Album Review: Wings by Peter Kater

Peter Kater is among the early pioneers of what has come to be defined as ‘new age piano’ music, as well as one of the genre’s most prominent and successful names. Likewise, a recent first-time Grammy winner for his 2017 masterpiece Dancing on Water (which followed a successive string of Grammy nominations over the years) and multi-platinum selling recording artist, Kater’s more than three-decade span as a consummate composer has seen the release of several landmark solo albums and collaborations with other notable instrumentalists and vocalists.

Often created with an overarching and purposeful theme in mind, many of Kater’s compositions convey concurrently meaningful expressions that are drawn from nature as metaphor for human emotion and personal reflection. Embodying this concept is his latest piano album, Wings, which effectively elicits poetic passion and romantic mystery along its mesmerizing course. Lending further mystique to these fluidly evolving and sparkling arrangements are subtly interspersed synth-textures, which beautifully backlight several of the pieces in crepuscular golden rays.

Although overall mood-elevating and soul-embracing, as with much of Kater’s music Wings also often conveys an alluring sense of hopeful longing and restrained desire quietly stirring beneath its surface. Hence, the enrapturing beauty and depth of the melodies themselves is what sets Kater’s music apart from many others in the field. It’s the precise timing of each note, the spaces between the notes, and the distinct emotion impressed upon each note played that collectively results in nearly unmatched perfection.

A must-have for fans of Peter Kater as well as all lovers of the ‘new age piano’ genre, Wings is yet another memorable masterpiece and easily a top contender for this year’s finest piano album! ~Candice Michelle

For more information please visit the artist's website. This album is also available at Amazon and other retail and streaming platforms.

Artist Spotlight: An Interview with Michael Whalen

We're excited to present an interview with Michael Whalen! He’s a distinguished New York based composer of many genres who’s written music for various advertisements, television and film scores, as well as released numerous albums over that past few decades, including on prominent record labels such as Narada, Hearts of Space and Windham Hill. His latest album has just been released on the Real Music label and it's a beautiful solo piano offering titled Cupid Blindfolded. So please stay tuned for a lively and fascinating conversation as we delve into the creative mind and discuss the muse of Michael Whalen.

Music from the albums Cupid Blindfolded, Kiss the Quiet and Dream Cycle are featured in this segment.

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.

Album Review: Running Away by Timothy Wenzel

Timothy Wenzel is a composer and keyboardist with several albums to his name, the latest of which is titled Running Away. As with his previous release, What We Hold Dear, Wenzel has recruited outstanding violinist Josie Quick (one-half of the duo Perpetual Motion) who once again displays her impressive versatility on the strings. Jill Haley also joins the guest lineup this time around in which she lends her complimentary English Horn and oboe wizardry. Yet the most notable step forward Wenzel has taken with this album is in swapping out his past use of drum machines for live percussion by none other than Jeff Haynes; a move that's greatly enhanced his compositions with an overall warmer, more organic and velvety sound. This artistic progression has demonstrably taken Wenzel’s music to the next level, resulting in what is arguably his best work to date. Topping it all off is the co-production, mastering and mixing skills of Corin Nelsen and Running Away easily becomes a redefining moment for Wenzel’s creative expression.

Laced with many of Wenzel’s signature Celtic and renaissance elements, Running Away conveys a magical innocence and fairytale-like narrative, which is perhaps even more pronounced than with any of his prior works. Not only is this because Wenzel often infuses his central keyboard melodies with harpsichord-type motifs, but likewise, Quick’s and Haley’s respective violin and wind instruments are very much in-tuned to a Celtic musical spirit on this album. Furthermore, realistic sounds along the way of whimsical fairy flutes, elvish vocal tones and the occasional woodsy breeze all collectively enhance the experience of fey-like enchantment; it’s as if Wenzel and team all changed into Renaissance attire and leaped in a fairy ring to dance and play along.

