New Album by Terry Oldfield – featuring Mike Oldfield
I know it is a little early to talk about things that will happen after the summer – it is only April after all - but I’m happy to report that Terry Oldfield is back with a new album in September.
The album is called Journey into Space and will be released on the New Earth Records label.
We all love Terry’s music very much, that goes without saying. But it is interesting to see that his little brother Mike Oldfield will be involved on the new album too. This is the first release with Mike since Music of the Spheres in 2008. Little is known about the album so far. But we have this presentation from Mikeoldfield.org:
Terry Oldfield is continuing work on the recording of his new album Journey Into Space featuring Mike on guitars. We hear that work is progressing well and Terry has recently completed a new track for the album called Flight of the Eagle. This track is an arrangement of a piece that Mike and Terry used to play live in Barefoot, their pre Tubular Bells band. This track also features Mike on guitars.
We will tell you more as soon as the information becomes available. And no, this is not an April Fool’s joke.
Clifford White iPhone / iPad apps
Fans of Clifford White know that he is an artist that is always trying to get as much music as possible out of technology. He has now released three music apps, that is available on the iPhone and iPad, and on Android Market too.
Here is a presentation of the new apps:
Healing Waves
Experience deep relaxation with Healing Waves, a collection of six exquisite relaxation music tracks from top recording artist Clifford White. The perfect app for instant bliss, Healing Waves features tracks taken from Clifford’s superb albums Ascension, Revelation and The Healing Touch.
Find it here.
The Chillaxer
Experience the coolest music on the planet, brought to you by top recording artist Clifford White. The Chillaxer takes you to musical heights you never knew even existed. Feel it. Now. The Chillaxer features tracks from The Gods Of Olympus, Atlantis and Myths of the Rock.
Find it here.
Escape to Paradise
Escape to exotic climes with this free collection of superb music tracks from premiere recording artist Clifford White. Featuring tracks from his bestselling albums Twilight Paradise, The Lifespring, Aqua and Nature’s Symphony, Escape to Paradise transports you to a tropical paradise, where golden sand meets shining sea. Prepare for a rendezvous with pleasure…
Find it here.
EARTH HEALER 2 – Medwyn Goodall
Earth Healer 2 is the brand new album by Medwyn Goodall. For this album he has this personal introduction:
Usually I don’t talk about how I create my music, but this particular CD has an interesting and unique back story that I felt some fans may find insightful.
I have always evolved and experimented as an artist, trying out new sounds, and ideas. At the same time I have paused along the journey to return to create sequels and continue styles that both fans and myself have enjoyed in the past.
Earth Healer 2 however is more than a simple sequel, it is in a true sense a return. At the end of producing “Tears of the Dragon”I felt a deep sense of having completed a long journey of self discovery. I had musically travelled through different sub-genres, new technologies, and explored complex themes, stories, and big productions. Now all I wanted was to simply be myself, and to return to the very roots that started it all. So I dug out my original keyboard an old Roland D50, responsible for the warm like organ sounds you hear behind most of my 1990′s albums. I found flutes, panpipes, guitars, instruments, drums, percussion I had not used since the 1990′s. Gathering these lost instruments back together I had my own acoustic history before me. When they were last used the recording methods were largely still all about multi track tape recorders and large analog mixing desks. For the first time since the early 90′s would I record these instruments, but in a 2012 studio.
What instantly developed was the music sounded like retro Medwyn but playing new tracks but with modern studio production. The past had come alive again, literally. I next made the deliberate choice to keep things simple as I used to when I first started, which in those days was mainly because of technical limitation of only having 8 tracks available. Another choice was to stay away from synths, because again in my early years they didn’t exist and so my sound was largely acoustic and about a hands on performance. Keeping it simple, fun and melodic, made the tracks sound even more like retro Medwyn. Why Earth Healer 2? The original Earth Healer was made in 1992 and was the album where my journey took off through the 1990′s, leading to well known hits like Medicine Woman, the spirit trilogy, Rhythm of the Ancients, Moon Goddess, Priestess etc. It seemed fitting and still very apt to return to mother earth as a cause for concern, and a musical statement. The process of going retro Medwyn was so profound and enjoyable, that for the foreseeable future I can see myself producing much of the same, truly revisiting my own past with a fresh enthusiasm.
Medwyn Goodall
We will soon give a complete review of this new album.
You can sample it here.
