Archive for the ‘Cinematic Music’ Category
Interview with Peter Kater in 2013 – Newest interview with multi-platinum selling composer and pianist Peter Kater.
Multi-Platinum selling recording and concert artist Peter Kater is a legendary composing pianist recognized as one the leading new age and instrumental music producers worldwide. GRAMMY® Nominated seven times over the past eight years, along with his own albums he is a consistent producer of cinematic music for the television and film industry.
Peter Kater has composed music scores for over 100 television programs and films, including 11 off and On-Broadway theatrical plays to date. In addition to performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City, Peter Kater’s music was played during the NBC broadcast of the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympic Games and is recognized for his collaboration work with distinguished actors and celebrities in the film and music industry.
Topics for the newest interview with Peter Kater include a conversation of his GRAMMY® Nominated album Light Body and notable achievements during his music career. Peter Kater also replies to questions about important film directors and celebrities he has worked with, and offers encouraging words of advice to artists beginning their music careers.
Peter Kater Interview – New in 2013:
New Age Music World interview host and publicist John P. Olsen had an opportunity to interview Peter Kater in early 2013. Today we are pleased to present a new interview with the esteemed instrumental music composer and pianist Peter Kater.
John P. Olsen: Thank you for accepting my interview invitation Peter, and for taking time out of your demanding schedule. Recently your piano with instrumentals album Light Body was GRAMMY® Nominated in the 55th Annual Music Awards.
Light Body is your eighth GRAMMY® nomination, which is a significant achievement in itself. Would I be correct by saying even though you are accustomed the prestige and recognition Nomination brings, that the Annual Music Awards Ceremony is always an exciting time of the year for you?
Peter Kater: Yes, it’s an exciting time of year and it’s also a time to stay very close to my center and remain true to the reason that I do music, and to connect with a deeper more intimate and profound part of myself, my experience and others. To get swept up into something as external as a Grammy Award or to look outside of myself for my happiness and contentment would be a mistake. However, having said that – yes, it’s very cool to be Nominated.
John: I imagine you have a chance to visit with old friends and perhaps meet new friends during the Music Awards Ceremony. One GRAMMY® Award winning artist you have collaborated with in the past is American flute performer R. Carlos Nakai. Would you like to tell us about your friendship and projects with R. Carlos Nakai?
Peter Kater: R. Carlos Nakai has been Nominated for a Grammy 9 times and unfortunately has not yet won, although he certainly deserves to. R. Carlos and I met in 1989 after I was turned on to his music and invited him to play on a CD of mine. Our first collaboration was on the album Natives.
We improvised the whole CD in a few short hours. We’ve known each other for decades and have had our ups and downs but whenever we get to playing music together either on stage, in the studio or in my living room it’s literally . . . magic. It flows like a mountain spring. It’s a connection we’ve always had. And yet, sometimes the human personality is not quite as fluid.
John: You have also collaborated with an impressive number of projects with popular film directors and award-winning celebrity actors. Who are some notable film directors and celebrities you have worked on projects with over the years?
Peter Kater: My favorite scoring projects were “10 Questions for the Dalai Lama” cause I really liked the film and subject matter and “How The West Was Lost” because it was such an important series (13 hour mini-series) that really exposed the truth of the settlement out west in the U.S. and what the heavy price our Native American culture paid. It was a very sad and poignant series where I found myself literally crying in the studio as I was playing the visual footage.
I also really enjoyed the work I did on Broadway and Off-Broadway theater productions. I was working with the very best in the business, director Marshall Mason: Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Lanford Wilson and amazing actors like John Malcovich, Joan Allen, Tyne Daley, Ethan Hawke, John Voight and many others. Being in the rehearsal process with these great talents for weeks at a time was definitely a highlight of my career.
I also enjoyed performing in the early years at the Sundance Institute and Film Festival as per the request of Robert Redford who really liked my music. And I have to mention my wonderful 10 years of playing with and for John Denver at his “Choices for the Future” Symposiums in Aspen, Colorado.
I met many famous influential authors and world leaders thru his symposiums. And I would be remiss in not mentioning my work with Kenny Loggins. Actually I could go on and on cause there have been so many amazing experiences but for that I may need to write book.
John: With a list of celebrities like you described I can see why Peter! Earlier releases like Light Body are wonderful arrangements showing your creativity as a composer and musician. Could you describe the theme of Light Body, which is based on seven Chakras?
Peter Kater: Light Body’s theme is of the 7 Chakras starting at the root chakra and working our way up. It was designed to create an experience of acceptance and illumination for people dealing with life changing circumstances from everything from daily stress thru disease and dying.
