Archive for the ‘Mood: Meditative’ Category

David Nevue is a composing Solo Pianist where some comparisons have been made to other pianists in the solo category for years.  Those truly familiar with David accept the fact his personalized Neo Classical melodies shed new light on Spiritual piano music while instilling a deeper meaning apart from many by their innermost reverence.

It is true that in addition to his individual concert appearances David who resides with his family in Oregon, has often shared the stage with comparable great talents like David Lanz, Wayne Gratz, Suzanne Ciani, Peter Kater, and a multitude of solo performers, so perhaps a reason some comparisons of his work are made. 

Another reason could be the way up in the clouds airplay since his music is heard on over 220 radio, satellite and internet programs worldwide.  Overcome is a prior album named Best Instrumental Piano Album of 2005 in the Lifestyle Music Awards and Adoration, which also features traditional hymn arrangements reached # 1 on ZMR charts in May 2008, highlighting the integral popularity of his music.

In relation to his music career David also authored the book How to Promote Your Music Successfully on the Internet and founded the educational Music Biz Academy website that helps independent musicians market then advance their individual music careers.  David also founded the free internet based Whisperings :  Solo Piano Radio program having nearly a million listeners each month.

Coinciding like an open ministry of personal faith, Revelation :  Solo Piano for Prayer & Worship is an offertory album of 19 intimate peaceful songs of beauty within, given the honored hymns of worship that persons with or without their own personal inner beliefs will enjoy.

Revelation :  Solo Piano for Prayer & Worship contains 5 new hymn arrangements, 4 original songs and improvisations on 10 modern worship classics and is David’s eleventh release with a rededicated focus on melodic piano music offering a deep spiritual structure. 

Revelation is much like past albums by original content and inclusion of new compositions on age old song hymns from centuries past where church attendees from many religious faiths will recognize in the first few measures. 

David Nevue has a limited degree of formal music studies so recites much of his songs from memory, but believe me this is not apparent when you witness the beautiful music granted to this devout Christian man also identified by a skillful aptitude in his composing abilities and creative spirit while performing his personalized music.

You will discover that David offers his hymns like an open book with a nice variety of thought and feel on each song he performs.  Softly and Tenderly is shown in a like reverence by an emotion filled call during the gentle yet moving piano melody that is more than worthy of this ages old hymn.  Blessed Assurance is an onward moving testament by the lively melody set in a moderately faster tempo that reveals the resolute nature of his work.

Holy, Holy, Holy is a lighter piano improvisation validating the positive hallmarks of the holy trinity and Amazing Love ( You Are My King ) is a more introspective song of tribute and another positive affirmation for the melodies of honor he steadfastly produces. 

David’s version of this Contemporary Christian music hymn is serene by an inner reflection that stands apart from most modern versions and at the same time, celebrates his faithful commitment to Solo Piano music exalting a beautiful reverence overfilled with joyful praise.

Visit davidnevue.com to sample / purchase and learn more about his inspirational music.  Then visit David’s CDBaby.com page and his MySpace page.  To listen to Whisperings Radio go to solopianoradio.com right here.

We love meditation albums here at .nu. We recently reviewed the widely popular The Sphinx of Imagination by Hypnotica – which is a meditation treasure chest, like a gateway to a strange but wonderful world. We also told you about the Miracle Mantra Guru Ram Das as taught by Yogi Bhajan.

Another album that isn’t that otherworldly and enigmatic, but focuses more on the earthly magic of meditation, is Lisa Guyman’s Journey into Meditation: Guided Meditations for Healing, Insight and Manifestation (2004). It just might be the best guided meditation album released, and this reviewer simply cannot praise it enough.

But don’t take my word for it; it has had a top ranking on Amazon’s bestseller list for over 400 days straight – no. 1 as of writing – and in the process beating even Enya’s most recent albums!

Guided meditation albums are a bit hard to review because they generally are so massive, so filled with expressions and emotions. Journey into Meditation: Guided Meditations for Healing, Insight and Manifestation, hereafter simply called Journey, is like a self help audiobook AND a new age music album all in one. It must be said that Lisa Guyman is a world class meditation instructor – and her soothing voice has an angelic quality that will help even the most stressed-out mind relax. Indeed, I have no problem calling her voice control for perfection.

