The Riad Abdel-Gawad Ensemble
The Chicago World Music Festival 2010 is just concluding their annual city wide venue regularly hosted by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and since the inception in 1999, has entertained over a half million visitors in traditional and contemporary music concerts given by music professionals spanning the globe.
Riad Abdel-Gawad is a violinist just concluding his performances with his ensemble at the Clarke House Museum & South Shore Cultural Center during this international multi cultural event which over the years has had representation of seventy five countries. His concert venues during the Chicago World Music Festival were held just recently in September 2010 and in addition, Riad Abdel-Gawad has extensively toured the U.S. this year with his ensemble from Cairo Egypt. The newly released Egypt : Mother of the World was designed to coincide with his U.S. ensemble tour and the numerous venues where people have had a chance to hear his multi cultural music during live performances.
Riad Abdel-Gawad is a Southern California resident and Harvard graduate with a PH.D in Musical Composition, also a University of Southern California and University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music graduate. When his educational and Western classical influences are joined with his Middle Eastern ensemble a wonderful cross section of music blends into a much broader World influence. Also having toured many countries as a violinist, in addition to a large presence in online radio programming, his recognition has nicely reached an international audience.
Egypt : Mother of the World is his 2010 Middle Eastern, World, New Age, Contemporary release featuring four additional musical talents comprising his ensemble. Egyptian born Riad had written the original compositions and all musicians are highly recognized artists in Middle Eastern music and perform on traditional ethnic instruments so the listener is greatly rewarded with colorful and authentic works of beauty.
The professional musicians playing on this album include Yousri Abdel-Maqsoud on percussion, bongos, duff, riqq ( tambourine ) Saber Abdel-Sattar qanun ( plucked dulcimer ) Hesham Makarem oudist oud ( lute ) and Mohamed Foda ( Fouda ) nayist ( bamboo flute ) The physical CD includes a large colorful 16 page foldout booklet describing the meaning and inspiration behind each piece and makes a nice bonus.
Egypt : Mother of the World is an excellent introduction for those less familiar with Middle Eastern music and for those coinsurers, the album is an unrivaled work of art given by some great talents. Riad performs on a violin tuned several tones lower keeping with traditional Middle Eastern standards and this tuning in tonal pitch does make the recognizable variations apart from Western music clear.
The quality of this professional ensemble and their authentic style of music can be felt from the first of fifteen songs which as it turns out, truly does deliver a wonderful atmosphere while becoming a global festival and cultural event in music.
Visit the musicariad.com website to sample / purchase or visit his Amazon.com page.
Clifford White Story of Atlantis
Creative talent and New Age music are identical terms in reference to the multitudes of creative and influential musicians producing music today. This can be said of all genres of course and just like all genres, New Age had a group of select artists in the primordial years whose earlier influences formed the inception and foundation of our genre.
Clifford White is a musician living in the United Kingdom defining our New Age genre then and this is true today. His biography as a musician began during an era when there was much less of a foundation to build upon and had to rely primarily on his own creative intuition as a vital resource. Clifford White’s inception into the New Age genre first emerged in 1985 at age 17 when he released a phenomenal album entitled Ascension which quickly established Clifford as a leading composer and producer whose music greatly influenced our genre in the early years.
Atlantis is the 2010 MG Music label release Clifford White just produced in his present day Sanctuary Studio in St. Albans, Hertfordshire and it is nice to know his talent for producing outstanding music and creative intuition during modern times is just as ingenious today as in earlier years. Currently Clifford presides over his multi faceted 21st Century New Media Ltd business which specializes in media consultation of Internet, film, software, television and media related training courses. In addition to his musician website he also hosts the New Age Music News website and his presence in the New Age genre today remains on the forefront.
Clifford White has made Atlantis into an exciting Electronic composition based in theme on the lost underwater city adventures first recounted in the writings of Greek philosopher and mathematician Plato. Knowing Clifford has made explorations of his own by using a broad range of influences and innovations with every successive album, these novel synthesizer effects translate into a modern Progressive album that reaches Epic and Cinematic proportions while recounting the ancient city lost beneath the waters.