John: In addition to your superb performance on piano and synthesizers, Paul McCandless and Trisha Bowden have helped you transform Light Body into an outstanding instrumental album that indeed has award-winning potential. Would you like to tell us what musical instruments they perform and enhancements they bring to your recent GRAMMY® Nominated arrangement Light Body?
Peter Kater: Trisha sang some beautiful wordless vocals on the record really giving it a human compassionate feeling. Paul McCandless played oboe, penny whistles and English horn. Paul always adds a lot to any recording project. He is one my musical mentors and heroes.
John: Undoubtedly, a lot has transpired over the years since 1983 when you released your first solo piano album entitled Spirit. At what point during your career did you find the incentive to begin producing serene new age, instrumental piano music made for reflection and relaxation?
Peter Kater: I decided to go into the direction of deeper, more reflective music after I had three National Top 10 Contemporary Jazz albums and was touring playing jazz festivals around the country.
I realized then I definitely wasn’t feeling fulfilled playing that kind of music (even though I wrote and produced it) and wanted my music to fill a need in the world for greater healing, peace, love and compassion.
John: During your career as a music professional spanning three decades, you have released over 60 recordings, and over 100 soundtracks for movie scores for films or television, including off and On-Broadway theatrical plays. Could you tell us about the varying process of composing music for television or theater, verses composing music for an album?
Peter Kater: When you’re working with another art medium like film, theater or dance you’re in an interactive process and need to leave space and room for the other medium. You’re bouncing off each other and as result coming up with material you never would have come up with on your own.
John: Knowing you have lived in the U.S. in the state of Hawaii, has the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands been a stimulus to your music?
Peter Kater: Actually living in Hawaii brought me such peace and contentment that I was actually playing less and less music. Therefore my move back to Boulder, Colorado last year has reignited my burning passion for the piano and for writing and recording music. I’ve always done great work from Colorado and it’s been exciting to feel that part of my “being” engaged once more.
John: Along with easy access you give fans at your website you also have Facebook and Twitter social media sites. Have your social media pages proven to be a beneficial outlet for exchanging ideas and information with your fans and visitors?
Peter Kater: I like being connected to my fans and people of like mind and heart and soul. It’s one of the good things about the internet. I enjoy it but I think it’s important to stay present in one’s life in a real physical and tangible way and not get lost staring at the computer screen.
John: I have a question I always like to ask a highly successful artist like you Peter. Would you be willing to offer any advice for pianists or artists in general who are just beginning their music careers?
Peter Kater: Follow your heart. Trust your instincts. Don’t second guess yourself. Don’t ask for too many opinions from others. Play each note like it’s never been played before in this space and time (cause it hasn’t been) and never lie to your instrument. Play what you’re feeling honestly . . . don’t pretend to be confident when you’re feeling nervous . . . don’t pretend to be happy when you’re feeling sad. Don’t be out going with your feeling introspective and don’t hide from your fears or your pain cause then you’ll never find your joy and bliss. And place “authenticity” before all else.
John: I read while taking piano lessons as a youngster, you struggled with early piano instructors because you wanted to improvise on “the classics.” Do you feel this desire to improvise early in life was an important factor with your success today, and if so, would you advise parents with young children taking music lessons to allow them “creative freedom” to explore too?
Peter Kater: I always wanted to play things my own way. But it was important for me to learn the basics and structure as well. In the early years there has to be that balance of learning and enjoyment. But most importantly, find a teacher that really inspires you and makes you feel good about playing.
John: Along with your numerous studio releases you perform live concerts, plus people can book a live home concert with you to perform during special occasions. Will you be performing live in 2013, and what can people expect while attending a Peter Kater concert?
Peter Kater: I’ll be doing plenty of concerts in 2013. Some solo and some with collaborators. I think people can expect a “real” experience. A lot of people have a “moving” experience and some even have a cathartic experience. I think the honesty with which I approach my music is felt within the listeners and as a result “real” feelings emerge and true “experiences” are had. But it’s a very personal and individual thing. Everyone has their own experience.
John: Your successes and achievements during your career is truly remarkable Peter. Of your many achievements, what would you say are the two most gratifying moments during your music career to date?
Peter Kater: The most gratifying thing about my musical career to date is that I’m still passionate about it. I still can sit down at the piano, solo of playing with someone, and have a real experience of wonderment, honesty and excitement. I’m still curious about what’s possible and I still love it. There’s nothing more gratifying than the enjoyment of making music and sharing it with others in the moment. If you’re attached to the past you’re not living in the present. And the “present” is all we ever have.
John: Thank you again for taking time away from your work for our interview Peter! In closing for now, is there anything you would like to express to your fans that have supported you over the years?
