New Age Music World

Our Last First Time by Sue Brescia.      

Sue Brescia, a New Age, Adult Contemporary singer, songwriter, and composing musician from Middletown, Rhode Island, recently released her second CD, Our Last First Time. By composing her original arrangements with simplicity, beauty and breadth, the 16 music compositions, title song and animated video are like a music symphony dedicated to the love shared between two people, even beyond the life experience of sorrow and loss.

The contemporary instrumentals in Our Last First Time are appropriately named after each line of every verse from the title song to encompass the full spectrum of the CD, which articulately capture emotions ranging from lightheartedness to an introspective tranquility. It is through the masterful blending of piano, woodwinds and strings that the heartfelt quality of her arrangements are conveyed.

Sue Brescia began her career as a singer in a top 40 band at age 18, while also performing in various cabarets and theaters in New England. After several years in Summer Stock Theater, a cabaret performance for the Royal Family, and an appearance at New York’s Catch A Rising Star, Sue Brescia began writing songs and produced her first CD release, Hope Rising in 2007. It was from this CD release that her song Forget You Never was listed among the International Top 40 according to the International Association of Independent Recording Artists.

The song Passage of Time from her Hope Rising CD, was another achievement for her after having been selected from more than 350,000 artists worldwide to appear with Natalie Merchant, Carly Simon and Livingston Taylor in contributing to the Life in the Years, and More Life in the Years CDs, a compilation of music to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.

Our Last First Time comprises the collection of Sue’s life experiences and mortality’s reasoning which has sculpted her into the artist she is today. It is where her fervency for music originates. Writing lyrics to a song, composing an arrangement, all come from the core of her being, from a spiritual place. Sue’s album was also selected among the top entries and runner up status in the December 2010 round during the Song of the Year song and lyric competition.

Visit suebrescia.com and find at her Amazon.com page. Visit Sue’s YouTube channel. Album art courtesy Sue Brescia.

There are two top of the chart New Age albums at Billboard I have reviewed recently, both of which are two new releases that I would recommend for anyone who loves great instrumental music. Yanni & Blackmore’s Night are two of the new releases currently listed in the Top 10 New Age charts.

Yanni’s Truth Of Touch is listed as the number 1 album. Truth Of Touch has spent 20 weeks on the Billboard chart during the week of July 9, 2011. Another fine album from Yanni I haven’t reviewed is his more ethnic instrumental release Mexicanisimo, which is listed at number 7 after having spent 36 weeks on the charts.

Truth Of Touch is a studio composition of refinement, giving one a beautiful impression like the inspiring concert recollections of yesteryear. The prodigious caliber of musicians Yanni enlists is boldly demonstrated on what I feel is his greatest instrumental music composition yet.

Blackmore’s Night’s Autumn Sky is listed as the number 4 album during the week of July 9, 2011. Autumn Sky was the second album I reviewed this year that had debuted at number 1. This renaissance inspired band which transports progressive music into contemporary times is a model for success, past, present and future.

This Blackmore’s Night album was also the greatest gainer of the week after having spent 20 weeks in the top 10 New Age albums at Billboard. Another fine release that I haven’t reviewed is Secret Voyage, which endured as a top 10 album for 72 weeks.

Ritchie Blackmore & Candice Night are the Grammy Nominated musicians that make up the core essence of Blackmore’s Night. You will find Autumn Sky is an album that accentuates the elegant vocals delivered by Candice, along with ancient and modern instrumental fanfare for which this group has become famous.

Blackmore’s Night & Yanni are both awarding winning music groups I will write more about in the future. If you want to read my album reviews here are my Yanni Truth Of Touch review. Here is my Blackmore’s Night Autumn Sky review. View the current Billboard New Age Chart. Cover art is courtesy yanni.com & blackmoresnight.com.

If one takes a minute to listen close enough, beautiful ambient music is all around us. It’s only natural those who live in the countryside have more time available to enjoy the serenity of a peaceful atmosphere verses those who live in an urban environment. Regardless of where you live, undesirable noise can strike any time of the day or night just like clockwork.

Coburn Tuller from the Springfield Missouri area, truly enjoys the best of both worlds. Not only does he live on the outskirts of a metropolitan area where annoying noise is at a minimum, but he also invented a musical instrument that produces peaceful and relaxing timbres any hour of the day or night he desires. The inherently unique musical creation he fabricated is named The Tones, and the relaxing qualities produced from this innovative instrument are the foundation for his first exclusive new release titled Butterfly Tones.

Coburn Tuller is first and foremost a talented musician, having reached a level of expertise on numerous instruments over the years including acoustic and electric guitar, dulcimer and piano. Coburn conceived the idea for his music innovation during walk around midnight back in 1996, when he heard wind chimes lightly touching in a gentle breeze.

While most of us are familiar with the sound of various wind chimes, and would think nothing further about this blend of manmade and natural ambience, the random series of sound fascinated him and sparked his imagination. Coburn then theorized this ambient sound could be taken to a whole new level, and determined that aluminum tubing of accurate length, diameter and dimension would produce an original sound modulation when struck with a mallet. He then accepted the challenge and spent the next 15 years perfecting his one of a kind instrument – The Tones.

Butterfly Tones features 9 songs of melodic bell timbres that are without a doubt one of the more unique forms of music I have ever heard. The Tones itself is a musical instrument that stands over 8 foot tall, and consists of 3 pyramid structures supporting 90 aluminum and brass tubes of various size and dimension, which range from 7 inches to over 6 foot in length.

If one were to classify the musical invention, I would imagine it would most likely be categorized as a directly struck idiophone like tubular bells or a xylophone, both of which are percussion instruments most often used in an orchestra arrangement. But their distinctive sound also enables the creation of an independent melody.

The 9 songs on Butterfly Tones highlight this instrumental freedom of expression to create some beautiful pieces. During Coburn’s performance you will notice like I did that every note struck produces a clear and precise harmony rather than a series of arbitrary sounds. One of the most interesting effects is the natural tone reverberation in every octave of the bells which can linger for minutes during a song.

