New Age Music World

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Newest Music by Original YES vocalist Jon Anderson.

International music celebrity, and original YES vocalist Jon Anderson, is nearing completion of two new music releases for 2012. Jon Anderson’s newest music opus is titled Ever, and a second release of new music is titled Zamran.

Jon Anderson’s newest recording Ever, is a part two sequel to his 21 minute download composition OPEN, a brilliant recording he released in October of 2011. Jon is in the final stages of recording Ever, so his new release will be available soon.

Zamran is Jon Anderson’s sequal to his popular, first solo album Olias of Sunhillow. It may take more time to complete Zamran, but it’s great news to know Jon Anderson is constantly finding creative new ways to express himself musically.

New songs for a special “Earth and Peace” concert timed during the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England are another source for new music by Jon Anderson.

The new songs are to be performed live by Jon Anderson at the “Earth and Peace” concert taking place during the Summer Olympic Games in 2012. There hasn’t been an official press release about this special concert event starring Jon Anderson, but once the concert information is announced, I will provide more details when available.

I may have another opportunity to interview Jon Anderson for the second time before long. During this interview I plan to have specific questions about the “Earth and Peace” concert and his role in relation to the Summer Olympic Games later this year, so do check back for this exclusive interview.

Visit JonAnderson.com for news and find the newest albums and songs by Jon Anderson at iTunes.com. Portrait photo is courtesy Glass Onyon PR & Big Stock Photo – Ackley Road Photos.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7and5 Music – New Age Songs on The Weather Channel.

There is no denying technology touches everyone in a positive way daily. Given the electrifying advancement made in today’s music technology, the positive effects are especially true for contemporary new age artists like John H. Nixon, who has the artist title 7and5. Today’s state-of-the-art electronic equipment has enabled him to produce some amazing music arrangements, generated within the comfort of his home studio.

The American based television network The Weather Channel (TWC) is another source where the latest technology has not only improved lives, but saved lives too. The Weather Channel also happens to be a nationwide audience where 7and5 music is played during their popular Local on the 8s satellite weather forecast. While millions of cable and satellite television viewers of every age are watching TWC for important weather information, they are likewise listening to the electronic songs by 7and5.

The Weather Channel television network has combined their localized NOAA Doppler weather forecast updates and visual radar for U.S. cities with 7and5’s first three albums for a number of years. Select TWC song playlists from the albums In A Moment’s Time, Trading Stories, & Hope, Destiny, And Choice are positive, upbeat songs featured often over the years. In fact, 2 new age songs created by 7and5 were awarded The Weather Channel’s Top 10 Viewer’s Best Music of 2011 list.

The Weather Channel’s song list of popular artists whose music is played include Daft Punk, John Williams, Moby, Pink Floyd, The Who and many others, but as a weather watcher myself, I can say 7and5 music has some of the finest upbeat songs suited for TWC viewers.

For U.S. residents who have ever wondered what artist, and song playlists The Weather Channel network is playing during their Local on the 8s radar weather updates, now you know one of the best.

7and5 has a new 2012 album titled Oceans, and I am excited to tell you more by a pre-release album review of Oceans within the next couple of days. Until then, here is The Weather Channel music video with the song Breath In from In A Moment’s Time album by 7and5.

For overseas visitors not familiar with this category of audiovisual media, the sample song video is a re-creation of The Weather Channel’s localized forecasts and weather updates that are televised non-stop nationwide for all towns, cities, and residents in the United States.

Visit 7and5Music.com to sample and purchase albums, or you can find 7and5 music and more TWC songs at TheWeatherChannelMusic.com. Big Stock Photo – Yakobchuk. Cover and banner by 7and5music.com.

The Weather Channel Music featuring 7and5:

New Age Piano Music: Masako Album Review.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Legendary keyboardist Rick Wakeman, former keyboardist of the progressive rock group YES, has released a new live concert CD for 2012. Rick Wakeman’s newest album is an archival live concert CD titled In The Nick Of Time.

