David Wahler was a relatively new name in the New Age music industry a year ago, only to become a quickly rising star by his first album’s success, and the initial reactions to his just released second album look just as promising. NewAgeMusic.nu has already written much about David Wahler these past months, and we are excited ourselves to present our visitors an informal interview with David and host John Olsen.

John : Thank You for allowing us this interview and congratulations on your recent win for Best New Artist of the Year in the March ZMR awards. It was welcomed news to B.T. Fasmer and I when we heard of your recent win and recognition by the Best New Artist award. You are also a recipient of our own NewAgeMusic.nu Best Albums of 2009 awards prior to your second award, so you have been in the music news quite a bit recently, now recognized and firmly established as a highly regarded composing musician.

You must still be pretty excited about receiving high recognition as an artist following your debut album. I am just wondering, did you aim high and set out to achieve this high level of success as a new artist, or did everything just fall right into place while composing Antiquus ?

David Wahler : Thanks John for your congratulations. You and B.T. Fasmer have been great supporters since the release of ANTIQUUS. I really appreciate that. The Best New Artist Award was a wonderful surprise, capping off some ‘best of’ lists and several favorable reviews. I did aim high with my first album, as I am aware of all the superb artists who are creating in this genre right now. Putting together ANTIQUUS, however, did seem to flow rather easily, almost like writing a song that ‘releases’ almost effortlessly as opposed to one that one labors over for days and days! The music, concept, titles and art came together fairly quickly and with very little hesitation.

I did aim high with my first album, as I am aware of all the superb artists who are creating in this genre right now.

David Wahler

John : After listening and writing reviews for both Antiquus & A Star Danced, I honestly felt you were poised for much recognition from the very beginning like many others. After final completion of Antiquus, did you feel confident you had a winning first album and have high expectations yourself, or did you have some reservations about the reception of your first album ?

David Wahler : My co-producer and partner, Rick Stevens, and I had no idea how the album would be received. I don’t know if any artist knows how their music is going to resonate with their listeners. I just heard an interview with David Arkenstone where he said that he still has second thoughts and reservations when he releases a new album….. so there you go, and from a great artist with many years of proven success. It’s one of the ‘great unknowns’ I guess, that I will always be burdened with!

John : These reservations among great musicians could be universal then I suppose. David your early success as a musician is quite impressive, and your formal educational studies in music are equally impressive. Would you describe your formal music and educational achievements for our readers ?

David Wahler : I was a ‘piano kid’ in my little farm town of Belvidere, Illinois growing up. My first piano teacher, Nellie Canfield, was almost 90, and instilled in me a love of classical music. I remember her driving three of her students (including me!) on a cold winter night to hear the Chicago Symphony Orchestra play a concert of Ravel, including the Piano Concerto in G and the beautiful Daphnes and Chloe Suite. I was 9 years old and had never heard a live musical concert. You can just imagine what an impression that made on a young musical kid’s mind! From there I dedicated myself to learning the piano. I attended Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in Appleton, Wisconsin as a piano major. After a couple years there I felt the tug of the big city and I transferred to Mannes College of Music in New York City. My teacher, Mme. Olga Stroumillo, was a great friend of Vladimir Horowitz from their youth in Russia. She introduced me to the great music of the world, and indeed, the great musicians and pianists, from Alicia DeLarocha to Nadia Reisenberg. I began playing for vocalists as a professional accompanist in debut recitals. It was there that I learned the song or ‘leider’ repertoire and gained a real appreciation for the melody. I gravitated to the theatre world in New York and became Musical Director in productions off Broadway. After a couple decades of non-music, making a living in the corporate world, I decided that I wanted to learn to produce my own music. I enrolled in Berklee College of Music’s Electronic Music Production program. I knew I had the music in me, but mastering the electronic part was the big question. I’m definitely not one of the ‘gear geeks’ I studied with at Berklee, but little by little I came to understand (and love) the technical side of what I do.

John : I am guessing your earlier music background has helped ease your transition to New Age / Electronic music. Did you find the change in genre style more challenging than you had imagined, and since the term New Age leaves room for interpretation, how would you best describe your unique compositions ?

David Wahler : Really John, it’s been an easy transition from my classical music background to the music I produce now. With all the wonderful virtual instrumental sounds available now I’m able to incorporate many of the orchestral instruments into my music, from flutes to oboe, harp, strings and on and on. I also love to design new synthesized sounds to compliment these traditional elements. Yes, the term New Age conjures up different interpretations with people and it covers such a very wide spectrum so I refer to my music and genre as ‘Contemporary Electronic Instrumental’.

John : I am curious why you didn’t begin composing in more mainstream genre’s like Classical, Concert, or Jazz ?

