New Age Music World

Archive for the ‘2012 Album Review’ Category

World Fusion Album Review: New Music by Todd Boston.

If you happen to be in the mood for summertime songs with an impressive blend of instrumental world fusion music, acoustic guitarist Todd Boston has a brand new 2012 multicultural follow-up to his 2010 release Alive. In close balance with Alive by flowing acoustic guitar and percussion melodies, Touched by the Sun heralds in a noticeable international, world fusion blend of Eastern and Western music.

Todd Boston is a brilliant guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist performing international tours in 2012, as a soloist and in a number of ensembles including a tour with the world renowned American singing songwriter Snatam Kaur.

After my interview with Will Ackerman last week, I have to say it is by coincidence that tomorrow on (July 20, 2012) Will Ackerman will be among other musicians at a concert celebration for Todd Boston’s Touched By the Sun album. This special concert event will be in Mill Valley, California at the Throckmorton Theatre.

The concert artists in attendance with Todd Boston to help celebrate the launch of Touched by the Sun are guest artist Will Ackerman on guitar, and other top ranked instrumentalist and vocalist.

Most are award-winning artists, and several are artists who have been featured at this site. They include vocalist Snatam Kaur, GRAMMY® nominated bass guitarist Michael Manring, percussionist Ramesh Kannan, cellist Matthew Schoening, violinist Emily Palen, trumpet and flugelhorn specialist Jeff Oster, and guitarist Shambhu.

Touched by the Sun studio album, which has 12 great world fusion melodies, is a refined instrumental with vocals album, likewise comprised of an impressive team of music professionals. Many of whom you are sure to recognize. There are a number of studio session artists who often provide instrumentals on Will Ackerman productions at Imaginary Road Studios, so the contributing members are indeed a select group of musicians.

Artists on the studio album joining Todd Boston on guitars, dotar, flutes and base are female vocalist Snatam Kaur, cellist Eugene Friesen, violinist Charlie Bisharat, percussionist Jeff Haynes, drums Aaron Sterling, bass guitar Tony Levin, fretless bass Michael Manring, hand clapping Tom Eaton, whispers Tina Malia and Ramesh Kannan on tabla and cajon.

There are other strategic elements about Touched by the Sun that isn’t by chance. Given the fact that Todd Boston is a great performer, and the quality of artisanship delivered by other top-ranked artists, this new Imaginary Road Studios production has every component needed to reach the upper limits of success. Stated more precisely, I expect Touched by the Sun to be an award-winning album in 2013.

Touched by the Sun made the #1 Top Recording for June 2012, with the Top 10 & Top 100 Radio Airplay Charts at Zone Music Reporter. The Brightest Night is a song by Todd that has made its way into the elite 22 artist and 22 instrumental song compilation album in 2012 by Will Ackerman entitled The Gathering.

Once more, Touched by the Sun was created in the care of GRAMMY® Award-winning producer Will Ackerman, and co-producer Tom Eaton and Todd Boston, so every component of Todd’s album was given the attention it deserves by a team of specialists. Comprised of elements that make a great recording, decisive actions taken by Todd Boston has lessened the mystery of whether this is a quality album or not. The question now is where to sample or purchase Touched by the Sun.

Visit the homepage of ToddBoston.com and visit Todd Boston’s music page, where you can sample or purchase at several popular online music stores including Amazon, CDBaby, and iTunes. Cover artwork & photo courtesy toddboston.com.

Best Instrumental Songs Review: The Gathering by Will Ackerman.

When deciding on a review title for Will Ackerman’s collection of contemporary instrumental songs, the first caption that came to mind involved the word best. There are several reasons why I gave The Gathering a desirable best instrumental song collection title, and I am prepared to give the reasons why. Synonymous with quality music, the name Will Ackerman alone seems to shout excellence! This is apparent, whether it is his own music recording, or one of the 20 plus gold and platinum albums he produced throughout his 35 year professional career.

The Gathering is the newest 2012 instrumental music compilation album from the acclaimed, GRAMMY® Award winning guitarist and producer Will Ackerman. Featuring an exclusive music collection of 22 top-quality songs by 22 great artists, The Gathering is a decisive who’s who of the best quality artists Will Ackerman selected for this release, out of the many fine musicians who had their album produced at his state-of-the-art Imaginary Road Studios.

Will Ackerman is famous worldwide for his production talents as founder Windham Hill Records, and his strong influence in the instrumental music recording industry yesteryear and today. In addition to his role as producer, Will Ackerman is an award-winning composer and guitarist, having performed a vital role in launching the careers of many award-winning artists. Over the past 35 years Will Ackerman has produced albums for over eighty four artists. Some of the most notable artists are Alex de Grassi, Michael Hedges, Michael Manring, Shadowfax, Liz Story and George Winston.

The Gathering by Will Ackerman is an excellent compilation album with 22 of the best contemporary instrumental songs on Will Ackerman’s West River Records label. Famous for founding Windham Hill Records, the legacy of the highest quality artists endures on Will Ackerman’s West River Records label.

The Imaginary Road Studio today engages the expertise of producer and engineer Tom Eaton. Taking the high road in quality studio productions, William Ackerman and Tom Eaton’s expertize help artists embolden their music compositions with grace, elegance and imagination.

Visit WilliamAckerman.com and the Imaginary Road Studios. You can sample or purchase The Gathering at CDBaby.com. Listed below are the 22 artists and 22 song credits for The Gathering 2012 compilation release.

There are a number of new age and contemporary instrumental artists whose music I have reviewed over the years. The 13 artists with album reviews at this site are listed first in the credits. Photos courtesy willackerman.com.

The Gathering Credits – 22 Artists and 22 songs:

1. Ann Sweeten song Dawn on Red Mountain, from Grey Sky And Bittersweet album.

2. Devin Rice & Erin Aas song Thyn Ayre, from The Arrival album.

3. Fiona Joy Hawkins song Feeling Sunshine, from Live At The Q album.

4. Jeff Oster song Serengeti, from True album.

5. Kathryn Kaye song Mountain Laurel, from Heavy as a Feather album.

6. Kori Linae Carothers song Carpe Diem, from Trillium album.

7. Lawrence Blatt song The Color of Sunshine, from The Color of Sunshine album.

8. Masako song Glastenbury, Vermont, from Masako album.

9. Paul Jensen song Taoist Winds, from The Other Side album.

10. Peter Jennison song Anthem, from Longing From Home album.

11. Shambhu song Hide and Seek, from Sacred Love album.

12. Todd Boston song The Brightest Night, from Touched by the Sun album.

13. Will Ackerman song The Wheel, from New England Roads album.

14. Dean Boland song Intimacy, from Soul Whispers album.

15. Denise Young song Livia’s Song, from Something You Dream Of album.

16. Frank Smith song Porch with a View, from Earth Spring album.

17. Ken Verheecke song Forever, from A Place Called Home album.

18. Patrick Gorman song Shades of You, from Chasing Tornados album.

19. Rhonnda Cadle song Shalom, from Will’s Embrace album.

20. Rocky Fretz song Kim’s Song, from The Path Ahead album.

21. Rudy Perrone song The Prophet, from The Language Of Spirits album.

22. Stanton Lanier song Bread of Angels, from A Thousand Years album.

New Age Instrumental Album Review – Awakening by F.E.D.

