New Age Music World

Archive for the ‘New Age Music World’ Category

Just like an orchestra conductor standing on a podium, one New Age artist first held his raised baton in hand, and began to cue the first downbeat gesture for his debut album.  What emerged after the final cutoff gesture was made, led to an upbeat direction for his first album’s achievements, and proclaimed admiration for this relatively new artist.

David Wahler is the musician orchestrating Antiquus in a like manner, where his time signature expertly directed a unique phrasing in tempo, dynamics, and articulation, leading to welcoming salutations of praise during the final reception at the end of his first orchestration.

Antiquus  is a greatly applauded 2009 album surprising many by the paramount success granted to such a relative newcomer in the New Age music industry.  The consistent airplay and high ranking in Zone Music Reporters charts is widely recognized, along with pending nominations for 2009 in 4 categories, yet to be decided.  Likewise you will find Antiquus is held in high regard with our own NewAgeMusic.nu Best Albums of 2009 Awards, so these merits do speak clearly.

Music itself is not new to David since he began playing piano by ear at age 7, then formal music studies in college academics before directing several theater productions, performing with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra & New American Theatre, while also teaching music appreciation to disadvantaged and handicapped children.

David again steps onto the conductor’s podium for a second time.  With all eyes watching, and with several decisive taps of the hand baton, he confidently cues in his current 2010 release  A Star Dances, in an encore performance notably holding great expectations. 

Composed, performed, and arranged solely by David Wahler, this album represents a heartfelt narration surrounding his family circle past and present, where resolution of personal life challenges are reflected as a unique source of inspiration for his music’s identity, lovingly embraced by his close family heritage. 

A Star Danced is New Age, Contemporary, Electronic, Ambient, Neo Classical, and Orchestration, nicely displayed by his directing hands, where it becomes apparent this second release sharply manifests a sweeping one and two and timing, in relation to the precision delivery of his already admired discography.

The song Quest is the Epic alpha and omega heralding in 14 classics of A Star Danced, and perhaps a fine talking point of those like myself giving their own conclusions about his second release.  To me, this sensational wonder is a revelation to behold, given the heavenly virtuoso trumpet intonation with pronounced percussion taps unveiling moderate rhythms while keyboard and tenor vocals gently mesmerize.  Having these bold dynamics and a contrasting sheer ambience of lightly drawn out vibrato notes, it could be telling of a more calming and peaceful resolution made during some of our most challenging moments.

The atmosphere in the Title Song by soft soprano and tenor vocals echo nicely behind droplet-like keystrokes and percussion rhythms blending into one relaxing starlit entity.  The Seeds of Time are generously sown by guitar soloist Brent Gunter, where his evolving impressions are backed by moderate keyboards and celestial choir. Come Gentle Night has a light sway led by beautiful keyboard bell tones similar to Peaseblossom & Reverie.  Sigh Away Sunday & Vespera are new images holding a conforming poise from the well conducted Antiquus album, giving fresh ambient patterns to the ensemble of songs.

Yvonne is a heartfelt rendition where harp and piano melody embrace to portray a positive affirmation when keys changes bravely touch on an optimistic tone. It is this song where piano, strings, and harp join in a tribute to a special person, and where the significance of someone dear to David is personified.

Missing You is first composed in singular piano notes where a solemn melody gives a peaceful and serene placement of solitude in the earliest moments while nicely responding with a graceful tribute.  Piano notes resolve in a most dignified phasing, giving rise by a reverent conclusion, where ordained notes of respect and solidarity become intertwined in the loving arms of melancholy. 

Quest ( Reprise ) makes a return odyssey to the dynamic opening impressions, becoming the concluding exodus to again reveal the bold aesthetic testimonial of David’s second album.  Devoted to his unique signature which retains your interest and imagination from the first cue to the final cutoff note, I do expect honorable recognition will be given to David Wahler & A Star Danced, pending this album’s overall final reception.

Visit davidwahler.com to sample and purchase or at his CDBaby.com page.  You may read our own NewAgeMusic.nu Best Albums of 2009 Awards and my review of Antiquus on our pages dedicated to David Wahler.