Atlantis ( Title Song ) is the first of 11 exploratory melodies on this Electronic expedition transcending folklore of the past into a modern day chronicle overflowing with depth and creative imagination. One innovation of many is the unique metrical timing by using the middle C note on piano. Balanced with precision, this synchronized rhythm gives the impression of a heart beating with excitement while the main keyboard melody and regal orchestration begin to herald in this majestic opening song. Catacombs has a more mysterious allure given the ever present key changes made throughout the keyboard melody with percussion timing and synthesizer enhancements furthering this deeper realm in atmosphere like the dreamy sequences in moderately timed song Xtasea.
The Kingdom has Contemporary guitar rhythms along with an energetic beat illustrating a brighter atmosphere to the mysterious underwater city, while the Groove qualities in Time Tunnels with percussion accents also maintain the traits given by these more modern progressive qualities. Voice of the Aegean with a gentle guitar melody resembles the lighter variation of calm like on the song Summit which too conveys a relaxing ambiance by a more moderate tempo. Ascendant & Exodus are comprised of more prominent synthesizer surroundings with percussion sequences of bells, woodblock and xylophone.
The Epic characteristics heard in New World begin to surface during the first measures when beautiful orchestrations given by horns and choir vocals infuse classic imagery of the legendary kingdom of antiquity for which this theme is based upon and like a paradox, Atlantis the album was composed with a modern ideology but where they share common traits by their amazing stories and early foundations that had first began on solid ground.
Visit cliffordwhite.co.uk to sample / purchase his new Atlantis release and then go to his albums page. You can also visit his NewAgeMusicNew.com website then our interview and review pages dedicated to Clifford White.
Cover art by Medwyn Goodall – picture copyright BigStockPhoto – Dirk Paessler
David Clavijo orchestrates The Landing
When listening to New Age music, the multiple genres and subgenres of World, Ambient, Contemporary, Instrumental, Chill Out, and Groove in most cases are heard from one album to another. Today I have a chance to tell you about a novel new release that explores the multitude of influences I have listed throughout the entire album.
The Landing ( Special Edition ) is polarizing by this balancing act of multiple influences and is simply a wonderful feat of artistry from beginning to end, plus The Landing in original form with 6 songs has achieved worldwide airplay while catching the attention of not just the buying public, but some music retailers too after landing directly onto their best sellers section.
David Clavijo from Seville Spain seems to have a natural inclination of what multi influential New Age music is all about and I felt his performance on acoustic & electric guitars along with piano & keyboards are a fine line balance that blends together quite nicely by having these diverse instrumental strengths.
The compositions of David Clavijo likewise have universal appeal after featuring in television commercials, soundtracks, festivals and cultural events held in Spain. In addition, his music has acquired a global audience by extensive radio airtime having also collaborated with many international labels in the Ambient & Chill Out categories, so there are additional compilation projects you can find featuring his original scores.
The Landing ( Special Edition ) has 10 songs and is a natural acquisition for those who like lively instrumentals with wonderful upbeat rhythms since every songs carries at least a moderate or upper tempo with liberal percussion accents. Another point of interest is almost every song exhibits piano and electric guitar harmonies with appealing vocals which nicely enhance the music environment.
Dancing on the Moon features a nice orchestration for the beginning song, where piano, oboe and violin weave a bold and dynamic theme into a colorful interblending that instills a cosmopolitan touch of class. Light soprano vocals with excluded lyrics also regulate this effect on several songs like Distant Love, where electric guitar runs revolve into a memorable Rock styled rendition that is in direct contrast with a lighter piano melody.
One of the more unique methods of exploration is the usage of upper register notes on piano which inscribes a lighter perspective while comingling the stronger melodic guitar runs and deeper tenor vocals. Es Vedra likewise paired mid register piano notes with upper range octaves backed by guitar runs and deeper tenor vocals, making an admirable blend by this interchange.