Another thing I especially enjoy about Running Away is that it bears a similar essence to some of the more Celtic and renaissance-themed works of David Arkenstone and Medwyn Goodall. So if you’re a fan in particular of those artists I’d certainly recommend checking this out. Already one of my favorite contemporary instrumental albums of the year, Running Away is a fantastic musical direction for Timothy Wenzel that remains true to his familiar sound. I’m highly impressed with his selection of additional musician and production recruitments, which have further helped to bring-out his artistry and spotlight his talents even more! ~Candice Michelle

For more information please visit the artist's website. This album is also available at Amazon, iTunes and other retail and streaming platforms.

Album Review: Waiting's End – solo piano vol. 1 by KeithTim Anderson

KeithTim Anderson is a Nashville-based pianist, composer and vocalist who grew up in a small town outside of Eau Claire, WI. Holding an Education Degree in vocal music with a minor in piano, Anderson has worked as a choral director as well as performed in churches, universities, coffeehouses and festivals. Titled Waiting’s End: solo piano vol. 1, his debut solo piano album marks an inspiring new path for this multi-talented artist who lost his voice for a period of time in 2017. Comprised of nine original compositions, Waiting’s End elegantly weaves contemporary, classical and hymnal motifs into fluid, moderately-paced arrangements, which are illustrated by particularly lovely melodic structures.

On a previous vocal album titled Refuge, Anderson created songs of scriptural and hymnal lyrics set to original compositions. On the all-instrumental Waiting’s End, he intuitively connects the theme of each song to a scripture relating to its title. For example, the beautiful opener “Autumn’s Rain” is a reference to Joel 2:23b. Beginning with twinkling piano notes that effectively convey a light rain in the breeze, this delicately flowing piece becomes more robust as keystrokes slide their way down to the middle and lower registers, before gradually climbing the scale again. Drawing its inspiration from Genesis 1:1, “Long Ago” almost feels like a prayerful lullaby, as it imparts a soul-sense of wonder with its drifting and soothing melody.

A musical reflection of Anderson’s personal faith, Waiting’s End is sure to gently uplift the spirits while bringing stillness to the mind. Peaceful, restful and softly inspirational, the album’s many moments of devotional ponder ultimately culminate in a comforting essence of grace, hope and acceptance. ~Candice Michelle

For more information please visit the artist's website. This album is also available at Amazon and other retail and streaming platforms.

Album Review: Isalc"Li: A Love Odyssey by Anaya Music

Anaya is a Brazilian-born composer and vocalist with a lifelong devotion to ballet dancing. Having been immersed in a rich culture of music and the arts since childhood, she started out playing piano and guitar at a young age, eventually going on to study the music of various classical composers. To date, Anaya has released a handful of what could be described as true-to-form “neoclassical new age” music albums, including her latest offering, Isalc"Li: A Love Odyssey, which is comprised of eight serene and delicate compositions with emphasis on gentle keyboards and symphonic string arrangements.

The radiant “Luminous” opens the album with gossamer strings and celestial timbres, a signature staple of her sound, as one can almost see the sunlight breaking through the clouds while ascending towards the sky. Eventually arriving at what is easily the highlight of the album, “Dharma (with vocals)” is an especially touching composition that feels like a reunification of sorts. Here, Anaya lends gentle wordless intonations in unison with the lead melody, as the listener is seemingly carried away by angels to a heavenly abode. Closing out the album is the mistily lulling “Breath” with its shimmery, threadlike synth-tones haloing a cello and oboe melody.

Quoted as saying “our best instrument is the universal harmony of being”, Anaya seeks to promote harmony, unity and balance through her music and her tender melodies certainly convey that message. Transmitted straight from the heart, Isalc"Li: A Love Odyssey will resonate with many listeners who are seeking a heavenly slice of peace and comfort through the healing waves of sound! ~Candice Michelle



For more information please visit the artist's website. This album is also available at Amazon and other retail and streaming platforms.

Artist Spotlight: An Interview with Andy Iorio

We’re delighted to present an audio interview with Andy Iorio. He’s a New York based pianist who composes neoclassical music that it is often beautifully cinematic. His latest studio album is called Awakening which has earned him increasing popularity since its release. So please join us where we’ll learn about Andy Iorio, as well as the inspiration behind Awakening.

Music from the albums Awakening and II are featured in this interview.