Overview: One World by Michael Stribling

Michael Stribling is a multi-instrumentalist and composer best-known for creating relaxing synthesizer-based music. Although having originally released an album titled Journey Within in 1989, he’s been predominantly active as a recording artist since 2006. In what is arguably Stribling's most ambitious work to date, One World draws its inspiration from various cultural themes and traditions spanning around the globe. Although painting from his familiar sound palette, Stribling brushes in his compositions with many hues of world music; the overall outcome being enjoyably reminiscent of what one might hear at a theme park. Showcasing song titles like “A Gathering of the Elders”, “Buddhist Nursery” and “Persian Night Caravan”, many earthly destinations are visited throughout, with soundscapes ranging from dynamic and tribal-esque to pacifying and Zen-like. Beautifully concluding with a contemplative offering, “Benediction (Prayer for World Peace)” brings us back to the point of origin by riding in on a peaceful cloud of aerial tones and lulling piano chords! ~Candice Michelle

For more information please visit the artist's website.

Overview: Cupid Blindfolded by Michael Whalen

Highly-acclaimed and prolific composer Michael Whalen returns this time with an intimate solo piano offering. Recorded at Will Ackerman’s Imaginary Road Studios in Vermont, Cupid Blindfolded is a ten-piece album that consists of contemporary melodies imbued with a classical elegance. Gracefully unfolding like a collection of romantic and serenading hymns, Cupid Blindfolded speaks softly to matters of the heart with its boldly intricate yet tenderly executed arrangements. Aptly-placed at the album's midway point is a pinnacle moment called “The Muse”, which beautifully conveys a mysterious intrigue that seems particularly evocative of the enticing cover artwork! ~Candice Michelle

(Available at Amazon and other online retail and streaming platforms.)

Overview: As We Imagine by Lisa Pressman

Lisa Pressman’s fifth studio album titled As We Imagine was written and co-produced by herself and Tim Ponzek. Performed on a 7' Bösendorfer Concert Grand Piano, the album is comprised of ten gently melodic and comfortingly serene arrangements that are beautifully immersed in Pressman’s celestial vocal washes and Ponzek’s enveloping synth orchestrations. Softly shaped by suspended gossamer chords that subtly shift in color and tone throughout, As We Imagine fits the classic “new age” music mold while also sounding refreshingly up-to-date. A perfect accompaniment for massage, acupuncture and other healing arts, this album is certain to lift your spirits while simultaneously calming the senses! ~Candice Michelle

(Available at Bandcamp and other online retail and streaming services).

Overview: Natural Light by Louis Anthony deLise

On his latest album Natural Light, Louis Anthony deLise infuses neoclassical and contemporary instrumental motifs with subtle atmospheric jazz. Featuring Nancy Rumbel’s wistful wind instruments and Jeff Oster’s sensuous flugelhorn on a couple of cuts, Natural Light gracefully alternates between minimalist solo piano and understated ensemble pieces comprised of pensive yet leisurely melodies, which often bear a mysterious touch of romantic lounge noir! ~Candice Michelle

(This album is available at Amazon and other retail and streaming platforms.)

Overview: Timeless by Mikuskovics Baum

Mikuskovics Baum is an eclectic musical duo comprised of accomplished multi-instrumentalists Bernhard Mikuskovics and Georg Baum. Marking the duo’s ten-year anniversary, their latest album Timeless beautifully intermingles Celtic, Native American and other world elements to create deeply tranquil atmospheres of minimalist ethnic fusion. Incorporating various harps, flutes, sound bowls and other exotic instruments such as the Indian shruti box and Mexican log drum, Mikuskovics Baum’s melodically meditative soundscapes seemingly paint images of idyllic natural environments. One especially gorgeous piece is “Intuition Element”, with its softly cascading layers and hypnotizing overtone-singing effectively evoking a softly-flowing waterfall nestled within a hidden forest. Enthusiastically recommended, Timeless has quickly become a personal favorite which beckons repeated listens! ~Candice Michelle

(This album is available at Amazon and other retail and streaming platforms.)

Overview: Still the River Flows by David M. Edwards

Still the River Flows is the third album and first solo piano release by composer David M. Edwards. Comprised of fourteen compositions totaling just over an hour, Still the River Flows exudes both a cheerful optimism and tender reflection, as Edwards seemingly muses upon personal life experiences in parallel with nature’s vistas, and cycles of day and night. Naturally, his compositions subtly shift from softly serene passages like “On A Cloudy Day” and “Evening Song”, to more brightly brisk tunes such as “Summer Dance” and “Take Me with You”. Overall elegantly simple and straight from the heart (a concept that is perhaps best-captured on the piece “Just a Simple Song”) Still the River Flows is an especially appropriate album to put on in the morning to gently elevate the soul and illuminate the start of a new day! ~Candice Michelle

(This album is available at Amazon and other retail and streaming platforms.)

Overview: Lilac Skies by Shambhu

Well-known among both jazz and new age music circles, acclaimed guitarist Shambhu amps up the pizazz on his latest album, Lilac Skies, which features some bluesier electric guitar licks alongside soothing acoustic ensemble arrangements. Playing lead guitar as well as bass and keyboards, Shambhu is joined throughout by a handful of guest musicians, who variably lend additional bass, drums, percussion, organ, keyboards, EWI, flute, lap pedal, steel guitar, and even vocals on one track. Melodically engaging and lively, yet perfectly suitable for relaxing and unwinding to, Lilac Skies beautifully conveys the blossoming colors and fragrances of the warmer seasons. Sure to be a summer favorite, the album will appeal to many lovers of both smooth jazz and contemporary instrumental music! ~Candice Michelle

(Available on Amazon and other retail and streaming platforms.)

Overview: Chapters by Stephen Wallack

Stephen Wallack exudes supreme poise and professionalism on the piano, with his exquisite album Chapters seemingly playing out like a sonic diary of nostalgic life experiences and scenic rural travels. Artfully intricate yet accessibly down-to-earth, his expressive compositions flow with continuity like an endless, winding river. If there’s one recent album I’d mostly highly recommend to fans of George Winston, it would be this one! ~Candice Michelle 

(Available at Amazon and other retail and streaming platforms.)