Mariner (1998) by Tony o’Connor is a modern classic in the new age music genre – both for its obvious quality and for its massive sales. So far 1,5 million copies are sold. The mix of ocean waves, seagulls, ships bells and calming melodies are incredible relaxing. The main tracks on the album are Voyage (12 minutes long) and Ghost Ships (11 minutes), which are a true find for anyone who is into music guided meditation.

Yes, there are 1000s of meditation albums on the market. What makes Mariner stand out from the crowd is how the different parts fit together. It is simply world class sound design. Mariner is like being on a ship, relaxing on the deck with all the time in the world and not a cloud in sight. Readers have told me that they first bought this album on tape, but had to replace the tape with a CD because the cassette has been worn out! Many people use this album as a sleeping aid, drifting into sleep while the captain – Tony o’Connor – steers the vessel into dreamland.

Mariner is Tony o’Connor most successful album so far. This album is a ship that will take you wherever you would like to go; your mind is the wind in the sails. This album is simply magnificent. But don’t take my word for it – try the album!

You can sample it at Tony o’Connor homepage or on iTunes.

Ambient Visions has posted a very nice interview with Fiona Joy Hawkins.  

And while you are at it, why not check out John P. Olsen’s reviews of Fiona Joy Hawkins’ two most recent albums on NewAgeMusicWorld.com?

After some downtime and work behind the scenes, the new homepage of Deep Projects is now completed and ready for the release of the Deep Africa album in April. Eric Mouquet, the Deep Forest veteran, has done the design himself. On the page he gives his fans an exclusive presentation of his many musical projects, the last being the song Namba le Ndamba with singers from Cameroon (which, by the way, is not a part of the Deep Africa album).

One song is now available from the upcoming Deep China album, the “Won’t last long” track, with the Chinese singer Sa Dingding. It truly is a wonderful song.

In other news, Eric Mouquet will be performing live in Paris with South African singer songwriter Johnny Clegg. Mr. Clegg has been a record artist for over thirty years, and will this spring be releasing a new album on the Universal label. One of the topics for the concert is Eric’s short film project : “Soccer made in Africa”. Tickets for the concert is now available.  

So do visit Deep-projects.com

It is always interesting to see how new age music is being reviewed in main stream media. Since many so called “serious” music critics don’t think highly of our genre, it is not a very good way to measure what people generally think – but it is of course an indication.

Steven Halpern recently released an album called Drive Time Rx which contains especially composed music to help drivers get through the motoring mayhem and thereby reduce road rage. And where in the world right now would be a better place to find heavy traffic than in the Olympic town of Vancouver?

Music reviewer Keith Morgan in the Vancouver Sun writes:

Not looking forward to facing the Olympic traffic? Maybe this album can help you make it through the trip. According to a press release from musician’s publicist “Halpern’s Auto(matic) Audio Additive is series of suggestions that are encoded so softly in the music that the listener can’t hear them, but their subconscious mind does, and responds automatically.” Examples of the embedded messages include “I am relaxed and alert at all times … I check my rear view mirror frequently … I am in control of my emotional response to considerate actions of other drivers.”

And more:

Surely, the drive would be plain sailing and I would have no need of Halpern’s calming chords. Wrong. By 41st. I had been given the finger twice for sticking to the speed limit, in a Porsche no less. The nerve. Maybe the embedded messages were truly having an impression on my subconscious as I mentally brushed off the abuse.

Read the whole review here - and sample the album on Steven Halpern’s homepage.

Andru Donalds, the Enigma vocalist, has been invited to give an exclusive concert in Estonia (Pärnu) on 6th March, dedicated to the International Women’s Day.

Andru Donalds with the band will perform his solo worldwide hits; “Mishale”, “All Out of Love” & the others LIVE, as well as the brand new songs from his upcoming new album to be released in the summer of 2010. And Andru is also preparing a special surprise to Enigma fans!

See more on Andru’s Facebook page. Source: Enigmamusic.com

It’s pretty easy to get sidetracked from doing what we really want to do everyday, and a 25 year departure from songwriting was longer than what this musician had in mind, but his migration back to composing have many people moving to new heights. 

Bill Wren is often referred to as the Rare Texas Songbird, in a declaration I thought appropriate having the surname Wren, yet it uniquely describes his musical aspirations and return flight to perfection.  First playing bass in a Rock band, Bill realized after one stellar show in front of a crowd gone wild audience, music was his final destination. 

One day in a Life is his release already gathering attention, having many songs winding up #1 or in the Top 10 at SoundClick.com & Broadjam.com, with songwriting awards in Indie & International Song Writing Contests. Reading everything I could on Bill Wren, I also learned that lifelong friends played a major role leading to an early formation of his musical biography that endures even to this day.