Frantz Eddy Daniel Jr. who goes by F.E.D. is raising eyebrows by the release of his debut album Awakening. I have to admit I am among a number of review publicists who believe Frantz Eddy Daniel Jr. is a serious contender in the music recording industry. I dare say his debut album Awakening even has award-winning potential.

Awakening by F.E.D. is music like Yanni, Vangelis, and Hans Zimmer, to you an example of his style. It may also be why Awakening is getting the highest album ratings from reviewers, and the rise in popularity of Frantz Eddy Daniel’s music.

It’s easy to compare F.E.D. to these famous cinematic music composers, but this debuting artist’s instrumental music is, as other have expressed, quite exclusive and one of a kind. Two years in the making, the 12 original songs on Awakening are a dazzling blend of electronic instrumentals, with romantic and classical overtones.

Frantz Eddy Daniel Jr. or F.E.D. is already an established, award-winning artist in many respects, having won awards at the World Championships of Performing Arts, International Music Award for best composition, and Music Aid Organization.

Born and raised in Port au-Prince Haiti, Frantz Eddy Daniel Jr. now resides in New York City, where he is extending his career and instrumental new age music that is stylishly deep and mysterious, yet energetic and dreamy. This sophisticated and complex arrangement combination is never easy to achieve, even for top ranked artists with years of experience.

I personally don’t rate music by giving a rating assessment of “Top 10 Albums” or “5 Stars” and “My Highest Recommendation” but Awakening is one of the best new age instrumental, popular crossover debut albums I have heard in awhile. And there are many album reviewers who agree.

If  you love the music style that sounds like Yanni, Vangelis, and Hans Zimmer, then Frantz Eddy Daniel Jr.’s Awakening album may be the next 12 song collection of instrumental new age music to make your all-time favorite song playlist.

Visit Fed-Music.com to sample and purchase or find F.E.D. at CDBaby.com. Cover art & banner courtesy fed-music.com.

Oceans by 7and5 – Pre-release New Age Album Review.

The advance in technological innovations has made an impact on everyone, including new age artists who create ingenious compositions of electronic music with computers, keyboards and the latest music software programing. In some cases, it’s a real challenge to determine whether instrumentals are produced by live performers, or an electronic orchestra created by one talented artist.

7and5 is the name in which independent artist John H. Nixon creates inspiring new age electronic music. Identical to fans who admire 7and5 music, the new age electronic albums In A Moment’s Time, Trading Stories & Hope, Destiny, & Choice, have been some of my personal favorite electronica albums for years.

The soon to be released Oceans by 7and5 is the newest collection of 10 new age electronic songs. Oceans ascends to new heights by an increase in dynamic energy, a characteristic quality that first began my admiration for 7and5 music.

Oceans by 7and5 is a new age electronic album due to be released next week on June 19, 2012. After listening to Oceans over and over again this week, the 10 vibrant songs on Oceans easily made my favorite album list in the new age electronic/chill out/techno category. Plus, I can tell you the cinematic qualities of 7and5 music generates excitement that never grows old, and the songs on Oceans advance an already present characteristic of quality music made for the cinema.

7and5 albums are a source of admiration for new age artists, and music recording giants David and Steve Gordon of Sequoia Records. A favorite artist with David and Steve too, the quality minded Gordon Brothers selected 7and5 songs for their Sequoia Records compilation albums Celtic Lounge 3, Buddha Lounge 6 & Buddha Groove 5.

The Weather Channel, with millions of television viewers nationwide is a place where 7and5 songs have been some of the best music to make their popular playlists over the years. Two songs in fact made The Weather Channel’s Top 10 Viewer’s Best Music of 2011 list. Songs by 7and5 are broadcast throughout the world on internet radio stations, making another best song list with Mystic Radio, and radio airtime on a number of popular online stations worldwide.

Everyone has the natural capacity to appreciate quality music originating from a variety of sources, and expertly layered electronic new age music is no exception, even for music purists who favor actual orchestrations by musicians performing on real instruments. Created by the natural talents of a single artist, Oceans is an inspiring source for some of the best new music everyone can appreciate.

Visit 7and5Music.com to sample or purchase, and when release at Amazon, CDBaby, ITunes, and major online stores on June 19, 2012. You can find mp3 song downloads at iTunes, and visit John H. Nixon’s social sites at Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and YouTube video page. BigStockPhoto.com photo copyright – Karmaamarande. Cover artwork and banner are courtesy 7and5music.com.

New Age Piano Music: Masako Album Review.

It’s a fact that every artist is characterized as a debuting artist upon the release of their first album. To some, the term debut may suggest negative connotations or a lack of experience, but I believe the majority of people know an artist’s debut simply means they have made available, and distributed their first album to the public.

Masako is the name of a composing pianist making a debut with her first, self-titled piano with instrumental album called Masako. Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, composing pianist Masako is a perfect example of a music professional with decades of experience prior to the first official introduction of her music. In fact, if I hadn’t known firsthand the original piano with instrumental music on Masako’s 2012 album was a debut release, I never would have guessed it.

Composing pianist Masako has released an extraordinary instrumental album with every hallmark of a seasoned professional. In fact, two highly respected artists, Will Ackerman and Liz Story themselves have release press comments about Masako’s abilities affirming her skill level is equated to that of a virtuoso. And I agree.

The Masako album was produced by Will Ackerman at his Imaginary Road Studio. Recognized for the excellence in his talents, Will Ackerman produced this album at Imaginary Road Studio, but needless to say, a producer can only enhance by bringing out the best of an artist’s talents. It’s clear, composing pianist Masako herself gives a magnificent performance, and her arrangement design of piano with instrumental music deserves to be characterized as a world-class release.

There are 12 songs total on the new Masako album, which easily passes the litmus test, in regards to the quality of music she produced, and alike in comparison to those who have rose among the top ranking artists that are associated with Will Ackerman’s Imaginary Road Studio. Masako’s song titled Glastenbury, Vermont was also selected for the top playlist of songs on the newest 2012 compilation CD by Will Ackerman entitled The Gathering.

Masako’s first introduction album is an impressive one and the term debut artist no longer applies. The only instance of where her status as a debuting artist applies now is perhaps when categorized, as the highest rated debut artist or for a best new artist of the year award. In either event, I believe Masako would be pleased to have her first release designated as a new debut album in either category.

The majority of the 12 songs on the Masako album are solo piano arrangements, or duets and ensemble, with an emphasis on piano. Top raking artist selected for the Masako album are Eugene Friesen (cello), Tony Levin (bassist), Jill Haley (English horn), Premik (wind synthesizer), and Jeff Haynes (percussion).

Visit Masako-Music.com to sample or purchase and find Masako album at iTunes. Portrait courtesy beltramistudios.com.

Music Review: Collection of Americana Songs.

