Archive for the ‘Vocals’ Category
Legendary YES vocalist Jon Anderson’s digital download OPEN is available October 25, 2011 at iTunes. Returning to his Yes origins the song OPEN is an epic 21 minute opus in the framework of classic melodies like Close To The Edge, Gates of Delirium, Revealing, & Awaken.
Jon Anderson’s digital download OPEN features the eclectic vocals and intricate melodies that made him the most iconic name in progressive rock history. Jon Anderson is united in song with orchestrations by Stefan Podell. Together this song given in four movements, delivers a wonderful message of peace, love, light and freedom. The beautifully conveyed piece is an inspiring and festive experience for the listener.
OPEN by Jon Anderson is a powerful proclamation! Jon and Rick Wakeman, both former lead band members of the Progressive Rock group Yes are currently on tour in the United States and Canada. This is exciting news music legends Jon and Rick are performing together once again.
Jon Anderson talks about OPEN;
Forever taken to that place of understanding, are the first lyrics of ‘OPEN’, as though I am always remembering my true musical journey. To create this work, I sat with my 19th Century guitar and strummed ideas last spring 2010. Songs just poured out of me that week, and before I knew it I had created a long form musical idea, and with the help of Stefan Podell’s powerful orchestration, we put together what is now ‘OPEN.’
It has 4 movements all intertwined, and seems to have a life of its own. For those who love this kind of music, I feel so happy to present it as one of many I hope to create over the coming years. My love ‘Janee’ has helped in production with her unique musical observations and her angel voice. I am so happy and thankful. Many blessings. Jon Anderson – October 2011.
Visit jonanderson.com homepage and then check out his Concert Tour page with former Yes member Rick Wakeman. Sample or purchase Jon Anderson’s new download at iTunes. Read my interview with Jon Anderson in 2011, and my pages for Rick Wakeman & Jon Anderson. Artwork is courtesy jonanderson.com.
Jim Brickman is a popular pianist who really needs no introduction to most people, having crossed over into mainstream piano and Christmas music that is adored by millions of people. I happened to find this extra nice song video taken during his Beautiful World Christmas Special during 2009, which is available on CD or DVD.
The Beautiful World DVD is one of many Jim Brickman DVDs. I read the photography footage on the Beautiful World DVD was taken on the Peace Bridge, between the U.S. and Canadian borders at Niagara Falls. The song titled Peace (Where The Heart Is) gives a perfect example of why Jim Brickman’s piano songs are so popular.
Performing on song Peace (Where The Heart Is) are vocalists Anne Cochran and Mark Masri, with Tracy Silverman on violin. Together they give a wonderful performance on this song video, and the entire 15 song selection on the Beautiful World release.
Jim Brickman is a popular concert pianist so check the Holiday Concert schedule at his website which is billed as “A Christmas Celebration” tour.
Visit jimbrickman.com or find the Beautiful World CD/DVD at amazon.com. Photo is courtesy jimbrickman.com.
Candice Night, lead vocalist of the award winning group Blackmore’s Night, and her new solo album Reflections is drawing a lot of interest upon its release this week. The attention given to her new Reflections album is only logical since Candice Night deserves a considerable amount of admiration even before her solo stride into new musical horizons.
Reflections is a contemporary release that presents Candice in a modern day exodus from the prosperous Blackmore’s Night renaissance group she and husband Ritchie are most recognized for. Regardless, you are sure to love the pleasing contemporary tone and mood on every arrangement.
Renown for her silky vocals and striking on-stage presence, Candice Night is repeatedly compared to other popular female singers like Karen Carpenter and Stevie Nicks by those who know her best, but I can easily name one more popular artist to the list.
The music celebrity I am thinking of is Candice Night herself knowing she is an amazing singing songwriter who really needs no comparison, having already realized a highly successful identity of her own.
In another noteworthy development, Candice has a starring role as an actress in the film House of Eternity, which has a end of 2011 release date.
Candice Night’s worldwide presence as the lead singer and songwriter for Blackmore’s Night just happens to be the perfect introduction for her first solo release. In turn I am sure Reflections will advance her career to even higher acclaim by the 10 instrumental and vocal songs of crossover music in modern variations of popular, country, rock and contemporary themes you are sure to love.
The guitar backed popular tune Gone, Gone, Gone has a modern country design while Wind is Calling (Hush The Wind) is a breezy song with warm intimate vocals that are pleasing to the heart and mind. Another adorable melody is Call It Love.
The beautiful crossover song Call It Love is deeply moving, and a fine complement to her impressive capabilities as a gifted singing songwriter who is acclimated to an expanded variety of popular music arrangements. Even though gold records, prestigious music awards, television appearances and sold out Blackmore’s Night concert tours are a good way to measure the magnitude of her success to date, steadfast confirmation of her achievements can be discovered simply by listening to her sing.
This is true either with Blackmore’s Night or on her solo album Reflections, that is about as good as it gets in terms of a vocal/instrumental album.
In fact, Candice Night’s Reflections is the best contemporary vocal album I have heard this year, so it’s not hard to imagine Reflections achieving one or more category awards for “Best Vocal/Instrumental Album of the Year.” And people who know me best know I don’t say this often. As a songwriter her lyrical aptitude and point of view finds its inspirations go hand in hand with nature, and even more so on Reflections.
Candice Night reached an inspiring turning point in her life when daughter Autumn Esmerelda Blackmore was born. While her presence as lead female vocalist performing world tours with husband Ritchie Blackmore and the entire renaissance troupe are indeed admirable, this momentary departure by her solo stride and change into new music horizons gives listeners a clear panoramic view of an immensely popular artist, and her ever expanding array of talents.
Visit candicenight.com and read her history page. Purchase mp3 downloads and pre-order CDs now. Her Reflections CD is available October 11th at Amazon.com. Visit blackmoresnight.com for news and info and my pages for Blackmore’s Night. Photo and cover art are courtesy candicenight.com.
Award winning Candice Night of Blackmore’s Night has released her new solo album titled Reflections. Her presence as lead vocalist, songwriter, and wind instrumentalist who tours worldwide with husband Ritchie Blackmore, former guitarist for Deep Purple and founder of the band Rainbow, has caught the imagination of music lovers internationally.
Reflections is a contemporary new solo release with 10 instrumental songs and prominent vocals of crossover music in modern variations of popular, country, rock, contemporary themes. Often likened to other iconic female vocalists, Candice Night retains an inherently unique personality as a vocalist. The recipient of numerous gold records and prestigious awards, her lyrical propensity regularly finds inspiration with nature, and her point of view is even more apparent on Reflections.
