Saturday, June 30, 2018

Top 25 Albums for May 2018

TM LM PKArtist Name Album Title
1 -1 Jeff Johnson & Brian Dunning Eirlandia 
2 - 2 Kevin WoodEternal
3 - 3Loreena McKennitt Lost Souls
4 18 4Neil Patton Solitaire 
5 - 5 Aureliaslight  Seasons
6 - 6Lia ScallonSong of the Sidhe
7 9 7Symphonex OrchestraMusic That Tells A Story
8 - 8Richard NollPeaceful Being
9 - 9 Richard Ross Laughing Moon
10 17 10Richard Dillon Terra Incognito 
11 - 11 Jon DurantParting Is
12 - 12 Jill HaleyThe Waters of Glacier
1322 Michael Kollwitz Serenity II
14 3 3 Joseph L Young Every Moment
15 4 4Nitish Kulkarni Listen. 
16 1616 Vicente AvellaRising
17 19 17 Mark DunnMelodic Voyage
18 - 18 Loren EvartsHome Again
19 - 19 Rhonda Mackert Time Not Forgotten
202020 Dan Kennedy Mountains Made of Shadow,
Anthems Made of Light
21 10 10 Pamela Whitman & Richard KurtzAncient Vision
22 8 8 Terry Lee Nichols & Rebekah Eden We Have Only Come to Dream
23 -23Peter Calandra Piano Improvisations, Vol. 1
24 1 1 Nouveau Papillon Enchantment Blooms
25 4 4Michael Whalen  Kiss the Quiet 

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Album Review: Tranquility by Ambiscend

Ambiscend is the recording alias of Texas-based electronic music composer, Darren Rogers, who’s previously released several albums ranging from ambient-space to healing new age. Comprised of five compositions spanning approximately eight to ten minutes each, Darren’s latest album, entitled Tranquility, occupies a serene sweet-spot between the two styles, as subtly melodic synthesized textures are enhanced throughout by field recordings of ocean waves and nocturnal forest environments.

The album opens with the aptly-named and beautiful piece, “Time of Tranquility”, which is characterized by subtle major-key transitions comprised of metallic shimmers that seemingly evoke a blue sky streaked by cirrostratus clouds. Spanning a little under ten minutes, the composition is slightly reminiscent of the music of Deuter or Liquid Mind, as accompanying sounds of glassy chimes and singing birds enhance its lulling atmospheric tranquility. “Floating Enchantment” follows along a similar path with slowly-shifting synthesized tones, although this time accompanied by the nocturnal sounds of chirping crickets and gentle ocean waves that aptly convey a scenic nightfall. The tantalizing and mysterious, “Earth Sings its Song”, is easily my favorite – clocking in at ten minutes even. Here, shimmering swells and rolling waves allude to an underwater paradise that pleasantly reminds me of music from the album Journey to Atlantis by Kevin Kendle and Llewellyn. “The Night is Calling” continues with cascading waters washing upon glistening tones – until finally concluding with “Earth’s Bedtime”, on which chirping crickets return to the dreamy accompaniment of celestial chords and sparsely-spaced wind chimes.

An essential relaxation album, Tranquility would make a perfect aural accompaniment to massage, healing baths or other spa therapies, and easily joins the ranks of other top-notch contemporaries in the field! ~Candice Michelle

This album is available from Bandcamp, Amazon and CD Baby.

Friday, June 15, 2018

Review: Serenity II by Michael Kollwitz

Michael Kollwitz is a lifelong master of the Chapman Stick – a guitar/piano type of hybrid instrument in both its sound and functionality, which resembles the head and neck of guitar but is played more like a piano by using two-handed tapping. Having previously lived in Sacramento, California before relocating to Hawaii in 2007, Kollwitz’ latest album, entitled Serenity II: More Peaceful Music on the Chapman Stick, was recorded in beautiful Sedona, Arizona. His 22nd album to date – and 2nd album marketed in the “new age” genre – Serenity II embarks along a similar musical path as its equally mesmerizing predecessor, Serenity, in the form of 16 instrumental compositions that were inspired by the book Steps to Knowledge: The Book of Inner Knowing by Marshall Vian Summers.

