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.

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.

Jon Anderson of Yes fame is the top music celebrity we are pleased to present here at NewAgeMusic.nu & NewAgeMusicWorld.com. With a successful music career spanning five decades, John Anderson’s presence as a vocalist and instrumentalist has made an admirable impression on millions of people over the course of many years.

This can be said regarding his lengthy tenure as lead singer for the Progressive Rock band Yes, his collaborations with other celebrated artists, and over the years as a popular solo artist. Jon Anderson’s influence and starring role in music over five decades is legendary. It is estimated over 38 million records were sold during his years as the dynamic lead vocalist with Yes, and throughout his successful solo career.

Today, Jon Anderson is preparing for his North American concert tour in support of his new CD release; Survival & Other Stories. Knowing Jon Anderson’s significant influence in music it is our privilege to present this interview about a fascinating artist with a long and enduring music legacy. Review publicist John Olsen recently interviewed the personable Jon Anderson prior to his tour in 2011. We are pleased to present their conversation to Jon’s fans and our site visitors.

Jon Anderson interview April 2011:

John P. Olsen: Thank You for agreeing to this interview on such short notice Jon. We realize our interview request arrives at a time interval days prior to your opening concert, so we do appreciate your enthusiasm for this interview, and your willingness to take time out of your schedule for us.

You are starting your concert tour publicized as “An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson.” Would you give some insight to concert attendees about the atmosphere and variety of music they will experience during an evening with Jon Anderson?

Jon Anderson: Well, it’s really like being in my ‘front room’. I’m singing Yes songs as I originally wrote them, singing ‘Jon and Vangelis’ songs, telling stories, how songs came together, the meaning behind the songs, talking about my life so far, and doing new songs from my new album.

JP Olsen: Your new release Survival & Other Stories is due to be released April 2011. Can you provide some details about your new release, and how Survival & Other Stories varies from other albums you have produced?

Jon Anderson: This album is #1 of 3 albums I will release over the next 2 years. I put an ad on my website saying ‘musicians wanted’… I was finding it hard to get the guys in Yes interested in using the Internet to write songs, I put the ad out there, I got so many people sending me their musical ideas, it was like this musical ‘door’ had opened, and I found myself writing so many great ideas, with some very talented peeps…. I still do this every week. Music is endless.

JP Olsen: You have collaborated with other celebrated musicians like yourself, including Vangelis, Kitaro, Mike Oldfield, Rick Wakeman, and a host of other talents. Every artist has their own strength and viewpoint about an album production, so when collaborating with other musicians, how does a “meeting of minds” customarily transpire during album composition and production?

Jon Anderson: It’s very simple really, it has to be Fun, an element of Trust and a feeling of Adventure, I sing melodies and find lyrics to the music I hear, it’s a very instant thing, and if it’s working great, we tend to trust ourselves, and let the music take us on the journey.

JP Olsen: Recently you teamed up with Mike Oldfield for a Kanye West sample track titled Dark Fantasy, which topped the Billboard chart as the #1 album in the country. In addition you just produced a great album with colleague and Yes member Rick Wakeman titled The Living Tree. Do you find teaming up with other esteemed musicians just as rewarding as your solo projects?

Jon Anderson: I feel thankful to have these connections, they don’t come all the time, they are rewarding on so many levels. I’m singing on Jonathan Elias’s new ‘Prayer Cycle’ along with Sting and others, released June 1st, that song I sang was right in the middle of my illness in 2008, it was such a gift to sing with that music, very inspiring.

JP Olsen: To me and many others the voice of Jon Anderson is one of the easiest to identify in an ocean of vocalists. Did you have professional vocal instruction at any point in your career?

Jon Anderson: No, I just sang since I was a kid, sang as I went to school, sang when I worked on the farm, and just kept singing about the joys of life.

JP Olsen: Early in your career you were leader of Yes, a phenomenal and popular Rock group, yet you also produced music in less mainstream genres, including New Age and Contemporary Christian music. What was the attraction of performing in respected, but less mainstream music?