This reviewer simply cannot praise Lisa Guyman’s Journey into Meditation enough. But don’t take my word for it; it has had a top ranking on Amazon’s bestseller list for over 400 days straight!

BT Fasmer

The album consists of three 20 minute long parts. They are called Mystic Waterfall – Chakra Balancing Meditation, Inner Wisdom – Meditation for Accessing Your Inner Wisdom and Life Visualization – Manifesting Meditation. You could listen to them all at once and get a powerful meditation. But I find that the different parts have different functions, and you can choose to do one quick but effective, 20 minute meditation, all based on what you need in the moment. I recommend part 1 for general relaxation, part 2 when you need to focus on feelings and relations, and part 3 to locate energy and creativity inside you. I did say that Journey was a true find, didn’t I?

Apart from Lisa Guyman’s voice you will get to enjoy Rob Wallace’s  pleasant sound design on Journey. His nature sound mix and ambient melodies are simply irresistible. The whole arrangement is first rate – in an uncomplicated, calming way.

I can only say that I’m so happy that I found Journey – it has given me so much joy and comfort. I’m equally happy that it has become a massive bestseller, because I know that this is just what the world needs right now; a journey into meditation.

Sample the album on lisaguyman.com

The 7th edition of Sequoia Records’ popular Buddha Lounge series will be released on CD in the US on April 13. The download edition was released on Monday this week. 

No Buddha Lounge is complete without the Gordon Brothers, and on this album they have contributed with three tracks, Champaign Currents, Rain In The Sun and Cobalt Transport. The collection opens with Jens Gad/Achillea’s Vivir and is followed by Tya’s Lizard.

Another notable track is Paul Heinerman’s masterful Chimengu, which has become a modern classic in the new age music genre. It is one of the most beloved songs on online radio channels, and is a pillar in Paul Heinerman’s already impressive discography.

So yes, the 7th installment in the Buddha Lounge series is very welcome indeed!

Music producer Bjorn Lynne has created a series of 7 different Relaxation Music recordings. Each one plays for a full 60 minutes continuous, ambient music. The collection contains titles such as Amazon evening, A Journey within and Tranquil Landscapes.

My favorite album is the above mentioned Amazon evening, which truly captures the warm and humid tropical atmosphere of the Amazon. I especially like the melodic segments; they give life and colors to the almost magical forest and river.

Until now, these albums have been Download-Only products (in mp3 and FLAC), but due to popular demand they have been released on physical CD’s too. Long samples of the albums are available here.

It is rare that a new age music title become a part of mainstream culture. One such title is of course Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells (1973). Another is Enya’s Shepherd Moons (1991).

A more recent album released under the new age music umbrella to reach such heights is Hypnotica’s The Sphinx of Imagination (2003). It has been on the very top of CD Baby’s New Age Music chart for years and has received more enthusiastic 5 star reviews than any other title in the genre.

Even celebrity Neil Strauss of the New York Times has commented the Sphinx phenomenon:

So what is it? It is a 51 minute 50 second CD called ”The Sphinx of Imagination” which comes emblazoned with the warning, ”Do not listen to while operating any type of machinery.” Intended to be heard in its entirety on headphones, the CD uses music and words to speak to the unconscious of the listener. Its intent is to do a little rewiring and expand listeners’ perceptions, open their minds and allow them to change themselves, sort of like a Grateful Dead concert without the band or the drugs.

To describe The Sphinx of Imagination accurately is actually very hard. On one level it is a story told by Hypnotica that takes you on an imaginary voyage. One another level it is deeply relaxing music and sounds. It truly is a multi-layered story.  Through the power of suggestion, Hypnotica leads you through landscapes and images of your own creation. No two people will experience the same journey – and every time you listen to The Sphinx of Imagination, your own experience changes.

Hypnotica used six years to design and develop the albm. With a background in linguistics and the study of the human mind, he carefully crafted the story – and worked closely with sound designer Denver Clay to blend together impact words with just the right musical sounds and frequencies.