New Albums from MG Music
On Valentine’s Day MG Music gives us a big gift of music, perfect for romantic dinners and relaxation for two in front of the fireplace. The albums are:
- Earth Healer 2 by Medwyn Goodall,
- A Promise of Love by Midori and
- Shaman 2 by Wychazel.
Medwyn fans also has a lot to look forward to this year. He has now introduced Moon Goddess II. The original Moon Goddess, originally released in 1995 , is one of Med’s finest albums. In sound it is a bit like the Druids, with a darker, more thoughtfull quality. It reminds of the Medicine Woman series too, but way slower. We will return with more information as it becomes available. All in all; great news from MG Music!
Dream Music from a Magical Land
Movie soundtracks is a rich and influential music genre. Through carefully composed music a movie director can tell the viewer what to expect and what to feel. If the movie is scary, romantic or comical, the soundtrack adds a vital part to the overall atmosphere and the setting.
But have you ever listened to an album that is created as a soundtrack – but there is no movie? One such album is Land of Dreams by The Nexion Project. Just read the attached description in the CD booklet (which is a very dramatic story – more on that later), close your eyes and the music will take you to a land far away – and a sad part of human history too.
The artist has prepared this animation, which gives you a taste of the music:
Previous Rave Reviews
I have in the past reviewed several albums by The Nexion Project/Török Zoltán (see our dedicated page here) – and have always been very positive. This is because Török Zoltán has such impressive attention to details. He is a master in a world of synths and sequencers, and makes the music sound so live, so fresh – no matter the topic. This is also the case with the album in question today. Land of Dreams is sequenced music, but sounds almost like it is being played by a real, live orchestra. No analogue sounding synths can be heard. This gives the album an extra, very powerful dimension. It is live. Or sounds like it.
Török Zoltán/The Nexion Project has such impressive attention to details. He is a master in a world of synths and sequencers
The Story Behind
The dramatic backdrop to the Land of Dreams is the brutal Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. In the booklet you can read story about a family of farmers where the topic is a son’s relationship with the daughter of a Communist’s deputy leader. It takes place in the second half of the seventies.
Without giving too much away, I can say that by following the short storyline you understand the dramatic images communicated through the music.
Reminds of Kitaro and Mike Oldfield
The album has many Asiatic influences, both in the instruments used and the way they are played. I cannot listen to it without thinking of Kitaro. A comparison to Mike Oldfield’s The Killing Fields is also very relevant since it is a soundtrack for a movie with the same topic. But Oldifeld’s 1984 album has a more analogue synth approach on the main tracks (for instance Evacuation and Execution, which are both very dated in terms of sound). Land of Dreams instead has a complete, very delicate orchestral arrangement.
The first track is entitled The Family. Close your eyes, and the music will introduce you to the strong bonds in the family and the struggles in their daily life. The music has a larger-than-life-feel, and makes me think of Vangelis’ best moments.
The second track, Over the mountains, is a true masterpiece. The segment starting at 2min25sec is impressive, and gives the whole album an unforgettable theme. Wonderful, simply wonderful! The tracks Burning Rice, Evacuating the Village and Lost Memories are built around the storyline, and you can see the drama unfolding before your inner eye.
The Land of Dreams Suite is a worthy conclusion to a magnificent album. The drama, the struggles and the grandness of it all will make the listeners jump in their seats.
Land of Dreams is a different, fresh and bold album by The Nexion Project. It could have been pretentious, but is not so at all. Instead it comes through as a heartfelt and passionate album by an artist who is just as much a dream movie director as he is a first rate musical artist. It is also a proof that even the most brutal history can inspire an artist into creating beautiful art - which in turn makes the history harder to forget.
You can buy the album on CDBaby and make sure to visit the artist’s homepage.
Atlantis Has Risen
Since antiquity the whereabouts of the legendary island Atlantis has been discussed. From Plato to Francis Bacon and into today’s world, it has been a frequent topic for both scientific research and art. Atlantis is also the topic for Clifford White’s new album. Here he gives the listener a fresh perspective on the old myth. Indeed, after 65 minutes of music you feel that Atlantis has risen from the ocean and become a place in your mind you can visit and revisit again and again. So hang on, and enjoy the voyage!
Atlantis is a popular theme in New Age Music. Most prominent is David Arkenstone’s Atlantis: A Symphonic Journey (2004), but also Alex Herr’s synth classic from the late 1980s Atlantis Arising comes to mind. And now we can add another strong album to the list!
