Music and Media Focus

CD: inhale slowly
Artists: Tim White and Joe Paulino
Contact: http://www.inhaleslowly.com/

With a title like inhale slowly, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect an album of serenely spacious music that is perfect for relaxation, meditation, yoga, tai chi, or massage. And that is exactly what it is – an hour and eight minute oasis of calm that is available 24 hours a day. The creative source of these tranquil tracks is Tim White, on bamboo flute, guitar, sitar, and esraj, and Joe Paulino who plays piano and synthesizers. View full article »

CD: Awakening
Artist: Stephen DeRuby
Contact: www.deruby.com

I would imagine that there are a relatively small percentage of musicians who actually make the instruments they play. Stephen DeRuby is one of them, with over 40 years experience as a musician and craftsman of beautiful high quality Native American-style flutes. Playing the flute however, was not his original musical direction. View full article »

CD: All the Days of My Life: The Wedding Album
Artist: Vicente Avella
Contact: www.vicenteavella.com

Albums with a particular focus or niche come in many varieties. From relaxation, meditation, yoga, spiritual attunement, Goddesses, healing, sleep induction, and more, the list goes on. Yet one of the more unique niche albums I’ve come across recently is Vicente Avella’s piano music for weddings, entitled All The Days Of My Life. View full article »

CD: Journey of Soul
Artist: John Paris
Contact: http://www.johnparismusic.com/

I’m sure there are many recording artists who have put a lot of time and energy into a project, only to listen to it at a later time after its been released and think, “I wish I’d done this, or I’m not crazy about a particular aspect of how this sounds.” And I’d imagine that a number of them would chalk it up to experience, leave well enough alone, and move on. Although pianist John Paris recorded and released his debut solo piano album Journey of Soul close to10 years ago some things about it just never felt right to him. So now, nearly a decade later, he wanted to rectify that, so he went back and re-mastered and re-released the album. View full article »

CD: Getaway
Artist: Lisa Hilton
Contact: http://lisahiltonmusic.com/

Having written a feature article about Lisa Hilton’s previous recording, American Impressions, in which I covered much of her musical background, biographical information, and music education work with visually disabled children, I’ll refer readers who might be interested to that article, rather than reiterate it here. But briefly, Lisa, who has been called “The Lioness Of Jazz,” is pleased to present her latest release, Getaway, which is, incredibly, her fifteenth album as a bandleader. View full article »

CD: The Luminous Pearl
Artist: Lea Scallon
Contact: www.soundsofsirius.com

In an article I wrote about Australian recording artist Lia Scallon’s previous international award-winning album Crystal Keys, I mentioned how her career path had diverged from being an actress who shared the stage with the likes of Cate Blanchett, Glenn Close, and Liam Neeson to pursuing a path of creating spiritually focused music. The release of her new album, The Luminous Pearl, finds her even more deeply immersed in what she sees as her Soul’s calling. View full article »

Event: AMBIcon 2013
Host: Hearts of Space
When/ where: May 3-5, San Rafael, CA
Contact:http://ambicon.hos.com

Fans of ambient music rejoice! The ultimate event commemorating all things ambient is at hand, and that includes a mix of electronic, world, new age, classical, and experimental music. If there is any name that needs no introduction to lovers of this genre it is Hearts of Space. In honor of their 40 year (yes 40!) anniversary they are celebrating in grand style with a full weekend conference of events that is sure to draw attendees from far and wide.The man behind this production as well as the originator of Hearts of Space is Stephen Hill. View full article »

CD: The Blue Rose
Artist: Al Conti
Contact: www.alconti.net

One of the things I like best about the albums of Grammy-nominated recording artist Al Conti is that they are what were called in the 60’s and 70’s: “concept albums.” According to Wikipedia: “A concept album is a studio album where all musical or lyrical ideas contribute to a single overall theme or unified story. In contrast, typical studio albums consist of a number of unconnected songs (lyrically and otherwise) performed by the artist.” View full article »

CD: Hokulea
Artist: AOMUSIC
Contact: www.aomusic.com

In her timeless anthem, “The Greatest Love Of All,” the late great Whitney Houston sang: “I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.” The members of AOMUSIC obviously believe that too, and the group’s latest efforts take their commitment to new levels. In addition to their stunning new album Hokulea, they are thrilled to announce the official establishment of their non-profit organization
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CD: MIK’AEL
Artist: Leigh Ann Phillips
Contact: www.leighannphillips.com