Peter Kater: Thanks for your good wishes. I really appreciate them and I appreciate the opportunity to talk about what’s important to me. And I also appreciate, very much, the people that listened to my music and have a personal experience through it that is there’s. The fact that I can create something, or channel something that can add to the life of another person in a positive and impactful way is truly wonderful. That is a gift to me in and of itself.
It’s an honor to be a musician and it’s wonderful to have a life filled with music flowing thru me and out into the world.
Thank you for listening! ~ Peter Kater ~
Visit the PeterKater.com homepage for news, and learn more on this great artist on the Peter Kater profile page and visit his music shop for special offers and to sample or purchase his albums. Photos and cover art are courtesy peterkater.com.
Pre-release Album Review: Paint The Sky by top contemporary instrumental artist Bradley Joseph, composer, soloist and professional career musician with Yanni and Sheena Easton.
If you are a fan of multi-platinum concert and recording artists Yanni and pop vocal star Sheena Easton there is a good chance you also admire the music of leading composer and multi-instrumental artist Bradley Joseph.
Bradley Joseph has enjoyed a successful solo music career of his own for years, with many impressive achievements including ranking in Sirius Top 40 Radio Charts, with over 1.5 million radio plays each month, plus attaining #1 on Amazon, #1 on iTunes, and 25 weeks on the Billboard Charts.
The career musician Bradley Joseph is the Robbins Island Music Label founder, and was voted Outstanding Minnesotan of the Year, yet these are just several highlights during his illustrious career.
These achievements as a solo artist are in all in addition to sharing the stage with music celebrities Yanni and Sheena Easton for over a decade, touring with pop vocal star Sheena Easton as her co-music director for 5 years.
Touring with Yanni for over 6 years, Bradley Joseph replaced John Tesh as the feature keyboard performer and soloist during Yanni’s Ethnicity 2003 World Tour, and keyboardist in the multi-platinum selling CD and DVD titled Yanni – Live At The Acropolis. This album alone sold over 7 million copies worldwide, plus the video sold over 1 million copies to be top seller of all time, second only to the Thriller Video by the late Michael Jackson.
Bradley Joseph has an exceptional new age, piano instrumental album titled Paint The Sky, ready for official release at his website and major online music retailers on April 4, 2013. After receiving an early demo recording I am pleased to be the first to provide an album review and tell you about this special new release knowing Paint The Sky is an exceptional instrumental album guaranteed to be a popular hit among a wide audience.
Paint The Sky begins with an exciting song titled Inside the Stars, moving to a more reflective Secret of the Sun. Rather than a complex analysis of the 13 songs an accurate description is best expressed by the near even number of songs with upbeat melodies and lively rhythms, with the balance centered by a light, casual relaxed atmosphere.
All piano with instrumental pieces are brilliantly poised by the cinematic feel, with importance given to melodic rhythm and phrasing. Aside from describing the album in formal terms, Paint The Sky is simply a significant new album arrangement by one of today’s top instrumental artists guaranteed to be a real crowd pleaser.
One can’t talk about Bradley Joseph without mentioning Yanni and Sheena Easton, both of which are music celebrities recognized for their selection of the highest caliber artists for their popular studio albums and concert tours.
In this sense I may be stating the obvious by saying Bradley Joseph is clearly an outstanding instrumental artist. Pointing out the significance of his music career however does offer a better perspective of how special Paint The Sky really is.
Bradley Joseph also has audio CDs and DVDs specializing in relaxation and behavioral music for pets including canines and felines. The benefits of music therapy are in fact supported by the veterinary profession, so if you are interested in providing therapeutic music for your pet visit the store section at his website.
Along with the popular pet therapy music CD and DVD collection there is a section at his website dedicated to specialty albums including Holiday Music, Popular Cover Songs, four CD nature sounds collection, piano sheet music and more.
The 13 songs on Paint The Sky: Pianist Bradley Joseph – Original piano instrumentals with a cinematic feel are: Inside the Stars, Secrets of the Sun, Into the Big Blue, Your Eyes Say Goodbye, In Dreams Awake, Rainbow Fields, I’ll Wait For You, What A Time It Was, The Edge of My Heart, Brave New Day, Light Through the Trees, Spirit of the Calm & Remembering.
Visit the artist at BradleyJoseph.com for audio CD albums, mp3 downloads, piano sheet music, and much more. Prior to the April 4, 2013 release date pre-order Paint The Sky at Amazon.com. Photo and cover courtesy bradleyjoseph.com.
Best Soundtrack Music Score: Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross win GRAMMY® Award for Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media by their film score album titled The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.
The 55th GRAMMY® Award Winners in 81 categories were recently named during a live presentation ceremony. The show publicized as “Music’s Biggest Night” was aired live during a televised broadcast on the CBS Television Network.
