Cybertribe - Dharma Café

 

 [Music review by Michael Woodhead for Synchronicity magazine]

Cusco - Inner Journeys: Myths & Legends

 

[Music review by Michael Woodhead for Synchronicity magazine]

Cusco - Apurimac III

 [Music review by Michael Woodhead for Synchronicity magazine]

Craig Chaquico - Acoustic Highway

 ACOUSTIC HIGHWAY

Craig Chaquico
Higher Octave
1997

Highly infectious melodies abound on this electrifying album, with Stratocaster guitar stylings reminiscent of Duane Eddy, but of course, with a more light jazz-influenced sound. Driving and rhythmic, Craig's fingers dance across the bridge of his guitar, creating breath-taking music that simply dances. Acoustic Highway is a sheer joy to listen to.

CASSETTE TRACKLIST:
1 Mountain in the Mist
2 Return of the Eagle
3 Gypsy Nights
4 Angel Tears
5 Acoustic Highway
6 Sacred Ground
7 Summers End
8 Land of the Giants
9 Sunset Alter

The CD release contains these extra tracks:
10. Return Of The Eagle (Radio Edit)
11. Sacred Ground (Radio Edit)

Constance Demby - Sanctum Sanctorum

 

 

 

[Music review by Michael Woodhead for Synchronicity magazine]

Composure - Best of Composure

BEST OF COMPOSURE

Composure
(a.k.a. William [Bill] McGee)
Composure Music
2003

Sweeping and dramatic, Sleeping Dragon opens the 12-set Best of Composure, as Bill McGee shares some of his unique and fascinating musical compositions—an eclectic mix of electronic, symphonic, cinematic, and pop.

Whether you're looking for something restful or energizing, imaginative or concrete, you're sure to find it on this album.

With the sounds of outer space, Point of Imagination touches the inner soul, while Waterfalls of Heaven offers an Asian mood suitable for massage and relaxation. Follow this with a safari through a South American jungle in Without Words as strange creatures call and chatter from the depths of the foliage. Exciting and rhythmically energetic, the driving sounds of The Heart of Karma generate trance dance music for seven minutes before fading into the emotional Falling Skies and Sometimes Never, both tunes reminiscent of some of Yanni's synthesizer work, but still retaining Bill's own unique style. Sahara's Touch lets us sail across a rippling electronic sandy sea of sound, enhanced by frenetic African drums. Electric drops sprinkle throughout The Day Wouldn't Rain as an ambient melody sweeps us along to Closer.

In all, the music is very reminiscent of Paul Beaver and Bernard Krause's Electronic Funk, and for me, a delightful re-introduction to the electronic genre of New Age music.

I'm always interested in hearing some of the original music being composed and performed in New Age circles these days, as composers unite mind and media to create imaginative music that takes us to new worlds, both within the soul and beyond the universe. Bill is one such composer, and I'm sure we'll hear more and more of his work as the future unfolds.

TRACKLIST:
1. Sleeping Dragon
2. Point of Imagination
3. Voices
4. Waterfalls of Heaven
5. Without Words
6. The Heart of Karma
7. Falling Skies
8. Sometimes Never
9. Sahara's Touch
10. Just a Kiss
11. The Day Wouldn't Rain
12. Closer

Clifford White - An Island Called Paradise

AN ISLAND CALLED PARADISE

Clifford White
New World Music
2003

Containing some of Clifford White's best compositions from his Aqua, Nature's Symphony and The Lifespring works, this is one of those albums with which I fell in love before my first listening session was over.  

An Island Called Paradise exuded something magical, nostalgic, and inspirational that touched my inner self and lifted my spirits. Very few albums have managed to affect me in such a way upon first hearing them. Even my wife overhearing from another room commented on how nice the music was.

The few notes on the case exhort the listener to imagine her own inner paradise, to let the music wash away the burdens and pressures of the day, to calm the nerves and help still the overactive mind.

Hym-Halaya starts off our relaxation process with a tune reminiscent of a blend between Kenny G and Cusco—sensuous, but lively at the same time, and welcoming us to our island paradise. This is followed by the more serene and rhythmic Equatorial that sweeps us away. Then we're taken by the more up-tempo and joyful Worlds in Motion that soon leads us to Amazonia with its gentle, beat-driven Japanese-inspired melody backed with a gently rolling surf.

