a true work of art in motion, a descriptive musical narrative that holds the listener rigid with anticipation from the first note to the last utterance of the album, a crafted work of electronic genius by all the artists concerned, and a release that absolutely deserves to have its socks played off on radio, an easy album to recommend indeed.

Alta Vista By David Correa

Alta Vista

By

David Correa

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Summer is now in full flow here in the Mediterranean, and this new album by guitarist David Correa entitled Alta Vista is going to be just perfect for the occasion, such fluent and warming Latin styled guitar now reverberates around my sun kissed studio, with a sense of unadulterated bliss.

The title track starts our journey with a fast paced and lively musical ethic, one that sets the scene perfectly. Alta Vista is a fine example of perfect Latin styled fluency, performed with some very delightful dynamics and rhythms, and of course the ideal place to start our voyage through music.

As a guitarist myself I truly enjoyed this next piece called Esplanade, it has a certain emotive quality and passion built into the performance that was so enticing. The presentation by Correa was sublime, smooth and colourful, and the added use of percussion along with the build and progression of the piece was crafted to perfection.

As we move ever onward onto this sunny beach of Latin music, we come across a wonderfully tranquil yet rhythmic offering entitled Angel's Landing. This brought back some fine memories of other musical friends like Incendio or Mark Barnwell.

Let the dance begin; now if memory serves me right, I believe that Tamarindo is a town in Costa Rica, and while I have never been to this country, the music I am engaged with currently is a good sales pitch for me to take that up one day, when safe air travel becomes possible again, but until then I am more than happy to enjoy this sublime and full flowing performance by the artist.

We now move to a track called Eau Rouge, this one announces our arrival at the half way juncture of the album. The smooth and serene tones that drift from my music player are idyllic, as I listen to Correa play, I watch my palm trees sway and light fluffy clouds drift into a back drop of blue. Enjoy also the rarity of an electric guitar on this piece, one that creates a symbiotic partnership with the overall acoustic nature of the piece.

Correcaminos is one of those styled compositions that I loved to try and play to my neighbours during our lockdown, if I could have only been as half as good as Correa on this. This is a wonderfully happy performance and one that is as bright and cheer filled as a summer’s day itself.

It is time for a dedication now as we arrive at the arrangement entitled Leo's Song. This is once more a fine example of the artist fluency and skill set. Apart from the performance, the song has a wonderful compositional structure, and comes across as a quite emotional song in parts as well.

We are now swimming in the deeper waters of the album, and while we do so we find ourselves greeted by a new composition called Revuelto.  Rhythmic and passion filled certainly, but there is also an extra depth here that is tantalising, this combined with the percussive backdrop and the delicate bass, all of which goes into making and creating a truly crafted song.

Well that penultimate track off the album is now upon us and called Vuelo Del Condor. There is a delightful lightness of performance here that is so appealing, the energy created through this offering is bright and sun kissed. It is one of those pieces that you simply just have to press replay on multiple times, the nuances and dynamics on guitar here by the artist are both clever, inventive and very classy indeed.

Our last track and before we hide from the heat of the day, let’s hit the ocean and enjoy Beach Cities. I’m guessing Limassol here in Cyprus maybe as close you can get to one here, but the beaches are both clean warm and inviting, much like this final song of the album, as David Correa leaves us with a happy feeling and a track that moves the body to the tempo one more time, a splendid way to finish the release indeed.

Alta Vista by David Correa is an album of magical acoustic guitar; the performances contained within are powerful, warm and passionate. Here is a release it will be almost impossible for you to keep still too whilst listening. Alta Vista by David Correa is a Latin based album that will perhaps evoke many happy memories of places visited and long summer nights had, and is that perfect musical sketchbook to carry with you on your future journeys perhaps, or maybe just sitting by the pool, whatever, here is an album that is as enticing as an ice cream is on a warm August afternoon and as such thoroughly recommended.

One Day at a Time By Louis Colaiannia

One Day at a Time

By

Louis Colaiannia

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This brand new offering by pianist Louis Colaiannia called One Day at a Time is like a breath of fresh air in the genre, the added instrumentation to the artist’s ever trusty piano is sublime at creating a multiple of moods throughout the single. There is something quite special about the piece, so much so that it creates a feeling of wanting to leave it on repeat for quite some time, especially as there is so much in here that you may miss on the first listen.