The ceremony held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on February 10, 2013 included a series of show performances while honoring top artists for their achievements by one or more awards of 81 Best Album Award categories.
Composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross were presented with a GRAMMY® Award in the Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media Category, determined by voting members of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Soundtrack earned Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross the prestigious, top Music Award.
The GRAMMY® Awards first inaugurated in 1959 was formed to recognize artists for their achievements in the music recording industry. To give you an idea how popular this awards presentation has become, the Annual Music Awards is ranked in viewership popularity as one of the highest rated television special programs.
Last year’s televised live Annual Music Awards ceremony reported 39.9 million viewers worldwide. The prime-time awards presentation in 2013 with an equally long list of popular celebrities who performed live during the presentation ceremony is expected to be another record breaking year for television viewership.
The five additional Nominated composers and their Soundtrack Scores in the 55th Music Awards for Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media are: The Adventures Of Tintin – The Secret Of The Unicorn Soundtrack by composer John Williams, The Artist Soundtrack by composer Ludovic Bource, The Dark Knight Rises Soundtrack by composer Hans Zimmer, Hugo Soundtrack by composer Howard Shore, and Journey: Official Game Soundtrack by composer Austin Wintory.
Sample or purchase the album soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross titled The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo at Amazon.com. Read the complete list of prizewinning artists and albums in all 81 Best Album Categories at Grammy.com. Photos are courtesy Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross & Big Stock Photo – AnmFoto.
New Kitaro Album in 2013: Pre-release review for Tamayura by GRAMMY® and Golden Globe Award-Winning Kitaro.
International concert and recording artist Kitaro is a prolific new age artist whose music exceeds with each passing year during his three decades long career. This was proven to be the case with his theatrical score Tamayura, available on CD and DVD exclusively at Domo Music Group, with pre-orders being taken and a release date at Amazon on March 12, 2013.
With each release a fresh perspective of the artist’s personality is revealed, as is the unlimited expertise as composer, which isn’t easy to achieve even for the most accomplished artist. It’s clear after three decades of composing electronic and instrumental music, Kitaro pursues perfection and the all-important essential characteristic of creating the highest quality music.
Tamayura is a wonderful musical score by Kitaro which brings authenticity to the characters of a theatrical production by Kochi Tamano and Harupin-Ha Butoh Dance Theater from the year 2000. Available as a DVD, CD, and now digital downloads, Tamayura is indeed a quality release that exceeds over an hours of then new material in the genres of new age and international music.
In this case as most circumstances it is a challenge to write an accurate music review by listening to song samples only, but Tamayura does lend itself to an assessment in general terms simply by the unique departure from earlier releases. The 7 songs on Kitaro’s newest album are: Introduction, Magma, Mercury, Sitara, Nageki, Beam Wave & Uranus.
Sample and purchase Tamayura exclusively at the Domo Music Group Kitaro page. Special pricing and discounts are given on this release, available in compact disc, digital downloads or CD/DVD combo. Pre-orders are currently being accepted at Amazon.com until the March 12, 2013 release date. Fans and visitors may read my interview with Kitaro in 2012. Photo is courtesy domomusicgroup.com.
Soundtrack Review: The Last of The Mohicans Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by cinematic composers Trevor Jones and Randy Edelman, featuring a song by the group Clannad.
If you are a movie soundtrack music enthusiast, no doubt you have heard the original score for The Last of The Mohicans. The movie itself is a critically acclaimed masterpiece, and equally so for the 1992 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack score for The Last of The Mohicans by cinematic film composers Trevor Jones and Randy Edelman.
Many would agree the 16 songs on The Last of The Mohicans album is in the top 25 best soundtracks, if not one of the best cinematic movie scores ever produced. It’s hard to imagine the movie without the violin melodies and full orchestration like heard in the main title song Promentory composed by Trevor Jones, or the deeply moving song The Courier composed by Randy Edelman. Even the Irish band Clannad of Celtic pop, New Age fame aptly convey fine cinematic qualities on the final song by Clannad titled I Will Find You.
Trevor Jones and Randy Edelman are individually accomplished artists themselves, and top movie soundtrack composers with a long list of popular movie scores to their credit. The two film composers are equally famous for thrilling movie going audiences with their artful cinematic scores considered by many to be among some of the best movie soundtracks ever produced.
The passing of Native American activist and actor Russell Means, who played the leading role of Chingachgook, has brought renewed interest and meaning to his true to life role, the movie, and this excellent movie soundtrack, which survives today as one of the most fascinating music scores in the movie soundtrack genre.