While the healing qualities of music and sound have been known since ancient times, in our contemporary culture, music has evolved more as a vehicle for entertainment. However, a shift has been happening that has many people creating and listening to particular kinds of music for its therapeutic benefits. View full article »

CD: Hope For Harmony
Artist: Kathyrn Toyama
Contact: http://kathryntoyama.com/

“Musical improvisation,” as defined in Wikipedia, “is the creative activity of immediate (‘in the moment’) musical composition, which combines performance with communication of emotions and instrumental technique. Thus, musical ideas in improvisation are spontaneous.” One such practitioner of this particular school of artistic creation is Kathryn Toyama. Although she is a classically trained pianist, for her: “the feeling is foremost and when it comes to me, I find that I must first open my heart, and then the music begins to flow.” View full article »

CD: Crown In The Sky
Artist: Lis Addison
Contact: www.lisaddison.com

To borrow a quote from a classic Crosby, Stills, & Nash song: “It’s been a long time coming…” What that refers to in this context is the fact that the seed for the music that appears on Lis Addison’s new release Crown In The Sky, was planted far in the past, and like a mighty oak or redwood, has taken a long time to grow into its magnificence. The use of the tree metaphor, in this case, is intentional. With her previous albums having titles like Grace Of The Green Leaf and Song Of The Tree, it is obvious that nature is an important element in the life and music of Lis Addison.

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CD: When Dreams Come True
Artist Curtis Macdonald
Contact: http://www.about.me/curtismacdonald

As a huge fan of both contemporary jazz and ambient electronic music, the new release by keyboardist Curtis Macdonald entitled When Dreams Come True is definitely speaking my language.  His music combines the best of these genres with elements of pop into a highly accessible style that can range from laid back to more energized. For lovers of this kind of music, Curtis’ catalog is a gold mine with this being his 17^th album on his CMMP record label. View full article »

CD: River Flow – Sanctuary
Artist: Catherine Marie Charlton
Contact: www.catherinemariecharlton.com

A lot has been said about the importance of first impressions, and the stunning cover art on the new release by Catherine Marie Charlton certainly makes a good one. Although not surprising, as her previous release Red Leaf, Grey Sky won the award for “Best Cover Art” in the 2011 Zone Music Reporter Awards. It also won “Best Instrumental Album – Piano,” providing a good indication that a creative effort from Catherine not only has style, but substance as well. View full article »

CD: New2theBrain
Artist: New2theBrain
Contact: http://www.new2thebrain.com/

New2theBrain has to be one of the most interesting and imaginative audio amalgamations I have heard in a while. Elements of pop, jazz, rock, R&B, hip hop, and world music provide a vehicle for lyrics that can be both poetic and profound at the same time, while covering a range of topics including social commentary, politics, personal growth, consciousness, and more. The characterization of it as: “sort of What the Bleep Do We Know (the movie) in musical form with exploration of how our thoughts impact our reality,” is a good comparison.

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CD: First Light
Artist: Craig Urquhart
Contact: www.craigurquhart.com

I love this story…
Moving to New York City after receiving his Master’s in Composition from the University of Michigan, pianist Craig Urquhart (pronounced “irk-hart”) left some of his music with Leonard Bernstein’s Manhattan doorman; the Maestro called Urquhart back, and the two became acquainted. In 1985 Urquhart was hired as Bernstein’s musical assistant, and worked for Bernstein until the composer’s death in 1990. View full article »

CD: Lovéren
Artist: David Arkenstone & Charlee Brooks
Contact: www./davidarkenstone.com

Ever since his debut album Valley in the Clouds back in 1987, David Arkenstone has been one of my favorite artists in the new age music genre. A three-time GRAMMY nominee, his grandiose style of musical story telling has encompassed diverse influences including ambient, Celtic, folk, world beat, electronic, acoustic, and more. His latest release is entitled Lovéren, and is a collaboration with operatically-gifted vocalist Charlee Brooks. View full article »

Album: For Our Children: A Benefit for Sandy Hook
Various artists
Contact: www.forourchildren.bandcamp.com

The Sound for Good record label has partnered with Healing Newtown (healingnewtown.org), a division of the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission, to help support the community by offering the new release, For Our Children: A Benefit for Sandy Hook available to everyone who donates just $1 (or more). View full article »

CD: Hidden Journey
Artist: Scott August
Contact: www.cedarmesa.com

Although Scott August began his musical training early in life on piano and cello, his interest in world music was sparked at the age of 10 when he was given an African kalimba. However, his instrumental direction took a distinct turn nearly 20 years ago when he visited the Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico and was deeply enchanted by the sound of the Native American flute. Since that time he has embraced the haunting sounds of this unique instrument and it has become a major part of his musical identity. Among players of Native American flute music, such as Carlos Nakai and Coyote Oldman, Scott August ranks as one of the foremost in the world.  He has been nominated and has won numerous awards including the Native American Music Award.