The Sphinx of Imagination is one of those albums that actually are more than the hype surrounding it. It is very much a world of its own, that you get to explore and enjoy when you get this album. It is some of the most interesting music this reviewer has ever heard, and it changes every time I listen to it. It is a proof that the ears are the doorways to the mind.

And if you don’t believe me, New York Times or the 1000s of positive reviews posted – you can always try a 20 minute free sample at Hypnotica’s web page. This album will become everything you want it to be.

Go to CD Baby.

Michael Brant DeMaria, PH.D, is a recent Grammy Nominee making the news lately.  Likewise, our recent interview together gave many people an in-depth look into the life of a clinical psychologist, composing musician, poet, author, and dedicator of his Healing Sound Series.

Knowing Michael better now, it’s clear to me his music is an instrumental model in itself, much like his art, books, and poetry, all of which have acquired U.S. recognition, along with international acceptance in Australia, Europe, Russia, and other parts of the world.

In his psychotherapy practice, Dr. DeMaria created ONTOS ( Greek for Being ) to help people live more meaningful and effective lives by ambient music interwoven as relaxation therapy.  I feel The Series can be perceived much like a form of cognitive conditioning, becoming an audible portion of his personal inner message by design, helping one acquire a new perspective and begin a refreshing journey on a path to wellness through calming music. 

The River  first began the Healing Sound Series, with  Ocean  his second project based on over  25  years of personal and professional research in the fundamental principals of sonic healing techniques.  Ocean was conceived to help hurricane survivors much like himself, begin anew and return to a more peaceful existence.

Where our rivers are a beginning source during their natural paths across the landscape, The River by Michael Brant DeMaria is like a template to discover a new direction, if even for a single day.  In addition, while help customarily arrives in the form of understanding words from this highly educated man during his medical practice, Michael’s healing music has a similar philosophy.  It is where gentle curves in The River now become the stimulus equivalent for discovering a natural direction in which to travel.        John P. Olsen

Siyotanka is the third story based narrative that won a Native American Music Award in the Native Heart category, and placed him on the Grammy ballot for Best Native American Music Album, also retaining the # 1 position on ZMR Top 100 charts in December 2009.

“The River is an album dedicated to all who listen from the heart” are words Michael used to analyze this first in series.  More than familiar with his music, I find this a realistic concept. 

Descriptive song titles likewise assist in what you will hear on The River, which relies on Native American Flutes, keyboards, piano, and indigenous percussion to form the reservoir, rising momentum, and infiltrating sunbeams heard in beginning ambient songs First Light, The River & Sunlight.  

Journeying is one of the more intriguing songs to me, having a rhythmic percussion and keyboard enhanced xylophone effect, when left to the imagination, places one in a forest habitat, residing right beside gently lapping water’s edge in a restful moment of singular, peaceful solitude.

The Rain features an indigenous flute solo while a thunderstorm’s echoing claps can be heard in the distance as if releasing every negative thought from afar, along with dispersing light water droplets that transform to create a colorful sunset at dusk, leading into piano and woodwinds calming sounds in a quiet Night Fall.

Moderate keyboard sequences, along with single touches on the piano keys treble octaves make positive reflections in Moonlight & Stillness lightly glow by their conforming ambient phrasing, while indigenous woodwinds direct a more solemn indication to denote the threshold hour of Midnight.

The River’s 10 song origins instinctively find a natural pathway to The Sea where most rivers lead.  In comparison to seas partially confined and bound by land, Michael’s directive of these rivers hope to point towards a new concept releasing everyone’s unlimited potential, in relation to the vast open horizons observed in our five greater oceans.

Visit ontos.org here and then sample / purchase on his music page, or CDBaby.com page.  Read our interview on our page dedicated to Michael.

Picture copyright Bigstockphoto.com – WizData

Classical Orchestral Harps can be thought of as divine or celestial instruments, having an origin dating to around 2500 BC, often reminding one of angels and religious cherubs poised in a statue.

Lizary Rodriguez Rios is the harpist I had in mind while writing this first sentence taken from an earlier review of her Harp Therapy album inviting listeners to relax by the soothing music this stringed instrument can provide.