David Wahler : That’s an easy question to answer. Because I absolutely love the ‘world’ of New Age music. From George Winston and Will Ackerman to Vangelis and Tangerine Dream and Francis Lai.

Like in the early days I remember thinking to myself, “finally someone is writing music for me!” I also include wonderful film composers like Ennio Morricone and Hans Zimmer, and current New Age masters Paul Avgerinos, Jonn Serrie, Bernward Koch, Thierry David, and David Arkenstone as huge influences in my musical style.

John : When you first begin a new project, do you already have a structured outline of ideas in mind for what you plan to produce or do you primarily compose everything as you progress in the project ?

David Wahler : For ANTIQUUS my focus was pretty clear that I wanted to produce an album dealing with ancient myths and distant places. I wanted the music to have a structured, yet dreamy and somewhat mysterious quality. So yes, that album was fairly structured from the beginning.

A STAR DANCED was much a much different story. It consists of songs that have a very personal meaning to me, and I didn’t have a structured theme, other than the theme of everyone’s human experiences and how we each live under our ‘dancing star.’

John : Knowing the success and fine reception with Antiquus, and first initial reactions to A Star Danced have been very positive, do you feel A Star Danced will achieve the same highly regarded recognition, and do you feel your current release is of a higher caliber than Antiquus ?

David Wahler : Wow, now that’s a tough question John! One of the pitfalls of early success is that everything is compared to the original. I can only hope that people listen to A STAR DANCED with an open mind and not compare the two. While I feel that I have a recognizable style to my writing, I do feel that the two albums are very different. I tried some new things with STAR like collaborating with guitarist Brent Gunter and writing in more of a cinematic style on some tracks, like ‘Peaseblossom’ and ‘Come Gentle Night’. I also added my arrangements of two classical pieces, Debussy’s ‘Reverie’ and Faure’s ‘Pie Jesu’. It was a challenge to revise these two pieces in a way that would honor the original compositions and yet add a new, fresh perspective. I believe that I was able to achieve those objectives.

John : Yes, I see your point and agree both of your albums have their individual merits, and happy for you that both are held in high regard. Your current album is dedicated to family members past and present and wondered if you don’t mind telling our readers a little about the life circumstances surrounding the dedication of A Star Danced ?

David Wahler : ‘Missing You’ was written while my father was lying in his bed in a coma, dying of Parkinson’s disease. I thought how poignant to be missing him already before he had died.

‘Yvonne’ was written for a family member currently waging her battle against breast cancer. It is a tribute to her beautiful spirit and her unspoken ability to teach others the beauty of life. But I ultimately added these tracks to the album for everyone who has a ‘Yvonne’ in their lives, and everyone who is missing someone – parent, lover, friend, child, pet, relative- who is no longer in their life.

David at his alma mater, Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA

John : I believe everyone can see the significance to your tribute now. In my review of A Star Danced, I wrote much about the first song Quest and the final song Quest ( Revisit ) What was the sentiment or dedication behind this song ?

David Wahler : ‘Quest’ was written for those people in the world who are facing challenges right now. And who doesn’t that include? We are living in perilous, difficult times. Most everyone is dealing with those obstacles that beat them down, obstacles that keep them from reaching their full potential. ‘Quest’ is an anthem, a herald that calls to everyone with setbacks (illness, money problems, death, injury, loss, etc.) to forge ahead and reclaim the spirit of joy and happiness that is our birthright.

John : Your song dedications are significant to you on a personal level, yet these circumstances remain pretty much universal to everyone. David, there are many hoping you will continue producing music. Do you have current plans for a future album, and what can you tell us about your next project ?

David Wahler : I love writing in different styles; in fact, I have been working on a meditation/relaxation album that I would like to produce someday. And I love writing music about ancient and distant lands and worlds. ANTIQUUS was perhaps just a beginning……

John : I like to leave this last question open ended since we can’t possibly cover everything in this single interview or even this final question. Is there anything you would like to bring up we haven’t talked about yet ?

David Wahler : John, a year ago I was sitting and listening to some of my favorite music on Music Choice’s Soundscapes and thinking, “how wonderful it would be to have the world listening to my music, to perhaps touch someone with the sounds that come from my creations.” That was my personal ‘quest’, and now that wish has been fulfilled. I believe, that as Abraham says, ‘just ask and you will receive’. I urge everyone to ‘just ask’.

John : We need to close for now David, but Thank You again for leaving us with your insightful words and allowing us this interview. It’s clear that B.T. Fasmer and I both enjoy your music here at NewAgeMusic.nu & NewAgeMusicWorld.Com. We plan on writing even more about you to present to our readers, so let’s keep in touch. We would also like to wish you and your family the very best.

