Luminous By Michele McLaughlin

 

Luminous

By

Michele McLaughlin

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Michele McLaughlin has been on my musical radar now for so long, in fact it scared me when I looked back to find out that over 20 years had passed since I first came into contact with her, through the release of Beginnings, an appropriate name indeed, now 22 years later comes one of the most gentle and soothing musical narratives ever from the artist, and entitled Luminous.

Droplets of Gray is our first port of call on this brand new release and it is without doubt one of the most serene pieces I think I have heard from Michele, this calming, yet reflective opener, is a powerfully moving performance by the artist, and sets the scene brilliantly for what is to come.

The sensitivity of this next track is beyond a tender touch, When You Hurt I Hurt is simply beautiful, deeply mournful, but in a caring way, the piano presentation by McLaughlin here is a sublime example of how to express your most sincere emotions through music.

I adored the rhythm and flow of this piece; I cheerfully shone with happiness whilst listening to Kaleidoscope, I will regard this as a clever and creative arrangement by the artist, as she manifests both movement and positivity within an almost childlike energy of innocent fun.

We can relax now in the arms of this next gentle composition entitled Shimmer, I have had many moments by lakes and rivers where this offering would have been the perfect idyllic accompaniment. Michele’s slow, respectful, but purposeful playing, gifts us a true sun kissed moment of grandeur within music to enjoy, now and forever.

I must admit to being deeply impressed by her switching from the reverie of the last piece to the darker realms of this new creation called Moonlit Shadows. This would be one of my personal favourites from the album; throughout this entire release it is as if we are playing from darkness into light, and this piece is a fine example, powerful emotive, and very expressive.

The second half of the album has now been breached, and as we do so we arrive at the charming musical narrative of The Golden Hour. For some reason I found a well of emotion here I did not expect, the tone and timbre took me back to my childhood memories of my somewhat confusing relationship with my mother, for me there was a certain warmth here that reminded of the better days we shared, in a wonderfully flowing, heartfelt creation.

Luminous being the title track is now centre stage, the brightness and higher notes here really emphasises just what an accomplished pianist McLaughlin is, and this track is the ever growing and expanding reality of crafted genius that we see and hear before us, the energy here, whilst slightly reflective, is almost triumphant, but the mixture of the two essences is simply sublime.

As we move towards the deeper waters of the release we come across a mysterious opus of wonderment entitled Fireflies, I have seen these blissful creatures, and this music would perfectly represent them and their dance like, almost waltz like movement, within late evening summer time memories of days gone by.

The penultimate offering from the album is entitled Adrift, It must be said this is one of the most ambient performances I have heard from the artist, but one that creates a wonderfully gentle melody, and a slow almost circular journey, almost like floating, lost on a beautiful lapis sea, far away from all, Adrift!

The last piece is a creative slice of genius, and a superb way to conclude the album; it is called Lanterns in the Sky, and may well be one of my personal favourites from the artist yet. Here we have an anthem like ending of brilliance, one that flows like a mountain stream in early spring.  The fluency here is stunning and mesmerizing, and what a conclusion to a splendid album indeed.

Luminous by Michele McLaughlin in my view, is the best work of the artist thus far, I don’t say that lightly, as she has produced some amazing albums over the last 20 odd years, but for me the musician has manifested a sensitivity here that is beyond all that she has created before, and it has worked like absolute magic. Luminous by Michele McLaughlin is an album that every lover of any piano genre must simply have; missing out on an album of this quality would be like missing out on Christmas entirely!

November Moon By Lisa Swerdlow

 

November Moon

By

Lisa Swerdlow

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The subject of the moon is always a great subject to compose about, I should know I have just done so myself, the amazing orb that reflects our glourious sun’s rays down upon us is always a wonderful theme to use, and create from.

November Moon by Lisa Swerdlow has to be the smoothest and most soothing track from the artist thus far, she is almost in lounge mode here, this is fluency at its very best, and the tender touch on the keys by Lisa is so heart-warming and all embracing.

Such a loving performance by Swerdlow on this her latest single can be found here, so much so that it simply deserves to be a big hit, and a song to remember for decades to come; this is music from under a warm blanket, on a chilly November night.

Odyssey VI By David De Michele

 

Odyssey VI

By

David De Michele

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I was, and always have been taken aback by the wonderment of space, the vast stretches of the universe, the infinite cosmos, a stellar nursery, or a lagoon of eternity, within the creations of David De Michele we can touch see and feel the energies of all the aforementioned, and perhaps even more, each musical journey is a peak into a dimension so rare,  so special and untouched, and are we not the lucky ones, as once more we get to push back from space dock and take a voyage to and through Odyssey VI with the composer.

The smooth and transcendent opening piece is akin to us breaking free of orbit and spreading our wings of exploration out into the sectors and regions of space. Odyssey VI is idyllic; it contains a gentle flowing synth style which in its earlier guise is almost classical in arrangement, the percussion breaks us free, and our journey has started.