Find The Last of The Mohicans at Amazon.com in CD and digital downloads, and visit the composers at TrevorJonesFilmMusic.com and RandyEdelman.com. Please Note: The YouTube video shows actual film scenes from the motion picture, which has an R Rating, so the video below is not suitable for younger viewers. The HD quality video is the song Promontory from Last of the Mohicans soundtrack. Big Stock Photo – PosterPuppy.
Hans Zimmer: Top Movie Soundtrack Composer.
When naming the best movie soundtrack composers, Hans Zimmer is one of the top movie soundtrack composers I and millions of people worldwide would think of right away. With an endless list of award-winning movies there are a number of top motion picture composers who have thrilled moviegoers with film scores considered their best movie soundtracks.
Hans Zimmer can claim an illustrious career having won numerous awards including an Academy Award, 2 Golden Globe Awards, 4 GRAMMY® Awards, a Classical BRIT Award and World Soundtrack Award.
Along with some of the best movie soundtracks by Hans Zimmer, top cinematic recording artists Danny Elfman, James Horner, James Newton Howard, Thomas Newman, Howard Shore, and John Williams, have kept moviegoers on the edge of their seats, including soundtrack recordings by Klaus Badelt, Ennio Morricone, Brad Fiedel and Philip Glass.
Even with the top recording artists listed above this is far from a complete list of who’s who in today’s movie recording industry. Many people would debate the fact there are many great composers who should be included, and I couldn’t agree more.
Hans Zimmer is a celebrated composer nearly everyone would agree upon. Famous worldwide for award-winning movie soundtrack scores in the electronic and orchestral category the song video is a selection of official scores from the movie soundtracks Inception, Modern Warfare, Madagascar, The Last Samurai, Pearl Harbor, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Da Vinci Code.
Songs by Hans Zimmer are Time, Mombasa, Safeguard, Code of Conduct, Zoosters Breakout, Spectres in Fog, A Way of Life, Tennessee, Brothers, Jack Sparrow & Chevaliers De Sangreal. The Best of Hans Zimmer is a 2 disc collection available at Amazon.
Coming soon is a new official site at HansZimmer.com. Until then you may visit a semi-official site at Hans-Zimmer.com.
Original Movie Music for Motion Picture Trailers and Advertising Campaigns by artists Paul Dinletir and Kevin Rix of Audiomachine.
If you love official movie soundtrack music and theatrical movie trailers of your favorite blockbuster movies, Audiomachine is a fantastic music group who has recently made their extraordinary cinematic songs available to the buying public. Chronicles and Epica are two new albums by the artists, with another brand new cinematic project slated to be released soon called Helios.
Even if you don’t frequently attend the movie theater there is a good chance you have heard songs by Audiomachine since their original scores are utilized in radio and television advertisement for hundreds of official movie trailers, along with video game advertising promotions.
Audiomachine consists of artists Paul Dinletir and Kevin Rix, who describe themselves as motion picture advertising producers began composing cinematic music for the motion picture, television and video industries in 2005.
The first release by Audiomachine is an excellent album in 2012 named Chronicles, which has 28 cinematic songs of their signature dynamic sound compiled from their first original movie marketing music. The songs are trailer scores of popular movies like Avatar, Harry Potter, Hugo, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Fighter, The King’s Speech.
Epica is the newest release in 2012 by Audiomachine. Featuring a live orchestra and choir, the 12 epic songs are akin to Chronicles, plus Epica is well – exceptionally epic and adventurous with equivalent dynamic compositions heard on Chronicles. Nearing release, Helios is said to have cues by a 175 member orchestra and choir.
In terms of the scores they produce, Paul Dinletir and Kevin Rix cover many styles and genres, whether you categorize it as orchestral, instrumental, electronic, classical or 21st century. No matter how you classify their productions, you will find they constantly push the proverbial envelope by producing some of the best cinematic music today.
It’s a great sound, far more epic and dynamic than the majority of songs you hear every day, even by the standards of top music producers in the cinematic genre. In regard to the Audiomachine, I can guarantee two things about this specialty music production team to near one hundred percent accuracy. One is you will be hearing more music from them, and secondly you will be hearing a lot more about them.
When you visit Paul Dinletir and Kevin Rix at Audiomachine check out their credits page, where you can see the impressive list of movie trailers and scores they have produced to date. Find a bounty of Audiomachine song samples at YouTube.
While you are there you can preview their newest tracks and watch movie trailers and sample their newest score for the movie trailer Leviathan. Currently their music is made available at major online music stores like Amazon, CD Baby and iTunes.
Visit Audiomachine.com for complete information, and find Chronicles & Epica by Audiomachine at iTunes.com. Both new albums are available on audio CD or digital downloads at Amazon.com. Cover artwork courtesy audiomachine.com.
If you are a fan of cinematic songs and official movie trailers, Audiomachine is taking the world by storm by “going rogue” it appears. As motion picture, television and video advertising producers, Audiomachine has recently made their cinematic songs available, which has resulted in a monumental and intensely loyal fan following. Chances are you have heard their cinematic music in a number of high profile movie trailers and television advertisements. It’s great news you can now buy their songs!
Audiomachine was also involved with the London 2012 Olympic Games by their song Eterna from their Chronicles album. The song Eterna by Audiomachine was part of the official music played during the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. Another example of a song from Chronicles is presented is the song Breath and Life in an Audi television commercial being aired in China.
Next is a introduction of Audiomachine by an album review of Chronicles and Eterna. Visit the official Audiomachine.com and listen to to one of the 28 songs on Chronices in a Audi commercial airing in China. Cover courtesy audiomachine.com.
Best New Albums from the London 2012 Olympic Games Composer Vangelis – The Collection & Chariots of Fire (The Play).
Vangelis fans will be pleased to know there are 2 albums of new music by Vangelis in 2012, and the possibly of another new movie soundtrack by the famous Olympic composer Vangelis. For the millions of fans who can’t get enough new music from the legendary musician, the year 2012 has already turned out to be an exciting year by the international publicity derived from the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Vangelis – The Collection is a 2 disc selection of 31 songs total. Many are the most popular songs recorded from earlier movie soundtrack scores. It can be said this collection is the best songs from the best Vangelis albums available.
Vangelis – The Collection has the best soundtrack songs from popular movie scores like 1492: Conquest of Paradise, Blade Runner, Alexander, and Academy Award-winning movie score Chariots of Fire, plus additional film scores.
There are 4 Jon & Vangelis songs when recorded with former YES vocalist and lyricist Jon Anderson too. The four Jon & Vangelis songs are So Long Ago, So Clear, I’ll Find My Way Home, State Of Independence & I Hear You Now. Another song favorite on this special 31 song collection album is Anthem – 2002 FIFA World Cup Official Anthem (Synthesizer Version).
Chariots of Fire (The Play) by Vangelis, is another new album brought into news publicity by the release days prior to the London 2012 Olympic Games. It is an exemplary release too, but I would say Vangelis – The Collection can be rightly called the ultimate selection of the greatest hit songs by Vangelis. Whether you call it instrumental music, electronic, orchestral, or new age music, Vangelis is a masterful film composer whose classic songs have endured throughout the years.
Vangelis fans and movie goers alike will also be pleased to know there is confirmation of a brand new sequel to the classic science fiction thriller movie Blade Runner. Thirty years after it first was released, the official Blade Runner Trilogy Soundtrack is still one of the best movie soundtracks ever produced by Vangelis. Now there is at least, an opening for another new Vangelis film score made specifically for the new Blade Runner movie sequel.
While a Warner Bros. based Alcon Entertainment press release confirmed they are indeed featuring the 1982 cult movie classic sequel, again with director Ridley Scott, there is at present no confirmation of who will be providing the movie score for the Blade Runner sequel. Another aspect to consider is that Vangelis may not agree to compose music for the sequel. However the possibility of another new Vangelis soundtrack has given fans another reason for enthusiasm in 2012 and 2013.
One thing certain to me and millions of Vangelis fans however. The original Blade Runner movie score by Vangelis is an integral part of the movie that in part, drove the Blade Runner motion picture to its present day cult-like status. There are many proponents who would agree that a Blade Runner movie sequel simply wouldn’t achieve the same phenomenal success without a new Vangelis Blade Runner soundtrack.
There are some people saying that even Vangelis himself, couldn’t compose a superior music score than the original soundtrack, but I tend to disagree. Only time will tell the answer to that question, and the primary question of whether there we will be rewarded with another new soundtrack by Vangelis in the year 2013, and the years ahead.
You can find Vangelis – The Collection at Amazon.com.uk and the London 2012 Olympics Games inspired newest Vangelis soundtrack Chariots of Fire (The Play) at Amazon.com. Both are available in digital audio CD or mp3 format at U.S. and UK Amazon stores.
Vangelis – Official Music for 2012 London Olympics.
With the start of the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games set to begin on July 27, 2012, it seems fans of the Greek composer Vangelis have clearly scored an early victory by way of an official Olympic music news release about a famous instrumental soundtrack score composed by Vangelis.
The song Chariots of Fire was earlier reported to be the official 2012 Olympic music for the athletic games opening ceremonies, and now Kate Mansey, a journalist for London newspaper The Sunday Times, reported on another new development regarding Vangelis. Her source of press information for the latest news announcement was direct from the producer of the victory award ceremonies Nicci Hallifax.
The song Chariots of Fire by Vangelis is now confirmed to be the official 2012 Olympics theme music to be played during every medal awards ceremony for the duration of the historic athletic events. In addition to the medal award ceremonies, the song was played during the opening events and will be performed during relay of the Olympic Flame.
The London Philharmonic Orchestra has reproduced 5 new recordings or remixes of the original Vangelis composition Chariots of Fire, which won Vangelis an Academy Award for Best Original Music Score. The Academy Award-winning Chariots of Fire movie is based on the inspiring story of two British athletes competing together at the 1924 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Chariots of Fire (On Stage) by Vangelis, is a brand new Olympic themed theatrical movie soundtrack score released days ago on July 23, 2012. The theatrical play soundtrack has 11 songs of new orchestral music by Vangelis, used for the theater stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning Chariots of Fire movie. The play adaptation showing in the UK premiered on May 9, 2012 at the Hampstead Theatre in London, England.
The official VangelisWorld.com site is running but inactive. For more information visit the independent Vangelis website at Elsew.com and my section for Vangelis.
You may sample or purchase this epic album release in audio CD or digital downloads of the original Chariots of Fire at Amazon.com and the Chariots of Fire (On Stage) at Amazon.co.uk. Big Stock Photo – MOKreations.
The official 2012 London Olympic music by Vangelis, having an inspiring and universal theme is clearly a winning choice. The 5 new Chariots of Fire song compositions performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra are as follows:
1. Energy Song Version – Up-tempo song remix.
2. Heritage Song Version – Down-tempo song remix.
3. Extreme Song Version – Jazzier style song remix.
4. Prime Time Song Version – Pop music song remix.
5. World Stage Song Version – Original orchestral song remix.
Olympic Themed Music – Chariots of Fire (On Stage) by Vangelis.
With the London 2012 Olympic Games starting on July 27, 2012, official music for the Olympics will be an equally significant component for the historic athletic games that will be viewed by millions of people worldwide.
The song Chariots of Fire by Greek composer Vangelis was played during the Olympic opening ceremonies, and named the official 2012 Olympics theme song. The London Philharmonic Orchestra has 5 new song recordings (remixes) to be played during every medal award ceremony and Olympic Flame relay.
Chariots of Fire (On Stage) is an Olympic themed theatrical movie score with 11 songs of new orchestral music by Vangelis with a release date of July 23, 2012.
The stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning Chariots of Fire movie that was partially inspired by the 2012 London Summer Olympics premiered on May 9, 2012 at the Hampstead Theatre in London, England.
The Chariots of Fire Original Movie Soundtrack claimed a victory for famous composer Vangelis, who won an Academy Award for Best Original Music Score for the film based on the inspiring story of two British athletes competing together at the 1924 Summer Olympic Games in Paris France. Below is the Chariots of Fire song video from the original motion picture.
Official Music for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London:
Another official song to be performed during London Summer Olympics for 2012 is the song Survival by the British group Muse. The theme song by Muse, which has the lyrics “Life is a race. And I’m gonna win” is also going to be aired on TV worldwide as athletes enter the stadium and prior to the medal award ceremonies.
The London Olympic Soundtrack to the opening ceremony is going to be released as an audio CD and digital release. This music release entitled; Isles Of Wonder: Music for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games will contain music by Paul McCartney, Underworld and other artists performing during official athletic events and ceremonies.
Another planned release is A Symphony of British Music: Music for the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. There will be additional concerts and music with direct ties to the London Olympics, plus some songs by artists are being kept secret until the official opening ceremonies.
Olympic theme song Chariots of Fire, composed by Vangelis will get you into the spirit for the historic sports event. Find the audio CD or digital downloads for Chariots of Fire (On Stage) at Amazon.co.uk. Big Stock Photo – Jimbarber.
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.
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.
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.
Undersail by Steve Orchard –Tribute Music to Titanic.
With the 100 year anniversary of the RMS Titanic launch and foundering approaching, it is only natural Steve Orchard’s tribute music to Titanic called Undersail, is an interesting collection of new songs to sample.
Once I began listening to the 12 tribute songs based on the legendary ocean liner Titanic, it didn’t take long to discover Undersail is by all accounts, the inaugural launch of another admirable 2012 new music release from new age artist Steve Orchard.
Steve Orchard from Bristol, England is famous for his ability to produce electronic and instrumental music with creative imagination. After writing reviews about his 3 album Trilogy Series, I can say Steve Orchard’s tribute music of Titanic give rise to reflect the dream-like qualities of relaxing yet energetic melodies he is known to produce, time and again.
