New Age Music World

It really doesn’t matter how old you are, but I would be willing to take a guess and say that there was a time in your life when everything seemed much simpler. Living the carefree life as a youngster might be the best way to describe this positively uplifting feeling that everyone has experienced at one time.

Keith Driskill has created an acoustic guitar album that gives one the impression of those lighthearted days by gentle guitar melodies of inspiration. His release A Time of Innocence is an acoustic guitar album that at least, momentarily shuttles the listener to a relaxing state of mind by its peaceful down to earth purity.

Keith Driskill performs superbly on acoustic guitar using the fingerstyle technique, and as it turns out, he is pretty well versed in articulating the emotional imagery of those carefree days, and does so with amazing clarity. Finding an early fascination in learning how to play the guitar at age 10, Keith began to explore and develop his own skills during the early years as a youngster growing up in Kentucky. This may have had something to do with the present day Utah resident’s abilities at expressing the simplistic period of our youth by fine guitar melodies.

A Time of Innocence is a New Age, Solo Guitar album with traditional Folk music elements. The 9 songs are best defined as serene and peaceful, yet there is a broader modulation of warmth and depth, which makes A Time of Innocence something rather unique and special. On the surface you will find light guitar rhythms comingle and reside in time with more complex tracings of depth and refinement which is a nice counterpart to the lighter more serene qualities.

The song Lover’s Farewell is the melody I felt best compliments this adaptation. The equally relaxing Moonlight Lullaby & Fireflies each convey an elevated atmosphere of inspiration. It may be less important how I phrase the description of Keith Driskill’s acoustic guitar music, just so long as wonderfully uplifting music is incorporated when summarizing his solo guitar endeavors. While true none of us can return to the carefree days of our youth, Keith’s guitar melodies offers a moment to reminisce about those lighthearted days of our past that ironically turn out to be important to most of us during our adult years. It’s an easygoing acoustic expression about A Time of Innocence.

Visit the driskillmusic.com homepage and then sample / purchase on his music page or visit his Amazon.com page.

Photos courtesy driskillmusic.com.

Midnight Orchestra by Spencer Stanley

Spencer Stanley is a composing musician who first developed his love for the piano during his elementary school years. Composing musical scores during junior high then became a constant activity and form of creative enjoyment for him. Spencer’s performance in various school bands, jazz bands and orchestras reflects his own compositional phrasing in his Midnight Orchestra debut album from 2010.

Midnight Orchestra has a Classic Piano, Contemporary Instrumental & New Age presentation. This album contains 11 pieces which takes listeners into the depths of melodic piano flow, with appealing resonances of strings, some woodwinds and lively percussion rhythms on snare and timpani drums. I was really impressed with his talents, along with the performing instrumentalist in accompaniment. Songs from Midnight Orchestra are currently being played on various internet radio stations, and his YouTube videos feature the song Velocity, and the title song.

Spencer Stanley has received training in piano, trumpet and French horn during his high school years. His scholastic studies earned him top scores in band ensembles, jazz and orchestras in competitions throughout the state. He is currently attending Brigham Young University for academic studies, and was selected an all-star youth musician with the Utah Symphony. Even though his background skills are centered on brass instruments, these songs are comprised of mainly piano, strings, and percussion rhythms blend remarkably well by their light melodic harmony.

Midnight Orchestra is compiled of songs Spencer composed and co-orchestrated with Dave Zimmerman during their high school years. It features Spencer on piano and Dave Zimmerman on percussion, with other musicians he became friends with over the years; Andrea Hughes (violin) Natachia Li (cello) and Sophie Stanley (classical guitar). Together these musicians have produced an impressive instrumental album, and I am sure you will reach the same conclusion.

Visit Spencer Stanley on his Facebook page.  Sample or purchase his album at Amazon.com and iTunes. Visit our page dedicated to Spencer Stanley.

It’s a great time of celebration for fans of 2002, and I would imagine a time of celebration for Randy and Pamela Copus, the husband and wife duo that are the heart and life force of 2002. After nineteen years as top New Age music producers, Randy and Pamela are nearing a significant milestone in their lengthy music careers by an upcoming 20 year anniversary as an award winning, Billboard charting music duo.

Randy and Pamela Copus of 2002 have just released an exceptional new album titled Damayanti, which is centered around a mythical love story from the distant past.  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 soared among the clouds in an ascending flight of their own.

Many would agree the New Age Billboard charting 2002 music duo Randy and Pamela Copus are without a doubt, one of the finest musicial groups producing music today.  Their true to life popularity 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, equaling 270 weeks total on the New Age charts.

2002 was likewise featured artists in the December 2003 Magazine issue of Year in Review at Billboard by being listed right alongside several other top New Age artists you are sure to recognize including Enya, George Winston, Jim Brickman, Manheim Steamroller and Yanni. Sharing the airwaves and limelight at Billboard with other top music artists does ascertain their prominence and reputation as a chosen favorite for many people.

Damayanti by 2002 is on their recently introduced Galactic Playground Music label. The album has 10 opulent songs, and while it is not an immense departure from earlier albums, this bit of info should be taken as good news. You will find Damayanti reveals a wonderful change in tonal atmosphere which does make it stand out from earlier predecessors, plus I imagine it will be another radio favorite on the airwaves.