What 2011 concert goers can expect during “An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson” - Well, it’s really like being in my ‘front room’. I’m singing Yes songs as I originally wrote them, singing ‘Jon and Vangelis’ songs, telling stories, how songs came together, the meaning behind the songs, talking about my life so far, and doing new songs from my new album. Jon Anderson

Jon Anderson: Music takes on your Sacred Journey, I have a deep belief that we are changing for the better , again , music can be a sign post to what is happening around the world, people all over the world ‘love’ music, so why not enjoy being a part of the ‘new age’…

JP Olsen: You wrote the song lyrics during your tenure in Yes, and likewise during your solo career. Your lyrical phrasing is beautifully expressive, and positive in nature. Do you have a lyrical theme or message you want to convey to your audience?

Jon Anderson: Like most people I am seeking for Truth to Life, and singing about this helps me, I live to understand the great mystery, and how we are part of Mother Earth, and ‘why’…. so lyrics dance around me every day, I do feel honored to be a musician.

JP Olsen: During the early Yes years some music critics downplayed the influence Yes was achieving as a music act. I believe it would be accurate to say many people didn’t realize at the time that Jon Anderson, and a handful of others, were essentially inventing a music genre we identify today as Progressive Rock. Did you and other band member recognize at the time you were making a profound impact in the music scene?

Jon Anderson: We hoped that Yes Music would stand the test of time, and it seems to have done, but 40 years, wow!! I meet so many young people who have just bought ‘Close to the Edge’, they find out how exciting the music is, and they will go on the same musical journey as I did, it’s amazing to realize this.

JP Olsen: Your contribution as lead vocalist was an important factor, but why do you believe Yes as a Progressive Rock group so successful?

Jon Anderson: I worked hard within the Yes band as the musical director of sorts. I was surrounded by so much talent, I would come up with plans for the music, sing ideas constantly, and the Music we created is unique I never dreamed it could become so wonderful, I kept on coming up with ideas, and Yes Music will last forever, Weeeeeee!

Jon’s reply about the major influence Jon Anderson and progressive rock group Yes had in music; We hoped that Yes Music would stand the test of time, and it seems to have done, but 40 years, wow!! I meet so many young people who have just bought ‘Close to the Edge’, they find out how exciting the music is, and they will go on the same musical journey as I did, it’s amazing to realize this. Jon Anderson

JP Olsen: You have been a successful vocalist and instrumentalist practically your whole life. Do you believe your achievements are due to your musical talents, hard work, a combination of both, or do you believe in destiny?

Jon Anderson: Practice, Practice. Well I just have fun playing every day, I sing every day, think about the ‘great work’ to be done, as for destiny, hummm, not sure what that means, I believe that I will be part of a great Awakening.

JP Olsen: What do you feel is your greatest achievement or most rewarding experience to date Jon?

Jon Anderson: Still being around, feeling valid in this world music scene, not getting carried away with fame. Singing with the school of rock and youth orchestras, and I enjoying being around ‘young’ musicians while helping to create some very good and interesting music to date.

JP Olsen: I read on your Facebook page you rarely do endorsements for advocacy groups but are involved with 600million.org, a non-profit organization created by the co-founder of PETA, Alex Pacheco. Would you like to tell us about your contribution and charitable endorsement for 600million.org?

Jon Anderson: My youngest Daughter Jade introduced me to the project earlier this year. I was really sad about the plight of our fellow creatures, dogs are truly man’s best friend, and they can be so healing and funny to be around, so to see so many millions in distress, made me want to help in any way I could, so I made a short video to help.

JP Olsen: Thank You again for spending time with us by way of our interview Jon. We look forward to the day when we can follow-up by another interview together. In closing, do you have anything you would like to express to the people who will be attending a concert this year, or the many fans that have supported you throughout your career?

Jon Anderson: Have fun!!! And thanks for all the support, and enjoyment I have at the concerts I do, I cannot thank you enough…. Cheers!!!

Again everyone, Jon Anderson is currently beginning his 2011 North American concert tour billed as “An Evening With Jon Anderson.” We wish Jon and every concert goer an enjoyable evening together during a concert event that is sure to be memorable.

Visit the jonanderson.com homepage for news and concert information. Then read our pages dedicated to Jon Anderson.

Concert photos courtesy Robin Kauffman & jonanderson.com.

Composing pianist Louis Colaiannia from Denver Colorado has a classic contemporary instrumental release you may want to know more about. His most recent New Age album expresses his love of Classical music by composing pianists like Beethoven and Mozart, but you will also hear a freestyle influence in his original compositions that give one the impression of more contemporary orchestrations. It’s like modern improvisations on classical music!