One day in a Life is like a beautiful bird of paradise and where Bill Wren excels the most, in heartfelt compositions that exhibit the very essence for each characteristic style given by every performing musician on the album he calls a friend. 

Wren states the album’s success is due in part to the arrangement and production work of Frank Ralls, along with musical assistance of Terry Winch & Ike Strum, with a host of vocalists and instrumentalists who together, have assembled a refined album with a right at home presence. 

One day in a Life answers the call to  11  songs in New Age, Orchestration, Neo Classical, along with structured blends of Jazz, Blues, and Rock, building a comfortable resting place to display his versatile compositions.  The calm acoustic guitar strides heard in the title song characterize the overall attraction given to the entire album, giving a hint of the harmonious novelty waiting within each well rounded song.

Daybreak shows the smooth artistry of this album sporting a fragrant touch and vibrant flare, where rich orchestration plays the intermingled leading role while supporting soloist and softer vocals.  Much like En Mai, lavish cello entries appear to drift and sway in time to gentle winds and deep sentimental overtones, with an emphasis on instrumental soloists as the chosen method to hallmark every occasion in this album of versatility.

Ocean Breeze features acoustic guitar giving the arrangement a moderate tempo and under closer examination, exhibits a form of poetry in motion while gently transitioning to a more complex guitar rendition, making the move during nice orchestral balance and light percussion effects.

I Will Waltz For You, with it’s descriptive title, glides right into motion filled pirouettes in time to dance rhythms, while Lovers Rendezvous has a moderate tempo with saxophone and piano adding an impassioned rendition, contributing to a pleasing sense of atmosphere. 

Setting the ambiance again is Heart to Heart, in singular key piano melody and Night Fall, where piano, saxophone, and soft vocals maintain the beautiful colors perceived in this albums theme.

The song Old Friend provides the forethought in this lighter flute melody backed by a full symphony of warmth and sincerity, and since everyone is great as an individual soloist on the album, it does help me summarize with certainty. 

The qualities I discovered in One Day in a Life, do facilitate a level of relaxation one person can easily enjoy alone, morning, noon or night, but with such an engaging album like this one, is always best experienced in the company of good friends.

The musicians and credits on this album are, Frank Ralls, Terry Winch, Ike Strum, Sandy Williams, Nick Curry, Janet Planet, John Gibson, Jim Farrelly, Kyle Wehner, Michael Houston, Kelly Willard, Tom Washatka, Patrick Harshbarger, and Chris Lieber.

Visit the Rare Texas Songbird at billwrenmusic.com to sample or CDBaby.com to purchase.

Picture copyright Bigstockphoto.com – Ardith

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.

Some quick notes on the Grammy Awards now before we move on to new music; On the Domo Music homepage you can see Kitaro’s pictures from the awards ceremony. He didn’t win though – but it looks like he still had a good time. There is also a very noisy Grammy Pre Party video available.  And, if you didn’t get to see the show – you can see it in its entirety on Grammy.com. The new age music part is from 59 minutes onwards – or you can listen to an audio version just by visiting David Darling’s homepage.

And, while we are talking about the Grammy Award, check out Peter Kater’s blog about how he felt about being nominated for the sixth time.

Henta’s album Laserium for the Soul was nominated for a Grammy. Now she is ready with a new video, Vision of Truth.

About the song she says:

This song is about envisaging a new world of harmony, unity, compassion and love and finding ways to make a personal positive impact in the world to help turn that vision into reality. This journey will most likely be a challenging but you need to hold onto your vision, be strong and stay true to yourself and your personal truth. This video was shot in various locations, including Sedona (Arizona), Ocean Shores (Washington), Antibes (France), Florida and in Seattle, Washington.

Be sure to visit Hentamusic.com

We should all put a ring around the date March 5 on our calendars, because this is when The Best of David and Diane Arkenstone will be released! This collection contains the very best of two extraordinary careers with combined worldwide CD sales of over two million.

The “best of” compilation features pieces from their sixteen best-selling albums, such as “Jewel In The Sun”, “Aquaria, A Liquid Blue Trancescape” and “The Healing Spirit”.

While most “Best of” albums are, well, not that interesting – this release is much more promising. David and Diane Arkenstone are without a doubt two of the most talented musicians of the New Age genre - and they deserve a ”best of album”. I think we all can agree to that

You can sample all of the 16 tracks on the Eversound homepage.