I was excited when I heard that Clifford White’s new album would be about Atlantis. The reason is because his previous albums concerning water are among my all time favorites. The collection An Island Called Paradise is a like a trip to a magical and relaxing island, and I make sure to recommend it as often as I can. Selected songs from it are also among the most popular on our channel New Age Stars. We must also not forget that Clifford White is used to myths and great histories; last year’s The Gods Of Olympus was an album worthy of gods.
So with this in mind I put Atlantis on my iPhone and started my musical journey.
The album opens with the title song, which starts with the sound of waves, a quiet piano melody and then something I can describe (bear with me here) as a Vangelis / Chariots of fire-like synth pluck-beat. Which is always a welcome effect! The larger-than-life strings are also here, illustrating the grandness, the light and magic of the underwater world. The song has a very nice melody, and a calming atmosphere.
Track 2, Catacombs, takes the listener even further down – into a darker world, with a faster beat and nice dripping sounds. After all, the tale of Atlantis – like the real-life story of Pompeii – is first and foremost a dramatic story. If Atlantis hadn’t disappeared, there would be no magic; what you can’t ever see, find or reach is to man always more exciting than what is readily available. Isn’t that so?
I am fascinated by the way Clifford White changes sound from one track to the next, while the tracks still blend perfectly into each other. An example here is track 6, Time Tunnels, which is lounge in style. It has a jazzy freshness. Then it is track no. 7, Edge of the Ocean, which is laid back, has a bossa nova beat and a Vollenweider-ish electronic harp melody. This makes the album into an interesting listen.
There is no monotony or repetitiveness.
Again it is tempting to refer to Vangelis – both in style and in craftsmanship; Track no. 8, The New World, has the force of Conquest of Paradise, and lots of White’s usual magic too. The new world unveils itself before your inner eye.
Atlantis is like a box of surprises. The album closer is Exodus; an upbeat, bright piece. Here I must compare to Jean Michel Jarre’s classic Fourth Rendez-Vous. It shines bright, illustrating the overwhelming power of the Exodus.
As you can see from the references; White is here delivering a top notch album, and will once again find himself on the year’s top lists of new age albums.
Atlantis is here as real as it will ever get. Bravo!
Visit cliffordwhite.co.uk to sample / purchase his new Atlantis release and then go to his albums page. You can also visit his NewAgeMusicNews.com website then our interview and review pages dedicated to Clifford White.
The editor notes that NewAgeMusic.nu and NewAgeMusicWorld.com are partners and supporters of Clifford White’s NewAgeMusicNews.com, but .world/nu are independent sites with no commercial ties to Clifford White/MG Music. Cover art by Medwyn Goodall – picture copyright BigStockPhoto – Regisser.com
Amarocked!
One of my all time favorite albums is Mike Oldfield’s Amarok, released in 1990. This must be one of the most varied and creative recordings ever (not just in new age music, but in any genre). Here Mike Oldfield constantly changes theme, non-stop for 60 minutes!
While Virgin Music in 1989 wanted a follow up to Tubular Bells, something to take Mike’s fame to old heights, Mike decided to make a piece of music that could not be played on radio, and not be cut up and sold as singles. All because he was frustrated with Virgin music. The result is a strange but marvelous album, unlike anything else. In time it has almost become a research field in the world of music. On Tubular.net is an extensive analysis of the album. Every part is special.
What I like about the album is the feeling of movement. In the 60 minutes you get to hear a high number of melodies, and they all communicate different feelings and emotions. When the hour is up, you feel like you have experienced a lot. It is truly a world of sound, only paralleled by Tubular Bells.
Sample the album on Amazon.
Jon Richards – Elysian Fields
I love music that almost instantly creates a fantasy world in the listener’s mind. You only have to close your eyes, and the song will take you to another dimension, far away. For me this kind of music is the most magical of all. An album with this fine quality is Jon Richards‘ newest release, named Elysian Fields. Rarely have I played an album that creates more fantastic visions than this; It is as magical and wonderful as the flying white horse on the CD cover.
Elysian Fields is Jon Richards’ first album on the MG Music label, and his third album total. This UK based artist has in the past released two albums on R Cat Record – named Pangea (2008) and Transmigration (2009). Jon is in many ways a perfect addition to MG Music, since he has “that gentle & warm sound” this label has become so famous for. Together with the skilled studio crew here I’m sure we have many Richards albums to look forward to.
