Childs Play By Chrissie Sheppard

 

Childs Play

By

Chrissie Sheppard

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Chrissie Sheppard has been a huge horror film fan for most of her life, on this new single of hers Childs Play, she can enjoy a moment of masterful creation in homage to her film preferences of those days of future past.

There is also a shift in dark ambient horror styled music going on these days, whilst thunder, rain and storms seem to be shifting to more new age nuanced tracks, children’s giggling and laughter and play sounds are far more scary, the corruption of innocence perhaps, but they are moving into the genre with a deft ease?

Here Chrissie has wonderfully crafted a single release that has all the hall marks of perhaps being one of the scariest pieces of music the flute performer has ever created, with footsteps, clocks, whispers, ethereal vocalisations, echoes, a ghostly child’s voice, Gregorian chants, and flute and keyboard effects, Chrissie has created her most unique piece yet with utter ease.

Childs Play by Chrissie Sheppard is a must have for Halloween, or for that moment when you desire to bathe your senses in a movie from the darker side of life, just remember, when listening to this single, make sure you are really alone in your house, and if you do hear a whispered child’s voice say into your ear “If they don’t let us play, they all go away. “RUN!

The Haunted Palace by Steve Sheppard

 

The Haunted Palace

By

Steve Sheppard

Written by Chrissie Sheppard

 

Steve Sheppard has been in full flow recently releasing some great new compositions, this time he has created a piece of music that was originally going to be a Halloween track, but that all changed when he found the poem by Edgar Allan Poe called The Haunted Palace, this made him rethink his composition, and added himself reciting some of the poem, but let’s look at the music itself.

The sound of crows and wind in the distance, maybe the start of a storm our the opening sounds, then the synths come into play as the first part of the poem is recited, then then horror of Halloween kicks in, children singing, voices and an organ all bring the spooky feeling to the arrangement, the added sound of the wind just adds to the overall feeling of the piece.

The second part of the poem is recited as we approach the end of the arrangement, along with more dark added sounds, voices and a clock chiming to end. I love this dark side of Steve Sheppard coming through in the music; it’s very spooky, so maybe as he says, it is best to listen to with the lights on!

The Haunted Palace by Steve Sheppard is a great piece of music, not just for Halloween, but for those dark nights of winter too, and even maybe for a short video of movie clip, so I can see it doing well in the charts.

Be Brave By Wejfi

 

Be Brave

By

Wejfi

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

New on the block to me is the artist Wejfi, but this brand new single is full of intent, intensity and purpose and called Be Brave. A tentative start explains the narrative of uncertainty and concern, the electronic mastery then builds and progresses to a point where a measure of confidence is literally palpable, and then towards the conclusion, a glorious outcome is found.

Here we can find an artfully created composition by the artist, one that takes the listener from its roots of sadness and hopelessness, to victory and success, somewhere most of us will have been at some stage in our lives.

The performance here by Wejfi is well thought-out, carefully paced with a constant build on tempo, and then adding, in the latter part of the song, some inspiring percussion, it sealed a truly clever new single release for the artist.

Be Brave by Wejfi is a soundtrack of a composition, one that grows and manifests as it goes and inspires. A very classy new instrumental electronic recording can be found here, one that contains a wonderful flowing vibrancy about its construction and musical narrative.

Cosmic Engine By M. Cross Dougherty

 

Cosmic Engine

By

M. Cross Dougherty

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Autumn is my favourite time for listening to ambient music, for me the change in textures of light and heat allows the senses to breathe and enjoy a more expansive experience of the nature around us, truly good ambient music is the soundtrack to this mental perambulation. So let’s take a look at the M. Cross Dougherty release Cosmic Engine.

Transmission is utterly perfect for a musical discovery of such sensory freedoms; and is the opening track off this four piece release, the gentle energies of this creation reminded me both of Autumn Light by Darshan Ambient, mixed with a trip into Eno’s Lightness, music for the Marble Palace, never did loops and FM synthesis sound so good, and so captivating.