Picture copyright Big Stock Photo – pressmaster.

Today’s computer enhanced technology is amazing, and when skillful composing is combined with live performers and instrumentals, the resulting musical outcome can become a creation of natural beauty.

Timothy Crane is an artist using a creative touch with the music technology of today by composing piano music and then intregrating key instrumentals along with orchestra effects that become full structured works of music he and his close friends enjoy creating.

Dragonfly is the second release where Timothy plays a leading role as pianist and co-producer of his second album, along with Jason Rowsell who also played bass and mixing. Friends Rick Henly performs on guitar and percussion effects, while Ryan Day engineered and mixed the album. One last credit I don’t want to miss, Jason Rowsell’s young daughter has a cameo role by quietly laughing on cue during the beginning of song, A Child’s Goodnight.

The Other Life I Dream is the first album I enjoyed equally from Tim and this talented group. When asking Timothy what was the primary objective on this current release, and what set Dragonfly apart from the first album. Here is his reply:

With Dragonfly, my focus was more on the composition. Each piece reflects an attempt to craft an instrumental tune that is memorable, unique to the overall album, and noticeably piano-driven, produced by independent musicians who want nothing more than to continue to create and play music.   Timothy Crane

Dragonfly is where I discovered more natural forms of instrumentation become closely acquainted with an animated entity in 11 song classics. A few songs carry the rhythmic tones that might remind some of a highly recognized female artist at first glance, but I soon discovered every song is composed with a unique singular structuring in each melody belonging in a New Age, Piano, Contemporary Instrumental, Cinematic theme.

Dragonfly indeed takes flight with first song 2×2. In a graceful piano based dance of the keys, a real beauty of a melody greatly captures your attention by the upper tempo modern rhythms.

Well placed staccato notes from strings carry this steady motion while wonderful orchestration carries the appropriate rhythms that lead to a natural form of musical attraction.

Sylvan Grove holds much of the same beauty by piano leading in an upbeat theme while horns and strings inscribe a smooth blend into another most positive melody. Higher octave piano notes in Star Cross Moon are the first gentle indications of a nice correlation in melodic shades, and when numerous major to minor key changes make a full emotional presence felt during refrains, the result is gratifying.

A Child’s Goodnight is a playful theme that soon matures in a full chord and heartfelt movement, while Salish Sunset in again, a more moderate tempo, along with light recollections in piano phrasing, join with oboe to impart warmer tones of orchestration to enhance the open atmosphere of splendor.

Theft in Eb Major has more of a classical thought in composition with major and minor chords extending vibrant hues while building momentum as the song progresses. The woodwinds warm breezy notes blend with background choral vocals to instill a more celestial feel with this song.

Theme of Rachel Scott is another focal point where medium range keystrokes give way to lower chords feel of depth and richness, blending nicely with orchestration to become one exciting entity. Vasilissa the Beautiful entertains a most peaceful beginning only to be suddenly interrupted by an enthralling performance from piano, choir, and deep thunderous percussion, quickly taking flight as if suddenly startled from a comfortable resting place.

Title song Dragonfly is an impassioned piano solo signaling the finale of this lightly animated album, in a conclusion where I felt every colorful detail was closely examined while producing this incorporated album, becoming the perfect choice for many people desiring popular music creations having a natural attraction.

Visit timothycrane.com website to sample / purchase.  You can also visit his CDBaby.com page or Amazon.com page.

Picture Copyright Big Stock Photo – FOTOCROMO.

        NewAgeMusic.nu Best Album Award of 2009.  By B.T. Fasmer on January 1, 2010.

2009 is history – and before we move on, lets take a look at the many new age music titles that have given us so much joy this past year.

New age music is not different from other genres; the myriads of home studios and the power of internet are transforming the music scene in a profound way. While the fan before had to rely on mainstream radio and the selection in the local music store, she now can choose from millions of tracks and just as many niche stations like New Age Stars. Music has never been this accessible, and we here at .nu enjoy every minute of it!