The album’s opening is extremely strong; as a radio host I know that these first few songs are winners. I could play them all day long and not loose many listeners, and get many new ones too. Gates of the Sun is the first song, starting with a nice acoustic guitar and then larger-than-life strings. The melody is light and warm, inviting you into a comfortable dream world. All songs here are long, the shortest being the almost 7 minute album opener. In other words; you have plenty of time to discover this musical dream world. The second track is Asphodel Meadows, with its laid-back rhythm and wonderfully mystical atmosphere.
Elysian Fields is as magical and wonderful as the flying white horse on the CD cover.
BT Fasmer
I don’t know if Jon Richards composed Elysian Fields especially to MG Music, but the two part Tir Na Nog is very Medwyn Goodal-ish in its sound – à la Clan series or Druid – something that is sure to give Richards many new fans. It is highly melodic and the attention to details, like small songs within the song, is very well done. Part 2 is more dreamy and thoughtful.
The overall sound quality is very good, as one would expect from a sequenced album. Some of the main instruments are quite dated though, which perhaps will limit the albums success among some audiences, but for us analogue synth fans this is only positive.
Yes, this album sure is magical; just put on the 10 minute long Jade Emporer. It is fantasy storytelling in music. But the interesting part is that the album is dreamy without lulling the listener to sleep. It has quite fast rhythm and equally upbeat melodies, and its magic is all in the spellbinding atmospheres.
I can only say that Jon Richards has done an amazing job. Elysian Fields is one of this year’s finest releases. It is like magical treasure chest waiting for you to open it, again and again, filled with the most wonderful creatures your mind can create. Wow!
Sample the album om MG Music.
Photo copyright BigStockPhoto.com – Truelight
New Albums by Tangerine Dream
Now in June TWO new albums by Tangerine Dream will be released. Yes, life is never boring when you are a TD fan…
The albums are The Angel of the West Window and The Gate of Saturn. According to the Eastgate Shop:
THE ANGEL OF THE WEST WINDOW
“THE ANGEL OF THE WEST WINDOW” is a novel written in 1927 by Gustav Meyrink, steeped in alchemical, hermetic, occult and mystical imagery and ideas interweaving the life of Elizabethan Magus Dr John Dee with that of a fictional modern descendant, Baron Mueller. Highly complex, often confusing but also highly atmospheric, The Angel Of The West Window could be described as an occult thriller, mixing melodrama and elements of higher spiritual elements with exploration of some of the deepest occult and esoteric mysteries of the human soul. The last novel Meyrink wrote before he died. The Angel Of The West Window, it is regarded as, if not his most famous work (a claim usually made for his novel THE GOLEM), certainly his most ambitious and multi-layered.” Tangerine Dream has set the atmosphere as well as the deeper meaning of this novel into an unforgettable soundscape.
THE GATE OF SATURN
“The Gate of Saturn” is a new production out of Eastgate’s CUPDISC SERIES. On the occassion of Tangerine Dream’s Manchester concert at The Lowry on May 28th, the TD fans will get some brand-new sounds and tunes – including the new track THE GATE OF SATURN – as well as the very popular composition “VERNAL RAPTURE”, a track which could be heard so far only by members of the TDOC (Tangerine Dream Online Club). There will be only about 1500 CD’s manufactured – so it is pretty obvious that this one will become a collector’s item very soon.
As always, we are amazed of the creativity in the TD project. It is incredible that the oldest group in our genre is still the most active. But if you rather want to listen to TD albums from the 70s, please feel free NOT to check out the new albums 
The brand new CDs can be ordered at The Eastgate Shop
Billboard Charting – 2002
It’s a time of celebration for fans of 2002, and I would imagine an appropriate time of celebration for Randy and Pamela Copus, the husband and wife duo that are the heart and life force of 2002. After nineteen years as top New Age music producers, Randy and Pamela are nearing a significant milestone in their music careers by an upcoming 20 year anniversary as an award winning, Billboard charting music duo.
Randy and Pamela Copus of 2002 have just released an exceptional new album titled Damayanti, which is centered on a mythical love story from the distant past. It was nineteen years ago when 2002 first began producing music with their first album titled Wings. Since then, it’s as if their popular celestial melodies have soared among the clouds in an ascending flight of their own.
Many would agree the New Age Billboard charting 2002 music duo Randy and Pamela Copus are without a doubt, one of the finest musical groups producing music today. Their true to life popularity is apparent by the number of times 2002 has been listed as a favorite musical group, having charted 9 times in the New Age Billboard Charts within the past 10 years, equaling 270 weeks total on the New Age charts.
