Music and Media Focus

CD: Touched By The Sun
Artist: Todd Boston
Contact: www.toddboston.com

It was just about a year ago when it seemed like every time I turned around I was hearing the name Todd Boston being mentioned. Whether it was as a recording artist, solo performer, a member of an ensemble, a recording engineer, a co–producer, or the numerous accolades for his previous CD, Alive, which was named CD Of The Month for October 2010 and chosen in the Top 25 Listeners Choice Awards for 2010 by Public Radio International’s syndicated Echoes radio program. View full article »

CD: Panomorphia
Artist: Carl Weingarten
Contact: www.mphase.com

As one of ambient music’s most innovative guitarists, Carl Weingarten has been crafting his unique sonic tapestries for three decades. In fact, the San Francisco Chronicle referred to him as “one of the truly great indie musicians working today,” and his music has received praise in other media outlets such as All About Jazz, Muze.com, Musician, Music Web Express, Exposé magazine, and Allmusic, among others. Since 1980 when he founded his Multiphase Records label in St. Louis, Carl has released numerous solo albums, collaborations, and recordings of other artists. View full article »

CD: Whereas
Artist: Rebecca Oswald
Contact: www.RebeccaOswald.com

From an early age, music has played a major role in Rebecca Oswald’s life. Coming from a musical family, she began playing duets on the piano with her father when she was only four, and began taking piano lessons at the age of six. She continued on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Music Theory and Composition and a Master’s degree in Music Composition. Rebecca has performed throughout the US, Canada, and Europe, and has twice won a Women’s Philharmonic competition. But that is just part of the picture – View full article »

CD: The Heart Of The Soul
Artist: Craig Padilla
Contact: www.craigpadilla.com
Record Label: www.SpottedPeccary.com

It’s been said that our destiny is written in the stars, and for Craig Padilla, there is a particular ring of truth to that statement. It was as a youngster, on a school trip to a planetarium, where he became enchanted by the music that accompanied the astronomy program (Jean Michel Jarre’s seminal 1976 electronic music masterwork, Oxygene.) Craig knew then and there that he had found a musical direction he wanted to follow. View full article »

CD: American Impressions
Artist: Lisa Hilton
Contact: www.lisahiltonmusic.com

In the galaxy of contemporary jazz piano, one of the brightest stars to shine is Lisa Hilton. The highly regarded publication JazzReview even referred to her as “The Lioness Of Jazz.” View full article »

CD: Key Of Dreams
Artist: Galya
Contact: www.galya.fr

 A child prodigy is defined as “someone who, at an early age, masters one or more skills far beyond his or her level of maturity.” There can be little doubt that virtuoso pianist Galya grew up fitting this description. Although she is a young adult now with a number of CD’s and professional accomplishment’s to her credit, her extraordinary talents were recognized at an early age where she lived in her Ukrainian homeland close to Russia. View full article »

CD: Where I Belong
Artist: SAJJAD
Contact: www.sajjadmusic.com

It is rare that an artist releases a debut album that garners such critical acclaim that it not only receives a Best New Artist award and nominations for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album and Best World Music Album but is also compared to veteran super stars like Yanni and John Tesh. However, these honors are a reality for SAJJAD, whose Where I Belong CD debuted on the charts at #4 and reached #3 on the Top 100 ZMR chart before being chosen for the nominations and award. View full article »

CD: Many Paths
Artist: Lorrie Sarafin
Contact: www.lorriesarafin.com

People choose to play a particular instrument for a variety of reasons. For Lorrie Sarafin, it was the actual sound – the timbre and tonality, as well as the feelings it evoked that led her to purchase a Native American Flute and seek to unlock its magic. It was 16 years ago that she was captivated by the haunting melodies played by a master of the instrument, R. Carlos Nakai at the 1993 Scottsdale Arts Festival in Arizona and she knew right away that she had heard the call of the piper, the spirit of Kokopelli. View full article »