View full article »

CD: Red
Artist: Isadar
Contact: www.isadar.com

Given the meteoric success Isadar’s previous album Reconstructed has had – reaching the number 2 spot on the ZMR Charts (June 2012) and the extensive radio airplay, not only in the US, but literally all over Europe as well as Canada, Australia, Russia, and South Korea, I’m sure there are many listeners who will be eager to hear his latest release, Red. View full article »

CD: Rumbadoodle
Artist: Arun Shenoy
Contact: www.arunshenoy.com

Any description of Arun Shenoy’s current GRAMMY-nominated CD, Rumbadoodle would have to include the word “fusion.” Everything about him and this music is definitive of the term. Born, raised, and educated in India, and now living in Singapore, Arun’s music is an intriguing cross-cultural experience. As the title implies the predominate flavor of this mélange is Rumba flamenco, but is generously spiced with dashes of pop, rock, worldbeat, and new age that is sure to appeal to fans of artists like Santana, Ottmar Liebert and the Gipsy Kings. View full article »

CD: Omnitopia
Artist:  Sotiris Gougousis
Contact: www.cdbaby.com/Artist/SotirisGougousis

Maybe there is something in the Grecian waters or in the Mediterranean atmosphere, but it seems like some of the finest electronic musicians in the world, such as Vangelis, Yanni, and others come from Greece. Why this area has spawned a scintillating synthesizer subculture is a mystery, but the rest of the world is happy to enjoy the fruits of their artistic labors. One of the latest electronic artists to emerge from this corner of the globe is Sotiris Gougousis. View full article »

CD: Love’s River
Artist: Laura Sullivan
Contact: www.laura-sullivan.com

As we enter a new year, having survived the much-portended end of the Mayan calendar, I’m happy to begin a new cycle with a feature article on a sparkling new release by an accomplished pianist and composer in the Contemporary Instrumental/ New Age music genre, Laura Sullivan. Love’s River is Laura’s 6^th album and finds her in fine company with an all-star cast of accompanists, and four of the tracks being produced by Will Ackerman, the Grammy winning producer and founder of Windham Hill Records, as well as production by Eric Sullivan. View full article »

CD: Family Values
Artist: Craig Karolus
Contact: www.craigkarolus.com

While the term “family values” has taken on political connotations for some in our culture, Craig Karolus’ use of it transcends all of that and expresses its purest meaning. Family Values is one of the most intimate and personal musical tributes I’ve had the pleasure of hearing. View full article »

CD: Heart of the Universe
Artist: Peter Kater and Snatam Kaur
Contact: www.spiritvoyage.com/heartoftheuniverse

Some of the qualities of the Age of Aquarius that we stand on the threshold of are harmony, synergy, and people of diverse backgrounds working together to bring peace and beauty to our world. So it is not surprising that two well-known musical luminaries such as Peter Kater and Snatam Kaur would come together to create a unique artistic offering like Heart of the Universe.  View full article »

CD: Attuning to Oneness
Artist: Paradiso & Rasamayi
Contact: www.5thelementmusic.com

With today being the much-lauded 12/21/12, the end of the Mayan Calendar, and gatherings around the world marking the turning of an age, it seems like a most perfect and synchronistic time to be writing about the new music of Paradiso and Rasamayi. Entitled Attuning To Oneness – The Harmonic Ascension, it epitomizes the very essence of this global observance. The focus of their music is not as much on entertainment as it is on the healing qualities of sound and vibration. View full article »

CD: Sensual Journeys
Artist: Fiona Joy Hawkins
Contact: www.fionajoyhawkins.com.au/

One of my regrets in the past few months is that I wasn’t able to attend the rare California appearance of Australian pianist Fiona Joy Hawkins, when she performed nearby in Berkeley. But I was delighted recently to receive in the mail a copy of her stunning new CD entitled Sensual Journeys. As I looked beyond the music to the story behind this release, what I found touched my heart. View full article »

CD: Various titles
Artist: Danny Wright
Contact: www.dannywright.com

For many people around the world, the holiday season is a time of great joy and celebration. This is especially true for well-known pianist Danny Wright who has some very special gifts in his stocking this year, and much to celebrate. For one, 2012 marks his 25 year anniversary as a composer and recording artist. In that quarter of a century, he has released an impressive 36 recordings and has sold over 6 million albums worldwide! He is an award-winning Steinway Piano Artist who was twice named by Billboard Magazine as a Top 10 artist in the New Age genre. View full article »

