Zero Gravity By David J. Peña

 

Zero Gravity

By

David J. Peña

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There can be no doubt that David J. Peña must be one of the most exciting and inspiring pianists of his day, he has that Midas touch with instrumental music that bodes so very well for his future. One only has to cast a look over the shoulder at his last release The Journey, a huge chart topping album that is still charting to this day, quite amazing indeed, but now it’s time for us to voyage once again as we head onwards and upwards, and into Zero Gravity.

Blast off can be achieved by the proud title track; a soft textured start can be found within this offering as we arrive at a point of observation that is almost too vast to think of, looking down from the perspective of an astronaut upon our beloved planet. Zero Gravity is one of those title tracks that burst into a symphonic bliss at the half way marker, leaving you with chills and a tear of appreciation in the eye of the beholder and listener, this is instrumental music at its very best.

The second piece off this release has a wonderfully reflective feel to it, once more that power and intensity are here, the build and progression of this composition is some of the best you will find, there is also a feeling of purpose and intent to be found within the mastery of this piece that is so compelling.
Hour Glass is a constant reminder for us to squeeze as much as we can into our lives, it’s our only one chance to make a difference. The highlights of this incredible arrangement for me were the crescendo and the orchestration, which danced so perfectly with the artist’s piano.

On Dreams We Shared we have a delightful floaty compositional style that seems to bathe in the memory palace of a time well spent; this is Peña on home ground, a full flourishing musical narrative on piano, partnered by perfected orchestration and the juxtaposition of musical thought and reality were simply divine. One could through the composition, truly imagine emotional thoughts, hearts missing a beat, and utter love pouring from the piano on this one.

This track seemed familiar to me for some reason and reminded me of the Holland Phillips song Save The Dance, and called Will You Dance, this would make a good ballad, the lead into the main body of the composition is delicate and delightfully textured, whilst the timing of the orchestration and gentle classical style of it, is something truly to enjoy. There is also a sense of romanticism within this offering that has such a regal posture, that is amazingly compelling in its mood, perhaps even a soundtrack could be found here on this specific track.

This is a piece that I can personally relate too; this year for me on a personal level has been a real breakthrough time for many reasons, so a track like Renewed is so very relevant. I have cast aside old unneeded chains, fears and baggage, and now revel in the dawning of another new day to be so very grateful for. The artist’s performance on this piece is so incredibly powerful, his arrangement speaks for all of us who are now free from oppression of some sort or the other, and can now dance in the freedom and happiness of a glorious sunrise.

Childhood Memories is the very piece that takes us over the half way line of the album, this is the releases feel good moment, and it has all the elements of a big old heart-warming hug. Through the artists gentle and thoughtful performance we are gifted a reflective glance into his past, the trial and tribulations that have made him the man he is today, this is a wonderfully fluent gratitude composition, beautifully performed by the pianist.

The sadness and despair in this next piece is evident, it’s is like a young, lost and lonely child has lost their way, however this dramatic performance by the artist really shows the true colour of the composer, the orchestration, the intensity of the piano and exploding crescendos takes us in a full circle, from despair, to conclusion, from loneliness to loving comfort and care, and Forgiven ends with a crafted and sensitive coda to conclude with.

With certainty we are floating within the deeper waters of the release now and as we do so we come across a charming musical narrative entitled Jeannette. Here is a dedication if you ever wanted to hear one, and written with his daughter in mind many years ago. I for one am gland that David included this light hearted reverie in the album, its energies have so much freedom of expression and happiness about them.

Well here we are at the penultimate piece off the release, and a track called Daydream beams its sparkling radiance over us, and what a composition indeed. Once more the pace, intent and progression all flows into one glorious sea of transcendent beauty, again the artist has manifested a soundtrack offering on this track, this is a true reverie of a better life ahead, from rags to riches, but then we see a slow slide back to the reality, but the awareness is, that even though your days dreams may just be that, life’s not that bad after all, and thus the of lesson of gratitude is learned once more.

The final piece is waiting for us now; this last gift from the composer is called Awaiting Your Return. David has become a true story teller of romantic songs, and on this one his cinematic styled romanticism is incredibly powerful. We could with ease imagine many scenes where lovers are parted, and through great struggle and strife they eventually find the way back into each other’s arms, there can be no doubt that Peña has created for us on this last track, a real power play of a composition with which to end with, and utterly succeeded in doing so.

Zero Gravity by David J. Peña is, and I apologise for any tired old clichés, but when I say it, it is true; Zero Gravity is the best work by the artist thus far, Peña is now excelling in his musical narration and is fast becoming one of the most compelling story tellers of his genre. Zero Gravity by David J. Peña is an outstanding new release that will rivet you to the spot and demand to be listened to, it’s an epic work that must surely be guaranteed top spot on the charts with utter ease.

Many Branches By Lynn Tredeau

 

Many Branches

By

Lynn Tredeau

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It is so nice to hear from Lyn Tredeau again, her last creation Reflection seems such a long while ago, but it wasn’t really. Now one of the most creative and emotive female pianists of her day is back with a new manifestation of great songs with an album called Many Branches, and it is this journey through music we now most willingly go.

The opening piece is both delicate but deep in its intent, and one may add, extremely reflective. Tredeau is a true artist in every sense of the word, and here on Room with a View, one can almost visualise the musician sitting gazing out at the mountains while her hands caress the pianos keys, and what comes from them is utter beauty and gratitude, in one of the most loving opening compositions I have heard for quite some time.