Louis Colaiannia has composed a number of classic piano and instrumental releases over the years. With earlier albums having titles of Desert Winds, Journey Of The Soul, Sailing On A Dream & Sea Of Stars, it is easy for anyone to envision his modern orchestrations are divine and dreamy in nature. They are, much like the album titles themselves.

I found this true regarding his earlier albums, along with the wonderful piano and instrumental release Louis Colaiannia has produced in 2011, A Moment Between Eternities. With divine piano music evenly centered by a classical and contemporary atmosphere, why would anyone want to change this fine balance?

A Moment Between Eternities is a classic New Age Contemporary Instrumental release comparable to earlier albums by a wonderful range in thought and feel. The mood variations in the 9 songs are as if transitioning between one season to another, so in relation to the emotional content of his work, you will hear light graceful songs carefully blended with pieces emboldened by a more impassioned frame of mind.

Louis Colaiannia has composed each of the 9 songs total, performing on piano and synthesizer. The instrumentalist in accompaniment are; Jenna Ehrle (vocals and lyrics) Melvin Morford (bass) Jess Allen (cello) Bob Glassman (percussion) Evelyn Rutenberg (flute) Bill Kerr (guitar) and Rex Spease (saxophone and clarinet).

There is one recent variation in Louis Colaiannia’s music where a new innovative single titled City Scapes takes on a whole new direction. Moving in a new trend like his classical and contemporary orchestrations, City Scapes takes a melodic shift in what Louis Colaiannia terms “Orchestral Jazz”. I listened to this song and found the upbeat melodies with lively rhythms another beautiful performance of his modern classic improvisations.

Visit louismusic.com to sample / purchase and find out more. You can visit his Amazon.com page.

Cover artwork courtesy Steve Hamilton.

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

Torben Thoger is one of my favorite new age music artists. On his homepage there has now been posted a lengthy biography about this fine artist. Here you can read about his long and interesting career. Ann Beth Hilton writes this:

One might say that although Torben Thoger was born and raised in Denmark, his heart has always been in Spain. Driven by a love of melody, this masterful composer offers a powerful three album music collection that alternately relaxes (Harmony), engages (The Present), and impassions the listener (AKASHA) in an aural journey through his world.

And while you read, you get to listen to Thoger´s great music!

Music legend Jon Anderson has a brand new CD album – Survival & Other Stories, due to be released in April 2011. Knowing Anderson’s significant influence on progressive music covering a variety of popular genres, the new Survival & Other Stories CD promises to be a hot item that will create a lot of excitement for a diverse buying public, which will no doubt include a multitude of devoted Yes fans!

Currently Jon is preparing for a North America concert tour portrayed as “An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson.”

Jon Anderson is a music celebrity whose tenure as the lead vocalist in Yes, along with his innovative solo music career have placed him in center stage prominence, but Jon has also teamed up with other superstars Vangelis, Kitaro, Rick Wakeman and Mike Oldfield. Plus, the long list of popular music artists he has performed with during a career spanning five decades is truly impressive.

In a televised HDNet Concert Series program, he shared the stage with the 112 member Cleveland Contemporary Youth Orchestra, and 60 member student chorus. During the live performance, hit songs from Yes and Jon & Vangelis included Owner of a Lonely Heart, I’ve Seen All Good People, Round About & I’ll Find My Way Home.

Survival & Other Stories is said to portray a personal message of inspiration, with down to earth themes regarding love, life, understanding, healing and survival. If you are as familiar with Jon Anderson as I am, then you know this album description does indicate another positive and progressive transition in his music!

Billy James of Glass Onyon PR, in charge of this promotion recently informed me a CD copy of Survival and Other Stories will be sent to me, so look for my review in the near future. There is also a good chance I will have an opportunity to present to our visitors an in-depth musician interview with Jon Anderson, so do come back often to visit NewAgeMusic.nu. You can count on this website to present much more about the rare eclectic voice of Yes – Jon Anderson. Below is a video clip from the televised live HDNet Concert Series program.

Visit jonanderson.com for news and tour info. Follow Jon on FaceBook & Twitter, read our pages dedicated to Jon Anderson. Photos courtesy jonanderson.com.