Members of Peter Buffet’s Ning forum now has the chance to download his new song Bought and Sold – for free! Watching Obama address the nation moved Peter to write a song that conveys his candid feelings on the state of our union. Bought and Sold, the politically-driven single, speaks to our values as a nation, our moral bankruptcy, and our precarious moment in history.

He was “inspired by” the trend of exploitation in our corporations, banks, and government, asking “how much is enough?”

And, while we are talking about Peter Buffett, he will in April release a book called Life Is What You Make It. If you are a member of his Ning Community and pre-order the book, you will get a personalized bookplate! Once you have pre-ordered the book, email a copy of your receipt to info@peterbuffett.com, the URL to your Ning profile page and mailing address and they will send you the sticker to slap in your book when you get it. And voila, you will have a signed first edition of Life Is What You Make It!

So do become a member of Peter Buffett’s great Ning forum!

And while we are in a romantic mood, with Valentine’s day coming up, why not check out Jim Brickman’s Grammy nominated album Faith? It didn’t win the 2009 prize though, but it is doing very well on Billboard’s New Age Music chart. It contains some of the most romantic music released over the last couple of years – and it is one of Jim’s best albums.  

There are a lot of great piano melodies on Faith – and, like Yanni, Jim Brickman also has a lot of talented singers with him. The album contains some true classics too, like Amazing Grace, Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, and Ave Marie.  Here you can see Jim’s pictures from the Grammy awards (click the picture to the left in the Flash window).

You can sample the album here – and, while you are at it, why not book a ticket to Jim’s Alaska cruise! That would make a romantic gift.

A video that impressed me a lot is the below from Gandalf’s Sanctuary Tour 2009. What a true master Gandalf is. Yet another proof that new age music is live music.

Mannheim Steamroller’s discography contains some of the most romantic music in our genre. They are of course most famous for Christmas music – but Mannheim Steamroller has much more to offer for other occasions as well.

Why not express your love this Valentine’s Day to that special someone by giving the gift of music from the Mannheim Steamroller Romantic CD Collection? Music has become one of the most popular gifts on Valentines Day because of it’s ability to express ones feelings. In an exclusive offer from Mannheim Steamroller, you get rose scented candles, bath and body products with a Valentines Day Card! If that doesn’t make you feel romantic, nothing will… 

Mannheim Steamroller’s even have a Valentines Day special, where you get to learn all you need to know about this romantic tradition.

Now this article entitled New Age Music hits the big time from United Press International from February 1987 is a treasure chest for all new age music fans – but beware, you might get a little melancholic too. It is a statement about the sudden and massive popularity of new age music in the mid/late 1980s. Quote:

Critics pan New Age Music as compositionally inferior. Store owners don’t know where to display its album. People buy it.

Oh, do they buy it.

Today? Well… The problem is not the new age music genre. It is the whole business that’s compositionally inferior.

Time and time again Tangerine Dream proves that New Age Music is live music. No one is better than Edgar Froese & co on stage.

The below video is from the One Night In Space DVD, recorded at the Frankfurt opera on October 7th 2007. Have you ever seen a happier drummer?

The video is available at the wonderful Eastgate Music Shop.

And while we are talking about live new age music, we must tell you that the Grammy-winning duo Tingstad and Rumbel is now out on the road again. Twenty-five years of their music collaboration has produced 19 albums. They began performing and recording together in 1985, and their debut album the following year, The Gift, became a holiday classic.

For two decades their music has earned praise from The New York Times, The Washington Post and Billboard magazine – and now NewAgeMusic.nu! They’ve performed in such venues as Carnegie Hall, and they received a Grammy in the New Age category in 2003 for their album, Acoustic Garden.

You can check out their tour plans here – and while you are at it, listen to their music too!

People think that new age music is all soft, low-key and harmless. And that is, for the most part, true. I admit that. This is a quality in new age music we all love and cherish.

But the genre has a darker, more complex side too, which often can be found in the movie/soundtrack department. These titles show that new age music can be just as hard hitting, just as powerful as gangster rap.

Don’t you believe me? Well, think of Mike Oldfield’s Exorcist theme and you’ll know what I am referring to. That first minute with gentle piano sounds on Tubular Bells has scared movie viewers for over 30 years. Another soundtrack that is both dark and violent, is Jan Hammer’s soundtrack to the documentary about the so called Cocaine Cowboys. Hammer’s synth soundtrack fits perfectly into the blood-dripping story – that is actually based on true events.

Cocaine Cowboys (2006) is directed by Billy Corben (IMDB link). It gives a firsthand perspective of the Miami drug war of the 1970s and early 80s. The documentary is now airing on Showtime and on various channels all over the world. See it if you have the chance – because this is the story that inspired the creators of both Scarface and Miami Vice (the last title had, as you know, a song by Hammer as theme).    