2002 was likewise featured in the December 2003 Magazine issue of Year in Review at Billboard by being listed right alongside several other top New Age artists you are sure to recognize including Enya, George Winston, Jim Brickman, Manheim Steamroller and Yanni. Sharing the airwaves and limelight at Billboard with other top music artists does ascertain their prominence and reputation as a chosen favorite for many people.
Damayanti by 2002 is on their recently introduced Galactic Playground Music label. The album has 10 opulent songs, and while it is not an immense departure from earlier albums, this bit of info should be taken as good news. You will find Damayanti reveals a wonderful change in tonal atmosphere which does make it stand out from earlier predecessors, plus and I imagine it to be another big hit on the airwaves.
Flight of the Swan is a moving and graceful piece by the free flowing guitar and flute melodies backed by light chorales and steady percussion rhythm. The serene piano and flute pairing in Challenge From Heaven is divine, while the imaginative flute and guitar arrangement in Cycle of Time, Destinies & Enduring Love equally broadcast the celestial elegance which personifies the complete 2002 music identity.
Damayanti was created in comparison like earlier 2002 albums by Randy Copus playing piano, electric cello, guitar and bass, while Pamela Copus played flutes, harp, keyboards and a WX5 wind instrument. On this album however their daughter Sarah Copus sang some of the vocal parts.
Even now with their unending popularity and recognition, 2002 remains steadfast in their creative ambitions of producing quality orchestrations. Their close attention to instrumental and technical details during every album production seems to result in a complete reinvention of themselves every time, as is the case with their 2011 release Damayanti. Like any true to life story with a happy conclusion, I expect 2002 will continue to be a chosen favorite for many people in the years ahead, which should give Randy and Pamela Copus another reason to give pause, reflect, and to celebrate.
Visit the 2002music.com homepage and then sample / purchase or go to their Amazon.com page. 2002 recently produced an album with Marc Enfroy titled Unconditional, so read more on our pages for 2002 and Marc Enfroy.
Cover artwork courtesy Cindy Grundsten.
Cinematic Music by Kelly Andrew
Kelly Andrew from Denver Colorado is an admirable composing musician I wrote an album review about recently. You might recall I spoke very highly of his instrumental debut album titled Olympus. There was a pretty good reason I recommended his first effort to our visitors since Olympus really is one appreciable album!
In fact, I had even earlier stated in my album review that Olympus has some of the finest orchestrations I have heard in recent memory, and his classic symphonic music with contemporary instrumentals backed by full percussion, is a music symphony that will stand the test of time. Like all of my reviews, there shouldn’t be any reading between the lines with that statement. Kelly has a second album with a night to day contrast in style titled Reflections.
Kelly Andrew is a great musician who is far from being a brand new composer since he is actually identified for creating a wide array of music having composed over 35 original singles, some of which were performed and recorded with the University of Colorado Choir.
One point I would like to make is that even if Olympus was his debut album, Kelly Andrew is a great composer too, well-seasoned with over 15 years of experience producing his individual style of music in a variety of influences. Some of his arrangements are expressions in New Age, Cinematic, Contemporary, Symphonic, Soundtrack, World music, and a wide range of original scores.
Reflections by Kelly Andrew really did surprise me after listening to this 11 song recording. Reflections is a second great album, but the surprise is most apparent in the way he composed the two albums. While his first has deep orchestrations and a bolder atmosphere, Reflections is an impressive contrast in style, and it is pretty clear his second album Reflections is even more aligned in the Cinematic or Soundtrack category.
The 11 songs are a selection of instrumental ensembles with Kelly Andrew on piano, keyboards and synthesizer. Aditional musicians are; Marcy Baruch (vocals) Randy Chavez (guitar) Christian Teele (percussion) Bijoux Barbosa (bass) Kailin Yong (violin) James Brody (oboe) Rachel Ellins (harp) and Rodney Garnett (flutes). There were also musicians from the Colorado Symphony Orchestra providing the strings section.
Reflections has a wonderful blending of New Age, Contemporary Instrumental, Symphonic music, and again commendable. Kelly Andrew’s change in direction has produced a second great album, and I would certainly recommend his first and second, with a third appreciable mention being the smooth transition in style conveyed by the artist himself.
Visit kelly-andrew.com to sample / purchase or visit his CDBaby.com page. Read our page dedicated to Kelly Andrew.
Album artwork by Kelly Andrew.
Kitaro Spring 2011 Asia Tour
Kitaro is currently on the road in Asia, and has one show left to do in Malaysia (at Arena of Stars tomorrow, April 16). Kitaro has also donated HK$100,000 to aid Japan while on tour.
