New Age Music World

Mickey Hart Interview in 2012 – New Youtube Video Interview with Grateful Dead Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drummer.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drummer Mickey Hart has released a new interview at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. Mickey Hart made this appearance at the museum for a performance and to open a new exhibit named Grateful Dead: The Long, Strange Trip.

It’s a short interview at a little over one minute in length, but the new 2012 YouTube video interview with Mickey Hart does answer the question about his earliest experiences of watching the group Grateful Dead perform prior to joining, and events leading up to founding drummer Bill Kreutzmann asking Mickey Hart to jam with the band during a practice session.

Its history from this point on knowing after his long career with the group, Mickey Hart has carried on the tradition of the Grateful Dead, and with his own album recordings and leadership of music group the Mickey Hart Band. The band’s newest release is named Mysterium Tremendum.

I was asked to interview Mickey Hart early this year, but negotiations with the PR firm handling my interview simply couldn’t make it happen. I spent a lot of time on an in-depth interview with many personalized questions for Mickey, so let’s see if there is one more chance to bring worldwide visitors an exclusive 2012 Mickey Hart interview publication like no other. Find Mickey Hart Band tour information and album review of Mysterium Tremendum, in my section for Mickey Hart Band.

Patriot Day Tribute Song – War by Peter Jennison.

Patriot Day is an official federal holiday observed each year in the United States on September 11, in remembrance of the world changing events that transpired in America on September 11, 2011. Patriot Day is unlike the similarly named civic holiday Patriot’s Day, which commemorates the anniversary of the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. Patriot Day is a newer holiday in the United States, but an important one for Americans, also being a day of unity in the political sense.

Patriot Day will always be a significant day of remembrance in honor of the people who lost their lives on 9/11. This year’s Patriot Day holiday in particular arrives at another historic turning point in America’s history, and a period in time when enlisted American men and women on active duty overseas are making the return trip home, or will return home someday to be united with their families.

Peter Jennison is a U.S. Army Captain and MEDEVAC helicopter pilot making a return trip home to his family. On his Facebook page it states that weeks ago, one of America’s protectors, was reunited and spending time with friends and family after a year’s tour of duty in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. Peter Jennison is also a great artist who earlier released a piano instrumental album relative to his war experiences as an active service member titled Longing For Home.

Peter Jennison’s song titled War from his Longing For Home album makes a great tribute song for Patriot Day. While Peter Jennison has expressed the music and title of his instrumental album was based on his own longing to serve and return home, it can be said there are millions of American family members worldwide who would convey the same message about their enlisted service member. They too are longing for their family member’s safe return home.

Visit the Facebook Page of Peter Jennison. Sample or purchase songs and the album Longing For Home at Amazon.com and other online music stores like CDBaby and iTunes. Big Stock Photo photographer credit – JustASC.

Official Albums & Songs – London Paralympics 2012. Sample or Purchase Paralympic Theme Music of the Opening Ceremony, Closing Ceremony and Official London Philharmonic Orchestra Soundtrack.

If you are one of the projected billion people watching the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, you were surely impressed by the manner in which London represented athletes of many nations in the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Like the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Olympics, the London Paralympic Opening Ceremony was equally grand. With the Paralympic Closing Ceremony scheduled to begin on September 9, 2012, the artists and music is sure to be a hit with television viewers and those in attendance. Even after the final close of the games on September 9th, the official music is going to be a winning collection of hit songs and albums.

Speculation has already begun for the official Closing Ceremony Music for the London 2012 Paralympic Games. During the Closing Ceremony there will be a parade of athletes and a long standing tradition when London hands over the Olympic Torch to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in preparation for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The London Closing Ceremony called Festival of Flame is expected to include a cast of thousands, with the British group Coldplay being the headlining act, along with performers Jay-Z and Rihanna. Other performers are said to be Jamiroquai, Bruno Mars, Jay Sean, and a orchestra of musicians with disabilities.

If you wish to sample or purchase the Official Paralympic Music and London Philharmonic Orchestra Soundtrack, here are the albums currently available. The 3 disc collection of National Anthems by the London Philharmonic Orchestra is of particular interest since there hasn’t been a lot written about this official collection of music for the London 2012 Paralympics.

Enlightenment – Music for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games is the first album. This is the title given to the 18 songs total by Various Artists. Celebrating the spirit of the Olympic Games, the 18 songs on Enlightenment were made available at iTunes on August 20, 2012.

The 18 songs available as a complete album or individuals downloads are primarily numbers from the London Symphony Orchestra including Entry of the Flame, with other songs by Barts Choir, The London C, Orbital & Graeae Theatre, Beverley Knight, and Rihanna. There is also a Digital Booklet available at iTunes.

National Anthems – The Official Recordings of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is the fore mentioned 3 Disc album of Official Olympic Music having a total running time of over 4 hours 30 minutes. The 3 Disc collection performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra is comprised of 207 songs total. Each of the 207 songs is titled and listed alphabetically by countries participating in the Paralympic Games.

The two song videos below are the popular hit songs Clocks, and Viva La Vida by the pop British group Coldplay, who have sold over 55 million albums and won countless music awards worldwide. The video for the theme song Viva La Vida by Coldplay is shown directly below the Clocks song video.