Flight of the Swan is a moving and graceful piece by the free flowing guitar and flute melodies backed by light chorales and steady percussion rhythm. The serene piano and flute pairing in Challenge From Heaven is divine, while the imaginative flute and guitar arrangement in Cycle of Time, Destinies & Enduring Love equally broadcast the celestial elegance which personifies the complete 2002 musical identity.

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. On this album however their young daughter Sarah Copus sang some of the vocal parts.

Even now with their unending popularity and recognition, 2002 today remain steadfast in their creative ambitions of producing quality orchestrations. Their close attention to instrumental and technical details during every album production seems to result in a complete reinvention of themselves every time, as is the case with their brand new release Damayanti. Like any true to life story with a happy conclusion, I expect 2002 will continue to be a chosen favorite for many people in the years ahead, which should give Randy and Pamela Copus another reason to give pause, reflect, and to celebrate.

Visit the 2002music.com homepage and then sample / purchase or go to their Amazon.com page. 2002 recently produced an album with Marc Enfroy titled Unconditional, so read more on our pages for 2002 and Marc Enfroy.

Cover artwork courtesy Cindy Grundsten.

Just for fun music videos is a novelty feature here at NewAgeMusicWorld.Com. While we regularly present New Age music videos on our pages, the Just For Fun video section is place where you will always find something a little different, and maybe a little unexpected too. To view the music video simply click on the photo icon in this article.

The Just For Fun Classic video banner is also located in the right hand module. Some examples may be rare and unusual videos, or classic videos. Whatever I decide to post, I promise it will be something special! The first song video is a good example of what you may find in this section.

This video article will be updated every now and then, so check back every now and then to view another Just For Fun video selection. Naturally I will be regularly posting new age music videos of the artists I feature here, so I hope you take time to view song videos by some of the excellent new age musicians I interview and write review publications about on the NewAgeMusicWorld.com homepage.

Kelly Andrew from Denver Colorado is an admirable composing musician I wrote an album review about recently. You might recall I spoke very highly of his instrumental debut album titled Olympus. There was a pretty good reason I recommended his first effort to our visitors since Olympus really is one appreciable album!

In fact, I had even earlier stated in my album review that Olympus has some of the finest orchestrations I have heard in recent memory, and his classic symphonic music with contemporary instrumentals backed by full percussion, is a music symphony that will stand the test of time. Like all of my album reviews, there shouldn’t be any reading between the lines with that statement. Kelly has a second album with a night to day contrast in style titled Reflections.

Kelly Andrew is a great musician who is far from being a new composer since he is actually identified for creating a wide array of music having composed and arranged over 35 original singles, some of which were performed and recorded with the University of Colorado Choir.

One point I would like to make is that even if Olympus was his debut album, Kelly Andrew is a great composer too, well-seasoned with over 15 years of experience producing his individual brand of music in a variety of influences. Some of his arrangements are expressions in New Age, Cinematic, Contemporary, Symphonic, Soundtrack, Neo-Classical, World music, and a wide range of original orchestrations.

Reflections by Kelly Andrew really did surprise me after listening to this 11 song recording. Reflections is a second great album, but the surprise is most apparent in the way he composed the two albums. While his first has deep orchestrations and a bolder atmosphere, Reflections is an impressive contrast in style, and it is pretty clear his second album Reflections is even more aligned in the Cinematic or Soundtrack category.

The 11 songs are a selection of instrumental ensembles with Kelly Andrew on piano, keyboards and synthesizer. Aditional musicians are; Marcy Baruch (vocals) Randy Chavez (guitar) Christian Teele (percussion) Bijoux Barbosa (bass) Kailin Yong (violin) James Brody (oboe) Rachel Ellins (harp) and Rodney Garnett (flutes). Musicians from the Colorado Symphony Orchestra provided the strings section.

Reflections has a wonderful blending of New Age, Contemporary Instrumental, Symphonic music, and again commendable. Kelly Andrew’s change in direction has produced a second great album, and I would certainly recommend his first and second, with a third appreciable mention being the smooth transition in style conveyed by the artist himself.

Visit kelly-andrew.com to sample / purchase or visit his CDBaby.com page. Read our page dedicated to Kelly Andrew.

Album artwork by Kelly Andrew.

Jon Anderson of Yes fame is the top music celebrity we are pleased to present here at NewAgeMusicWorld.com & NewAgeMusic.nu. With a successful music career spanning five decades, John Anderson’s presence as a vocalist and instrumentalist has made an admirable impression on millions of people over the course of many years as a musician.

This can be said regarding his lengthy tenure as lead singer for the Progressive Rock band Yes, during his numerous collaborations with other celebrated artists, and while performing throughout the years as a popular solo artist.

Jon Anderson’s influence and starring role in music over five decades is legendary. It is estimated over 38 million records were sold during his years as the dynamic lead vocalist with Yes, and throughout his successful solo career.

Today, Jon Anderson is preparing for his North American concert tour in support of his new CD release; Survival & Other Stories.

Knowing Jon Anderson’s significant influence in music it is our privilege to present this interview so that everyone can find out more about a fascinating artist with a long and enduring music legacy.

Review publicist John Olsen recently had the opportunity to interview the personable Jon Anderson prior to his tour in 2011. We are pleased to present their conversation to Jon’s fans and our site visitors.

Jon Anderson interview April 2011:

John P. Olsen: Thank You for agreeing to this interview on short notice Jon. We realize our interview request arrives at a time interval just days prior to your opening concert, so we do appreciate your enthusiasm for this interview, and your willingness to take time out of your schedule for us.