Sailing in my Dreams projects a more mysterious presence given the deeper keyboards and piano melody accents suspended in moderate timing by bass percussion. The longest song Nowhere gives a wonderful mood to relax with by the lighter arrangement. The World influences in African Spirit are moving by an ethnic choir of children vocals set to a nice percussion rhythm and turns out to be a pretty colorful song.
Las Dunas is the first of 4 new bonus songs added to the original The Landing lineup and like most songs, carries an upbeat tempo and has a modern groove feel with soprano vocals backed by saxophone and guitar. East Winds has a far reaching atmosphere by long extended electric guitar long notes, where Uttara Kanda blends exotic influences from the lands of India and with indigenous percussion, brings a spice of life presence into the picture.
Promises with an orchestra blend is the last song on The Landing ( Special Edition ) and while the Original album was indeed a success, this latest release with the 4 bonus tracks holds even greater expectations for this promising new multi influential release that really is quite special.
Visit davidclavijo.com to sample / purchase or at his CDBaby.com page and major retail outlets. Learn more about David Clavijo at his website profile page. You can connect with David Clavijo on his social network sites MySpace page & FaceBook page.
Picture copyright BigStockPhoto – Copestello
Peter Jennison in Longing For Home
During times of war most sovereign nations remain dependent on men and women serving in the military for defense and protection of their country. While protecting the freedoms and individual rights of private citizens, returning soldiers acquire imbedded memories that last a lifetime and clearly the grandest memory of them all is during the homecoming when reunited with their families.
Peter Jennison is a U.S. Army Captain and MEDEVAC helicopter pilot returning from active duty during the war in Iraq with revealing memories he witnessed from a firsthand perspective. An American living at home in Florida now, his latest CD composed during the time period he served in Iraq is meant to evoke imagery of the conflict as a more peaceful musical experience for every listener, along with providing renewing therapy for soldiers and families upon their return home from service.
Longing For Home ( Songs From War ) is a New Age Contemporary Instrumental release Peter Jennison composed for piano with renown musicians supplying refined instrumentals in most of the 10 songs. This album also has the notation of being a Will Ackerman production and with Corin Nelsen providing the mixing and mastering, their Grammy Award winning expertise can be perceived as a winning strategy by the quality work they produce.
In another strategic move, Peter Jennison enlisted highly recognized artists on his album including Jeff Haynes on percussion, Eugene Friesen on cello and Steve Schuch on violin. In addition, Will Ackerman performs on guitar in one song and vocalist Noah Wilding gives soft vocals on two songs. This album also holds the honor of being some of the last performances given by the late Tom “ T-Bone “ Wolk, a highly regarded multi instrumentalist remembered in part by his outstanding talents.
War is a song with lighter phases in the beginning that build with increasing drama as piano, violin and percussion recreate a battlefield image during a dramatic illustration projected within the arrangement. Nicely shown by a precise context, increasing tempo and percussion rhythms project distant artillery rounds, where chest moving recoil and ejecting shell casings seem all too real.
Peter Jennison composed his album with much regard to stories from the heart and mind. This is apparent in his compositions where most songs portraying a tranquil atmosphere with a strong sense of drama and emotion can be easily felt and is consistent, during his solo piano expressions and in songs with instrumental refrains.
Performing on a Steinway B, the emotional feel of 4 Solo Piano songs; Hold Me in Your Heart, The Promise, Anthem & Longing For Home ( Title Song ) are classic and uplifting yet each one holds a certain melancholy as if telling of the days spent apart from family and the additional weight of uncertainty this carries.
The piano and instrumentals of violin during Time Passage convey this more poignant feeling where piano, cello and bass in High Mountain Dreams has a relaxing atmosphere. The bass guitar and piano duet band together as one in moving song Desert Storms, then a piano melody combined with, guitar, violin and vocals in The One breaks into a resolute wave of harmony, in music finely empowered to portray the sentiment most of us will never experience firsthand.