With the Memorial Day weekend nearing, Americans across the United States will be honoring service men and women who have given their lives while serving their country. Memorial Day is likewise a holiday weekend when people travel across America, and experience the cultural diversity that is present in each of the 50 united states.

Composing pianist Joey Curtin has produced a tribute album about the American experience entitled Soundtrack for America. The release is a wonderful collection of Americana music where she, co-producer Marc Cooper, and guest artists portray the diverse culture we share as Americans musically. Joey Curtin is a great musician as is Marc Cooper, president of Coop Deville Records, and musician who has performed with Steve Howe, Joe Walsh, Jan Ackerman, and other popular artists.

Soundtrack for America, first released in 2008, is a unique album with a diverse portion of music influences which has been featured on Public Radio and Folk Music stations across America and a number of countries. Soundtrack for America is also a music recording recently inducted into the Dolph Brisco History collection in Austin, Texas.

Soundtrack for America is a collection of 13 Americana songs arranged to tell a story by varying music styles, beginning with my favorite melody, The Immigrant Song. The first piano and instrumental song is beautifully performed, and contains elements of cinematic music. You will find Native American music influences present in the song Wampanoag, before traversing a Jazz influence in Swing Low Sweet Chariot.

There are enjoyable versions of the hymns God Bless America, Amazing Grace, and the thunderous Battle Hymn Of The Republic. Although the album was produced several years ago, Soundtrack for America is a wonderful song collection highlighting the cultural diversity of music, people, and places in America.

Joey Curtin’s most current solo piano album entitled Going to California is an excellent cover arrangement of solo piano music by legendary artists like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Coldplay, Bob Dylan, Steve Winwood and The Who.

Visit JoeyCurtin.com and CoopDeville.com to find Soundtrack for America and to learn more about Joey Curtin and Marc Cooper. Photos are courtesy joeycurtin.com.

Kitaro music fans are sure to be excited about the newest Kitaro album in 2012. Even if they have already heard the Kitaro album entitled The Light Of The Spirit in its original recording format back in 1997, the newly remastered audio CD or mp3 is worth looking into by its superior musical qualities.

If you haven’t sampled The Light Of The Spirit, you are in for a surprise. The 8 cinematic songs by the international new age superstar Kitaro happen to be co-produced with the rock legend Grateful Dead percussionist Mickey Hart, who is a music innovator himself, and during studio recordings and concert performances with his tour group the Mickey Hart Band.

Kitaro and Mickey Hart are GRAMMY® Award-winning artists revered individually for producing releases that explore a wide range of music influences. One example of their diversity is The Light Of The Spirit. The 8 songs on Kitaro’s new album The Light Of The Spirit are; Mysterious Encounter, Sundance, The Field, The Light of the Spirit, In The Beginning, Moondance, Howling Thunder, Journey To A Fantasy. Visit the Domo Music Group page to sample the newest album by Kitaro.

New Album: Wires Rosewood & Roots by Bob Ardern.

Finger-style Folk guitarist Bob Ardern brings new harmony to the forefront in his novel 2012 acoustic album arrangement entitled Wires Rosewood & Roots. Finding inspiration from a number of impromptu events that occurred in day to day life, his newest album reveals the improvisational passion in which he composes.

In many ways, Bob Ardern’s new album Wires Rosewood & Roots, transcends the ordinary into an extraordinary blend of 12 beautiful song melodies you will simply have to experience for yourself.

Bob Ardern is an accomplished Folk guitarist, songwriter and singer, but his mastery of finger-style guitar music is the manner in which Wires Rosewood & Roots begin a new form of expression for the talented artist who is skilled on a variety of music genres.

Bob Ardern is a finger-style guitarist with over 25 years of experience as a popular concert musician performing in venues like house concerts, coffee shops, and Folk music festivals especially in Canada where he lives and is widely recognized. There is also a possibility for a U.S. tour in 2012, and into 2013, so a concert announcement will be made once confirmed.

Wires Rosewood & Roots covers 12 original songs, with some songs on the latest album incorporated as new arrangements from two earlier albums in the accustomed Bob Ardern style entitled Come From Away & Returning Home.

Some of the songs feature Bob Ardern as soloist on a Beneteau acoustic guitar, with the balance of instrumentals on various songs by guest artists. Unlike the unrehearsed events that spawned the concept for his newest album, Bob Ardern is always prepared to perform his finger-style acoustic guitar music with the knowledge and familiarity of a seasoned performer. It’s one attribute about Bob Ardern you can always anticipate.

Artists on Wires Rosewood & Roots are Kev Corbett (upright bass, bodhran, cabasa), Alyssa Wright (cello), and David Findlay (drone, bass, piano, and percussion).

Purchase music at BobArdern.ca or find Wires Rosewood & Roots album at iTunes. Photos are courtesy Bruce Dienes & bobardern.ca.

New Music Review: Family Values by Craig Karolus.

Craig Karolus is an independent new age artist who has released a new 2012 album that is sensible in style and manner, in every way.

In an uneasy world where a moment of collective unity and reasoning is needed now more than ever, Craig Karolus has not only made an expertly designed approach in the audible sense, but in grace and perception with why he produced his album entitled Family Values.

After visiting his official website, I could tell Craig Karolus shares many of the same values as you or I, and is a lot like the majority of us by the attention and importance given to friends and family.

Family Values is in fact a tribute album dedicated to celebrate the lives of living family members, and to four family members who passed away between the months of January and June during 2011.

I accentuate the principles of Craig Karolus since I wanted to give everyone a chance to see his personal point of view, in addition to the significance and depth of his tribute music to family members. The 8 songs on Family Values were composed with his relative’s personalities in mind, so every song is a unique illustration of their character, wonderfully reflected in song. I hope you take a minute to read their biographies at his website to see how each person is characterized in song.

Family Values is just over forty minutes long in a style I would say is closest to instrumental new age. I haven’t seen his music listed in any top 100 radio charts, but if given more coverage by the press and radio station owners, I can picture his album making the top 10 online radio chart listings.

It is not simply good new age music. I personally found this inspiring collection of songs more along the lines of excellent new age music! Rarely have I reviewed an album where I love every song completely, but his is pretty much the case with Family Values. Craig Karolus does have a strong musical background, starting with earlier years while in a marching band, to the point when his earlier rock band named “Karolus” opened a show for the rock metal group Great White.

Craig Karolus is considered a relatively new artist in the new age music market, but I also thought Craig is one of the best new artists too, and I don’t say this lightly. Family Values is the follow up to Standing On Top from 2011, which is another fine album I believe to be of the highest quality musically as his newest 2012 release.

Standing On Top & Family Values are listed in the Christian & Gospel genres and New Age Music category at several online music stores, but his music tribute to family and friends are best described as graceful and elegant. Above all, the manner in which Craig Karolus paid homage to his family is priceless.

Visit CraigKarolus.com to find more information about one of the best new artists. You can sample or purchase mp3 music downloads when you visit Craig Karolus at iTunes and major online retailers. Photos are courtesy Karolus Productions.