This natural resonating characteristic of bell tones is apparent on every piece, where multiple layers enhance a distinct harmony while Coburn ascends and descends through the scales using select octaves and tempos. I also noticed the array of notes struck in the bass range often transfer the background theme for each song in the treble range, but the delivery of treble notes likewise act as a counterbalance for bass notes during each arrangement. I would also say the vibrant resonating sound produced is either close to, or the equivalent of the same note intervals and harmonic pitch found on the diatonic scale. Regardless of which musical scale is used, the tones sound perfect in pitch on every octave and ring true.

Coburn Tuller has discovered a steadfast new source of peaceful ambience whose finely balanced sound qualities are available day, night, or anytime the bell tolls. If you listen for yourself I am sure you will agree this exclusive album presented on CD or MP3 has an elegant rhythm and symmetry for relaxation you can count on, just like clockwork.

Visit the butterflytonescd.com homepage and sample or purchase at Coburn’s CDBaby.com page or Amazon.com page.

Photos are courtesy butterflytonescd.com.

Fiona Joy Hawkins has just returned home to Australia after her successful United States recording and concert tour. This visit to the U.S. has proven to be a productive recording and concert tour according to her press release where Fiona Joy Hawkins states; “The trip was absolutely exhilarating, considering I would spend weekdays recording and doing interviews and then on the weekends concert performances.”

Fiona has finalized her newest projects 600 Years in a Moment & Christmas Joy due to be released in October 2011. The word is that Fiona lends her own vocals on some songs for the first time too, so we will have to see if this is a new trend for her. The YouTube song video below is a preview of Flight of the Snowbird from her soon to be released Christmas Joy album which will arrive well before the holidays. She also has a concert DVD and has a number of live shows in Australia planned this year.

Actually the song video is a re-recording of Flight of the Albatross from her earlier album, Angel Above my Piano, already a beautiful piece and one of my favorites. This time around however she performs on an Australian 102 key Stuart & Son’s piano, which was later overdubbed with instrumentals at Will Ackerman’s Imaginary Road Studio. Needless to say Flight of the Snowbird is a masterful re-creation!

Fiona Joy Hawkins most current album Blue Dream is a piano and instrumental collaboration with other artists that had received top music honors and again extended the worldwide admiration for her work. Recognized as an awarding winning pianist who covers New Age, Classical, Contemporary, Jazz and World Fusion genres, it’s easy to see Fiona’s music is well worth the wait!

Visit fionajoyhawkins.com.au for news and concert date info in Australia. Visit Fiona’s official YouTube channel and read my reviews of Blue Dream & Ice on my pages dedicated to Fiona Joy Hawkins. Photo is courtesy fionajoyhawkins.com.au.

Jon Anderson and progressive rock music group Yes, are a featured topic here at Music World for the past couple of months. My earlier news articles are primarily about Jon Anderson’s 2011 concert tour and his new release – Survival & Other Stories, but I also had the opportunity to interview former lead singer Jon Anderson. This was quite an honor since I have been a fan of Jon and the group Yes for many years.

The musician lineup of the GRAMMY® Award winning music group Yes has changed over the years, but their exceptional blend of progressive rock arrangements, with symphonic and classical music blends remain as popular with today’s Yes fans as it was yesteryear when Jon Anderson graced the stage.

Fly From Here is the new album from Yes. It’s easy to see why Fly From Here is such a highly anticipated new release, being their first original album in 10 years. I have heard samples at Amazon, and can attest to the fact this release is indeed special. Recognized around the globe for providing Yes fans much more than just a pretty album cover, the group Yes remain the definitive superstars of progressive rock music!

Currently Yes has their U.S. Summer Tour With Styx, with July and August dates scheduled. The Yes European Winter Tour has scheduled dates in November and December. Current members of the band are; Benoît David (vocals) Steve Howe (lead guitar) Chris Squire (bass guitar) Geoff Downes (keyboards) Alan White (percussion). Fly From Here had early release in Japan, France, and Europe, with availability in the U.S. beginning July 12, 2011. Cover art courtesy yesworld.com.

In the latest news about Yes, the new Yes live album entitled In The Present – Live from Lyon is available on CD and DVD. The latest Yes tour news for 2012 are plans for live performances in Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

Visit the official yesworld.com website to find tour info and shop the Yes online store or Amazon.com to sample and purchase Fly From Here. Find out Jon Anderson’s tour info and his new album on our pages dedicated to Jon Anderson.

On July 8 2011 the Space Shuttle Atlantis will lift off at Kennedy Space Center for the last time, completing the final countdown for NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and another chapter of space travel for the United States of America.

Just as the present day epic quest for space travel concludes, another era for the United States begins with the next generation of spaceships. Designed to lift astronauts from Earth’s gravitational pull and propel them to the International Space Station and beyond, future missions will explore and discover mysteries of our universe.

Vangelis Papathanassiou, the Academy Award winning music composer won’t be aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis during the final liftoff into space set for 11:26 a.m. EDT. However there are some similarities and an interstellar connection regarding the famous music explorer and the NASA Space Program.

In a NASA interview with the music composer Vangelis, several Mars Odyssey team members familiar with his music wanted to ask Vangelis a few interview questions about his individual connection to Mars and the related space associations with his popular music.

The epic orchestral score by Vangelis entitled; Mythodea: Music for NASA’s Mars Odyssey Mission is the primary topic of the interview hosted by the Mars Odyssey team members, along with several questions regarding his personal viewpoint and the connection of his music arrangement to Mars and space exploration.

Mythodea: Music for NASA’s Mars Odyssey Mission is a beautiful orchestration with theatrical opera vocals and dramatic chorus which are in parity with other epic Vangelis scores like the Academy Award winning Chariots of Fire, along with other scores like Blade Runner, 1492: Conquest of Paradise and Alexander.

Read the NASA and Vangelis Interview about Mythodea, conducted by NASA Mars Odyssey team members. Find more at Music World including song videos from Jon & Vangelis and the Blade Runner Trilogy soundtrack on my pages for Vangelis.

Space Shuttle photo courtesy NASA – Big Stock photo rkasprzak.

Blade Runner Trilogy Soundtrack by Vangelis.

Movie Soundtracks & Film Scores have played an integral role during cinematic moments in film history by transforming a great movie into an award winning motion picture. Time after time, the music chosen provides the effective chemistry to accomplish the movie director’s objective of bringing out the full emotion and depth of an actor’s character identity.