Jan Hammer’s soundtrack to Cocaine Cowboys was released as an EP in 2008. The EP is not even 20 minutes long, but what’s there is truly explosive stuff. The first song, Big Bust, contains Jan Hammer’s analogue synth trademark. The 80s sound and the guitar riffs are simply perfect, and is used extensively in the documentary. It gives energy to the story. But it is the title track that takes you on a trip like no other. Around 1 minute into the song a very powerful synth segment is heard. Also the songs Shipment Stolen and Dadeland are awesome in a dark, destructive way.

No, new age music is not all soft, low-key and harmless. So blow out those lavender-scented candles and get rid of that spa feeling; put on Cocaine Cowboys and start inhaling.

It will not be a healing experience. But, wow, what a ride! 

Samle the EP on CDbaby.

Written by BT Fasmer.

We have reviewed many of the albums that are on the Zone Music Reporter Awards list for 2009. John P. Olsen on NewAgeMusicWorld.com has posted a list of reviewed albums. Here you can get to know the albums and the artists too. Enjoy!

We are now celebrating that we have 2.500 registered members on New Age Stars radio on Live365! In a little over 2 months we have got over 500 new members. Among 188 channels in the new age music category, we are currently no. 6.  With tens of thousands of listeners, and now 2.500 registered members, we are not only a new age music news source – but a major new age music player.

Our goal is simple; to give you, the fan, the best new age music, news & interviews available.

This graph shows how the number of registered members grew in January.

Here on .nu we do our best to give you, the fan, a complete presentation of our beloved music genre. In order to understand the music of today and be able to look ahead, you also need to know history. New Age Music did not spring out of thin air – it was, is and will be a part of the international music scene. Last week we listened to the very first new age album – Tony Scott’s Music for Zen Meditation – and this week we bring you another piece of music history. It is not an album, it is the segment about new age music in Piero Scaruffi’s 800 hundred page long History of Rock Music (2003).

In this book, the perhaps most interesting period of New Age Music is presented; the time between 1976-1989, when the genre went from obscurity to widespread popularity.

Piero Scaruffi writes:

New-age music was, first and foremost, a synthesis. It was a synthesis of cultures (high and low), moods (upbeat, ecstatic, melancholy, spiritual), genres (folk, electronic, jazz, classical, psychedelic), formats (song, symphony, suite, jam) and lifestyles (western and eastern). Since each of these components had existed for decades (if not centuries), new-age music pre-existed itself.

And more:

Whatever vehicle they chose, new-age musicians shared the simple, unassuming, laid-back quality of their music with the music meant “not to listen to” (as Brian Eno put it): easy-listening orchestras (Richard Clayderman), lounge music (Burt Bacharach), and supermarket muzak (the RCA Victor series of “Moods in Music”). Despite the wildly different ideological underpinnings, these genres converged towards the same concept of music for relaxation, which became the fundamental dogma of new-age music.

The complete segment about new age music can be read on Piero Scaruffi homepage.

An excellent read!

We love live new age music here at .nu – and what we can present for you today is probably the most exclusive and intimate live event of the year! New Age Music super star Constance Demby invites you into her home recording studio in Malibu, CA. She says:

“I’m really excited about what’s coming up the weekend of Feb 20 & 21: Special Salon Concerts performed in my home recording studio in Malibu, CA. There’s room for about 35 people, so these will be intimate events, as you’ll be just a few feet away from me as I perform and channel the Music of the Spheres. Each concert is always unique, because regardless of the music I prepare, once the concert starts, a palpable energy fills the space, an energy that has been seen by those who have the sight to see into realms beyond the third dimension.”

Read all about it here – and be sure to buy your tickets today because they will all be gone in 1-2-3…

Fionnuala Sherry, the female part of the Secret Garden duo, will release a new solo album very soon. She says:

This CD has been in an embryonic state for many years and I was just waiting for the right moment to record it. There are many songs from my childhood featured in this CD as well as new previously unreleased material.

On this CD, Fionnuala has worked with the well known Norwegian composer/arranger Kjetil Bjerkestrand. Mr. Bjerkestrand says: “We are so looking forward to its release and very happy with where the magical journey of making this CD has taken us!”

More updates coming soon. See pictures from the studio here.

Have you ever wondered why people like new age music  - and what artists they like? Well, by doing a simple “I like new age music” search on Google you will get lots of nice replies – like this one:

I like new age music because it tends to be more melody-driven, relaxing, and simpler than classical music. With classical music, I find that I need to be able to devote my attention fully to it while listening to appreciate it. New age I can have playing all day at work in the background. (source)

Now that’s music to my ears!!!