You are beginning your concert tour publicized as “An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson.” Would you like to give some insight to concert goers about the atmosphere and variety of music they will experience during an evening with Jon Anderson?

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.

JP Olsen: Your new release Survival & Other Stories is due to be released April 2011. Can you provide some details about your new release, and how Survival & Other Stories varies from other albums you have produced?

Jon Anderson: This album is #1 of 3 albums I will release over the next 2 years. I put an ad on my website saying ‘musicians wanted’… I was finding it hard to get the guys in Yes interested in using the Internet to write songs, I put the ad out there, I got so many people sending me their musical ideas, it was like this musical ‘door’ had opened, and I found myself writing so many great ideas, with some very talented peeps…. I still do this every week. Music is endless.

JP Olsen: You have collaborated with other celebrated musicians like yourself, including Vangelis, Kitaro, Rick Wakeman, Mike Oldfield and a host of other talents. Every artist has their own strengths, along with their individual viewpoint about an album production, so when collaborating with other musicians, how does a “meeting of minds” customarily transpire during album composition and production?

Jon Anderson: It’s very simple really, it has to be Fun, an element of Trust and a feeling of Adventure, I sing melodies and find lyrics to the music I hear, it’s a very instant thing, and if it’s working great, we tend to trust ourselves, and let the music take us on the journey.

JP Olsen: Recently you teamed up with Mike Oldfield for a Kanye West sample track titled Dark Fantasy, which topped the Billboard chart as the #1 album in the country. In addition you just produced a great album with colleague and Yes member Rick Wakeman titled The Living Tree. Do you find teaming up with other esteemed musicians just as rewarding as your solo projects?

Jon Anderson: I feel thankful to have these connections, they don’t come all the time, they are rewarding on so many levels. I’m singing on Jonathan Elias’s new ‘Prayer Cycle’ along with Sting and others, released June 1st, that song I sang was right in the middle of my illness in 2008, it was such a gift to sing with that music, very inspiring.

JP Olsen: To me and many others, the voice of Jon Anderson is one of the easiest to identify in an ocean of vocalists. Did you have professional vocal instruction, and what point in your life did you choose to pursue music as a career?

Jon Anderson: No, I just sang since I was a kid, sang as I went to school, sang when I worked on the farm, and just kept singing about the joys of life.

JP Olsen: Early in your career you were leader of Yes, a phenomenal and popular Rock group, yet you also produced music in less mainstream genres, including New Age and Contemporary Christian music. What is the reason you performed in respected but less mainstream music?

What 2011 concert goers can expect to hear during “An Acoustic Evening With 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. Jon Anderson

Jon Anderson: Music takes on your Sacred Journey, I have a deep belief that we are changing for the better again, and music can be a sign post to what is happening around the world, people all over the world ‘love’ music, so why not enjoy being a part of the ‘new age’….

JP Olsen: You wrote the song lyrics during your tenure in Yes, and likewise during your solo career. Your lyrical phrasing is beautifully expressive, and positive in nature. Do you have a lyrical theme or message you want to convey to your audience?

Jon Anderson: Like most people I am seeking for Truth to Life, and singing about this helps me, I live to understand the great mystery, and how we are part of Mother Earth, and ‘why’…. so lyrics dance around me every day, I do feel honored to be a musician.

JP Olsen: During the early Yes years some music critics downplayed the influence Yes was achieving as a music act. I believe it would be accurate to say many people didn’t realize at the time that Jon Anderson, and a handful of others, were essentially inventing a music genre we identify today as Progressive Rock. Did you and other band members recognize at the time you were making such a profound impact in the music scene?

Jon Anderson: We hoped that Yes Music would stand the test of time, and it seems to have done, but 40 years, wow!! I meet so many young people who have just bought ‘Close to the Edge’, they find out how exciting the music is, and they will go on the same musical journey as I did, it’s amazing to realize this.

JP Olsen: Your contribution as lead vocalist was an important factor, but why do you believe Yes as a Progressive Rock group so successful?

Jon Anderson: I worked hard within the Yes band as the musical director of sorts. I was surrounded by so much talent, I would come up with plans for the music, sing ideas constantly, and the Music we created is unique. I never dreamed it could become so wonderful, I kept on coming up with ideas, and Yes Music will last forever, Weeeeeee!

Jon’s reply on the major influence Jon Anderson and progressive rock group Yes had in music; We hoped that Yes Music would stand the test of time, and it seems to have done, but 40 years, wow!! I meet so many young people who have just bought ‘Close to the Edge’, they find out how exciting the music is, and they will go on the same musical journey as I did, it’s amazing to realize this. Jon Anderson

JP Olsen: You have been a very successful vocalist and instrumentalist practically your whole life. Do you believe your life achievements are due to your musical talents, hard work, a combination of both, or do you believe in destiny?

Jon Anderson: Practice, Practice. Well I just have fun playing every day, I sing every day, think about the ‘great work’ to be done, as for destiny, hummm, not sure what that means, I believe that I will be part of a great Awakening.

JP Olsen: What do you feel is your greatest achievement or most rewarding experience to date Jon?

Jon Anderson: Still being around, feeling valid in this world music scene, not getting carried away with fame. Singing with the school of rock and youth orchestras, and I enjoying being around ‘young’ musicians while helping to create some very good and interesting music to date.