In 2009 we have been able to sample every album released under the “new age music” umbrella on Amazon and iTunes, without even leaving our living room. The quality of the titles is generally very high – and we continue to be amazed of the creativity and love the artists (and the labels) put into their work. We, the fans, can only say thank you, thank you, dear artists, for an amazing year of music!

The titles below are our favorites of 2009. We have without a doubt missed some titles here, but to our defense all titles mentioned below are for sure in the “best of the best” category.

1. Cadence Spalding – Save the World

It wasn’t hard for NewAgeMusic.nu editors to choose the top title for 2009. Rarely have we been presented for a title that answers the “what is new age music” question better. Cadence Spalding’s Save the world illustrates everything that is great about new age music. To quote John P. Olsen’s review: “Save The World is classical New Age pop, hosting a pleasant mix of ballads finely tuned to perfection in the purest sense. Classical touches of soft angelic vocals appears as lullabies at times, gently rocking you into a contented state, while anthem stanzas increase in momentum, rising above to greet the occasion. “

Save The World is, as the title implies, an album with a message. We all have to do our part to save mother Earth – it is a message that has to be repeated again and again. How to save the world? Trust in love. Cadence Spalding’s album is not to be missed.

Sample the album on CDBaby

2. Clifford White – The Gods Of Olympus

Clifford White is a true new age music legend. His album Ascension from 1985 is one of the finest albums from the 80s, and a “must have” for any NA music fan. After 14 years of silence, Clifford White this year returned with a massive release. The album The Gods Of Olympus is a journey of epic proportions.

BT Fasmer wrote in his review: “The Gods Of Olympus is really a new age music treasure chest. If this was a novel, it would have had more than 1000 pages for sure. In the world of literature it is not uncommon that a successful author returns after 10 to 15 years of silence with a brick of a book. This is the new age music equivalent of that phenomenon.”

The Gods Of Olympus has 14 extremely well made tracks, and is over 70 minutes long.

Sample the album here.

3. Kitaro – Impression Of The West Lake

I cannot think of a more magical and mystical album than Kitaro’s Impression Of The West Lake. On this Grammy nominated release Kitaro does what Kitaro does best; he creates an unforgettable world of music, that is both East and West, beautiful and magical, all at the same time.

There are two 12 minute long tracks on the album. They are like two separate albums, with a massive and interesting build-up. Hopefully Kitaro will get a Grammy this time – he sure deserves it!

Sample the album here.

4. Medwyn Goodall – Medicine Woman 4 – Prophecy 2012

It has become a tradition in the world of new age music. Every fifth year or so Medwyn Goodall’s many fans get a new installment in the Medicine Woman series. Since the release of the first album in the series in 1991, it has become one of the most popular in the genre. This year we saw the release of Medicine Woman 4 – Prophecy 2012.

BT Fasmer wrote in his review: “Prophecy 2012 has the good old Medicine Woman atmosphere, pure and simple. This sound should have been patented, put on a bottle and sold to a big pharmaceutical company, since it is truly a healing experience. But I guess that the Medicine Woman is more about herbs and spells, than pills and bills.

Medicine Woman 4 – Prophecy 2012 offers, like the previous albums in the series, almost endless replay possibilities.

Sample the album here.

5. David Wahler – Antiquus

One of this year’s most surprising and welcome releases was Antiquus by David Wahler. This debut can been described as New Age Ambient, Neo Classical, and Electronic – yes, even Orchestra and Chill Out.

John P. Olsen wrote in his review: “The mood is indeed very dreamlike and relaxing by a mod tempo rhythm that offers a positive connection by retaining your interest and imagination throughout the entire album. Shifting tempo and key changes are what I believe give this album an effective transition in thought and feeling, linking the valuable bond between our very distant past and our ever changing future.”

David Wahler is one of the new stars of new age music – and we feel confident that he will be on our best of list next year too! Antiquus is simply a marvelous album that any NA music fan must check out.

Sample the album here.

6. Paul Heinerman – Oases

The phrase Music can take you places might sound like cliché, but you will see the truth in it after listening to Paul Heinerman’s album Oases. This album will take you on an unforgettable musical journey to Ireland, Greece, North America, India, China and Native America.