David Wahler : Thanks again John and B.T. for your support of my music. And, I’d like to thank my new found fans and your readers, and those fellow artists, broadcasters, reviewers, and industry insiders in the New Age community who have reached out so warmly to me in the past year!

David has a new website now and we invite you to visit davidwahler.com to sample / purchase or his CDBaby.com page. You may visit his MySpace page then read reviews and news about his recent awards on our page dedicated to David Wahler.

David Wahler first began conducting his New Age Electronic music just recently, where his time signature expertly directed a unique phrasing in tempo, dynamics, and articulation, leading to a Best New Artist award of praise during the final reception at the end of his first orchestration.

NewAgeMusic.nu had recognized the first release from David Wahler by our Best Albums of 2009 awards just prior to his Best New Artist award from ZMR, so this does reflect 2 awards that are warranted and we are glad to see David Wahler receive the recognition he deserves.

Antiquus is a greatly applauded 2009 album and truly a great debut that did earn much respect by the paramount success granted to such a relative newcomer in the music industry might have surprised many.  In our interview together David did say that winning was a wonderful surprise to him but had set his sights high to earn the top honors and achievements, aware of the superb musicians at present creating great music within the genre.   

Just like his first release A Star Danced is also welcoming a warm reception given the inherent dynamics of his well orchestrated compositions.  This album has the potential to succeed in recognition like his first so another fine album I would recommended to our visitors.  From our interview together David informed us of his plans for a future project, and many like myself are waiting in anticipation for his next album.

A Star Danced is David’s second album dedicated to his family circle past and present, boldly narrated by his unique direction in musical style.   The Quest video compiled by Aquariel Charm is just one of the many song videos that define the music of David Wahler perfectly.

 Visit davidwahler.com where you can sample / purchase both albums and read his biography page.  You can also visit his CDBaby.com page then read our recent interview together and my reviews of Antiquus & A Star Danced on our page dedicated to David Wahler.

The song video Quest is a beautiful anthem giving insight into his album dedication and represents empowering inspiration to those facing challenging moments themselves.  The quote from my review titled Conducting New Age Music from A Star Danced and song video Quest is shown below.

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

The ZMR Music Award Winners were announced on March 14 2010.  Many of the artists we write about were category qualifiers, nominees, or chosen winners in specific categories, and it is always good news when outstanding artists get recognition they deserve.

Every musician in our genre has produced some outstanding music this year,and we have enjoyed writing reviews about many of these musicians at NewAgeMusic.nu & NewAgeMusicWorld.Com this past year. 

In fact, some were recognized in our own NewAgeMusic.nu Best Albums of 2009.

There is no denying that every musician has made a significant contribution to our beloved genre and in our minds, has already become a winner.  We enjoy writing about these deserving individuals and look forward to writing even more  about our featured musicians in the days ahead.  B.T. Fasmer and I would like to congratulate everyone !

Our listing of Qualifying Artists we feature here, along with their websites can be found by clicking on the ZMR News Tab located at the top, or by clicking on the provided links in each review or interview.

Visit zonemusicreporter.com to see the complete  Category Awards List  and then be sure to read our NewAgeMusic.nu Best Albums of 2009  right here  or in the above Music News tab above.

Expect this website to bring you even more about the musicians we feature here.  Below are the individuals we have been writing about who received top honors at ZMR for 2009.

                                                                          Fiona Joy Hawkins 

                                                                          Blue Dream Album

                *Album of the Year *Best Contemporary Instrumental *Best Contemporary Instrumental / Piano

                      David Wahler                          Michael Brant DeMaria                      Michael Brant Demaria

                      Antiquus Album                      Ocean Album                                     Siyotanka Album

                     *Best New Artist                      *Best Ambient  & *Best Relaxation     *Best Native American

                      Michael Stribling                          Bruce Michell                                   9  Muses

                      The Promise Album                      New Earth Goddess Album               Feel to Heal Album

                     *Best Electronic                             *Best Neo Classical                          *Best Chill / Groove

Again we invite our readers to visit each individual artist website by our links provided within every review.  You can find their individual reviews by scrolling down our main pages or by clicking on their names in the right hand module to visit their dedicated page here at NewAgeMusicWorld.Com.

The ZMR News Tab at top lists every qualifying musician we have written about this year at NewAgeMusic.nu & NewAgeMusicWorld.Com.  Every artist has a home here, and we will be posting more about them in the future.

We are truly excited to inform our website visitors about an Artist Interview scheduled with composing musician David Wahler.   John P. Olsen will host this interview which promises to be an informative discussion knowing David was just recently considered a brand new artist in the genre, and has in a relatively short period of time achieved respect as an acclaimed musician.