The album opens with “The Presence”, an earthy and soul-soothing piece that perfectly sets the mood for the rest to follow, as a balmy melody washes over the senses like a warm current. Kollwitz’ signature sound is intimately cozy and leisurely, as he seemingly merges the equally spellbinding albeit naturally contrasting environments of the Hawaiian pacific with the Arizona desert, often within the same composition. The melodies mostly possess a dreamy, fluid quality that is frequently enhanced by atmospheric backlighting in the form of subtly shimmering and suspended tones, which lend the compositions additional depth and richness.

Thoughtful song titles allude to themes of personal reflection, whether it be inwards upon one’s own feelings and emotions or outwards upon surrounding natural landscapes, as one might easily imagine themselves cozying up by a fireplace, relaxing by the Oceanside, or peering out into a sunset canyon from a mountaintop.

While it’s difficult for me to choose a favorite track on this album – being that every composition is as equally compelling as the next – after repeated listens, I did find myself particularly drawn to “Climbing the Mountain” and “Blue Skies”.

Although an electric instrument, the Chapman Stick emits an organic sound that would naturally appeal to fans of atmospheric and relaxing acoustic music. All in all, fans of Michael Kollwitz’ previous album, Serenity – as well as Jeff Pearce’s stylistically similar landmark album on the Chapman Stick entitled Rainshadow Sky – are enthusiastically encouraged to add Serenity II to their personal collection! ~Candice Michelle

For more information please visit the artist's website. This album is also available on Amazon, iTunes, CD Baby and Google Play.

Thursday, June 7, 2018

Aural Awakenings: Episode 15

TIME / ARTIST NAME / TRACK TITLE / ALBUM TITLE
00:00 / Yanni / At First Sight / Ethnicity
05:29 / 2002 / Even Now / This Moment Now
09:39 / Joseph L Young / Vicariously Blue / Every Moment
14:41 / Neil Patton / Walking on Air / Solitaire
18:15 / Michael Kollwitz / Climbing the Mountain / Serenity II
22:17 / Symphonex Orchestra / Variations on a Theme of Tromboncino #2 / Music that tells a Story
26:04 / Nouveau Papillon / Whispers from an Angel / Enchantment Blooms
31:34 / Dan Kennedy / Implying Flying / Mountains Made of Shadow, Anthems Made of Light
37:15 / Jesse Cook / To Your Shore / One World
40:51 / Terry Lee Nichols & Rebekah Eden / The Anasazi / We Have Only Come to Dream
44:47 / Mark Dunn / Return to Peace / Melodic Voyage
49:15 / Richard Dillon / Green Flash Redux / Terra Incognito

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Spotlight: Solitaire by Neil Patton

Neil Patton is a supremely talented composer and pianist/keyboardist (as well as a singer – although I’ve yet to hear him in that capacity) whose released four solo piano albums to date. His latest album, entitled Solitaire, is comprised of 15 outstanding compositions spanning a little over an hour – and follows-up his fantastic release, Between Shadow and Light, which was one of my personal favorite solo piano recordings of last year.

The album opens with “The Turning Page” – a delicate, brisk-paced number that initially begins with a light and fluttery melody played in the higher register, as it increasingly adds more fullness via lower register chords along its course. Aptly setting the pace for the rest of the album, Neil expressively yet gracefully takes the listener on an inner journey that captures both hopeful, joyful moments as well as solemn, introspective moods, as he brilliantly performs on the keys with seemingly perfect ease and fluidity.

One particularly notable piece is “Walking on Air”, which recalls a hint of George Winston. Characterized by a colorfully radiant and vivid melody, the composition is seemingly punctuated by spiraling bursts of energy.