Sunshine Tomorrow is our next musical port of call; this is without doubt a soft manifestation of sound, one filled with hope, grace and appreciation, her presentation here is melodic, but always within that structure, there is a refrain that sings of better days to come.

I must admit I am a total lover of the moodiness of the piano, from Beethoven to Bach, from Lanz to, Tredeau, here comes a piece heading your way right now and called On a Distant Hill. There is a wonderfully colourful mysterious quality about this track that I love. Nature is a constant in my life, rolling hills doubly so, one even appears on my last album cover shrouded with mist, it is so pictorial, as indeed is this masterful arrangement.

Many times I have gazed out of my window to see boats drifting across the horizon and over the curve of our beautiful planet; their hulls caress the oceans depths, and as the artist says they simply, Sail Away. This is a beauty of a creation, and Tredeau’s presentation is as sun kissed as the piece itself, new pianists would do themselves a favour by just listening to the harmonic bliss and fluency of this track alone, it is perfection.

The curiously entitled Moon Jellies is up next, interestingly enough this song is about jellyfish, one specific species that the title of this song illuminates; I live on the coast where occasionally we see them, but it’s rare, but it’s also quite beautiful to watch them propel their delicate frames through the water, here the artist spectacularly captures this graceful almost ballet styled movement, through the keys of her trusty piano with an artistic ease.

Now I cannot remember the last time we had rain, so if we get any soon, I will be happy dancing in it! Here on Desert Rain, we have an occurrence that is rare, but it does happen, I live in a very hot country and sometimes it can rain and almost evaporate before it hits the ground, you have to be quick to enjoy it. The slow movement here by Tredeau could well be illustrating the sluggish storm clouds path before despatching their thinly veiled mist as it falls from the sky; this is a wonderfully composed composition, packed with a slow tempered, yet pictorial energy, employing so creatively manifested musical nuances within that are so very appealing.

We are now well within the confines of the second half of this most fine album by Lyn Tredeau and as we tread ever deeper we come across a drifting and harmonic composition entitled Envisaging. This pristine creation has the mood of a waltz within its nature, and its lightness may indeed manifest a mood where literally anything is possible.

Ilunabarra is up next; it is nice to learn something new every day, and apparently this word represents the perfect sunset, something we’re blessed with nearly every day of the year here in Cyprus. Winter sunsets are indeed amazing, so with that in mind I am happy to report that in my view this composition would be perfect for that pre-dusk occasion, the tenderness and artistic intelligence of this arrangement is simply sublime.

To be honest I cannot remember if I have ever ridden upon a Carousel, however the likely hood is very good. This is another very delicate creation by the artist; the high notes here build on the slow swing of the piece to give us a happy refrain, and to bring to the world a piece that is irresistible. 

We are now swimming in the deeper pools of the album as we come across Shadows, the careful and somewhat mournful approach here reminds me of the aforementioned David Lanz in texture, this however is a mysterious and almost deceptive arrangement, illustrating how one can never be sure of what may be hiding just around the corner of life’s rich tapestry, then it occurred to me also, that this very piece would have gone down really well in any movie created by the ever dark, but artistic Tim Burton.

Well we have arrived at the penultimate track off this wonderful new album by Lyn Tredeau called Many Branches, and as we do so we are gifted one more track, in the ever hugging energy of Technicolor Blanket. It is amazing how a simple item either of clothing or a household object can retain such a thing as an emotional response, but it does, I seem to remember the same thing in my life, however the artist has gone one stage further and created a very personal composition about the said blanket, its uses and the memories that it still evokes for her to this day.

The cleverest thing a composer can do is manifest the last track off of any album and that offering is so well created that it leaves the listener wanting more; a compelling concluding song on this very release has been brought into life by the artist and called Morning's Promise. With each sunrise we as creators of our own worlds have the opportunity to do so much good, this in my view is not only a great way with which to leave the album, I also think its anthem like structure could also make a good single for the artist too.

Many Branches by Lynn Tredeau is a very good album; dare I use the old worn out cliché of it being her best work thus far? I am going to yes, this release has a new Tredeau, she has taken her life’s journey and written a full album that holds dear to the wisdom gained, and the knowledge found, this is what musical story telling is all about, and I have no hesitation to state this is a must have for all fans of solo piano, and an album that will be a massive hit on the charts.

Next to Nowhere By Chasm

 

Next to Nowhere

By

Chasm

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Chasm is an undeniable duo and also purveyors of sublime contemporary instrumental music, the blissful refrains from Next to Nowhere are a treat to the ears, a repetitive tale of classy influential music that will take the listener on an almost meditative journey of sorts.

This is one of those singles that simply begs to be listened to, the harmonic convergence of acoustic guitar flute and keyboards majestically manifest a musical realm that drifts across the valleys of time itself.

Mark Esakoff creates some memorable moments on this new single with his guitar, reminding me at times of segments found within glorious progressive rock tracks of the 1970’s, whilst Michael Whipple on both flute and keyboards brings a melodious and fluent timbre and tone into the proceedings.

This is most certainly one of those releases that will be played on repeat by many, it will be loved by fans and seekers of truly good instrumental music worldwide, and I have a sneaky feeling, this could be a huge chart hit for them also.