Although Coldplay’s hit single Viva La Vida, with over 108,000,000 views at Youtube is going to be the Bandstand Festival of Flame Theme Song for the London Paralympic Closing Ceremony, Clocks with over 11,000,000 views is another great way to salute the UK and England, the official site of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

As the site host for New Age Music World I can say its been a privilege to be part of the music news coverage for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. See you in 2014-2016!

Sample or purchase London Philharmonic Orchestra’s 3 disc collection of Paralympic National Anthems at Amazon.co.uk. Sample or purchase the Official Paralympic Opening Ceremony album by visiting iTunes to buy Enlightenment – Music for the Opening Ceremony. For people asking about the London 2012 Paralympic Closing Ceremony Album – Music for the Closing Ceremony has not been made available for purchase. Big Stock Photo credits – Jimbarber & Pcummings.

New Album Review – My Passion With Mexico/Mexicoisimo by Yanni.

For international concert artist Yanni the year 2012 has already turned out to be an eventful year. For those who know the highly ambitious Yanni best, this is no surprise. Even now with a demanding concert schedule consisting of nearly day to day concert bookings with short breaks in-between, the celebrity music entertainer continues to produce new albums and concert DVDs that quickly become popular favorites.

My Passion With Mexico is the newest release by contemporary instrumental artist Yanni in 2012, at least technically speaking. Arriving with little fanfare, My Passion With Mexico is actually a new cover for Mexicoisimo, released in October of 2010. The instrumentals and vocals you hear on My Passion With Mexico is unchanged but perhaps we should take a brand new look at this release from one of the most beloved instrumental concert artists worldwide.

My Passion With Mexico or Mexicoisimo features 12 festive songs of contemporary instrumental music with a Latin flair. Professionally driven, nearly every song is a festive celebration in itself by the lively upbeat atmosphere. In addition to the wonderful instrumentals and vocalist singing in Spanish, there is an undeniable air of romance and fiery passion in which it was delivered.

Mexicoisimo, now titled My Passion With Mexico may have caught many Yanni fans by surprise years ago if they were expecting another Yanni: Live at the Acropolis or The Very Best Of Yanni. Now that you know upfront My Passion With Mexico may not make the Billboard Top 10 Charts, and is in contrast to the more recent Truth of Touch or Yanni – Live at El Morro, Puerto Rico, the page links below is where you may revisit and sample Yanni’s newest album. Even if this isn’t a brand new music release, after revisiting the album you heard years ago, you may be pleasantly surprised. I was.

Visit Yanni.com and sample or purchase My Passion For Mexico at Amazon.com in digital mp3 format, and pre-order the audio CD. Cover & photo courtesy yanni.com.

Pre-release Review: Let Mother Earth Speak by Dennis Banks & Kitaro. New spoken word album with song single included entitled Peace, available in audio CD and digital downloads.

Distinguished Native American activist Dennis Banks has teamed up with international new age superstar and GRAMMY® Award-winning Kitaro for his new album titled Let Mother Earth Speak.

This unity of Dennis Banks, who provides spoken word narrative, and Kitaro who accompanies Dennis with world-class instrumentals, is a world apart culturally speaking from the music customarily heard in modern day society.

Let Mother Earth Speak is an exclusive new release like no other in the genres of spoken word, along with traditional Native American music. Introducing 9 songs total on the album and the life history of Dennis Banks, an Anishinabe from the land of the Ojibwa people, is delivered by spoken word and traditional Native American Indian songs.

Kitaro’s instrumentals of keyboards, Native Indian Flute, percussion, and ethnic woodwinds transcend the message of peace and real life stories with a sense of inspiring realism. Artists Tomoko Koshikawa and Kirilola sing background vocals.

There is a sense of authenticity in the voice of Dennis Banks given the down to earth clarity in which he uses spoken word to encourage a more peaceful existence, while recalling past memories and wisdom learned from the experience.

Sharing oneness with the earth in which they live day to day, Dennis Banks and Kitaro each embolden the message of international peace in their own lives as individuals. Together as a team, their encouraging message speaks of peace and harmony with new-found optimism, making the elusive goal of world peace seem less abstract and more like a compellingly real concept within arm’s reach.

Domo Music Group is presenting this arrangement by Dennis Banks and Kitaro. This album will be interesting to watch since this project will be submitted for GRAMMY® consideration in the Spoken Word category in 2012 – 2013.

Receiving nomination or a GRAMMY® Award for Best Spoken Word Album will be a challenge however since past winners include 2012 Winner Betty White, plus former and current U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

This new album composed and arranged by Dennis Banks and Kitaro, is timed to be officially released on September 11, 2012. You may sample or purchase this album right now with 18 page cover booklet containing photos and song lyrics at Domo Music Group and iTunes.

Let Mother Earth Speak has 9 songs titled as follows: Thank You Great Spirit, Song Of Responsibilities, The Missionary Song, A Good Day To Die, Don’t Cry, End Of The Day, She Don’t Love Me Anymore, Longest Walk 2 and Peace.

Visit DennisBanks.org to learn more, and to sample or purchase visit the Domo Music Group pages for Dennis Banks and the Domo Music Group pages for Kitaro. Cover artwork courtesy dennisbanks.com & kitaromusic.com.

Let Mother Earth Speak is a brand new, one of a kind album by Native American activist Dennis Banks and world-class new age instrumentalist Kitaro.

Presented by Domo Music Group, the 9 songs are in spoken word narrative and Native American song by Dennis Banks. The song verses are in unique pairing with the ethnic instrumental music and percussion of Kitaro, who performs keyboards and Native American flutes, woodwinds and percussion.

