Center Line By Peter Catucci

 

Center Line

By

Peter Catucci

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This brand new single by Peter Catucci brought me an interesting juxtaposition of music, it delivered one of the most interesting rock tracks of 2023 and laid before me one of the most powerful and melodic new singles that I have heard for simply ages.

Center Line has all the intensity and passion that you would expect from a truly good rock song, the band is packed with a whole list of creative and expressive performers, including Trevor Drushal on guitar and Bruce MacPherson on Hammond Organ. I single these two out along with singer and bassist Peter Catucci because of the direction that the song took me in, one that reminded me of a curious mix of The Robert Cray Band and 80’s Deep Purple, who I guess you could say were indeed Perfect Strangers!

The entire collection of musicians on this project were simply amazing and drew a rock narrative so clean, crisp and compelling that it made you want much more of the same. The fluency and imploring style that Catucci presented on this single reminded me in some ways of Gillian back in the day, but his driving bass line, and his ability to paint with different musical and vocal strokes, added such a vast layer of intelligence into the weave of this piece, one that I feel may well become a bit of an anthem for the artist in years to come. This is pure quality rock at its best.

Beyond the Shadows by Ryan Judd

 

Beyond the Shadows

By

Ryan Judd

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I enjoy the works of Ryan Judd in the same way as I enjoy the experience of electronic supremo Kevin Kendle; both artists have a delicious way of creating music that draws you into a beautiful pictorial narrative, a world of imagined memories in an ultra-reflective way. While Kendle uses synths as his main wand of creation, Judd utilises the acoustic guitar, and in my view he is now one of the world’s best, at creating ambient soundscapes with it.

On this brand new single entitled Beyond the Shadows we have an interesting musical juxtaposition, one that leads us from those shadows and into the light, and one that offers a better way ahead in the distance, whilst still residing in the realm of shadow.

This masterful interplay on guitar is so beautifully performed; it will leave a sigh on your breath, and a tear in the corner of the eye. A soft synth bed leads us into this timeless reverie of ambience, while Judd’s guitar draws breath-taking notes from the strings in such an emotive way, that one can literally feel it from the heart on up and pouring out into the world.

Beyond the Shadows by Ryan Judd is a stunning new single from the artist, perhaps his best so far, it has slow moving and an emotional tempo and minor refrains that give us an autumnal feel, and a moment of palpable reflection with which to look back on fondly. This is masterful ambient guitar, a song that should be spun by everyone who likes truly excellent moving musicianship.

Unearthing By Fred Grenot

 

Unearthing

By

Fred Grenot

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Fred Grenot’s return to the music business has been nothing more than incredible, but he hasn’t just come back with a bang, his has arrived back on the scene and produced some of the most serene music you are ever likely to hear, and this new single from the artist is a fine example of that aforementioned statement, it’s called Unearthing.

An incredibly beautiful pastiche of textures starts this new release; it reminds me of the classic new age material from the golden years of the genre, with angelic motifs of Aeoliah, and the gentle harmonic bliss of artists like a Liquid Mind, Grenot has seemingly captured it all in a heartbeat on this new single.

It’s rare that I get carried away with new singles, but Unearthing has some of the most serene, yet deep and all-encompassing energy I think I have heard for years. The gentle caress of the synth and keyboard and the hovering intensity of pause are all wonderfully presented here, quite honestly this is award winning material, and as such Unearthing should be a massive hit in the charts, yes Fred Grenot is back, and he’s making a literally beautiful statement of intent for a textured, colourful future ahead.

Accretion Disc By Hyperion V

 

Accretion Disc

By

Hyperion V

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I would have to say that this album has to be one of the most fascinating releases I have had the pleasure of reviewing in 2023, but what briefly is an Accretion Disc? An accretion disk is a structure (often a circumstellar disk) formed by diffuse material in orbital motion around a massive central body, such as a sun or star, and with that out of the way, lets release docking clamps and head off out into space with Hyperion V, on one of the most addictive voyages through the media of electronic music and percussion I have heard for decades.

The break away from our orbital rotation can be done by pressing play on the opening track entitled Astasis. This is a superb fast paced opening piece that grants the listener a track packed with the energy of an onward and forward movement, as our musical ship goes forth. The driving keyboards, percussion and electronic wizardry truly emphasises our voyage ahead.

Hyperion V is Ben Cox, Thomas Park (aka Mystified) and Plexus, and together they have probably delivered the most unique album of the year thus far. Listen to tracks like Surface Gravity, a creation that has a chilled vibe to its construction, one similar to those that flourished in the chill-out genre in the late 90’s, a sublime and wonderful beat is added to by a masterful keyboard, the culmination of which manifests a steady yet serene musical environment.