Another favorite of mine is “The Muse”, which pleasantly recalls some of Liz Story’s work, as it effectively showcases a constantly-changing pattern that sparkles and spins throughout. I’m also especially fond of “Twilight” – a boldly cinematic yet contemplative piece that bears touches of David Lanz. Here, Neil impressively creates a three-dimensional effect with his remarkable playing technique.

As with his previous album, Between Shadow and Light, Neil has once again saved the best for last (for me anyway) in the form of a similarly darker, lengthier composition entitled “Gethsemane”. Named for the urban garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, of which is probably best-known for being the place where Jesus prayed the night before his crucifixion, this hauntingly beautiful number imparts an aptly mysterious, reflective mood. Here, Neil employs some gentle digital delay and liberal amount of reverb to create an all-encompassing, epic sound – making this one of my favorite solo piano pieces to emerge from an artist in a long time.

A truly exceptionable and professional talent, Neil Patton’s piano-playing is unquestionably top-notch – with his instrument always emitting a most lovely resonance. Additionally, Neil’s enthralling compositional style and perfected execution of these melodies uniquely stands out among many of his contemporaries, as well as places him in great company among some of the best in the field – hence, I can already conclude that Solitaire is destined to be named among the finest solo-piano releases of the year! ~Candice Michelle

For more information please visit the artist's website. This album is also available at Amazon, iTunes, CD Baby and Google Play.

Monday, June 4, 2018

Spotlight: Music That Tells A Story by Symphonex Orchestra

Symphonex Orchestra is a concept project by musician and composer Peter Xifaras, who originally released his debut album, Appassionato, in 2000. Titled Music That Tells A Story, Xifaras’ latest release is a double album comprised of 27 compositions, of which he aptly describes as “a collection of orchestral adventures that have inspired authors to put pen to paper, writing words to the images that this music evokes.” Joined throughout by a handful of guest artists, the classical-centric compositions range from modernly sophisticated with distinct electronica and world flavors to more traditional orchestrations that possess a cinematically sentimental flair.

Opening with a piece from the "Dreams in Bloom" set, this an instrumental collection of six compositions was inspired by a beautiful love story. Additionally, disc two includes introductory narrations by Joan Jacobs to accompany each of their instrumental counterparts. The outstanding first cut in this set, entitled “The Encounter”, is a robust and dramatic foray into cinematic electronica. Featuring a slick beat and bassline accentuated by classical strings, the chic composition is molded in a similar vein to material from Kevin Keller’s La Strada or Prequell’s The Future Comes Before albums.

Another noteworthy piece in the first of five sets is “Garden by the Sea”, which opens with glistening wind chimes. Elegantly cinematic with brushes of piano, viola and bell-tones throughout, the composition’s seemingly East Asian bent aptly brings-to-mind lovely images of a pastel-painted Japanese garden located in a mountainous mist.

"Variations a on Theme of Tromboncino" is derived from the song “Ostinato vo’ seguire” by Bartolomeo Tromboncino, which was originally published circa 1500. Beautifully sung by Felicia Farerre in Italian, this modern rendition masterfully fuses classical renaissance with a contemporary-pop style that reminds me a bit of composer Paul Schwartz’ Aria and State of Grace projects.

And finally, my absolute favorite piece on the album is the gorgeous “Hevene Quene: Edi Beo Thu”, of which perfectly concludes the first disc. A modern adaptation based on an anonymous composition composed in the 13th century, the piece is sung in Middle English and features ethereal vocals that are somewhat reminiscent of Sarah Brightman’s. Enchantingly lush, ethereal and gently rhythmic, the piece incorporates ethnic percussion woven among electronic programming and classical orchestration, while bearing signatures of Celtic, classical and medieval music.

A mesmerizing sound collage of classical, contemporary, global and electronica motifs, I find Peter Xifaras’ production and arranging skills to be highly impressive, as well as his willingness to branch-out and experiment creatively to be most incredibly refreshing! ~Candice Michelle

For more information please visit the artist's website. This album is also available at Amazon, iTunes, CD Baby and Google Play.