Getting to know more about David Wahler should be of interest to many since his debut album Antiquus created quite a sensation and currently under consideration at ZMR album awards in 4 categories.  Likewise, Antiquus ranked high in our own New Age Music Best of 2009 albums, giving you a clear indication about his first successful introduction into his new career.
 

David’s current release A Star Danced is just as impressive you will find, and my recent review of A Star Danced is now posted at NewAgeMusic.nu & NewAgeMusicWorld.Com.

You can visit his new website at davidwahler.com to sample / purchase his albums, and we welcome you to read our pages dedicated to David with reviews on both albums.
 

*  In a footnote to this article, David Wahler has won Best New Artist award at ZMR, in addition to his honorable recognition at our own NewAgeMusic.nu, so Congratulations again David !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The atmosphere in the Title Song by soft soprano and tenor vocals echo nicely behind droplet-like keystrokes and percussion rhythms blending into one relaxing starlit entity.  The Seeds of Time are generously sown by guitar soloist Brent Gunter, where his evolving impressions are backed by moderate keyboards and celestial choir.

Come Gentle Night has a light sway led by beautiful keyboard bell tones similar to Peaseblossom & Reverie.  Sigh Away Sunday & Vespera are new images holding a conforming poise from the well conducted Antiquus album, giving fresh ambient patterns to the ensemble of songs.

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

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

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

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

Picture copyright Bigstockphoto – pressmaster

                                           NewAgeMusic.nu article on The Best Album Award of 2009.

                                                           By B.T. Fasmer on January 1, 2010.

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

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

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

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

1. Cadence Spalding – Save the World

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

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

Sample the album on CDBaby

2. Clifford White – The Gods Of Olympus

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

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

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

Sample the album here.

3. Kitaro – Impression Of The West Lake

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

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

Sample the album here.

4. Medwyn Goodall – Medicine Woman 4 – Prophecy 2012

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

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

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

Sample the album here.

5. David Wahler – Antiquus

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

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

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

Sample the album here.

6. Paul Heinerman – Oases

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

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

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

Sample the album here.

7. Joel Kanning - Ubiquitous Frequency Oscillation

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

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

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

Sample the album here.

8. Transcend with Time – A Haunting Presence.

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

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

Sample the album here.

9. John Adorney – The Fountain

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

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

Sample the album here.

10. Nexion Project – The Isle of Freedom

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

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

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

Sample the album here.

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

Your friends in New Age Music,

B. T. Fasmer and J. P. Olsen, Norway and USA

See our Top New Age Music album of 2008 list here.

Many artist from all genres can sometimes resemble a particular tone or feel that sounds like another artist, which can be evident from the very beginning while listening to their music. This is not the case with composing artist David Wahler. The New Age Antiquus album, officially released June 1 2009, has some personal trademark qualities not heard in projects from musicians established before him.

Beginning music as a young adult, then to formal music studies in college, David moved to the theater, directing several productions while performing with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, and New American Theatre. This album has attracted attention in the Netherlands in particular and is featured on New Age Soundscapes with Music Choice premium services. David also has a sense of giving, devoting himself and his time teaching music to handicap and disadvantaged children, in a worthwhile cause he found personally rewarding, and that I would also like to recognize about him publicly.

The Antiquus album debut has been described as New Age Ambient, Neo Classical, and Electronic, but let’s also add Orchestra and Chill Out, since they can also be used as reference adjectives to describe his material. David points out that this album explores our common heritage through classical compositions, and that each of the 10 songs makes reference to an ancient myth, sacred love, or eternal truth that everyone shares.

Provoking many emotions, the mood is thoughtful and ever changing by the insertion of a light and airy feel at times, that then shift towards deep and mysterious surroundings as the measure bar in the sheet music moves into the next measure of the page.

This album does explore our ancient past to unveil our present in an unfamiliar way by incorporating a layering and mixing of piano, strings, flute, violin, and percussion in a mysterious, yet classical way. Choral vocals reinforce his approach in style, echoing a graceful and poetic feel, while also shining bright by a deep, thought provoking mannerism that seems to stand out from the very beginning.

With this goal in mind, David has managed to produce a debut album that appears to stand alone in personal style and form, creating a model as an artisan would create a grand sculpture adorned with touches of gold, and crafted entirely out of sound.

David points out that this album explores our common heritage through classical compositions, and that each of the 10 songs makes reference to an ancient myth, sacred love, or eternal truth that everyone shares.

The mood is indeed very dreamlike and relaxing by a modern tempo rhythm that uniquely offers a positive connection by retaining interest and imagination throughout the entire album.  Shifting tempo and key changes are what I believe give this album an effective transition in thought and feeling, linking the valuable bond between our very distant past and our ever changing future.

Visit davidwahler.com to sample this music collectable.

Picture Copyright Bigstockphoto.com