CD: Pianoforte
Timothy Crane
Contact: http://www.timothycrane.com/ 

The late great folk-rock musician John Denver wrote his most famous song as a tribute to the intoxicating effect of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Having lived there myself, I can attest to the veracity of his claim. Someone else who I am sure will agree is pianist Timothy Crane, who makes his home in the Rocky Mountain foothills of Golden, Colorado. According to Tim, who previously lived near Aspen,  “once you live in the mountains it’s hard to go back.” Perhaps it is something in that rarefied air or the natural beauty that has inspired creative spirits for ages, and Timothy Crane is no exception. View full article »

CD: Chimes of the Spirit
Artist: Acoustic Ocean
Contact: www.acousticoceanmusic.com

As someone who loves both harp and guitar, the combination of the two is music to my ears as well as my soul. Celtic harpist Peggy Morgan along with long time musical partner Bette Phelan on guitar, who perform and record collectively as Acoustic Ocean, have released their third album of soothing instrumental music, entitled Chimes of the Spirit.   View full article »

CD: In the Season of Fading Light
Artist: Jeff Pearce
Contact: http://www.jeffpearcemusic.com/

Looking out my window at the sun slowly slipping below the horizon of the San Francisco Bay this mid-November evening, the music and the title of Jeff Pearce’s latest CD, In the Season of Fading Light, create a most appropriate soundtrack. As on the cover of his album, clouds tainted in muted yet luminous hues are breathtaking in their beauty, while they subtly signal the coming darkness of winter in this transitional time of year. And speaking of transitions, there is a major one to be found on this, the tenth album in Jeff’s extensive career as a recording artist. View full article »

CD: Embracing Winter
Artist: Jim Hudak
Contact: www.jimhudak.com

Jim Hudak, whose last name means “the musician” in Slovakian, was born into a family with a 500-year history of music and composition. In his own multi-decade career he has gained deep insight into the intricacies of the music industry, not only as a musician, but also as a music rights licensing executive for ASCAP and SESAC. However, what Jim Hudak is best known for, and rightfully so, is his work as a solo pianist. View full article »

CD: Somewhere In A Hidden Memory
Artist: Trine Opsahl
Contact: www.heartrecords.dk

The great American mythologist Joseph Campbell once wrote: “We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” Such was the case for Norwegian-born harpist Trine Opsahl, who walked away from her career as a lawyer to devote her life to music. View full article »

CD: Between The Shores Of Our Souls
Artist: Mirabai Ceiba
Contact: http://www.mirabaiceiba.com/

Described as “a beautiful blend of Kundalini Yoga mantra, sacred chants and world music,” the sound of Mirabai Ceiba is a uniquely cross-cultural experience on a number of levels. Their latest album, Between The Shores Of Our Souls, also includes inspirational lyrics based on the poetry of Rumi and Kahlil Gibran. The album’s subtitle, “Songs of Love and Longing,” bears witness to the focus of their creative endeavors. It also expresses the energy that resonates between the two principle people in the group, Angelika Baumbach and Markus Sieber, who are a couple from different worlds brought together by fate.  View full article »

CD: O Christmas (solo piano)
Artist: Isadar
Contact: http://www.isadar.com/

Fresh on the heels of his highly acclaimed chart-topping CD, Reconstructed, Isadar gifts us with a sparkling new album of holiday-themed instrumental music for solo piano, entitled “O Christmas.” Given the proximity to his recent release, one might assume that this one was quickly produced, but in reality O Christmas has been 7 years in the making.  View full article »

CD: Believe – A Spiritual Romance
Artist: 2002
Contact: http://www.2002music.com/

Question: what do the words magical, visionary, and grandiose and have in common?
Answer: they perfectly describe the new album, Believe by 2002.