Valentines Day is approaching and a great time to tell you about this music professional and bring up the celestial instrument, since the harps early origins are ironically thought to be modeled after an archery weapon. Given this fact, even the romantic Cupid would like to own this instrument since it strongly resembles a bow and arrow.

Lizary Rodriguez Rios credits are quite impressive, securing a Doctorate in Musical Arts and 4 time awards winner of international harp competitions around the world, touring with the Grammy Award Nominated Harp Fusion Ensemble.

The recipient of a Centennial Achievement Award is a respected one of many, in an overall long list of awards and recognition she has achieved, drawing attention around the world as a harp soloist and composer, so expect a right on target delivery.

The many concerts and festivals people have attended, like the prestigious Casals Festival in Puerto Rico, venues in the United States, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Spain, Russia, and other countries have certainly enjoyed the experience, so chances are good you will too.

Harp Voyage was her first album, and much like her Harp Therapy are specifically composed for relaxation, massage, and yoga, while also finding a comforting niche since the songs serve as the perfect auditory background music during church services, memorials, hospitals, and even weddings. Lizary has informed me she is presently working on a Christmas album, so another fine project of her specialized music is expected in the future.

While Lizary’s harp CD’s are not exact centerline in New Age music, her high level of expertise as a harpist is decidedly front and center by delivering a highly regarded level of comfort, from a natural talent who is devoting much of their life achieving the very highest in musical standards.

For your next special occasion or just great classic music to relax by visit lizary.net here. Sample at CDBaby.com here, and read our pages dedicated to Lizary.

How did it all began? What was the very first New Age Music album? Well, there is a wide consensus that New Age Music began in experimental jazz, with influences from early Electronic and avant-garde music of the late 50s/early 60s. In all of this there is one album that is being mentioned over and over again (for instance on Hearts of Space and more recently on Wikipedia’s New Age Music article) and that is jazz clarinetist Tony Scott’s Music for Zen Meditation, released in February 1964. It is a wonderful and relaxing album that any new age music fan ought to check out.

Tony Scott (1921-2007) worked with such artists as Billie Holiday and Dizzy Gillespie, and made a name for himself as a respected jazz soloist too. But it was his interests in Far East cultures that gave him an introduction to traditional oriental instruments and meditation. This resulted in a jam session like no other  – creating a totally new and different sound.  

Listening to Music for Zen Meditation today it is easy to pinpoint the more jazzy aspects of the release – but back then, the unknown sounds of New Age Music was all people could hear. It was clearly not a Jazz album.

While the flute and trumpet hit some of the jazz blue notes, the combination with other instruments (like the harp) create something new.

Music for Zen Meditation is – as the title implies – one of those albums instantly takes your mind on a journey to a relaxing, beautiful place – a sphere of your own. It is great background music too. But use with caution: there is a strong dose of melancholia here

And if people ask; are you listening to one of those cheap, uninspired meditation albums – you proudly say; no, this is a classical Jazz album from 1964!   

Sample the album on Amazon or iTunes. See the Wikipedia article about it here - and Tony Scott’s homepage.

Katrina is a name that brings up vivid memories and sense of helplessness for all who witnessed the massive devastation of the largest natural disaster in American history. 

Michael Brant DeMaria, PH.D.  is a clinical psychologist, composing musician, poet, author, and dedicator of his Healing Sound Series to all hurricane survivors past, present, and future.  In his psychotherapy practice, Michael created ONTOS (  Greek for Being  ) to help people live more meaningful and effective lives, and his ambient music is designed as therapy to help assist survivors by easing their return to coastal living again.

While writing this review I learned  Michael was among those who lost their family home during the  2004 – 2005  hurricane seasons, so his therapy support does arrive from a first person perspective.

My main passion and professional work is helping and supporting individuals on their journey towards wholeness – helping them become more conscious, compassionate, and creative human beings while being more integrated and effective in their personal and professional lives.   

Michael Brant DeMaria

The River  began the Healing Sound Series, with  Ocean  second in the series based on over  25  years of personal and professional research in the fundamental principals of sonic healing techniques, helping survivors relax and return to a more peaceful existence through ambient sound techniques.