The 3 CD Blade Runner Trilogy is another innovative and popular movie soundtrack by Greek composer Vangelis Papathanassiou. Directed by Ridley Scott and produced by Michael Deeley, Blade Runner the movie remains a classic film with a long list of popular actors including Harrison Ford, Daryl Hannah, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, and Edward James Olmos.

Vangelis is an award winning musician with a long list of movie soundtracks to his credit. The Chariots of Fire movie score is one of high acclaim of course, but Vangelis also composed the entire music score for the epic science fiction thriller Blade Runner. For those who have watched the movie you know the film score by Vangelis is a vital component to the full drama viewers experience while watching this movie.

Over the years New Age music has been the perfect music genre for great movie soundtracks, so we can expect this to continue in the future. I feature many musicians who have produced film scores over the years so I wonder which artist will be the next to compose an Academy Award winning movie soundtrack for the film industry.

The Blade Runner YouTube song video from the motion picture features a pivotal moment during the movie storyline by using the song Love Theme by Vangelis. The 3 CD Trilogy Series and song Love Theme by Vangelis is a popular cinematic song on rotation now and then at our free online Stars radio player located on the right if you want to tune in.

Visit Amazon.com to sample / purchase the Blade Runner Trilogy Soundtrack by Vangelis.

Music legend Jon Anderson of Yes fame, has announced summer concert dates for his 2011 concert tour in North America, comprised of many U.S. cities, along with several concert venues in Canada and Mexico. This tour in support of his new CD release – Survival and Other Stories is sure to be an extraordinary event for every person in attendance.

Jon Anderson’s 2011 concert tour, publicized as “An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson,” is in fact a more intimate venue with a music celebrity who has entertained millions of people over the course of several decades. During his journey as a top artist he has covered popular and mainstream genres like Progressive Rock, but has likewise shown his talented diversity as an artist by his New Age, Adult Contemporary, and Christian music releases.

This concert tour in support of his new CD release – Survival and Other Stories, has a message of inspiration, with themes regarding love, life, understanding, healing and survival.  Concerts goers will be entertained with select material from Jon Anderson’s solo career, Jon & Vangelis songs and classic Yes songs, along with compositions from his new release. For many persons, this will be a great chance to hear a true music legend in a more intimate concert venue!

Visit jonanderson.com for music news and more tour info.  Read my 2011 interview with Jon Anderson and my review of Survival & Other Stories on our pages for Jon Anderson. Shown below is Jon Anderson’s 2011 summer concert tour dates. Photo and tour info courtesy jonanderson.com.

Jon Anderson North American Summer Concert Dates:

July 9 – Courtenay, BC Vancouver, Canada – Island Musicfest at Exhibition Grounds

July 10 – Courtenay, BC Vancouver, Canada – Island MusicFest at Exhibition Grounds

July 12 – Seattle, WA – The Triple Door.

July 14 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater

July 31 – Vernon, BC, Canada – Komasket Music Festival Komasket Park

Aug. 3 – Lincolnshire, IL – Viper Alley

Aug. 5 – Saint Charles, IL – Arcada Theatre

Aug. 7 – Jerseyville, ON – Festival Of Friends Ancaster Fairgrounds (with America)

Aug. 11 – Shirley, MA – Bull Run Restaurant

If you have ever heard the facts about our universe that there are over 1 billion galaxies other than our own, and there are more stars in the sky than grains of sand on every shore, then you know these truths about our universe make the interstellar space above us seem infinite and hard to envision.

Fred Thrane from Sandpoint Idaho has incorporated those fact based linear notes on the inside CD cover of his debut album Angels of the Sun, but in a related topic much closer to home and easier to picture is the like a grain of sand approach in which he composed and launched his first instrumental album. Presenting his exclusive talents on CD for his first official introduction, Angels of the Sun yields an expansive diversity in what you would expect to hear on a debut album, so it is a release that can be appreciated by a variety of people.

Angels of the Sun features diverse styles ranging from New Age, Flamenco and Contemporary, which likewise ascertain his aptitude as an accomplished guitarist of various styles. Relying on his strong background as both a student and music educator, I thought Fred Thrane has released a wonderful first album. Everything began when he picked up the guitar for the first time during his teen years studying Classical and Flamenco guitar.

The next phase of his education was Classical Guitar instruction during college years at UC Santa Barbra. Fred later transferred to Cal State Hayward, where he majored in guitar and earned a master’s degree in music, with a specialty in Classical Guitar. For the next 5 years he took lessons from distinguished guitarist Rey de la Torre. Fred Thrane then reached a turning point when he began his teaching career as Professor of Music at San Jose State University and Foothill College while educating students in Classical Guitar. It was during this time period he had composed some of the melodies for this release.

Angels of the Sun features 9 engaging songs, and brings with it the foresight and experience of a music professional that has devoted much of his life acquiring the skills needed to produce an album which is singular in its existence yet further reaching in its appeal among many.

Dennis Murphy and Jim Norris are two performers who provide accompaniment on this release.  While Denis plays bass and Jim contributes the variety of percussion parts, both complement the nucleus of Fred’s composition by magnifying his melodic theme, and then adding a good measure of vibrant harmony of their own.

The more extravagant Flamenco styled songs Big Sur, Fandango in Four, Farruca & Moraga Raga were my favorites. Like most songs on this instrumental album, you will find they are quite lively and up-tempo with great percussion enhancements which are in harmony with the energetic atmosphere one would expect to hear on Flamenco music. The Title Song, Dawn Dancer & The Third Heaven are more serene in tempo and rhythm, but they too are engaging and consistent in theme.

Finding a forte in blending New Age, Flamenco and Classical styles into a single orchestration, Fred Thrane is a music professional who shines on his first release by his diverse experience as a guitarist. More than capable of arranging a select number of music influences into a single improvisation of wonder, I can see where Angels of the Sun will please a wide variety of musical tastes. In the end, this makes his first release seem more like a universal commodity.

Visit the fredthrane.com homepage to find out more. Sample or purchase at his CDBaby.com page & Amazon.com page.

Hubble Telescope cover image courtesy NASA, B.D. Moore and J.J. Hester.

Randy and Pamela Copus are the popular husband and wife duo that is the complete heart and spirit of 2002. After 19 years as top New Age music artists, Randy and Pamela are approaching a significant milestone in their careers and a time of celebration by their forthcoming 20 year anniversary as the award winning, Billboard charting music duo 2002.