American fans of Enigma must mark the date February 9 on their calendar; this is when Platinum Collection finally will be released in the US. This upcoming event was very visible on NYC Time Square lately, where large commercials told about the February 9 release. It is nice to see that the label is doing an effort for Enigma in a time where their sales are falling.

It is of course a shame that Platinum Collection didn’t get an international release at the same date. European Enigma fans have been enjoying the album since November last year…

The picture is borrowed from the great Enigmamusic Forums. You can sample the album here.

For our German speaking friends – this commercial is currently on Channel 24. The presentation is, well, a bit cheesy.

A “not that popular” part of Mike Oldfield’s creative works, the computer game Music VR (which also includes the Tres Lunas (2002) album music), was recently removed from Mikeoldfield.org – but has now found new life on fan page Tubular.net. They are the new official source for everything Music VR. The game is now free to use – and can be downloaded from this page. According to Wikipedia, Mike Oldfield spent £25 million developing the game.

I have never been a big fan of the game itself – but I enjoy the Tres Lunas soundtrack very much. I think To Be Free is a marvelous song!

Web magazine Ambient Visions  is now up again - with a new link:  http://www.twpt.com/avindex.htm  (it comes and goes a bit at the moment). Great news that it is online again.

The Piano as the leading musical instrument can be appreciated using just a few simple well placed notes.  It’s the pianist who takes the leading role by their note by note delivery to determine the style and complexity of the note structure in hopes of creating a classic piece of music everyone can appreciate.

Ann Sweeten is one musician widely recognized for her classic style, setting a high standard in quality among many pianists in the wide range of genres employing piano music as the chosen manner for pleasing an audience.  In a skilled full range delivery on a Steinway Baby Grand, her classic signature sound deserves respect in a natural way, lending itself to beautiful music that many have found, gives new meaning to the term music appreciation.

Just This Side Of Spring  showcases her latest composing lead performance as a Steinway Artist and music professional, with several talented artists at her side.  Will Ackerman for one, performs on acoustic guitar on the title song, along with co-producing the album with Ann, who also conducts vocals and synthesizers.  Andrew Eng on viola & violin, along with bass performer Michael Miksis, and Trisha Craig on Flute are the accompanying musicians featured on several songs contained on this album, who do excel in terms of fluidity as a collective unit.

Having authored a number of Piano Solo reviews in the New Age genre, I promptly identified an admirable level of richness and depth in tone I rarely hear in many comparative piano solo albums.  Stylish tonal qualities held in even the quietest patterns give complex sequences and a prolific feel of realism within every individual phrase.  I likewise concluded the classic instrumentals supporting Ann Sweeten on Just This Side Of Spring clearly strengthen this opulent quality, validating my initial first impression.

In addition to her recognition as a Steinway Artist & Composer, her achievements are numerous, including voting privileges in the National Recording Academy of Arts & Sciences, ASCAP Popular Award Recipient starting in 2002, and continuing every year up to 2009. 

The ZMR nominations and awards are just as numerous and her talents are not limited to music achievements and concert performances on piano.  Ann is also a professional actress, singer, and ballet dancer, realizing many achievements in her diverse life. 

Just This Side Of Spring is a thoughtful Piano Instrumental album that holds many elegant touches while leaning towards the classical side of life, while shown in a natural realistic way too, becoming a great follow up for her previous Piano Instrumental album Grey Sky and Bittersweet. 

I concluded that both Just This Side Of Spring & Grey Sky and Bittersweet make you feel a pleasant sense of comfort and enjoyment in a much desired way, given by a qualified pianist who delivers an admirable performance on a Steinway Baby Grand, in another new release of her music almost everyone can appreciate.

Visit annsweeten.com and sample / purchase here.  Ann’s discography can be found at most music outlets, on-line and specialty stores.  You can visit CD Baby.com here.

We are all congratulating David Darling with yesterday’s Grammy award in new age music category! David Darling is hopefully happy with the award – but before the show he had a little ambivalent feeling about being placed in the new age music category.  According to newspaper Hartford Courant:

David Darling is not entirely clear why it’s in the New Age category. “None of us really know how that came about,” says Darling. He thinks of himself more as a jazz or classical musician, though the New Age connection has been around for a while: Darling’s first professional gig came in the ’70s, playing with the Paul Winter Consort, which also received Grammy nods for allegedly new age albums.