CD: Wires, Rosewood & Roots
Artist: Bob Ardern
Contact: www.bobardern.ca

I’m looking closely at the photo of guitarist Bob Ardern to determine whether he’s got more than two hands. Judging by some of the intricate fretwork on his Wires, Rosewood & Roots CD, I can’t help but wonder. Seriously though, this veteran musician who hails from Nova Scotia, is one talented picker. His acoustic fingerstyle playing draws inspiration from the likes of early Al Stewart, Leo Kottke, Doc Watson, and English folk guitarists John Renbourn and Bert Jansch, among others. Bob’s own unique style is diverse and combines elements of folk, classical, jazz, and Celtic. View full article »

CD: Patterns Of Reflection
Artist: Peter Sterling
Contact: www.harpmagic.com

If there is any instrument that has an instantly uplifting effect and the ability to evoke a celestial vibe, it is the harp. Perhaps it is the association with the angelic realm, but there is something about its’ ethereal ambience that speaks to the soul. For harpist Peter Sterling, it is a perfect vehicle to express his artistic and spiritual vision. View full article »

CD: Dawn of Peace
Artist: Lynn Yew Evers
Contact: http://www.lynnyewevers.com/

I can’t imagine what a difference it must be living in the Pacific Northwest after growing up in Malaysia – but Lynn Yew Evers can. However, it must have been an adjustment as well when she left her native land to earn her degree from Trinity Music College of London in Singapore and Hong Kong. Although she began playing at the age of four and first performed when six years old,  in her relatively brief career, this brilliant young pianist has had a number of distinguished experiences. At the top of her list was being invited to perform for the king and queen of Malaysia, as well as another performance for the Prime Minister and other dignitaries. She has also had a number of high level appearances in both Malaysia and the US as a solo artist and accompanist for choirs and ensembles. View full article »

CD: Soundscapes
Artist: Steve Bowe
Contact: www.bowemusic.com

After hearing all the tracks on Steve Bowe’s “Soundscapes” album, I’m reminded of the famous quote delivered byTom Hanks in the movie Forest Gump: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.” And so it is with this Whitman’s Sampler of a musical CD. There is an incredible diversity from one song to the next that makes for a most interesting and tasteful listening experience. Like a box of chocolates where each piece may be different on the inside yet all are similarly covered in chocolate, a unifying element in Steve’s varied music is the use of the latest technology, synthesizers, software, etc. that gives his music a contemporary electronic candy coating.

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CD: Awakening
Artist: F.E.D.
Contact: www.fed-music.com

When I first started listening to “Awakening” by Franz Eddy Daniel, aka F.E.D, I had to go back and look at the cover to make sure I hadn’t put on a Vangelis, Yanni, or John Tesh CD by mistake. This stunning debut album is by a young pianist and composer from Port-au-Prince, Haiti who came to the US to earn a degree in Architecture at the City College of New York, but never strayed far from his deep love for music.

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CD: Journey Around The Sun: A Mayan Odyssey
Artists: Bill Wren and Frank Ralls
Contact: journeyaroundthesun.com

If I were asked to write a one-word review of Journey Around The Sun: A Mayan Odyssey, that word would probably be “wow!” And perhaps followed by another exclamation point or two if space permitted. This new release by Bill Wren and Frank Ralls can best be described as epic on every level – including the concept, song writing, musicianship, arranging, orchestration, and even the packaging and promotion. But let’s begin at the beginning… the concept. View full article »

CD:Heavy As A Feather
Artist: Kathryn Kaye
Contact: www.kathrynkaye-music.com

As I mentioned at the end of my review of Kathryn Kaye’s excellent debut album Dreaming Still, plans were already on the drawing board for her next recording and that it would certainly be something to look forward to. Now, here it is, just about one year later, and it didn’t take a crystal ball to know that this sequel would be a fulfillment of that prophecy. Kathryn has done it again in grand style.