Randy and Pamela Copus have just released an exceptional new 2002 album titled Damayanti so this is likewise a time of celebration for their loyal fans. It was nineteen years ago when 2002 first began producing music with their first album titled Wings. Since then, it’s as if their popular celestial melodies have stair stepped their way among the clouds in a skyward journey of their own.

Many would agree the New Age Billboard charting 2002 music duo Randy and Pamela Copus are one of the finest New Age groups producing music today. Their free-flowing arrangements and unhurried approach on every album they create has resulted in a made with pride product every time.

Their status as top artists is apparent by the number of times 2002 has been listed as a favorite musical group, having charted 9 times in the New Age Billboard Charts within the past 10 years. When combined this is equal to 270 weeks on the New Age charts. 2002 was likewise featured in the December 2003 Magazine issue of Year in Review at Billboard, and listed with other top New Age artists like Enya, George Winston, Jim Brickman, Manheim Steamroller and Yanni. This is a pretty good indication of their standing as a chosen favorite for many people.

Damayanti by 2002 was recently introduced on their Galactic Playground Music label. The album has 10 opulent songs revealing a wonderful change in tonal atmosphere which does make it stand out from earlier predecessors. While it is not an immense departure from earlier albums, the story based Damayanti is perhaps their best release yet, and I imagine it will be another big hit on the airwaves.

Damayanti was created in comparison like earlier 2002 albums by Randy Copus playing piano, electric cello, guitar and bass, while Pamela Copus played flutes, harp, keyboards and a WX5 wind instrument. Visit the 2002music.com homepage and then sample / purchase on their music page or go to their Amazon.com page. My album review quote, and Free to Fly song video from their A Word in the Wind DVD is shown below. Read my interview on our page for 2002.

Even now with their unending popularity and recognition, 2002 remains steadfast in their creative ambitions for producing quality orchestrations. Their close attention to instrumental and technical details on every album results in a complete reinvention of themselves every time which gives them another reason to pause, reflect, and to celebrate.

Another April Day by Marie-Thérèse McCartin.

Acclaimed pianist, singer and harpist Marie-Thérèse McCartin from Newtowngore, Leitrim, Ireland has released a debut album of special interest to people who appreciate beautiful vocals with piano and light orchestrations of distinction, set to a wonderful Celtic and Folk theme.

Another April Day offers listeners a collection of the most beautiful Irish songs ever written and in fine cohesion with compositions of her own. From the haunting notes of Carrickfergus to the unique rendition of Clare to Here, her release was over six months in the planning and recording of the 15 track album which features the 60 piece National Symphony Orchestra of Moldova.

Marie-Thérèse McCartin, who began playing piano at the age of six, had attended The Royal Irish Academy of Music and went on to graduate from Trinity College, Dublin, with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Marie-Thérèse is also an accomplished harpist, singer, and former member of Anuna, the original chorus in Riverdance. In addition to the recent release of her current album, Marie-Thérèse realized a lifelong dream in 2003 when she founded the Cavan Academy of Music. The school teaches a range of instruments and styles of music and welcomes students of all ages.

Another April Day offers listeners a fresh interpretation on some of Ireland’s best known melodies including The Rose of Tralee, Black is the Color & Galway Bay along with original compositions by Marie-Thérèse. The bonus track, Another April Day is a beautiful piece that has become somewhat of a family affair with lyrics that read like poetry composed by her father Tommy, having both the piano and vocal arrangement provided by the artist. Keeping with tradition, her debut album of Irish melodies are wonderfully heartfelt.

Visit marietheresemccartin.com to sample / purchase or at her Amazon.com page & CDBaby.com page.

Cover photo courtesy marietheresemccartin.com.

The New Age Music Circle is an online community forum founded by international composer, producer, and music circle host Suzanne Doucet. Having a membership roster well over a thousand members from around the world, the Circle forum is the leading discussion platform where top New Age artists, industry professionals, and music fans alike can share music, videos, post information about events and participate in a variety of circle forum discussions.

Sounds from the Circle 111 is the 2011 CD release from Circle members who submitted their New Age, and related sub genre music for consideration. Host and founder of the music circle, Suzanne Doucet then produced this rather special album which contains 40 songs and holds over 3 hours of music. It takes around 4 months to compile Sounds from the Circle albums and organize the songs for a smooth and uniform arrangement of the 40 quality songs offered in a variety of melodic themes. The CD can be played in mp3 compatible CD players or in computer CD-ROM drives, which will download into an iTunes player. The album can likewise be purchase and downloaded on iTunes.

Sounds from the Circle 1 & 11 are two earlier compilation albums in a similar format which became a popular playlist of songs for online radio stations, including the popular 365 Stars radio station my friend and colleague B.T. Fasmer hosts. For the artists, Sounds from the Circle releases have distribution involving important music conferences and trade shows like INATS & MIDEM. Another nice feature for the fan is the cover insert that lists each artist’s name, track, album title and website which makes it easy to find more about the artists of special interest to you.

Sounds from the Circle 111 features some great musicians, and is in fact a unique compilation album like no other you will find available in 2011. Created in the universal atmosphere among friends who belong to the New Age Music Circle, the far reaching diversity of performing musicians on this international release becomes another integral quality that makes this release special.                  John P. Olsen

New Age Music World has featured six out of the forty musicians listed on the album over the years. Bill Wren begins with the first song En Mai from the One Day in a Life album. Kori Linae Carothers has her song Blue Ice from the Trillium album. Marc Enfroy has the song A Good Heart from Unconditional, and David Mauk has his title song from the Ground Swell album. Jeffery Fisher is another with Bird Dance from Satyagraha (Songs of the Earth) and then Suzanne Doucet completes the Sounds from the Circle CD with final song OM from her As it is Now release.

Visit Suzanne Doucet & members at NewAgeMusik.ning.com. Sample & purchase Sounds from the Circle 111 at iTunes. Cover artwork courtesy Suzanne Doucet & The New Age Music Circle.

Blackmore’s Night newest release Autumn Sky is a great album I wrote a review about here at New Age Music World. During the United States portion of their 2011 concert tour their fans know and can attest to the fact of what a wonderful success this concert season has been for the band so far, with sold out venues at nearly every concert.

Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night are the Grammy Nominated, award winning musicians that make up the core essence of Blackmore’s Night and 7 member troupe who wear renaissance attire of centuries past during concerts, fairs, and festival events. Overseas concert goers will have their chance to see Blackmore’s Night later in 2011 with live concerts scheduled in Germany, Czech Republic, Finland, Russia and the UK.

Ritchie Blackmore is a legendary guitar player who has made many progressive transitions in music having been a long standing member of the iconic band Deep Purple and then founder of the band Rainbow. Candice Night is the lead vocalist and songwriter for the renaissance group whose voice and lyrical point of view is one of fascination while singing in the forefront on Blackmore’s Night albums.

Blackmore’s Night 2011 release Autumn Sky acquired the #1 position on the Billboard New Age Charts upon its debut in January, 2011, The result of their international attainment and exclusive musical focus they have engraved for themselves has acquired an enormous following in North America, South America, Europe and Japan.  Their melodies have gained crossover prosperity by the enchanting lyrical vocals and fascinating instrumental music that often contains metrical structures dating back to the seventeenth century.

Autumn Sky has remained in the top 10 New Age charts at Billboard for many weeks now, and I expect this will continue since their earlier release Secret Voyage endured while on Billboard’s Top 10 Chart for a remarkable 72 weeks.  Autumn Sky is an album that accentuates the elegant vocals delivered by Candice, along with ancient and modern instrumental fanfare for which this group has become famous.

Blackmore’s Night is a true winner by their consistent ability to create progressive music with every new release. Traditional instruments of keyboards, violin, woodwinds, acoustic and electric guitars are intertwined with old-world instruments like hurdy-gurdy, chanters, mandolin, vintage percussions, and woodwinds. The song Highland from Autumn Sky shown below is a wonderful high definition YouTube video that takes you front row and center stage of a Blackmore’s Night concert.

Visit blackmoresnight.com then candicenight.com for more info. Check tour dates and then our Blackmore’s Night pages. Cover art courtesy Jeff Pickett-Pickett Productions.

Charting on Billboard is a good way to measure the accomplishments of any group, but what makes Blackmore’s Night a true winner is their consistent ability to create transcending music which varies with every new album they produce.  This renaissance inspired band which transports progressive music into contemporary times is a model for success, past, present and future.

Jonas Kroon has released his first cinematic album during 2011, and it didn’t take very long to answer the essential question of whether I believe his first release entitled Melo would be of interest to my site visitors. Another point that answers the question of whether Jonas Kroon and Melo would be the perfect candidate is the quality of his first album, along with the proven experience he has demonstrated as a music specialist, even though this is technically his first release.

Jonas Kroon is a Norwegian composer, producer and artist taking full advantage of his tenure in the music business to produce one of the most unique debut albums I have heard in recent memory. As one might imagine this artist from Norway reveals his years of experience directly into his first product which sounds more like something you would expect from a musician with several best of the year releases or chart topping albums.

Riviera is a Sweden based global music company with a branch in Oslo Norway, where Jonas is currently employed producing artistic scores for the firm. During his time with Riviera, Jonas produces commercials, feature films, and television programing which have clearly given him an edge for his first release. Developing his talents along the way with a company handling accounts like IKEA, Burger King, McDonalds, Volkswagen, Saab and Volvo does make his technical edge and cinematic expertise noticeably sharper.

Melo is a 2011 AMAdea Records release having a unique identity of its own character since Jonas had the freedom to  compose his first album without the usual constraints of what various clients may have expected for him to produce. The 14 songs represent a renewed focus on creating cinematic music composed to his personal taste and perceptions which has led to a great album. After reading the list of film composers he favored including Hans Zimmer, Danny Elfman and Howard Shore, I couldn’t agree with him more on his choices of top film score composers.

Melo is very much Cinematic with a composite of World and Ethnic influences from beginning to end, relying on electronic and symphonic elements along with wonderful percussion rhythms. The up-tempo songs Her Er Eg, Fakir Fusion & Into the Wild were my top favorites, along with violin and guitar version given on The King, with each featuring exotic without lyric vocals and orchestra instrumentals. However the more moderate in time songs Element, Zanzibar & Highland are just as worthy by highlighting colorful vocals with rich instrumental setting of cello, flutes, guitars, keyboards, violin and percussion which is a prominent feature on the entire album.

Melo is likewise the name of the 14 member band of international musicians Jonas selected to become the foundation for his album. The 14 member band whose first concert was in 2007 at the Paul McCartney Auditorium in Liverpool England was off to a great start right from the beginning. Formed in 2006, the band members in  Melo represent the nations of Norway, Sweden, UK, Poland, Bosnia and Hungary.

Jonas Kroon didn’t have a long track record of earlier releases, chart topping albums or top music awards, but his musical aptitude and what he produced made top honors with me.  The new release Melo easily makes my list as a new release to be commended and who is to say what the future holds, so let’s hope we hear more. Along with several other review publicists that have written positive reviews about him, Jonas has earned my respect, for which there is no question.

The following musicians are Melo band members performing with Jonas Kroon who provided vocals, keyboards and programing; Jostein Austvik (drums) Alex Braathen (percussion, vocals) Sondre Sandhaug (bass) Goran Obad ( electric guitars, saz, oud, tambura) Mateusz Rostad (violin) Birgit Nerheim (violin) Line Haukland (cello) Silje Karlsen (vocals, flutes) Kjersti Vatnan Ekman (vocals, flutes) Thomas Wicklund Larsen (vocals) Trym Bjonnes (vocals, didgeridoo).

Visit jonaskroon.com to sample / purchase or at Jonas Kroon’s AMAdeaRecords.com page & Amazon.com page. Discover more fine artists at the Bulgaria based AMAdeaRecords homepage.

Photo and artwork courtesy Oda Hveem & Jonas Kroon.

Randy and Pamela Copus are the husband and wife duo that is the complete heart and spirit of 2002. It was nineteen years ago when 2002 first began producing music with their first album titled Wings. From the beginning and throughout their careers, it’s as if their popular celestial melodies have soared in an ascending flight of their own.

The 2002 music duo Randy and Pamela Copus are without a doubt, one of the finest musical groups producing music today. Many would agree, and their popularity is pretty apparent by the number of times 2002 has been listed as a favorite musical group on the Billboard New Age Charts over the years, and their constancy of producing fine releases.