We now move to track 3 entitled Lagrangian Point. Lagrange points are points of equilibrium for small-mass objects under the gravitational influence of two massive orbiting bodies, the percussion and swirling keyboards bring to our musical table, a piece that does indeed feel like we are being pulled back and forth from one source to another in the most hypnotic of ways.

Spectroscopic Binary pushes the whole project forward with a total flourish and some of the best keyboard related chill-out cross electronic styled presentations can be found here. This would be one of my personal favourites from the album, one that contains an almost sensual movement within its musical constraints, but certainly one that delightfully dances its way across the cosmos in a most vibrational of ways.

Baryogenesis, this is something that seems to keep coming up in my studies and is perhaps the fulcrum between matter and anti-matter in a universal construct. The sharp percussive beat here adds a great energy to the piece, and the spoken audio an extra layer that builds on the bass styled progression, and smooth and explorative keyboards.

We reach the midway point of the album and in doing so we reach one of the most descriptive of compositions entitled Deep Sky Object.  This specific offering is another all-time favourite of mine from the album, the deep ranging synths; the swirling reality created here is outer-worldly and reminded me of the space works of UK electric supremo Kevin Kendle at times. This track is without doubt one of the most descriptive and artistic manifestations from the album and well worth further spins.

We come to an arrangement called Oumuamua, this is a fascinating global fusion of a track, one that holds an almost Aboriginal vibe within its illuminating construct. Oumuamua is the first interstellar object detected passing through the Solar System, I believe spotted in 2017. The rhythmic and indigenous feel to this track makes it a must play, the essence and energies of this composition alone are a marvel to enjoy repeatedly.

Synchronous Orbit is up next, once more the percussive power and intensity emphasise this space, the juxtaposition of the electronic nature and keyboards of the track offer up a rhythmic composition that seems to recreate itself in a harmonious orbit around us, much like the Synchronous Orbits that most of Earths satellites take up around the globe.

We arrive at the deep regions of space now and as we do so we come across this next piece called Protoplanet. Here a multitude of repeating electronic motifs seems to swirl in and around themselves, much as the nature of a Protoplanet itself. Here lies an arrangement that is incredibly complex and artistically superior.

Drifting further into the inky blackness of space we arrive at the portal of a track entitled Graviton. With elements of bands like Code Indigo and So Percussion, Hyperion V add an almost dance styled energy into this manifestation to create a piece that has amazing vibrancy and rhythm.

The penultimate piece off the release is entitled Flare Star, this is a track that literally bursts into life and spreads its flourishing techniques around for all to see and enjoy, this is one of the most breath taking pieces off the album employing not only EM, but vastly progressive moments of both Electronica and chill-out, with the percussive brilliance of an artist like Karsh Kale, Flare Star is that track that hits you right between the eyes, it dares to be different and does it with such style.

Our concluding piece is the dramatic Coronal Mass Ejection; I believe our amazing sun gave us one of these recently a few days ago in fact. The grandness of this piece perfectly depicts the sun and its symbiotic ejaculations from its sphere of plenty! This has to be one of the most incredible arrangements to end with that I have seen and heard for years, top marks for that alone, but what a sublime and stunning conclusion to an album indeed, and this is probably the only time in my career as a writer I have ever used the word ejaculations to describe a point!

Accretion Disc by Hyperion V is another wonderful release by one of the most forward thinking records labels in the world in Spotted Peccary, this varied, scientific and galactic journey of an album is one of, if not the most unique, artistic and intelligent releases I have heard for decades, it’s like a truly good book, impossible to put down.

Accretion Disc by Hyperion V contains its varied styles, presentations and performances, all will thrill fans of electronic music, chill-out and new age space music, simply put Hyperion V have all the bases covered, this therefore is a must purchase album.  

Sea of Serenity By Rick Sparks

 

Sea of Serenity

By

Rick Sparks

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There are for me a few, go to artists, Eno for Ambient, Kendle for nature and space, and Rick Sparks for serenity and peace, and the master of painting glorious vistas of soothing sounds and tranquil vibes is at it again, this time within one of the most relaxing pieces ever in Sea Of Serenity.

I was only the other day talking of spending more time down at the coast once the Cypriot summer is done, and this very piece would be utterly idyllic, for example with a picnic at Raven Cove. Sparks has manifested a dream like reverie here that has a deliciously slow tempo, and a composition that crawls across the mind with the effortless movement of a cumulus cloud in September.

