Album Review: Small Treasures by Kerani

Fresh off the heels of her highly-acclaimed Stardust album, Belgian-born composer Kerani stunningly impresses again with her follow-up release titled Small Treasures, which offers ten musical gems full of storybook charm. While her previous three albums were based upon distinctly thematic concepts, Small Treasures is a comparatively more intimate work that unfolds like a poetic narrative of both personal reflection and mythic imagination. In fact, the CD booklet not only includes some of Kerani’s favorite poetry, it also reveals her talent as an equally gifted painter, with her artwork beautifully adorning its pages.

Conveying an air of dreamy romance, Small Treasures seemingly transports the listener to another time and place located somewhere in the past, often evoking halcyon visions of mist-filled gardens and northern seas.

In familiar fashion Kerani interweaves piano, synthesizers and classical orchestration wherein she’s joined by a string quartet of violin, viola and cello. The result includes such lovely compositions as “Fields of Hungary”, “Where the Heart Belongs” and “Echo of Souls”, which perfectly exemplifies Kerani’s signature ‘neoclassical new age’ sound. Likewise, she revisits the Far East theme of “Fragrant Mountain” from her Equilibrium album with a piece called “Sakura”, which features master world flutist Ron Korb on Japanese flute.

Perhaps most noteworthy this time around is Kerani’s novel incorporation of gorgeous Celtic motifs which grace two of my favorite pieces. This includes the mysterious opener “Temple of Roses”, featuring the delicate ethereal vocals of Chanele McGuinness whose softly-sung lyrics are set to a magical wintry soundscape. Likewise is the processional “Celtic Mystery”, which bears a lovely touch of whimsical Irish flute and enchanting spoken word.

One of Kerani’s greatest musical inspirations is legendary Greek composer Vangelis. Although her alluring arrangements and melodies often boast strong parallels to his work, she is indisputably a first-rate composer who shines in her own light.

Another seminal work from this ever-impressive artist, Small Treasures will especially appeal to many fans of Vangelis (I was often particularly reminded of his mid-90s classic Voices) as well as pique the interest of those who enjoy Enya, Secret Garden and others in that realm! ~Candice Michelle



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

Album Review: Stardust by Kerani

Kerani is a Belgian-born composer, keyboardist and producer who currently resides in The Netherlands. Inspired by the mysteries of the universe and wonders of our planet, her latest album, Stardust, transpires like a glorious symphonic journey of cosmic exploration. Comprised of ten compositions spanning sixty-five minutes, Stardust was recorded with a symphonic orchestra and mixed vocal ensemble, in addition to the amazing Kerani herself performing on both piano and a wide-range of synthesizers. Spanning the new age, neoclassical, contemporary instrumental and symphonic-electronic musical genres, Kerani’s style boasts strong parallels to that of the legendary Greek composer, Vangelis, of whom is one of her greatest musical influences.

“Stardust” opens the album with gossamer tones and melodically drifting piano followed by echoing drums emerging like a distant light approaching from a vast expanse. Gradually building into a cinematic arrangement of bells, horns and strings woven among synthesized layers, this imposing introduction effectively signals that of embarking on an epic cosmic journey. One of my favorite compositions on the album is “Rosetta”, which, in addition to being named after the satellite that took Philae (its lander module) to a comet, also shares its name with the title of Vangelis’ recent career-comeback album. The piece opens mysteriously with spacey, swirling textures that introduce more electronic elements along its path, revealing a majestically moving melody that conveys a soul-stirring wonder. Shooting star effects and celestial choral textures add extra layers of dimension that seemingly convey images of a satellite or spaceship traveling across the galaxy against a backdrop of stars. Another favorite is “Beyond”, a dreamily aerial piece that opens with an approaching drone. Slowly giving way to a gentle flute melody accompanied by sparkling timbres and angelic vocal tones, it glides softly along in a somewhat processional manner. “The Next Step” is a dynamically interactive composition named for astronaut Neil Armstrong’s famous words upon taking his first step on the moon. Led by a contemporary driving rhythm while incorporating electrifying rock elements, it seemingly alludes to a celebration of mankind’s spacefaring and technological accomplishments. “Gravity” is another highlight that conveys a somewhat ominous presence throughout. Beginning with stark, undulating percussion, the piece increasingly introduces choral layers and thundering drums as pristine synthesizers merge with lush orchestration. A beautifully majestic composition intended to convey the density and mass of celestial bodies, one can easily envision the gravitational pull and spinning orbits of planets. Concluding the album is “Stars (remix)”, a stellar composition of global celebration, led by Kerani’s fingers seemingly dancing across the keys to the backdrop of a lyrically hopeful and unifying chorus.

Transpiring like a fascinating space-adventure novel, Stardust draws many parallels to Kerani’s award-winning Arctic Sunrise album, although this latest installment in her impressive catalog is easily her most accomplished and luxuriously arranged. Cinematic, ethereal and regal, her music will appeal most particularly to fans of Vangelis (I recommend playing this album back-to-back with Vangelis’ Rosetta for an extended cosmic cinema!), as well as perhaps Constance Demby, Hans Zimmer and Yanni. I’m supremely grateful to see this gifted protégé follow in the footsteps of such a legend, and that in mastering this style of music herself, is helping to ensure its future place in our world! ~Candice Michelle

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