Archive for the ‘2014 Album Review’ Category
Orchestra Music Collection: Complete National Anthems of the World by the Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra, Kosice.
If you are a fan of classical Orchestra music and the Olympic or Paralympic Games, there is one comprehensive collection of national anthems you may be interested in sampling. Comprised of 10 discs total, the official album title for this orchestral music collection, performed by a professional orchestra is; The Complete National Anthems of the World (2013 Edition).
The Complete National Anthems of the World (2013 Edition) is an all-inclusive 10 disc collection with 462 songs performed by the Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra, Kosice. While this collection of classical anthems is not the official orchestra performing during an actual Olympic or Paralympic Games Ceremony, the national anthems on this collection are authentic versions of national anthems for nearly every sovereign country in the world.
Find the 462 song collection National Anthems of the World at Amazon.com.
New Age Music Review: The Wonder Well by John Adorney.
When it comes to quality new age music the vocalist and instrumental artists on the Eversound Record Label are a reliable source for some of the finest contemporary instrumental vocal music available today.
John Adorney is recognized as one of the very best new age artists on the Eversound Record label, and a featured performer on the record label’s popular compilation releases; The Artists of Eversound LIVE!! – 15 Anniversary Concert & Eversound’s 10th Anniversary compilation albums.
The Wonder Well is the newest album by John Adorney. Judging from what others have said about his eighth album, everyone seems to be in agreement this is the best instrumental and vocal albums he has produced to date.
If you have heard The Wonder Well you would probably agree too. With 11 vocal instrumental songs The Wonder Well is the 2014 follow up to albums John Adorney & Daya – Live! In Concert, River of Breath & The Fountain. Quality driven at every turn, what a super follow-up album this is!
The theme you will hear on The Wonder Well is inspiring music fashioned by modern classic rhythms. The amazing vocalist Daya is again a featured artist, singing on four songs, along with Richard Hardy who plays bamboo flute on the last song. Every track is composed with a free flowing instrumental style, rich in depth and a wonderful melody line at every turn.
After years of reviewing John Adorney albums it never ceases to amaze me how one man can consistently create elegant music year after year. There are rare qualities in all of his albums, and I too agree this newest release is the finest I have heard. Those familiar with his music know this, and people who listen to his music for the first time will quickly discover this.
For any musician, producing one sensational album in a lifetime is an achievement, but rare is the fact John Adorney manages to produce an exceptional album every time. It’s a high goal for any artist to achieve but it’s what we have come to expect from one of the best artists at the Eversound Record Label, John Adorney.
The 11 songs on John Adorney’s newest February 11, 2014 release The Wonder Well are: In Spiritus – featuring Daya, Never Alone, The Wonder Well, At Home, Window to the West, If a Rose Could Speak – featuring Daya, Unbounded, The Cup and the Veil, The Meeting Place, Heartstrings, & Beautiful World.
To sample and purchase The Wonder Well visit JohnAdorney.com. Available on audio CD or digital MP3 formats, you may find John Adorney’s The Wonder Well at Eversound.com Record Label. Cover art design courtesy John & Nathan Adorney.
New Denise Young Album Passionata – Neo-classical new age piano with instrumentals album produced by record producer Will Ackerman and Tom Eaton at the Imaginary Road Studio.
If you love classical piano and new age music combined, one of the best new collectives of the two genres is now hitting store shelves. In fact you will find the artistry and production of this album is top shelf. The marvelous sound you hear, which transcends narrowly defined genre categories into popular, easy listening music is appropriate for a wide variety of listeners.
American pianist, song writer and Steinway Recording Artist Denise Young made an impression on me after listening to her brand new neo-classical new age piano with instrumentals album titled Passionata.
Denise Young’s new 2014 follow-up album Passionata is comparable in elegance and style to her two releases in 2007 titled Time Alone & Something You Dream Of, all of which may leave you wondering if you are listening to classic piano music by an old master like Bach, Beethoven, or Brahms.
While I am far from an expert on modern classical music, I found Passionata breathtaking by the elevated emotional feel and quiet poignant phrasing on each of the 11 songs.
This new album by Denise Young also has the distinction of being produced at the Imaginary Road Studio, home of famous record producers Will Ackerman and co-producer Tom Eaton.
Beautiful by a distinct cinematic nuance, Denise Young’s Passionata is reminiscent to the style of cinematic film music producers John Williams and Michael Nyman.