Winterlüde By David Arkenstone

 

Winterlüde

By

David Arkenstone

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I used to be a summer child, one who wanted to run free in the golden fields of August’s rich palate, but now I have grown older, I take much solace and beauty from both autumn and winter, I now truly appreciate them. Winter especially is a time of year when nature holds its own court and creates a natural stasis, one that allows us to breath in the freshness of a January day. Here on this brand new album by David Arkenstone, we have all that and more in one of the most picturesque seasonal voyages ever, within the realms of this brand new release Winterlüde.

Arkenstone is a household name in the dimension of new age, neo classial and instrumenal music, but I believe on this new collection of fine songs, some of his best work may bell be hidden in the snow drifts of musical brillance within, for example, listening to the opening offering entitled Warm Lights Flicker Across The Lake is a pleasure beyond pleasures, the tone of this graphic, yet melodic arrangement, is a multi-instrumental delight, a soundtrack even for the dark days of winter, the gentle chimes, the flowing orchestration is in itself a January sunrise of geat inner reflection.

The tendrils of a more modern styled keyboard can be found on this next charming musical narrative entitled The Icy Brook Finds Its Way, its repetitive yet flowing structures highlight the energies of a stream in February, one that continues to drift like the tide of life, never ending, never ceasing. The string sections here added such a deep resonance to this creative arrangement.

I have often romanticised on how flakes of falling snow are like kisses upon the warmth of our delicate cheeks, here on Kisses from the Falling Snow I can once again, through the medium of this quite breath taking opus, vicariously feel that sensation and enjoy its nuances, this has to be one of the most delicate performances I have heard on an Arkenstone album, its warming embrace is as tender as the keyboards and soft strings that flow from it.

As autumn fades into the misty haze of an early December morning, we can slide down the icy pathway and into the all-embracing next offering entitled The World Sleeps. The slow swirling pace of this textured instrumental composition is akin to a very long sleep, when all falls away and we find ourselves drifting in silence. The delicate nature of the strings on this creation is divine and almost meditative at times.

I have heard David in dark ambient mode a few times, here on Darkening Skies, we have that mixed with his ever popular lord of the rings styled orchestration, the build and progression in this piece is extremely clever and draws an exciting narrative of something coming, looming low and ominous on the horizon, eyes widen on children as this could be our first snow fall of the year! The piano here is incredibly powerful, regal in energy and incredibly descriptive.

There are many tales to be told here that simply ask for a little moment of reflection, an installing of the imaginative processes for best total outcome, Little Mysteries in the Snowy Woods is a fine example, it is without doubt one of the most artistic pieces from the release, and builds carefully and inwardly employing a blissfully powerful bass line, an uplifting orchestration, a gentle and guiding onward musical narrative, and some of the most lush vocalisations ever, this is classic Arkenstone and one of the finest example of truly brilliant contemporary instrumental music you are ever likely to find.

Winter can be one of the most profitable times for times for us musicians; I adore walking across the sands in January, when the beaches are bare and there is no one around, this to me is utter ambience and a clear palate with which to create on, this next piece by the musician is a beautiful example of an artist who uses this time of year to explore further his connection to its days, in the track The Return of Jack Frost. The soft glowing start is a tapestry of tone and timbre that is rare to even find these days, and then through great mastery it grows into a work of electronic genius, and then adds a crisp orchestration within its idyllic structures, simply amazing indeed.

Surrounded by Silence took me back to the late 1980’s for some strange reason, the opening of this piece and its melody reminded me of a time in my past that was true and actually real, so with ease I found this offering to be one of the most emotional arrangements I have heard for many years. How often do we allow ourselves the luxury of not just being in the moment, but also of just standing in the silence of it all? Here Arkenstone explores that narrative with some of the most expressive and imploring multi-instrumentation you’re likely to hear, the melody is incredibly compelling and deeply moving, this is utter class.

We drift into the doorway now of our penultimate creation, it is entitled The White Cathedrals. If there was one piece from this album that could be used in a movie then this composition would be one I would point to for any potential director, it has everything needed, it captures the imagination with its careful approach, it caresses the soul with its lush colourful build and textures, which in turn make it so cinematic to listen to, this for me has to be one of the most beautiful compositions I have heard this year with ease.

Upon the crisp light of dawn we rise and gaze across the dreaming fields, we watch a flock of birds head further south, as the silent trees stand in the stasis of evermore. For me this last track entitled Whispers of the Winter Wind, describes in music my aforementioned statement. This is simply wonderful, I think back over the decades and wonder if anyone has explored winter as well as this, and in all honesty I can count those moments on one hand only. The ethereal vocals added to the swirling orchestration of the arrangement, leaves the listener in total awe and heavenly bliss, with one of the cleverest and most intelligent endings to an album ever, by a man who is indeed a true master of his trade.

Winterlüde by David Arkenstone has been for me one of the best spent 40 minutes and 49 seconds of music listening ever, and considering I have been a music writer for some 10 years now that says a lot. Here is a release crafted by the pen of a man who clearly not only knows his trade, but feels his creations from deep down inside his very essence. Winterlüde by David Arkenstone is the artist at his very best, it is an album that that should be an absolute must for this winter, and to be played during all subsequent ones. Arkenstone is an artisan of the instrumental genre, and this could very well become one his best known releases of all time I truly rate it that highly.