I am now on my fourth play, and I adore the textures and musical narrative that Colaiannia has manifested here, this composition seems to have everything, a running melody, a crafted tapestry of memories, and perhaps even a message that all will be good again, we just need to take things one day at a time! I have a feeling this one is going to be a big hit.

When Eternity Touches Time By Jim Ottaway

When Eternity Touches Time

By

Jim Ottaway

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Jim Ottaway’s stylish music has been in my life for some years now and many of his albums grace my hallowed musical database, now I can add another to my electronic playlist of choice it is entitled When Eternity Touches Time. This vibrant new offering has a whole new energy about its construction and I love it!

The power play of the opener is terrific and called Parallel Worlds and reminds me in style of AD music’s Ashok Prema (Electric Eyes of Man).

This exciting new offering contains variances of electronic genius and textured intelligence; an example for me would be the temperate offering of Second Sight, a piece that seems to hover with a sultry intent, and a backdrop that is literally holding back and building anticipation along the way.

There is something about this album that contains a real freshness of approach and a freedom of expression, the rhythmic tones of Clouds Hide The Sun is a perfect example of that statement, the keyboards and synths here are creative in mood building, and offer a lush layer of musical creativity.

After only listening to a quarter of this album I realised that I was probably listening to the best work yet from Ottaway, this is EM at its very best and tracks like Playing With Fire prove that point. The artists muse is in full creation mode here, with essences of some incredibly smooth synths and mixed with a crafted sequential progression.

Diamonds in the Rain is another fine mood filled opus that has a grand sense of the cinematic about its presentation; one could sense the Jean-Michel Jarre force within the weave of this beautiful song. This would make one very good single, the melody is deeply memorable, the tempo and construction doubly so and yes one of my personal favourites off the release.

At the half way marker we come across a tentative little number entitled No In-Between. A clever offering this and one placed in the perfect position on the album, it is as if we are crossing from one energy to another, a delicate and mysterious piece that seems to float around you in a whole new realm of ambience.

As we tip-toe into the latter half of the release we come across an almost angelic offering entitled Perpetual Epiphany. There was a wonderful resonance about this piece that I adored; the performance was bathed in a more mystical tone, rather than one of a mysterious nature; the synth and keyboard work here in this composition contains one of the finest examples of build and progression you will find in this genre.

The Skies the Limit is up next and this positive and vibrant offering is a truly exciting and powerful arrangement, one that I simply got utterly lost in whilst listening to Ottaway on his synths. This is classic EM and another superb offering that I was completely blown away with, and at times one that reminded of electronic musician Geigertek.

I regarded this next piece with total respect, the work here manifested by Ottaway was thoughtful and purposeful in its approach, and the synths used to create a wonderful sense of art on the composition Between Truth and Dreams were delectable. The tempo within this piece is utterly addictive and the little nuances contained within truly crafted.

Now for that moment when we walk hand in hand with the title track of the album, that blank canvas that is an opportunity to give us eager listeners an true overview of the entire concept, and of course called, When Eternity Touches Time. There is a wonderful pictorial lightness to this arrangement that I loved. I also sensed a well of emotion here that was so strong in the performance that it moved me to tears, what a title track indeed, a masterful opus of truth and love, a heart on the sleeve moment.

Our penultimate piece is entitled Isolated Realms, Ottaway picks up the pace here and raises the energy in another wonderfully rhythmic arrangement, this is one of those offerings that is hard to resist, and its percussive bass is a delectable and tantalizing offering, an almost funky at times.

So we are at that final dimensional rift, but before we cross over and back into our realm of reality, we have one more gift from the author of this fabulous new album, it is called Eternal Changelessness. Once more thanks to Ottaway’s stylish genius of performance I drifted away to this almost ethereal opus of brilliance, for me it was a wonderful 12 minutes plus of heaven.

When Eternity Touches Time by Jim Ottaway in my view, and I hope Jim doesn’t mind me saying this, is his best work so far, I am going to rave about this offering to everyone I can for a long while to come, it is packed with well written arranged and composed compositions, it weaves a narrative beautifully throughout the album, and even more so Jim Ottaway has in my view made the genre of electronic music vastly more accessible in 2020, thanks to the release of this amazing new collection of brilliant songs.