Music legend Jon Anderson of Yes fame, has just announced concert dates in his upcoming 2011 concert tour in North America, beginning April 23rd, 2011 at Somerville Theatre in Somerville, Massachusetts.

Publicized as “An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson,” the 2011 concert tour is comprised of many U.S. cities, along with several concert venues in Canada and Mexico. This tour in support of his new CD release – Survival and Other Stories, is sure to be an extraordinary event for every person in attendance!  This is your chance to hear a true music legend!

The 2011 Spring showcase tour “An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson” will present an exciting mixture of cultural material from Jon Anderson’s prolific solo career, collaborations with Vangelis and classic Yes songs, along with some brand new compositions from his soon to be released CD, Survival and Other Stories.

Jon’s new CD release sounds promising since it is said to have a positive message of inspiration, with down to earth themes regarding love, life, understanding, healing and survival. To me, it sounds like a personal message of inspiration you will want to hear for yourself! Below is your need to know concert tour information.

Visit jonanderson.com for music news and more tour info. You can follow Jon on his FaceBook & Twitter pages. Photos and tour info courtesy jonanderson.com.

An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson 2011 Concert Tour dates;

4/23/2011 – Somerville Theatre – Somerville, MA

4/26/2011 – Havana New Hope – New Hope, PA

4/28/2011 – Infinity Hall – Norfolk, CT

4/30/2011 – B.B. Kings Blues Club & Grill – New York, NY

5/02/2011 – Musikfest Cafe ArtsQuest Center at Steel Slacks – Bethlehem, PA

5/04/2011 – Theatre of Living Arts – Philadelphia, PA

5/06/2011 – Princeton University – McCarter Theatre – Princeton, NJ

5/07/2011 – New Jersey Performing Arts Center – Victoria Theatre – Newark, NJ

5/09/2011 – Rams Head On Stage – Annapolis, MD

5/11/2011 – Rams Head On Stage – Annapolis, MD

5/13/2011 – The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performing Center – Plymouth, NH

5/15/2011 – Bates College Olin Arts Center – Concert Hall – Lewiston, ME

5/18/2011 – Tupelo Music Hall – Londonderry, NH

5/19/2011 – Tupelo Music Hall – Londonderry, NH

5/21/2011 – Woodstock Town Hall Theatre – Woodstock, VT

5/25/2011 – Ellsworth Grand Auditorium – Ellsworth , ME

7/09/2011 – 07/10/2011 – Vancouver MusicFest Exhibition Grounds – Courtenay BC, Canada

7/12/2011 – The Triple Door – Seattle, WA

8/05/2011 – The Arcada Theatre – St. Charles, IL

8/07/2011 – Festival of Friends – Jerseyville, ON Canada

11/25/2011 – Riviera Maya Festival Mamita’s Beach Club – Playa Del Carmen Q. Roo, Mexico

New Age Stars is an online radio station readily available for our site visitors here at NewAgeMusic.nu.  We are proud to offer our visitors one of the highest rated 365 internet radio stations available anywhere.  Many of you may be already familiar with New Age Stars since it is a prominent feature here and at our affiliate site NewAgeMusicWorld.com. 

New Age Stars Radio has steadily risen in popularity, and there is a very good reason for the high ratings.  B.T. Fasmer and I maintain a playlist of the best New Age music available, updating on a regular basis with only the best music we can find.  We also feature many of the artists we write CD album reviews about, or interview in our website publications.

365 Stars Radio is a free online radio station you can to listen to anytime during your site visit, plus there is a low cost subscription option available if you prefer to listen commercial free.  As our station ratings and number of listeners continue to increase and ascend to new heights, we invite you to try our New Age Stars Radio too, and join thousands of current online radio listeners to see what all the excitement is about.  In the process, everyone can help support U.S. and international New Age artists by selecting a VIP commercial free subscription.

You will find the Stars Radio Player prominently located in the top module on your right hand side here, and at NewAgeMusicWorld.com.  You can sample at our sites by clicking on the arrow icon in the actual radio player on your right or the photo in this article.  Thanks to everyone for selecting New Age Stars as your top online radio station!

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!!!

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.

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.