Stream of Oblivion By Victor Birkan

 

 

Stream of Oblivion

By

Victor Birkan

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There is one thing that is for certain in the realm of solo piano, and it is that Victor Birkan always has something up his sleeve for every occasion, he is such a prolific composer and such a flourishing performer, when Birkan starts to play, every one stops to listen.

This most certainly can be said on his latest single Stream of Oblivion, which contains some of the most passionate and imploring musical narratives seen as of yet by the musician.

Birkan is a story teller; a musical magician of memorable and sometimes incredibly haunting piano tales, and here on this latest release, Birkan employs his trusty Felt Piano, and drives us down a much darker and reflective musical alley way. The construction of this composition allows the artist to drift and build from two different musical realms, with the lighter segments matching the darker ones with an enticing symbiosis of mood.

Stream of Oblivion by Victor Birkan flows like a deep river, one that is filled with expectation, reflection and emotional fortitude, this I would say it one of Birkan’s most powerful of pieces, and as such, it should be a huge hit with fans of the genre.

Shifting Sands – Extended (2023) By Fearful Symmetry

 s

Shifting Sands – Extended (2023)

By

Fearful Symmetry

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It’s a wonderful thing to be back in your own back yard, but here I am, standing in it, and it feels good, I have been a progressive rock fan since the tree shook loose ELP; I remember a smile creping across my face back in 1972 when my mother called out that, supper was ready! So it is with utter glee that a single from the 2018 formed UK prog rock band Fearful Symmetry lands on my desktop and entitled Shifting Sands – Extended (2023).

There is so much in here that is familiar, good and refreshingly new; firstly the world and global fusion vibe is incredibly exciting, I have not heard anything as breath-taking since Afro Celt Sound System, with those eastern elements of world and global fusion, and new age artist Phil Thornton thrown in for good measure, mix that with superb pulsating percussion, riveting guitar work, that had the energies of a Rush inspired Lifeson and harmonic ethereal vocals, that flowed like the Nile in autumn.

This is a superior work of new progressive rock that deserves all the plaudits it can get, and shout outs must got to the band members Yael Shotts, Sharon Petrover and Suzi James for producing something so rhythmically compelling, and incredibly exciting.

Estonia By Richard Theisen

 

Estonia

By

Richard Theisen

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The rise and return of New Age music continues to amaze me, it makes me glad to see that this genre is alive and kicking, and this new instrumental offering from Richard Theisen is making some major headway with listeners around the globe, so let’s now journey with this colourful new pastiche of music entitled Estonia.

The fluency of this release is something to marvel, we just seem to swim from one beautiful composition to the next in a tapestry of textured bliss. Magical examples of this are the delightful refrains of the opening piece Freya's Tears, a song that climbs high, raises the emotions and inspires, and the dream like rhapsodies of Brezien Dreams, a track, as a Greek mythologist I found fascinating, but Theisen beautifully portrayed what we do know of this goddess of dreams and the ocean within the Greek Pantheon, quite exquisitely.

The entire album transfixes the listener, its encapsulating tones are lush and embracing, with the colourful title track Estonia shining proud, and offerings like Goldenwulf floating with an ethereal intensity, we really do have it all to enjoy on this new release from the artist.

The folk ethics of Lavinia are utterly mesmeric, whilst tracks like Rivermyst draw a wonderfully romantic tone into the proceedings; the delightful piano has served Theisen well over the years, and his multi-instrumental talents are abundant in all its glory within this stunning new album.

The concluding pieces are the mysterious and darker energies of Nordic Whispers, a piece where the keyboards and added instrumentation cry out of the borderlands of time itself, while the final parting gift of Twilight gives us a sensitive and centred offering, to literally float out of the release with, a song with a delightfully meditative nuance within its manifestation, but one that contains a certain harmonic bliss to enjoy as well.

Estonia by Richard Theisen is one of those albums that assures you that all is very well indeed in the realms of instrumental music, this is a quality album that not only hits all the right notes, but its intelligent build and progression, along with it’s calming and wonderfully artistic influence is both soothing, and inspiring, and for me is without doubt one of the most original and creative albums I have listened to this year with utter ease. 

Afternoon Rye By Shambhu

 

Afternoon Rye

By

Shambhu

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

We now swim into an ocean of serenity with Shambhu and a new single entitled Afternoon Rye. This is another of those very easy on the ears creations from the artist, and one that could easily illustrate for me, pulling back the curtains, opening the windows and watching the day unfurl around you, the contentment that the guitarist brings here is vast and deeply relaxing.

This is the second single to be released for the forthcoming album Acoustic Oasis, which will be released in October, and is an exciting new offering indeed. Afternoon Rye is going to be a huge hit with fans of relaxing instrumental music the world over though, each and every note played by Shambhu ushers forth a river of tranquillity to swim within, and something we will do most willingly.

There is something so deeply satisfying about this graceful new single; it has a certain charm that is utterly undeniable, and one must also say that the performance which heralds the arrival of this new song is both beautifully manifested and colourfully played, another big hit must be on the cards for the artist here.

Guiding Star By Ban Brothers

 

Guiding Star

By Ban Brothers

Written by

One World Music Radio

 

Ban Brothers have released their brand new album Guiding Star, an album consisting on 12 tracks, all released as singles, some with different versions on the album. It is their first full-length album in seven years, since the release of their album "All About Love: Music From The Heart" back in 2016, and their first full-length, 100% English language album.