Recorded during a concert tour in 2003 to promote his current studio album at the time Out There, the new 2012 album is a recording of his performance with the group New English Rock Ensemble. In The Nick Of Time is an archival concert recording, commercially released for the first time.

Celebrating 40 years as a legendary keyboardist, Rick Wakeman throughout his career, has joined forces with some of the most prevalent artists in the music business including famous artists Cat Stevens and David Bowie.

There is also the front man for glam rock group T. Rex Marc Bolan, the original YES singer songwriter Jon Anderson, and a host of other music greats. Some may not know that many of the best hit songs produced by a lengthy list of popular artists involved Rick Wakeman’s masterful performance on keyboards.

Rick Wakeman is famous as soloist, and for his albums with progressive music group YES. The immensely popular albums Fragile, Close To The Edge and live album, Yessongs are just a few. Then there are countless fans like myself who admire Rick Wakeman’s studio and live collaboration albums with YES vocalist and lyricists, Jon Anderson. The two artists as a team are a wildly popular duo during their concert tours together in both the U.S. and UK.

Rick Wakeman’s new album In The Nick Of Time, is a signature style, progressive rock album with 7 songs performed live with the New English Rock Ensemble. The 7 identifiable in style songs on the release are Catherine Parr, Out There, No Earthly Connection, Dance of a Thousand Lights, The Cathedral In The Sky, White Rock & Wurm.

Rick Wakeman’s Biography titled Caped Crusader – Rick Wakeman In The 1970’s by Dan Wooding, with forward written by Elton John is also available at Gonzo Multimedia.

Visit the Rick Wakeman Communications Centre at RWCC.com. To purchase Rick Wakeman – In The Nick Of Time CD and his biography, visit gonzomultimedia.co.uk or Gonzo Multimedia U.S. store. Sample songs at Amazon U.S. store. Cover artwork is courtesy rwcc.com.

List for New Age & World Music Promotional Services.

Being the site host of a popular music blog, I get emails from artists worldwide requesting a contact list for music promoters and marketing services in the New Age, Instrumental and World music genres.

While New Age Music World is a non-profit site in entirety, and I try to remain neutral on who I recommend, I am happy to offer my assistance by providing the names and contact information for the best music promoters and marketing specialists I work with on a regular basis.

I have worked with dozens of music promoters, producers, and public relations persons, by writing reviews or interviewing their clients, so I can tell you there are many excellent music promoters available, in addition to the ones I would like to tell you about today. Nearly everyone I have worked with over the years is a leading professional in regards to their capacity with client based publicity and music promotional services.

Promotional services do vary, as does their marketing strategies, level of assistance, and areas of expertise. Many if not all marketing strategists offer an artist initial phone consultation, to determine an artist’s specific needs, and at what level they can assist best, which lets the artist decide upfront, before promotion begins.

Various levels with marketing strategy can include production, graphics, manufacturing, distribution, licensing, online radio airplay promotion, and an all-inclusive list of client based services for artists wanting to greatly increase their chances with succeeding in the music industry.

The New Age Music Circle Forum, operated by marketing strategist Suzanne Doucet is another organization I would highly recommend for artists wanting to be proactive in their own music promotion. The New Age Music Circle is an international online community forum where artist in the New Age, World Music, and related sub-genres can share music, videos, and post information about special events and participate in discussions on a variety of music related topics.

The Circle Forum is open to everyone, from leading industry professionals and artists, but membership is open to music fans too. The Circle Forum is an excellent place, where artists at every level can enhance their presence in the music industry through self-promotion, regardless of whether they are employing the services of a professional music promoter or not. Visit the New Age Music Circle at NewAgeMusik.Ning.com.

Here is an alphabetized email contact list of the New Age, Instrumental and World Music promoters I have worked with on a regular basis over the years, and would recommend to artists. Please keep in mind there are a number of excellent music promotional services to choose from, so the marketing professionals listed below are the music promoters I know best, and who specialize in the New Age, Instrumental and World music genres. BigStockPhoto.com copyright – Milosluz.