Here you can see pictures from the tour so far.
See also Domo Music´s Kitaro page
Deep Forest´s Earthquake Fund Raising
I think that Eric Mouquet of Deep Forest´s song Wont be long is one of the best songs composed in our genre over the last few years. The song was composed in cooperation with Chinese singer Sa Dingding. If I´m not mistaken this song is composed for the “yet to be released” Deep China-project (the beautiful Deep Brasil was released in 2009, and we are now waiting for Deep Africa). The song is an example of just how great a composer Eric really is, and that he is able to compose in different genres. Wont be long is a simply marvelous song, and I´m sure you´ll like it too.
Now Eric is offering this song as a free download on his page and asking people to give a donation to the current Earthquake Fund Raising for Japan. All money collected will go to the Japanese Red Cross.
You find it all here. What a great initiative!!!
Dream – A Liquid Mind Experience
Liquid Mind is ready with a new album, simply called Dream. I think that no artist out there does a better job in creating music for napping, relaxation, meditation and guided visualization,. The very slow tempo of the music allows the deepest level of relaxation.
The album has three tracks. They are 10, 20 & 30 minutes in length, so you can choose how long you´ll be in Dreamland.
Liquid Mind music is widely used by music therapists and by both traditional and alternative healthcare providers.
In this stressed world, we all should listen to Liqid Mind. At least once a day.
Sample the album on RealMusic.
New Project from David & Steve Gordon
After years of composing the music you and I want, David and Steve Gordon decided to make the music they wanted themselves. The result is a music project with the cryptic name Lodestone Resonator. This is a fusion of electronic and acoustic elements that combine in hypnotic patterns. The result is something far from the Gordon Brother´s usual style, but it is nevertheless a very interesting mix. Their new style is a bit dark, but filled with ambient melodies and rhythm. It is hard to put a genre tag on it, but it is safely in the meditative department. Another thing to mention is that they are not only ready with one brand new album – but THREE!
The titles are Sensory Engineering, Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness and Mapping the Transpersonal Dimension . They are at the moment website exclusive releases as the CD versions are not available yet.
I´m very happy with what I have heard so far. I like the rhythmic approach, and the tracks have the coolness of Buddha Lounge. I agree with this presentation:
This is music for true pychonauts; those who would dare to explore the depths of their own consciousness. For those who would take the journey beyond time and space, the rewards are great when Lodestone Resonator provides the soundtrack for your travels.
David and Steve Gordon
You can sample the albums on the Sequoia Records homepage, where the albums are available as MP3-releases.
Ken Elkinson – Music for Commuting
It is interesting to see how the CD-format, which gives the artist up to 80 minutes to fill, still holds a firm grip on the music business – even in this age of iTunes, mp3-files and streaming music. While an author can write a book from 150 pages up to 1.000 pages (or more), the music artist still usually finds the length of a single CD to be more than enough.
But for Ken Elkinson this was not the case. His new release Music for Commuting fills 3 CDs, with 60 tracks in total! And it doesn’t stop there. A 20 track outtake CD will be released in early 2012. So needless to say; this is an artist with lots of melodies to share!
Each CD is divided into two, one part for each day. Disc 1 is a bit dark and reflective (that blue Monday feeling I guess), disc 2 is brighter, while the last one is futuristic and spacey (you got to love the weekends, right?). The first thing that you will notice when starting your voyage through Music for Commuting is just how rich this collection is; it is like a magic box filled with melodies and emotions. But the main thing here is sound design; all songs are between 3 and 4,50 minutes long, and give the impression of a carefully selected format – like a poet using the same number of lines in each poem. Indeed, Elkinson is a musical poet, giving each day of the week a description is sound and atmospheres.
We know from the past that Elkinson is an excellent pianist. But is he as good on the synth? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Most elements are, according to Elkinson, done live with only a little editing. But what I find impressive is the melodies itself, the 3-4 minute long pieces of colorful art.
It is hard to pick favorite songs here, there are so many nice to choose from. But my favorite songs are in the dark Monday-department, like the melancholic Enigma and the somewhat lighter Plateau.
A very successful record manager I know says the main question to ask in music is; who is this album for? Who is the audience? (It would be too easy to say the commuter, of course.) Well, for one you need to enjoy analogue sounding synths. And you must be in need of relaxation music (who isn’t?) Music for Commuting is like a big box of music that will sound fresh and new every time you listen to it. That is this actually this release’s biggest achievement; very few things today seems genuinely original. This is undoubtedly an original release, with enough music to last for a whole week. With this in your ears the daily trip to work will seem a lot more colorful.