The song sample Peace in the video below is a beautiful example of this unique spoken word release in harmony with Native American instrumentals by Kitaro.

I have a pre-release album review soon for Let Mother Earth Speak, which will be available everywhere on September 11, 2012. Pre-order at major online stores and sample or purchase now at the DomoMusicGroup.com page for Dennis Banks. Domo Music Group is the place to shop for exclusive gift items for Domo artists. Visit the DomoCart.com store.

The Piano – Best Solo Piano Compilation Album in 2012, featuring 17 songs by 17 artists, from Reviews New Age, Alejandro Clavijo.

If you love solo piano music, new album The Piano is likely to be one of the very best new releases in the new age solo piano/instrumental category in 2012. This exclusive piano music collection of 17 top-quality songs by 17 great artists is a brand new compilation album produced by Reviews New Age founding editor and blog host Alejandro Clavijo from Spain.

Many may already be familiar with Alejandro if you have visited his Reviews New Age site, and there is another reason you might recognize the name since Alejandro’s brother is the award-winning guitarist and recording artist David Clavijo.

The Best of Reviews New Age: The Piano by Various artists is the title given to this new 2012 album. The 17 songs are the best song selections from 17 of today’s top contemporary solo pianists. Many artists are top ranked pianists, while other artists are equitably well-known names in the new age music industry.

If you are in any way familiar with artists in the solo piano category, you should be able to recognize most pianists on this compilation album that spans well over an hour in duration. Although I no longer review solo piano music, there are several artists I have featured at this site over the years by way of their piano and instrumental albums.

The Best of Reviews New Age: The Piano is already getting a lot of press simply because a comprehensive collection of the best piano songs by some of today’s best artists is by all accounts, highly desirable.

If you love solo piano music this new compilation album by Reviews New Age, is a release is certainly worthy of your time and money. Even for persons less familiar with the specialized solo piano category of music and want an introductory album, I ask you; why not begin with the best!

Visit ReviewsNewAge.com for more information and music stores to sample or purchase in either audio CD or mp3 download format. Reviews New Age is a multilingual site, so for Spanish to English translation, click on the Google Translate button option at the top.

You can find The Piano at Amazon.com and major online stores like CDBaby, Emusic, and iTunes. Listed below are the 17 artists contributing 17 songs on The Best of Reviews New Age: The Piano – compilation release for 2012. Big Stock Photo – Aysarts.

The Best of Reviews New Age: The Piano – 17 Artists & 17 Songs:

1. Doug Hammer song Maine Morning

2. Rocky Fretz song Kim’s Song

3. Ralph Zurmuhle song The Train

4. Chad Lawson song Set On a Hill

5. Matthew Mayer song Beyond

6. Navid Nevue song A Vision in White

7. Joe Bongiorno song Rise and Shine

8. Philip Wesley song Lamentations of the Heart

9. Mario Lopez Santos song Luceros

10. David Lanz song Sir George (Liverpool Farewell)

11. Wayne Gratz song Natalie’s Song

12. Michele Mclaughlin song Perseverance

13. Joseph Akins song Masterpeace

14. Lisa Downing song Night Games

15. Peter Kater song Ascent

16. Danny Wright song I Always Will

17. Julio Mazziotti song Indicios

Song Sample – The Best of Reviews New Age: The Piano.

The Best of Reviews New Age: The Piano is a new compilation album featuring 17 songs by 17 pianists. The Piano by Alejandro Clavijo, editor and host of Reviews New Age is one of the finest solo piano albums selected from the greatest hits by some of today’s leading pianists.

Below is the compilation song promotion video to sample The Best of Reviews New Age: The Piano. Visit ReviewsNewAge.com site and find The Piano at Amazon and major online stores like CDBaby and iTunes.

With the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, so begins the opportunity to purchase the official music for the athletic games. The 18 songs total is now available as a complete digital album or as individual digital song downloads.

Enlightenment – Music for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games is the title given to the 18 songs total by Various Artists. Celebrating the spirit of the Olympic Games, the 18 songs on Enlightenment and accompanying digital booklet were made available for sample or purchase at iTunes on August 30, 2012 thru Decca Records.

You will find the official soundtrack is mainly songs by the London Symphony Orchestra, with British physicist and author Stephen Hawking starting the album by narration on the song Prologue. In addition to the songs by the London Symphony Orchestra, there are single songs by Barts Choir, The London C, Orbital & Graeae Theatre, Beverley Knight, and Rihanna.

Paralympic officials for now are keeping the Closing Ceremony Songs playlist for 2012 a secret, but there is the likelihood that celebrity superstars Coldplay and Rihanna will be among the artists performing during the Olympic Closing Ceremony. Sample or purchase the official Paralympic album Enlightenment – Music for the Opening Ceremony at iTunes.