Music Marketing Specialists:

1. LAZZ Promotions – Contact Ed Bonk. Email: lazzpromotions@rogers.com.

2. Only New Age Music – Contact Suzanne Doucet. Email: onlynewagemusic@yahoo.com.

3. The B Company – Contact Beth Ann Hilton. Email: bethhilton@thebcompany.com.

4. The Creative Service Company – Contact Randall Davis. Email: CreatServ9@aol.com.

Award-winning producer Will Ackerman has released a new compilation CD featuring great songs by some of the best artists today. They are an elite group of instrumental artists who enlisted Will Ackerman to produce their albums at his Imaginary Road Studio.

The Gathering is a compilation album of 22 songs on Will Ackerman’s West River Records label. I plan to write a review for The Gathering once I receive the new compilation CD, but I can tell you a little about this release right now since I have already reviewed many of the complete albums in the song list. In the future I will be reviewing more artist’s with albums produced by Will Ackerman at Imaginary Road Studio.

The Gathering is a “best of the best album” since many of the songs selected by Will Ackerman are designated songs from a number of best albums, composed by top-ranked artists in the music recording industry. Famous for the highest quality in music productions, the tradition continues on Will Ackerman’s West River Records label. The artists with reviews at this site, and whose songs are in The Gathering are shown below.

Visit WilliamAckerman.com and find more about these select artists, and purchase The Gathering at CDBaby.com.

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

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

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

Jeff Oster song Serengeti, from True album.

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

Kori Linae Carothers song Carpe Diem, from Trillium album.

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

Masako song Glastenbury, Vermont, from Masako album.

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

Peter Jennison song Anthem, from Longing From Home album.

Shambhu song Hide and Seek, from Sacred Love album.

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

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

Blackmore’s Night fans across Europe will have numerous opportunities to attend a Blackmore’s Night concert during the summer months in 2012. The international success for the renaissance inspired band Blackmore’s Night is impressive, with an enormous following in North and South America, Europe and Japan.

Blackmore’s Night has a 2012 concert schedule posted at their site with over a dozen concert venues listed like shown below. Most appearances for Blackmore’s Night are scheduled for Germany, but there are additional concert venues scheduled in Holland, Luxembourg, and the Czech Republic.

On the Blackmore’s Night tour page it is indicated that the dates shown below are the last to be scheduled for 2012, and special seating will be made available to fans wearing renaissance attire until those seats are filled. Enjoy the show by one of the top international concert artists! Visit BlackmoresNight.com for 2012 tour information.

Concert banner is courtesy blackmoresnight.com & Blackmore Productions.

Blackmore’s Night – European Summer Concert Tour 2012;

July 4, 2012 – Abenberg, Germany

July 7, 2012 – Neu Isenburg Hugenottenhalle, Germany

July 8, 2012 – Bonn Beethovenhalle, Germany

July 11, 2012 – Nijmegen Holland, Holland

July 13, 2012 – Essen Philharmonie, Germany

July 16, 2012 – Heidelberg, Germany

July 20, 2012 – Chateau Beaufort, Luxembourg

July 21, 2012 – Rottenburg, Germany

July 27, 2012 – Kloster Buch, Germany

July 29, 2012 – Slavkov, Czech Republic

August 1, 2012 – Steintor Varietee Halle/ Saale, Germany

August 3, 2012 – Berlin Admiralspalast, Germany

August 5, 2012 – Tambacher Sommer/Coburg, Germany

Check blackmoresnight.com tour page for updates and important notices.

Memorial Day is an official federal holiday, in remembrance of Americans who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The military branches of the U.S.A.F. are comprised of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Forces and the Coast Guard.

Craig Karolus is an independent new age artist whose music I reviewed recently, but Craig Karolus also served in the U.S. Armed Forces for eight years of duty as a medic in the U.S. Army. One day prior to today’s Memorial Day Holiday 2012, he posted a song tribute in remembrance to U.S. veterans.