View full article »

CD: Awakening
Artist: Dan Blanchard
Contact: www.peacefulvibes.com

 I’ll never forget the first time I heard the haunting strains of Ravi Shankar’s Indian classical music while in college during the late 60’s. It was so radically different from the music of Jimi Hendrix, Santana, and The Doors that I had been listening to, and was totally exotic and alien to my ear. Yet there was something in it that spoke deeply to my soul and I kept coming back to it, allowing it to beckon me down a ancient mystical path to a place within.  View full article »

CD: Solitary Treasures
Artist: Darlene Koldenhoven
Contact: www.darlenekoldenhoven.com

While you may or may not immediately recognize Darlene Koldenhoven by name, there is a good chance you have heard her voice. It could have been in her appearance as the featured soprano soloist on Yanni – Live At The Acropolis which has been seen by over 1.5 billion viewers on PBS, or perhaps in her role as the tambourine-waving choir nun and real life vocal coach/choir director for Sister Act and Sister Act II with Whoopie Goldberg. Other possibilities include her multiple appearances on The Academy Awards and three American Idol specials. View full article »

CD:Light
Artist: Synthesist
Contact: www.synthesist777.com

Having reviewed “Dream Slate,” the previous release by Synthesist, I was looking forward to this latest album entitled “Light.” I enjoyed the first one very much and was certainly not disappointed by its successor. Chris Pearre, who records under the name Synthesist is a veteran electronic musician who has been playing keyboards since 1979. View full article »

CD: In the Wake
Artist: Ann Sweeten
Contact: www.annsweeten.com

In a recording career that has spanned 14 years and includes 9 best selling albums and 2 Italian compilations, Ann Sweeten has managed to achieve a level of success that many musicians only dream of. In addition to her music consistently placing high on the charts, receiving extensive radio airplay, and winning numerous awards, she holds the prestigious title of an official “Steinway Artist/ Composer,” placing her in the company of some of the most distinguished pianists in the world.

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CD:Marimba Dreams
Artist: Julia Harrell
Contact: www.juliaharrell.com

The marimba is not usually the first instrument that comes to mind when thinking of new age music – being more commonly associated with orchestral, jazz, or world music. View full article »

CD: A Delicate Joy
Artist: David Nevue
Contact: www.davidnevue.com/

In one of their most beloved songs, The Beatles sang of “a long and winding road” which serves as an appropriate analogy for the path David Nevue has taken in his creative journey. View full article »

CD: A New Horizon
Artist: Jose Luis Serrano Esteban
Contact: http://jlse.serarte.es/

The album being featured here, “A New Horizon,” is a re-released special edition with two bonus tracks by Spanish-born recording artist Jose Luis Serrano Esteban. Originally released in 2009, and titled “Un Nuevo Horizonte” in his native language, it is a follow up to his debut release, “Dreamland.” View full article »

CD: A Midnight Clear – Christmas In Mitford
Artist: Bill Leslie
Contact: www.billleslie.com

It’s not surprising that Bill Leslie’s latest CD, “A Midnight Clear – Christmas In Mitford” is inspired by a literary work, having won more than 80 major journalism awards himself, including five Emmy’s and two Peabody Awards for his work as an environmental reporter and anchorman for WRAL TV in Raleigh, North Carolina. This is in addition to his having produced eight music CD’s, five of which have made it to the top of the charts in their genre. View full article »

CD: Bindu
Artist: Michael Brant DeMaria
Contact: www.ontos.org

“Bindu” is the fourth CD in Michael Brant DeMaria’s Healing Sound Project and marks a subtle yet intriguing directional shift in his music. While his 30 years as a practitioner and teacher of meditation have always been reflected in his music, his previous releases have had an earthy connection with the natural world, in contrast to this album which explores our inner nature with a more introspective ambience. View full article »

CD: Christmas Joy
Artist: Fiona Joy Hawkins
Contact: www.fionajoyhawkins.com.au

Tis the season… when some of the genre’s finest recording artists apply their creative talents to craft innovative versions of holiday classics. One such songsmith is Fiona Joy Hawkins, whose award-winning “Blue Dream” CD I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing in Music and Media Focus. View full article »