Five more compositions that are delightful caress our ears, relaxing us, comforting us after times of stress and the rush of the everyday work world. 

Although these compositions are over twenty years old, they're still fresh, enchanting and very much contemporary today as they were back then.  

An Island Called Paradise is well worth listening to over and over again.

My one gripe? There were no liner notes—nothing to tell about Clifford, nor any background information on any of his compositions. He's best known for his 1985 release, Ascension, which sold over 50,000 copies.

TRACKLIST:
1 Hym-Halaya
2 Equatorial
3 Worlds in Motion
4 Amazonia
5 The Tropical Zone
6 Lost at the Shore
7 Inspirations
8 Rain Trek
9 First to Love

Christopher Boscole - Presents of Angels

 PRESENTS OF ANGELS

Christopher Boscole
CD Baby
2007

Here are a selection of fourteen charming melodies that seem to flow like water from Christopher's fingers and piano. Ranging through a variety of styles -- folk, light jazz, new age -- the listener will find a lot of material not only for meditation, but merely for relaxation and reflection. Lilting melodies like Once in Time and Hoedown Jig are a delight to listen to, and peaceful tunes like the title track sound lovely.

Christopher is a versatile professional pianist, composer, musician, and artist who also explores creative relationships between nature, sailing, photography and music through multimedia concerts.

TRACKLIST:
1. Once in Time
2. Country Hymn
3. The Coming Relevation
4. Hoedown Jig
5. Angel of Bliss
6. Present Being
7. Dreaming in Reality
8. Speebidah
9. Presents of Angels
10. The Heart Is the Home
11. Sailing to You
12. Knights of Gold
13. Purely Simple
14. Once Another Time

Presents of Angels was previously nominated for 'Solo Piano Album of the Year' at Whisperings Radio

Chuck Wild - Relax: A Liquid Mind Experience

RELAX: A Liquid Mind Experience

Chuck Wild
Real Music
2007

This is by far one of the quietest and most relaxing albums I've heard in a long time.

If you've never listened to Liquid Mind before, this is the perfect compilation album to check out Chuck's music. Ideal for relaxation, massage, meditation, yoga, and other divers therapies.

TRACKLIST:
1. Teach Me to Whisper (from Liquid Mind VI: Spirit)
2. Serenity (from Liquid Mind V: Serenity)
3. Touching Calm (from Liquid Mind VIII: Sleep)
4. Awakening (from Liquid Mind V: Serenity)
5. Reflection (from Liquid Mind VII: Reflection)
6. I Am Willing (previously unreleased)
7. Take Me Tenderly (from Liquid Mind IV: Unity)
8. Lullaby for Grownups (from Liquid Mind III: Balance)

Chuck Wild - Liquid Mind VIII: Sleep

 LIQUID MIND VIII: Sleep

Chuck Wild
Real Music
2006

Long and luxurious, Sleep certainly lives up to its disclaimer-exhorting you not to play this music when operating vehicles or dangerous machinery.

Six exquisite and soothing tracks envelop you with a calming sound that relaxes not only a stressed mind, but also tired muscles. Ambient streams of synthesized chords wash over you, taking you, if you allow them to, deeper and deeper into a relaxed state of mind and body, at the end of which you feel re-energized and revitalized.

Ideal for healing sessions, massage, and just total relaxation in general.

TRACKLIST:
1. Night Light
2. Moment of Grace
3. Journey to Peace
4. Breathe in Me
5. Adagio for Sleep
6. Touching Calm

Chuck Wild - Liquid Mind VII: Reflection

 

[Music review by Michael Woodhead for Synchronicity magazine]

Christy Cook - Trillium Rising

 TRILLIUM RISING

Christy Cook
Borealis Music
1998

One of the first stringed instruments I ever attempted to play was a dulcimer. Although I never mastered it, the music performed on a hammer dulcimer by local artist Christy Cook on this album is well worth hearing.

After opening with a very nice rendition of Jean-Francois Dandrieu's La Gemissante, Christy follows it up with four compositions of her own, all of them quite enchanting and restful. The title track is particularly delicate in its sound and style, and Wings of Comfort. . .Pearls of Hope is a tension-releasing tune. Her hammer dulcimer is nicely supported by flute, bells and chimes.

Christy's been performing for over twenty years, and this recording is her sixth, but the first on which she has focused on a blend of music and spirituality.