Candice Night’s worldwide presence as the lead singer for Blackmore’s Night is the preceding creative outlet for her first solo release. This momentary departure from the renaissance themed Blackmore’s Night reveals another aspect of Candice Night, and her talent for producing popular crossover music in a contemporary theme you are sure to love.
The popular crossover music in a pleasing modern day tone is found on every arrangement. Some of the most popular songs are Gone Gone Gone, Call It Love and Hush The Wind. The third song on her release titled Black Roses is shown below in an official YouTube video.
Visit candicenight.com. You can purchase individual mp3 downloads and pre-order CDs now. Her Reflections CD is available October 11th at Amazon.com. Visit blackmoresnight.com for news and info and my pages for Blackmore’s Night. Photo is courtesy candicenight.com.
AOMusic has a beautiful World Fusion music release after their up-and-coming albums Twirl & Grow Wild which share the identical trait of being lively, world-beat music rhythms you are sure to love. To me, what makes AOMusic special, aside from the beautiful melodies, are the central performers themselves knowing every artist is a veteran music professional.
AOMusic’s new release is enthusiastically titled – and Love Rages On! If the colorful album cover and title doesn’t immediately catch your attention, the 9 brilliant songs that integrate World Fusion music with inspiring children’s choir will. Already familiar with AOMusic, I am excited to tell you all about this special group!
Richard Gannaway, Jay Oliver, and Miriam Stockly are the leading artists in AOMusic. Between the three artist’s careers, they have worked with popular music celebrities like; Sheryl Crow, The Eagles, Joe Walsh, Queen, Freddie Mercury, George Michael, Chaka Khan, Jimmy Buffett, Celine Dion, Bonnie Raitt, Tina Turner, David Arkenstone and Mike Oldfield. Believe it or not this all-star music celebrity lineup is a partial list, but it gives you a pretty good idea about the high level of quality these artists are recognized for. And there is much more!
AOMusic shares a genuine message of unity with – and Love Rages On! – It is on this release where ethnic harmonies of children’s choirs from four continents are united with superb world music rhythms and contemporary instrumentals.
Founding artist Richard Gannaway also sings vocals and plays stringed instruments. Jay Oliver performs keyboards and synthesizers. Miriam Stockley, who is a key member, sings vocals on this release after joining Richard Gannaway and Jay Oliver during the time of their second album Grow Wild which went Top 5 on Zone Music Reporter’s Top 100 airplay chart.
And Love Rages On! – is a colorful and vibrant album that will make your heart soar! AO Music takes intricate World Music rhythms and beautiful choir music to the highest level. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if AOMusic – and Love Rages On! – is the recipient of one or more “Best Album of the Year Awards for 2011” when review publicists and music sites announce their best album awards at the beginning of 2012.
You will recognize the beauty of this release even more if you are familiar with lead vocalist Miriam Stockley, who makes a grand impression on Adiemus releases. Miriam Stockley ascertains herself an amazing talent with AO Music. Other essential members in – and Love Rages On! – are Sandeep Chowta who plays Indian flute tracks, and regular contributing artists Andy Georges (strings), George Bernardo (percussion), and Doug Lunn (bass guitar).
AOMusic and its central performers contribute more than a slogan of international unity in their music, having been involved with the projects AOMUSIC 4 HAITI campaign, the global benefit Project Peace On Earth, and the Beijing Olympic Committee by composing the theme music for the 2008 Summer Olympiad.
And Love Rages On! – Genuinely support their values while beautifully communicating their “One People, One World” perspective of solidarity, which couldn’t be more appropriate given the current social issues experienced worldwide. In terms of the unifying harmonies you will hear on their release, I believe you will find enough inspiration to go around it will make the whole world sing!
The children and boys choirs featured on this release are; CRC Children’s Choir (Beijing, P.R.C.), Martve Boys’ Choir (Tbilisi, Peoples Republic of Georgia), Bishop Bavin St. George’s Children’s Choir (Johannesburg, South Africa), Bishop Bavin St. George’s Children’s Choir (Johannesburg, South Africa), Chorus of Light (Orlando, FL), and Rainbow Mountain Children’s School (Asheville, NC).
Visit the aomusic.com homepage. There is a 10% donation on all music downloads at the AOMUSIC 4 HAITI campaign. Find more on my page for AOMusic. Photos are courtesy aomusic.com.
Secret Garden enthusiasts have a new release coming called Winter Poem. For those who stay current with Secret Garden news, it was during my recent interview with Fionnuala Sherry when she gave the release date of November 7th 2011 for their new album Winter Poem.
The Winter Poem album cover has yet to be unveiled but this may be days from now knowing the release is about a month away. With Rolf Lovland and Fionnuala Sherry’s Secret Garden’s Inside I’m Singing from 2009 being their most current release, and a fine album, excitement is growing for Winter Poem when released November 7, 2011.
Fionnuala Sherry’s new solo album Songs From Before appears to be receiving a lot of attention too. This is Fionnuala’s contemporary instrumental album that is a revision on many of Ireland’s most beloved melodies which also contains some unreleased material too. Echoes Radio chose Songs From Before as Echoes Top 10 for June, CD of the Month in July, and then number 3 album in the top 25 in August at Echoes.
Secret Garden’s Eurovision Song Contest award was also a broadcast television documentary on RTE (Irish National TV) called “A Little Bit Eurovision” plus Fionnuala will be a special guest to perform live with Westlife on September 10, 2011. Westlife as you may know had won the UK Record of the Year Award on Top of the Pops with the Secret Garden song You Raise Me Up. With all of the current attention given to Secret Garden and Fionnuala Sherry, Winter Poem already sounds promising.
Visit secretgarden.no and fionnualasherry.com. Read my interview with Fionnuala Sherry. Photo is courtesy secretgarden.no.
New Age Music and popular, mainstream music by celebrity artists is becoming even more diverse these days. Many artists within the New Age genre often have additional musical influences including Popular, Progressive, Rock, Adult Alternative, Soul, Folk, Jazz and other subcategories. Likewise, many of yesterday and today’s top artists who produce popular hit music have ventured into song melodies considered far from the swift currents of mainstream music.
Tasmin Archer is a popular artist from the UK who became an international sensation back in 1992 with the release of her very first album entitled Great Expectations. Being one of my favorite artists for many years after hearing her first release, I can tell you her other albums like ON, Bloom & Shipbuilding are a variety of songs that can be viewed as popular or mainstream music, but ascertaining one specific music influence in her music becomes much more challenging. She is indeed adventurous!
Tasmin Archer’s smash hit song Sleeping Satellite from Great Expectations led to international recognition, reaching number one top album in the United Kingdom and Ireland, in addition to reaching international chart success in many countries.