Within the darker realms of space there moves life as of yet unseen, each one of these forms is its own Collective, its hive minded awareness allows it to survive and thrive, here the artist paints a tapestry of tone so insightful and fresh, it is as if we are staring into a region of space literally being born. De Michele uses his electronic wizardry to good use here, and captures an almost lighter version of what is referred to as Berlin style within the arrangement, this grants us a fixed movement through the composition, but also adds an extra level to the already stunning performance.

We are now Off World, I have recently been watching with a wide eyed wonder, the latest voyage to the moon by Artimis 1, one day the mission will have human travellers, and thus they, like others, will be off world. I can and will ever only be able to imagine what this experience must be like. Musically the artist has it spot on, that feeling of being so small is such as vast place, the realization of being at one with the cosmos; the swirling synth work here is sublime, with the darker elements and mysterious back drop making this piece one of my personal favourites from the album.

Many of us have these; some are completely unaware that then even do, Epiphany, a moment of sudden and great revelation or realization, usually for me they arrive during a meditation, as the mind stills, the clarity becomes evident and truth is found. David De Michele has added a flowing, and one has to say, an incredibly moving performance here into an arrangement that has a meditative quality to its overall essence.

Following on from the last track and the thoughts that came from it, this seems somewhat appropriate now, to be enjoying a piece called Revelation. Cleverly thought-out, the musician now brings us the resultant and aforementioned Epiphany.  One has to admire how he brings us a hesitant start, while one contemplates the said revelation, and then the percussion almost manifests that lightbulb going on in the mind’s eye, without doubt one of the cleverest creations from the release.

As we slow speed to impulse, we find ourselves in deep space, where we find the offering Immersion. The artist is really showing his growth here, as we can attribute the brilliance of this piece to the last two tracks as well, the Epiphany, the Revelation, and now to absolute Immersion, as we now gain a deeper focus. The ethereal qualities of this track were quite breath taking, one feels pulled to all areas at once, but without losing integrity, this is a floating masterpiece by De Michele, bringing something almost Jonn Serrie to our galactic table.

The last but one song is utterly beautiful and entitled Illumination, our very own light bulb moment, listen to the soft pastiche of synths here, the gentle caress of the artist’s creative keyboard structures, and as we do we can drift on a bed of gained knowledge, by simply enjoying the moment. This is a slice of symphonic genius by the musician, and goes to justify the sheer quality of his compositions.

So we finally end this sojourn through the stars, and with a concluding arrangement entitled Epoch. How fitting as this particular period of time within the realms of David De Michele’s latest creation Odyssey VI is now nearly over. The slow calming coda of this track is juxtaposed perfectly with a light percussive beat, one which manifests an anthem like conclusion to the album, which in creative terms is simply and utterly brilliant.

Odyssey VI by David De Michele is yet another in a wonderfully artistic line of sublime space based releases. The album is also an intriguing step forward as well, as he incorporates slight classical nuances into certain arrangements, we also have layered and texture soundscapes that seems to grow and expand whilst being listened to, and the smooth transmission of each piece is quite blissful, simply put, if you are a fan of space based electronic ambient music, this is a must have for your collection.

Autumn Voices By James Michael Stevens

 

Autumn Voices

By

James Michael Stevens

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I sat and gazed at the album cover for this release, it is so redolent of the subject matter, and expresses just how beautiful the season of autumn is, here the prolific pianist manifests 10 gorgeous tracks that are deeply reflective and draw a wonderful narrative for me as the season closes here in pure sunshine, as I listen intently to Autumn Voices by James Michael Stevens.

The opening track is sublime and gets us off to the perfect start it’s called Come When the Leaves Turn Colors. A magical time indeed, a pastiche of beauty and a cascade of colour, Steven’s performance here is so heart felt and artistic, playing light with darkness, minor and major, he has manifested the perfect start to the release.

This time of year can be very mournful, and October Prelude is a fine example of that. Summers last dying wave can be seen drifting over a golden horizon as a picture book shift in energies begins to take place; this transcendence into autumn is portrayed perfectly by Stevens, with a thoughtful hand on the keys.

The shortest track off the album at just less than two minutes is up next and called Sunnywood Waltz, with such style and grace James manifests a wonderful flowing melody, a happy, yet caressing last kiss of a sunny day, as the seasons dance the dance of change.

A special moment now as we open the Autumn Music Box, there is a sensitive mood here, one surrounded by a little mystery and magic to. This appealing opus is one to deeply enjoy, its memorable tones permeate through and into the mind, in the same way that the late autumn sun is doing right now through the curtains that filter the daylight from the dust of ages. A truly moving creation from the artist can be found here.