New Age Album Review: Dreams of The Forest.

Cinematic music made for the movie industry is in a class of its own, providing charm and realism in which ingenious music compositions become an inherent part of the film itself.

The appropriate cinematic music score can transform a motion picture into something greater than a series of moving images. With the right melodic touch, cinematic music scores and movie soundtracks can create vibrant memories thru association, which bring the movie film characters to life.

New Age pianist Marc Enfroy is an award-winning artist known for his expertise with producing instrumental piano music in a comparable elegance to some of the most accomplished and best cinematic music producers today. Marc Enfroy’s special touch as a new age instrumental music composer is apparent in his newest cinematic piano release entitled Dreams of The Forest.

Dreams of The Forest is an amazing cinematic piano release made to touch the senses. Stated as his most ambitious project to date, Marc Enfroy masterfully creates a dramatic mood of enchantment you’ll want to experience over and over again. With esteemed artists Jack Chen on flute, and GRAMMY® Award-winning studio engineer Corin Nelsen, Dreams of The Forest is a quality album comprised with a trio of top music professionals.

Marc Enfroy’s third release Unconditional is an inspirational array of piano and contemporary instrumentals made to embrace life in a moving way. Unconditional is in the same contemporary resemblance as his instrumental piano album Awakening, but it was Marc’s solo piano debut album Unbounded, which initiated his award-winning music career. Unbounded achieved unbridled success by acquiring the Best Neo-Classical Album award in the ZMR Lifestyle Music Awards in 2008, along with earning Marc Enfroy nomination for Best New Artist at ZMR.

Dreams of The Forest is extraordinary cinematic music given the animated, yet true to life representation it conveys. While countless artists are capable of producing music scores suitable for the ending credits of a motion picture as they slowly roll on by, Dreams of The Forest is an emotionally compelling musical canvas designed with the authentic sensibilities of a real life drama.

Visit MarcEnfroy.com to sample or purchase at his music store or visit major online retailers. Marc Enfroy’s release will be available June 12, 2012. Starting May 17, 2012, pre-order CDs at MarcEnfroy.com. Photos are courtesy marcenfroy.com.

New Age Music Review: Sounds from the Circle IV – Fourth CD/mp3 Album for 2012.

Sounds from the Circle IV is the fourth New Age Music Circle album release for 2012. Like many members within the New Age Music Circle online community, I too look forward to the newest compilation album of 40 songs because it is after all, one of the most significant new age music releases in 2012.

The New Age Music Circle, host by Suzanne Doucet, is an international online community forum and discussion platform where top new age artists, industry professionals, and music fans alike can share music, videos, and post information about special events. Membership is open to anyone who would like to join and participate in forum dialogue that covers a wide range of topics.

Aside from the fact the songs on Sounds from the Circle IV is one of the best song collection of new age music in 2012, the wide-ranging sampling of songs from various artists is a great way to promote the member artists at the New Age Music Circle. The release is distributed to online radio, media and music retailers, in addition to international trade shows, conferences and prestigious industry events like INATS, MIDEM and GATE.

Suzanne Doucet produced the fourth mp3 album CD by circle forum members, that contains 40 songs and holds over three and a half hours of music. The CD can be played in mp3 compatible CD players or in computer CD-ROM drives, which downloads into an iTunes player. In addition the newest album can be purchased and downloaded on iTunes.

The new Sounds from the Circle IV song compilation album also gives me an opportunity to tell you about some of the top artists on the new 2012 release I have featured by a review, interview, or best new age song, album, or video publication.

One aspect about the newest Sounds from the Circle compilation that remains unchanged is the fact the new for 2012 release is a perfect example of the far reaching diversity of the artists and their influence in the New Age Music Genre. The wide variety of styles heard on the 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 releases include acoustic, ambient, chill out, classical, contemporary instrumental, electronic, ethnic, groove, meditation, neo-classical, piano, progressive, world, and vocal.

Once more, the newest song collection on the Sounds from the Circle release features international artists from many countries including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Denmark, England, Germany, Norway, Spain, the United States, and other countries worldwide.

Over the years, New Age Music World has featured 10 out of the 40 artists on Sounds from the Circle releases by way of an album review. In fact, 2002, AOMusic, Hennie Bekker and Louis Colaiannia have earlier recognition by inclusion in my best album award publications.

I had the pleasure of interviewing four artists on the new Sounds from the Circle IV compilation CD, so you can read artist interviews for Pamela and Randy Copus of 2002, Al Conti, Miriam Stockly and Richard Gannaway of AOMusic, and a comprehensive interview with New Age Music Circle host Suzanne Doucet. Naturally I would have liked to write album reviews for every artist in this years CD/mp3 album and interview every artist featured at my site, but time simply doesn’t permit me to write about every artist.

Below are the artist name, song and album of artists on Sounds from the Circle IV featured at New Age Music World over the years. To visit their artist page here, and visit their site, click on artist name shown in a right hand module.

1. 2002 – Randy & Pamela Copus– Song Enduring Love from the Damayanti album.

2. Al Conti – Song Northern Seas from the Northern Seas album.

3. AOMusic – Song Gayla Lo Mane from the album …And Love Rages On!

4. Bill Wren & Frank Ralls – Song Winter Solstice from the album Jourey Around The Sun.

5. Hennie Bekker – Song The Heart of Africa from the album Spectrum.

6. Jose Luis Serrano Esteban – Song Inner Light from the album A New Horizon (Special Edition).

7. Louis Collaiannia – Song Desert Wind from the album A Moment Between Eternities.

8. Peter Jennison – Song The One from the album Longing for Home.

9. Suzanne Doucet – Song Arunachala from the album As it is Now.

10. Tron Syversen – Song Gentle Touch from the Album – Gentle Moments.

Contributing artists also include Ken Davis, Danny Wright, Berward Koch, Torben Thorger & Vibeke Sonora, Michael de Salem, Michele de Wilton, Amberfern, Cheryl Bentyne, Tim White & Joe Paulino, Lia Scallon, Walter Grund, Richard Bone, Glenn Main, Pamela Jamian, Kevin Kula, Jaime Helios, Craig Karolus, Merrill Collins, John Luttrell, Mala Ganguly & David Vito Gregoli, Synthesist, John Salat, Kparx, Elise Lebec, Tajalli, Zamora, Aum Orchestra, Paradiso & Rasamayi, Natascha Wilczek, John Paris.

Visit Suzanne Doucet and New Age Music Circle members at NewAgeMusik.Ning.com. You can sample and purchase Sounds from the Circle IV at iTunes. Cover artwork courtesy Suzanne Doucet & New Age Music Circle.

Music Review: Mysterium Tremendum by Mickey Hart Band.

Legendary Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart may be recognized most for his progressive music as drummer with American rock icon, Grateful Dead band, but as everyone knows, time and the universe itself advance forward like clockwork. It’s no surprise superstar Mickey Hart has made progressive advancements of his own. In this case, it is more of an intergalactic leap!