Sample the album on Ken Elkinson’s homepage. It is available on Amazon.
Picture copyright BigStockPhoto – Gorshivitz
Love Songs & Ballads by Asher Quinn
Asher Quinn is a singer songwriter from the United Kingdom who has devoted much of his adult life to writing music, and what passionate music he has created while securing a significant position in the genre! His Love Theme Ballads, Folk Melodies and Contemporary Instrumentals, united with romantic and poetic lyrics, placed him in a unique class in the field of New Age music years ago, just as his more Mainstream Progressive Ballads and Spiritual Love Songs continue to inspire today.
Falling Through Time is the 2011 release which reintroduce his unique abilities as a splendid lyrical songwriter and vocalist without rival. Possessing the heart and mind of a true poet, Asher assimilates his rare abilities and divine lyrical aptitude directly into his melodic love songs, which often exemplify a spiritual atmosphere. To me, his lyrical ballads of praise and adoration, for which he has become famous, are highly prized by their gentle and forthright emotive charm.
Asher Quinn, who released his first New Age chart-topping album Open Secret back in 1987, followed with other chart-topping releases Mystic Heart, Wings of Fire & Concert of Angels, under the name first of Denis Quinn, and then Asha. Some of his compositions have been used in film soundtracks, and with over half a million album sales to his credit, Asher Quinn continues to be a popular and incomparable one of a kind artist in the New Age music genre.
Falling Through Time features 9 original compositions, 6 traditional ballads and a cover version of This little bird first made famous by Marianne Faithfull, and was recorded and co-produced with sound engineer Shaun Britton at his studio in Fareham, Hampshire, UK. On this album, Asher delivers lead vocals and contributing artists include Kristian Biddiss on lead and Spanish guitars, along with supporting female vocalists Jaba and Jimena Larraguivel.
Asher Quinn’s music is released on his new independent Singing Stone Music record label. In addition, song lyrics for the CD album are printed in a handsome cover booklet, plus lyrics for every release are available on his website lyrics page. Two of my favorite songs from Asher are Free Yourself & Love’s Philosophy.
While love songs and folk ballads have been a source of creative inspiration for popular musicians in a variety of genres, this is a rarity concerning artists within the New Age music category. In every respect, Asher Quinn’s newest album continues his enduring legacy for producing top quality music in a wide variety of styles, which brings forth a newfound sense of admiration for his compositions you will indeed find glorious and inspiring.
Visit asherquinn.co.uk to sample / purchase or at his CDBaby.com page. Then visit his official YouTube Channel .
Cover artwork courtesy Emoke Labancz – emokelabancz.com.
Billboard Chart Musicians; Blackmore’s Night
Blackmore’s Night newest release called Autumn Sky is a #1 Billboard Charting album off to a very strong start, especially when you consider Autumn Sky acquired the #1 position on the Billboard New Age Charts upon its debut in January, 2011. This legendary renaissance inspired New Age and Folk Rock touring band has a long history for producing top of the chart and award winning instrumental melodies over the course of many years, and there is no end in sight.
Ritchie Blackmore & Candice Night are the Grammy Nominated, award winning musicians that make up the core essence of Blackmore’s Night and 7 member troupe on Autumn Sky, who wear renaissance attire of centuries past while performing at concerts, fairs, and festival events.
Ritchie Blackmore is a legendary guitar player who has made progressive transitions in music having been a long standing band member of Deep Purple and then founder of the band Rainbow. Candice Night is an instrumentalist and the group’s songwriter, whose voice and lyrical point of view is one of enchantment while singing in the forefront on Blackmore’s Night albums.
Blackmore’s Night 2011 release Autumn Sky accentuates these elegant vocals delivered by Candice, along with both ancient and modern instrumental fanfare for which they are famous. Here you will find more traditional instruments of keyboards, violin, woodwinds, acoustic and electric guitars are melded with old-world instruments like hurdy-gurdy, chanters, mandolin, vintage percussions, and woodwinds.
The international success for Blackmore’s Night is not a fairy tale. The exclusive musical focus they have engraved for themselves has resulted in an enormous following in North America, South America, Europe and Japan. Their melodies have gained crossover prosperity by the enchanting lyrical vocals and fascinating instrumental music that often contains metrical structures dating back to the seventeenth century.