Many will know of my love of musical manifestations about rivers, among other subjects, and I am so delighted to be listening to one of the best this year from the pianist called Beside the Gentle Stream. I spent many years doing this with my father, whilst we fished on mirrored pools and soothing streams, while an October texture hovered by, this piece, this presentation, speaks volumes for that very moment, a beautifully played composition indeed.

A wonderful descriptive arrangement can be found on the piece Hunters Branch, a slow but creative tapestry of tone can be found here, one with a nicely performed repeating motif too, and this leads us so very gracefully into the next track entitled Swan at Lake Almsee, now this is a fine example of music creation by an artist who has clearly sat and just watched swans in motion, in the water you will not see a more graceful creature, and Stevens performance is exactly that, elegant attractive and dignified.

We float into the deeper waters of the release now, and as we do so we come across an almost anthem like offering entitled Silent Teardrops, how delicate this is, so pristine that its falls from the sky like a late November mist. Steven’s sensitivity comes to the fore here, in a performance that is so redolent of the old new age piano classics from the late 90’s, of artist like Lanz and Winston perhaps.

One of my favourite pieces off the album came at the penultimate position off the release, and called Solemn Soliloquy, this sombre, yet quite beautiful performance is so stunning, its complex yet thoughtful narrative touched my musical heart, and its sympathetic tones were incredibly profound, a truly poignant and heartfelt arrangement indeed.

The concluding offering entitled I Saw a Star and Prayed was indeed a respectful and emotive way with which to finish the album, a gentle onward progression and into an almost hymnal styled structure, one that ended with a soft and reverential Coda.

Autumn Voices by James Michael Stevens is a delightful album, its story book styled narrative takes us hand in hand through to the end of the season of mists in autumn, and its beauty and tenderness speaks to us all, this is one of those albums that you will always turn to at this time of year, without doubt it is a warm security blanket of musical serenity to cuddle up with, and is a release of ultimate artistic endeavour.

Starlight By Sonya Haramis

 

Starlight

By Sonya Haramis

Written by

Chrissie Sheppard

 

It is nice to listen to a piece of music that is clearly meant for the festive season, one that is not yet another version of a well-known carol. Sonya Haramis and her brand new single Starlight is a delicate composition, the bells really do ring out on this, a piece that has the feel of a music box lullaby to it.

Starlight by Sonya Haramis is a simple, stylish release, full of simplistic beauty that is not easy to create; the repeating motifs give it an almost mesmeric quality that you just want to listen to again and again. I am sure this will be very well received and one that should do well in the charts too.

The Dance of the Wind By Annie Locke

 

The Dance of the Wind

By

Annie Locke

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

It is so good to see another new single from Annie Locke; it is so good to feel the energy that flows from one of her compositions, the swing, the tempo, and the out and out warmth of one of her creations, it is always something to look forward to.

Here on The Dance Of The Wind, Annie draws a narrative that drifts down memory lane, and takes the browning leaves of a late autumn with her. Here Annie paints a picture of a rhythmic juxtaposition of the wind and all she touches, her performance is enthralling to behold, and at times almost mesmeric, one things for certain, a hit must be blowing in the wind for this one from the pianist. 

Courage To Sail By Alan Hanslik

 

Courage To Sail

By

Alan Hanslik

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

One of the most descriptive forms of music can be found way back in the annals of time, and filed under the category of Classical, I’m lucky enough to present a show on it, so I am constantly reminded of the great works, and constantly surprised by the new efforts and arrangements, much like this brand new creation, by artist and composer Alan Hanslik.

Courage to Sail is a powerful and poignant look at casting yourself free from the docks of a harbour, and setting sail on uncharted oceans, perhaps as far back as the 17^th or 18^th centuries, each journey was a walk into a dark room of the unknown, when sailors would literally take their lives into their own hands, and their souls into good graces of mother ocean.

Here Hanslik creates something very proud and almost regal on this 4 piece work, with the opening composition, Setting Forth, being one of the most powerful of them all, an arrangement of intent, packed with stiff strong jaws of determination and courage, one must also applaud the clever emotional strings within this piece, ones that at times created a similar energy to one of my favourite composers, Vaughn Williams, a great start indeed.

The journey continues onward and we move to a creation entitled Favorable Winds. Hanslik is a thoughtful composer no doubt, and within this brave arrangement he literally manifests a sense of great movement and speed; one can with ease see our brave ship cutting through the waves and out into the open seas with ease, the allegro styled manifestation is crafted superbly.

This is a defining moment for Hanslik’s work as we reach the third quarter of our album, and the dramatic flavours of the piece Loneliness & Splendor are a total gift of musical class. The intensity of this piece is immense, and has distinct elements of a forte at times, but one that remains very much part of this 4 part symphony of purposeful intent.