Official Paralympic Music – Artists and Songs:

1. London Symphony Orchestra and David Charles Abell – Song: Prologue

2. London Symphony Orchestra and David Charles Abell – Song: Jasmine’s Theme

3. Barts Choir, The London Chorus, Hackney Singers, London Gay Men’s Chorus, Lewisham Choral Society, Hackney Empire Community Choir, London Symphony Orchestra & David Charles Abell – Song: Principia

4. London Symphony Orchestra, David Charles Abell & Denise Leigh – Song: Spirit in Motion

5. London Symphony Orchestra & David Charles Abell – Song: Declaration of the Games

6. London Symphony Orchestra & David Charles Abell – Song: Hymne a l’avenir

7. London Symphony Orchestra & David Charles Abell – Song: Brave New World

8. London Symphony Orchestra, David Charles Abell & Elin Manahan Thomas – Song: Eternal Source of Light Divine (featuring Phil Cobb)

9. London Symphony Orchestra & David Charles Abell – Song: Navigation

10. London Symphony Orchestra & David Charles Abell – Song: Storm.

11. London Symphony Orchestra & David Charles Abell – Song: Gravity

12. London Symphony Orchestra & David Charles Abell – Song: Masque

13. Orbital & Graeae Theatre Company – Song: Where Is It Going? (Paralympics Mix/Spasticus Autisticus)

14 London Symphony Orchestra & David Charles Abell – Song: Glass

15. London Symphony Orchestra & David Charles Abell – Song: Entry of the Flame

16. Beverley Knight – Song: I Am What I Am

17. Barts Choir, The London Chorus, Hackney Singers, London Gay Men’s Chorus, Lewisham Choral Society, Hackney Empire Community Choir, London Symphony Orchestra & David Charles Abell – Song: National Anthem

18. Rihanna – Song: Umbrella (featuring Jay-Z) (Seamus Haji & Paul Emanuel Radio Edit)

With the Closing London 2012 Olympic Ceremony a memory at this point, the official start for the London 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony for the athletic games took center stage during the live celebration event held at the Olympic Stadium on August 29, 2012.

Enlightenment – Music for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games is the title given to the 18 songs total by Various Artists. Celebrating the spirit of the Olympic Games, the 18 songs on Enlightenment were made available at iTunes on August 30, 2012 thru Decca Records.

The 18 songs total are available as a complete album or individuals downloads. The official soundtrack is primarily numbers by the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO). Stephen Hawking starts the album by narration on the song Prologue, with additional single songs by Barts Choir, The London C, Orbital & Graeae Theatre, Beverley Knight, and Rihanna. There is also a Digital Booklet available for purchase at iTunes.

Speculation has already begun for the Closing Ceremony for the London 2012 Paralympic Games. At this point, the chart topping mega artists Coldplay and Rihanna are expected to be the among the artists during the Olympic Closing Ceremony. To sample or purchase the official album visit iTunes to buy Enlightenment – Music for the Opening Ceremony.

New Music Review: Americana Album Badlands by Award-winning Guitarist, and Cheshire Studios Record Producer Eric Tingstad.

GRAMMY® Award-winning recording artist and producer Eric Tingstad, renowned for his expertise as a songwriting guitarist in a variety of genres, strides into new territories on a vibrant follow-up to his GRAMMY® nominated album Southwest.

Eric Tingstad’s newest release Badlands is Americana album said to honor the traditions of American roots and Western culture. With that byline description I couldn’t agree more. I have to admit the 12 songs on Badlands is not what I first expected, but on the other hand, I knew Eric Tingstad is an established, well-known artist who has produced many fine albums in a variety of genres. Tingstad’s diverse range of music influences include Americana, alternative country, ambient, blues, jazz, rock and of course, new age music.

With this far ranging diversity of influences, and Eric Tingstad’s reputation as an artist led to the prospect of something grand. It didn’t take long before I found the direction he would choose, and distance he was prepared to travel on Badlands. Akin to his Southwest album, Badlands is a moving example of Americana music at its finest, beautiful in every vivid detail from start to finish.

One characteristic I heard right away was the cinematic latitude Badlands conveys to the listener. It’s an attribute where colorful illustrations paint a picture of the desert Southwest with vibrant transparency. It’s a moving portraiture of a bygone era, yet before you lay a stylish, modern day representation of contemporary Americana music. Most songs are ingrained with a casual and upbeat atmosphere, while several songs are shaded with light country and Native American influences.

Badlands is unique to most instrumental albums by the use of lap steel and pedal steel guitar implemented in unison with a variety of traditional instruments, performed by a group of talented artists. Among the group is co-artist and award-winning artist Nancy Rumbel, who has her own solo career and equally starring role with Eric as the GRAMMY® Award-winning duo Tingstad and Rumbel.

On Badlands you will discover a pronounced Southwestern style of Americana music, made more apparent by the pedal steel guitars and pairing of more traditional instrumentals of English horn, bass guitar, organ, violin and percussion. It can be said Eric Tingstad approached a fork in the road, and had a choice to make when producing Badlands. By all accounts taking a road less traveled by others has clearly turned out to be a winning choice.

Musicians performing on Badlands include Cindy Cashdollar (dobro, steel and lap steel guitars), Ben Smith (drums), Byron Metcalf (frame, bass and buffalo drums, clay pots, djembe and udu), Garey Shelton (bass), Terry Lauber (pedal steel guitar), Andrew Joslyn (violin), Eric Robert (organ), Nancy Rumbel (English horn, oboe and ocarina), Petra Stahl (voice), Narayan Baltzo (trumpet).

Visit the homepage of EricTingstad.com and sample or purchase Badlands at his music store or find his albums at major online retail stores including Amazon.com, CDBaby and iTunes. Photos are courtesy Frank Blau and erictingstad.com.

Badlands Song Sample: New Americana Album by Eric Tingstad.