The artists performing with Denise Young include: Jeff Haynes (percussion), Tom Eaton (bass), Eugene Friesen (cello), and Noah Wilding vocals). The 11 solo piano and piano with instrumental songs are: Above the Clouds, Moon Song, The Way, Starlight Melody, There, Cobblestones in the Rain, Awakened, Desire, Figure 8 & Secrets.
To sample and purchase Passionata visit DeniseYoung.com. Recently offered on digital CD or MP3 downloads formats find Denise Young’s newest album Passionata at iTunes.com and Amazon. Cover artwork and design by Matt Strieby.
New Celtic Woman CD & DVD – Celtic Woman releases new Emerald: Musical Gems and North American Tour with over 80 concert performances in progress for the popular Celtic group.
Celtic Woman is making music news this week by the release of Emerald: Musical Gems, a digital CD with 12 traditional Irish songs, which includes an additional free MP3 download version at Amazon. Released on February 25, 2014, an accompanying DVD with 18 songs by the same title is also available.
Celtic Woman’s North American Concert Tour has begun, and is expected to cover over 80 concert shows in North America. Later in the year on October 13, 2014, Celtic Woman begins their European Tour, covering cities in the countries of Belgium, Germany, Holland, and Switzerland.
It’s been quite a year for the group, having attained the Top World Album of the year at Billboard for the Celtic Woman Home For Christmas album. Billboard likewise awarded Celtic Woman the World Artist of the Year, which is the fifth year in a row for the ultra-popular vocal instrumental group.
The CD version of Emerald: Musical Gems, contains 12 song of the traditional Irish fare that has propelled Celtic Woman to modern day music celebrities, who continue to dazzle the world. The 12 song of traditional Irish favorites on the Emerald: Musical Gems CD are: Mo Ghile Mear, Dulaman. Caladonia, Amazing Grace, The New Ground, She Moved Through The Fair, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Nil Se’n La, Danny Boy, The Voice, The Parting Glass & You Raise Me Up.
Sample or purchase at CelticWoman.com and find complete 2014 concert date information at the Celtic Woman Tour Page. Cover art courtesy celticwoman.com.
Yanni Studio Album Inspirato – Yanni-Wake Entertainment has released press information for Yanni’s new vocal instrumental album titled Inspirato. Included is a special news update for the Yanni Worldwide Concert Tour in 2014.
If you are a Yanni fan there is a chance you have already heard the fantastic news about the new Yanni album due for release this spring on April 29, 2014. I received a press release from the Yanni-Wake people today about this breaking news story. Included in the special news announcement is updated information for Yanni’s Worldwide Concert Tour during 2014.
Inspirato, released on the Sony Classical Label, is an album which took 4 years to complete, from composing, performing, to a final recording.
Teaming up with record producer Rick Wake and celebrity opera star Placido Domingo, Inspirato features premium vocalists from around the world. This contemporary instrumental vocal album has 13 songs with each song featuring one of twelve vocalists, whose biography can be read at Yanni.com.
Another important aspect of this master opus from Yanni is the album composition itself, taken from a deeply personal viewpoint. The creative stimulus for Inspirato is drawn from the past 30 years of his career as a celebrity artist and a true-to-life, personal story of opera star Pretty Yenda, from South Africa.
To me, its clear Yanni is at the top of his game as a professional composer and performer so this personal, “from the heart” album is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on the listener.
Fans are already expressing elation over the special announcement at Yanni’s Facebook page, and expect the anticipation to grow as we reach full bloom on the April 29, 2014 release date this spring.
In concert news, if you check Yanni.com you will also see an expansive list of new concert dates are now announced. Beginning in March 2014, Yanni will begin a worldwide tour covering over 20 countries, which includes the U.S. and Canada. And more dates will be added to this extensive tour as the year progresses, so check for more updates on the Yanni Tour page.
For many people this will be their first chance to experience the extraordinary music performed by one of the greatest international concert artists of our time.
After covering Yanni and his orchestra for years now it seems I do have a sense for developing stories about the artist. Awhile back, I remember looking at a press photo of Yanni practicing on a concert piano at the Kravis Center. I now see the Kravis Center photo (top left photo) is the album art cover selected for Inspirato.
I thought there may be a news story coming up at the time, but nothing like this, so I guess everyone is a little surprised by this latest development. Considering the new album and additional tour updates for 2014, this is fantastic news indeed!