The concluding arrangement is slowed as we enter Land Fall, our journey however long has been a success, and humanity is but a breath away, this is a sublime compositional creation by Alan Hanslik, here he comes into his own as a composer, and brings to the table a wonderful cinematic feel and expression, this is both dramatic and moving, an astute way with which to end the symphony, with a crescendo manifesting its glourious energy, before the final coda.

Courage To Sail by Alan Hanslik has been a most enjoyable voyage through the classical music genre, without doubt a wonderfully created soundtrack, and a four part symphony of great texture, colour, movement and passion. Hanslik more known for his work as an electronic musician has certainly crossed the so called Rubicon here, and as such, into a whole new realm of musical possibilities and potentially limitless opportunities.

Into the Mist By Ryan Judd

 

Into the Mist

By

Ryan Judd

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have spent many years listening to ambient music, I find good music of this elk a fine healing modality all of its own, and in many cases a creative and scared space can be found within its refrains, I say this because this new single by Ryan Judd called Into The Mist has just manifested all of the above for me.

The end of a long tiring day draws to a close, and I listen to the soothing acoustic guitar of Judd’s latest single Into The Mist. That is exactly where all my concerns and worries float away to, the fragility of a floating autumn mist and calm is left.

Ryan Judd is one of the finest ambient acoustic guitarists around today, his use of minor chords and harmonics is wonderfully crafted here, and for me that hovering back drop of sound that assists Judd’s expertise is utter bliss. May peace be upon you if you purchase this sensitive new offering from the artist, it is without doubt beautiful beyond belief!

Follow this link to listen now: https://songwhip.com/ryanjudd/into-the-mist

All The Best Returns By Robin Spielberg

 

All The Best Returns

By

Robin Spielberg

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I gave myself a shock this morning when I realised that the music of Robin Spielberg had been in my life since the arrival one day of her album Heal of the Hand way back in 1994, the 90’s were a time of major change for me, but Robins work always was a point of stability and reference when times of struggle came, here on this brand new release, we have 5 wonderful tracks that illustrate what a crafted pianist the artist truly is.

The opening piece is always an important reference, and shows the listener the intent of the artist, here on In Search of the Forest Fairy we have an incredibly powerful opener, one that is so beautifully played that the juxtaposition between light and shade is balanced perfectly, with ease this piece would suit a segment from a forest theatrical play like Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with ease.

Robin follows that up with the gentle refrains of this next piece entitled One Step Closer, this was a wonderful mix of hope and reflection, but as always the artist plays with an ever onward purpose, in one of the most fluent arrangements I think I have ever heard from the musician, this is one of those compositions that will guarantee repeat plays.

All the Best Returns is a fascinating arrangement, almost Waltz like in style, but with a wonderfully colourful tone, but then, after all this is the centre piece of this musical art gallery, the title track, once more Spielberg gifts us a happy honest gift, but one craft-fully composed with a little extra reflective energy as well.

The End of Summer, well this is indeed where we are at this current time of writing, although in my country you would hardly know it, however in some locations across our beautiful globe, leaves fall, flowers die, and the nights become longer and darker. Here Spielberg is at her very best as her performance brings a little shade and sadness to the fore, but once more it is a piece that holds on dearly, to new memories of happiness gained from a summer now at its end.

Shche ne Vmerla Ukrainy (the Ukrainian National Anthem) finishes the entire project, and it saddens me that still here, and now in the 21^st century, war is even still relevant, do we ever learn? Here Spielberg gives us her interpretation of the national anthem for Ukraine, and delivers one of the most moving performances whilst doing so, and indeed a fine way to leave this compilation of wonderful creations.

All The Best Returns by Robin Spielberg is a bliss filled 5 track release of great quality and style, Spielberg’s grace and confidence shines through with such class and panache, that one cannot fail to be impressed by this creative and sublime collection of superb arrangements, this has to be a must have at all costs.

Fly With Me By Victor Birkan

 

Fly With Me

By

Victor Birkan

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There is something about a Victor Birkan performance that is so graphic, so pleasing to the senses; he plays with a passion and a tale to tell, and does so with such a dramatic flourish, especially on this latest single entitled Fly With Me.

Birkan is a masterful pianist, one who simply demands to be listened to, and once the senses are opened, he takes you on a musical voyage through the medium of his solo piano performance like no other.

Fly With Me is a full flowing piano presentation that allows us the listeners to be swept up in its drama and intrigue, it gifts us the moment of inventing the narrative to accompany the music, and manifests a passionate performance that is simply undeniable.  

A Matter of Time By Shelby Lock

 

A Matter of Time

By

Shelby Lock

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I seem to have been lucky today, I have completed two reviews of some of the best music in their respective genres I have heard for simply years, and here is another one as, as Shelby Lock has manifested one of the most inventive exciting, and powerful solo piano pieces I have heard for utterly ages, with her latest single A Matter Of Time.