And more:

“I don’t think of it as New Age music; I think of it as contemporary classical music or world-ethnic music, because there’s so much influence in my music that comes from all over the world,” Darling says. “I have nothing against what it stands for; in fact, I’m a great fan of the basic concepts in New Age. I’m not such a great fan of marshmallow music that gets put in New Age.”

Read the complete interview here.

Mmmm. Marshmallows…

The Hungarian singer, Andrea Gerak, has started a fundraising project to aid volunteers helping Haitians, effected by the recent earthquake, and is inviting other musicians to join. A cross-genre compilation download album is being made, with international artists. Top new age music artists such as Ancient Future and Joel Kanning are participating.  

From each album purchase, 100% of the amount paid goes directly to volunteers working on the disaster sites and at the Haitian Embassy in Washington, delivering pain relief to the injured, easing stress for individuals of the population and rescue workers, and are stable points in the chaotic situation.

You’ll find the album here.

Also be sure to see this article on NewAgeMusicWorld about 9 Muses’ Haiti Aid.

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.

This is for all you collectors out there! If you pre-order George Winston’s upcoming album, Love Will Come – The Music Of Vince Guaraldi, Volume 2 you will get an exclusive 11″x17″ poster signed by George Winston!

It will be available February 2. But you have to be fast – mr. Winston will only sign 350 posters.  

You can place your order here. (Note: Only available in the US)

Good news to all Steve Roach fans: his upcoming album, the 2-CD Live at Grace Cathedral, is now at the factory! It to be ready by mid-February – and will also available at iTunes at the same time. About the recorded live performance mr. Roach says:

The opportunity to perform at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral a while back was a dream come true in many ways, and a high point in my live performance memories from the last decade. It’s a fitting release to commence the times. This will be the first live recording I’ve released with the natural reverberant sound of the performance space predominant in the mix. The expansive reverent ambience of Grace Cathedral was absolutely the perfect environment to experience this music within. To honor this space, I built a set that offered me options to directly respond to the unique acoustic properties I knew I was heading into.

And more:

I gathered a set of options ranging from the eras of “The Magnificent Void”, “Mystic Chords & Sacred Spaces” as well as new pieces that would later become “Dynamic Stillness”, “Arc of Passion”, and beyond. The influence of the massive space and the spirit it contained acted like an unseen collaborator holding the music and all of us in a dynamic embrace. From my performance location, I could best describe the sensation as hearing and seeing the sounds constantly blooming outwards in the space hovering above the audience, collecting energy and then receding away within the expanse of the cathedral.

I am sure this will be yet another fine Steve Roach release – the first in his fourth decade as a professional artist!

Visit SteveRoach.com

The 52nd Grammy Awards are just 1 day away. So let’s just take a quick look at the new age music category. The field is very strong this year. Henta was the surprise of course – but what a pleasant surprise it was!

People ask me; who will win this year? It is impossible to tell, like always, there are so many factors in play. I love both Jim Brickman’s Faith and Henta’s Laserium For the Soul – but I don’t think any of them will make it to the top (but I must note that if Henta was to win, that would be SUPER COOL).

The new age music category 2009:

It will either be In a Dream, Prayer for Compassion or Impressions of the West Lake. All three are wonderful albums with a very classical approach to new age.

I think that, after listening to these albums for weeks, In a Dream and Impressions of the West Lake are on par – perhaps with Kitaro just a little bit better than Peter Kater and Dominic Miller (just because West Lake is a more grand sounding album, more orchestral music). So if I were to decide, David Darling will get his Grammy this year (after being nominated once before). But I wouldn’t put money on it, since the field is very strong this year. Kitaro just might win it too – he sure would deserve it after so many nominations.   

Watch it on CBS on 31 January 8PM ET/PT.

In his newsletter Marc Enfroy write the following about the album he is currently working on:

As I assessed where my current CD project was heading, it became clear that I needed to quiet things down and go for a softer, more therapeutic sound…warmer, healing and a bit less classical.  With the help of some new computer hardware, I’ll be reworking the material I’ve already written and writing some new songs.  In all likelihood, I’ll use a different alias name for this softer style (so it doesn’t get confused with my work as a composer).  Don’t worry, it will still be the same melodic and heartfelt music you’re used to, just expressed a little differently. 

To me that sounds awesome! I am sure the new album will be yet another proof that Marc Enfroy is one of the finest new stars of new age music.

Music is an important aspect in many people’s lives, with just one specific genre becoming their favorite form of musical entertainment.  That’s fine really, but most realize it does limit the total music experience, and a vast range of enjoyment found in all forms of music. 