Track two is Clear Light; I would advise all listeners that wearing headphones will make the experience of listening to this album even more compelling. Here is a track that flows, hovers with hypotonic resonance and has a slightly darker refrain from the previous offering, it is a creation that manifests and grows with each passing measure, and is also the longest offering from the release at well over 6 minutes in duration.

Ultraviolet is our penultimate piece, this arrangement had a deceptively layered depth to it, the sounds, structures and loops are incredibly creative, and as an electronic ambient musician myself, it gave me a good deal to think on in an ultra-influential way. The inventive electronic manifestations within this offering flowed and drifted with an ambient and almost meditative construct at times.

We arrive at the last portal of the release, a composition entitled Desatita, this would be one of my favourite pieces from the release, the repeating loops and gentle backdrop of sound created for me an ambience of unbound nature, a state of musical mind akin to a being totally connected to everything, this holistic and universal masterpiece is a reminder that intelligent, artistic, electronic, ambient music is out there to be found and can be thoroughly enjoyed by getting a copy of Cosmic Engine by M. Cross Dougherty, which in my view is one of the most interesting and fascinating albums I have heard this year with ease.

Nothin’ Gets Lost By Ban Brothers

 

Nothin’ Gets Lost

By Ban Brothers

Written by

Chrissie Sheppard

 

Nothin’ Gets Lost is the 12th single release off of the Ban Brothers album Guiding Star, and is a great example of old meets new. It is an arrangement with a driving beat and some really great lyrics, a real love song all about appreciating the times we spend with someone special, sung by session vocalist Ethan C.

For me, it feels like the song crosses through many different eras, from the 1980’s right through to the early part of this century, but it did remind me of the band of that era called The Jellyfish.

The song was written and composed by Swagata "Ban" Banerjee (of Ban Brothers) who told me that during the 1990s to early 2000s, he was very attracted to Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty’s song writing style, and that he had also taken some general music theory lessons and some lessons on guitar, and feels that maybe this could have been an influence on the music.

Nothin’ Gets Lost is a passionate creation, full of positivity and as vibrant as you can imagine, and a piece that will stay in your head for ages after listening, so that is always a good sign.

Belonging Here By Michelle Qureshi

 

Belonging Here

By

Michelle Qureshi

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Acoustic guitar composer and performer Michelle Qureshi, is one of a few instrumentalists that keep me entranced with their music, and in a state of meditative harmonic bliss, here Michelle has manifested another golden moment of musical magic, with the creation of her latest single Belonging Here.

Qureshi has been in full flow lately, with her muse working overtime and coming up with utter gems of instrumental serenity, Belonging Here takes this journey that one stage further, and has an almost classical style to its manifestation, but performed in an almost medieval way, akin to the performance of Tony Iommi  with Sabbath on the song Fluff!

Belonging Here has that rich melodic structure contained within and weaves a sense of mystery, but one that resides in a totally safe environment; this for me is one of the artist’s most compelling compositions yet, a delicate pastiche of colour can be found here, and soft textures of musical intelligence also, this is instrumental acoustic guitar music at its apex.

And for those who like to watch musicians performing their music, you can see Michelle Qureshi playing this piece on her YouTube Channel by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlFjPYCjzYQ

Primal Memories By Al Solbjor & George Penedo

 

Primal Memories

By

Al Solbjor & George Penedo

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There is a gentle softness to this October day which is incredibly calming, and this brand new single, Primal Memories by Al Solbjor & George Penedo, just adds to that ambience, and manifests a moment of pure peace and serenity; the gentle combination of flute and drum is just what is needed as the seasons change.

This is a classic convergence of a harmonic bliss; the pairing have indeed brought something of great beauty into the world, the flutes soothing narrative drifts on the cadence of the day, and each and every note of this stunning new single is much appreciated.