CD: Reflections
Artist: John Paris
Contact: www.johnparismusic.com

From performing with the Minneapolis Symphony, to sharing the stage with the Moody Blues and other headlining acts, as well as appearing on the Merv Griffin Show and Jerry Lewis Telethons, John Paris has had a rich and varied career that spans four decades. View full article »

CD: Snow Angel
Artist: Michele de Wilton
Contact: www.micheledewilton.com

It’s been almost a year since I reviewed Michele’s excellent “Daydream” CD and I was happy to hear about her latest, and most timely release, “Snow Angel.” Timely in that having received it right around Thanksgiving, this is an album that is perfect for the holidays. However, what makes it special is that while there are indeed a number of traditional Christmas carols, the focus of the recording is actually the entire holiday season from Thanksgiving, through Christmas, and into the New Year.  View full article »

Artist: Dulce Vas
CD: Christmas Picante
Contact: www.dulcevas.com/

While Christmas albums generally conjure images of frosty windowpanes and chimney smoke wafting above snow-dusted pine trees, this holiday CD by dulce VAS is more evocative of red rock canyons and cactus-dotted desert landscapes. Not surprising however, given that the group who is based in Phoenix, Arizona, specializes in music that “embodies the breath-taking panorama of the Southwest.” View full article »

CD: Sanctuary ll: Earth
Artist: Sherry Finzer
Contact: www.sherryfinzer.com

The photo of Sherry with angel wings on the cover of her latest release is certainly appropriate, since the music contained within could well be described as “heavenly.” Entitled “Sanctuary ll: Earth” it marks the second in her series of new age relaxation music. I had the pleasure of reviewing the first release, “Sanctuary” here in Music and Media Focus, and I’m happy to spread the word about her latest offering. View full article »

CD: Touch The Hand Of Love
Artist: Andoni
Contact: www.inspirationalsinger.com

Andoni is a man with a mission. Gifted with impressive vocal talent, his quest is to use it in service to spiritual awakening and the uplifting of the human heart. One of his greatest passions in life “is to support inner and outer peace through music.” This sense of purpose is reflected in his website url: inspirationalsinger.com. And although his goal is one pointed, his paths to getting there are diverse. View full article »

CD: Deep Theta
Artist: Steven Halpern
Contact: www.innerpeacemusic.com

If there is one name that needs no introduction to listeners of new age music, it is Steven Halpern. However for those who may just be getting into it, or are unfamiliar, an article in the LA Times described him as an “internationally acclaimed composer, recording artist and producer whose healing music put the field of sound healing on the map.  Halpern is recognized as a founding father of the New Age music genre.” Way back in 1975, he released his debut album, “Chakra Suite” which has sold over 700,000 units worldwide, and was widely acknowledged as ‘the most influential New Age album of all time’ by a panel of industry experts in 1999. In a career spanning over 35 years, he has released over 60 albums, which have sold more than 7 million copies all together. View full article »

CD: Red Leaf, Grey Sky
Artist: Catherine Marie Charlton
Contact: www.catherinemariecharlton.com

While most parents have to plead, coerce, and cajole their children to practice their musical instrument, Catherine Marie Charlton, who started playing piano at the age of eight, practiced so much that, incredibly, her parents sometimes had to ask her to stop. But all that practice and classical training came to fruition as she developed into a talented recording artist, composer, and improviser who has performed in Europe, South America, and throughout the US, and has even received an accolade from Grammy-winning pianist George Winston View full article »

CD: Star Eyes
Artist: John Fluker
Contact: www.johnfluker.com

 Question: What do as Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, Mavis Staples, David Hasselhoff, Boys 2 Men, Queen Latifah, and Jennifer Lopez have in common? Answer: They have all worked with John Fluker in one musical capacity or another. These are but a few from the long list of names that LA-based pianist, arranger, composer, vocalist, and vocal coach John Fluker has had the opportunity to be involved with professionally. View full article »