This for me has to be one of the most beautiful creations I think I have heard from Sparks, most certainly one of the most atmospheric, the smoothness of the keyboards, the delicate flute sounds, and all harmonised with such precision by the ethereal vocals, which for me is the foundation of this pictorial beauty of a musical narrative.

Sea of Serenity by Rick Sparks reminded me of the lyrical beauty of Lewis Carrol when he began his epic poem “All in the golden afternoon, Full leisurely we glide” This effortless musical masterpiece is a timeless pastiche of brilliance, one that I have just realised, I have now listened to seven times on repeat, this one has to be a hit, it’s too beautiful not to be, and as Carroll said, which now seems so apt “And now the tale is done, And home we steer, a merry crew, Beneath the setting sun.

In The Moonlight By Thomas Green

 

In The Moonlight

By

Thomas Green

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It was so good to see an album on my desktop from Thomas Green; I have very fond memories from his last release Flutin Around back in 2019, but here is the master of chilled and cheerful flute back with another blissful collection of crisp and happy melodies, yes its Thomas Green and his new offering to us all, In The Moonlight.

The first offering is a simple melody and a cheer filled vibe of Thomas’s interpretation of his transition to his moment of paradise. There is nothing demanding about this manifestation, there is everything to like about it, and the title reflects the artist’s thoughts simply and honestly and called, On the Way to Heaven.

I want to keep this review light as well; I am in need of a little bliss and harmony, so no need to gaze any further than Green’s next piece Afterglow. In the creation of this track Thomas created a part for his son, a prolific whistler apparently; the effect was rather magical and sounds in perfect harmony with Greens magical flute.

We now move to a sultry number called In the Moonlight in which a combination of flute and percussion builds upon a foundation of a smooth chilled vibe, this would be one of my personal favourites from the album, and if there were one piece to select as a possible single from the release, it would be this composition I would point to.

I was taken back by this next piece, as the first few opening bars reminded me of my last single release, so hats off to Thomas Green for employing a similar chilled musical narrative on this next arrangement, Saying I Do. The artist uses a low and high flute to represent the bride and groom in a song that is utterly sincere and heart felt, and apparently one that uses real church bells in its arrangement as well.

Now, here is a tale, this next track come from one of our all-time holiday movies The Wizard of Oz. I think I must have watched it some 50 times now, here Thomas Green gifts us his rendition of this all-time classic Over The Rainbow, and will bring chills all over your body it’s that good, I think that this is also the first time I have heard this song performed on flute too.

One of the moodiest creations from the album would come in the guise of this next manifestation entitled A Cry for the Ancients, this song is a composition for flute purists, each and all animal sounds and animalistic cries were made by Native American flutes, and the piece does indeed contain a wonderfully fluent and addictive indigenous sound to it, which in my view is one of the best performances by the artist on the album.

Mother's Call is utterly beautiful, with ease we could be in a deep dark forest as the early hours of the morning creep through the rafters of the trees, and through natures abundance we hear the call of nature cry out to its young, we cannot tell what creature this is, but its mystical nature hovers like a mist over a summer lake. A fine synth backdrop can be found here, and one of the most mysterious and mystical presentation by Green resides ever.

It’s now time to say Goodnight. This next blissfully serene composition is called just that, and is a perfect musical description of an end of a day, the weariness of sleep crawls over our bodies, and it’s time to roll over to our loved one, and appreciate a kiss goodnight before dropping off into dreamland, something I love to do each and every night. Here Green manifests a twinkling of ambience and calm with such consummate ease.

One of the first rock songs I learned to play on guitar was the opening to this next inclusion on the album, and called House of the Rising Sun, originally a folk song, but most who remember it, will remember the Animals version recorded in ‘64. This is a classy interpretation from Green on flute; he also uses the organ and guitar to back up his arrangement as well.

Our penultimate creation is Beneath the Blue Moon, this last but one offering is also one of my personal favourites too, it had such an easy way about its construction and nature, one could with ease just be laying out in the night sky, gazing up at the cosmos to this tune, at just past the half way juncture there is also a truly noteworthy interplay between the major and minor, in the song that brings one of the most beautiful creations on this new release to the fore.

Cappadocia is our last composition; the location of this track is but a few miles north of my current location of Cyprus, here Thomas incorporates a Middle Eastern feel into the music and adds a Native American flute into the weave, for one of the most inventive and artistic tracks off the album.

 In The Moonlight by Thomas Green is the breath of fresh air the flute genre needed right now, this uplifting new album is jam packed with interesting and exciting new styles and compositions, and should be a first choice for any avid listeners of flute with added instrumentation.