The new Ban Brothers album Guiding Star, is an album that is full of hope and over flowing with love, the release will take you back to the golden days of the 90's, those lush colourful summers when young hearts ran free. Ban Brothers with Guiding Star have set free the spirit of love, kindness, compassion and uplifting encouragement, and in doing so presented us with an album that is both totally addictive and undeniably good.

The album opens with Dream High, a really fun piece, which could be a bit of a pop classic. Dream High has a message to follow and a foot tapping narrative that is hard to resist, and features the vocals of someone called Sunny. It has shades of Christopher Cross, Chris Rea and Squeeze within the music.

There are shades of a multitude of genres with an uplifting narrative that is something to behold and to be grateful for on this next arrangement, This is Life. The vocals of Rocky assist the brothers, and the flow of the arrangement gives us elements of Americana, light rock, pop and many other styles, and all done with such craft and intelligence, that each and every listener will find something that touches them deep within the veils of this song.

Ban Brothers are again joined by Rocky on lead vocals to take us back to those heady days of bands like Crowded House or Mike And The Mechanics on this next arrangement, Tomorrow's Gonna Rain. There is also a driving essence within that is utterly infectious, with a musical menu that is wide and vast, there is also a hint of The Moody Blues and a slight touch from time to time of a Beatles influence deep within the weave too.

Imagination is up next. Once again session vocalist Rocky joins the brothers, on this uplifting, extremely hopeful new song. The lyrical content is now more valid than ever before, even more perhaps than the 60s, but one has to have hope. This folk-pop ballad has also a wonderful swing to its melody, very similar to how Cat Stevens captured the imagination back in the day.

The title track is up now, Guiding Star. and the brothers may have created an anthem for a TV show or perhaps even a charitable advert here, as it certainly builds upon a narrative of positivity and hope, something we all need today more than ever. The song itself has been described as cinematic pop, and in some ways that goes to confirm my aforementioned statement of its style, the lyrics are sung with power, intensity and purpose by session vocalist Rocky, a regular with the Brothers. One may find elements of folk within this new song, with shades of a mysterious nature perhaps, however, I believe it would be perfect for a show like Stranger Things, one could with ease see it succeed in that arena.

Songs about love have been the main stay for the popular music scene since I can remember, to express this most powerful of emotions within music is an art indeed, but here Ban Brothers do it with such consummate ease on Love Makes My World is one that features the startlingly brilliant vocals of the legendary Scott Oatley. The influence of unconditional love is strong within this track, a piece that reminded me of the classic days of bands like Crowded House or Mike and the Mechanics, here the artists have added flavours and textures of folk and country and layered flowing pop motifs on top of that as well.

Move On, with that pop, soft rock vibe is our next port of call. The music reminds me of the band Squeeze from the 80s and 90s with its upbeat tempo and with lyrics that encourage you to be strong and to keep going, sung by session vocalist Ethan C, the music is encouraging with its ever onward beat.

This song, Nothin’ Like This (album version) featuring session vocalist Robbie, is very much in the mould of indie-style rock, tinged with Americana and touches of country here and there. It’s an upbeat tune and the hopeful and cheerful lyrics reflect that. The guy’s obviously loved and lost before but this time, he feels he’s found somebody special. The repeating message, is that nothing like this ever happened to him before, (we’ve probably all been there).

The next arrangement is In My Dream (album version), the texture of the song is more of a ballad, and the guitar within this latest creation was extremely effective and once again features the vocals of Rocky. This composition is a tonal expression of love, and its flowing musical prowess creates an honest and heart felt narrative. This crafted manifestation floats like a harmonic cloud between the valleys of folk, pop and 90’s music with such ease. This is a song to enjoy and remember perhaps the carefree notions of young love; also it may remind you of acts like The Rembrandts or The Church back in the day.

Love Alone Can Do is up now, an up tempo tune, performed in ¾ (waltz) time and with a definite World Music vibe. Love Alone Can Do has upbeat, hopeful, heartfelt lyrics written and beautifully sung by Swagata "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 line here.

We now arrive at 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, the words are simple, 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, which can be heard throughout the music.

We swim now into the welcome arms of our concluding track entitled Nothin' Gets Lost (album version), this is a driving creation, with an almost cross-over 80’s/90’s feel that reminded me of the California based band of that era called The Jellyfish featuring the vocals of session vocalist Ethan C. The positive upbeat narrative is the perfect way with which to leave the project, a song with a passionate vibrancy all of its own and a level of positivity to hold onto as the notes fade away.

Afterthoughts Gary Schmidt

 

Afterthoughts

Gary Schmidt

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It’s been a while since I have bathed in the calming refrains of a Gary Schmidt album, if I remember correctly it was in the year that everyone wants to forget 2020, and we relaxed with Gary in the realm of A Classical Meditation, skip forward 3 years and we are at a new place in time and tide as Gary Schmidt now presents to us a 10 track album full of colour, positivity, new beginnings and hope, in this amazing fresh release Afterthoughts.