Longing For Home ( Songs From War ) is indeed told from a U.S. soldier’s perspective, made more real since this story is voluntarily given by someone who has honorably faced and met the challenges war can bring. And while recounting American men and women risking all in service to their country, reverent tribute is given to those lives we honor in memorandum of, also celebrating the virtues of every U.S. soldier as a regular citizen and a beloved family member.
Visit peterjennisonmusic.com to learn more. You can sample / purchase at his CDBaby.com page or Digstation.com page.
Note : A portion of the proceeds from every album sold will be given to charities that support veterans and their families.
Picture copyright BigStockPhoto.com – JustASC
Matt Millecchia and Silhouette of a Season
Much like the seasonal changes we encounter daily at various locations around the world, many musicians I encounter have their own change in atmosphere in relation to the music they produce. Their adaptations in style and structure can sometimes be expected to a degree, but most times it is tempered just like the weather and cannot be easily predicted.
Matt Millecchia is a great example of a guitar player making a more profound change in his performance style by releasing of all things, a New Age album. Currently residing in New York, Matt is most acclimated to performances with various Metal Rock, Punk and Folk bands over the past 20 years and really not a matter of being a hot to cold disparity by this, but this departure certainly is polarizing. Interestingly, he is also a senior engineer who takes precision measurements on one of the most powerful lasers ever produced so is uniquely familiar with the technical aspects of extremes.
Silhouette of a Season is his more equalizing New Age Contemporary Instrumental debut with 12 original compositions featuring Matt on 4 Solo Guitar songs. Employing another key change in style, he specializes in the flat-pick method of acoustic guitar verses a more common finger style and has also enlisted notable artists most will recognize.
Taking the legendary journey to Imaginary Road Studios in Vermont, Grammy Winner and founder of Windham Hill Records Will Ackerman has produced and performs guitar with Matt on two songs. Another Grammy Award winner Corin Nelsen engineered, mixed and mastered this album so the quality shines by their expertise, plus the all inclusive list of top musicians on various songs which includes Michael Manring on bass, Eugene Friesen on cello, the late T-Bone Wolk on bass and accordion, Derrik Jordan on electric violin and percussion, Jeff Oster on flugelhorn, Steve Schuch on acoustic violin, and Samite on flute.
Silhouette of a Season shows a natural beauty in composition and performance while dramatizing a glowing atmosphere during each of the 12 songs placed mainly in a moderate tempo. All have a pleasing feel of radiance and song Arrivials is the first prelude into the many qualities you will experience on the entire album. Orchestra and electric violins provide a swaying motion while guitars evenly enhance this refined image by counter rhythms and then again in a more pronounced Summer Tears.
Antietam Spring is a light introspective song where accordion and guitar inscribe a peaceful feeling while achieving a pleasing sense of intrigue and perhaps only natural given the interesting choice in instrumental harmonies.
The guitar pairing of flugelhorn in Mist and cello in Acid Lake are like the percussion, guitar and flute instrumentals in Sphynx where each artist imparts their proficient expressions while revealing the fine naturalistic atmosphere envisioned for each song.
Matt takes a graceful departure apart from more familiar genres by the 4 Solo Guitar improvisations of Georgia Springs, Expectations, August Eclipse & Moonset and while adapting this gentle change of seasons with over 20 years of experience and by using the flat-pick method without sub-rhythm overdubbing, the transition is made solid by a fine performance, along with his artistic stance on the evenly represented concepts of harmony.
Silhouette of a Season is an album anyone can become acclimated with every single day of the year and since the glorious presentation given by every musician transposes a fine exploration in atmosphere, their precise harmonies bring to light an integral shine for success which to me, turns out to be an even more predictable quality.
Visit mattmillecchia.com to sample / purchase or at his CDBaby.com page. Learn more about Matt on his biography page.
Photo copyright Matt Millecchia and Cover courtesy of Marcia Birken
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