I adore music that takes me on a musical journey, brings me a fascinating intelligent arrangement, crosses borders and boundaries, and is not afraid to just flow! All of this Lock does with such ease and in a most impressive style too, and what a pleasure it was to be allowed well over 4 minutes of musical mastery to just enjoy this breath-taking encounter. A Matter of Time by Shelby Lock is something amazing to experience, allow the pleasure of the moment and simply go for it.

Going Home By Tom Moore & Tim Sadow

 

Going Home

By

Tom Moore & Tim Sadow

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There are moments within this vast oasis of musical time that are filled with reveries so powerful yet purposeful, so meaningful and so meditative, and so deep yet marvellously uplifting, Going Home by Tom Moore & Tim Sadow is one of those moments, it is a magnificent twinkling of utter beauty, wrapped in a contemplative blanket of sound and timbre.

This is the album I have been waiting all year to hear, the new age music genre needed this album, and like a shot in the arm its transcendent exquisiteness caresses our very senses. This journey of plenty starts with the haunting, yet simply breath-taking, The Voyage Home, a variety of synth work, with added percussion takes us by the hand and leads us back to the well of the universe, with Sadow’s violin creating the melody of attractiveness, in a style I haven’t heard since the release Essence of Magic by Medwyn Goodall much earlier on in this century.

The track Time and Eternity is before us next, and from the depths of this mysterious semblance, comes a piece that falls in the footfalls of the previous composition, Sadow, imperious with his Violin, whilst Moore adds an electronic flavour that is simply irresistible, and continues our theme of reconnection to the cosmos, the oneness of all we are.

However, we now land at a point of brilliance, I have longed for what seems an eternity to hear a piece that rivals the greats of my past, those haunting reveres of artists like Deuter and his Buddha Nature, or perhaps a journey to a Temple in the Forest with David Naegele, I now believe that long wait has arrived and birthed for me one of the best New Age music tracks I have heard for some 20 years, perhaps longer, in the quite amazing composition A Ring of Endless Light. A mournful and aged expression can be heard on the strings of Sadow, one so moving and emotive it raises every hair your body, this is meditative bliss, and if this track alone was 1 hour long it wouldn’t have been enough for me, simply picture perfect.

With one small musical step we find ourselves at the half way marker of this very fine journey of souls, and as our energies intermingle with the trans dimensional portals of reality, we can hover in the beauty of this next quite stunning offering entitled An Ancient Path. If ever a path was laid within the universe to guide you home, this is it. The ancestral drum leads you with every footstep, with every beat, the violin plays an anthem of a time long ago, one that through the multi instrumental nature of this piece is mysterious and magnificent in all its glory.

We now meet the Knower of the Illusion, this remarkable partnership of Moore and Sadow now gift us a piece that is bathed in the mist of time itself, this swirling creation drifts around you like an early autumn morning, and leaves a state of wonderment, as it creates its angels of blissful creation as it goes, the ethereal vocalisations are shadowy portraits of a crafted artistic endeavour, while Sadow on violin, plays in my view one of his best performances thus far. I must also add here that the bass of Tom Moore was not only a delight to hear, but to feel as well and an integral part of this quite powerful opus without doubt.

Going Beyond the Material World, is a journey we all take, and perhaps this symbiotic partnership of geniuses have manifested the soundtrack for that very event. Once more they both have created something quite meditative, indeed a track that would be very easy to use in a meditational practice, as we strip away all that we thought we needed, and let go! The performance here is actually very delicate, and almost sympathetic in tone and composition.

The penultimate portal has been reached, and we are gifted a piece called All Things Will Pass, perhaps a classic truism, but none the less most correct in all aspects, here both Moore and Sadow create an arrangement for that moment of understanding. The bass again is delightful, with the keyboard segments in perfect soulful harmonic bliss with Sadow’s violin.

So we now stand at the end of our journey with Tom Moore and Tim Sadow, as we listen to the concluding track off the album entitled Divine Grace. A gentle synth approach akin to classic Liquid Mind starts our last voyage, this is such a crafted way with which to leave the album, it is enough to bring you to tears of blissful joy, this concluding narrative is also built with such a tender compassionate energy, it is without doubt the most sublime way with which to leave the album.

Going Home by Tom Moore & Tim Sadow was 45 minutes of time spent perfectly, the best work of the artists thus far, and an investment of unspoiled flawless musical magic. It is so wonderful to hear such an impeccable album within this genre, and it is just what is needed in this time of global confusion and fear. I will be amazed if this album is not nominated for an award in some category, it is that good, and as such Going Home by Tom Moore & Tim Sadow should be an album that is at the very top of your musical wish list right now, without a shadow of a doubt.