Here is something I don’t say lightly, but with the energy, fluency, style and intelligence that Green has created and used here, I have a feeling that the artist could well be looking at a number one album in the weeks ahead for, In the Moonlight by Thomas Green.

Chakra Balance By Liesbet Leroy

 

Chakra Balance

By

Liesbet Leroy

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It is rare that I come across an album whose subject matter is something that I have specialized in, but next year (2024) will celebrate my 20^th year as a Reiki Master Teacher, and Chakras follow Reiki, like a glove is designed for a hand. For those of you that are unaware what Chakras are, they are the energy centres of your body that some traditions and sources believe to regulate your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. According to these beliefs, there are seven main chakras, each corresponding to a different element and aspect of your being. So let’s take a look at the new Liesbet Leroy album Chakra Balance.

With that being said, we start as indeed we should at the base of everything, the Tree of Life (Root Chakra). Liesbet Leroy is one of the finest flute performers of her day, her level of sensitivity and artistic touch are beautifully balanced. On this deep foundation of a track she uses a Native drone flute in the key of C, this simply delicious opening piece truly does manifest a solid foundation for the journey ahead. In the background you will also hear a Buffalo hide Shaman drum, (I have one too) and a running stream, the stream enables us to flow from and to each Chakra.

Gentle Tides (Sacral Chakra) takes me back in time to the early part of this century, when I would meditate each day on my chakras, the piece also resonates with me through the musical manifestation of the Nada Tarangini, used by David Hykes and his harmonic choir back in the mid-80s, this is a harmonic stringed instrument that gives forth a lush eastern styled sound.

This piece raises the Chakra bar by one notch and Liesbet’s fluent performance bathes us in the light of the sacrum, a location that guides us through the whirlpool of emotions and teaches us to go with the flow of life. Her presentation on a Native Flute in D is deep, yet uplifting, pulling us with care up from the root, and into the flow of life.

The gentle natural sounds of this next piece is our grounding point, while the powerful Cello and Native Flute in the key of E create a wonderfully bright juxtaposition on the track, Power of the Sun (Solar Plexus Chakra). This is one of the most powerful and deeply moving offerings from the album, and this is a chakra where one can literally touch the energy of their own power and self-confidence. This performance from the artist has a depth within that is so vast and empowering, one cannot help but be attracted to it and all that it offers.

Once more up the scale we go to One Heart (Heart Chakra), the resonance is higher here, and an area that teaches us the importance of self-love and the truthful importance, to only trust those who would love you unconditionally. Liesbet uses an unusual instrumentation here, by playing a special Aeolian tuned alternating Native drone flute and a Native bass flute, both in F. The outcome is some of the most meditative flute I have heard for ages and at times reminded me of the work of Deuter and his legendary Buddha Nature album.

We climb this colourful spectrum of the Chakras by visiting a vortex of energy that I, as a radio presenter, must always keep clear, in Sacred Voices (Throat Chakra). This energy centre is all about maintaining the ability to speak your truth and speaking what is true, clear, and your honest opinion spoken with sincerity. Here is a pristine piece that upon the natural sounds of the wind carries the tones of a Native bass Flute in the key of G, this wonderfully organic and indigenous offering literally transports us into a whole new realm of communicative existence.

The grounding sounds of nature bathe us in the beauty of the moment as we transcend to the high plain of existence known as Inner Vision (Third Eye Chakra), we also hear for the first time a handpan drum, the hypnotic energies of this instrument combined with the returning Cello, gift us a glorious offering that illustrates our journey of the inner self, and what is also now our foresight or intuition. Liesbet’s ancient pueblo style flute in the key of A, draws a light and delicate narrative, one where we can be grounded in nature, but give in totally to the moment, allowing our senses to truly know which path to take us onwards.

The last manifestation is of course the Cosmic Energy (Crown Chakra), here is an all-encompassing composition that allows us to connect with our higher self, the us that knows, the us that is part of the whole. Here Liesbet uses a very long and special Mojave 6 bass drone flute in (B/E) made by the late Stephen deRuby, a man who I remember for his Sacred Spaces album back in 2004. This is a perfect concluding offering; a deep resonance can be found here, one that truly allows the tor of all we are to come into view. Here one can feel the respect, gratitude and honesty flow from the flute of the artist, in what could well be, the most emotive arrangement from the album.

Liesbet once said “I started playing the Native Flute in 2014. Playing it is like meditating to me. It has changed my life and brought me a lot of peace and relaxation”, after listening to this album I would like to personally echo that statement as well.