JP Olsen: Earlier I read on your Facebook page you rarely do endorsements for advocacy groups but are involved with 600million.org, a non-profit organization created by the co-founder of PETA, Alex Pacheco. Would you like to tell us about your contribution and charitable endorsement for the animal protection advocacy group 600million.org?

Jon Anderson: My youngest Daughter Jade introduced me to the project earlier this year. I was really sad about the plight of our fellow creatures, dogs are truly man’s best friend, and they can be so healing and funny to be around, so to see so many millions in distress, made me want to help in any way I could, so I made a short video to help.

JP Olsen: Thank You again for spending time with us by way of our interview Jon. We look forward to the day when we can follow-up by another interview together. In closing, do you have anything you would like to express to the people who will be attending a concert this year, or the many fans that have supported you throughout your career?

Jon Anderson: Have fun!!! And thanks for all the support, and enjoyment I have at the concerts I do, I cannot thank you enough…. Cheers!!!

Again everyone, Jon Anderson is beginning his 2011 North American concert tour billed as “An Evening With Jon Anderson.” We wish Jon and every concert goer an enjoyable evening together during a live concert event that is sure to be memorable.

Visit the jonanderson.com homepage for news and concert tour information. Read our pages dedicated to Jon Anderson.

Concert photos courtesy Robin Kauffman & jonanderson.com.

Composing pianist Louis Colaiannia from Denver Colorado has a classic contemporary instrumental release you may want to know more about. His most recent New Age album expresses his love of Classical music by composing pianists like Beethoven and Mozart, but you will also hear a freestyle influence in his original compositions that give one the impression of more contemporary orchestrations. It’s like modern improvisations on classical music!

Louis Colaiannia has composed a number of classic piano and instrumental releases over the years. With earlier albums having titles of Desert Winds, Journey Of The Soul, Sailing On A Dream & Sea Of Stars, it is easy for anyone to envision that his modern orchestrations are divine and dreamy in nature. They are, much like the album titles themselves.

I found this true regarding his earlier albums, along with the wonderful piano and instrumental release Louis Colaiannia has produced in 2011, A Moment Between Eternities. With divine piano music evenly centered by a classical and contemporary atmosphere, why would anyone want to change this fine balance?

A Moment Between Eternities is a classic New Age Contemporary Instrumental release comparable to earlier albums by a wonderful range in thought and feel. The mood variations in the 9 songs are as if transitioning between one season to another, so in relation to the emotional content of his work, you will hear light graceful songs carefully blended with pieces emboldened by a more impassioned frame of mind.

Louis Colaiannia has composed each of the 9 songs total, performing on piano and synthesizer. The instrumentalist in accompaniment are; Jenna Ehrle (vocals and lyrics) Melvin Morford (bass) Jess Allen (cello) Bob Glassman (percussion) Evelyn Rutenberg (flute) Bill Kerr (guitar) and Rex Spease (saxophone and clarinet).

There is one recent variation in Louis Colaiannia’s music where a new innovative single titled City Scapes takes on a whole new direction. Moving in a new trend like his classical and contemporary orchestrations, City Scapes takes a melodic shift in what Louis terms “Orchestral Jazz”. I listened to this song and found the upbeat melodies with lively rhythms another beautiful performance of his modern classic improvisations.

Visit louismusic.com to sample / purchase and find out more. You can also visit his Amazon.com page.

Cover artwork courtesy Steve Hamilton.

Music For Commuting by Ken Elkinson.

Ken Elkinson is a composer and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles, California. As a young adult, he was part of the competitive Classical piano circuit, who later studied Jazz and Pop piano, picking up guitar, bass, saxophone, clarinet and French horn along the way.  In college, Ken took classes in music composition, percussion, recording studio techniques and improvisation to enhance his music education.  It was during this time he began work on his first original Solo Piano CD, Midnight Conversation, which was released in 1997.

After 9 solo piano albums, Ken Elkinson decided to begin composing ambient music, and the result is a new 6 CD box set entitled Music For Commuting.  Featuring 60 tracks and over 4 hours of music, Music For Commuting has 3 double length CDs which represent progressive days of the week.   The music was composed specifically to help calm drivers while commuting, but his calming music is well suited for massage, yoga, meditation, and academic studies.

On this 6 CD collector’s edition, Disc 1 Monday-Tuesday begins the work week in a deep and droning manner, as if shuttling the commuter through the hardest days of the week.  Disc 2 Wednesday-Thursday is much brighter while featuring upbeat, anthems and 1980’s synth-pop elements.  Disc 3 is made for Friday and the weekend, taking the commuter into an enjoyable relaxing mode by spacey and futuristic music filled with a perfect sense of optimism.  Songs can be purchased by individual mp3 downloads.

Music For Commuting is an all instrumental mix of Ambient, Chill Electronica and New Age music, but most are from an ambient perspective with lighter melodies.  All 60 songs blend beautifully into one another, and Ken performed every note you hear, so there was no instrumental programming involved during production.  Ken Elkinson instead used a combination of 8 keyboards and synthesizers on this value packed collector’s edition CD which enables the listener to arrive at their destination in a calm and relaxed attitude.

Visit kenelkinson.com to purchase / sample this 6 CD box set, also available at Amazon.com and popular music outlets.