Honoring American men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice, here is a new YouTube song video titled Veterans. The music video of Veterans consists of formal ceremonial footage at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

With a backdrop of soldiers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Arlington National Cemetery, the song Veterans begins with trumpet and percussion, before a crescendo to complete orchestra sound, until the closing refrain. The tribute music video Veterans couldn’t be more appropriate. Likewise we salute all United States service members at home and abroad.

Craig Karolus has released two albums. The first is titled Standing On Top and his newest album in 2012 is Family Values. Visit CraigKarolus.com and Craig’s YouTube channel. Photo and video courtesy craigkarolus.com.

Music Review: Collection of Americana Songs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jon Anderson – South America Tour Dates 2012.

Legendary solo artist, and original YES singer and songwriter Jon Anderson, has a summer concert schedule update for 2012. This is great news for fans of the popular music celebrity who has been a highly regarded source of music entertainment for millions of people over his decade’s long career.

Recognized as one of the most identifiable voices in progressive rock music, Jon Anderson is renowned worldwide for his work with YES, Vangelis and Kitaro, in addition to his original solo recordings.

After completing several successful tours of the U.S. and South America, Jon Anderson’s Summer Tour in 2012 is in support of his internationally successful CD album, Survival & Other Stories, and newest digital download entitled OPEN.

People attending a Jon Anderson concert can expect to hear the best material from Jon Anderson’s prolific solo career including Survival & Other Stories, OPEN, collaborations with Vangelis (Jon & Vangelis), and classic YES songs. Concertgoers can expect to hear favorite songs and some new compositions too, during a fun evening of entertainment that includes humorous and inspirational moments, and personal life stories from the legendary artist.

During Jon Anderson’s career as a music professional, Jon has covered popular music like progressive rock, but he shows his versatility as an artist by producing new age, pop, adult contemporary, and Christian music releases too. For many people, the year 2012 is going to be a great opportunity to hear a true music legend in a more intimate concert venue!

On August 8, 2012 Jon Anderson performed in the UK for the first time in many years at the Sadler’s Wells Theater in London. People attending this special concert event heard Jon and the Slovakian Chamber Orchestra perform favorite song classics from YES, Jon & Vangelis, plus new songs in a concert for “Earth and Peace” at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London England.

Visit JonAnderson.com for news and 2012 tour schedule. Read our interview together and my pages for Jon Anderson. Below is Jon Anderson’s current 2012 tour schedule. Concert tour schedules change so visit JonAnderson.com for news and concert tour updates. Concert tour info courtesy jonanderson.com & photo by Tami Freed.

Jon Anderson – South America Concert Tour Dates 2012:

September 11, 2012 – Auditorio Nacional Adela Reta – Montevideo, Uruguay

September 14, 2012 – Teatro Positivo –  Curitiba, Brazil

September 17, 2012 – Teatro Luis Mendonça –  Recife, Brazil

September 19, 2012 – Teatro Castro Alves – Salvador, Brazil

September 21, 2012 – Centro Cultural Joao Nogueira – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

September 26, 2012 – Palacio das Artes – Belo Horizonte, Brazil

September 28, 2012 – Teatro ND Ateneo – Buenos Aires, ARG

September 30, 2012 – Teatro Auditorium – Mar del Plata, ARG

October 3, 2012 – Teatro San Martin – Tucuman, ARG

October 5, 2012 – Teatro Luz y Fuerza – Cordoba, ARG

October 7, 2012 – Teatro Plaza – Mendoza, ARG

October 10, 2012 – Teatro El Circulo – Rosario, ARG

For concert schedule updates visit JonAnderson.com.

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

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

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

New Album: Wires Rosewood & Roots by Bob Ardern.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sony Classical has recently added two brand new music releases to the international music giants impressive all-star list of global recording artists.

The first new release from Sony Classical is an original motion picture soundtrack entitled The Trouble With Bliss, a movie score written by composer Daniel Alcheh.