Blackmore’s Night prior album Secret Voyage is another recent achievement, likewise debuting at #1 on the Billboard New Age Chart where it remained for four consecutive weeks. In addition Secret Voyage continued to remain on Billboard’s Top 10 Chart for a remarkable 72 weeks. Secret Voyage is another great album with a more mystical feel. The song Rainbow Eyes, which is one of my favorites, is a fine version of an earlier cover song from the band Rainbow.
Charting on Billboard is a good way to measure the accomplishments of any group, but what makes Blackmore’s Night a true winner is their consistent ability to create transcending music which varies with every album they produce. This renaissance inspired band which transports progressive music into contemporary times is a model for success. Past, present and future.
Blackmore’s Night touring band consists of Ritchie Blackmore, Candice Night, Bard David of Larchmont, Gypsy Rose, Earl Grey of Chimay, Squire Malcolm of Lumley and Albert Danneman. Note; Blackmore’s Night has been listed in the top 10 on Billboard’s New Age chart for the past 8 consecutive weeks.
Visit blackmoresnight.com to sample / purchase or visit their Amazon.com page. Check the latest news and tour dates then visit candicenight.com for more info on this amazing group of musicians.
Cover art courtesy Jeff Pickett-Pickett Productions.
Blackmore's Night | 
Leave a commentDavid Arkenstone Celtic Collection
It is no secret that we are BIG David Arkenstone fans here at .nu. Last December we were given two excellent new albums by him, Echoes of Creation and Visions of Christmas.
This “David Arkenstone-year” starts off with Celtic Journeys: A David Arkenstone Celtic Collection. And as we know from before, David is a master of the special medieval Celtic sound. We have seen this time and time again (lastly in Celtic Sanctuary from 2006). In this collection we get both classics (like Harry’s Game and She Moved Through The Fair). There are also original songs by David Arkenstone, like the gorgeous chill-out song Call of the Sea.
The new David Arkenstone release is fresh, relaxing and with his usual attention to sound quality.
Sample it at Amazon or your favorite digital music outlet.
Two new Tangerine Dream albums in March
Life is never boring when you are a Tangerine Dream fan that is not stuck in the 1970s – but trying to catch up and get to know every new release. Now in March we have not one but TWO new albums to check out!
They are The Island of the Fay – Edgar Allan Poe and Booster IV. The last one continues in the good tradition from Booster I-3 with some old and many new songs too. And the Edgar Allan Poe-album seems very interesting indeed!
From the Eastgate Music Shop:
This work is the beginning of a new series by Tangerine Dream: EASTGATE’S SONIC POEM SERIES. EDGAR ALLAN POE definitely is worth a start, a novelist who long enough has been labelled as dark, mysterious and gloomy only – Poe was more than that – a true visionary. Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The ISLAND OF THE FAY’ has been set to music by Edgar and Thorsten in a very exciting, dynamic and partly experimental way – a new violinist sets her maverick accents with electric sounds. It’s the art of breathing life into a tale through strong music. Enjoy this true masterpiece of finest Tangerine Dream music – we don’t promise too much….PS: You will find the whole but short tale of THE ISLAND OF THE FAY within the booklet! Enjoy reading but above all: enjoy listening!!
See the track list here.
BOOSTER IV:
The BOOSTER series goes on! BOOSTER IV is in the same tradition as you already know from Booster I+II+III – a compilation of former cupdisc tracks, many new tracks and some older tracks with a new livery. Some tracks you will definitely be familiar with, others are completely fresh and surprising. BOOSTER IV will be especially for those a delicacy who missed out the PURPLE DILUVIAL cupdisc which ran out of stock rather quickly in 2008, all three tracks ‘Babylon the great has Fallen’, ‘Armageddon in the Rose Garden Part II’ and ‘Purple Diluvial 2010′ (re-recorded version) are on this compilation. Enjoy another acoustic highlight maybe in your car, on your mp3 player, in your bath tub or wherever you prefer listening to a genuine and timeless piece of music from Tangerine Dream.
See the track list here.
Note that the first 100 incoming orders will be participating at a TOMBOLA WITH THREE SURPRISE PRIZES!!! DRAWING RESULTS: 20 MARCH 2011. Shipping starts on this date too.
We will of course return with reviews and comments as soon as the albums are out. It is always great to be a TD fan!!
Visit New Age Music World
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- Sounds from the Circle – New for 2012
- What is New Age Music ?
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- Gandalf & Steve Hackett Live Album – Gallery of Dreams
- Gandalf & Steve Hackett – Live Concert
- Mickey Hart Band – Concert Tour 2012
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