This is one of the finest, real and most relevant Chakra albums I have heard since the turn of the century; trust me I have heard and reviewed many in my years, but Chakra Balance by Liesbet Leroy is created by a person who simply gave herself to the moment and went with the flow. This is one of the most sublime meditative performances I have heard for ages, and as such should be held up as an honest and uplifting album that should be recommended listening for anyone interested in the art of meditation or chakra balancing fields, here is an album that is going to be loved by all those who listen.

A Different View By Vincent Boot

 

A Different View

By

Vincent Boot

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

My music lately has had a delightful touch of ambience about it, and this new single by Vincent Boot thankfully carries on the same vein of musical thought. This new work of course is the latest single from the artist and entitled A Different View, for me it was the best two minutes and thirty seven seconds I have spent listening to solo piano for simply ages.

Boot creates a wonderfully calm, almost timeless feel here on this new composition that is so very appealing. At the moment I sit on my own, with the late summer sun streaming in through my window, a beautiful breeze makes my curtains dance, and the shadows of an afternoon on the horizon move symbiotically with the dust further highlighted by the sun’s rays.

That aforementioned comment describes what for me is the mood and feeling manifested by Vincent on this new offering, his presentation on piano is nothing less than artistically sublime, and captures the same level of ambience of a Sunday morning in late September, calming, full of change, but completely tranquil and serene.

Personally I rate this new piece to be one of the finest compositions that Vincent has both created and played, to prove that point, I am now on my fifth consecutive listen as it is so delightful, which leaves me to say that surely if there is any justice in the world A Different View by Vincent boot should be a massive hit for the artist, and a must have for all fans of solo piano.

The Last Chapter B y Victor Birkan

The Last Chapter

B y

Victor Birkan

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Victor Birkan is one of those rare pianists that as soon as he starts playing, a story unfurls from the notes touched, and a whole new mood of music is created by a man who is a master of creating such heart felt and honest solo piano.

Here on his latest manifestation entitled The Last Chapter we can visualise through the musical narrative, a conclusion coming to the foreground, a dawning realisation that a matter is about to be finally ended, and all that has gone on before to create this ending point is revealed through the major and minor interplay in the single, it’s energy is like reading a book, much time has been invested into reading a certain novel, now it becomes evident, by the few pages left, that the final page draws ever nearer.

This is one of cleverest pieces yet manifested by Birkan, his performance itself is delightfully rhythmic as well, and it is indeed an arrangement that has great metre and fluency contained within too.

The Last Chapter by Victor Birkan could well be the most prolific release of his career so far, and his followers and the legions of solo piano fans will absolutely love every single second of this story telling new offering entitled, The Last Chapter.

 

The Pinnacle By Igor Lisul

 

The Pinnacle

By

Igor Lisul

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This brand new rapid fire rock single by Igor Lisul will take you on a memorable journey of electric guitar music; it’s like an end of summer track that will live on in your heart and mind forever, the power and flourishing musical narrative here is a classy near on 3 minutes of speed guitar that creates a melody that will live in the mind for ages.

For those who love instrumental rock guitar, there is a whole host of artists who could well be likened to this new single by Lisul, two of those could well be Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, the master and the student, and The Pinnacle certainly does have a feel that could be attributed to those two amazing luminaries of rock.

Here on this piece Igor lets the guitar do the talking, and manifests a creation that is both compelling and utterly addictive, here Lisul is in full flow, the energy is full throttle and one could almost see the steam rising from the raging hot strings of the artist’s guitar. If there is any instrumental rock guitar track will literally burn the headphones from your ears, then The Pinnacle by Igor Lisul must be the one to do it.

Awakening Mountain By Larry Gindhart Music

 

Awakening Mountain

By

Larry Gindhart Music

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There is nothing quite like a moment of solo flute to ease one into the day, the humble refrains of a flute played well, echo through the ages, in a timeless reverie of artistic joy. Here Gindhart performs on Native American styled flute and his latest single creation is called Awakening Mountain.

I have had the pleasure over the years of listening to solo flautists like Nigel Shaw, David Rose, and R. Carlos Naki, each of those and many others set the scene immediately with their presentations. I am elated to say that Larry continues that theme and does that very same thing here on Mountain Awakening.

This short form but beautiful opus is breath taking, as a small island here in Cyprus, we’re blessed with three mountain ranges, two of them very close to our home and our hearts, and this splendid new single composition would work perfectly watching the sunrise over the peaks. I must say that Gindhart as a flute performer has that artistic nuance that allows his skill set to flow freely like a late winter stream, simply put this is truly solo flute at its very best and very descriptive, and I can see nothing but success on the horizon for Awakening Mountain by Larry Gindhart Music.