TRACKLIST:
1. La Gemissante
2. Wings of Comfort
3. Starlight Reverie
4. Trillium Rising
5. Wings of Comfort...Pearls of Hope

Chinmaya Dunster - Yoga On Sacred Ground

[Music review by Michael Woodhead for Synchronicity magazine]

Chinmaya Dunster - Sacred Temples of India

[Music review by Michael Woodhead for Synchronicity magazine]

Chasm - Panorhythmica

PANORHYTHMICA

Chasm
Sticks & Stones Music
2000

Although originally a multi-instrumental duo featuring Mark Esakoff and Michael Whipple, Chasm currently performs live as a quartet, adding Arne Anselm and Derek Thomas. Their music consists of songs that resonate from wood, skin, or wind instruments, creating a World Fusion sound that is unique and arresting. On this album, they attempt to translate the visual into instrumental.

From the very first bars of Serengeti Sunrise, heralded by the plaintive wails of a flute, Chasm draws you in to an exuberant, joyful, and joy-filled presentation of World Fusion music. A rhythmic, infectious beat calls for hands to clap and feet to dance with bodies swaying and gyrating to the tune of Monkey in the Middle. The Smoothie emulates an Ottmar Liebert piece of flamenco fun, while a k a You takes an imaginative flight with flute, guitar, and ukulele exchanging melody lines. Behind classical guitar, recorder, and marimba riffs, hand drums create the subtle sound of flowing water on Agua del Fuego.

After six rather vigorous pieces, things finally slowly down a bit with Falling Water and Neo Rio, a couple of nice light jazz tunes that reflect the land and culture of South America. Four more pieces that are rhythmic carry us through to the final Elegy in G Major, a classical approach in performance that gives us a slow, soft, almost mournful end to an otherwise jubilant album.

Mark has traveled and performed through America, North Africa and Europe and was influenced by the many cultures he experienced. He sees himself as a "songwriter with a sound concept more than a guitarist." When a teenager, Michael was forbidden by his father to play drums, so he chose the flute, and later taught himself to play several other instruments (including the drums).

My Favourite: Monkey in the Middle

CD Length: 58:18 minutes

TRACKLIST:
1 Serengeti Sunrise
2 Monkey in the Middle

3 The Smoothie

4 a k a You 

5 Agua del Fuego

6 Facing the Sun

7 Falling Water

8 Neo Rio

9 Destiny

10 Symmetrical Soul

11 Road to Panorhythmica

12 Crossing the Chasm

13 Elegy in G Major

Chasm - Bamboo Blue

 BAMBOO BLUE

Chasm
Sticks & Stones Music
2008

Chasm offer a lively assortment of rhythmic tunes that are sure to keep your feet tapping, or your body bouncing in time to the beat.

With a light jazz feel and an almost minimum number of instruments, Bamboo Blues evokes visions of a dimly-lit Mediterranean night club where the songs seem both controlled, and yet improvised.

96 Coconuts almost has a Beatle-ish pop-style to it; Now What? answers its own question with a rollicking, driving rhythm; and A Balance Of Extremes adds a slice of vocals to an already-delightful mix.

Sit back with a drink or three, relax, and enjoy this new musical set by Chasm which, I'm sure you'll agree, even at fifty-three and a half minutes, will seem far too short.

TRACKLIST:
1 Bamboo Blues
2 Close To Earth
3 Potamus Walk
4 Orangutan Tango
5 Soothsayer Swing
6 Andy Goes To Havana
7 96 Coconuts
8 Laguna De Luna
9 Now What?
10 Spice Island
11 A Balance Of Extremes

Charles Vald -Breath of Time II

 

[Music review by Michael Woodhead for Synchronicity magazine]

Caprice - Elven Music 3: Tales of the Uninvited

 ELVEN MUSIC 3 : Tales of the Uninvited

Caprice
Prikosnovénie Music
2005

The third in a trilogy of musical and vocal compositions based on the parallel world of the Faeries, and this album in particular on the language of the Laoris, or modern faeries.

Composer Anton Brejestovski has done a marvelous job of creating the world of Fae although, to be honest, there is a sense of etherealness missing which, I believe, is often associated with the faerie-lands.

In spite of polyphonic arrangements, intricate harmonies and time signatures, the whole work still seems to sound like medieval England. But, none of this detracts from the quaintness of it, and Inna Brejestovskaya's voice gives the songs a delicate beauty.