The significance of Mickey Hart’s role as a Grateful Dead percussionist makes its presence known on his new 2012 album Mysterium Tremendum by his group, the Mickey Hart Band. While some popular artists may be content taking more of a back seat role by riding out the success of an earlier career, Mickey Hart steps aboard and climbs into the pilot seat as he steers his music career, and Mickey Hart Band members in a bold new direction.

The Mickey Hart Band is an 8 member group with Mickey Hart, and selection of the best artists and vocalists he could find. Together they transmit his multiple genre project that treks into uncharted territory musically.

Upon sampling his new 2012 release Mysterium Tremendum, I can say Mickey Hart clearly has selected a rare and talented group to make this flight. Like a man on a mission, his selection was based on those artists who he felt possess the precise aptitude needed to communicate the full depth of a majestic experiment in sound. And it truly is a soulful new direction on the exploratory album Mysterium Tremendum, which also includes the illustrious Grateful Dead lyricist, Robert Hunter.

To call Mysterium Tremendum simply an adventurous album would be an understatement, and downright disrespectful. Daring is a more suitable word. Recorded at Mickey Hart’s Studio X in California, Mysterium Tremendum is innovative in many ways, and unlike anything you have previously heard.

Unequaled by a divergent fusion of popular music genres, World Music best defines the improvisational jam band combination of great instrumentals, vocals, and profusion of original percussion elements.

On this new 2012 release Mickey Hart has selected a rare and brilliant group who he felt possess the precise aptitude needed to interconnect, and then communicate the complete depth of this grand experiment in sound.

The artists had to be special knowing Mysterium Tremendum follows up in linage to his GRAMMY® Award-Winning album, Global Drum Project from 2007.

Never content with merely composing and performing music, the 3 time GRAMMY® Award-Winning Mickey Hart has become more attune to a scientist by researching the primordial origins, history, and cultural aspects of music. It is on this album his research taps into light waves of the universe to the beginning point of time and space, transforming light waves into sound waves using researched scientific data.

This may sound like science fiction, but in fact, real-life scientific data was utilized, thus becomes an integral component of Mickey Hart’s music composition that revolves around many music genres but touches down in the World Music category.

Something I noticed right away was the pronounced cinematic qualities on many of the ambient, vocal and world percussion backed songs, so it’s easy to imagine Mysterium Tremendum being used in a Science fiction film score. These songs are Heartbeat of the Sun, Who Stole The Show, Djinn Djinn, Ticket to Nowhere & Through Endless Skies.

You will find that even the popular crossover songs with lyricized vocals, you are sure to love have cinematic qualities involving various movie genres too like songs Slow Joe Rain, Cut the Deck, Starlight and Starbright, This One Hour, Supersonic Vision, Time Never Ends & Let There Be Light.

Currently the 8 member Mickey Hart Band is on traveling the country on their “Above The Clouds Concert Tour” which is garnering excellent concert reviews. One point to clarify however, on the Mysterium Tremendum album release, a number of special guest artists join the Mickey Hart Band to complete the symphonic landscape. Clearly Mickey Hart has left no stone unturned in the launch of his innovative sound experiment with his new band, and special guest artists.

The music of Grateful Dead is an inherently colorful stripe woven into the fabric of American music culture, as every Deadhead fan will vehemently attest. Never content to take a backseat role with his earlier success, Mickey Hart is clearly in the pilot’s seat with both hands placed firmly on the controls while navigating the spirit of Grateful Dead in a new direction. Hang on and enjoy the ride!

Album Credits: The 8 member Mickey Hart Band consists of Mickey Hart, Widespread Panic bassist Dave Schools, Grammy winning percussionist and longtime band mate Sikiru Adepoju, Tony Award winning vocalist Crystal Monee Hall, TSO vocalist Tim Hockenberry, drummer Ian “Inx” Herman, guitarist Gawain Matthews, keyboardist and producer Ben Yonas. Special guest artists joining the Mickey Hart Band during select tracks on Mysterium Tremendum are Steve Kimock, Reed Mathis, and longtime collaborators, Zakir Hussain, Giovanni Hidalgo and Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter.

Visit MickeyHart.net homepage and sample or purchase Mysterium Tremendum, other albums, and check out the Mickey Hart Band’s live concert tour shows schedule and my Mickey Hart Band pages. Photos are courtesy mickeyhart.net.

Gallery of Dreams – Plus Live by Gandalf with Steve Hackett.

With the advent of the New Year 2012 well past us, new age and popular artists of every genre are releasing their best new project for 2012. While brand new CD and mp3 album downloads are arriving daily at music stores, legendary new age artist Gandalf and popular rock music icon Steve Hackett, formerly of Genesis, have a new 2012, re-mastered release of an exquisite instrumental music classic.

Gandalf’s Gallery Of Dreams – Plus Live featuring Steve Hackett is the title given to this definitive 3 CD Anniversary Edition, that is progressive instrumental music at its finest! Also available as mp3 digital downloads, the first CD is an original studio Gallery Of Dreams album digitally re-mastered.

Plus, Gandalf and Steve Hackett’s previously unreleased 2 CD live concert recordings at the Wiener Konzerhaus concert in Vienna, Austria are included in the special 3 CD Anniversary Edition, comprised of several world-class quality guest instrumentalists, and a wonderful vocalist named Tracy Hitchings on the title track.

Gandalf – featuring Steve Hackett – Live in Concert Part 1 & Live in Concert Part 2 are the official titles for the 2 live concert CDs. The 3 CD Anniversary Edition of Gandalf and Steve Hackett’s legendary studio recording, plus their 2 CD live concert recorded during the Wiener Konzerthaus concert in Vienna Austria is an exceptional collection of songs. The finer points with this release are the artisanship, cinematic qualities and cultural fusion of new age and progressive rock music.

Gallery Of Dreams by Gandalf, featuring Steve Hackett is a masterful arrangement that amazed the music world in 1992, like the definitive anniversary collection carries on the tradition today.

Gandalf’s Gallery Of Dreams is a timeless instrumental classic, powerful in depth by the beauty of orchestral instruments of oboe, flute, piano and English horn in perfect rhythm with classical, acoustic and electric guitar. Even while conveying an air of refinement and complexity, the focus on instrumental warmth and harmony create a personable atmosphere from beginning to end.

It is in a likeness to predecessor Symphonic Landscape, another instrumental album by Gandalf whose symphonic innovations remain ageless with the passing of time. I say with near certainty, Gallery Of Dreams – Plus Live is one of the rarest albums destined to be one of the best progressive instrumental albums I, or any review publicist will write a review about in 2012.

Gandalf featuring Steve Hackett – Live In Concert – Part 1 & Part 2 CDs are previously unreleased live recordings during Gandalf’s Gallery Of Dreams in 1992 at the Wiener Konzerhaus concert in Vienna Austria, with former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett as special guest artist.

Live In Concert Part 1 & Live In Concert Part 2 is parallel to the Gallery Of Dreams studio album by the inherent music qualities given by the artists involved, but perhaps more dynamic being a concert recording made on stage in front of a live audience.