The wonderful Great Expectations album with 11 songs reached number 8 in UK Albums Chart and attained gold disc status at years end. Tasmin was later bestowed another honor when she won an excellence in music BRIT award for the Best British Breakthrough Act.
Tasmin Archer has a sense of adventure on Great Expectations you will discover. Her lyrical point of view on all of her albums is straightforward, with a down to earth expression in touch with current day ecological and social issues.
The accompanying musicians are John Hughes and Robbie McIntosh on guitars. Keyboard players are John Beck and Paul Wickens. The percussionist is Charlie Morgan and Gary Maughan played a Fairlight synthesizer. Backing vocalists with Tasmin Archer are Tessa Niles and Carol Kenyon.
Shown below is the extraordinary song video called Sleeping Satellite from the Great Expectations album by Tasmin Archer.
There are plans for a new album by Tasmin Archer in 2012 which is welcomed news!
Visit TasminArcher.com to sample or purchase Great Expectations & Best of Tasmin Archer, and find additional albums on her Amazon.com page.
Cover art courtesy tasminarcher.com.
Blackmore’s Night newest release Autumn Sky is a great album I wrote a review about here at New Age Music World. During the United States portion of their 2011 concert tour their fans know and can attest to the fact of what a wonderful success this concert season has been for the band so far, with sold out venues at nearly every concert.
Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night are the Grammy Nominated, award winning musicians that make up the core essence of Blackmore’s Night and 7 member troupe who wear renaissance attire of centuries past during concerts, fairs, and festival events. Overseas concert goers will have their chance to see Blackmore’s Night later in 2011 with live concerts scheduled in Germany, Czech Republic, Finland, Russia and the UK.
Ritchie Blackmore is a legendary guitar player who has made many progressive transitions in music having been a long standing member of the iconic band Deep Purple and then founder of the band Rainbow. Candice Night is the lead vocalist and songwriter for the renaissance group whose voice and lyrical point of view is one of fascination while singing in the forefront on Blackmore’s Night albums.
Blackmore’s Night 2011 release Autumn Sky acquired the #1 position on the Billboard New Age Charts upon its debut in January, 2011, The result of their international attainment and exclusive musical focus they have engraved for themselves has acquired an enormous following in North America, South America, Europe and Japan. Their melodies have gained crossover prosperity by the enchanting lyrical vocals and fascinating instrumental music that often contains metrical structures dating back to the seventeenth century.
Autumn Sky has remained in the top 10 New Age charts at Billboard for many weeks now, and I expect this will continue since their earlier release Secret Voyage endured while on Billboard’s Top 10 Chart for a remarkable 72 weeks. Autumn Sky is an album that accentuates the elegant vocals delivered by Candice, along with ancient and modern instrumental fanfare for which this group has become famous.
Blackmore’s Night is a true winner by their consistent ability to create progressive music with every new release. Traditional instruments of keyboards, violin, woodwinds, acoustic and electric guitars are intertwined with old-world instruments like hurdy-gurdy, chanters, mandolin, vintage percussions, and woodwinds. The song Highland from Autumn Sky shown below is a wonderful high definition YouTube video that takes you front row and center stage of a Blackmore’s Night concert.
Visit blackmoresnight.com then candicenight.com for more info. Check tour dates and then our Blackmore’s Night pages. Cover art courtesy Jeff Pickett-Pickett Productions.
Charting on Billboard is a good way to measure the accomplishments of any group, but what makes Blackmore’s Night a true winner is their consistent ability to create transcending music which varies with every new album they produce. This renaissance inspired band which transports progressive music into contemporary times is a model for success, past, present and future.
Picture yourself as a singer on stage in front of a large crowd of people with all eyes upon you. Now, even if you are well accustomed to performing on stage, and are within your comfort zone in front of an audience and do well, keeping audiences entertained year after year is of course a completely different story. To survive and remain a long-term success, everything is dependent on your abilities as a vocalist and the quality of the lyrical message you wish to deliver.
Jon Anderson, former lead vocalist and lyrical messenger for the group Yes, is while I write this review, standing on a stage entertaining audiences during tour venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which is in support of his concept album – Survival & Other Stories. What I find most impressive about Jon Anderson is the fact he has been not only capturing, but keeping a firm grip on audiences with his music for the past 5 decades, and so it goes without saying that Jon Anderson is a wonderfully gifted vocalist with a exciting message people truly want to hear over and over again.
It was during my recent 2011 interview with Jon Anderson where he specified that while on stage, concert goers would hear original Yes songs, along with Jon & Vangelis songs. In addition he articulates the biographical aspects about his life to an audience, what the songs mean and how they were created, along with singing songs from his newest release – Survival & Other Stories. Jon also acknowledged the importance his fans are to him, which are of course the lifeblood for any artist.
Jon Anderson is a music superstar, even to those other than his most loyal fans who regard him as one of the greatest music icons past and present. While true he is best known as the former lead singer and key lyricist of the Progressive Rock band Yes, his prolific solo music career continues to be as positive and significant today as it was years ago, when people like myself were buying his vinyl records!
Jon Anderson’s influence and starring role in music over five decades is legendary, and one can say Jon’s divine voice and lyrical message is clearly unforgettable. Presently, it is estimated over 38 million records were sold during his years as the dynamic lead vocalist with Yes, and his successful solo career to date. Even today people are discovering the earlier works from Yes, in addition to his numerous collaborations with other top artists, and personalized solo projects.
Survival & Other Stories is a concept album Jon created after he nearly perished from a serious illness. The silver lining began after his recovery when this unique project began to take shape. During this time period, Jon published a message on his website inviting artists to submit their music for this new endeavor.
When musicians from all corners of the world turned in their ethnic music over the internet the substance of something beautiful was born. Jon then mixed, composed, and co-produced with wife Jane Anderson the first of three concept albums, Survival & Other Stories which has a collection of 11 songs with wonderful orchestrations unified with Jon’s heartfelt vocal energies clearly articulated both musically and lyrically as optimistic and positive.
The first song New New World which opens with bold drum cadence, snare taps, and dancing strings makes a clear distinction this release is like no other yet his lyrical propensity and alto tenor range vocals reassure the listener this release will be just as impressive as the melodies he released decades ago. Unbroken Sprit is a moving piece with a light percussion backed melody, while Love Of The Life & Big Buddha Song touch upon politics and religion with spirited instrumentals backing verses of inspiration.
The blend of harmonic ethnicities continues in the moderately arranged melodies Understanding Truth, Effortlessly, Love And Understanding & Sharpening The Sword. All songs are identifiable in a sense by vocal recognition, yet each has a varying metrical rhythm and unique melody which gives every song a singular timbre and atmosphere. Gentle introspective moments are prevalent qualities in the more serene songs Incoming, Just One Man & Cloudz.