Eric Tingstad is a GRAMMY® Award-winning guitarist and record producer with a new Americana album for 2012. Famous for his aptitude as a songwriting guitarist, Eric Tingstad is a record producer and artist capable of producing songs in a variety of genres like ambient, blues, country, folk, rock and new age music.

Badlands is Eric Tingstads new Americana album said to honor the traditions of American roots, music and Western culture. This is a characterization in close relation to the definition given by the Americana Music Association (AMA). Bandlands is a vibrant new follow-up to his nominated album titled Southwest.

Eric Tingstad’s new album is a deep rooted Southwestern style of Americana music, made more apparent by the pedal steel guitars union with more traditional instrumentals of English horn, bass guitar, organ, violin and percussion. There are a number of top recording artists joining Eric on his brand new album for 2012.

I have an interview with Eric Tingstad and album review of his Americana album soon. Here is an official song sample from Badlands called Jornado. Badlands is available as a CD album or buy individual mp3 downloads at EricTingstad.com.

New Age Album: Patterns of Reflection by Peter Sterling.

With beginning origins of the harp dating back to around 2500 B.C., some might believe the heavenly instrument of ancient times may have fallen out of favor in today’s modern instrumental music scene. Even by today’s standards the acoustic and electronic harp as a stringed solo and orchestral instrument is as popular as it ever was. The celestial harp, with strong religious ties throughout history is legendary for producing beautiful melodies with peaceful, uplifting harmony.

Peter Sterling is widely accepted as one of today’s best harpist in the new age music genre. For over 20 years Peter Sterling has immersed himself in attaining leading prominence as a top professional harpist, who also performs live tours in ensembles and as a premier harp soloist in the United States and countries overseas.

Founding his own Harp Magic Music recording label, Peter Sterling’s twelfth album Patterns of Reflections embraces harp and instrumental music with a pronounced celestial effect as earlier releases The Sands of Time, Harp Magic & Harp Dreams.

Releasing some of his best harp music to date, Patterns of Reflections is a beautiful instrumental album marketed like any other release, but harp music is also tied to a niche market since harp melodies are often used in weddings, memorial services, and other special occasions where relaxing music is requested and appreciated most.

Patterns of Reflection, composed and produced by Peter Sterling, is an expertly layered 16 song collection featuring a contemporary array of peaceful and uplifting harmonies by way of a celestial stringed instrument born centuries ago.

Performing on a contemporary electronic acoustic harp, Peter Sterling and a talented group of artists employ a modern day technique that portray harp and instrumental music with vision and above all, divine inspiration.

Visit HarpMagic.com and buy songs and albums at the Harp Magic music store. Photos are courtesy harpmagic.com.

World Music Album Review: Festa by Tribali.

If lively World music rhythms and ethnic percussion sound like a fine way to celebrate your day, look no farther than the newest music by international band Tribali from Malta. Placing a strong emphasis on cultural multiplicity in every project, the group Tribali intertwines traditional ethnic music of the Maltese islands, with festive World Music rhythms. It is by all accounts, an arrangement that gives one a reason to celebrate.

Tribali is one of the most famous groups of Malta, if not the most famous. Either way you look at it there is a good reason they are celebrated locally. Tribali is first of all, a major headlining band at live concerts and music festivals in the Republic of Malta. The nationwide Ghaxaq Music Festival, Ta Qali National Park, and Byron Bay Blues fest are several of their recent concert venues, in a country immersed in a rich history and significance regarding traditional Maltese band music.

Festa by Tribali is a new release for 2012. The Festa album, with 13 songs has a level of energy that is off the chart in terms of the lively atmosphere in which they cross blend influences ranging from world music, new age, folk, reggae, rock, and jazz. The variety of instruments is equally broad by incorporating didgeridoo, electric sitar, murchunga, guimbri, cahon, hang and tabla, with more traditional guitars, keyboards, vocals, violin, trumpet and percussion.

The international ethnic tradition of the group Tribali is a great way to revel any time, any place, and any day. There is even discussion in local Malta newspapers and among their fan base about the group Tribali representing Malta during the annual worldwide Eurovision Song Contest. With Tribali’s loyal fan support, and intense blend of lively World Fusion and traditional Maltase music, I am among those who believe Tribali’s festive music can indeed give the rest of the world a good reason to celebrate.

The Traveller By Tribali is another excellent new album due for release in 2012. Currently available in Malta, The Traveller will be available worldwide later this year in September 24, 2012. The Traveller is another exotic blend of 13 festive songs by Tribali you can sample right now prior to release at Amazon. Everyone will have their favorite song on the album naturally, but I really like the songs Rickshaw Ride & Yamasai.

Visit TribaliMusic.com and purchase Festa by Tribali at Amazon.com. The Tribali Concert video below displays the excitement Tribali generates during their live shows. Cover artwork courtesy Daniel & Reuben (Kuluri).

New Age music group 2002 has a new 2012 release unlike any of their previous albums. The newest project by Randy and Pamela Copus nearing release is titled Believe – A Spiritual Romance. I heard the news firsthand that Believe – A Spiritual Romance is comprised of the signature sound of 2002 music we know and love, yet there are also elements made popular by many of our favorite bands like Kansas, YES, Phil Collins, and Seal.

2002 is a prominent new age band celebrating 20 years of producing hit music. Over the years 2002 have had 9 albums making the Billboard Charts, even sharing the spotlight in a Billboard Magazine Year in Review issue with other top artists like Jim Brickman, Enya, Manheim Steamroller, George Winston and Yanni.

Believe – A Spiritual Romance, with 10 songs is near finalization, so I look to tell you more about the newest album by 2002 soon. Like their Damayanti album, Pamela and Randy’s daughter Sarah is participating on Believe. This newest release by 2002 holds a lot of promise by their blend of relaxing celestial music with popular hit music by legendary bands many of us grew up with ourselves.

Believe – A Spiritual Romance has every hallmark of becoming one of the best 2002 albums to date. The Dreams of Peace song video is one of ten songs with piano, orchestra, alto flute and soft vocals by Pamela, Randy and Sarah Copus. This is their first introduction of the elegant cover artwork for Believe, and I hope to have an exclusive, pre-release album review soon. For news and info visit Pamela, Randy and Sarah at 2002Music.com. Artwork courtesy 2002music.com.

A Symphony of British Music and Isles of Wonder – The Official Olympic Closing & Opening Ceremony Songs by the Artists available for online purchase at Amazon.co.uk and DeccaRecords.com.

With the London 2012 Olympic Games nearing its conclusion, anticipation is building for the Official Closing Ceremony Show and music, set to begin on Sunday evening August 12, 2012.

It stands to reason after the brilliant theatrics displayed during the Opening Olympic Ceremony from Danny Boyle, the upcoming Closing London Olympic Ceremony Show, produced by creative director and choreographer Kim Gavin is expected to be equally extravagant as the opening ceremony.

The Closing Olympic Ceremony for the London 2012 Games in part is said to include a spectacle of 4100 performers, a parade of 10,000 athletes and a victory ceremony with videos highlighting inspiring segments of the athletic games. Popular British artists and their songs from the past 50 years are going to set provide the theme music for the closing show. There is also going to be an official Olympic Flag handover to Rio De Janeiro, the city selected for the 2016 Olympic Games.

In regards to the official Olympic Closing Ceremony music, the lineup of artists and complete playlist of songs during the Olympic Closing Ceremony is known in part, but as organizers have previously stated, the final lineup of artists and songs can change. The London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) is of course keeping many aspects of the closing ceremony a secret so we can expect many surprises during the final hours of the London Olympics.

Like the official Opening Ceremony Music release Isles of Wonder, available on CD/mp3 Amazon, iTunes and Decca Records, music for the official Olympic Closing Ceremony Soundtrack with songs in digital format, can be sampled and purchased, but only in digital download format at DeccaRecords.com.

Isles of Wonder is a top selling compilation album, and having secured the #1 album on download charts in the UK, Belgium, France and Spain, reaching the #5 position as a top-selling album in the U.S.

A Symphony of British Music – Music For The Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games is the title given to the 30 digital songs to be made available at Decca Records right after the closing ceremony on August 12, 2012.

Music director David Arnold will host the music entertainment festivities anticipated to feature live stage performances by popular British acts like Annie Lennox, Elbow, Elton John, Emeli Sande, Kate Bush, Madness, George Michael, One Direction, Paul McCartney, Queen, Ray Davies, Rolling Stones, Spice Girls, Take That, The Clash, The Pet Shop Boys, The Who, plus a variety artists performing popular cover songs. During the evening of entertainment, songs by lesser known, up and coming artists will be placed in the spotlight too, while highlighting British music’s cultural influence on the world.

Songs performed by a variety of artists during the closing ceremony are expected to include Read All About It, Our House, West End Girls, What Makes You Beautiful, Waterloo Sunset, One Day Like This, Open Arms, Freedom, White Light, Little Bird, Should I Stay Or Should I Go, We Will Rock You, Rule The World, and many more. British superstar group The Who is likely to close the show which ends with a fireworks display from atop the Olympic Stadium.

A Symphony of British Music – Music For The Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games is again, a digital album only that will be released and made available at Decca Records right after the games end on August 12, 2012. A Symphony of British Music is currently available by pre-ordering at Amazon.co.uk.

The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) was selected to score the official Olympic Soundtracks for both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the London Olympics, and the equally exciting Paralympic Games that run August 29, 2012 – September 9, 2012.

A Symphony of British Music Soundtrack by a variety of artists is sure to be a popular item like the opening album Isles of Wonder available at Amazon.co.uk, iTunes, and Decca Records. You may also purchase A Symphony of British Music at DeccaRecords.com after the formal closing events on August 12, 2012.

Purchase A Symphony of British Music at Amazon.co.uk by pre-ordering, and you may purchase Isles of Wonder at iTunes, and purchase A Symphony of British Music at iTunes.com. Big Stock Photos – Pressmaster & Gary718.

A Symphony of British Music – Music for the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games is now available for purchase pre-orders at Amazon.co.uk & Decca Records on August 12, 2012.

With the London 2012 Olympic Games nearing a conclusion, official music for the Olympic Closing Ceremony songs is just beginning. If you would like to sample or purchase the official London 2012 Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremony Songs you may do so at a number of online stores.

A Symphony of British Music – Music For The Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games is available for album pre-order purchase at Amazon.co.uk. Buy A Symphony of British Music at Decca Records on August 12, 2012.

The Opening Ceremony music Isles of Wonder became available at iTunes and Amazon on July 28, 2012. The 2 disc Olympic Opening Soundtrack of 36 songs by various artists, with digital booklet is available at iTunes and Amazon.com.

A Symphony of British Music – Music For The Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games is the long, but official title given to the Olympic Closing Soundtrack of 30 songs scheduled for release on August 20, 2012.

You may purchase the Closing Ceremony album titled A Symphony of British Music at DeccaRecords.com on August 12, 2012. You may now purchase the Opening Ceremony music Isles of Wonder at Amazon.co.uk.

It is expected to be a playlist of 30 songs by popular British acts like Annie Lennox, Elbow, Emeli Sande, Madness, George Michael, One Direction, Queen, Ray Davies, Take That, The Clash, The Pet Shop Boys, along with some new acts. Music group The Who is expected to perform the closing song.

Pre-order purchase A Symphony of British Music at Amazon.co.uk, which will be made available as mp3/digital downloads (only) on August 20, 2012. Purchase the London Closing Olympic songs at DeccaRecords.com, after August 12, 2012. Albums cover artwork courtesy amazon.co.uk.

Best New Albums from the London 2012 Olympic Games Composer Vangelis – The Collection & Chariots of Fire (The Play).

Vangelis fans will be pleased to know there are 2 albums of new music by Vangelis in 2012, and the possibly of another new movie soundtrack by the famous Olympic composer Vangelis. For the millions of fans who can’t get enough new music from the legendary musician, the year 2012 has already turned out to be an exciting year by the international publicity derived from the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Vangelis – The Collection is a 2 disc selection of 31 songs total. Many are the most popular songs recorded from earlier movie soundtrack scores. It can be said this collection is the best songs from the best Vangelis albums available.

Vangelis – The Collection has the best soundtrack songs from popular movie scores like 1492: Conquest of Paradise, Blade Runner, Alexander, and Academy Award-winning movie score Chariots of Fire, plus additional film scores.

There are 4 Jon & Vangelis songs when recorded with former YES vocalist and lyricist Jon Anderson too. The four Jon & Vangelis songs are So Long Ago, So Clear, I’ll Find My Way Home, State Of Independence & I Hear You Now. Another song favorite on this special 31 song collection album is Anthem – 2002 FIFA World Cup Official Anthem (Synthesizer Version).

Chariots of Fire (The Play) by Vangelis, is another new album brought into news publicity by the release days prior to the London 2012 Olympic Games. It is an exemplary release too, but I would say Vangelis – The Collection can be rightly called the ultimate selection of the greatest hit songs by Vangelis. Whether you call it instrumental music, electronic, orchestral, or new age music, Vangelis is a masterful film composer whose classic songs have endured throughout the years.

Vangelis fans and movie goers alike will also be pleased to know there is confirmation of a brand new sequel to the classic science fiction thriller movie Blade Runner. Thirty years after it first was released, the official Blade Runner Trilogy Soundtrack is still one of the best movie soundtracks ever produced by Vangelis. Now there is at least, an opening for another new Vangelis film score made specifically for the new Blade Runner movie sequel.

While a Warner Bros. based Alcon Entertainment press release confirmed they are indeed featuring the 1982 cult movie classic sequel, again with director Ridley Scott, there is at present no confirmation of who will be providing the movie score for the Blade Runner sequel. Another aspect to consider is that Vangelis may not agree to compose music for the sequel. However the possibility of another new Vangelis soundtrack has given fans another reason for enthusiasm in 2012 and 2013.

One thing certain to me and millions of Vangelis fans however. The original Blade Runner movie score by Vangelis is an integral part of the movie that in part, drove the Blade Runner motion picture to its present day cult-like status. There are many proponents who would agree that a Blade Runner movie sequel simply wouldn’t achieve the same phenomenal success without a new Vangelis Blade Runner soundtrack.

There are some people saying that even Vangelis himself, couldn’t compose a superior music score than the original soundtrack, but I tend to disagree. Only time will tell the answer to that question, and the primary question of whether there we will be rewarded with another new soundtrack by Vangelis in the year 2013, and the years ahead.

You can find Vangelis – The Collection at Amazon.com.uk and the London 2012 Olympics Games inspired newest Vangelis soundtrack Chariots of Fire (The Play) at Amazon.com. Both are available in digital audio CD or mp3 format at U.S. and UK Amazon stores.

Race To The End by Jon Anderson, with Christophe Lebled. Tribute Song to Olympic themed Chariots of Fire by Vangelis.

Even with the London 2012 Olympic Games moving full speed ahead, official Olympic music scores for the ceremonial events appear to have taken on a life of their own. First by the record breaking interest given to artists producing Olympic songs with official ties to the London Games, and secondly a number of equally exciting tribute albums and songs produced by various artists.

Original YES vocalist and lyricist Jon Anderson of the United States, and artist Christophe Lebled from France, have produced a wonderful Olympic tribute song of the famous Vangelis composition Chariots of Fire. Jon’s new mp3 single shown in the song video below is aptly titled Race To The End.

Jon Anderson as you may know has performed live concerts with Vangelis for years, and together they have produced a number of great singles and albums as the team (Jon & Vangelis). The albums Short Stories, The Friends of Mr. Cairo, Private Collection & Page of Life, are highly regarded classic albums. Two of the most popular Jon & Vangelis singles/songs with an inspiring theme are I’ll Find My Way Home & State of Independence.

Christophe Lebled has in turn has worked with Jon Anderson a number of times over the years, more recently providing instrumentals for Jon Anderson’s prized concept album Survival & Other Stories. Christophe Lebled is again working with Jon Anderson in 2012. Their newest project is the Olias of Sunhillow – Live in 2012 sequel titled Zamran. This newest project is a re-creation of Jon Anderson’s original Olias of Sunhillow, which was Anderson’s first solo album.

Race To The End by Jon Anderson, with Christophe Lebled is a brilliant new song revision on Vangelis’s original composition Chariots of Fire. You can sample the new Race To The End single yourself, but I thought the lyrics and vocals by Anderson, and the keyboard soundscapes by Lebled is a fine song version of Chariots of Fire, itself with an inspiring theme song of the Olympics Games.

Jon Anderson is due to perform in the UK during the Earth and Peace Concert at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England. Jon Anderson’s concert performance is going to be at Sadler’s Wells Theater in London on August 8, 2012.

People attending this special concert event at Sadler’s Wells Theater will hear Jon Anderson and the Slovakian Chamber Orchestra perform favorite song classics from YES, Jon & Vangelis songs, plus new songs specific to the Earth and Peace Concert, timed with the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Ticket information for the Sadler’s Wells Concert will be posted when available at JonAnderson.com. Currently the former front-man of YES is also scheduled to perform live concerts in Uruguay and Brazil this September.

Christophe Lebled himself has produced an entire album to compliment the orchestral works of Vangelis. The release from 2011 titled Tribute to Vangelis has 11 songs total, and is comprised of a variety of Vangelis soundtrack songs including Antarctica, The Bounty – Closing Theme, Pinta Nina Santa-Maria, Pulstar & Abraham’s Theme from Chariots of Fire.

Tribute to Vangelis by Christophe Lebled is an admirable tribute album to the Greek composer. In every respect, Christophe Lebled’s Tribute to Vangelis release is unequaled to any other interpretations I have ever heard to date.

While keeping within the same melody and intricate harmony structures of Vangelis compositions, the sound and atmosphere is uniquely his own, which makes a masterful re-creation to compliment the graceful soundscape of composer Vangelis. Christophe Lebled not only re-creates the sound of Vangelis, but rivals the composer in effect with some areas on this fine tribute release.

Jon Anderson and Christophe Lebled each have their own original albums to check out, in addition to their new tribute single for Vangelis’s Chariots of Fire. Below is the Race To The End song video. Check back for Anderson’s new album Zamran, featuring Christophe Lebled later in 2012.

Sample or purchase Race To The End at iTunes, and visit Christophe’s website at ChristopheLebled.com. Photos courtesy jonanderson.com & christophelebled.com.

Life of Vangelis – TV Interview with Chariots of Fire Composer.

If you are following the London 2012 Olympic Games, you may have noticed the song Chariots of Fire playing during the Official Olympic Torch Ceremonies, Opening Ceremonies, and during every Medal Award Ceremony. The electronic instrumental song, often referred to as a composition in the new age music category, is an epic melody with an inspiring theme.

If you have ever wanted to know more about an Official London 2012 Olympic music composer, this exclusive interview with Vangelis takes you deep inside the artistic process of creating brilliant music compositions like Chariots of Fire. The famous music score is not the main topic, but this particular interview is quite remarkable by the depth in which Vangelis opens his heart and mind about his work and lifetime achievements.

In the newest Interview with Vangelis on the Al Jazeera Satellite Television Network, interview host Tony Harris asks the questions about the role music plays in today’s modern society, his creative process as a composer and award-winning film scores, plus a conversation about his life’s work and legacy.

There is also a special segment of Vangelis music scores set to memorable images of top news events that have occurred during the past year. It’s easy to see why Chariots of Fire by Vangelis was the theme song selected for the Official London 2012 Olympic Ceremonies. It is after all, one of the most recognizable cinematic movie scores in the world.

Along with a top slot in the Official Olympic Ceremonies, Vangelis and his beloved Chariots of Fire, is the song played during (every award presentation) during the London Olympic Medal Awards Ceremonies. In addition, the London Philharmonic Orchestra has reproduced 5 new Chariots of Fire song remixes from the original Vangelis composition.

The new Vangelis album titled Chariots of Fire (On Stage) was recently released on July 23, 2012. The Olympic themed movie score is an original theatrical play soundtrack with 11 songs of new orchestral music by Vangelis, which was created for the theater stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning Chariots of Fire movie. The theatrical play adaptation timed with the London 2012 Olympics, recently premiered at the Hampstead Theatre in London, England.

The Al Jazeera interview is an exclusive new look into the life of Vangelis, being the latest television interview in the past 20 years with the esteemed composer. There is an array of segments showing his achievements, and the ways his music has been utilized internationally. This new interview is perhaps the most in-depth interview with the modern day cinematic composer.

The round of personalized interview questions given by Al Jazeera English Anchor Tony Harris was excellent news coverage. Mr. Harris did an outstanding job procuring a rare glimpse of Vangelis, and his inner perspective as composer.

This interview around 25 minutes in duration was uploaded on YouTube January 22, 2012 and is titled Talk to Al Jazeera: Vangelis: A Message of Hope. For more about Vangelis visit the best site dedicated to Vangelis at Elsew.com and find more on my section for Vangelis at New Age Music World. Sample or purchase Chariots of Fire (On Stage) at iTunes. Photo and cover art from YouTube & Amazon. Big Stock Photo by Adrian Grosu & Pkruger.