His third release  Siyotanka  won the Native American Music Award in the Native Heart category, being placed on the Grammy ballot for Best Native American Music Album, while retaining the  # 1  position on ZMR charts in February 2009.  His music, art, and poetry acquired  U.S.  recognition while gaining international acceptance in Australia, Europe, and Russia, touching the lives of many persons.

The Ocean album helps reclaim the natural bond we share with our greater oceanic waters, rejuvenating our vital relationship by interweaving calming ambient therapy, in a bright reflection that restores a more positive link with our mysterious, life sustaining hydrosphere.

                                                                                             John P. Olsen

Ocean  responds by calming ambiance and some unique blending of World & Contemporary instrumentals  of Native American flute, African Djembe, Middle Eastern Doumbek, Indian Sruti box and Aerophones.  More traditional keyboards, piano, and percussion also form the connection into  11  songs reflecting titles in the theme of our primarily blue planet.

Open Water  begins with a compelling quiet stillness, approaching more subtle moments before synthesizer starts the slow emergence into woodwinds equally calming approach, nicely illustrating the vast waters that comprise over seventy percent of the Earth.

Light ambient notes appear in  Moonlit Sea  to instill a moment of solitude before woodwind flute begins a comforting reflection by softer drawn out notes, generating a gentle shimmering effect like small surface ripples moving outward on top of peaceful waters.

Transformation  enters a flute prelude with graceful motions that show like soft sound waves quietly lapping against the shoreline and ambient notes soon appear like airy clouds that drift alongside bass percussion signaling an ancient rhythm. 

The distant chants put forth a revitalizing atmosphere while deeper tones give an impression of deep universal depths, before bringing the lighter theme back to the surface.

The commingling of deep and shallower notes are also heard in  Remember,  conveying soft chants and woodwinds while interacting with a deeper mesmerizing background, defining the chosen ambient theme for the album as a pleasent and relaxing one.

In Search Of Home  divulges into intrigue I felt was natural, enchanting, and just right for a final reflection about the Oceans since we enjoy, yet depend on them so much, and our hydrosphere pretty much remains a universal unsolved mystery that completely surrounds us.

Visit Dr. Michael Brant DeMaria’s website at ontos.org.  Music can be sampled and purchased at ontosmusic.com here, or his CD Baby.com page here.

Picture copyright Bigstockphoto.com – argus456

There are thousands of ways the word love can be defined.  When talking about the word in an interpersonal context, everyone can easily recognize their true feelings and just know they love someone without a written description to define what they are feeling.

Paul Avgerinos is the composing musician behind the  album having a title and theme related to the divine word we call love.  This New Age artist who named his positively feel good album after one of our most primitive and basic needs we possess received NAR / ZMR awards for Best World Album in 2007 with Garden Of Delight, and Best Relaxation / Meditation Album in 2006 with Gnosis.  Many of his songs also enjoy abundant airplay, sharing his relaxing music at the top on many online radio charts.

Paul’s latest album titled Love does focus on both the nature and nurturing side to music, giving a caring gentle touch to ambience while providing a definition of what the word love means to him on a personal level, both in music and by his own compassionate words. 

This album is dedicated to my dear Mother and Father resting in peace.  They showed me by their selflessness and devotion, what true love really is.  It is my fervent desire that all beings will feel, receive and give unconditional blissful love in all it’s forms with increasing ease and comfort.

                                                                             Paul Avgerinos

Round Sky Music label is at the heart of Paul’s discography, where Ambient, Healing, and Relaxation music is expressed in an ever present restful state of mind and where anyone who searches for it can find Love.  With his latest like prior albums, Paul performs in his natural musical state of contentment playing cello, bass, violin,  12  string acoustic, electric swell & echo slide guitars, vocal choirs, synthesizers & sound design.  Paul does recognize inside the CD cover that the Love album would not be a reality without the dedication of his friend and co-musician Kevin Braheny Fortune.

Kevin’s role was to first lay the groundwork for many of the songs, while also providing key instrumentation throughout, giving the entire project equal balance between the two artists while they each gave their personal interpretation about the gift of love musically.  Kevin plays clarinet, electronic wind, alto flute, and soprano saxophone while sharing his own give and take for this relaxing project titled after the easy to understand, yet difficult to define word.  Dictionaries provide a simple explanation of the complex feelings involved when we love someone, so here is a quick check of the basic concept.