Presently, Randy and Pamela are nearing a significant milestone in their music careers by an upcoming 20 year anniversary. Review publicist John Olsen has interviewed Randy and Pamela in which many topics were covered. NewAgeMusicWorld.com & NewAgeMusic.nu are pleased to present their conversation to fans of 2002, and our site visitors.

John Olsen:  I want to thank you both for taking time out of your schedule for our interview together. I have been a big fan of your music for years so our interview together is even more rewarding to me personally.

You are approaching a significant milestone by your upcoming 20 year anniversary as 2002. Given your ever-rising popularity as New Age music producers, have you had much time to reflect over your roles as musicians and many achievements during the past 20 years?

Randy:  Wow, 20 years! It seems like just yesterday we were producing Wings, and watching the 2002 sound take on a life of its own. We don’t spend much time reflecting on our past because we’re always moving forward, constantly trying to improve our music and how we produce it.

John:  I find it impressive that 2002 has made the charts 9 times at Billboard within the past 10 years with the long list of albums; Chrysalis, Land of Forever, River of Stars, Across an Ocean of Dreams, The Sacred Well, This Moment Now, The Emerald Way, Deep Still Blue, and Christmas Dreams. This is the equivalent of 270 weeks total on the Billboard New Age charts. I wondered if winning awards and making the Billboard chart is really that important to you, and whether you consider these achievements a true measurement of your success?

Pamela:  It’s still important, though perhaps not as much as it used to be. In the past, it helped us know whether or not we were connecting with our audience. It validated hard work and helped us measure each album against its predecessors. However, the music industry is changing and there are plenty of new ways to measure those things now.

Randy:  I still get excited when I see our music on the charts, and awards are wonderful, of course. These help give us confidence that we are moving in the right direction. However, when we create the music, we’re not setting out for those kinds of achievements. We have as a single goal to make the best album possible, regardless of reviews and accolades, and even charting.

John:  You have a brand new release titled Damayanti, which I published a  positive review about recently. When compared to earlier albums you have produced, do you feel Damayanti is your finest release to date, and have you two received additional input from fans or other review publicists about the high quality of your most current release?

Pamela:  And thank you for that review John! Yes, each album has been special in its own way. It’s amazing how I can look back over the last 19 years and see reflections of our lives in our music and remember vividly what was going on during each album. Damayanti is no different. It’s a snapshot in time that freezes so many memories.  We had a great number of setbacks while creating that album and we certainly did work harder to get through all of that to bring it to the world.  It has been a stellar release for us and we have been overwhelmed with positive feedback from our fans, colleagues and reviewers.

Randy:  The reviews have been really great for Damayanti, and some of our fans are saying it is the best release ever from us, but we have enough records out there now to make it difficult for me to determine which one is the “best”. My personal favorite changes almost daily!

John:  What makes the melodies on Damayanti different from earlier albums?

Pamela:  It’s a microcosm of the 2002 career. The many avenues we’ve explored over the past 19 years are all represented in this one release. It brings it all together.

Randy:  Our music has always had great commonalities with film soundtracks. The new album takes this style to a new level for us. Many of the albums we’ve produced over the years, particularly the earlier works, have been centered on stories. We returned to this form with Damayanti. There are lush string orchestrations and those emotional “moments” in the music that are the hallmark of movie scores.

John:  If it’s not a trade secret, would you provide some details about the instruments and equipment you use, along with the process in which you construct a 2002 album?

Pamela:  I play a McKenna flute, specially made for me. My alto flute is a Jupiter. I also play a wind controller by Yamaha called a WX5 as well as a Thormahlen Swan 36 harp and miscellaneous keyboards.

Randy:  We use Apple computers and MOTU Digital Performer software. We also prefer to use a real recording console, rather than to do everything in the computer. Our microphones, preamps, speakers and effect processors are all high-end, and are an important part of the trademark sound we produce. Several people have written and asked us what vocal mic we use for all of the vocal layering that is so much a part of our sound. That is a custom made Pearlman TM-1, made by our friend Dave Pearlman. It is a tube microphone, and we run that into a Groovetubes VIPRE preamp. We try to leave our performances as natural as possible, without relying too much on the software to perfect everything. Sometimes there will be a slight timing error or errant sound, or even a mistake that we will leave in because the performance was where it should be. It seems like so often, using technology to perfect a musical performance takes the life out of it.

John:  Did you begin playing music with the intention of becoming top New Age music artists, or did you find your music is best defined as Contemporary Instrumental or New Age music?

Pamela:  Wow – well actually I started playing music when I was 4. My first instrument was piano, then violin, flute, bagpipes and oboe. Later, in college I moved on to piano. I joined various bands in a variety of styles and spent years playing live and touring. I played in bands performing everything from 60’s covers to industrial rock. I like all good music, regardless of genre.

Randy:  We almost fell into the new age genre by accident. Years ago we were both at a point where we had left our respective rock bands, and some friends of ours suggested that we create a solo flute album to sell at the wellness seminars they were conducting.  It sold well, so we made another solo flute recording, and then a third album that had more synthesizers and other instruments. All of this came to a head when we produced Wings in 1992, and the 2002 sound was born.

John:  You have DVD/CD collector’s editions for the albums A Word in the Wind & Deep Still Blue, plus your music videos. The cinematic aspect of your music is very apparent when viewing your DVDs and music videos. Do you have more DVDs or music videos planned and how did producing your own music videos originate?

Pamela:   Producing videos to accompany every song of an album is very time and labor intensive. It really increases the length of time it takes to complete a project.  It was a great experience, but I don’t see us doing only that in the future.

Randy:  After Deep Still Blue & A Word in the Wind, it was amazing to me how much easier it was to do a straight music album! I’m so glad we did those projects, though. They allowed us to stretch ourselves in new directions and discover what we were artistically capable of.

John:  Last year you had introduced your own Galactic Playground Music label. How has this changed the way you produce and market your music?

Pamela:  We started our first record label in 1992 (Dreamtime Records). Later, as we evolved into producers we realized that we needed to extend our abilities and began Galactic Playground Music as our publishing arm. When we found ourselves free of outside record labels, we transformed our successful publishing company into a new label and re-released the 3 Gemini Sun Records albums as well as our 2 newest albums, Wings II – Return to Freedom & Damayanti.