Jon Anderson without a doubt has a wonderful story to share, and in the auditory sense, his new release has a personalized point of view that comes across as musical magic. And while many artists have abandoned their music careers or quietly faded away by stepping off and never returning to the stage, Jon Anderson has clearly reached the expert level while entertaining his audiences onstage and in the studio. As it turns out, 2011 now appears to be an exciting year for everyone.
On the 10 page CD cover booklet are all song lyrics and a memoir style narrative from Jon. The global musicians listed on specific songs are; Jamie Dunlap, Peter Kiel, Jann Castor, Dan Spollen, Kevin Shima, Stefan Poddell, Steve Layton, Jeremy Cubert, Christophe Lebled, Ryan Fraley, Daniel Reinker, and Paul Quinn.
Visit jonanderson.com for music news and concert info. Survival & Other Stories can be pre-ordered from Gonzo Multimedia and Amazon.com prior to June 6 release date. Read our 2011 interview article on our pages dedicated to Jon Anderson.
Concert photo courtesy jonanderson.com. Big Stock Photo – dws.
Jon Anderson of Yes fame is the top music celebrity we are pleased to present here at NewAgeMusicWorld.com & NewAgeMusic.nu. With a successful music career spanning five decades, John Anderson’s presence as a vocalist and instrumentalist has made an admirable impression on millions of people over the course of many years as a musician.
This can be said regarding his lengthy tenure as lead singer for the Progressive Rock band Yes, during his numerous collaborations with other celebrated artists, and while performing throughout the years as a popular solo artist.
Jon Anderson’s influence and starring role in music over five decades is legendary. It is estimated over 38 million records were sold during his years as the dynamic lead vocalist with Yes, and throughout his successful solo career.
Today, Jon Anderson is preparing for his North American concert tour in support of his new CD release; Survival & Other Stories.
Knowing Jon Anderson’s significant influence in music it is our privilege to present this interview so that everyone can find out more about a fascinating artist with a long and enduring music legacy.
Review publicist John Olsen recently had the opportunity to interview the personable Jon Anderson prior to his tour in 2011. We are pleased to present their conversation to Jon’s fans and our site visitors.
Jon Anderson interview April 2011:
John P. Olsen: Thank You for agreeing to this interview on short notice Jon. We realize our interview request arrives at a time interval just days prior to your opening concert, so we do appreciate your enthusiasm for this interview, and your willingness to take time out of your schedule for us.
You are beginning your concert tour publicized as “An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson.” Would you like to give some insight to concert goers about the atmosphere and variety of music they will experience during an evening with Jon Anderson?
Jon Anderson: Well, it’s really like being in my ‘front room’. I’m singing Yes songs as I originally wrote them, singing ‘Jon and Vangelis’ songs, telling stories, how songs came together, the meaning behind the songs, talking about my life so far, and doing new songs from my new album.
JP Olsen: Your new release Survival & Other Stories is due to be released April 2011. Can you provide some details about your new release, and how Survival & Other Stories varies from other albums you have produced?
Jon Anderson: This album is #1 of 3 albums I will release over the next 2 years. I put an ad on my website saying ‘musicians wanted’… I was finding it hard to get the guys in Yes interested in using the Internet to write songs, I put the ad out there, I got so many people sending me their musical ideas, it was like this musical ‘door’ had opened, and I found myself writing so many great ideas, with some very talented peeps…. I still do this every week. Music is endless.
JP Olsen: You have collaborated with other celebrated musicians like yourself, including Vangelis, Kitaro, Rick Wakeman, Mike Oldfield and a host of other talents. Every artist has their own strengths, along with their individual viewpoint about an album production, so when collaborating with other musicians, how does a “meeting of minds” customarily transpire during album composition and production?
Jon Anderson: It’s very simple really, it has to be Fun, an element of Trust and a feeling of Adventure, I sing melodies and find lyrics to the music I hear, it’s a very instant thing, and if it’s working great, we tend to trust ourselves, and let the music take us on the journey.
JP Olsen: Recently you teamed up with Mike Oldfield for a Kanye West sample track titled Dark Fantasy, which topped the Billboard chart as the #1 album in the country. In addition you just produced a great album with colleague and Yes member Rick Wakeman titled The Living Tree. Do you find teaming up with other esteemed musicians just as rewarding as your solo projects?
Jon Anderson: I feel thankful to have these connections, they don’t come all the time, they are rewarding on so many levels. I’m singing on Jonathan Elias’s new ‘Prayer Cycle’ along with Sting and others, released June 1st, that song I sang was right in the middle of my illness in 2008, it was such a gift to sing with that music, very inspiring.
JP Olsen: To me and many others, the voice of Jon Anderson is one of the easiest to identify in an ocean of vocalists. Did you have professional vocal instruction, and what point in your life did you choose to pursue music as a career?
Jon Anderson: No, I just sang since I was a kid, sang as I went to school, sang when I worked on the farm, and just kept singing about the joys of life.
JP Olsen: Early in your career you were leader of Yes, a phenomenal and popular Rock group, yet you also produced music in less mainstream genres, including New Age and Contemporary Christian music. What is the reason you performed in respected but less mainstream music?
What 2011 concert goers can expect to hear during “An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson” – Well, it’s really like being in my ‘front room’. I’m singing Yes songs as I originally wrote them, singing ‘Jon and Vangelis’ songs, telling stories, how songs came together, the meaning behind the songs, talking about my life so far, and doing new songs from my new album. Jon Anderson
Jon Anderson: Music takes on your Sacred Journey, I have a deep belief that we are changing for the better again, and music can be a sign post to what is happening around the world, people all over the world ‘love’ music, so why not enjoy being a part of the ‘new age’….
JP Olsen: You wrote the song lyrics during your tenure in Yes, and likewise during your solo career. Your lyrical phrasing is beautifully expressive, and positive in nature. Do you have a lyrical theme or message you want to convey to your audience?
Jon Anderson: Like most people I am seeking for Truth to Life, and singing about this helps me, I live to understand the great mystery, and how we are part of Mother Earth, and ‘why’…. so lyrics dance around me every day, I do feel honored to be a musician.
JP Olsen: During the early Yes years some music critics downplayed the influence Yes was achieving as a music act. I believe it would be accurate to say many people didn’t realize at the time that Jon Anderson, and a handful of others, were essentially inventing a music genre we identify today as Progressive Rock. Did you and other band members recognize at the time you were making such a profound impact in the music scene?