Steve Hackett takes the lead in rock opera styled guitar refrains on a number of songs. Live In Concert Part 1 contains the two Genesis songs Horizons & In that Quiet Earth. As fans of the band Genesis know, guitar virtuoso Steve Hackett in classic form and bravura will leave a lasting impression on the listener every time.

Gandalf and Steve Hackett each have their own highly successful solo albums with distinctive style and technique, but it was Steve Hackett’s musical influence that made a major impression on Gandalf’s music. The natural ability of both artists as soloist is legendary. Gandalf and Steve Hackett complement one another beautifully during their performance, so it’s no surprise their collaborative effort together has resulted in a phenomenal collection of songs.

The 3 CD Anniversary Edition comes with a 6 page color photo booklet, concert poster, and a song video clip of Face in the Mirror that is playable on your computer. For Gandalf concert information, the Gandalf – Art Of Infinity Concert is scheduled for November 3, 2012 at the Planetarium Bochum in Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany.

Full credits for artists performing on Gallery of Dreams – plus live, Live in Concert Part 1 & Live in Concert Part 2 are; Gandalf – electric guitar, acoustic 12-string guitar, piano, keyboards, sitar, sequencers and atmospheres. Steve Hackett – electric and classical guitars. Robert Julian Horky – flutes. Andrea Krauk – oboe, English horn.

Peter Aschenbrenner – flutes, soprano saxophone, and keyboards. Erich Buchebner – bass and fretless bass, taurus, bass-pedals and acoustic guitar. Toni Muhlhofer – percussion and Tracy Hitchings is the vocalist on Gallery of Dreams title track.

Visit Gandalf.at and BSCMusic.com to purchase, and then visit HackettSongs.com. Cover art and photos are courtesy Gandalf & Steve Hackett.

Concert Review: Yanni-Live at El Morro, Puerto Rico.

International concert artist Yanni and his orchestra demonstrate once again they are a leading team of the best musicians worldwide who are prepared to light up the night sky and take the world by storm. In the case of Yanni and the orchestra’s recent live concert event at the historic El Morro fortress in Puerto Rico, the saying “take the world by storm” holds two meanings.

The Oceanside concert venue of Castillo San Felipe del Morro citadel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, presented a challenge for the team by the inclement weather, typical for the historic El Morro coastal locality. Earlier concerts were interrupted due to rainstorms, and it looked as if a miracle was the only hope for the final evening concert scheduled for Saturday night. As it turned out, a windswept atmosphere became a dramatic, silver lining for the ultimate Yanni concert experience.

Yanni-Live at El Morro, Puerto Rico turned out to be an intensely glorious concert event for fans of the international concert artist Yanni, and his sensational orchestra, who are unquestionably, a quality group of the best artists worldwide.

If you have ever had an opportunity to attend a live Yanni concert firsthand, or have watched a televised live PBS concert, then you know each and every concert performance is special, regardless of the venue or historical significance. For over 30 years, Yanni has made his presence known as a leading international concert artist with around one billion admirers. A single concert event, Yanni Live at the Acropolis is the top fundraising program for PBS, which had an astounding 500 million television viewers from 65 countries. The Taj Mahal in India and The Forbidden City in China concert are more examples where PBS viewership reached a television audience of 250 million people.

One might consider Yanni a professional music entertainer, which is true, but only half of the story. There is intensity about Yanni that is profound. One can sense his genuine love of music, and the passion in which he brings inspiration to an audience every time. There is no doubt Yanni and his orchestra love to provide the concert of a lifetime for an audience, regardless of the concert location, or a venue’s historical significance.

Solos by the best artists worldwide are a central attraction during the Yanni-Live at El Morro concert, and every concert performance. It is hard to find the right words to express the quality with each vocalist, and the orchestra. Using adjectives like sensational and spectacular only partly define the superior excellence of the entire orchestra. Every member in Yanni’s world-class orchestra gives a solo performance that can only be described as stunning!

Yanni-Live at El Morro concert opens with two songs from Yanni’s newest album, Truth Of Touch (title song), then a boldly intense song from Truth Of Touch called Vertigo, with duel improvisational solos by Yanni and keyboardist Ming Freeman. Next song on the concert set list is The End Of August, a fan favorite piano and violin piece featuring Samvel Yervinyan and complete orchestral back up.

The beautiful violin solo by Samvel Yervinyan is deeply moving, like the touching song that seems to hold new meaning, The Rain Must Fall. Yanni’s wonderful piano performance precedes a dynamic bass guitar solo by Gabriel Vivas, and breathtaking violin solo by Mary Simpson.

Felitsa is the song Yanni composed, and dedicated to his Mother Felitsa Chryssomallis. By design in composition, Felitsa is a poignant song with verses of piano and violin duet backed by full orchestra. It is a wonderful arrangement many recognize within the first few notes.

The bold refrains of Voyage mark the return of another song from Truth Of Touch, which has stayed in the Top 10 Billboard Chart since released in 2011. Composed for the Hidden City concert in China, vocalist Lauren Jelencovich gives a stunning performance in Nightingale, in time with impromptu solos from orchestra members. Backed by keyboardist Ming Freeman, along with percussionists Yoel Del Sol and Charles Adams, harpist Victor Espinola gives the instrument with origins dating back to 500 BC, a contemporary makeover by his fiery playing technique during Harp Solo.

Vocalists Lisa Lavie and Lauren Jelencovich amaze the audience with their duet and solo talents in Ode to Humanity, and during up-tempo, contemporary song Niki Nana, featuring brass specialists Dana Teboe on trombone and Jason Carder on trumpet. After a standing ovation, Yanni addresses the audience with a heartfelt narrative of the ongoing challenges facing humanity prior to the concluding, full orchestral song, One Man’s Dream.

It’s clear the Yanni team demonstrate once again they are prepared to “take the world by storm” and be victorious. Leave the firework display up to concert attendees who enthusiastically brightened up the nighttime sky by showing their admiration for music celebrity Yanni, and his select team of music professionals. The extraordinary live concert show at El Morro that almost never was to exist is soon to be available on CD and DVD for 2012.

The full orchestra name credits in alphabetical order are; Charles Adams: drums, Benedikt Brydern: violin, Jason Carder: trumpet and flugelhorn, Yoel Del Sol: percussion, Victor Espinola: harp, Ming Freeman: keyboards, James Mattos: French horn, Sarah O’Brien: cello, Mary Simpson: violin, Dana Teboe: trombone, Gabriel Vivas: bass, Samvel Yervinyan: violin, Alexander Zhiroff: cello. The vocalists are; Lauren Jelencovich, and Lisa Lavie.

The Yanni-Live at El Morro DVD and CD will be released on April 17, 2012. Visit Yanni.com to pre-order and purchase, or visit Amazon.com for the new Yanni-Live at El Morro DVD or new CD in 2012. For Yanni’s 2012 North American Concert Tour in the United States and Canada, visit the Yanni.com Concert Tour page for full concert information. Photos are courtesy Yanni-Wake Entertainment & Big Stock Photo – Mandj98.

A New Horizon – Special Edition by José Luis Serrano Esteban.