Randy:  It is great to be in control of our careers, but with that comes the responsibility of having to get everything done, and there are a million little things. It used to be we would get to the finish line of completing the album and then immediately turn our sights to what we would create next. Nowadays, finishing the record is only the beginning. There are promotions that must be done, deadlines that must be met, and decisions about where to spend money or not. Still, it’s very satisfying to take the reins and be in charge of our own destinies.

John:  Both of you produced and performed on Marc Enfroy’s Unconditional album, which turned out to be an excellent album by the way. Is producing an album for another artist comparatively straightforward, or are there many challenges to creating a quality product everyone is happy with?

Randy:  In the case of Marc’s album, Unconditional, we felt we had a good fit. We were able to bring the elements together with what he already had, to take it to another level. This is the prime consideration we have for producing another artist’s record – what can we bring to it to make it better? Marc had a very good collection of songs and wanted to make a more atmospheric, new age sound than in his previous works. I think it came together nicely, and in the end, everybody was happy with the result.

John:  Let me be the first to publically congratulate you both on your approaching 20 year anniversary as 2002. B.T. Fasmer and I wish you both continued success! Before we close for now, is there anything you would like to mention that we haven’t talked about yet?

Randy & Pamela:  Thank you so much John! I just want to let you both know how much we appreciate all you do for the music community. We are so grateful that there are people like you helping to get the word out!

Visit the 2002music.com to homepage and then sample / purchase at their music store or go to their Amazon.com page. Read more on our pages dedicated to 2002.

Photos courtesy 2002music.com.

Picture yourself as a singer on stage in front of a large crowd of people with all eyes upon you. Now, even if you are well accustomed to performing on stage, and are within your comfort zone in front of an audience and do well, keeping audiences entertained year after year is of course a completely different story. To survive and remain a long-term success, everything is dependent on your abilities as a vocalist and the quality of the lyrical message you wish to deliver.

Jon Anderson, former lead vocalist and lyrical messenger for the group Yes, is while I write this review, standing on a stage entertaining audiences during tour venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which is in support of his concept album – Survival & Other Stories. What I find most impressive about Jon Anderson is the fact he has been not only capturing, but keeping a firm grip on audiences with his music for the past 5 decades, and so it goes without saying that Jon Anderson is a wonderfully gifted vocalist with a exciting message people truly want to hear over and over again.

It was during my recent 2011 interview with Jon Anderson where he specified that while on stage, concert goers would hear original Yes songs, along with Jon & Vangelis songs. In addition he articulates the biographical aspects about his life to an audience, what the songs mean and how they were created, along with singing songs from his newest release – Survival & Other Stories. Jon also acknowledged the importance his fans are to him, which are of course the lifeblood for any artist.

Jon Anderson is a music superstar, even to those other than his most loyal fans who regard him as one of the greatest music icons past and present. While true he is best known as the former lead singer and key lyricist of the Progressive Rock band Yes, his prolific solo music career continues to be as positive and significant today as it was years ago, when people like myself were buying his vinyl records!

Jon Anderson’s influence and starring role in music over five decades is legendary, and one can say Jon’s divine voice and lyrical message is clearly unforgettable. Presently, it is estimated over 38 million records were sold during his years as the dynamic lead vocalist with Yes, and his successful solo career to date. Even today people are discovering the earlier works from Yes, in addition to his numerous collaborations with other top artists, and personalized solo projects.

Survival & Other Stories is a concept album Jon created after he nearly perished from a serious illness. The silver lining began after his recovery when this unique project began to take shape. During this time period, Jon published a message on his website inviting artists to submit their music for this new endeavor.

When musicians from all corners of the world turned in their ethnic music over the internet the substance of something beautiful was born. Jon then mixed, composed, and co-produced with wife Jane Anderson the first of three concept albums, Survival & Other Stories which has a collection of 11 songs with wonderful orchestrations unified with Jon’s heartfelt vocal energies clearly articulated both musically and lyrically as optimistic and positive.

The first song New New World which opens with bold drum cadence, snare taps, and dancing strings makes a clear distinction this release is like no other yet his lyrical propensity and alto tenor range vocals reassure the listener this release will be just as impressive as the melodies he released decades ago. Unbroken Sprit is a moving piece with a light percussion backed melody, while Love Of The Life & Big Buddha Song touch upon politics and religion with spirited instrumentals backing verses of inspiration.

The blend of harmonic ethnicities continues in the moderately arranged melodies Understanding Truth, Effortlessly, Love And Understanding & Sharpening The Sword. All songs are identifiable in a sense by vocal recognition, yet each has a varying metrical rhythm and unique melody which gives every song a singular timbre and atmosphere. Gentle introspective moments are prevalent qualities in the more serene songs Incoming, Just One Man & Cloudz.

Jon Anderson without a doubt has a wonderful story to share, and in the auditory sense, his new release has a personalized point of view that comes across as musical magic. And while many artists have abandoned their music careers or quietly faded away by stepping off and never returning to the stage, Jon Anderson has clearly reached the expert level while entertaining his audiences onstage and in the studio. As it turns out, 2011 now appears to be an exciting year for everyone.

On the 10 page CD cover booklet are all song lyrics and a memoir style narrative from Jon. The global musicians listed on specific songs are; Jamie Dunlap, Peter Kiel, Jann Castor, Dan Spollen, Kevin Shima, Stefan Poddell, Steve Layton, Jeremy Cubert, Christophe Lebled, Ryan Fraley, Daniel Reinker, and Paul Quinn.

Visit jonanderson.com for music news and concert info. Survival & Other Stories can be pre-ordered from Gonzo Multimedia and Amazon.com prior to June 6 release date. Read our 2011 interview article on our pages dedicated to Jon Anderson.

Concert photo courtesy jonanderson.com. Big Stock Photo – dws.

In an exciting new release notice, international music sensation Fionnuala Sherry is preparing for the North American release of her solo debut album entitled Songs From Before by Hearts of Space Records. If you are among her millions of enthusiastic supporters in Canada and the United States you may already be mindful of the early applause given to her solo album, having been an instantaneous achievement upon the initial release in Europe during 2010.

The Irish born Fionnuala Sherry is the celebrated violinist, vocalist, and fairer side of the music duo Secret Garden, which she shares with equally gifted Norwegian composer and pianist Rolf Løvland.  Together as a team the pair of music professionals are admired and loved by millions for their award winning melodies, some of which were performed by stars like Barbara Streisand, Josh Groban, and UK prominent artists Westlife.