The purchase price listed for the Inspirato audio CD is $14.97, which is a real bargain price in my view. The composition and recording of this particular album is rare – plus the mega collection of the world’s finest vocal artists will surely put Inspirato at the Best Sellers Chart at Amazon and Top 10 Chart at Billboard!
Visit Yanni.com/Inspirato for details and to pre-order before April 29, 2014. You may also pre-order prior to April 29, 2014 and purchase Inspirato by Yanni at Amazon.com. Concert photos and cover art courtesy yanni-wake entertainment.
13 Italian song titles translated to English, and featured vocal artist for each song:
1. I Genitori (To Take To Hold) – Renée Fleming
2. Come Un Sospiro (Almost A Whisper) – Vittorio Grigòlo
3. Ode Alla Grecia (End Of August) – Plácido Domingo
4. L’Ombra Dell’Angelo (Nice To Meet You) – Katherine Jenkins
5. Amare Di Nuovo (Adagio in C Minor) – Nathan Pacheco
6. Hasta El Último Momento (Until The Last Moment) – Plácido Domingo & Renée Fleming
7. (Tribute) – Plácido Domingo, Nathan Pacheco, Plácido Domingo Jr., Micaëla Oeste, Chloe Lowery – Riconoscimento
8. Incanto (Enchantment) – Russell Watson
9. II Primo Tocco (First Touch) – Plácido Domingo Jr.
10. Usignolo (Nightingale) – Lauren Jelencovich
11. La Prima Luce (In The Morning Light) – Rolando Villazón
12. Ode Á L’Humanité (Ode To Humanity) – Pretty Yende
13. Nello Specchio (In The Mirror) – Katherine Jenkins & Nathan Pacheco
Best Electronic Songs Review: Collection of 100 Songs by electronic orchestral music artists, Audiomachine.
If you love the intense, heart pounding sound of masterfully crafted cinematic music, Audiomachine has produced some of today’s best electronic orchestral songs in the cinematic music genre.
For a couple of years I have been listening to the powerful, epic songs composed by Audiomachine. I have a deep admiration for every album Audiomachine has produced, and I am certain their fans would agree.
The pair of artists Paul Dinletir and Kevin Rix has acquired a huge following by producing music for motion picture advertising, including songs for the film and television industries, theatrical trailers, video game advertising and official music for the Olympic Games.
Since their introduction in August of 2005 their work has become so prevalent I would be willing to say you have heard their music played in television commercials or a movie trailer in the theater.
If you watch the Olympic Games you have most likely heard songs by Audiomachine since they produced the promo music heard in television network NBC and Olympic Games promotional campaigns.
Two of Audiomachine’s fan favorite songs were played in this year’s Sochi Winter Olympics, plus two songs were selected as the official promotional music for the London Summer Olympic Games in 2012 and Vancouver Winter Olympic Games in 2010.
The newest EP album for 2014 by Audiomachine is Champions Will Rise: Epic Music From The 2014 Winter Olympics. The 4 songs on Champions Will Rise are an impressive mix too, having been selected as the official music by the International Olympic Committee and NBC during their worldwide promotional campaigns for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
Audiomachine’s first album Chronicles with 28 epic songs was the first marketed release that began procuring the substantial fan base they have acquired today. The team’s second and third albums Epica, with 12 songs, and Helios, with 13 songs, is a wonderful collection of equally impressive songs created in their bold signature style.
The fourth 2013 album by Paul Dinletir and Kevin Rix, with 26 songs, Tree of Life and 2013 album Existence, with 18 songs, are skillfully created masterpieces. Another EP album with 3 songs released in 2013 is titled Trilogy. These 6 albums combined make up one of the best collections of epic, electronic orchestral songs to date.
To give you an idea of how accepted the high-profile music produced by Paul and Kevin has become today, ratings and reviews at Amazon are continually given 5 stars by nearly every album reviewer who has purchased their songs or albums. Similarly their Facebook likes are presently at 63, 876, after joining the social site several years ago.
Best-selling albums at CDBaby, listed the soundtrack music of the group Immediate Music, Hans Zimmer, and new age music artists Two Steps From Hell similar in style to Audiomachine.
I have listened to the soundtrack genre groups Epic North and Future World Music is likewise comparable in some respects, but non-victorious over the two titans of electronic orchestral music, Audiomachine. Knowing their Olympic status and impressive fan base, selecting Audiomachine for Best Electronic Music in 2013 was well, automatic.
Visit AudioMachine.com to hear their official Olympic music album Champions Will Rise, and listen to songs on these albums by Paul Dinletir and Kevin Rix. Listen to all 100 songs, available as digital downloads at Amazon.com and read more in my section dedicated to Audiomachine. Cover art courtesy audiomachine.com. Big Stock Photos by YuriSamsonov.
6 Audiomachine Albums with 100 Songs:
1. Chronicles – 2012 Release with 28 Songs
2. Epica – 2012 Release with 12 Songs
3. Helois – 2012 Release with 13 Songs
4. Tree of Life – 2013 Release with 26 Songs
5. Existance – 2013 Release with 18 Songs
6. Trilogy – 2013 Release with 3 Songs
Olympic Album Review: Champions Will Rise by Audiomachine: Official Promotional Music for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia.
After writing about the Olympic Games several consecutive years, I have found there is an incredible amount of interest in the musicians and songs played during the spectacular performances at official Olympic ceremonies.
This is especially true with the festive Opening and Closing Ceremonies. At times I write reviews for inspiring tribute albums, but I also write album reviews about the official music for both the Summer and Winter Olympics.
Audiomachine is not only one of the best producers of epic, cinematic music in the electronic orchestral category, but the two artists of Audiomachine produced the official promotional music for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
The U.S. based team of artists consisting of Paul Dinletir and Kevin Rix create inspiring music for the film and television industries, theatrical trailers, video game advertising, and promotional campaigns.
Champions Will Rise: Epic Music From The 2014 Winter Olympics is the full title of Audiomachine’s 2014 EP album. This album is a special release from the team since all 4 songs on Champions Will Rise were selected by the International Olympic Committee and television media giant NBC during their worldwide promotional campaigns for the Olympic Games.
The International Olympic Committee selected two songs by Audiomachine from the album for this year’s Sochi Winter Olympic promotional campaign. NBC Network played three songs from the album for commercial promos for the Sochi Games. Between the two an estimated 50 million people have heard the songs on this exclusive EP album by Audiomachine.
Along with the worldwide publicity and extensive airtime their songs received for the Sochi Winter Olympics, two songs by Audiomachine were selected as the official promotional music for the London 2012 Summer Olympics and Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.
Clearly, the International Olympic Committee and NBC find the epic, orchestral music by Audiomachine inspiring. For years I have been impressed with the precision music this winning team of artists can produce like clockwork, and I believe you will too.
Visit AudioMachine.com to hear Champions Will Rise, and listen to additional albums by Paul Dinletir and Kevin Rix. You may also listen to Champions Will Rise at Amazon.com and read more in my section dedicated to Audiomachine. Cover artwork courtesy audiomachine.com. Big Stock Photo by YuriSamsonov.
New Age Music Review: Renowned percussionist for band The Pretenders and Moodswings originator James Hood releases 2014 solo instrumental album titled Ceremony.
If you take the time to listen close enough, synthetic and natural ambient sounds surround us daily. Some sounds are preferable over others, and making the distinction of whether the sound you are listening to is one of beauty or not is naturally up to the beholder. This is especially true when it comes to the diverse forms of music.
Composer, producer and percussionist James Hood is a respected artist who possesses, and has delivered a versatile repertoire of sound to millions throughout his lengthy music career.
If you have heard and are a fan of the popular, ambient electronic group Moodswings, you can thank the group’s originator James Hood for the beautiful melodies he has produced since 1992, to present day.
The ambient electronic song Spiritual High (State of Independence) from the Moodfood album is a fan favorite of the group Moodswings, featuring vocalist Chrissie Hynde from The Pretenders.
Likewise, if you admire the musical sounds produced by music icons Jeff Beck and the pop new wave band The Pretenders, you also have James Hood to thank, having been a band member of these popular bands, each with millions of fans worldwide.
Ceremony is the new solo album by James Hood, officially released today on February 4, 2014. To say this album is an exploration in sound is somewhat of an understatement. Everything about Ceremony expresses a definitive statement in relation to beauty and sound creativity.
What makes this new release special is the performance by James Hood on a relatively new percussion instrument named PanArt Hang. The sound effect of the instrument, classified as a directly struck, or hand played idiophone is one of peace and tranquility.
This exclusive percussion instrument is related to the more recognizable steel drum, but the musical sound qualities are much smoother and produce, in my opinion, a richer less metallic sound texture.
James Hood is a versatile artist whose creative achievements for producing musical sounds of beauty just took an enormous leap forward. The sounds performed on Ceremony are designed to be inherently relaxing, and the result is a remarkably effective one.
Another quality is a cinematic effect, making it a good instrument for movie or film scores. No matter how you perceive this new album, you will be hearing more about percussionist James Hood and his Ceremony album going forward.
Although this is a solo album, the unique sound structure of the PanArt Hang would blend well with an orchestra too. Either way I hope you take the time to listen to James Hood’s newest adventure in sound production.
The 2 disc Ceremony CD’s 11 songs are: Metal Ambulance, Sonic Ashram, Faerie God, Cherry Mandala, Friendly Alien, Angelica, Imaginary Friend, Sweet Acceptance, Fey Bedouin, Biorythmetic & A Goat Called Lavender.
For information visit JamesHood.com. You may also sample and purchase Ceremony at Amazon.com and iTunes.com. Photo and album cover artwork courtesy jameshood.com.
Presenting A List Of New Electronic And Instrumental Albums & Best New Age Music Albums So Far In 2014.
January 1, 2014 was a date in time when PR persons, promoters and independent artists began sending me their newest electronic and instrumental albums and new age music for review each year.
In past years at New Age Music World the newest CD albums sent to me each year numbered into the hundreds, and that’s not including numerous digital downloads sent by email promotions. With so much new music to choose from it was a challenge to determine which new albums visitors would agree should be selected best.
Selecting the best new electronic and instrumental albums in 2014 won’t be any different. There will be hundreds of new age electronic, instrumental, progressive rock, and world music albums. Plus there are subcategories like contemporary instrumental, neo-classical, ambient, solo piano, relaxation, chill out, groove and vocal albums.
The album cover art shown below is a sample of the newest music CDs sent to me for review consideration so far this month in 2014. More will be added as I am more active at my non-profit blog, but from the albums listed below I typically select for my pre-release album reviews, news articles and best new music in 2014 publications in various categories.
It appears to be another exciting year of the finest new music produced by some of today’s top electronic, instrumental and new age musicians. Later in the year many of the releases below will make the top 10 radio charts, top 100 radio charts, Billboard, and IMAs in addition to best song, and best album awards by hosts at various music blogs.
I can almost guarantee some new releases at this site will eventually win the world’s most prestigious music awards. Independent artists, promoters and PR persons can find detailed information to submit a new 2014 album for possible review at New Age Music World on my profile page.
Until the top music awards are given find album reviews for the best new releases in 2014 on my main pages, and find the top new age artist list at iTunes.com and new music releases at Amazon.com. Big Stock Photo by EvgenaD & Aysarts.
Best New Music Album Releases during 2014:
Olympic Tribute Music to Sochi Winter Games performed by Karl Jenkins and his new age music group Adiemus.
In light of the dramatic news coming out of Russia lately, anticipation for the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia outshines the dark news of late. For the athletes that will be performing during this historic event their opportunity to achieve excellence and rise above will be a bright visible test of the human spirit.
The official music to be performed during the Opening, Closing and Medal Ceremonies has not been announced by the International Olympic Committee yet but more news about the artists and their songs to be played during the ceremonies will be coming soon.
New age artist Vangelis and his inspiring Chariots of Fire song was a key song played during the London Olympic Games in 2012, so given the inspirational fortitude of the genre, new age music compositions may again be selected for this year’s ceremonies.
Interest in the Olympic Games has never been greater, and for many people the official music is likewise a point of interest. There are tribute songs available you can listen to right now. One tribute song is by Karl Jenkins and his new age group Adiemus. Composed and conducted by Karl Jenkins, Adiemus is a fusion of new age and world music, with choir vocals in many songs.
Adiemus is often compared to Enigma and Deep Forest, and I always felt the young boys choir Libera, directed by Robert Prizeman, should be included too. Regardless of the comparison, Karl Jenkins and the group Adiemus perform uplifting songs designed to rekindle the human spirit, fitting of the athletes goal and their upcoming challenge to light up the world. The self-titled song video by Karl Jenkin’s group Adiemus is one of nine from the Songs Of Sanctuary album.
For more information about the inspiring music of Adiemus visit KarlJenkins.com.
YouTube song video produced by MrFryDeep. Big Stock Photo photo credit – HelleM.