All in all, still worth a listen.

TRACKLIST:
1. Enter Laoris
2. Minstrels of Old
3. Yesterday You Danced With Me
4. Black Flower
5. Two Faeries
6. Bog Dance
7. The Court of Faerie
8. The Forest
9. Summer Night
10. Faeries Stole Bridget
11. Exit Laoris
12. Maple

Caprice - Elven Music 2: The Evening of Iluvatar's Children

 ELVEN MUSIC 2:
The Evening of Iluvatar's Children

Caprice
Prikosnovenie Records
2004

For something rather unique to which to listen, this CD will fit the bill.

Drawing from the folklore of The Lord of the Rings, Caprice presents an eclectic collection of songs centered on Hobbits, Elves, Orcs, and the world of Men—accompanied by an orchestra of Russian musicians.

Mythological and medieval, and yet very much European and contemporary in style, delightful stories in song, like Elves of Rivendell, Galadriel's Message to Aragorn, and Sam's Song, all offer a fascinating glimpse of Tolkien's fantasy world from a musical perspective.

Dramatic, and yet ethereal, it will require more than one listen to appreciate the creativity and ingenuity that have given birth to this delightful work.

TRACKLIST:
1. Rhyme Of Lore
2. Of Beren And Luthien
3. O Rowan Fair
4. Bath Song
5. Elves Of Rivendell
6. Shadow Bride
7. Galadriel's Song
8. Galadriel's Message To Aragorn
9. Galadriel's Message To Legolas
10. Athelas
11. Elves Rolling Barrels
12. Sam's Song
13. The Tower Of Cirith Ungol
14. Passion (Sam Finds Frodo)
15. Elves Beyond The Sea
16. The Last Ship

Calvin L Coolidge II - Seconds

[Music review by Michael Woodhead for Synchronicity magazine]

Calvin L Coolidge II - Club Tiaj

CLUB TIAJ

Calvin L Coolidge II
CB Baby
2003

Elsewhere, I review Calvin's Seconds, and suggest that he impresses me as a subtler and smoother version of Craig Chaquico.

I still believe that, but on Club Tiaj, he offers a more eclectic approach to music, and calls it an "electronic journey through an ambient village". Indeed, it is just that—marvelous manipulations of musical instruments, electronic sounds, and rhythms.

Starfire Dancer begins what seems to be a regular melodic line of guitar work, but soon segues into a cosmic interplay of repeating riffs echoed from shimmering curtains of space and time.

Tribe is aptly named for this beat-driven, ambient electronic work that brings to mind cybernetic aboriginals dancing to throbbing tom-toms around some mystic campfire in a world of the future.

Following several other electronic works, Boost begins a special dance mix that Calvin suggests using with two other selections, Sleek and King Diddy, each with its own introductory bars.

Slither offers what I would call an approach to the movements of an electronic snake through a computer hardware jungle, certainly unique to say the least, and the creature brings us again to the cybernetic tom-toms of Skins. I love listening to drum solos and, although this piece doesn't utilize a fully equipped drum kit, nonetheless, I certainly enjoyed the pulsations presented here.

These are just some of the selections available of the thirteen compositions Calvin has set down for the listener's enjoyment. In some of them, I think the prominent drumbeats are a little distracting, but that's just a personal observation; I'm more melody-oriented rather than rhythmically inclined, but I try not to let that cloud my judgement of a piece of music. Overall, however, Calvin has done a masterful job at creating some excitingly different, diffused, and electronically based musical compositions.

My favorite track: Starfire Dancer

TRACKLIST:
1. Starfire Dancer
2. Tribe
3. Tropical Peak
4. Sparklin'
5. Sunbeam
6. Boost
7. Sleek
8. Slither
9. Skins
10. Spin
11. King Diddy
12. Blush
13. Night Haunt Farewell

Buedi Siebert - Wave Hands Like Clouds

WAVE HANDS LIKE CLOUDS

Buedi Siebert
Real Music
2004

For the ultimate in background music designed for solitude and meditation, I highly recommend this album. Quiet, serene, and peaceful music with an Asian touch gracefully sweeps over the listener. In the imagination, one sees slow-moving rippling streams, gently flowing grasses, and with an immense countryside of beauty and serenity.