José Luis Serrano Esteban, a new age guitarist from Spain, is enjoying time at the Top 10 Zone Music Reporter Radio Chart the past couple of months. Esteban is off to a great start with his release titled A New Horizon (Special Edition), which has held ZMR’s #2 Top 10 Radio Chart position during January and February of 2012.

José Luis Serrano Esteban is a composer and multi-instrumentalist who studied classical guitar and electronic music. Esteban is skilled on a number of instruments including piano, keyboards, percussion instruments and programming, but guitar appears to be his specialty, performing on Spanish classical guitar, acoustic, 12 string, and a collection of different acoustic and electric guitars.

Esteban has released over 100 music compositions, each in a wide variety of styles that range from classical, electronic, new age, world and rock music.

Along with his own cinematic recordings, Esteban is a guitar and electronic specialist in other artist’s CD recordings and audio video scores too, composing music for commercials, demo tapes, and soundtrack scores for television documentaries. José Luis Serrano Esteban is the second Spanish composer who has signed with Landscape TV, an audio visual media station in the UK called Landscape HD productions. His first New Age Musica video was released in 2011.

A New Horizon (Special Edition) is an adventurous blend of classical and electronic rock music with several songs in near representation style to iconic band Tangerine Dream.

The re-issue of A New Horizon (Special Edition) has 16 songs, two of which are new bonus tracks. Nearly touching a dream & Vida (Life) have a pleasant atmosphere and pleasing feel of warmth, like the consistent qualities you will experience on the entire album.

The essentials of José Luis Serrano Esteban’s music with composing, producing and recording A New Horizon (Special Edition) himself is the likeness of refined recording of songs with near qualities of what you hear on many of Will Ackerman productions.

Esteban has a natural ability for pairing electronic and acoustic guitar with violin, piano and flute into serene instrumental songs. Together he and the additional artists from Spain have reintroduced a picturesque landscape across a new horizon.

On A New Horizon (Special Edition), some pieces were performed with instrumentalists Nacho Serrano (Bass and 12 string acoustic guitars), Cristobal Caballero (double bass), Nuria Felix (violin), Santiago Puente (clarinet), Gloria Esteban (flute), Carlos Calvo (flute) and Covadonga Serrano (piano).

Visit JlseMusic.com to sample or purchase and find at his Amazon.com page. Cover artwork courtesy jlsemusic.com.

Undersail by Steve Orchard –Tribute Music to Titanic.

With the 100 year anniversary of the RMS Titanic launch and foundering approaching, it is only natural Steve Orchard’s tribute music to Titanic called Undersail, is an interesting collection of new songs to sample.

Once I began listening to the 12 tribute songs based on the legendary ocean liner Titanic, it didn’t take long to discover Undersail is by all accounts, the inaugural launch of another admirable 2012 new music release from new age artist Steve Orchard.

Steve Orchard from Bristol, England is famous for his ability to produce electronic and instrumental music with creative imagination. After writing reviews about his 3 album Trilogy Series, I can say Steve Orchard’s tribute music of Titanic give rise to reflect the dream-like qualities of relaxing yet energetic melodies he is known to produce, time and again.

Undersail is a beautiful music tribute to the story of Titanic, which once began as a dream, born of creative inspiration. Produced at his home studio in England, Steve created Undersail using Roland keyboards, electric and acoustic guitars with special effects made with a Korg synthesizer. I thought some songs like In Titanic’s Wake, God Speed & Full Astern are reminiscent to epic soundtrack music of film composer Vangelis, like the cinematic songs Ghost Ships, Dead Calm & Port Home.

Steve Orchard is a prolific singer songwriter who has composed a great collection of original new music throughout his lifetime. This newest dreamy music collection continues the tradition of capturing the imagination while achieving universal appeal.

Steve Orchard’s tribute music to Titanic isn’t expected to surpass the 30 million copies sold with Academy Award winning James Horner’s best-selling movie soundtrack score Titanic: Music from the Motion Picture, but Steve Orchard’s Undersail is a beautiful new compliment to the legendary “ship of dreams” forever christened Titanic.

On April 15, 2012, Undersail will be released as mp3 downloads and CD album on the 100th anniversary of Titanic’s sinking. Visit SteveOrchardMusic.co.uk to sample and purchase or visit ADMusicOnline.com, and popular online music stores. Below is the YouTube song video entitled Ghost Ships. Around 30 seconds into the sample song video, there is fascinating archival footage of the true historical landmark, Titanic. Photos are courtesy steveorchardmusic.co.uk.

RMS Titanic facts: The maiden voyage began in Southampton England, en-route to New York City April 10, 1912. The Olympic-class ocean liner, with a port of registry in Liverpool, England was owned by White Star Line and foundered in the North Atlantic around 2:00 am on April 15, 1912. The actual music of Titanic played at the time of sinking is undetermined, but believed to contain the hymn Nearer, My God, to Thee.

Music Review: Soundscapes album by Steve Bowe.

Steve Bowe from the UK is a pianist and multi-instrumentalist whose lively new age music compositions are technologically driven. In addition his programing skills are conducive for the advancement of contemporary electronic music by diving into the cutting edge of today’s new age music scene.

Soundscapes is Steve Bowe’s most recent new age/world fusion album featuring 12 songs fashioned in a variety of timbre and mood on each arrangement. The lively tempo and energetic atmosphere of Soundscapes is a sound sensation of mainly upbeat music. His songs are diverse and independent from one another in style, so like much of today’s music, classifying the songs on Soundscapes as strictly new age music doesn’t describe the full reach of his style.

Producing state-of-the-art melodies is not new to Steve Bowe at all since his interest into the more advance methodology to creating rhythmic music began early in life. Classically trained on piano at an early age, Steve Bowe is capable performer on a variety of instruments including, keyboards, piano, acoustic and electric guitars, bass, percussion and all programming. Steve’s skill as a programmer who pairs instrumental counterparts is apparent on another recent, first album entitled Finest Hour.

Soundscapes is by design, lively new age music rhythms with energetic qualities. I thought the songs Queen of the Nile & Sunset Highway go a long way in pointing out Steve Bowe’s abilities for producing lively new age music covering a wide range of melodic themes. Producing innovative song arrangements on both of his releases, Steve Bowe has a talent for creating energetic songs that become a fun, upbeat escape from some of the more conventional new age music.

Visit BoweMusic.com to sample or purchase at his music shop. For free mp3 downloads from his Soundscapes & Finest Hour albums, visit his downloads page. Please note – Bowe Music downloads are for personal, non-commercial use only. Cover artwork courtesy bowemusic.com.

Music Review: Solitary Treasures by Darlene Koldenhoven.

Professional recording artist Darlene Koldenhoven has released an exceptional new vocal album entitled Solitary Treasures. This is much to the delight of fans who are familiar with her extraordinary vocals that have carried her to international fame.

For those who think they may not have heard the GRAMMY® Award winning, 3 time nominated artist Darlene Koldenhoven sing, I would be willing to say in fact you have.