Oases is hands down ethnic fusion at its very best, played with integrity and force – and, in the process, perfectly blending modernity in all its shades, illustrating the melting pot of East and West.

All in all, Oasis is an interesting and quite different new age music release – and one of the finest albums released in 2009!

Sample the album here.

7. Joel Kanning - Ubiquitous Frequency Oscillation

Another debut album that made 2009 into something special was Joel Kanning’s Ubiquitous Frequency Oscillation (UFO). BT Fasmer wrote in his review: “Albums are often released labeled as “sounding like Enigma and Deep Forest”, but this reviewer finds that these albums rarely are on par with masters such as Michael Cretu and Eric Mouquet (the men behind Enigma/Deep Forest) . Some of these albums are quite good, but hardly more than that.

But sometimes it happens that a new star is born, and one artist that deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Cretu and Mouquet is Joel Kanning. His brand new album UFO, or Ubiquitous Frequency Oscillation, is a true feast for fans of the above mentioned artists.”

While Enigma and Deep Forest are big names of the past, Joel Kanning is a man for the future. This was the UFO-landing we all were waiting for!

Sample the album here.

8. Transcend with Time – A Haunting Presence.

Everyone always says that they are looking for something new, something different and exciting. Well, new age music fans – we urge you to check out the album A Haunting Presence by Transcend with Time/Mark Mendieta. This album truly is different and exciting in a whole new way; A Haunting Presence has the atmosphere of progressive rock and the sound of new age. Mark Mendieta takes everything that is great about new age and adds, what he calls, “a twist of Dark Progressive”. It creates a totally different atmosphere, unlike anything else you are likely to find in this part of the forest.

TwT is not easy listening, and that is also the case with the new release. But if you give is some time, you will for sure be amazed of the richness in sound.

Sample the album here.

9. John Adorney – The Fountain

One of the new stars in new age music is John Adorney. His albums The Other Shore, Waiting For The Moon and Trees of Gold are considered modern classics. This year John Adorney gave us the album The Fountain. John P. Olsen wrote in his review of the album: “The itinerary moves into Middle Eastern style keyboard navigation before boarding acoustic guitar verses reminiscent of India. Circling the globe by Southern route, Brazilian tempo celebrates the festivities before a final touchdown into John Adorney’s home country of America, arriving well relaxed by one of his more adventurous musical arrangements, in the luxurious comfort we have come to expect.”

If we were given the chance to create a trademark defining term for a new music genre that everyone could easily recognize for a new description reference, we would confidently term the compositions of John Adorney as Comfort Music.

Sample the album here.

10. Nexion Project – The Isle of Freedom

We are fond of island music here at .nu. This year we added a title to our “best of island music”- list. The title of the album is The Isle of freedom by The Nexion Project.

It is not entirely a new release (some of the songs have been featured on previous Nexion Project albums – but some new songs were composed to this compilation). BT Fasmer wrote in his review: “Is it possible to make something that already is perfect, like the dream of a tropical island, even better? Yes, the Nexion Project’s The Isle of Freedom is a proof of this. It takes the island theme to the next level, creating a dream sphere that is both relaxing and energizing at the same time. It is everything and more, just like paradise itself.”

So if you need some well deserved time off, why not take a trip to the Isle of Freedom?

Sample the album here.

AND NOW: 2010 here we go, with new age music in our ears and hearts!

Your friends in New Age Music,

B. T. Fasmer and John P. Olsen, Norway and U.S.A.

Canada is a country currently making the news daily by hosting the XXl Olympic Winter Games and Like B.T. Fasmer said in his recent article, New Age Music for Driving, listening to calming music to relax with while driving in Vancouver or surrounding areas, is a great idea.

Julian Ray is understandably a proud Canadian citizen and member of SOCAN, Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada, active in theatre, psychology, and philosophy and award recipient as a design artist. In addition to keeping up with current events in his country, Julian is independently promoting his current 2010 release In Flow of Light, placing well in a winners circle of New Age / Ambient / Meditative, categories.