The opening foray is startlingly brilliant; a lively up-tempo offering entitled This New Day, here Gary plays with a flourish, a passion for life. A true excitement can be felt within his performance, one that is like pulling back the curtains on a beautiful early summer morning, as there is just about everything to look forward to from the cadence of the day. Listen carefully for the crafted interplay between major and minor, in a largely forward thinking offering, tinged with a clever little mood of reflection.

One of my personal favourites, of which there were many, would be this following composition called The Stillness of Flow, whilst Gary played the piano with such emotion, it was easy for me to visualise a river in full flow, then those quiet moments when the waters find a drifting eddy with which to float and just be, much like life really. This for me is true artistic flair and emotive brilliance, and all presented with such passion and desire.

Ancient Time Telling was released as a single earlier on this year and contained such a delightful string section which with ease danced with the maestro’s piano, for me this was and is one of the pianist’s most memorable pieces, a timeless refuge of memory, reflection and storytelling, all brought together by a thoughtful hand on the musical tiller. 

It is time now to just relax and enjoy the classical styles created by Schmidt on this next arrangement entitled Transcendental Etude, a composition, that from my research, is one of the most difficult to perform, and considered a triumph of piano literature. Here that technical side of the artist comes forward and completes this presentation with an unbridled success, this is a piece to sit down and listen to without distraction, and then stand and applaud at its conclusion, it really is that good.

We arrive at the half way juncture and as we do we come across light hearted reverie entitled Face that Lights My Face. The magical energy about this specific piece is the beautiful fluency and flow of the track. Schmidt manifests something so incredibly beautiful, and with the touch on each key a new tone is brought into our musical reality, this is a classic feel good creation.

A short form narrative is now before us called simply Impromptu and composed originally back Sibelius back in the 1890’s, as an arrangement this is quite forward thinking and was also part of the romantic era in classical piano too. Here the artist gifts us a gentle fluent composition that holds a slight note of mystery and passion within its constraints.

One cannot help but love this next piece entitled Ellen's Song, here is a track bathed in loving respect, the warmth that flows from this composition is like a warm hug in the middle of winter, one will find added strings within the composition that add a delightfully sublime layer and texture of a calming reverie into the piece.

The short musical narrative of Berceuse (Cradle Song) is up next; here Gary in less than two minutes brings peace, tranquillity and serenity to the fore in charming heart-warming performance, one that leads us beautiful into the final segments of the album.

We now reach the penultimate track off the album and it is called Simply Reflected. Schmidt pulls off one of his best performances on this offering, one that is artistically sublime, but also technically brilliant. Again this is a track that needs to be enjoyed with the attention towards the structures of the arrangement, the sublime melody which for me illustrated one of the finest solo piano juxtapositions I think I have heard for years.

The concluding creation is a composition brought into this world by Shuman and called Dreaming. Schmidt leaves us with an arrangement that nestles into the arms and breathes a sigh of peace before drifting off into a night time reverie, a delightfully warming way with which to leave an album indeed.

Afterthoughts by Gary Schmidt is one of those blissful albums that you could spin in a moment of happy solitude, and bathe in the moment with, it’s music to ease the mind and sooth the soul, where the artist highlights his technical prowess, his studies on reflection and his tender touches of emotional understanding. Afterthoughts by Gary Schmidt is an all-round fantastic album, the phrase is indeed old, but there is indeed something for everyone within this new offering of piano mastery.

Horizon By Elisabeth Niggl

 

Horizon

By

Elisabeth Niggl

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Listening to Horizon by Elisabeth Niggl was a happy occasion, her style on her latest single took me back to the start of the century, and a part of my vast new age collection of Cd’s, yes I did mention Cd’s, part of that collection contained work similar to this wonderful new single, ah such sweet memories

Horizon starts with an indigenous drum beat, the smart beats of an electronic back drop filters through into the composition in such a clever and well thought out way, while the keyboards manifested for me a mood of a wondrous view, maybe that of one seen from reaching the top of a huge hill. The melody floats with the clouds and manifests such calm and tranquillity.

This symbiotic well-presented styled piece, its compositional structures and electronic patterns reminded me of two old friends from this genre in Gandalf from his Earth and Sky album from 2003, and the glorious new age performer Phil Thornton and his album Transformation from 1999.

Horizon by Elisabeth Niggl I believe is a timeless reverie of song, its music that you will remember in the years ahead for some personal reason; however it is that good that I have a feeling a potential number one could be on the cards for Horizon by Elisabeth Niggl.

Inception By Elisabeth Niggl

 

Inception

By

Elisabeth Niggl

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This is a truly addictive composition by Elizabeth Niggl; it is called Inception and gifts the listener an upbeat crossover single, one that drifts between several genres, mainly electronic and flute; however the percussive energies within this new offering were incredibly rhythmic and intense too.

The slow almost ambient start was quickly transformed into a deeper more intense arrangement as the flute built upon a solid foundation of a mysterious offering. Indigenous essences arrive with the drum beat, and the flutes dance with it.

I haven’t heard flute played in this style since the great Terry Oldfield on his album Zen - The Search for Enlightenment back in ‘91; however the artist would go further adding the electronic beat in a Berlin styled performance, and in doing so manifested one of the most original and organic flute based presentations I have heard for years, a stylish vibrant song indeed from Elisabeth Niggl and I am sure the listeners will agree too.

Solitude By Elisabeth Niggl

 

Solitude

By

Elisabeth Niggl

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There is a wonderful sense of isolation on this stunning new single by Elisabeth Niggl, her flute transforms and allows the imagination to soar through the realms of her composition entitled Solitude.