There is an underpinned rhythm here that whilst vital to the overall construction of the composition, hides itself within the confines of the deeply haunting, and fluent brilliance of a creative meditative experience. Here also lies a piece of music that would be utterly ideal for a journeying session, or whilst in nature, where one can truly appreciate those Primal Memories.

Acoustic Oasis By Shambhu

 

Acoustic Oasis

By

Shambhu

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

A new Shambhu release is always something to look forward to, a whole slice of calm and serenity will be coming your way on the pressing of the play button, here on this brand new album entitled Acoustic Oasis, the guitarist has manifested 10 incredible songs, one specifically would even inspire me beyond what I thought possible, but first let’s start our sojourn with the new release as we set sail on our very own acoustic ocean.

Lumina starts our musical journey, here is a piece that I totally adored, Shambhu’s use of pause here was remarkable, the major minor feel was also a wonderment to enjoy, and indeed a sublime start to any acoustic voyage.

The next track is called Lazy Afternoon a composition that allows you to kick back and enjoy the day as an observer. The performance by Shambhu here is so redolent of the subject matter, the slow paced presentation, the easy laid back vibe, simply put this is blissful.

Shades of Light is another scenic pastiche of textures and colours, there is a gentleness here that is to be admired. As an acoustic performance goes, this is sun kissed and almost jazz like in its creative expression at times, songs like this one are extremely rare, so it’s best to enjoy moments of descriptive brilliance and artistic genius like this when they occur, and just be totally in the moment with them.

On Pathway the artist is on home territory, the sound of a sublime guitar calmly echoes though the musical forest in a timeless repose, indeed this is what Shambhu is so very good at, making music that is seemingly beyond borders, and with each manifestation a new realm of serenity is born.

Sunscape continues the theme set by the last track and its melodious harmonies reminds me of artists like Vin Downes or even Will Ackerman, there is something about this track that would be very easy to create lyrics for and its light hearted reverie builds a moment of happiness as it plays.

So here it is, that moment I hinted at in my opening gambit, this is without doubt my favourite all time track of Shambhu and called Inner Light, I have to admit I have listened to this piece alone at least 5 times now and it’s amazing. Here one can find a level of expectancy, a feeling even of apprehension and an essence of a mysterious revelation about to be found. The performance and guitar work is masterful, and the slow carful tempo using the minor structures simply blew me away on the most atmospheric track off the release.

Winding Road is a road trip composition; I could imagine travelling through the countryside to this one with ease, as Shambhu once again illustrates his skill set of being able to perfectly manifest a pictorial image and scene within his music. The onward motion and uplifting energy of this presentation was utterly splendid.

We now swim into the deeper waters of the release as we reach the shoreline of the track Afternoon Rye. This is another very easy on the ears creation from the artist, one that could easily illustrate for me pulling back the curtains, opening the windows and watching the day unfurl around you, the serenity that the guitarist brings here is vast and deeply relaxing.

The penultimate track off the album is the beautiful Love Garden, harmonic, layered and delicate; its warm and tender performance reminds me in part of Australian artist Ian Cameron Smith. This is such a colourful and heartfelt performance, and the additional keyboards here were also a valuable supplement, manifesting a multi-layered and instrumental composition of the highest quality.

The final creation is called Angel Blue and is the perfect ending arrangement; this pretty last manifestation has a serene feel to its construction, and its sweet closing narrative is a total pleasure for each and every listener.

Acoustic Oasis by Shambhu is a bright and sun kissed new release that will bring many miles of peace and musical serenity into your life, here is an album of instrumental superiority and artist genius. I can imagine those sensible enough to purchase this compilation of creativity and calm will be in a heavenly state of bliss for ever. Instrumental guitar music really doesn’t come any better than Acoustic Oasis by Shambhu, here within lays a whole wonderland of tranquillity on the bed of one of the best acoustic guitar performances of the year.

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.