Darlene Koldenhoven, who has a Masters in Voice and Bachelors in Music Education, was a featured vocalist who performed with celebrated international concert artist Yanni. Renowned for the quality of his concert performers, Darlene Koldenhoven was the star vocalist during the legendary Public Broadcast Service (PBS) concert Yanni – Live at the Acropolis. Film, television shows and concert tours are other venues where Darlene has amazed audiences with her incredible 5 octave vocal range.

Darlene Koldenhoven has performed with Robin Williams at the Academy Awards, American Idol specials, London Royal Philharmonic and a multitude of TV series. Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, and the late Whitney Houston are several music celebrities she has performed on stage with over the years. Darlene likewise has a platinum album for her vocals on the progressive rock stars Pink Floyd’s A Momentary Lapse of Reason, and several Gold and Platinum awards.

Solitary Treasures is like a showcase album that highlights Darlene’s extraordinary talents that have brought her fame as one of the best vocalists in the music industry. The 12 songs on Solitary Treasures is a vocal instrumental album exploring the versatile talents of Darlene Koldenhoven, a star who often performs with stars of equal caliber.

Solitary Treasures is a instrumental vocal album entered musically by a fine classical setting, but pop crossover instrumental songs, romantic ballad, adult contemporary, and world music are recounted with a wonderful sense of balance from the first to last song. Solitary Treasures is her third vocal instrumental album within the past year, after releasing her equally significant albums True Stories & Angel on Ivories.

The PBS viewing audience for Yanni – Live at the Acropolis by the way is estimated to be 1.5 billion people worldwide with one venue alone, so chances are Solitary Treasures is simply a great way to get reacquainted with star vocalist Darlene Koldenhoven.

Visit DarleneKoldenhoven.com to sample or purchase albums, or visit Amazon.com. Photos are courtesy darlenekoldenhoven.com.

Music Review: Heavy as a Feather album by Kathern Kaye.

Kathern Kaye’s second album Heavy as a Feather has been getting substantial media commentary this year. It could very well be due in part to the success and recognition she has received with her first piano and instrumental album Dreaming Still, which is another top album by Kathern Kaye, with Will Ackerman as producer.

Kathern Kaye’s first album succeeded in opening up new horizons for the once debuting new artist who was among top artists recently under consideration for Zone Music Reporter’s best album awards for 2011. Kathern’s nominations were two ZMR categories of Best New Artist & Best Instrumental Album – Piano.

Dreaming Still acquired the #1 position in the ZMR Top 100 charts for 3 months, and the #2 album on ZMR’s Top 100 Recording chart in 2011. Dreaming Still achieved an impressive top ranking from over 2300 albums by some of the best artists worldwide.

Heavy as a Feather is much in the same artistic signature as Dreaming Still by the contemporary resentation of Kathern’s skills as composing pianist with ten years of classical music education. I believe it is clear to everyone now Kathern Kaye is a versatile pianist who knows how to create beautiful song melodies with emotional depth and charm, which in turn, has moved her music career to the next level.

Heavy as a Feather is another great album produced with Will Ackerman, engineer Corin Nelsen, and a team of music professionals. Of the 11 songs, half are solo piano pieces, with the balance of songs in the accompaniment of some of the most respected artists in the music business. It’s a select group of esteemed artists that justifiably includes composing pianist Kathryn Kaye.

Kathryn Kaye composed the 11 original songs and performs on piano, with additional artists Will Ackerman (guitar), Charlie Bisharat (violin), Tom Eaton (accordion and percussion), Eugene Friesen (cello), Jill Haley (English horn), Tony Levin (bass), Michael Manring (fretless bass),and Ramesh (percussion).

Visit KathernKaye-music.com to sample Heavy as a Feather. Or visit Kathryn’s page at Amazon.com. Visit Will Ackerman and the Imaginary Road Studio at WilliamAckerman.com. Cover art courtesy A. Handelman.

Legendary musician Kitaro continues the time honored tradition of bringing his ageless instrumental classics to millions of fans worldwide. The year 2012 is after all, much like another other year in the past, where fans of popular new age music can find many selections of the best new albums and songs all from a man who goes by the name Kitaro.

The fascinating story of Kitaro is legendary. Beginning his music career over 30 years ago, Kitaro’s intriguing journey to prominence arose with the release of his first album entitled Astral Voyage back in 1978.

Crossing many milestones along the way, Kitaro is a true innovator who remains in the forefront of the music recording industry today, just as he was the vanguard in the new age music scene years ago.

Fans of Kitaro know his discography has not only increased in volume, but has increased in popularity as time goes by too. In recent years to the present, some of the best new music from Kitaro has progressed in diversity more than ever, but the admiration for his work is at all times constant. It may leave many of us wondering what motivates or inspires him.

Sacred Journey of Ku-Kai – Volume 4 from 2010 is one of his best albums in the Ku-Kai series. The 4 CD Sacred Journey of Ku-Kai album collection is inherently monumental, and in an exclusive class by itself. The motivation for Kitaro’s Ku-Kai series as many fans may know arose after the global events on the fateful day of September 11, 2001.

On 9/11 Kitaro was on a jet from Japan traveling en route to Los Angeles when the transcontinental flight was diverted to Hawaii for 5 days due to the tragedy. It was during this time of disbelief and uncertainty Kitaro envisioned the Ku-Kai series as a means of uniting the world by music embracing a universal message of peace.

Peace thru music is not a new concept on the surface, but I, like other people find his personal belief and inner conviction with producing Sacred Journey of Ku-Kai, an honorable concept of peace and unity that is profound nonetheless.

The Sacred Journey of Ku-Kai series is an earthly travel that transports the listener to 88 sacred temples located on Shikoku Island in Japan. The music is a serene journey in its own right. The true to life excursion made over 1100 years ago on Shikoku Island in Japan endures to this day.

The music in Kitaro’s modern day journey has an itinerary of refined harmony made for reflection. Every instrumental song on the series is comprised of bells from one of the holy temples, integrated into the series with Kitaro’s internal vision of peaceful harmony in music and in life shown externally. It may be why many consider  Sacred Journey of Ku-Kai series the best new albums by Kitaro.

Nearly every day I describe an artist’s album and its qualities, but rarely do I focus or reveal the intrinsic motivation of an artist’s instrumental creation. Ku-Kai series Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3 & Vol. 4 earned Kitaro a GRAMMY® Nomination in the Best New Age Album category, which basically speaks for itself. The admiration for Kitaro and his music that unites the world is, of all things, real and constant.

Sacred Journey of Ku-Kai  – Vol. 4 has 8 songs titled; Lotus Mountain, Yakushi, Magic Seeds, Reflection Of Water, South Wind, Circle Pray, Requiem & Ritual Winds. I have the privilege of interviewing Kitaro in the near future. During our interview I hope to reveal the central element that inspires one of the top instrumental music producers today.

Visit the Domo Music Group Kitaro pages to sample or purchase Kitaro’s music, and then visit DomoMusicGroup.com. Read Kitaro’s Ku-Kai page at Domo Music Group for more about this special series. Photos courtesy domomusicgroup.com.