CD: Safely in the Arms of Love
Artist: Michael Stribling
Contact: www.leela-music.com

While Michael Stribling’s new CD portrays a fictional tale of life’s transitions, his own story reflects the real-life changes and cycles of human experience. Although he began piano lessons at the age of 7, he was swept up in the first wave of Beatle-mania and switched to drums where he became so accomplished that he eventually went on to play and tour with Johnny Mathis in the mid 70’s. He became even more deeply immersed in the music industry as a performer, composer/arranger, producer and engineer View full article »

CD: Soul 2 Soul
Artist: Danny Wright
Contact: www.dannywright.com

It must have been a day to remember when little four-year old Danny Wright reached up to the piano in the family’s living room and began playing the theme from Dr. Zhivago. After years of study and classical training with some of the finest teachers available, that child prodigy has matured into a world-class talent who has released a staggering 35 albums, which have sold over 6 million copies since his debut in 1986. And that’s only the beginning for this Las Vegas-based recording artist, who has twice been named by prestigious Billboard Magazine as a Top 10 artist in his genre. View full article »

CD: Reflections
Artist: Candice Night
Contact: http://candicenight.com/

As the “Night” in the Renaissance- influenced band Blackmore’s Night, lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Candice Night shares the spotlight with her husband Richie Blackmore, the former guitarist of Deep Purple and Rainbow. On “Reflections”, her first solo album, she ventures forth to explore diverse new musical territory that showcases her remarkable voice and stylistic range. View full article »

CD: Surrender
Artist: Jeff Oster
Contact: www.jeffoster.com 

Jeff Oster’s name, is one I’ve been hearing quite a bit recently – often as a session musician on a number of new releases produced by Windham Hill Records founder William Ackerman, which I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing. However, I’ve also heard about Jeff in connection with his own new release, “Surrender” when it was chosen by the Echoes radio program as the “CD of the Month” for September 2011. View full article »

CD: Sacred Alchemy
Artist: Devaa Haley
Contact: http://sacredalchemyalbum.com/

Although “kirtan” or Indian devotional singing has existed for centuries, it has been enjoying a renewed popularity, especially in the new age community. The music of Devaa Haley, which finds some of its roots in this ancient tradition, also brings a contemporary perspective to the mix. View full article »

CD: Spectrum
Artist: Hennie Bekker
Contact: www.henniebekker.com

The prefix “multi-“ will be well used in describing the work of Hennie Bekker, who is a multi-platinum-selling musician, a multi-genre artist, and most certainly a multi-talented composer and arranger whose expansive discography includes over 60 albums. He also has one win and six nominations for the prestigious Juno Award, a Canadian music industry honor that is similar to a Grammy, and he has been named “one of the most prolific and successful figures in contemporary Canadian pop music” by Billboard Magazine. View full article »

CD: Deep Still Blue
Artist: 2002
Contact: www.2002music.com

Having recently reviewed “Damayanti,” the stunning new release by the group 2002, I once again have the opportunity and the pleasure of shining a light on another of their exquisite earlier musical masterpieces entitled  “Deep Still Blue.”  While this is categorized under “Music Reviews” it is actually a multi-media presentation containing a CD plus a DVD of breathtaking underwater photography set to music. View full article »

CD: Crystal Keys
Artist: Lia Scallon
Contact: www.SoundsofSirius.com

In retrospect, after the release of “Crystal Keys,” her ninth album of sacred music, it must seem like another lifetime in which former actress Lia Scallon shared the stage with the likes of Cate Blanchett, Glenn Close, and Liam Neeson. However, a higher calling has led her on another path, devoting her life to spiritual pursuits and awakening consciousness. View full article »

CD: Damayanti
Artist: 2002
Contact: www.2002music.com

Perhaps it wasn’t Sgt. Pepper who taught the band to play, but it was just about 20 years ago today that recording artists Pamela and Randy Copus, known collectively as 2002, began their musical career together. Looking back over that time they have created an impressive legacy that includes 14 albums – 9 of which have been on the Billboard Charts for a total of 270 weeks during the past 10 years. View full article »