Jon Anderson: We hoped that Yes Music would stand the test of time, and it seems to have done, but 40 years, wow!! I meet so many young people who have just bought ‘Close to the Edge’, they find out how exciting the music is, and they will go on the same musical journey as I did, it’s amazing to realize this.
JP Olsen: Your contribution as lead vocalist was an important factor, but why do you believe Yes as a Progressive Rock group so successful?
Jon Anderson: I worked hard within the Yes band as the musical director of sorts. I was surrounded by so much talent, I would come up with plans for the music, sing ideas constantly, and the Music we created is unique. I never dreamed it could become so wonderful, I kept on coming up with ideas, and Yes Music will last forever, Weeeeeee!
Jon’s reply on the major influence Jon Anderson and progressive rock group Yes had in music; We hoped that Yes Music would stand the test of time, and it seems to have done, but 40 years, wow!! I meet so many young people who have just bought ‘Close to the Edge’, they find out how exciting the music is, and they will go on the same musical journey as I did, it’s amazing to realize this. Jon Anderson
JP Olsen: You have been a very successful vocalist and instrumentalist practically your whole life. Do you believe your life achievements are due to your musical talents, hard work, a combination of both, or do you believe in destiny?
Jon Anderson: Practice, Practice. Well I just have fun playing every day, I sing every day, think about the ‘great work’ to be done, as for destiny, hummm, not sure what that means, I believe that I will be part of a great Awakening.
JP Olsen: What do you feel is your greatest achievement or most rewarding experience to date Jon?
Jon Anderson: Still being around, feeling valid in this world music scene, not getting carried away with fame. Singing with the school of rock and youth orchestras, and I enjoying being around ‘young’ musicians while helping to create some very good and interesting music to date.
JP Olsen: Earlier I read on your Facebook page you rarely do endorsements for advocacy groups but are involved with 600million.org, a non-profit organization created by the co-founder of PETA, Alex Pacheco. Would you like to tell us about your contribution and charitable endorsement for the animal protection advocacy group 600million.org?
Jon Anderson: My youngest Daughter Jade introduced me to the project earlier this year. I was really sad about the plight of our fellow creatures, dogs are truly man’s best friend, and they can be so healing and funny to be around, so to see so many millions in distress, made me want to help in any way I could, so I made a short video to help.
JP Olsen: Thank You again for spending time with us by way of our interview Jon. We look forward to the day when we can follow-up by another interview together. In closing, do you have anything you would like to express to the people who will be attending a concert this year, or the many fans that have supported you throughout your career?
Jon Anderson: Have fun!!! And thanks for all the support, and enjoyment I have at the concerts I do, I cannot thank you enough…. Cheers!!!
Again everyone, Jon Anderson is beginning his 2011 North American concert tour billed as “An Evening With Jon Anderson.” We wish Jon and every concert goer an enjoyable evening together during a live concert event that is sure to be memorable.
Visit the jonanderson.com homepage for news and concert tour information. Read our pages dedicated to Jon Anderson.
Concert photos courtesy Robin Kauffman & jonanderson.com.
Music legend Jon Anderson has a new CD – Survival & Other Stories, due to be released in April 2011. Knowing Anderson’s significant influence on progressive music covering a variety of popular genres, the new Survival & Other Stories CD promises to be a hot item that will create a lot of excitement for a diverse buying public, which will no doubt include a multitude of devoted Yes fans!
Currently Jon is making preparations for a North America concert tour portrayed as “An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson.”
Jon Anderson is a music celebrity whose tenure as the lead vocalist in Yes, along with his innovative solo music career have placed him in center stage prominence, but Jon has also teamed up with other superstars Vangelis, Kitaro, Rick Wakeman and Mike Oldfield. Plus, the long list of popular music artists he has performed with during a career spanning five decades is truly impressive.
In a televised HDNet Concert Series program, he shared the stage with the 112 member Cleveland Contemporary Youth Orchestra, and 60 member student chorus. During the live performance, hit songs from Yes and Jon & Vangelis included Owner of a Lonely Heart, I’ve Seen All Good People, Round About & I’ll Find My Way Home.
Survival & Other Stories is said to portray a personal message of inspiration, with down to earth themes regarding love, life, understanding, healing and survival. If you are as familiar with Jon Anderson as I am, then you know this album description does indicate another positive and progressive transition in his music!
Billy James of Glass Onyon PR, in charge of this promotion recently informed me a CD copy of Survival and Other Stories will be sent to me, so look for my review in the near future. There is also a good chance I will have an opportunity to present to our visitors an in-depth musician interview with Jon Anderson, so do come back often to visit New Age Music World. You can count on this website to present much more about the rare eclectic voice of Yes – Jon Anderson. Below is a video clip from the televised live HDNet Concert Series program.
Visit jonanderson.com for news and tour info. Follow Jon on FaceBook & Twitter. Then read our pages dedicated to Jon Anderson. Photos courtesy jonanderson.com.
Music legend Jon Anderson of Yes fame, has just announced concert dates in his 2011 concert tour in North America, beginning April 23rd, 2011 at Somerville Theatre in Somerville, Massachusetts. This is your chance to hear a true music legend!
Publicized as “An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson,” the 2011 concert tour is comprised of many U.S. cities, along with several concert venues in Canada and Mexico. This tour in support of his new CD release – Survival and Other Stories, is sure to be an extraordinary event for every person in attendance!
The 2011 Spring tour “An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson” will showcase an exciting mixture of cultural material from Jon Anderson’s prolific solo career, collaborations with Vangelis and classic Yes songs, along with new compositions from his soon to be released CD, Survival and Other Stories.
Jon’s new CD release is said to have a positive message of inspiration, with basic down to earth themes regarding love, life, understanding, healing and survival.
To me, it sounds like a personal message of inspiration you will want to hear for yourself! Below is your need to know concert tour information.
Visit jonanderson.com for music news and more tour info. You can follow Jon on his FaceBook & Twitter pages. Photos and tour info courtesy jonanderson.com.