Music legend Jon Anderson has a new CD – Survival & Other Stories, due to be released in April 2011.  Knowing Anderson’s significant influence on progressive music covering a variety of popular genres, the new Survival & Other Stories CD promises to be a hot item that will create a lot of excitement for a diverse buying public, which will no doubt include a multitude of devoted Yes fans!

Currently Jon is making preparations for a North America concert tour portrayed as “An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson.”

Jon Anderson is a music celebrity whose tenure as the lead vocalist in Yes, along with his innovative solo music career have placed him in center stage prominence, but Jon has also teamed up with other superstars Vangelis, Kitaro, Rick Wakeman and Mike Oldfield.  Plus, the long list of popular music artists he has performed with during a career spanning five decades is truly impressive.

In a televised HDNet Concert Series program, he shared the stage with the 112 member Cleveland Contemporary Youth Orchestra, and 60 member student chorus.  During the live performance, hit songs from Yes and Jon & Vangelis included Owner of a Lonely Heart, I’ve Seen All Good People, Round About & I’ll Find My Way Home.

Survival & Other Stories is said to portray a personal message of inspiration, with down to earth themes regarding love, life, understanding, healing and survival.  If you are as familiar with Jon Anderson as I am, then you know this album description does indicate another positive and progressive transition in his music!

Billy James of Glass Onyon PR, in charge of this promotion recently informed me a CD copy of Survival and Other Stories will be sent to me, so look for my review in the near future.  There is also a good chance I will have an opportunity to present to our visitors an in-depth musician interview with Jon Anderson, so do come back often to visit New Age Music World.  You can count on this website to present much more about the rare eclectic voice of Yes – Jon Anderson.  Below is a video clip from the televised live HDNet Concert Series program.

Visit jonanderson.com for news and tour info.  Follow Jon on FaceBook & Twitter. Then read our pages dedicated to Jon Anderson.  Photos courtesy jonanderson.com.

Music legend Jon Anderson of Yes fame, has just announced concert dates in his 2011 concert tour in North America, beginning April 23rd, 2011 at Somerville Theatre in Somerville, Massachusetts.  This is your chance to hear a true music legend!

Publicized as “An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson,” the 2011 concert tour is 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!

The 2011 Spring tour “An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson” will showcase an exciting mixture of cultural material from Jon Anderson’s prolific solo career, collaborations with Vangelis and classic Yes songs, along with new compositions from his soon to be released CD, Survival and Other Stories.

Jon’s new CD release is said to have a positive message of inspiration, with basic down to earth themes regarding love, life, understanding, healing and survival.

To me, it sounds like a personal message of inspiration you will want to hear for yourself!  Below is your need to know concert tour information.

Visit jonanderson.com for music news and more tour info.  You can follow Jon on his FaceBook & Twitter pages.  Photos and tour info courtesy jonanderson.com.

An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson 2011 Concert Tour dates;

4/23/2011 – Somerville Theatre – Somerville, MA

4/26/2011 – Havana New Hope – New Hope, PA

4/28/2011 – Infinity Hall – Norfolk, CT

4/30/2011 – B.B. Kings Blues Club & Grill – New York, NY

5/02/2011 – Musikfest Cafe ArtsQuest Center at Steel Slacks – Bethlehem, PA

5/04/2011 – Theatre of Living Arts – Philadelphia, PA

5/06/2011 – Princeton University – McCarter Theatre – Princeton, NJ

5/07/2011 – New Jersey Performing Arts Center – Victoria Theatre – Newark, NJ

5/09/2011 – Rams Head On Stage – Annapolis, MD

5/11/2011 – Rams Head On Stage – Annapolis, MD

5/13/2011 – The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performing Center – Plymouth, NH

5/15/2011 – Bates College Olin Arts Center – Concert Hall – Lewiston, ME

5/18/2011 – Tupelo Music Hall – Londonderry, NH

5/19/2011 – Tupelo Music Hall – Londonderry, NH

5/21/2011 – Woodstock Town Hall Theatre – Woodstock, VT

5/25/2011 – Ellsworth Grand Auditorium – Ellsworth , ME

7/09/2011 – 07/10/2011 – Vancouver Island MusicFest Exhibition Grounds – Courtenay BC, Canada

7/12/2011 – The Triple Door – Seattle, WA

8/05/2011 – The Arcada Theatre – St. Charles, IL

8/07/2011 – Festival of Friends – Jerseyville, ON Canada

11/25/2011 – Riviera Maya Festival Mamita’s Beach Club – Playa Del Carmen Q. Roo, Mexico

Marc Enfroy is an award winning pianist with a new Cinematic Piano album created in collaboration with 2002, who are another award winning, Billboard charting music team of fame.  Marc’s 2011 new release titled Unconditional is an innovative Contemporary Instrumental release bound to be a success, and a newly born sound creation you are sure to love.

Unconditional is the third Cinematic Piano release from Marc Enfroy.  When you hear the unification in styles with Randy and Pamela Copus of 2002, I am sure you will agree this album does deliver a unique array in piano and contemporary instrumentals. Already admired for their great inspiring melodies as individual artists, the recently unveiled blend of two unique styles into a single creation of beauty is exemplary.

Marc Enfroy’s music career emerged after the death of his sister Suzanne Whiting to cancer, but it was from this profound loss his progressive music legacy arose.  In loving memory of Suzanne, Marc found inspiration and proceeded to compose emotive music for the senses.  Beginning anew, he composed colorful music like a painter would use brushstrokes to fill the empty spaces on white canvas.  It didn’t take long for people to admire his celestial piano music and conclude Marc is a gifted pianist and true artisan.