Sanctuaries of the Mind By Steve Sheppard

 

Sanctuaries of the Mind

By Steve Sheppard

Written by

Chrissie Sheppard

 

I must say Sanctuaries of the Mind, the latest release from Steve Sheppard is something to really enjoy, a collection of 6 different stories told musically, so allow him to take you on a voyage of discovery with him, to different locations in his mind, places of sanctuary.

This seven track album opens with his single St. Georges Island (Birth Place of Apollo) a piece I previously wrote about that features the added talents of Andy Rogers, composed about a location not too far from our home, a little island surrounded in history that is still a mystery to most people, a place that is according to legend, the birthplace of Apollo. The build and progression within along with the natural sounds make this an idyllic starting place for our excursion.

We move on to Brading Station 1987, now this is a very small railway station on the Isle of Wight, England. This is a fascinating composition that will take you back in time, from 1987 to the Second World War and back again, just imagine those ghostly figures standing on the station, waiting to depart off to war.

Our third piece is Pedoulas Village (Winter 2022), now this is a place we travelled through recently, a small village in the Troodos Mountains here in Cyprus. The mountain range is the only place on the island of Cyprus that gets snow. This village can often get shut off for weeks following the snowfall; you can feel the isolation and cold of the snow and wind, as you listen, captivating indeed and skilfully constructed.

As we continue our journey, we arrive at the longest arrangement on the album at just over 11 minutes in duration. The Healing Pool opens with the sounds of nature, the hooded crow and other birds singing, insects such as bees and cicadas join in the chorus, before we hear the first musical chords and the sound of someone swimming in the pool. This is a clever arrangement that will allow you to float on the tones as you listen, and maybe even feel the healing energy of the water as you do so.

My favourite piece from the album is up now, and our fifth story to enjoy, it is called The Moon and the Trees, this is a really fascinating composition where for the first time Steve Sheppard has included Gregorian Chants along with the natural sounds and keyboard, creating something that is so enjoyable to listen to. Steve was inspired to compose this after floating in the pool one day during the summer, when he watched the moon in a perfectly clear blue sky in between two tall trees.

Our final story is entitled Seasalter Marsh, a small coastal village in Kent where he spent time as a young boy fishing in the dykes and listening to the planes flying overhead. I love the use of the old radio clip at the start, and that old plane flying overhead, taking us back in time to those carefree childhood days and to sharing those memories with him. This is a truly ambient arrangement, and one that I am sure you too will enjoy.

The album closes with a radio edit of The Healing Pool, allowing you to float out on its healing tones, and leave the album feeling refreshed and ready to continue your day.

Sanctuaries of the Mind by Steve Sheppard is a spectacular album telling stories through the music, and one that I am sure you will love too, an album that I am sure will do really well in the charts with music that will take you on a fascinating journey of discovery through the memories and times within the sanctuaries of his mind.

(E)motion By Benjamin Cook

 

(E)motion

By Benjamin Cook

Written by

Chrissie Sheppard

 

This new release from pianist Benjamin Cook entitle (E)motion is a wondrous composition, one that takes you on a journey of discovery through your own emotions, as the piano and added instrumentation, moves through these emotions that are at times gentle, sometimes they are heart felt, and at other times, take you on a voyage of self-discovery, as the music rises and falls, with some amazing crescendos.

There is a real depth of composition here by Cook, a flourish that shows such passion and emotive power, which is both sensitive and also quite deep. I urge you to take a listen to (E)motion by Benjamin Cook, and add it to your collection if you enjoy music that will move you, as all who like good music as well as those who enjoy piano music will just love this new creation.

Es Vedra (Flute Version) By Vincent Boot & Shere Fraser

 

Es Vedra (Flute Version)

By Vincent Boot & Shere Fraser

Written by

Chrissie Sheppard

 

The gentle sound of waves and piano set the scene for this new release by Vincent Boot & Shere Fraser, as gentle birds sing overhead and then the delightful flute of Shere joins in to bring us a magnificent new creation that will take you on a journey to the wonderful, magical and legendary rock off the coast of Ibiza, Es Vedra.

The music is so soothing, it will allow you to drift on its tones, as you rest in the musical arms of Vincent Boot and Shere Fraser and the sounds of nature, lifting your spirits and bringing a feeling of peace and serenity.

This is such a gentle, yet delightful composition, I am sure it is going to be a huge hit for the artists, so ensure you add Es Vedra (Flute Version) by Vincent Boot & Shere Fraser to your collection.

Imagination By Ban Brothers

 

Imagination

By

Ban Brothers

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Ban Brothers release the 4^th single from the forthcoming EP Guiding Star with this new offering Imagination. The artists have been in a rich vein of form lately, and are currently riding high in the charts with Phire Elaam.

Imagination though is a horse of an entirely different colour, with session vocalist Rocky once again joining the brothers, in this uplifting extremely hopeful new song.