In Flow of Light is a lighter form of easy listening ambient music, with the title song In Flow of Light and second track The Call, a mid tempo blend of synthesized ambient music, with abundant keyboard effects affable for relaxation while also exhibiting a more pronounced upbeat rhythm I would classify as distinctive.

Silence & Mountain Air are toned down in tempo to a more atmospheric level, in a more casual presence, keeping up a measurable level of his individual style, likewise felt in the abundant runs on keyboard based Soaring.

This ambient music with a more casual tone of 10 uplifting melodies makes one relaxing album, great for travel or winding down right at home.  His prior releases Saga, Wonderful Life, & Seashell Stories give you much to choose from too, with all having an individualistic tone that indirectly tells you it was produced by Julian Ray.

Between Earth and Sky has a windswept beginning before keyboards entertain a lighter melody, and the synthesizer background gives an enticing angle in tone by the voice box impressionism.

Towards the Sun reaches a higher peak of performance on percussion, along with upbeat rhythms, where New Morning takes off with a slower start, only to increase in speed, gaining momentum by the smooth flowing keyboard melody.  Percussion rhythms happily dance along with a more mid tempo theme as the song progresses, making a fine finish at the end.

New Age Music and Canada seem to have a natural presence, and music from Canadian teams has always made the grade with me.  Julian who resides in Toronto, likewise goes the distance with current In Flow of Light by providing a measurable amount of relaxation with his individual freestyle of ambient music.  Since several new projects are on the way, and I am now more familiar with his music, it should be easy to recognize his freestyle compositions at any event.

Visit julianraymusic.com to learn more.  Sample / purchase on his website album page, or at Amazon & iTunes.

Cover design copyright Julian Ray Music courtesy of Katrin Ray.

Valentines Day is a super time to make one’s heart beat a little faster, and since February 14, 2010 was also the first phase in the annual Zone Music Reporter ( ZMR ) Award Category Nominees announcement, I can almost hear the rhythmic pace increase for the candidates we have been writing about at NewAgeMusicWorld.Com & NewAgeMusic.nu.

Click here to see our NewAgeMusic.nu Best of the Best Album Awards for 2009.

ZMR has decisively placed many of the artists we write about as Category Nominees, so naturally we are happy to see many of the artists we have met and consider friends being placed on the ballot.

The next date to watch for is March 14, 2010, when ZMR makes their final decision.

My previous article about just some of the candidates can be seen by scrolling down our pages below or by clicking here.  Complete details and the entire list of candidates can be found at zonemusicreporter.com.

Picture copyright Bigstockphoto.com – yoga heart.

Classical Orchestral Harps can be thought of as divine or celestial instruments, having origins dating to around 2500 BC. The harp as an instrument often reminds one of angels and religious cherubs poised in a statue.

Lizary Rodriguez Rios is the harpist I had in mind while writing this first sentence taken from an earlier review of her Harp Therapy album which invites listeners to relax by the soothing music this stringed instrument can provide.

Valentines Day is approaching and a great time to tell you about this music professional and bring up the celestial instrument, since the harps early origins are ironically thought to be modeled after an archery weapon.  Given this fact, even Cupid would like to own this instrument since it strongly resembles a bow and arrow.

Lizary Rodriguez Rios credits are quite impressive, securing a Doctorate in Musical Arts and 4 time awards winner of international harp competitions around the world, touring with the Grammy Award Nominated Harp Fusion Ensemble.

The many concerts and festivals people have attended, like the prestigious Casals Festival in Puerto Rico, venues in the United States, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Spain and Russia have enjoyed the experience, so chances are you will too.

The recipient of a Centennial Achievement Award is a respected one of many, in an overall long list of awards and recognition she has achieved, drawing attention around the world as a harp soloist and composer, so expect a right on target delivery.

Harp Voyage was her first album, and much like her Harp Therapy are specifically composed for relaxation, massage, and yoga, while also finding a comforting niche since the songs serve as the perfect auditory background music during church services, memorials, hospitals, and even weddings.