Fionnuala Sherry herself arrives from a family of musicians who began her music career at an early age, and I can say with near certainty that it was not luck of the Irish or mere happenchance that she is presently one of the most popular musicians produced in modern day Ireland. After graduating with honors from the College of Music of Trinity College, she relocated in Dublin to continue her musical ambitions. During her tenure as a seasoned professional she remained a member of the RTE Concert Orchestra for 10 years. In addition she has performed with a broad range of top artists over the years, including The Chieftains, Sinead O’Connor, Van Morrison, Chris de Burgh and Bono of U2 fame, along with her role in several Hollywood film scores with the Irish Film Orchestra.

Songs From Before is as you can imagine, uniquely personal by her wonderful expressions on violin with instrumental accompaniment, remaining true to character in regards to the fine melodies for which Fionnuala is famous. Her contemporary instrumental album highlights some of Ireland’s most beloved melodies, and some unreleased material. The modern theme reproduces songs made for the popular music standards of today, which brings us back to the lineage of her solo release.

Secret Garden as you know is where Fionnuala shares a starring role with composing musician Rolf Løvland from Norway. Together their achievements run deep, having won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1985 and 1995 with sold out concert tour performances to multitudes of people worldwide. It is estimated they have sold well over 5 million albums as the music group Secret Garden, some of which were platinum or gold records, along with their recording status on the Billboard New Age charts.

Fionnuala Sherry breathes new life into the 10 songs which have been in the planning stages for years. Some born of Irish heritage, her modern revisions capture traditional moments with charm and charisma during a fine performance on an English John Edward Betts violin from the 1790 time period. The overall sound quality is rich and opulent, uplifting at one moment to deeply poignant in another. Descriptive words like elegant and graceful are often overused, but truly merited in this case. I felt every song has a melodic tenor of sophistication without being overly classical and beautiful in depth without a veiled shroud of mystery.

While fame and success as the fairer side of Secret Garden is a principal achievement which precedes her solo release, Fionnuala Sherry’s Songs From Before is an shining example for her all inclusive music heritage. The 10 pieces are a moving experience and inspirational beacon showing her in a new light. May the light continue to shine far and bright.

Visit fionnualasherry.com homepage and valley-entertainment.com music store for pre-orders, and Amazon.com or iTunes when officially released in June 2011. Visit Fionnuala and Rolf at their secretgarden.no homepage and music webshop page.

Cover art courtesy of fionnualasherry.com.

The Best of Album by Jon & Vangelis.

When you say the names Jon Anderson and Vangelis Papathanassiou, most people tend to classify the discography of the two legendary artists by Progressive Rock and Electronic, Soundtrack or Film Score. This is for the most part true, but like many famous musicians of today, one genre category is never enough to satisfy their creative ambitions in entirety.

Jon & Vangelis was the successive collaboration when celebrity Yes vocalist Jon Anderson teamed up with the master of electronic music, Vangelis Papathanassiou. Their partnership back in the 1980’s produced some incredible melodies which remain ageless classics and a favorite selection for devoted aficionados of both artists, in addition to their individual solo projects which began their rise to stardom.

The Best of Jon & Vangelis is an excellent album from the two artisans who joined forces during those earlier years, which today seem so long ago. The Best of Album in particular is one I would suggest to those less than familiar with their collaboration effort. The songs State Of Independence & I’ll Find My Way Home have been two of my personal favorites for many years.

During my recent interview with Jon Anderson we learned his solo career is still thriving after 5 decades of producing music.  Jon is currently performing his concert tour publicized as “An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson” at this very moment.

Jon Anderson’s new album Survival & Other Stories will be distributed soon too, so check back for my pre-release album review of Jon’s latest solo project. Below is Jon Anderson’s reply about what concert attendees could expect during one of his concerts, and the Jon & Vangelis song video of I’ll Find My Way Home featuring vocals by Jon and Vangelis on piano. Visit Amazon.com to sample / purchase this classic album. Cover art courtesy Jon & Vangelis.

Jon Anderson:  Well, it’s really like being in my ‘front room’. I’m singing Yes songs as I originally wrote them, singing ‘Jon and Vangelis’ songs, telling stories, how songs came together, the meaning behind the songs, talking about my life so far, and doing new songs from my new album – Survival & Other Stories.

Calmness of Spirit by David Hoffman.

David Hoffman is a brilliant composing musician from Illinois named a top award winner among others in The Tenth Annual Independent Music Awards. David was selected by a 62 member panel of industry professionals including popular artists Seal, Aimee Mann, Ozzy Osbourne, Arturo Sandoval and many other influential musicians.

Many may already recognize David Hoffman by his lengthy tenure with another famous musician named Ray Charles, having been the trumpet and flugelhorn soloist, along with his presence as composer and arranger with the Ray Charles Orchestra. It was during his 13 year partnership with Ray Charles that David Hoffman extensively toured many notable venues in Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia. Additional tours included Russia in 1994 and a return visit in 2000, where he performed with the Moscow Symphony Orchestra.

Calmness of Spirit is a beautiful instrumental album merging New Age and Jazz in a remarkable coupling which gives the listener a distant ray of sunshine impression by the elevated melodic ambience and tonal qualities. What makes this CD album so unique is the transition in style by the artist himself, and needless to say, it is a successful one. David skillfully performs on piano and the trumpet, for which he is famous. Another great artist on this album is colleague Paul Adams who co-produced and performs Native American flute, guitar, percussion, and Hulusi wind instrument.

David Hoffman is a masterful Jazz performer and expert brass musician making a fine transition by Calmness of Spirit. In addition to the more New Age and Jazz influence blending in Calmness of Spirit, David’s earlier more Jazz or World music centered albums are; From Energy to Stillness, Groovin’, The David Hoffman Sextet Live, and Christmas In Your Heart. David Hoffman also provides area located and online instructions to students of all levels from beginner to expert. As a Jazz great, his vast areas of expertise in composition, scoring and arranging on a multitude of instruments is unsurpassed.

Visit the davidhoffmanjazz.com homepage and visit pauladams.org to sample / purchase, or at his Amazon.com page.

Album Art courtesy David Hoffman.