The lyrical content is now more valid than ever before, even more perhaps than the 60’s, but one has to have hope. This folk pop ballad has also a wonderful swing to its melody, very similar to how Cat Stevens peace styled pop ballads captured the imagination back in the day, a sure fire hit with ease.

Lightness By Andrea Sertori

 

Lightness

By

Andrea Sertori

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

There can be no doubt that Andrea Sertori is one of the most prolific composers of solo piano around in this day and age, his instrumental efforts have charmed us all, and in the case of this brand new single, eased our minds as well, as Lightness is without doubt one of the most charming solo piano narratives yet from the artist.

The reflective energy with which this single has been created has a musical colour all of its own; this soothing composition gifts us a piece that floats on a late autumn breeze, and this is without doubt, Sertori at his artistic and heartfelt best, and as such deserves to be a big hit.

Afterthought By Lorna James

Afterthought

By

Lorna James

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

A fairly new artist for me, but memories from this music would take me back some 20 years into my past, those memories were a mixture of sadness and joy, light and shade, but now in reflection, I can employ this Afterthought, I can see it was just life unfurling, doing what it does best, always moving onward.

For me, this brand new single from Lorna James provoked images of past and present, the performance was sublime, fluent and emotive, at times meditative, yet juxtaposed to this, a sense of longing for certain moments never to end, or perhaps even to return, they could all be felt here.

As a musician, to be able to manifest this in a listener is an amazing thing indeed, James is a pianist with a thoughtful memory styled artistic ability, the added orchestration granted this single another superb layer of brilliance, and as such I can see Afterthought by Lorna James being a huge hit on the charts for the artist.

 

Minood By Diane Wheeler Dunn

 

Minood

By

Diane Wheeler Dunn

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Diane Wheeler Dunn is fast becoming a renowned name within the world of flute music, and here we are delighted to say is another new single from the artist entitled Minood.  The gentle and careful start to this new single, manifested a wonderfully mystical energy to walk within, and the temperate keyboards just added to the flavour even more so.

Diane’s flute though is magical, and its enchanting tones now fly through our musical forest, creating and manifesting tones of wonderment as she plays. The added percussive rhythm at the half way juncture manifested another layer to this already very classy new offering, a track bathed perhaps in the energies of attraction and positivity, regardless this one is going to be another sure fire hit for the artist.

Hold onto Hope By Curtis Macdonald

 

Hold onto Hope

By

Curtis Macdonald

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I had a shock when researching the artist, as it appears we have now been musical friends for some 20 years, ever since the CD Shadow Crossing landed on my doormat in 2002, here Curtis treats us to a rare single entitled Hold onto Hope.

Curtis Macdonald is a keyboardist of many talents; his warm style of presentation and performance, always makes his creations incredibly irresistible, here on Hold onto Hope we see a more reflective side of the musician, the chilled beat is there, but the minor chords and construction give us a wonderfully emotive song to listen to.

In my view, Hold onto Hope by Curtis Macdonald is a guaranteed hit, its laid back vibrancy mixed with a heartfelt melody, will raise the hopes and aspirations, and perhaps as Thomas Fuller, an English theologian once said, “It’s always darkest before the dawn” now Curtis can add, so, Hold onto Hope.

Christopher Jessup EP By Christopher Jessup

Christopher Jessup EP

By

Christopher Jessup

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The works of classical composers have influenced us throughout the years, for some of us; our own music has influences that sometimes remain unknown until mentioned by others of greater knowledge. Here Christopher Jessup takes us on a journey through six splendid compositions, many of which may well have influenced the way I even think about music.

Back in the late 90s I enjoyed the changing tones of a performance by Daniel Barenboim of Debussy’s Préludes, Book 1, L. 117: No. 12 "Minstrels" here on this new album by Jessup we can delight in reliving that moment once again, with a superb performance on piano by the artist, one that is crisp, technically sublime and beautifully fluent.

I had many composers I liked back then, and of course still to this day, one of them was the Norwegian genius Grieg, here the artist gives us a tender rendition of his famous work, Grieg Piano Sonata in E Minor (2nd movement), with splendid flourishing moments of a masterful performance, Jessup embraces the energy of the piece beautifully, and thus this manifestation is a delight not to be missed.

From Debussy, to Grieg and now to the lair of the great Austrian composer Franz Joseph Haydn, a man who was once labelled as “Father of the String Quartet” and a composer who was heavily influential in the development of Chamber Music itself. Here Christopher Jessup seizes the moment, and gifts us a perfect recital of the work Haydn Keyboard Sonata in B Minor (1st movement), this is one that contains a controlled precise performance, and one that is without a shadow of a doubt, technically superior.