Isaac Shepard from Southern California is like many of us who share the same philosophy when it comes to the unlimited resources for finding great music in other genres, becoming revitalized in the process, and similar to the way Isaac put it, just might make you appreciate your favorite form of music even more.  

Isaac began playing piano by ear at an early age and this early love of music began as a family circle of musical talent while performing with his father during many community venues in California, including benefits for homeless shelters, social gatherings and church events.  I am pretty sure this early introduction and appreciation of all music genres was a rewarding first step in the right direction as he began a well rounded approach into his individual projects as a piano soloist.

Exploring the musical space and taking in all that it has to offer is a universal calling and can be life-changing.  You might discover a genre that pushes your boundaries and leaves you wanting more, or you might come away being that much more thankful for what you call your own.          Isaac Shepard

 The Renewing is Isaac Shepard’s most recent stride into a nicely rehearsed form of expression as a solo pianist, where his individual composing performances offer relaxing ballads, classical progressions and beautiful melodies in each of the  10  songs composed with a pleasing source of renewal in mind.

Tears Can Fall  is a peaceful balled where an extending range of emotion has a presence in both the keyboards and what you will find in your first sample song in new music discovery.  Lead off phrasing is like a gentle question and answer session with treble notes asking the need to know questions and lower octaves blending in a responding reply that contrasts the upper octaves curiosity in important matters pertaining to harmonic togetherness.

Doors of Life has quieter moments in the earliest measures, moving into classic timed refrains before climbing to full heights in terms of the growing melody heard during this piece with steadiness like a soulful march.  While piano keys move to greater distances in this song, the melody flows and sways by nice runs along the keyboard while sweeping notes trickle right in time with a more moderate background.  

All Smiles like the name suggests is motion moving in an upward direction in an easy going natural movement shown by classic form, with strong stanzas recognizing a positive fullness in depth.  The rich fullness of a quiet melody blossoms while reaching full cord progressions with classic touches filling in the outlining shades of color, giving a more dignified tone to the overall feeling of happiness in this pretty song of joyful contentment.  

The Renewing tells of dancing rhythms resting beside moments of introspection, becoming a nice getaway from the pounding beats and winding guitars competing for your attention.  Whatever your favorite form of music is, here is an opportunity to explore Isaac’s latest solo piano release and become pleasantly refreshed in the process.   

Visit isaacshepard.com to sample his unpublished music, popular entertainment gaming soundtracks, and two prior solo piano albums,  Swept Away  &  Deep Joy.  You may also visit CDBaby.com to sample  The Renewing.

Article © John P. Olsen 2010 - Picture ©  Bigstockphoto – Wilmy

No reproduction without prior written permission

A new video by 2002 has just been released. It depict the great supernova of July 4, 1054 A.D., the remnants of which became the famous Crab Nebula. The video is about what people back then might have been thinking when they saw this for them magic and mystical event. The supernova was visible even in broad daylight for 23 days. This is the video as it appears on the DVD/CD set “A Word in the Wind” by 2002.

It is a well known problem; when two bands have the same name, misunderstandings occur. You might think that your favorite band have just released a new album, while it is some other band with the same name that has released it! That sure is a disappointment.

From new age music the best know example is of course Gandalf – which also is a well-known Finish death-metal band…

Previously, back in the days of physical CDs and real record shops, this was not a big problems since Gandalf the death metal band would be duly filed under “Death Metal” while “our” Gandalf would be in the new age music/adult contemporary/easy listening department. But in the world of mp3 shops, there’s not much filing and indexing. When you make an unspecified search, like most people do, you get all artists with that name. In many digital music outlets, if you search for “Gandalf” you get a sweet mix of both death metal and new age music – often in the same sample playlist.

This is now also the case with Michael Holm and Kristian Schultze’s group Cusco – one of the finest new age music groups ever. When I searched for Cusco recently I was happy to see that a new album, or EP, was available. Wohoo!

But, on second thoughts, wasn’t Hang Loose a strange Cusco title? And My Balls My World was also a somewhat bizarre song name by this group – which usually are more like Ariadne, White Buffalo or The Nine Muses. So I started listening to the EP, just not knowing what to expect. But the first deep synth pad on the title track got me wondering – this just might be the real thing, a new Cusco release! But after some time I realized that this was not my Cusco – this was some other band with the same name!

Hang Loose is a chill out EP released on Firebird records. Here is a presentation of the new Cusco (the EP as released in May last year).