The Whisper Resistance By Tom Caufield

 

The Whisper Resistance

By

Tom Caufield

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Tom Caufield is without doubt one of the finest instrumentalists of his day and certainly one of the most artistic creators of his trade. On this brand new album entitled The Whisper Resistance this statement is emphasised perfectly as Tom brings us one of the most compelling and thoughtful albums of the decade.

This creation is deeply emotional and riveting, its structures give us world weary listeners, a sanctuary to both explore and become the hermit of our lives within, listen to the opening as an example called Whisper One, featuring the vocals of Maya Rosenbaum, it may just be two minutes in duration, but this is a composition that sets the scene beautifully, with such a level of artistic grace and style too.

The album itself is some 8 tracks long and is a soothing musical narrative that everyone will want a slice of. On Navigating The Fall we see Caufield at his ambient best, listen to the textured pastiche of his acoustic guitar and the soft back drop of sound that is manifested here, this is so very touching, but so very palpable, listen also for the lush and imploring violin of Sangeet-Richard Downs, his performance adds so many extra layers to the arrangement, both Rosenbaum and Downs appear on multiple tracks on the album as well.

I have been a fan of Toms work for many years now and his ambient meaningful constructs never cease to please me; an example on this album would be the tracks The Pocket Cathedral and the title track itself The Whisper Resistance, both pieces are beautifully balanced, both are melodious in their own way, and both compositionally crafted with such intelligence and care.

While the concluding piece Fold In Slowly truly speaks as to who Tom Caufield is, artistic, tender of touch and emotionally connected to the art of manifesting amazingly moving instrumental music, this is without a shadow of a doubt one of the most ambient creations I have heard to leave a project, but one that will leave the listener with a sense of hope, pleasure and tranquillity.

The Whisper Resistance by Tom Caufield has to be his best work so far, from the very moment you press play you are taken to a world of calm hope and serene vistas. There can be little doubt that The Whisper Resistance is one of the most calming and mesmeric albums to have been released this year, and as usual, Toms music is a timeless collection of musical beauty and soothing tones, this is what the world needs more than ever now, so today it maybe now time to join the Whisper Resistance itself.

Most Beautiful By Ban Brothers

 

Most Beautiful

By

Ban Brothers

Written by

Chrissie Sheppard

 

Ban Brothers are back with another brand new single release, another from their forthcoming album “Guiding Star”. This time it’s a piece inspired by John Lennon and called Most Beautiful, and the inspiration can be heard within the music with ease.

This is another love song, or maybe it could be about being infatuated with someone, but either way, the lyrics are great, and written by Swagata "Ban" Banerjee, one of the Ban Brothers, the words are simple and easy to sing along to, and easy to remember, which goes a long way with the listener. I am sure that most people will have felt like this at some point in their lives about someone.

Most Beautiful is a beautiful ballad, and essences of John Farnham and even Van Morrison’s “Someone Like You” can be heard within the music, but this is very much a Ban Brothers release, as that laid back style associated with them, can be heard throughout the music.

This is another romantic, easy listening release from the brothers and should be received well by the general public as well as their ever growing legions of fans.

Within the Depths of Isolation By Timothy J.P. Gomez

 

Within the Depths of Isolation

By

Timothy J.P. Gomez

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Timothy J.P. Gomez is on an absolute roll at the moment, riding high in the singles chart with 22º Halo, he hasn’t rested on his laurels, but pushed forward with another amazing new release entitled Within the Depths of Isolation.  This one contains such a powerful and imposing mood, it seems very likely the flute performer could have no less that two major hits on his hands at once.

This is a marvellous introspective piece that you could play on repeat for hours, in content and energy it manifests a mysterious and similar mood, in the same way that Gheorghe Zamfir did with his soundtrack for the movie “Picnic At Hanging Rock” back in 1975, but even darker.

Gomez is a master creator on the flute; his compositions always draw a deeply compelling musical narrative, and within this new single that is no different, we are gifted well over 6 minutes to get lost in our own isolation, and perhaps coming from that seclusion we may well gain a valuable enlightenment.

Within the Depths of Isolation is a stunning performance on flute by Timothy J.P. Gomez, it’s a piece that hovers like an autumn mist in October, above a deeply fascinating mood creating drone, one that never lets you go. The artists captivating presentation is both gripping and utterly captivating, this composition would be perfect for a mysterious movie soundtrack with ease, but a sure fire hit none the less.