Lizary has informed me she is presently working on a Christmas album, so another fine project of her specialized music is expected in the future.

While Lizary’s harp CD’s are not exact centerline New Age music, her high level of expertise as a harpist is decidedly front and center by delivering a highly regarded level of comfort, from a natural talent who is devoting much of their life achieving the very highest in musical standards.

For your next special occasion or great classic music to relax by visit lizary.net here.  Sample at CDBaby.com here, and read our pages dedicated to Lizary.

New Age Music is already an exciting genre to be involved with for many reasons and now the excitement is going to the next level since Zone Music Reporter ( ZMR ) has taken the first step in announcing their Annual Music Award Qualifiers.

Every musician in our genre has produced some outstanding music this year, and we have enjoyed writing reviews for some of the current Award Qualifiers at NewAgeMusic.nu & NewAgeMusicWorld.Com this past year, so we too  feel the excitement of hearing the final outcome of this years ZMR awards decision.

B.T. Fasmer and I know making a final determination is a challenge, and there is never an easy way to go about the task of deciding who will receive the highest recognition, having recently made our Top New Age Album Award of 2009 at NewAgeMusic.nu shown here.

Below is our select listing of 20 qualifiers we have been writing about this past year by our reviews or interviews, and is a nice sample of the many outstanding musicians now under consideration.  On a personal note, I deeply respect everyone I have met and have enjoyed getting to know some artists even more by our recent interview together, and only wish I had time to request an interview with everyone.  With that said, you may click on the links to visit the artist’s official website, and then our dedicated pages to 20 of the qualifying artists and my review of their current album or interview.

There is no denying that every musician has made a significant contribution to our beloved genre and in our minds, has already become a winner simply by qualifying.  We wish everyone the very best in ZMR’s annual awards, and again thank every artist for producing music everyone can be proud to call New Age.

ZMR will announce the Category Nominees on February 14, 2010 & the Award Winners on March 14, 2010.  You can see the complete listing of the categories & 2009 qualifiers at zonemusicreporter.com when you click here.

Picture Copyright BigStockPhoto – pkruger.

Fiona Joy Hawkins has just released a YouTube video with excerpts of her recent concert performance at the Q Theatre in Sydney Australia.  In this concert, Fiona is featured showcasing her talents as a pianist, and sings soft vocals.  The entire supporting cast of music professionals on the video are Rebecca Daniels playing violin and vocals, Trish McMeakin on cello and Andy Busuttil on percussion, clarinet, and reed instrument, saxillo.

I have watched this new video several times now, and found it gives an excellent sampling of her classic material with several songs from her recent Blue Dream album. 

Fiona is also one of many currently under consideration with Zone Music Reporter’s awards ceremony taking place later in February and March.

Speaking of the ZMR awards, we have a special post ready for this weekend displaying 20 qualifying artists and their albums currently under consideration that we have written album reviews on this past year at NewAgeMusicWorld.com.

We invite you to check back for a nice story about the ZMR awards ceremony this weekend.  You can go to zonemusicreporter.com for the complete details.

Visit fionajoyhawkins.com.au to find out more about this music professional.

Cover art is courtesy Fiona Joy Hawkins.

The Piano as the leading musical instrument can be appreciated using just a few simple well placed notes. It’s the pianist who takes the leading role by their note by note delivery to determine the style and complexity of the note structure in hopes of creating a classic piece of music everyone can appreciate.

Ann Sweeten is one musician widely recognized for her classic style. She also sets a high standard in quality among many pianists in the wide range of genres employing piano music as the chosen manner for pleasing an audience. In a skilled full range delivery on a Steinway Baby Grand, her classic signature sound deserves respect in a natural way, lending itself to beautiful music that many have found, gives new meaning to the term music appreciation.

Just This Side Of Spring showcases her latest composing lead performance as a Steinway Artist and music professional, with several talented artists at her side. Will Ackerman for one, performs on acoustic guitar on the title song, along with co-producing the album with Ann, who also conducts vocals and synthesizers. Andrew Eng on viola & violin, along with bass performer Michael Miksis, and Trisha Craig on Flute are the accompanying musicians featured on several songs contained on this album, who do excel in terms of fluidity as a collective unit.