Hang Loose is Mike Smile’s first album in a new era of party tunes. Anyone who knows Mike knows that he is musically diverse. It is not only house and techno… So he developed his newly launched chillout-project where he is under the name of „Cusco“ and makes with his debut on Firebird Rec. named “Hang Loose EP” the first great step! Seven beautiful tracks, don’t miss it. Check out www.myspace.com/firebirdrecords or http://www.myspace.com/djmikesmile 

And yes, don’t get me wrong; Hang loose is great album, with a chilled rhythm, a nice club atmosphere and deep bass. I very much like the second track, the dreamy Peace for the world and the jazz elements on the last track Two Mexicanos.

But it is not Cusco! Or is it?

Sample Hang Loose here – and the “real” Cusco here.

Rocky Fretz has won the Independent Music Award for new age music with the album Path Ahead…And Steps Then Taken. Congratulations!

Sample this awesome album on CDBaby.

Also enjoy the nice video below, which shows Rocky in his right element.

James Cahall’s new album Coming Home is in many ways a homecoming. For the artist himself it is a realization of a dream to compose and release piano music, which he had to postpone for years. For the listener the homecoming aspect is all in the album’s atmosphere; the bright and positive melodies illustrate the happy feeling of a long-sought homecoming. Ask anyone, being away is great – but nothing is better than coming home!

James Cahall began playing piano at the age of five, and learned all the basic skills. During high school his interest for classical piano declined, but still his passion for composing music was always there – even though there were no pianos around. In the meantime he studied to become an aerospace engineer.  It was not before his father gave him an electronic piano as a wedding gift, James found the time to pursue his passion for music. This has so far resulted in two albums, The Day Before Tomorrow (2008) and Coming Home (2009).

On a solo piano album, variation is the key to success. Even though all songs on Coming Home are quite fast (which I guess is due to youthful energy – the artist being 27 years old). I feel that there is more than enough variation to keep one’s attention throughout the 58-minute long album. All songs are long, between 4-6 minutes, with a melodic focus. I must add that are a few slow parts too, like passages on the thoughtful title track.

The bright and positive melodies illustrate the happy feeling of a long-sought homecoming.

James Cahall is not, as mentioned above, a professional pianist – but this reviewer finds that he easily could have become one. On Coming Home he plays with the force and authority of a true master.  The recording quality is very good (as expected since it is recorded on an electronic piano). For the darker tones (like on The Passing Storm), a Steinway would have been great of course, but the album does not lack anything in terms of sound.   

The album starts with the song Shades of Autumn. It has just the right amount of melancholy for such a title. Autumn is not just the end of summer – but the beginning of something new too. The leaves have to fall off in favor of new growth.

My favorite track on the album is Pearl’s song. It is that type of melody that just captures the moment and makes it impossible to think sad thoughts.

I was also moved by Midnight Dancer. This song has a very nice build-up that truly shows James Cahall’s skills as a composer.

Coming Home is an impressive album from a young artist. This reviewer concurs:  James Cahall is now home. May this be a place of happiness and creativity in the years to come!  

Sample the album on CDBaby.

Make also sure to take a look at Jamescahall.com - where you get to know the artist.

In preparation for the release of Deep Africa in April, the homepage of Deep Projects have been redesigned. Here Eric Mouquet, the Deep Forest veteran, gives you a presentation of his music and the many projects he have been involved in.

Some parts of the page are still under construction, but already there is plenty to look at.  A few texts are in French, but a link to Google Translate is provided.

Today I have a present for you all, a little something I found while browsing the press section of Will Ackerman’s homepage. The present is a video, which is by far the most heartfelt, most impressive presentation I have seen of an artist. Ever.

I have read artist biographies, I have seen movies and documentaries – but never have I come across such a tasteful, straight-to-the-point video presentation that just captures the very essence of this remarkable person’s artistic expression. In the video Will Ackerman tells about how he became an artist – and what a surprise it was for him to become successful. It also briefly tells the story of the Windham Hill label.

The video presentation and quality is spotless, and the songs performed to perfection. Both old and new fans will for sure find a lot to enjoy here. Bookmark it!

You’ll find it here. Also take a look around, and sample Will’s many great albums.

A frequent discussion in new age music is “how many sub-genres are there” – and, more interestingly, “what are they all called”? Well, there is one page that has what just might be the complete list – or, something not very far from a complete list.

The list with almost 70 different sub-genres is to be found on German new age music store Silenzio. The different genres are presented in German, but if you don’t understand the genre name – click the name and you will probably get its meaning by the selection of albums

Who said new age music was boring?

Mike Oldfield fans that use the popular web browser Firefox now can download a free exclusive Tubular Bells skin – which will take your everyday browsing into a Tubular world! I learned about the cool feature from my good friend, the talented new age artist Tubular Tos. Merci!

You can download it here.