For me being in solitude is a pleasure, it is something to treasure, quiet moments alone and in a meditative bliss are what many of us seek, a certain stillness, where the craziness of chaos is banned, all this would indeed be possible with this blissful new offering.

The flute of Niggl is both mournful, but also in the louder segments almost celebratory, perhaps of the fact that an actual moment of solitude has been achieved.

The artist has a sublime skill of being able to manifest images in the mind’s eye through her presentations on flute, and I for one will be spinning Solitude by Elisabeth Niggl many times over, this is ambient flute at its very best.

To Catch Lightning in a Bottle By Kluane Takhini & James Hill

 

To Catch Lightning in a Bottle

By

Kluane Takhini & James Hill

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Firstly the phrase To Catch Lightning in a Bottle is an idiom, when one seeks in attempting a difficult or challenging feat, can we do the impossible? When one gazes at global events it would seem impossible, but is it? I sometimes wonder how we got through the middle ages, but we did, and perhaps Kluane Takhini & James Hill are creating a slice of musical hope to hang onto on this their latest album.

We start with the title track itself, now I was lucky enough to be given a link to their video for this very song and found it quite moving. To Catch Lightning in a Bottle is a classy title track and it illustrates in images and tones our first few baby steps up to our voyage into space, and shows every day humans succeeding when the odds maybe stacked against them, the guitar on this creation was simply sublime and deeply moving, and what a creative way with which to open the release.

The next piece was also released a single earlier this year and called She Doesn't Know Me Anymore, it speaks of a story about a daughter and her mother and her parents journey through Dementia. The trumpet of Hill excels in creating a sad mournful vibe here, as the loss of who the person was is manifested; it brought back memories of my late mother’s voyage with her father after a major stroke. This multi-instrumental offering casts a heartfelt composition of deep reflection and of care.

I remember this piece very well, 90 Seconds to Midnight, again I reviewed it as a single earlier on this year, it is another piece that really can’t fail to move you, the composition tells the tale of Doomsday clock preciously getting closer to its final countdown, so what to do, drop into the lake of being totally overwhelmed or dance like crazy with every precious second left, it’s a juxtaposition that is valid, however I will choose the dance! The piece itself is a symbiotic masterpiece without a shadow of a doubt.

A truly fascinating tale is told within this next piece, also released as a single entitled Poem for the Shadow King, featuring the inspirational words and voice of one Shane Beck. The skills of Takhini as a composer and performer both come into play here, and the back drop of Hill’s mournful trumpet makes you wonder why this amazing instrument isn’t used much more than it is in this style of music. The beautifully crafted poem contains words and an overall thread of great importance, to the heart from the heart. Many shattered illusions will be broken on the rocks of the said Shadow King, but here a composition is manifested that will enthral each and every listener, with each second played, and will leave that said listener, with a musical experience that they will never forget.  

For me this next arrangement is a stand out track, the orchestration on And Then There Were None was deeply moving, and reminded me of a Pavane at times. This powerful instrumental opus highlights the total futility of war and highlights just how little compassion there is left. This was emphasised on a recent documentary I watched about the Roman Empire and their constant failures of wars with the Middle East, the numbers of soldiers lost would always run into hundreds of thousands, skip forward to today and it’s still happening. The opening was indeed like a battle cry, but musically what followed was one of the finest examples of contemporary instrumental music around, one must think that music of such a high standard should perhaps be used in a documentary on the pointlessness of war and fighting one another, and for what reason? The orchestration was created by Ivanov Basso of Argentina and is a piece that has already won two global awards.

We now move to our next epic opus entitled Peace Begins With A Smile. This multi-instrumental twinkling of musical magic contains many crossover moments, from chill out to smooth jazz and contemporary, all of which can be found here with a delicate but classy performance on acoustic guitar, a serene but heart felt trumpet from Hill, and of course the magician himself, the composer Kluane Takhini leads the march for peace from the front.

One of my many favourites from this album was the following arrangement called Lungs of Mother Earth. This is a composition that desperately needed bringing into reality; the Amazon is home to three million species of plants and animals, and one million indigenous people, yet greed is king in a world of short term gain and global destruction. This has to be one of the most powerful pieces I have ever heard composed about the Amazon, Hills performance on trumpet was simply top of the table, while the natural sounds of the forest were a colourful pastiche of artistic cleverness that was gratefully accepted, please let our mother live!

While many have moved on from the global pandemic, many are still dealing with the psychological scars of things like lockdowns, this truly sensitive creation by Takhini explores that extremely compelling narrative and partnered by Hills trumpet they bring a musical deliberation of great quality on the piece, I Just Want to Hold Her.  

Code Red is the track that will take us into the deeper waters of both the release and of life; Code Red is the system that the UN's Panel on Climate Change uses for possible global catastrophe due to global warming, it may well be too late, but is it? Can we overcome greed and miss information? Here Takhini & Hill manifest another power piece in this incredibly intense manifestation, one that contains some of the best rock styled guitar I have heard since Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds!

Our penultimate offering is the wonderfully crafted The View from Six Feet Under; this is an interesting track that explores the obvious narrative of death, the confusion of possible after death occurrences, or simply, nothing. I am minded of Richard Dawkins quote on the subject “Being dead will be no different from being unborn, I shall be just as I was in the time of William the Conqueror or the dinosaurs or the trilobites” the composition is strangely addictive and hauntingly compelling.