Unbounded was Marc Enfroy’s Solo Piano debut album which set the stage for his musical career.  Unbounded had acquired Best Neo-Classical album award in the ZMR Lifestyle Music Awards in 2008, along with Best New Artist nomination.  Awakening was the second vibrant collection of songs he produced.  The classic piano orchestrations with Janet Sullins on violin, Jack Chen on flute, and vocals by Jillian Aversa earned Marc an award nomination, and aired on many popular Internet radio stations worldwide.

Unconditional has 10 song classics of fine piano detailing expertly blended with flute, strings, bell tones and chorales, with admirable performances by Jack Chen on flute and Pamela Copus on vocals.  Produced by Randy Copus of 2002, Marc Enfroy’s newly unveiled Unconditional is a passionate portraiture and beautiful exhibit empowered by design to take flight, in uplifting music made to celebrate life.

Visit marcenfroy.com to sample / purchase or at his Amazon.com page. Read our page for Marc Enfroy, and visit the award winning Randy & Pamela Copus at 2002music.com.  Below is my album review quote and promo video for Unconditional.

When you unite the Cinematic Piano talents of award winning Marc Enfroy with the production abilities of Billboard-charting musicians 2002, the conclusive outcome is a work of music bound to be a success.

365 New Age Stars is an online radio station readily available for our visitors here at New Age Music World.  This website is proud to offer our visitors one of the highest rated 365 internet radio stations available anywhere.

Many of you may be already familiar with New Age Stars since it is a prominent feature here and at our affiliate site. Recently the album cover arts were added into the online radio player which has proven to be an attractive addition.

New Age Stars Radio has steadily risen in popularity, and there is a very good reason for the high ratings.  B.T. Fasmer and I maintain a leading playlist of the best New Age music available from around the world, updating on a regular basis with only the highest quality songs we can find. I also feature many of the artists I write CD album reviews about, or interview on my new age music blogspot.

365 Stars Radio is a free online radio station you can to listen to anytime during your visit at my blog, plus there is a low cost subscription option available if you prefer to listen commercial free music.

As ratings and number of listeners continue to increase and ascend to new heights in ratings, we invite you to try New Age Stars Radio too, and join thousands of current online radio listeners to see what all the excitement is about.

In the process, everyone can help support U.S. and international New Age artists when you select a VIP commercial free subscription at 365 Radio.

You will find the free Stars Radio Player prominently located in a right hand side module. You can sample many of the best songs by clicking on the arrow icon in the actual radio player on your right or the photo in this article.  Thanks to everyone for selecting New Age Stars as your top online radio station!

Note:  Live 365 Internet Radio terminated operations on January 31, 2016.

A New Horizon album by José Luis Serrano Esteban.

José Luis Serrano Esteban is a Spanish musician who has spent many years composing music in many different styles embracing Classical, Rock, New Age, World and Electronic music, which began the creation of two albums of instrumental music that he has released.  His music is full of divergent shades of timbre, sensibly crafted in the recording studio, which invites the listener to pause and appreciate.

A New Horizon is his second album published in 2009. It contains 14 pieces from nearly classical pieces to electronic rock, and his main idea is reaching peace through the beauty expressed in his music compositions.  The album takes the listener on a voyage through a broad range of imaginary landscapes.  In addition to A New Horizon, he has released more than 100 music compositions in varying styles from Classical, Electronic, and Rock music.

José Luis Serrano Esteban is a composer who has studied both classical guitar and electronic music.  In his albums he plays all kinds of guitars, including bass guitar and also keyboards and percussion instruments.  José has also spent some years working on technical issues related with sound, computing and electronics so has been able to produce his own recordings.

Using timbre as an important part of his compositions, fine elements of electroacoustic music enable him to emphasize ideas and create “sound landscapes” for his listeners.

On A New Horizon, some pieces were performed with the help of great musicians like Nacho Serrano (Bass and 12strings acoustic guitar), Nuria Felix (Violin), Santiago Puente (Clarinet), Gloria Esteban (Flute) and Covadonga Serrano (Piano).  José Luis Serrano Esteban is signed on to be a featured artist on the LandscapeHD channel near the end of 2011.

Visit his English and Spanish website JlseMusic.com to sample or purchase and find at other major digital store outlets.

In my role as a review publicist, I receive review requests and correspond with talented musicians around the globe on a daily basis. As you might expect, I have discovered there are many gifted musicians that stand out above than the rest. These are the select individuals I want to feature and present to our website visitors.

Spencer Stanley is an outstanding composing musician I would like to introduce to you today. Spencer is currently attending Brigham Young University for academic studies, and he is an instrumentalist in the marching band. It was just last Spring when Spencer Stanley was selected as an all-star youth symphony member and instrumental music performer with the Utah Symphony.

During the course of his educational studies he received training in piano, trumpet and performance. His talents as a composer and sound engineer are perhaps equal to his performance skills on piano, trumpet and French horn.

Midnight Orchestra is his first CD album of piano and orchestral music, which is also available as individual song downloads. This album has 11 songs total.

I was really impressed with his talent as a skillful musician, along with the performing instrumentalist in accompaniment on Midnight Orchestra. I believe you will reach the same conclusion. On this album he demonstrates his talent as a composing pianist.