Having authored a number of Piano Solo reviews in the New Age genre, I promptly identified an admirable level of richness and depth in tone I rarely hear in many comparative piano solo albums. Stylish tonal qualities held in even the quietest patterns give complex sequences and a prolific feel of realism within every individual phrase. I likewise concluded the classic instrumentals supporting Ann Sweeten on Just This Side Of Spring clearly strengthen this opulent quality, validating my initial first impression.

Ann Sweeten is a Steinway Artist & Composer, and her achievements are numerous, including voting privileges in the National Recording Academy of Arts & Sciences, ASCAP Popular Award Recipient starting in 2002 thru the years 2009.

The ZMR nominations and awards are just as numerous and her talents are not limited to music achievements and concert performances on piano. Ann is also a professional actress, singer, and ballet dancer, realizing many achievements in her diverse life.

Just This Side Of Spring is a thoughtful Piano Instrumental album that holds many elegant touches leaning towards the classical side of life, while shown in a natural realistic way too, becoming a great follow up for her previous Piano Instrumental album Grey Sky and Bittersweet.

I concluded that both Just This Side Of Spring & Grey Sky and Bittersweet make you feel a pleasant sense of comfort and enjoyment in a much desired way, given by a qualified pianist who delivers an admirable performance on a Steinway Baby Grand, in another new release of her music almost everyone can appreciate.

Visit annsweeten.com and sample / purchase here. Ann’s discography can be found at most music outlets, on-line and specialty stores. You can visit CD Baby.com here.

Music is an important aspect in many people’s lives, with just one specific genre becoming their favorite form of musical entertainment. That’s fine really, but most realize it does limit the total music experience, and a vast range of enjoyment found in all forms of music.

Isaac Shepard from Southern California is like many of us who share the same philosophy when it comes to the unlimited resources for finding great music in other genres, becoming revitalized in the process, and similar to the way Isaac put it, just might make you appreciate your favorite form of music even more.

Isaac began playing piano by ear at an early age and this early love of music began as a family circle of musical talent while performing with his father during many community venues in California, including benefits for homeless shelters, social gatherings and church events.

I am pretty sure this early introduction and appreciation of all music genres was a rewarding first step in the right direction as he began a well rounded approach into his individual projects as a piano soloist.

The Renewing is Isaac Shepard’s most recent form of expression as a solo pianist, where his individual composing performances offer relaxing ballads, classical progressions and beautiful melodies in each of the 10 songs composed with a pleasing source of renewal in mind.

Exploring the musical space and taking in all that it has to offer is a universal calling and can be life-changing. You might discover a genre that pushes your boundaries and leaves you wanting more, or you might come away being that much more thankful for what you call your own.     Isaac Shepard

Tears Can Fall is a peaceful balled where an extending range of emotion has a presence in both the keyboards and what you will find in your first sample song in new music discovery. Lead off phrasing is like a gentle question and answer session with treble notes asking the need to know questions and lower octaves blending in a responding reply that contrasts the upper octaves curiosity in important matters pertaining to harmonic togetherness.

Doors of Life has quieter moments in the earliest measures, moving into classic timed refrains before climbing to full heights in terms of the growing melody heard during this piece with steadiness like a soulful march. While piano keys move to greater distances in this song, the melody flows and sways by nice runs along the keyboard while sweeping notes trickle right in time with a more moderate background.

All Smiles like the name suggests is motion moving in an upward direction in an easy going natural movement shown by classic form, with strong stanzas recognizing a positive fullness in depth. The rich fullness of a quiet melody blossoms while reaching full cord progressions with classic touches filling in the outlining shades of color, giving a more dignified tone to the overall feeling of happiness in this pretty song of joyful contentment.

The Renewing tells of dancing rhythms resting beside moments of introspection, becoming a nice getaway from the pounding beats and winding guitars competing for your attention. Whatever your favorite form of music is, here is an opportunity to explore Isaac’s latest solo piano release and become pleasantly refreshed in the process.