The concluding track is entitled Duet for the Shadow King and is a soothing musical narrative that ends our journey with Takhini & Hill, this is a gentle composition that wonderfully allows us to reflect for a moment on all that we have heard, and allow the entire concept to settle within our minds.

To Catch Lightning in a Bottle by Kluane Takhini & James Hill is the long awaited musical creation of global awareness, compassion and reality. Here both artists tackle the big picture and wear their hearts on their respective sleeves whilst doing so. To Catch Lightning in a Bottle by Kluane Takhini & James Hill, is an album that will move you to tears, will touch your hearts, will hopefully awaken the compassion and care within you, and is an album that each and every listener needs to have in their collections at all costs.

Satie Gnossiene No. 1 by Nico De Napoli

 

Satie Gnossiene No. 1

By

Nico de Napoli

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The Gnossiennes are for the most part, in free time and highly experimental with form, rhythm and chordal structure. The form as well as the term was invented by Satie.

Here pianist Nico de Napoli presents a charming musical narrative that you could literally get lost within, and it seems I did many times over; this is a sublime performance by the artist, one that becomes a true timeless solo piano reverie.

The juxtaposition of soft and more forceful moments within this offering are a pleasure to drift within; this is one of those compositions that could be ten minutes long and you wouldn’t mind.

Nico de Napoli’s fluent and intelligent performance holds the piece beautifully and allowing it to move, almost dancing its way across the room. The Forte segments create a perfect match for the quieter passages, almost Mezzo Piano, they then drift like smoke on a late autumn evening, into the ether of the Coda of the arrangement, with such grace and style.

This is a splendid piece, a moment of total bliss!

Waving to the Moon By Andrea Sertori

 

Waving to the Moon

By

Andrea Sertori

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There is usually one moment, one tune, and one song, perhaps one composition that I meet up with on a daily basis that brings me calm, solace, peace and a whole heap of tranquillity, and today I have found that within the loving realms of this beautiful new single from Andrea Sertori entitled, Waiving to the Moon.

I always listen thoroughly to any music given to me to review, and it says something about this new offering that I am now on listen 5 consecutively, it is that good, but more than that, this solo piano performance by Sertori gifts me a rare thing, peaceful ambience.

The gentle fluency of the artist’s performance on piano is something to utterly enjoy, the delicacy with which his hands caress the keys is tender and sensitive. Listening to this song is like a big musical hug, perhaps even whilst watching the moonrise, that vista would indeed be perfect for this marvellous new composition from Andrea Sertori, one that through its sheer beauty and serenity, should be a big hit for the artist, and a fan favourite over may years to come.

Spread Hope Send Love Around The World By Amy McAllister & The Power of One Movement

 

Spread Hope Send Love Around The World

By

Amy McAllister & The Power of One Movement

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have always said the music is the only language that speaks the total truth forever; here the world renowned singer Amy McAllister draws to her pastures of positivity, a team of global musical maestros in their own right, to gift us a single called Spread Hope Send Love Around The World, a track that will resonate with you in the same way as Band Aid did in ‘84.

The song itself highlights the importance of suicide prevention and lights a beacon of hope around the globe that you have that most important power of one, but can reach out to others to enhance your wellbeing.

The song itself is incredibly powerful and contains luminaries from global music from around the world in Amy McAllister, Annemarie Picerno, Charu Suri, Corey Lee Barker, Damian Wyldes, Eddy Kenzo, Jabali Afrika (Joseck and Justo Asikoye), Justine Blazer, Kamaal Malak, Karlton Jones, Kathryn Shipley, Kristen Speller, Lisa Coppola, Lou Molitch, Megan Coleman, Natalie Jean, Nicki Kris, Noshir Mody, Ricky Persaud, Jr, Seay and Tess Remy-Schumacher.

This incredibly powerful unit bring us the listener a superb single one that has touched many hearts already, this uplifting slice of musical positivity can create much needed change, can manifest agents of change that could well make a difference in the prevention of suicide and social awareness, sometimes you have to reach in to reach out. This is without doubt a power play single of sublime inspiration, and you too perhaps can be a part of that change also, it’s never too late to make a difference.

Ancestral Journey By Lorna James

 

Ancestral Journey

By

Lorna James

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Lorna James has done one of the smartest things you can do in this modern day music business, she has explored new narratives, and she has sought out fresh musical pastures with which to lie down upon, she has done just this with her latest single Ancestral Journey. This for me is a break through piece that will not only highlight just what a good musician Lorna is, but will take her to realms of musical joy as of yet unknown.

Here within this amazingly crafted new offering we have a beautiful mixture of Global fusion, New Age and keyboard based music, it takes a rare gift to takes all of that and manifests a cogent musical recipe, but she has done it incredibly well, and to include her own soaring vocals as well was a touch of sublime cleverness.

Ancestral Journey has a wonderful percussive rhythm, it has a vibrancy that is totally addictive, but it retains the smooth and fluent keyboard and synth skills required to hold the composition all together, with all that being said this is a very stylish instrumental piece that highlights a sharp and willing musical intellect, I can see nothing less than a massive hit hiding in the forest temple for Ancestral Journey by Lorna James.