Kali by Radhika Vekaria

 

Kali

By

Radhika Vekaria

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Kali is a major Hindu goddess associated with time, doomsday, and death; Kali is also the first of the ten Mahavidyas in the Hindu tantric tradition. The goddess is stated to destroy evil in order to defend the innocent. Over time, Kali has been worshipped by devotional movements and Tantric sects variously as the Divine Mother and Mother of the Universe and is the title of the brand new single from Radhika Vekaria from her forthcoming album.

On this brand new single Radhika Vekaria delivers a sublime devotional composition that honours the goddess and all that she brings, this vibrant and rhythmic new creation is indeed divine and drifts between the chill out, devotional and global fusion genres.

The artist has gratefully given us well over 6 minutes to enjoy and explore this new offering, one that has a movement and fluency all of its own. The essence of this brand new offering is beautifully produced and mixed, hats off to George Landress there, and during this wonderfully fresh arrangement Radhika Vekaria brings us a timeless, reflective and respectful new single that is totally addictive and wonderfully presented. I can see nothing other than a huge success on the horizon for Kali by Radhika Vekaria.

Starlite By Russ Jones

 

Starlite

By

Russ Jones

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I was in the need of some much desired ambience today, I personally find that truly good ambient music helps to calm the mind and body, and ease one correctly into the day ahead, so with pleasure I took up the task of reviewing Starlite, the brand new album by Russ Jones, and found to my delight a virtual sanctuary of sound to bring joy and serenity to my somewhat stressed mind.

Starlite is a 12 track album of pure tranquillity and peace, and that journey into an ambient heaven starts with one of the most serene flute compositions you’re ever likely to hear on Soothe.

I defy you not to be brought to the door of calm whilst listening to this album; it is so blissful, tracks like Space and My Daughters Song will emphasise that completely. For me it is like Russ is creating a dimension of tranquillity as we voyage through this release, and that on its own is indeed a sublime experience.

There are also some delightful textured variants of beauty, for example the track She's The One, where a slightly more elevated energy can be found, but still one that retains its balance and peace, while offerings like the title track Starlite, have a colourful mysterious quality that seems to take us by the hand, and lead us into a realm of utter fancy.

This is an album of ambient greatness and reminds me of the work of Deuter at times, from his work in the latter part of the last century, if you could mix that with a little Brian Eno and his Lux album, you could be close to touching the hem of the essence provided here by Jones.

Starlite is concluded by the composition Old Blue; this arrangement for me is like a gentle flute tune to wake us perhaps from our reverie, but a timely touch of tender beauty from one of the best and most fluent flute albums of the year with ease.

Starlite by Russ Jones is a charm filled release; it is certainly a calming collection of undisturbed ambience. This style of flute performance and musical manifestation is the stuff of dreams, and a timeless collection of flute intelligence by allowing the flute itself to take us on the journey, and as such is without doubt, one of those albums I could listen to for hours on repeat and never get bored. I can see a huge chart placement for Starlite by Russ Jones ahead, this album is that good.

Love Serenade By Sophia Agranovich & Rupam Sarmah

 

Love Serenade

By

Sophia Agranovich & Rupam Sarmah

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This brand new single from Sophia Agranovich and Rupam Sarmah has to be one of the finest multi-instrumental creations I have had the pleasure of listening to this year.

The ever talented classical pianist Agranovich manifests a warm tone on her piano, whilst the smoothness of Lili Haydn’s violin adds a truly mournful repose to the arrangement. You will also find upon this new single several other artists in every sense of the word, in Hamid Saeidi on santoor with Aronyo Choudhary, whilst the sitar is gifted to us via Subhas Bose, and the sarod courtesy of Abhijit Ray.

Love Serenade steps into different genres with ease and crosses the boundaries of folk, classical, new age and global fusion with such style and grace, one that is sublimely engineered and produced in part by the musical genius that is Rupam Sarmah.

There is another redeeming factor on this new single, and that is the simply delicious 6 minutes plus duration of excellent music, this is instrumental music that unveils a charming narrative and thus needs the time to be there for the listener to explore all the nuances and pathways of artistic endeavour, which I may add it does superbly, which is also why I believe that Sophia Agranovich & Rupam Sarmah could well have a big hit on their hands with Love Serenade.

Love Alone Can Do By Ban Brothers

 

Love Alone Can Do

By

Ban Brothers

Written by

Andy Rogers

“Love Alone Can Do” is a brand new single release from Ban Brothers, the tenth single to be released from their forthcoming album “Guiding Star”. I have to say that of all the tracks I have heard from the album so far, this one is my favourite. This is an uptempo tune, performed in ¾ (waltz) time and with a definite World Music vibe, quite different to the Americana or Alt-Country of their other more recent singles.

“Love Alone Can Do” has upbeat, hopeful, heartfelt lyrics written and beautifully sung by Ban Banerjee. I especially love the use of the accordion on this track– it is an integral part of the performance and while undoubtedly the instrumental star of this single it blends perfectly with the rest of the band and gives the music almost a Cajun or “Tex-Mex” feel: think of the band Calexico around the time of their Hot Rail or Black Light albums and you’ll be on the right lines here.

We are told that the forthcoming album, Guiding Star, is themed on hope, inspiration and love… This wonderful uplifting single, which is released August 25^th, fits that brief perfectly and deserves to do very well for Ban Brothers and also augurs well for the album “Guiding Star” to be released in the near future. 

Mayan Trails By Michelle Qureshi

 

Mayan Trails

By

Michelle Qureshi

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

To be honest it is always a pleasure to listen to any Michelle Qureshi composition, her style, presentation and arrangements always either take you on a delightful musical journey, or embrace you and keep you fully in the moment, today we go with the first of the two as we voyage deep into the forests of Mesoamerica as we find ourselves on the Mayan Trails.

The Maya have always fascinated me, but as I am on the other side of the globe, any journeying into their civilization will have to be done vicariously, and this single from the artist certainly does the job. Qureshi has been on fire recently, it seems she has re-found her muse and once again it shows on this rustic offering, we can even imagine her performing whilst on the trail, the song is so realistically manifested.

Michelle’s performance on Mayan Trails holds that mysterious vibe, whilst the minor chord structures and notes add a deeper flavour to the track which is simply bathed in the moment of a trip to perhaps an ancient temple. The harmonics and subtle flow of this composition create a piece that whilst tranquil, manifests a compelling musical narrative to thoroughly enjoy. Nothing other than a successful trip on the singles chart should be the outcome here for Mayan Trails by Michelle Qureshi.

Iridescence By Louis Anthony deLise ft Nancy Rumbel

 

Iridescence

By

Louis Anthony deLise ft Nancy Rumbel

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This has to be one of the most fascinating and complex creations I have heard from Louis Anthony deLise, it’s called Iridescence and features one of the finest oboists around called Nancy Rumbel, a lady whom I first came into contact with musically some years or so ago with regard to recordings with both Eric Tingstad and David Lanz.

Here on this brand new single they manifest something completely original and add some instrumentation that even I have never heard of before. Louis Anthony deLise is well known for creating piano pieces that have a light and soothing narrative, and then combining them with lush melodies, here with Nancy Rumbel, a more explorative nuance is taken, and quite frankly one that I utterly adored.

Rumbels touch manifests a mysterious tone into the proceedings, one with a colourful layered tapestry of reflection, whilst deLise brings an empowering piano, one that births avenues of an ambient sound, that at times took me back to the late 80s in mood, and with that added instrumentation of a wine bottle xylophone into the mix, I kid you not, it works amazingly well and thus brings forward one of the most in-depth, and artistic compositions this year to my door, and that cannot be a bad thing.

I sense a big hit coming here for Iridescence by Louis Anthony deLise ft Nancy Rumbel, and so it should be too, creative and imaginative endeavours like this deserved to be rewarded.

Freedom Road By Ian Cameron Smith

 

Freedom Road

By

Ian Cameron Smith

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It is so nice to get to review some Blues, perhaps from an unexpected source, but brilliant Blues never the less. Today we can travel the rhythmic highway of Freedom Road by Ian Cameron Smith, a man more known in the music world for his mellow acoustic new age guitar work.

Freedom Road is the title track from his latest album and I have to admit it’s like a breath of fresh air, as the guitarist brings some of the finest performances I have heard in the genre for years, its vibrant and smooth tones and the added harmonica makes this a truly special offering indeed.

I did mention to Ian that one of my favourite Blues artists was and still is the amazing Robert Cray, and there is something most certainly about this song that reminds me of Crays Right Next Door (Because of Me) from his Strong Persuader album in ‘86.

Here Ian pulls of a pitch perfect performance, one that any Blues fan would be proud of having in their collection, a splendid mix indeed and a song that should without doubt remain a constant on my player for ages. This track and the album has to be embraced by all those who adore quality music, and classy music production, and as such, will be absolutely adored by his fans, so check out Freedom Road by the simply breath taking Ian Cameron Smith as soon as you possibly can.