Spencer Stanley’s Midnight Orchestra CD album can be sampled or purchased by the links provided below since he doesn’t have a website at present. This music video of the title song Midnight Orchestra, was filmed in Bountiful, Utah.

The 11 songs were written by Spencer Stanley, and co-orchestrated with Dave Zimmerman. Along with Spencer playing piano, additional artists on various songs include Dave Zimmerman (piano and percussion) Natachia Li (cello) Sophie Stanley (classical guitar) and Andrea Hughes (violin).

Visit Spencer Stanley on his Facebook page.  Sample or purchase his album at Amazon.com, iTunes and CDBaby.com.

Asher Quinn is a singer songwriter from the United Kingdom who has devoted much of his adult life to writing music, and what passionate music he has created while securing a significant position in the genre!   His Love Theme Ballads, Folk Melodies and Contemporary Instrumentals, united with romantic and poetic lyrics, placed him in a unique class in the field of New Age music years ago, just as his more Mainstream Progressive Ballads and Spiritual Love Songs continue to inspire today.

Falling Through Time is the 2011 release which reintroduce his unique abilities as a splendid lyrical songwriter and vocalist without rival.  Possessing the heart and mind of a true poet, Asher assimilates his rare abilities and divine lyrical aptitude directly into his melodic love songs, which often exemplify a spiritual atmosphere.  To me, his lyrical ballads of praise and adoration, for which he has become famous, are highly prized by their gentle and forthright emotive charm.

Asher Quinn, who released his first New Age chart-topping album Open Secret back in 1987, followed with other chart-topping releases Mystic Heart, Wings of Fire & Concert of Angels, under the name first of Denis Quinn, and then Asha.  Some of his compositions have been used in film soundtracks, and with over half a million album sales to his credit, Asher Quinn continues to be a popular and incomparable one of a kind artist in the New Age music genre.

Falling Through Time features 9 original compositions, 6 traditional ballads and a cover version of This little bird first made famous by Marianne Faithfull, and was recorded and co-produced with sound engineer Shaun Britton at his studio in Fareham, Hampshire, UK.  On this album, Asher delivers lead vocals and contributing artists include Kristian Biddiss on lead and Spanish guitars, along with supporting female vocalists Jaba and Jimena Larraguivel.

Asher Quinn’s music is released on his new independent Singing Stone Music record label.  In addition, song lyrics for the CD album are printed in a handsome cover booklet, plus lyrics for every release by Asher Quinn are available on his website lyrics page.  Two of my personal favorite songs from Asher are Free Yourself & Love’s Philosophy.

While love songs and folk ballads have been a source of creative inspiration for popular musicians in a variety of genres, this is a rarity concerning artists within the New Age music category.  In every respect, Asher Quinn’s newest album continues his enduring legacy for producing top quality music in a wide variety of styles, which brings forth a newfound sense of admiration for his compositions you will indeed find glorious and inspiring.

Visit asherquinn.co.uk to sample / purchase or at his CDBaby.com page.  Then visit his official YouTube Channel for music videos, and our page dedicated to Asher Quinn.

Cover artwork courtesy Emoke Labancz – emokelabancz.com.

Japan Relief Fund mp3 by the Pangean Orchestra.

The Pangean Orchestra and CD Baby are teaming up to raise money for disaster relief in Japan.  Millions of people overwhelmed by the earthquakes and resulting tsunami remain desperately in need of our assistance, and people of goodwill are responding.  With the ongoing crisis in Japan, help often arrives in many forms and in this case, total revenue for disaster relief in the form of free music is a trusted source for your donation.

The Red Cross Earthquake/Pacific Tsunami Fund will receive 100% of the direct proceeds from sales of a free mp3 single released by the Pangean Orchestra, which is based in Phoenix, Arizona.  The director of the Pangean Orchestra is music professional Colin O’Donohoe, who leads the group of instrumentalist from nearly every continent.

Tinsagu Nu Hana – Japan Relief is the name of their free mp3 music.  The sample I listened to on CD Baby is sung in Japanese by a tenor vocalist, and is comprised of upbeat contemporary instrumentals.  Most importantly, your music purchase will make you feel great knowing you helped provide 100% direct funds for people who need our assistance during this ongoing crisis.  Thanks to the Pangean Orchestra and CD Baby.

Visit CDBaby.com to sample/make your music purchase donation, and then visit the pangeanorchestra.com and donohoemusic.com.  You can also read the interview I had with Colin on our pages dedicated to Colin O’Donohoe.

Blackmore’s Night newest release called Autumn Sky is a #1 Billboard Charting album off to a very strong start, especially when you consider Autumn Sky acquired the #1 position on the Billboard New Age Charts upon its debut in January, 2011.  This legendary renaissance inspired New Age and Folk Rock touring band has a long history for producing top of the chart and award winning instrumental melodies over the course of many years, and there is no end in sight.

Ritchie Blackmore & Candice Night are the Grammy Nominated, award winning musicians that make up the core essence of Blackmore’s Night and 7 member troupe on Autumn Sky, who wear renaissance attire of centuries past while performing at concerts, fairs, and festival events.

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

Blackmore’s Night 2011 release Autumn Sky greatly accentuates these elegant vocals delivered by Candice, along with ancient and modern instrumental fanfare for which they are famous.  Here you will find more traditional instruments of keyboards, violin, woodwinds, acoustic and electric guitars are melded with old-world instruments like hurdy-gurdy, chanters, mandolin, vintage percussions, and woodwinds.

The international success for Blackmore’s Night is not a fairy tale.  The exclusive musical focus they have engraved for themselves has resulted in 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.

Blackmore’s Night prior album Secret Voyage is another recent achievement, likewise debuting at #1 on the Billboard New Age Chart where it remained for four consecutive weeks.  In addition Secret Voyage continued to remain on Billboard’s Top 10 Chart for a remarkable 72 weeks.  Secret Voyage is another great album with a more mystical feel.  The song Rainbow Eyes, which is one of my all-time favorites, is an excellent version of an earlier cover song from the band Rainbow.

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 album they produce.  This renaissance inspired band which transports progressive music into contemporary times is a model for success. Past, present and future.

Blackmore’s Night touring band consists of Ritchie Blackmore, Candice Night, Bard David of Larchmont, Gypsy Rose, Earl Grey of Chimay, Squire Malcolm of Lumley and Albert Danneman.  Note; The Blackmore’s Night album Autumn Sky has been listed in the top 10 on Billboard’s New Age chart for the past 8 consecutive weeks.

Visit blackmoresnight.com to sample / purchase or visit their Amazon.com page.  Check the latest news and tour dates and then visit candicenight.com for more info regarding this award winning group of musicians.

Cover art courtesy Jeff Pickett-Pickett Productions.

If you missed the Live Chat-Interview webcast on March 16, 2011 with Yanni and interview host Lauren Sanchez, you now have a chance to view a re-broadcast of this live event shared with thousands of people around the world.  In one of Yanni’s more personal interviews, Lauren read questions submitted earlier, and questions turned in during the live webcast.  Award-winning news anchor and media personality Lauren Sanchez was well prepared by some great questions of her own.

It turned out to be a pleasant surprise when Lauren began with a lead-in question about review publicists and music critics who have been less than positive about his contemporary instrumental music during earlier years.  She then read a more positive quote I wrote from my recent Truth Of Touch review.  It was also a nice compliment when she provided credits to me and New Age Music World during the broadcast.

For over an hour and a half, webcast viewers were able to participate during a wide range of personal questions covering many topics.  Some of the topics in this interview styled chat session included; questions regarding how and why this award-winning musician began a career in music, and the process in which he selects the exceptional musicians who accompany him during concerts, tours, and studio albums.

There were dozens of highly personal questions, and Yanni did touch upon a political question concerning Egypt, along with several other present day news topics.  Some of the countries in which people turned in questions during the live broadcast include Bolivia, Canada, China, Egypt, Greece, Italy, and the United States.

The Yanni-Wake team – responsible for the livestream.com broadcast, again prove they are prepared to go the distance for his fans by creating a live conversation that is indeed memorable and sure to please.  Recognized for his close connection with his global fan base, Yanni is open, genuine and sincere during his responses as anticipated, and remains optimistic about his music career in the years ahead.  It is a fun and enjoyable conversation with the man we identify simply as Yanni.

View the Live Chat broadcast at livestream.com or by Yanni banner shown on the right.  Visit Yanni.com for news and concert dates and my pages dedicated to Yanni.  Below is my Truth Of Touch album review quote Lauren Sanchez read during the livestream broadcast.

Yanni is conceivably the greatest influential musician of our time.  While his exceptional abilities as a gifted composer and keyboardist by themselves are a validtestament to his universal appeal, when you factor in the remarkable musicians and vocalists by his side and personal “One World, One People“ vision, the collective inspiration pay tribute to a universal and heartfelt music experience.

The Zone Music Reporter Music Award Winners for 2010 were announced on March 13, 2011. Many of the artists we write album reviews about or interview are category qualifiers, award nominees, or chosen award winners in specific ZMR sponsored music award categories in 2010.

In our role as review publicists and interview hosts we often get to know many of the ZMR award candidates personally, so it is always good news when we hear exceptional artists get the recognition they deserve.

In fact, many New Age music qualifiers, nominees, and award winning musicians were recognized in the NewAgeMusic.nu Best Album Awards in 2010. We take pride ourselves when writing about these commendable individuals, and look forward to writing about many more top New Age music artists by an album review or interview in the days ahead.

The ZMR Award Winning Musicians are shown in the cover art shown below. You can click on the cover arts to visit the page for each ZMR artist featured at this website.  The ZMR award winners we didn’t have a chance to write about this year are shown below. B.T. Fasmer and I congratulate everyone! Place cursor over album cover art for each artist’s album award status.

Best New Artist – Another Place and Time by Heidi Anne Breyer. 

Best Instrumental Album – Piano – Another Place and Time by Heidi Anne Breyer.

Best Vocal Album – The Grace of the Green Leaf by Lis Addison.

Best Neo – Classical Album – NightBook by Ludovico Einaudi

Best Electronic Album – The Crossing by David Helpling & Jon Jenkins.

Best Ambient Album – The Crossing by David Helpling & Jon Jenkins.

Best Cover Art – The Crossing by David Helpling & Jon Jenkins.

Visit ZoneMusicReporter.com to see the ZMR Music Award Winners for 2010. Read about many of the ZMR artists, and their newest albums on my pages for Best New Age Album Award. Big Stock Photo – Stuarthe.