Love  ( Luv )  Noun.  Term of endearment for the intense emotional attachment towards another person, based on a principal sense of commitment, loyalty, and devotion, valued on their personal qualities, sharing oneness that is without exception.

Love is without exception a comfortable feel good album, fulfilling by an abundance of deep and colorful Ambient sound escapes that completely encircle you with relaxing tonal qualities.  This trademark music with a calming effect will never leave you all alone at a shallow plane in notes or isolated at some distant horizon in sound, so expect plenty of sentiment along the way.

I found the harmonic notes often appears as incremental abstract layers of color that lightly drift and surround you, only wavering at the next soft touch of brass, string, or woodwind instrumentation.  The lighter notes often appear to rise above at times to reach a plateau then gently settle into a middle range melody, providing equal balance with a distinctive atmosphere while also securing the album’s ambient concept.

While this Love album  may not strike at the very core of our existence as the title might suggest, it does succeed at offering an inner peace through gentle calming ambience that one can easily become attached to.  You will also find yourself inspired by Paul’s sincere commitment for sharing his musical expression on this album while giving and receiving love in an unconditional manner, just like the word love was meant to be.

Visit roundskymusic.com here and sample his album on CDBaby.com here.

Picture copyright Bigstockphoto – MargoJH

While some audio frequencies are pure noise to the human ear, other can be relaxing and even therapeutic.

The album Re-leaf (released in 2005) by Illume in Essence contains a selection of beautiful flute and guitar melodies. In the background is a quite powerful audio frequency which at first sounds like an electric engine of some sort – but in a minute or so blends into the music and become almost hypnotic. The result is an album that is truly relaxing. It is like sitting under a big tree in the rain.

Re-leaf contains three long tracks: Micro Re-Fresh, Day Re-leaf and Night Re-leaf. The album is almost one hour long, so you get lots of time to relax and unwind. There are some surprising sounds here too, both from birds and computers, all mixed together. Not that relaxing though, but interesting in their own way.

Since the audio frequency used here is powerful, you should listen to the samples before buying it. There is a good chance that many will not find it relaxing at all, since it is quite electronic. But if you like the samples, you’ll end up loving this album.

Not many things in life are better than relaxing among the leaves …

You can sample this album on Amazon.

When it comes to live inspirational new age music, Terry & Soraya are in my opinion the best in the business. On August 1st between 6.30pm – 8.30pm Terry Oldfield and his wife Soraya hold their Sound Journey Concert in Brisbane, Australia.

They give this inspiring description of the concert:

Sound Journeys are a relatively new concept in Australia. Throughout history the power of sound has been used to move people to states of inspiration, joy, meditation, wellness, grief, war and stillness. Music is ever present in every celebration from birth to death. Sound bypasses the intellectual mind and goes straight to the heart of the matter. It can release deeply held feelings, allowing a sense of inner freedom, and awaken joy. Healing Sound can take us directly into a state of being that nourishes body mind and spirit.

And more:

 
Bring your Yoga Mat and you can lie down or sit for this Sound Sensation. There will also be chair options. Followed by Tea.

If that is not the very essence of live new age music, I don’t know what is! It is a statement of Terry & Soraya’s mission; to create and commutate music for the heart & soul. Read about the upcoming concert here.

Below is a sample of Terry Oldfield’s powerful flute:

Eternity is the title of Deuter’s new album, and it will be released on CD 20 July. But luckily it is out as a digital download right now (it is not up on iTunes yet).

Here is a presentation of the album:

Eternity spans the width and breadth of the last fourteen years in Deuter’s music career, illustrating both the artist’s abundance of talent spread across a wide spectrum of styles as well as his singular musical vision. Whether serene and soothing or cheerful and celebratory, the music on Eternity amply demonstrates his place as a founding father in the New Age genre.

And here is the cover:

I cannot think of a better artist to make an album entitled Eternity. Deuter’s music and the special atmosphere it creates truly takes the mind on a voyage throughout eternity and back again. And, as stated above, Deuter’s discography is so diverse. For meditation, relaxation or simply as back- or foreground music you have a lot to choose from.