The Hollywood, California based cinematic music composer Daniel Alcheh, in addition to his own esteemed career as a film composer, has worked with a number of famous cinematic film score composers, including Hans Zimmer, Michael Giacchino, and John Williams.

The Trouble with Bliss Soundtrack has contemporary orchestrations performed by distinguished Greek artists. The animated movie score achieves a wonderful ethnic feel by the inclusion of accordion, bouzouki, clarinet, mandolin, saz, and a variety of guitars and stringed instruments.

The warm, upbeat music rhythms on The Trouble With Bliss Soundtrack is the perfect background setting for the romantic comedy-drama that is a recipient of several best motion picture awards.

Sony Classical Label’s second new release entitled Viva Brazil was made available on May 15, 2012. The live recording Viva Brazil (Live) features topnotch artists including Yo-Yo Ma, Kathryn Stott, Sergio and Odair Assad and Joseph Gramley. The new release Viva Brazil is available at major digital retail outlets, and find Viva Brazil Live at iTunes. Sample or purchase The Trouble with Bliss digital music downloads at Amazon. Photo is courtesy sonymusic.com.

New Music Review: Family Values by Craig Karolus.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Age Album Review: Dreams of The Forest.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marc Enfroy: New Age Piano Music – Cinematic Song Sample.

Cinematic music made for the movie industry is in a class of its own, providing charm and realism in which ingenious music compositions become an inherent part of the film itself. With the right touch, cinematic music scores and movie soundtracks can create vibrant memories thru association, and bring the movie’s film characters to life.

New Age pianist Marc Enfroy is an award-winning artist recognized for his expertise in blending elegant instrumental piano music with moving orchestral arrangements on the same level as the most accomplished artists and best music producers of today. Marc Enfroy’s special touch as a composer is clear in his newest release entitled Dreams of The Forest.

Dreams of The Forest is an amazing cinematic piano release made for the senses. Marc Enfroy masterfully creates a dramatic mood of enchantment you’ll want to experience over and over again. Joined by esteemed artists Jack Chen on flute, and GRAMMY® Award-winning studio engineer Corin Nelsen, it’s obvious on first listen that Dreams of The Forest was expertly crafted by top music professionals.

Marc Enfroy’s fourth studio album, Dreams of The Forest is an extraordinary cinematic project given the elegant, true to life representation it conveys. Characterized by a serene nuance, Marc Enfroy has produced an imaginary and emotionally compelling musical canvas laced with the kind of passionate, authentic sensibilities found in real life drama. Dreams of the Forest could very well be Marc Enfroy’s next award-winning album!

Visit MarcEnfroy.com to sample or purchase at his music store or visit major online retailers. Below is a music video sample of the song Miracle in the Glade. Marc Enfroy’s release will be available on June 12, 2012. Starting May 17, 2012, you may pre-order CDs at MarcEnfroy.com. Photos are courtesy marcenfroy.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Being a new age music reviewer, publicist and interview host, I often consider the puzzling question, what is new age music? It’s a perplexing question, even without taking into account the numerous music influences and sub-genres. More often than not, artists prefer not to be categorized by their music compositions which add yet another piece to the puzzle.

While I feel the “what is new age music” question is largely dependent upon an individual’s viewpoint to a degree, there are of course, a number of basic facts about the new age music genre to consider. As a music reviewer, I like to think of whether the songs are in a style or music category most people will find compelling or inspirational being a good indicator, regardless of tempo. Music made for relaxation, sleep and nature sounds are also an enhancing characterization to the overall new age classification.

Defining the new age music genre to one hundred percent accuracy is more than a challenge, it is nearly impossible, similar to assigning a single definition to all popular music genres. In my view, music is like a work of art, where individual perception is more important than organizing all the variable pieces into the ready-made design it is supposed to represent.

With that said, here are 2 Wikipedia pages that should prove helpful. The first page gives a definition for new age music, and the second page shows a partial list of new age music artists associated with the genre. Photo is courtesy Ihfgraphics.