An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson 2011 Concert Tour dates;
4/23/2011 – Somerville Theatre – Somerville, MA
4/26/2011 – Havana New Hope – New Hope, PA
4/28/2011 – Infinity Hall – Norfolk, CT
4/30/2011 – B.B. Kings Blues Club & Grill – New York, NY
5/02/2011 – Musikfest Cafe ArtsQuest Center at Steel Slacks – Bethlehem, PA
5/04/2011 – Theatre of Living Arts – Philadelphia, PA
5/06/2011 – Princeton University – McCarter Theatre – Princeton, NJ
5/07/2011 – New Jersey Performing Arts Center – Victoria Theatre – Newark, NJ
5/09/2011 – Rams Head On Stage – Annapolis, MD
5/11/2011 – Rams Head On Stage – Annapolis, MD
5/13/2011 – The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performing Center – Plymouth, NH
5/15/2011 – Bates College Olin Arts Center – Concert Hall – Lewiston, ME
5/18/2011 – Tupelo Music Hall – Londonderry, NH
5/19/2011 – Tupelo Music Hall – Londonderry, NH
5/21/2011 – Woodstock Town Hall Theatre – Woodstock, VT
5/25/2011 – Ellsworth Grand Auditorium – Ellsworth , ME
7/09/2011 – 07/10/2011 – Vancouver Island MusicFest Exhibition Grounds – Courtenay BC, Canada
7/12/2011 – The Triple Door – Seattle, WA
8/05/2011 – The Arcada Theatre – St. Charles, IL
8/07/2011 – Festival of Friends – Jerseyville, ON Canada
11/25/2011 – Riviera Maya Festival Mamita’s Beach Club – Playa Del Carmen Q. Roo, Mexico
Asher Quinn is a singer songwriter from the United Kingdom who has devoted much of his adult life to writing music, and what passionate music he has created while securing a significant position in the genre! His Love Theme Ballads, Folk Melodies and Contemporary Instrumentals, united with romantic and poetic lyrics, placed him in a unique class in the field of New Age music years ago, just as his more Mainstream Progressive Ballads and Spiritual Love Songs continue to inspire today.
Falling Through Time is the 2011 release which reintroduce his unique abilities as a splendid lyrical songwriter and vocalist without rival. Possessing the heart and mind of a true poet, Asher assimilates his rare abilities and divine lyrical aptitude directly into his melodic love songs, which often exemplify a spiritual atmosphere. To me, his lyrical ballads of praise and adoration, for which he has become famous, are highly prized by their gentle and forthright emotive charm.
Asher Quinn, who released his first New Age chart-topping album Open Secret back in 1987, followed with other chart-topping releases Mystic Heart, Wings of Fire & Concert of Angels, under the name first of Denis Quinn, and then Asha. Some of his compositions have been used in film soundtracks, and with over half a million album sales to his credit, Asher Quinn continues to be a popular and incomparable one of a kind artist in the New Age music genre.
Falling Through Time features 9 original compositions, 6 traditional ballads and a cover version of This little bird first made famous by Marianne Faithfull, and was recorded and co-produced with sound engineer Shaun Britton at his studio in Fareham, Hampshire, UK. On this album, Asher delivers lead vocals and contributing artists include Kristian Biddiss on lead and Spanish guitars, along with supporting female vocalists Jaba and Jimena Larraguivel.
Asher Quinn’s music is released on his new independent Singing Stone Music record label. In addition, song lyrics for the CD album are printed in a handsome cover booklet, plus lyrics for every release by Asher Quinn are available on his website lyrics page. Two of my personal favorite songs from Asher are Free Yourself & Love’s Philosophy.
While love songs and folk ballads have been a source of creative inspiration for popular musicians in a variety of genres, this is a rarity concerning artists within the New Age music category. In every respect, Asher Quinn’s newest album continues his enduring legacy for producing top quality music in a wide variety of styles, which brings forth a newfound sense of admiration for his compositions you will indeed find glorious and inspiring.
Visit asherquinn.co.uk to sample / purchase or at his CDBaby.com page. Then visit his official YouTube Channel for music videos, and our page dedicated to Asher Quinn.
Cover artwork courtesy Emoke Labancz – emokelabancz.com.
Blackmore’s Night newest release called Autumn Sky is a #1 Billboard Charting album off to a very strong start, especially when you consider Autumn Sky acquired the #1 position on the Billboard New Age Charts upon its debut in January, 2011. This legendary renaissance inspired New Age and Folk Rock touring band has a long history for producing top of the chart and award winning instrumental melodies over the course of many years, and there is no end in sight.
Ritchie Blackmore & Candice Night are the Grammy Nominated, award winning musicians that make up the core essence of Blackmore’s Night and 7 member troupe on Autumn Sky, who wear renaissance attire of centuries past while performing at concerts, fairs, and festival events.
Ritchie Blackmore is a legendary guitar player who has made progressive transitions in music having been a long standing band member of Deep Purple and then founder of the band Rainbow. Candice Night is an instrumentalist and the group’s songwriter, whose voice and lyrical point of view is one of enchantment while singing in the forefront on Blackmore’s Night albums.
Blackmore’s Night 2011 release Autumn Sky greatly accentuates these elegant vocals delivered by Candice, along with ancient and modern instrumental fanfare for which they are famous. Here you will find more traditional instruments of keyboards, violin, woodwinds, acoustic and electric guitars are melded with old-world instruments like hurdy-gurdy, chanters, mandolin, vintage percussions, and woodwinds.
The international success for Blackmore’s Night is not a fairy tale. The exclusive musical focus they have engraved for themselves has resulted in an enormous following in North America, South America, Europe and Japan. Their melodies have gained crossover prosperity by the enchanting lyrical vocals and fascinating instrumental music that often contains metrical structures dating back to the seventeenth century.
Blackmore’s Night prior album Secret Voyage is another recent achievement, likewise debuting at #1 on the Billboard New Age Chart where it remained for four consecutive weeks. In addition Secret Voyage continued to remain on Billboard’s Top 10 Chart for a remarkable 72 weeks. Secret Voyage is another great album with a more mystical feel. The song Rainbow Eyes, which is one of my all-time favorites, is an excellent version of an earlier cover song from the band Rainbow.
Charting on Billboard is a good way to measure the accomplishments of any group, but what makes Blackmore’s Night a true winner is their consistent ability to create transcending music which varies with every album they produce. This renaissance inspired band which transports progressive music into contemporary times is a model for success. Past, present and future.
Blackmore’s Night touring band consists of Ritchie Blackmore, Candice Night, Bard David of Larchmont, Gypsy Rose, Earl Grey of Chimay, Squire Malcolm of Lumley and Albert Danneman. Note; The Blackmore’s Night album Autumn Sky has been listed in the top 10 on Billboard’s New Age chart for the past 8 consecutive weeks.
Visit blackmoresnight.com to sample / purchase or visit their Amazon.com page. Check the latest news and tour dates and then visit candicenight.com for more info regarding this award winning group of musicians.
Cover art courtesy Jeff Pickett-Pickett Productions.
Asher Quinn is a singer songwriter from the United Kingdom who has devoted much of his adult life to writing music, and what beautiful music he has created while securing a significant position in the genre! This composer released his first New Age chart-topping album Open Secret way back in 1987, and followed it with other chart-topping releases Mystic Heart, Wings of Fire and Concert of Angels, under the name first of Denis Quinn, and then Asha.