CD: Dream Slate
Artists: Synthesist
Contact: www.synthesist777.com

We’ve all heard the expression about “making dreams into reality,” well, that is exactly what Christopher Pearre (aka Synthesist) has done with this CD. It all began with a dream he had in which he was meditating by the ocean and heard music in the air and he opened his eyes to see it falling from the sky in prismatic colors and intricate geometric patterns. View full article »

CD: In The Flow
Artist: Michael Brant DeMaria
Contact: www.ontos.org
Contact: www.SoundsTrue.com

It is my great pleasure to welcome back to Music And Media Focus, Michael Brant DeMaria, whose magical “Gaia” CD was the very first review to grace this site when it was launched on 1/1/11. His latest release is a compilation of selections from three of his highly acclaimed CD’s: “The River.” “Siyotanka,” and “Ocean.” The music is timeless and each composition was selected for its soothing and restorative qualities. Subtitled “Music For Emotional Healing” it marks the beginning of a new series under that name on the Sounds True label. View full article »

CD: Circles Of Light
Artist: Peter Sterling
Contact: www.harpmagic.com

Over the last few decades, music in this genre has been recorded in a variety of interesting locations and power spots including the Great Pyramid, the Taj Mahal, Stonehenge, Mt. Shasta, Machu Picchu, Sedona, and others. For this album Peter Sterling traveled from California to Wiltshire, England to record in the famous crop circles that are found in that area. View full article »

CD: Resonance
Artist: Takashi Suzuki
Contact: www.cdbaby.com/cd/takashisuzuki2

Some musicians start out early in life, single-mindedly pursuing their artistic path and developing their talents into maturity. Others follow a more indirect path with a series of career detours leading to their musical blossoming. Takashi Suzuki is definitely a member of this second group. View full article »

CD: Sounds From The Circle III
Artist: Various artists
Contact: http://newagemusik.ning.com/

The New Age Music Circle is an online community with over a thousand recording artists and fans. For three years in a row, they have put out a compilation of member’s recordings and made it available to press and radio programmers on a 40 song MP3 disc as well as to the public as an iTunes playlist which they can download individual tracks from. The compilation is the work of new age music pioneer Suzanne Doucet, who is also the creator and organizing force behind the community. View full article »

CD: Something Getting Wrong
Artist: Michael de Salem
Contact: http://www.SonicBids.com/MichaelDeSalem

Although the translation of the album’s title into English by Swiss musician and human rights activist Michael de Salem may create an enigmatic air, his motivation as a recording artist is perfectly clear: in his view, we face a global crisis that can only be remedied by a major shift in human consciousness – and for him, music is one key to effecting that change. View full article »

CD: Angels of the Sun
Artist: Fred Thrane
Contact: www. fredthrane.com

“Angels Of The Sun” by guitarist Fred Thrane (a Norwegian name pronounced “Trana”) is a multi-faceted offering that reflects various aspects of his musical persona. His six-string sojourn began when he started lessons at the age of 17 and he received a flash of inspiration upon hearing Andres Segovia playing Granados’ “Spanish Dance #5.” That style and sound became a beacon, which illuminated his way through many years of formal study culminating in a master’s degree in music with a specialty in classical guitar from Cal State University. View full article »

CD: Autumn Sky
Artist: Blackmore’s Night
Contact: www.blackmoresnight.com

If the name Blackmore rings a bell, you may recognize it as the surname of Ritchie Blackmore who created one of the most recognizable riffs in rock history: “Smoke On The Water” and ascended the stairway to heaven of guitar stardom in Deep Purple and later in Rainbow over a career spanning three decades. The other half of the Blackmore’s Night name belongs to award-winning songwriter and vocalist Candice Night, an incredible talent in her own right. View full article »

In an exclusive sneak peek, Music and Media  Focus is pleased to present an advance review of the soon to be released new CD by Constance Demby. Tune into her website in the near future for details of the album launch.