Visit isaacshepard.com to sample his unpublished music, popular soundtracks, and two prior solo piano albums, Swept Away & Deep Joy. Visit CDBaby.com to sample The Renewing.

Big Stock Photo copyright – Wilmy.

Mars Lasar is one of the first musicians many people recall when thinking of nature inspired music. His music with a dedication to protect the heartland is a constant reminder of this gifted artist and his ability to promptly place you there.

Mars Lasar has just released another nature inspired project entitled Tahoe Spirit. This release really puts you on location, in a sharp salute that is a natural acquisition with his large fan base. This release should be of interest for all who appreciate his artistic creations gently carved from our native habitats of woodlands and ecosystems.

The time enduring Eleventh Hour Series, Olympic National Park, & Yosemite: Valley Of The Giants, are all earlier landmarks of his dedication to conservation music that, sure as our world turns, are steadily becoming more relevant each passing day. Every one is a great album with a wonderful theme.

Tahoe Spirit is his newest declaration into New Age / World / Nature genres to virtually guide you one heartbeat away from the Great North Western Sierra Nevada Wilderness, Lake Tahoe, and deep into Washoe Indian Territory, in a trail blazing musical expedition that nicely illustrates the territorial lands that are a vital part of our American Heritage.

David Rose is a distinguished talent from the band Painted Raven, and principal performer on Traditional Native Flutes, while divine song vocalist Cadence Spalding, likewise join Mars on piano, bass, keyboards, and programming. It is during their unparalleled journey together where everyone can become a part of, and be a witness to the vast open wilderness, monumental mountain horizons, and the pristine waters that reverently hold the secrets of this regional gemstone.

Mars Lasar employs a careful artisans approach while composing all of his inspired by nature music, making a lasting impression on you every time. The effective result of a delicate polish given to Tahoe Spirit results in a fine grain finish, directing you to an exceptional visit to the pristine beauty of our native woodlands all Americans can call home.

Tahoe Spirit makes a bold first impact of 10 song legacies known with a deeply moving and beautifully synthesized Tahoe Legends. Beginning with a grand opening, this Epic song makes one quickly realize the musical terrain is going to be firmly held on a plateau of picturesque beauty. The woodwinds David Rose provides are encircled by percussion effects and heart pounding stanzas that Mars expertly recreates during your guided visits to memorable discoveries in music.

The Great Spirit has more of a calming presence by woodwind interludes and echoing drum rhythms that noticeably accent an inherent note by note recollection about a past civilization of people who are an important part of our heritage and who once called it home.

Washoe Meadows has the attribute as a gentle song with a relaxing melody, articulating a pleasing sense of atmosphere, perfect for those seeking an adventurous ambiance where gentle streams and natural forestry are a realistic part of the visual beauty you will hear in this total music experience.

Lake In the Sky gives a peaceful moment of reflection by woodwinds gentle tones and dreamy melody shown in a breathtaking way, providing a soft tranquil flow between stanzas while bass and drums add a range of depth by the subtle undercurrents.

Alpine Meadows makes a heartfelt impression on me every time I listen to it, in an uplifting song where the bond of this trio shines so very brightly while standing together in musical unity. Mars places an Epic, yet comforting climate controlled feel on keyboards that instantly takes you there. David instills the calming winds with haunting flute passages recognizing the presence of the people living before us there, and Cadence gently vocalizes a soft radiant melody, glowing like the sun by her wonderful declaration to remind everyone why we become united there.

Tahoe Spirit greatly captures your attention by a bold testimonial about our native lands worth preserving, and is a wonderful presentation from talented artists united in heart, mind, and spirit, who give you the feeling that you also belong and can go there too.

Visit marslasar.com to sample here then see his photography pages. You can also read my recent interviews with Mars Lasar and NewAgeMusic.nu’s Top Album of the Year winner Cadence Spalding, on our pages dedicated to this outstanding musical team. You can find more about flutist David Rose at painted-raven.com.

Picture Copyright Big Stock Photo – mantonino.