Debuting at number 8 on the prestigious Billboard Chart, the CD is subtitled: “A Spiritual Romance,” and is the latest of 14 albums by the husband and wife duo of Randy and Pamela Copus, collectively known as 2002. Now celebrating 20 years of recording together, they are one of the most enduring and highly regarded groups in the new age music genre.  View full article »

CD: The Maiden Of Stonehenge
Artist: Michael Brant DeMaria
Contact: http://www.ontos.org/

With this being the fourth CD by Michael Brant DeMaria that I’ve had the pleasure to write about, the one thing I’ve learned to expect is the unexpected. Michael, who is an award winning composer/ instrumentalist and three time GRAMMY nominee is not an artist who is easily pigeon holed. His music can vary stylistically from one project to the next – each reflecting a different facet of his seemingly endless and diverse creativity.  From the earthy ambience of his Gaia CD to the ethereal electronic explorations of his recent album Bindu, Michael never fails to surprise and delight.  View full article »

CD: Inner Voyage
Artist: John Paris
Contact: www.johnparismusic.com

When I wrote about John Paris’ previous solo piano release, Reflections, I ended by saying that I was looking forward to the next one he had planned. Here it is a year later and his Inner Voyage CD has just set sail. View full article »

CD: I Am Here
Artist: Paul Ellis
Contact: www.lotuspike.com

From the first blips, bleeps, and filter sweeps that signaled the dawn of the synthesizer age, Paul Ellis was enchanted by the spell of their analog alchemy. In1977 he had a musical epiphany after buying copies of the classic European electronic albums by Tangerine Dream (Stratosfear}, Klaus Schulze (Mirage), Jean Michel Jarre {Oxygene}, and Tomita {Snowflakes are Dancing) within a week’s time. This proved to be a profound awakening for him as to what was possible with musical expression and the fluid, flexible tonal qualities of the newly emerging synthesizer technology.

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CD: When The Earth Is Far Away
Artists: Craig Padilla /Zero Ohms
Contact: www.lotuspike.com

Having recently written a feature article about Craig Padilla’s CD masterpiece, The Heart Of The Soul, I was excited to hear of his latest recording project. Entitled When The Earth Is Far Away, the album is a collaboration with electronic musician and wind instrument virtuoso Richard Roberts, who records under the name Zero Ohms. View full article »

CD: Light Body
Artist: Peter Kater
Contact: http://www.peterkater.com/

In an illustrious career spanning three decades, multi-platinum selling pianist, composer, and producer Peter Kater is not one to rest on his laurels. Constantly traversing new musical terrain, his latest release, Light Body shines with ever evolving reflections of creative expression. Its been a long time since 1983 when Peter released his first album at the dawn of the embryonic new age music genre. Since then he has produced numerous recordings, which have sold millions of copies. In the last 8 years alone he has received 7 Grammy Award nominations. View full article »

CD: Glimmerings
Artist: Elika Mahony
Contact: www.elikamahony.com

While pianist, vocalist, composer, and artist, Elika Mahony considers herself a “world citizen,” the incredible diversity of her background is more like a United Nations of cultural influences. Although she was born in the US of Iranian parents, Elika was raised in Africa (Kenya). She also lived in Israel and Hong Kong, was educated at the University of California, Berkeley, and currently lives in Beijing, China.

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CD: Intuition
Artist: Dan Kennedy
Contact: http://www.dankennedy.us/

I would imagine that the bucolic splendor of the 1860’s farmhouse where pianist Dan Kennedy lives with his wife and two children in the country outside of Amherst, Massachusetts provides a creative sanctuary to compose the music that has appeared on his two CD’s. Dan’s current release, Intuition, is a follow up to his critically acclaimed album Lantern, which was produced by Windham Hill founder View full article »

CD: Floating On A Melody
Artist: Christopher Boscole
Contact: www.christopherboscole.com

Glancing out my window at boats gliding by on San Francisco Bay, it’s easy to appreciate the inspiration a tranquil image such as this can provide to a creative soul. One such artistic spirit is pianist Christopher Boscole, whose greatest passion in life besides music is sailing. It’s not just that the title of his latest CD, Floating On A Melody reflects this, but his music is imbued with a movement and flow that is peaceful yet exhilarating like a being out on the water with the wind in your sails.

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CD: Rapture
Artist: Michael Samson
Contact: www.michaelsamson.com

One of my greatest regrets about the current trend towards digital distribution and downloading mp3 singles is the loss of a physical product with liner notes, pictures, etc. that contextualize the music as part of a cohesive body of work and creates more of a sense of connection between the listener and the artist. A case in point is the absolutely spectacular packaging of music, photography, and poetry created by pianist Michael Samson on his latest CD entitled Rapture.

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CD: Zion and Bryce Canyon Soundscapes
Artist: Jill Haley
Contact: www.jillhaley.com/

Having listened to and reviewed numerous (and I do mean numerous) albums that listed Jill Haley as a session musician, its a treat to see and hear a CD under her own name showcasing the full range of her considerable musical talents. View full article »