CD: AMBROSIAL WAVES – Healing Waters
Artist: Constance Demby
Contact: www.constancedemby.com

It’s been a while since we’ve had a new release from Grammy-nominated, award winning recording artist Constance Demby, whose name has been at the forefront of distinguished new age artists for decades. Classically trained and performing since the age of 12, she has toured the world and played at major festivals and conferences sharing the same stage as the Dalai Lama, Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, Joseph Campbell, and many others including Dr. Jean Houston, who referred to Constance as “one of the world’s greatest living musicians.”

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CD: Paradigm Shift
Artist: Steven Halpern
Contact: www.innerpeacemusic.com

If anyone has ever helped to create and define a musical genre it is Steven Halpern. In my thirty years as a professional new age music reviewer I have probably heard every album he has released. One thing I always like about checking out his latest album is that I never know exactly what to expect. View full article »

CD: Weaving Worlds
Artist: Aryeh Frankfurter & Lisa Lynne
Contact: www.Lionharp.com (Aryeh) & www.LisaLynne.com

“Weaving Worlds” is a harmonic convergence of the first magnitude. Lisa and Aryeh reprise the collaboration that began with their first CD together, “Two Worlds One” and adds the masterful flute work of Lisa’s long-time musical friend George Tortorelli. Listening to this music is like getting into a time machine and going back to when life was much simpler and music was “unplugged”… played on instruments handcrafted of wood and wire. View full article »

CD: A Time of Innocence
Artist: Keith Driskill
Contact: www.driskillmusic.com

I can imagine the look of surprise and joy on Keith Driskill’s face at the tender age of ten, when he came home to find the gift of his first guitar waiting for him after “hounding poor ol’ dad to death” for it. Although he was sure that his parent’s expectations were that his fascination with the instrument would be short lived, now so many years later, with four sons of his own, he is still playing with passion and dedication. View full article »

CD: Blue Dream
Artist: Fiona Joy Hawkins
Contact: http://www.fionajoyhawkins.com.au/

It’s a long way from Australia to Vermont – about 10,000 miles to be more precise, but the journey was worth it for pianist/composer Fiona Joy Hawkins to have her album recorded and produced by the legendary Windham Hill Records founder Will Ackerman. As it turned out, the experience was equally rewarding for him as well. View full article »

CD: A Moment Between Eternities
Artist: Louis Colaiannia
Contact: www.louismusic.com

Having previously spent a number of memorable years in the “Mile High City” of Denver, Colorado, where Louis Colaiannia hails from, I can attest to incredible inspiration available from living with the snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks always on the horizon. Perhaps there is something in living at that altitude with its awe-inspiring vistas, but there is a majestic quality to Louis’ piano playing that seems to reflect his surroundings. View full article »

CD: Throughout the Autumn Light
Artist: Robert Linton
Contact: www.robertlinton.com

Falling softly like leaves from a tree, the first gentle notes glide effortlessly from Robert Linton’s guitar creating an ambience that is perfectly described in the title of his latest CD. This atmosphere continues throughout the album and is captured in song names like “Glistening after the Mist”, “Shifting to the Fall”, “Seasons of Years Past”, and “Evening Sunset.” View full article »

CD: Daydream
Artist: Michele de Wilton
Contact: http://www.micheledewilton.com/

“Daydream” is the latest release from solo pianist Michele de Wilton following in the wake of her intriguing and imaginative “Myths & Legends” CD. The title of that previous album goes a long way in explaining the inspiration behind her compositions. As a musical storyteller, Michele has always felt drawn to classical literature, poetry, and especially the magical world of traditional mythology. View full article »

CD: Follow The River
Artist: Michael Dulin
www.michaeldulin.com

Having recently reviewed Michael Dulin’s outstanding current release ”Timeless ll, I was interested to go back and listen to the album of his which preceded that – “Follow The River.” While there are some similarities, there are also essential differences. View full article »