"As we can empty ourselves to get in touch with our gentleness," remark the liner notes, "as with t'ai chi, we develop an enormous power ... [and] ... a gentle approach to life can remove any obstacle on your path".

Use this music to find that gentle side within you.

TRACKLIST:
1. From the Distance
2. Life Breath
3. Waterplay
4. Building Chi
5. The Gentle Way
6. Flight on Cloud Horse
7. Temple on Green Mountain
8. Song of the Nightingale
9. Buddha Arrives
10. Inside the Heart
11. Into the Distance
12. Oneness

Brulé - Star People

 

 

 

 [Music review by Michael Woodhead for Synchronicity magazine]

Brian Kelly - Afterplay

AFTERPLAY

Brian Kelly
Skylight Music
2008

Quite honestly, since I'm not a fan of jazz, it's hard for me to give a fair assessment of this album. I will say, however, that it has some interesting upbeat compositions on it, and I'm quite sure many jazz aficionados will certainly enjoy listening to them.

Nominated for Best Instrumental Jazz Album 2009 (Just Plain Folks Music Award)

TRACKLIST:
1. River Rush
2. Smiling South
3. New Vision
4. Snowflakes Rising
5. Flavor Seven
6. Afterplay
7. Heaven On Earth
8. Celtic Fire
9. Stone Shine
10. Reach For The Stars
11. Sunchaser

Brian Carter - Living In Harmony

 LIVING IN HARMONY

Brian Carter
New World Music / New World Records
2005

Fans of relaxation music are sure to enjoy this second part of the Harmony trilogy (The first was Walking in Harmony) that Brian has released on New World Music.

Relaxing, quiet, but moving, the music transports the listener to a world of flowing music and sounds. Inspired by the contrast between the poverty of the Native American peoples and their spiritual knowledge, all four tracks on this beautiful work touch the heart and soul with their rhythms and melodies.

TRACKLIST:
1. Sunrise ... In Your Heart
2. The Flight of the Eagle
3. The Beauty of the Forest
4. Living in Harmony

Blackmore's Night - Under a Violet Moon

[Music review by Michael Woodhead from Synchronicity magazine]

Bill Douglas - Deep Peace

DEEP PEACE

Bill Douglas
Featuring the Ars Nova Singers
Hearts of Space
1996

Celtic-inspired choral and instrumental music complement the timeless poems of Robert Burns, William Blake, William Butler Yeats, and Alfred Graves as well as the original works of Bill Douglas.

Soft and gentle as an afternoon breeze, the music on this CD presents calming, but inspiring contemplative compositions created on synthesized and traditional instruments.

"My basic philosophy of music is that it can be helpful to the world. It can evoke such positive emotions as compassion, tenderness, strength, nobility, upliftedness, and joy." - Bill Douglas

TRACKLIST:
1. Deep Peace (Choral Version)
2. Flow Gently, Sweet Afton
3. Piping Down The Valleys Wild
4. The Wandering Moon
5. O Earth, O Earth, Return
6. The Secret Forest
7. The Hills Of Glencar
8. Red Rose, Sad Rose
9. Return To Inishmore
10. The Voices Of Children
11. Evening Star
12. Irish Lullaby
13. Deep Peace (Reprise)

Bhakta - Open Transmission

 

[Music review by Michael Woodhead for Synchronicity magazine]

Betsy Foster - A Dream Come True

A DREAM COME TRUE

Betsy Foster
The Orchard
2003

Soft, flowing, relaxing, and comfortable--such is the melodic music of composer, Betsy Foster.

From the richly emotional opening number to the final commemorative march, A Dream Come True expresses the passion and love of music that Betsy creates through her compositions. 

With a combination of romantic instrumental and vocal selections, rhythmic and memorable melodies, Betsy creates a sense of nostalgia with tunes like Mark's Song—reminiscent of the Salon Orchestra—and yet also offers very contemporary material to touch the heart and soul of the listener. 

Light pop, occasional jazz, and emotional orchestrations—Betsy gives a variety of music to please lovers of modern and classical styles.

TRACKLIST:
1. Mark's Song
2. The Christmas Waltz
3. She Will Rise Again
4. Music Box
5. Make a Joyful Noise
6. Loving You
7. Long, Long Ago
8. Chances
9. Have I Told You Lately
10. Monday Morning, A Rainy Day & You
11. Loving You (Instrumental)
12. Longing
13. Hope
14. The Highlands
15. Going Home