Undersail is a beautiful music tribute to the story of Titanic, which once began as a dream, born of creative inspiration. Produced at his home studio in England, Steve created Undersail using Roland keyboards, electric and acoustic guitars with special effects made with a Korg synthesizer. I thought some songs like In Titanic’s Wake, God Speed & Full Astern are reminiscent to epic soundtrack music of film composer Vangelis, like the cinematic songs Ghost Ships, Dead Calm & Port Home.
Steve Orchard is a prolific singer songwriter who has composed a great collection of original new music throughout his lifetime. This newest dreamy music collection continues the tradition of capturing the imagination while achieving universal appeal.
Steve Orchard’s tribute music to Titanic isn’t expected to surpass the 30 million copies sold with Academy Award winning James Horner’s best-selling movie soundtrack score Titanic: Music from the Motion Picture, but Steve Orchard’s Undersail is a beautiful new compliment to the legendary “ship of dreams” forever christened Titanic.
On April 15, 2012, Undersail will be released as mp3 downloads and CD album on the 100th anniversary of Titanic’s sinking. Visit SteveOrchardMusic.co.uk to sample and purchase or visit ADMusicOnline.com, and popular online music stores. Below is the YouTube song video entitled Ghost Ships. Around 30 seconds into the sample song video, there is fascinating archival footage of the true historical landmark, Titanic. Photos are courtesy steveorchardmusic.co.uk.
RMS Titanic facts: The maiden voyage began in Southampton England, en-route to New York City April 10, 1912. The Olympic-class ocean liner, with a port of registry in Liverpool, England was owned by White Star Line and foundered in the North Atlantic around 2:00 am on April 15, 1912. The actual music of Titanic played at the time of sinking is undetermined, but believed to contain the hymn Nearer, My God, to Thee.
Music Review: Soundscapes album by Steve Bowe.
Steve Bowe from the UK is a pianist and multi-instrumentalist whose lively new age music compositions are technologically driven. In addition his programing skills are conducive for the advancement of contemporary electronic music by diving into the cutting edge of today’s new age music scene.
Soundscapes is Steve Bowe’s most recent new age/world fusion album featuring 12 songs fashioned in a variety of timbre and mood on each arrangement. The lively tempo and energetic atmosphere of Soundscapes is a sound sensation of mainly upbeat music. His songs are diverse and independent from one another in style, so like much of today’s music, classifying the songs on Soundscapes as strictly new age music doesn’t describe the full reach of his style.
Producing state-of-the-art melodies is not new to Steve Bowe at all since his interest into the more advance methodology to creating rhythmic music began early in life. Classically trained on piano at an early age, Steve Bowe is capable performer on a variety of instruments including, keyboards, piano, acoustic and electric guitars, bass, percussion and all programming. Steve’s skill as a programmer who pairs instrumental counterparts is apparent on another recent, first album entitled Finest Hour.
Soundscapes is by design, lively new age music rhythms with energetic qualities. I thought the songs Queen of the Nile & Sunset Highway go a long way in pointing out Steve Bowe’s abilities for producing lively new age music covering a wide range of melodic themes. Producing innovative song arrangements on both of his releases, Steve Bowe has a talent for creating energetic songs that become a fun, upbeat escape from some of the more conventional new age music.
Visit BoweMusic.com to sample or purchase at his music shop. For free mp3 downloads from his Soundscapes & Finest Hour albums, visit his downloads page. Please note – Bowe Music downloads are for personal, non-commercial use only. Cover artwork courtesy bowemusic.com.
Tron: Legacy Soundtrack by Daft Punk is an exceptional electronic and orchestral movie soundtrack that became the award winning music score for the movie Tron: Legacy.
The original film score by Daft Punk has high acclaim from many within the music and film industry, plus the YouTube video below of song Derezzed has been viewed over 8 million times!
Tron: Legacy Soundtrack won an award for Best Original Score by the Austin Film Critics Association, nominated for Excellence in Production Design for a Fantasy Film from the Art Directions Guild. In addition, Daft Punk’s Tron Legacy reached the top 10 charts at Billboard.
The award-winning movie soundtrack by Daft Punk was nominated Score of the Year from the International Film Music Critics Association, and GRAMMY® nominated for Sound Editing.
Daft Punk is the GRAMMY® award-winning music duo comprised of French artists Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo. Recognized worldwide for their innovative electronic techno music, Daft Punk at present has been honored by 2 GRAMMY® Awards and 7 nominations.
Shown below is a YouTube video of the song Derezzed. You can sample or purchase the Tron: Legacy Soundtrack at amazon.com, or Tron: Legacy DVD at amazon.com, and visit daftalive.com. Big Stock Photo by AnmFoto.