CD: Timeless II
Artist: Michael Dulin
Contact: www.michaeldulin.com

With so many people engaged in a sometimes life-long search for that which defines them, showcases their abilities, or gives meaning to their existence, it is a blessing to realize at a very early age that one has a particular calling. This allows them time to nurture that talent as they grow, so that by maturity, they are ready to blossom in their chosen field. Such a fortunate one is Michael Dulin, who in his earliest years found his resonance in music. As time went on, he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance, and later furthered his musical studies at the prestigious Julliard School in New York. View full article »

Artist: AOMUSIC
CD: …and Love Rages On!
Contact: www.AOMUSIC.COM

In any album review, the music is the obvious focal point. However in the case of AOMUSIC, while the sound is clearly the focus, there is so much to share about the unique creative process and the intention behind it, that a review would be incomplete without shining a light on those aspects as well. Serving as a brief introduction or gateway, the word “AO” [e’i-o] comes from the ancient Polynesian language and means “pure light” or “all colors.” This second meaning is particularly descriptive as the music is a virtual rainbow of sound and soul.

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CD: Dreaming Still
Artist: Kathryn Kaye
Contact: www.kathrynkaye-music.com

Maybe it’s the rarified air of the higher elevations, but there’s something about the magic of the mountains that seems to inspire the vision of artists and musicians alike. So it is with gifted pianist Kathryn Kaye, whose roots are in the Appalachians and her branches are in the Colorado Rockies where she currently lives and draws deep inspiration from. View full article »

CD: Sanctuary
Artist: Sherry Finzer
Label: Heart Dance Records
Contact: www.heartdancerecords.com

If you are seeking Sanctuary, you’ve come to the right place. Sherry Finzer is a multi-talented musician and recording artist, who breathes life into a variety of flutes including the modern C flute, the alto flute, and the Native American flute. She not only does studio recording, but also performs in a wide variety of musical contexts including solo, duo, trio, and larger ensembles ranging from classical…to new age, world, jazz, and pop music. In addition, she runs her own music label, Heart Dance Records, which is an appropriate name given how much heart energy comes through in her music. View full article »

CD: Sangria
Artist: Mariah Parker
Contact: http://www.mariahparkermusic.com/

Like the festive wine and fruit drink the album takes its name from, the music on Mariah Parker’s “Sangria” is, indeed, an intoxicating melange of diverse sonic ingredients. The album’s subtitle: “An Indo Latin Jazz Musical Experience” further hints at the heady fusion contained within. View full article »

CD: “Forget-Me-Not, Blue”
Artist: Evan Wish
Label: Wish 4/4 Music
Contact: www.evanwish.com

From the first wistful notes, and throughout the album to its graceful conclusion, a word that repeatedly came to mind was “evocative.”  Imagery and emotions awakened within as Evan’s spirited piano melodies unfolded. Although that’s hardly surprising coming from an artist whose website bears the quotation: “music is a bridge from the heart to the soul.” Hearing his compositions, one gets the impression that Evan’s bridge is well traveled. View full article »

CD: “GAIA”
Artist: Michael Brant DeMaria
Label: Ontos Music
Contact: www.ontos.org

In these days of downloading individual tracks and buying single songs on iTunes, it is refreshing to see an album that has thematic continuity and a story to tell from one song to the next. The term “concept album” comes to mind. And the theme of this CD is as expansive as the Earth itself. In ancient days of Greece, Gaia was the Goddess of the Earth. In modern times the term often refers to the concept of The Gaia Hypothesis, which views the Earth as a living being, rather than just a lump of rock that we happen to exist on.  According to Michael Brant DeMaria, the songs on this CD are his “tone poems and sound prayers offered in the spirit of waking up and acting for the good of our children’s children, children during this time of ecological crisis and transition” as well as honoring our common heritage as dwellers on this precious planet. View full article »