We arrive at a truly important juncture, during the 1920’s and 30’s Ravel was internationally regarded as France's greatest living composer, now around 100 years later we can listen to Jessup perform the piece Ravel Sonatine (1st movement), and to this day there is still a recorded performance of Ravel playing his own creation. Jessup’s performance here is nothing more that sheer genius, his virtuoso presentation is almost dream like in proportion, I got lost in the realms of this amazing presentation, its mesmeric tones and vibrancy were simply magical.

The penultimate piece is a live performance and a truly magnificent accomplishment, as Jessup brings us the immortally powerful Le Revenant (Live from Carnegie Hall). To manifest such a commanding piece such as this is simply mind blowing, at times dominant, at times deeply influential, but always a formidable presentation, one performed with such skill and technique.

Our last offering may well be a favourite of many as we listen to Mozart Piano Concerto No. 19 in F Major, K. 459 (3rd movement), originally completed in the latter half of 1784, this athletic composition is so gracefully performed by Jessup, but with much vigour and dynamism, and one must heap the praise on the artist in choosing this fine creation with which to conclude the album, and in such vivacious style as well.

 

Angels Among Us By Lisa Linsky

 

Angels Among Us

By

Lisa Linsky

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The dimension and expansion of the solo piano genre is far and wide and indeed vast, so it is with a great pleasure I get to dive into the world of Angels with pianist Lisa Linsky, a subject not usually within the realm of solo piano, so this for me makes a very nice change, and an opportunity to explore a different world of piano based magic, on this latest release Angels Among Us.

It’s also good to hear the title track as the first piece off the album, here it sits proudly upon its throne of accomplishment, and as we listen to Angels Among Us, there is much to enjoy, as Linsky manifests something quite bright and full of all the right intentions, and all done with a masterful musical narrative at its driving force.

Our toes are now dipped into this angelic realm, and therefore we can now hop from one stepping stone to another, as we listen to the following track entitled Angels Dance, a bright reverie, an exciting full flowing melody with a wonderfully happy energy built within its musical weave.

From our position we can now see the Angel’s Love radiate across the universe, this wave of colourful energy floats all around us, and like this amazing performance, which was one of my personal favourites, the track pulls back and forth like a summer tide, and creates different moments of tranquillity, within a timeless imaginative performance.

Angel’s Flight is an illustrious offering, one could literally hear see and feel the movement within this most attractive of songs, the lightness of spirit and textured presentation here, makes this composition one of those that would be impossible not to fall in love with, it is also noteworthy, that here is a creation that could easily be used in a movie segment, it has that classy mystical element about its construction too.

As we approach the half way marker we come across a gentle musical tale called Angels Landing, there was a softness about this manifestation that was particularly attractive, but also a piece with a slight alteration in tempo that created for me a dualistic reality, one that was very enjoyable indeed.

From our mid-way vantage point we have a delight of the earthly realms now, as we gaze over the Angel’s Garden; I would have to say that this is a glorious track, rich in tone and timbre, it is also a track that allows the creation of some most pleasing imaginative visuals, the green growth of a flourishing garden, with the symbiotic touch of an angel’s wings perhaps.

The shortest track at just over 2 minutes was the compelling composition entitled Angel’s Journey, this, although relatively short form in construction, was a song that had so much within, and its purposeful onward motion of sound made this for me, one of the most artistic pieces off the release, and yet another song one could see featuring within a film’s soundtrack.

I think I may have said the word flourishing before, but here it is again, this has to be one of the most majestic offerings off the album and called Angel’s Above, a song that had such a powerful and positive essence, and retained such a mixture of presentational styles, there is that flourishing touch, that sensitive refrain, and that passionate flow of a melody so strong it was deeply moving.

Angel’s Wish is our next doorway, one we push open with joy; the performance here is heartfelt and thoughtful, the build and progression here is something quite spectacular, layers of hope are explored, on what is a meticulous presentation by the pianist.

Angel Asrael is a construct that is completely different from all that has gone before it; this is a moody composition of great depth and sincerity, the deep well of notes and performance by Linsky is simply cinematic in presentation, and as such, a wonderfully complex, yet penetrating offering can be found here.

As we reach the penultimate track from the album, Angels Calling, we note that we have been gifted a true present from them, this is a piece that flows in the warm winds of the universe, and whilst doing so, creates calm and serenity. The performance is so good that it manifests a warmth of presentation, and an energy of security as it plays.

Our concluding composition is entitled Angel’s Glory, a final piece that shines as brightly as the stars above, anthem like in style, but deeply powerful, and a track that resonates with such a clever juxtaposition, darkness and light, shadow and sun, it’s all here in a final performance that is simply sublime.

Angels Among Us by Lisa Linsky is a solo piano album that will enchant you with its narrative, pull you in deeper with its melodic structures, and leave you in utter awe and the artistic endeavour that has just revealed itself. Angels Among Us by Lisa Linsky is an album any serious fan of the solo piano genre must have at all costs, a full flowing and passionate tale, told by a pianist who is truly in touch with her musical muse.