His Love Theme Ballads, Folk Melodies and Contemporary Instrumentals, combined with romantic, spiritual and poetic lyrics, placed him in a rather unique class in the field of New Age music years ago, just as his more Mainstream Progressive Ballads and Spiritual Love Songs continue to inspire today.
Falling Through Time is the 2011 release for Asher Quinn ( Asha ), and I have previewed the 70-minute album, featuring 16 songs which positively reaffirm his early unique abilities as an outstanding songwriter and vocalist.
Right now, Asher’s 16-album catalogue, including some vintage compilations, is available on his newly launched independent Singing Stone Music record label, although formerly both he and Medwyn Goodall were signed to New World Music for well over a decade, and Medwyn has produced some Asher tracks over the years although not for Medwyn’s MGMusic label.
With over half a million album sales to his credit, Asher continues to be a popular one of a kind musician in the New Age genre, whether he records as Asha, Denis Quinn or Asher Quinn. Falling Through Time features 9 original compositions, 6 traditional ballads and a cover version of This little bird first made famous by Marianne Faithfull, and was recorded and co-produced with sound engineer Shaun Britton at his studio in Fareham, Hampshire, UK. It features Kristian Biddiss on lead and Spanish guitars, and female vocalists Jaba and Jimena Larraguivel. The song lyrics for this and every Asher Quinn song are readily available on his website lyrics page.
Visit asherquinn.co.uk to sample / purchase or visit his CDBaby.com page. Visit his official YouTube channel for more videos featuring the music of Asher Quinn. Below is the song video Visions from the Falling Through Time release.
Asher Quinn is an artist with a long and enduring legacy for producing top quality music in a wide variety of styles over the years. You will quickly discover his divine lyrical vocals, which, when unified with exemplary musical artisans, brings forth a glorious and inspiring sense of admiration for his music.
Chances are everyone reading my pre-release Truth Of Touch album review today is well acquainted with the man we identify simply as Yanni, and if you are like most people you can vividly recall the very first time you viewed a televised Yanni concert. Now, can’t you just remember the exhilaration of watching this charismatic gentleman touch the lives of people of all nationalities with his music?
Truth Of Touch is truly a passionate reflection of what Yanni does best which is create a personal interaction with an audience through his extraordinary music abilities. And just like those powerful memories of yesteryear as many of you may remember, the close societal bond is shared in contemporary times by virtue of his magnificent studio version of 15 songs with an over hour long symphony of refined harmony.
Truth Of Touch is a Contemporary Instrumental & Electronic arrangement likewise creating a genuine fascination for a multitude of people by being an original composition and direct expression from Yanni himself. This enthusiasm is not surprising since his last original arrangement Ethnicity from 2003 is an excellent and successful album.
It may explain why Truth Of Touch is highly anticipated among his enthusiastic fan base, along with a vast multitude of people who consistently search for outstanding music that greatly surpasses the everyday ordinary.
Yanni is conceivably the greatest influential musician of our time. While his exceptional abilities as a gifted composer and keyboardist by themselves are a valid testament to his universal appeal, when you factor in the remarkable musicians and vocalists by his side and personal “One World, One People“ vision, the collective inspiration pay tribute to a universal and heartfelt music experience.
Yanni Live at the Acropolis began his historic rise to stardom and likely the first time you witnessed his grand entrance onto the world stage since 500 million people from 65 countries have viewed this top fundraising program for PBS. The album sold 7 million copies worldwide and the music video sold over 1 million copies to become a top selling music video, second only to the Thriller Video by the late Michael Jackson.
If you regularly watch the Olympic Games then you know his music scores are presented during international television broadcasts of the Olympic Games since 1988. He has 35 platinum and gold albums and received 2 GRAMMY® Nominations in the Best New Age Album category, for In My Time and then Dare to Dream. Perhaps of greater importance to Yanni himself are his fans, since after a temporary departure Yanni made a celebrated return to concert tours and producing music due in part to the personal letters from his dedicated fan base requesting encore performances.
In fact his global presence has remained strong following the earlier days where over 2 million people in over 20 countries attended a Yanni concert, some of which were held in culturally significant locations like the Tribute Concert venues held at the Taj Mahal in India and The Forbidden City in China, where viewership reached a television audience of 250 million people.
Truth Of Touch can be defined by the contemporary instrumental, electronic and cinematic influences, but what makes this new release special like earlier albums are a wide array of influences, crossing over into popular, new age and world music domains too. Truth Of Touch ( Title Song ) begins a memorable introduction to a lavish cascade of midrange keyboard and string sequences set in time to energetic orchestration crescendos and intense timpani drum beats, giving you your first positive affirmation this is indeed an authentic composition from Yanni. The boldly decisive first song is satisfying to the senses by the majestic intonation, and this is true again regarding the reverberation keyboard melody united with higher octave twinkling notes heard in Echo Of A Dream.
Seasons has a lighter keyboard sequence at the onset, changing in dramatic fashion during every refrain by articulated electronics, strings and xylophone notes. Backed by rhythmic heartbeat percussion, Seasons progresses into a heartening song of inspiration. Voyage is a fine excursion reaching epic qualities at times where the lighter prelude is forerunner to a spectacular sound adventure created by strings and woodwind orchestration. Suspended by steady percussion beats, the full instrumentation creates a wonderful sensation of depth.
The World ethnicity percussion rhythms and accents with ever changing intervals of harp and cello create a beautiful tribal effect in Flash Of Color, and true again by the voice of a child set in instrumental counter time during I’m So. Pronounced orchestra and percussion rhythms are a bold source of vibrant energy presented in the upbeat melodic theme of Vertigo. The vocal melodies on Can’t Wait and Secret are definitively two of the more serene songs on the album. Elegant and passionate, the soprano vocalist delivers her romantic lyrics in a graceful emotive voice which is certain to be a popular collection of contemporary songs for many people.
O Luce Che Brilla Nell’Oscurita is exquisitely imaginative given the theatrical piano, light choir and opera concerto in a harmonious adaptation where the tenor vocalist proclaims his warm and moving declaration of sentiment direct from the heart.
Long Way Home has an air of sophistication yet the vigorous piano melody has a peaceful atmosphere at times too, changing from light to more dynamic expressions along the way. Mist Of A Kiss reveals intricate percussion rhythms having a steadfast effect in the timing of piano chord phrasing, like the piano and percussion cadence heard in the song Nine. Yanni & Arturo begins with a light trumpet and piano prelude while transitioning into exuberant poetry in motion when glorious soprano vocals and intricate percussion rhythms set the progressive tempo for an improvisational style trumpet solo during which the highest octave notes are reached then extended with astounding precision and clarity.
Truth Of Touch is a studio composition of pure refinement, giving one a beautiful impression exactly like the inspiring concert recollections of yesteryear. The prodigious caliber of musicians Yanni enlists for his projects is boldly demonstrated on what I feel is his greatest instrumental music composition yet. Perhaps you can tell by now his newest release made me reflect on the personal exhilaration I first felt upon my introduction to his music, and it did inspire me today. With that said, I am certain you too will find the qualities in Truth Of Touch are genuine, unforgettable and yes, simply Yanni!
Visit Yanni.com and truthoftouch.com to sample or purchase and then read the latest news and concert tour dates for 2011. For pre-release Truth Of Touch album orders and for gift items visit the Yanni Store and read my pages dedicated to Yanni. Photo copyright – courtesy yanni.com. Big Stock Photo copyrights Acropolis – sborisov and Taj Mahal – pius99.
Seay is a popular artist with a pretty ornate version of the song All Around The World from her A Winter Blessing album. This video makes an inspiring statement while we celebrate the universal message of peace during the Christmas season.
New Age Music World would like to thank everyone for visiting this year. We wish everyone a WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS. Visit seayonline.com.
Enigma MMX (The Social Song) project release by Michael Cretu.
For fans of the musical project Enigma it turned out to be the ultimate social media event when fans were selected a produced the Enigma MMX (The Social Song) to celebrate the 20 year anniversary of Enigma project founder Michael Cretu.
It was over a 3 month period a single song project for fans was made by fans selected to create the social music video directed by Aristides Moreno and additional designated contributors Alise Ketnere (Fox Lima), Jose Luis Lopez Guillen and Jon Behari.
There is no doubt the Enigma MMX (The Social Song) was a beautiful collaboration with Enigma’s Michael Cretu and fans from all across the world. For anyone who hasn’t heard, below is the official video of the collaboration with fans and Michael Cretu. This innovative social media project was without a doubt a special media event!
Visit EnigmaSpace.com for current news and information.
The Christmas shopping season is here and many people are shopping for the perfect gift. I recently wrote an album review about a solo piano Christmas album by a top new age artist so let me tell you about another fine Christmas album by vocalist Cadence Spalding, a respected new age vocalist and music producer.
Holiday High by Cadence Spalding is a natural beauty by the traditional songs on this seasonal album. The angelic vocals by Cadence blends into a beautiful interpretation for each song, including innovative mixing and layering that sets this Christmas album apart from so many other releases.
Holiday High is a traditional Christmas album displaying the serene qualities and the voice of a respected new age vocalist Cadence Spalding. This new age electronic and vocal album is a joyful holiday album I can recommend for all listeners.
If you are searching for a great gift for someone Holiday High is a wonderful family oriented edition designed for traditionalist and new age music fans alike.
Visit CadenceSongs.com and sample or purchase Holiday High at Amazon.com. Another great release is Cadence Spalding’s new age vocal album titled Save The World. Album cover courtesy cadencesongs.com.
If you look close enough you can find beauty in all music genres. With some you have to look a little closer than others, but within every genre beautiful music does reside, regardless of your initial impression or what you first hear on the surface.
Likewise, many of our most popular genres greatly influence the atmosphere, tones, and rhythms of New Age subgenres to help create a perfect balance in modern music by becoming a liberating escape from more traditional forms of Ambient music.
Balligomingo is one artist title where Contemporary Instrumental, Alternative, and Ambient, reveals an effervescent intermingling with New Age. The album producers Garrett Schwarz on guitar and Vic Levak on keyboard, along with lead vocalist and songwriter Jody Quine, have enlisted guest vocalist Rebecca Ramone on several songs, to create a sensational new vision and exciting unification in ambience you are sure to find enticing.
Under An Endless Sky is the 2010 release by Balligomino via the Chrysalis Music Group. This current follow up to their critically lauded 2002, BMG / Windham Hill debut album, Beneath the Surface, is another album I was already familiar with years ago and still enjoy today.
The multinational band membership is based in Canada and the United States, so distances for members are miles apart and uniquely independent since each performer electronically relayed their unhurried contribution to the album’s construction, verses a studio mix. This approach has noticeably led to a uniform performance of quality from each member, with appreciable care given on each individual musical contribution.
Balligomingo is one artist title where Contemporary Instrumental, Alternative, and Ambient, reveals an effervescent intermingling with New Age. Their enchanting escape incorporates attractive female vocals, acoustic guitar melodies, and percussion structures that elevate beautiful yet non conforming ambient rhythms. Rhythms you will find fresh and energizing.
Under An Endless Sky features 12 songs with modern up tempo rhythms and pleasing vocals that easily provide a timely retreat from more traditional New Age renditions, and most importantly, Balligomingo consistently produces beautiful songs New Age and Contemporary Instrumental fans will easily embrace.
Showing a casual atmosphere with every song on the album, Spinning stands out as a modern representation, where guitar and keyboard ensure the surface reflections of light and color while backing alluring vocals contrasting the imagery of the mood with dreamy idealistic lyrics about endless possibilities. I Just Tell Myself is an appealing and melodic song that outlines an intimate picture by the rose colored lyrics and resonating guitar rhythms with strong keyboard chords during refrains, like the deep synthesizer posturing in A Beautiful Day.
Under An Endless Sky ( Title Song ) Letting Go & New World rely on light and passionate vocals with nicely balanced instrumentals to nurture moderate tempos showing a partisan likeness towards the overall glowing attributes one will experience throughout this entire album. Over You illustrates a soulful groove rhythm by acoustic guitar that is soon personified by vocalized countermoves defining the relationship intimacy by lyrical viewpoint, while Goodbye retraces more progressive styled guitar runs.
Sunshine In Rain is a motivating up-tempo song with percussion making the early moves leading into strong guitar chords taking the song in an enthusiastic direction. Passionate vocals show a harmonic likeness to bright sunshine throughout the song verses, before keyboards ambient chords become the fading clouds while closing out the song.
Balligomingo relies much on enthralling and quality rich vocalists to display their picturesque musical surface, with deeper ambient imagery from instrumental and percussion displaying the pleasing atmospheric rhythms that brings everything together.
You might have noticed Balligomingo has a pretty album cover, but rest assured that the attraction does reside within the packaging. There you will encounter the true attributes of Under An Endless Sky, along with this striking Canadian and American group that also stands out as a natural beauty.
Additional writers on this album include, Michelle Lewis and Patrick Upton Jr. Additional acoustic guitar and piano include, Jerry Sintich, Geraldo Dominelli, and Zirque Bonner.
Visit balligomingo.com to sample / purchase then find out more about their performance tours, and their biography page.