This may or may not be an April fool´s joke: Mike Oldfield is part of this years line up on the “Spirit of 1971” stage on Saturday 25th June at this years Glastonbury Festival. This according to Tubular.net and Somerset Guardian:

Included in the line-up this year will be The Edgar Broughton Band, 70s pop-festival stalwarts whose chant of “Out, Demons, Out” echoed across many a festival field. Tubular Bells creator Mike Oldfield is also playing, along with Steve Hillage, Arthur Brown and Nick Lowe, who played at the 1971 festival with his band Brinsley Schwarz.

Source

More news on this as we get it.

We don´t feel certain that it is true, but it would be nice to see Mike live again.

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

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.

The Pangean Orchestra and CD Baby are teaming up to raise money for disaster relief in Japan. Millions of people overwhelmed by the earthquakes and resulting tsunami remain desperately in need of our assistance, and people of goodwill are responding. With the ongoing crisis in Japan, help often arrives in many forms and in this case, total revenue for disaster relief in the form of free music is a trusted source for your donation.

The Red Cross Earthquake/Pacific Tsunami Fund will receive 100% of the direct proceeds from sales of a free mp3 single released by the Pangean Orchestra, which is based in Phoenix, Arizona. The director of the Pangean Orchestra is music professional Colin O’Donohoe, who leads the group of instrumentalist from nearly every continent.

Tinsagu Nu Hana – Japan Relief is the name of their free mp3 music. The sample I listened to on CD Baby is sung in Japanese by a tenor vocalist, and is comprised of upbeat contemporary instrumentals. Most importantly, your music purchase will make you feel great knowing you helped provide 100% direct funds for people who need our assistance during this ongoing crisis. Thanks to the Pangean Orchestra and CD Baby.

Visit CDBaby.com to sample/make your music purchase donation, and then visit the pangeanorchestra.com and donohoemusic.com. You can also read the interview I had with Colin on our pages dedicated to Colin O’Donohoe.

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.

The Zone Music Reporter Music Award Winners for 2010 were announced on March 13, 2011. Many of the artists we write album reviews about or interview are category qualifiers, nominees, or chosen award winners in specific ZMR music categories. In our role as review publicists and interview hosts we often get to know many of the award candidates personally, so it is always good news when we hear exceptional artists get the recognition they deserve.

In fact, many New Age music qualifiers, nominees, and award winning musicians were recognized in our own NewAgeMusic.nu Best Album Awards in 2010. We take pride ourselves when writing about these commendable individuals, and we look forward to writing about many more top New Age music artists by a review or interview in the days ahead.

The ZMR Award Winning Musicians we feature are shown in the cover art shown below. You can click on the cover arts to visit the dedicated page for each artist featured on our pages. The award finalists we didn’t have a chance to write about this year are also included below. B.T. Fasmer and I would like to congratulate everyone! Place cursor over album cover art for award status.

Best New Artist – Another Place and Time by Heidi Anne Breyer.

Best Instrumental Album – Piano – Another Place and Time by Heidi Anne Breyer.

Best Vocal Album – The Grace of the Green Leaf by Lis Addison.

Best Neo – Classical Album – NightBook by Ludovico Einaudi

Best Electronic Album – The Crossing by David Helpling & Jon Jenkins.

Best Ambient Album – The Crossing by David Helpling & Jon Jenkins.

Best Cover Art – The Crossing by David Helpling & Jon Jenkins.

Visit zonemusicreporter.com to see the ZMR Music Award Winners for 2010.

Read B.T. Fasmer’s article; NewAgeMusic.nu Best Album Award Winners in 2010.

Big Stock Photo – Stuarthe

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.

Secrecy was for many years one of the trademarks of Michael Cretu’s Enigma. Michael gave few interviews, and little was known about the creative process behind each new Enigma album. Only a few photos of the studio was shown. But all this changed with the Social Song Project, which was created to celebrate the band’s 20 years anniversary. Fans got to upload vocals, song elements and vote for their favorite song version. The result was the song MMX The Social Song.

And it didn’t stop there. Fans also were given the chance to make their own video to the song. Michale Cretu has now chosen the entry from Steadycamline as the winner. Below you can see the impressive video . The creator tells a truly “social” story he is describing as follows: “The music is represented by a female character that sends out a beam of light to people all over the world infecting their hearts and souls with the “Social Song” idea.”

There has been a survey about the Enigma Social Song Project. See it here

One of the questions was: