AIMusic.ORG, Advancing Independent Music
newCDnews.com
WORD FOR WORD
"Ultimately, we're all about melody. We want people to feel a comfortable vibe when they hear our music. It should feel familiar, like stepping into someone's home and getting this intangible feeling from the colors, the furniture: 'Hey, this is a great place. It's a home, not just a house.'" --Nancy Rumbel of Tingstad & Rumbel
Read our interview at:
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NEW AND NOTABLE
"If I Could Tell You"
Yanni
~ MORE After three years Yanni returns with a diverse collection featuring the sounds of Native America, flamenco, and sacred music. Opting for a gentle, transcendent sound, the Greek-born pianist sprinkles his romantic touch all over this intimate album. "If I Could Tell You" marries Yanni's urge for bold, sweeping drama with breathy, dreamy emotion for an accessible yet provocative disc.
"Guitar Nova"
Erik Wollo
~ MORE Norwegian guitarist Erik Wollo folds his delicate, lyrical melodies into a backdrop of expansive, ambient New Age. Wollo simultaneously creates cold mystery and high drama via a poetic playing that often recalls the darkness of northern lands. Not your typical New Age guitar.
"State of Grace"
Paul Schwartz
~ MORE After composing the music for "Aria" and "Aria 2," Paul Schwartz offers "State of Grace," a lush synth-based collection of New Age that recalls the early music hymns of Hildegard von Bingen. Lovers of the "Aria" series will appreciate Schwartz's step in a new direction while staying true to his electronic-classical background.
"Breathing Rhythms"
Glen Velez
~ MORE Drummer Glen Velez enlists an all-star combo, including cellist Eugene Friesen and pan flutist Damian Draghici, for this recording featuring layers of drumming and ancient sounds of the Middle East. Velez taps frame drums, tabla, and other percussion to set the scene for the technique of vocalizing syllables in the name of centering one's breathing. Intriguing for both its circular movement and flights of improved melody, "Breathing Rhythms" is a unique listen.
"Out of Stillness"
Gopal Shankar Misra
~ MORE The late Gopal Shankar Misra was a virtuoso of the vichitra veena, an ancient Indian instrument with a voicelike resonance. Though he was known for his avante-garde excursions and took the instrument to bold heights, Shankar Misra lays back on this album for a meditative collection.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
"The Room"
Harold Budd
~ MORE With his latest album, "The Room," ambient master Harold Budd proves he can still create the same sort of low-key, intimate music that brought him recognition in the mid-1980s. In this collection, Budd and his synth, organ, and piano create a dark, beautiful melancholy.
Also, check out other Harold Budd classics:
"The Pearl"
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"Lovely Thunder"
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MUSICAL MASSAGE
The Relaxation Company offers an intriguing assortment of relaxing CDs for massage. Their "Herbal Harmonies" series offers gentle music reflecting the healing properties of herbs, while their "Musical Massage" series focuses on calming music for balance and synergy. "Balance" features a chamber ensemble while "Synergy" creates a gentle, electronic mood, and "Resonance" does just that. All three are highly recommended.
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"Niya Yesh"
Axiom of Choice
Axiom of Choice took their name from the mathematical principle of free choice, and that's exactly what this world-music chamber ensemble accomplishes on "Niya Yesh." Freely using exotic instruments such as the kamancheh (spike fiddle) and ney flute, they re-create the sounds of ancient Persia in inspired, hipped-out grooves.
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"Roots and Wings" and "Quiet"
Sheila Chandra
Singer Sheila Chandra left her pop-dance band Monsoon to delve more deeply into her East Indian heritage in the mid-1990s. Since then she's laid her pure voice over seven intriguing collections of ambient Indian chant, including the newly reissued "Roots and Wings" and "Quiet."
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"A Day Without Rain"
Enya
~ MORE "A Day Without Rain" is Celtic songstress Enya's first collection of new material since 1995. It's been time well spent, however, as the album sings with Enya's breathy voice in bright melodies and romantic atmospherics. "A Day Without Rain" available after November 21 and is already a top seller in pre-orders.
"My Romance" "Temple"
Thomas Barquee
CD on Sale
Touches of Gregorian chant colored by synthesizers make
Thomas Barquee's "Temple" sound alternately like the
wordless vocal meditations fronted by Vas and like the "holy
minimalists" of the classical music world. Slight percussion
and spare guitar make "Temple" a recording with details in
its depths.
"Panorama: The Best of Craig Chaquico"
Craig Chaquico
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Former Jefferson Starship guitarist Craig Chaquico has
helped advance the cause of smoothly melodic, unobtrusive
music for years (peaking with "Acoustic Highway"). Here's an
overview of the guitarist's post-Starship career--with hints
of smooth jazz and much more.
"Antologia"
Madredeus
CD on Sale
As backed by Madredeus with their beguiling mix of
keyboards, guitar, and cello, Teresa Salgueiro's crystalline
vocals have always been mesmerizing. Madredeus have
certainly heard and integrated the traditional musics of
Portugal, Argentina, and even European clubs, but they've
created from this mix an identity all their own--perfect for
a calm listen.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
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"Sound Mind, Sound Body"
Rafael Torral
CD on Sale
This CD is the Portuguese guitarist Rafael Torral's 1994
debut, newly revised (two tracks have been replaced, another
expanded), making the disc even more gorgeous. "AER 4" and
"AE 1" are lush, liquid pieces that function equally well as
engaging compositions and ambient soundscapes. Toral evokes
the calm of a Zen rock garden on the generously proportioned
"AER 7 E," which arises out of an exquisite latticework of
decaying harmonics.
OCEANS ALIVE
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"Cousteau's Dream"
Various Artists
CD on Sale
Vangelis, Aria, Kamal, Kitaro, and even Kenny G step up to
the plate on "Cousteau's Dream" to pay homage to the
explorer and environmentalist. The music here is light and
spare, evocative of calm seas rather than rough surf. A
portion of the proceeds from every sale of this CD will
benefit various environmental groups.
FLAMENCO NUEVO
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"Viva Flamenco"
Various Artists
CD on Sale
This set mines the Narada catalog for some of their most
interesting tunes that build on flamenco traditions. Artists
like Gerardo Nunez, Gino D'Auri, and El Viejin show, though,
that rather than have the hot-blooded traditions of flamenco
guide them to passionate intensity, they integrate other
music (flutes, tablas) to make the music emotionally
multidimensional and even soothing.
"Guitar Greats: The Best of the New Flamenco"
Various Artists
CD on Sale
Here's more inquiry into the twists in flamenco's
history. "New Flamenco," as illustrated on "Guitar Greats,"
gets lots of its depth from an underlying New Age ambience
that seeks to touch the soul as much as the heart. Artists
on this set include Strunz & Farah, Jesse Cook, and the
great Ottmar Liebert. At turns low-key and trance-inducing,
"Guitar Greats" is a fine display of talent and insight.
GLOBAL FLOATING
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"The Garden of Mirrors"
Stephan Micus
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Over the years, Stephan Micus has employed instruments
ranging from guitars to tuned flowerpots to create his
rhythmic and meditative world-music compositions. On "The
Garden of Mirrors," Micus uses voice, steel drums, flutes,
and a West African harp to create a hypnotic disc that fuses
cultures and musical styles into something truly unique.
"Forgotten Peoples"
Veljo Tormis
CD on Sale
A music fan suggests Estonian composer Veljo Tormis's
"Forgotten Peoples": "Few composers can so masterfully
combine folk tradition with modern musical trends. Tormis
combines the rhythmic sounds of Finno-Ugric folk songs with
the power of a choir to create a sound that is haunting and
hypnotizing. On the other hand, Tormis also provides these
small disappearing nations with an invaluable service, by
making sure their languages and their songs will not be
forgotten."
NEW AGE TOP SELLER
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"Peace of Mind: Relaxation"
Current
CD on Sale
A music fan from Arlington Heights, Illinois, loves "Peace
of Mind: Relaxation": "I first heard this CD while having a
massage. I came right home and ordered it. What a great
bargain. We use this to go to sleep by almost every
night. It's very soothing after a hectic and stress-filled
day! Don't pass it up."
"In the Garden of Souls"
Vas
CD on Sale
Vas return with their third release, "In the Garden of
Souls," another exceptional album that again sets Azam Ali's
Persian-Indian vocals against an exquisite backdrop of frame
drums and rich percussion. With haunting melodies and such
unique instruments as hammered dulcimer and electric cello,
Vas create a sensual, exotic world that evokes ancient,
faraway places. Beautiful and enchanting.
"Pure Movies 2"
John Tesh
CD on Sale
Following up his earlier collection of the same name, John
Tesh compiles another album of piano instrumentals inspired
by songs from film. While those who love Tesh's original
work may find this album a bit odd, listeners in love with
his sweet sensibility will cherish this work that emulates
such singles as "You'll Be in My Heart" from "Tarzan" and
"When She Loved Me" from "Toy Story 2."
"Kiss the Earth"
Johannes Linstead
CD on Sale
If Ottmar Liebert is the king of nouveau flamenco, then
Johannes Linstead must be the eldest prince. His new release
rings out with same acoustic vibrance and virtuoso fretwork
as his 1999 debut, "Sol Luna Tierra." Shining some light on
the flamenco tradition, this Canadian guitarist sparks easy
melodies and spirited rhythms. Highly recommended.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
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"Midnight Moon"
Steve Roach
CD on Sale
Ambient master Steve Roach returns with "Midnight Moon," a
sparse recording that features Roach on the guitar. Here he
bends textures and layers tonalities to create serene, dark
soundscapes. Roach likened the experience of making this
album to journeying into a cave, where the soul searches
deeper and deeper into realms of the unconscious self. It's
a haunting and evocative work that's sure to please lovers
of his early ambient albums like "Structures from Silence."
UNDISCOVERED GEM
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"Dream Catcher"
Ron Allen
CD on Sale
Flutist Ron Allen and two friends wove together this
hypnotic, sparse Native flute music that's ripe with bright
tones and charming melodies. "Dream Catcher" was released in
1998 but still resonates with fertile, tribal serenity years
later. A mesmerizing CD.
CUSTOMER FAVORITES
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"Heavenly Realms"
Philip Chapman
CD on Sale
A music fan from the U.S. calls Philip Chapman's "Heavenly
Realms": "A wonderful experience of grace, peace, and
serenity. This is a beautiful collection that surrounds the
senses with a calming effect that provides inner peace and
transports the listener to a place of reflective meditation.
The melodies are soothing and uplifting. Philip Chapman's
compositions are, as the title denotes, of heavenly realms."
EMERGING ARTISTS
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"The Redwood Project"
Matt Butler
CD on Sale
Drummer Matt Butler brings together some Bay Area friends
for this enticing trip into music inspired by the earth.
Though countless New Age albums are named after natural
elements, "The Redwood Project" uses acoustic instruments
rather than electronics to create lush grooves and a warm,
reposed beauty. This collection creates a relaxing, organic
ambience as fresh as a redwood forest itself.
"Hidden World"
John Serrie and Gary Stroutsos
CD on Sale
Space planetarium master John Serrie teams up with flutist
Gary Stroutsos for an excursion into the mystic cosmos.
Stroutsos recorded breathy flute and ambient tribal
percussion before Serrie layered it with wide swaths of
synth and atmospheric sound from the universe. Their
collaboration has birthed one of the best albums of 2000.
"Black Sand"
Led Kaapana
CD on Sale
Following up his collaborative effort with country music
stars Ricky Skaggs and Alison Krauss, Hawaiian slack-key
guitarist Led Kaapana releases this solo collection of
enveloping instrumentals, rich with Kaapana's gentle touch
and emotive feel.
"Asian Blossoms"
Missa Johnouchi
CD on Sale
Missa Johnouchi has taken her French schooling in orchestral
composition and wrapped it in an Asian sensibility for an
album that sings with strings while mourning with Chinese
lutes. Johnouchi soothes the soul with taut melodies and
sweeping romance on this recording that marries East and
West.
Bjornstad/Darling : Epigraphs, May 16 ...CD sale priced.
Johannes Linstead : Kiss The Earth, May 16 ...CD sale priced.
Joseph Nagler : Synergy, May 16 ...CD sale priced.
Odd Toot : Mental Money, May 09 ...CD sale priced.
Terry Oldfield : Spirit Of The World, May 16 ...CD sale priced.
Russill Paul : Shabda Yoga, May 16 ...CD sale priced.
Russill Paul : Shakti Yoga, May 16 ...CD sale priced.
Russill Paul : Bhava Yoga, May 16 ...CD sale priced.
Russill Paul : Yoga Of Sound, May 16 ...CD sale priced.
Dr. Jeffrey Thompson : Brainwave Symphony, May 16 ...CD sale priced.
Dr. Jeffrey Thompson : Brainwave Music, May 16 ...CD sale priced.
Vas : In The Garden Of Souls, May 09 ...CD sale priced.
Vnv Nation : Empires, May 16 ...CD sale priced.
"Devotion"
Rasa
CD on Sale
It's amazing what artists can do when they're able to
connect with inspiration. Fans of Enya, Vas, and Krishna
Das will love Rasa's "Devotion," a dreamy CD that dips into
a well of ancient Indian chant for soft, bewitching music.
Vocalist Kim Waters brings Sanskrit praise to life, while
Hans Christian works his magic on the sarangi and tabla and
Asian drums beat on. One of the best New Age CDs of 2000.
"Rain of Blessings: Vajra Chant"
Lama Gyurme and Jean-Philippe Rykiel
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Tibetan Buddhist Lama Gyurme blesses the ear with these
ancient chants set to the New Age synth of French composer
Jean-Philippe Rykiel. Over traditional percussion and a bed
of thick synth, Gyurme's steady, unadorned tone invokes the
sacred and centers the soul. Fans of Krishna Das will find
much to appreciate here.
"Jin Jin/Firefly"
Takashi Hirayasu & Bob Brozman
CD on Sale
Hawaiian slide guitarist Bob Brozman sat down with Japanese
musician Takashi Hirayasu in a small, wooden house on a
remote island for this quiet collection of Okinawan
children's songs. "Jin Jin" evokes the rural lifestyle of
the Ryukyu people as Hawaiian slide guitar gently bumps and
collides with Hirayasu's rootsy sanshin (a three-stringed
lute) for an excursion into traditional Okinawan culture.
Magnetic and lovely.
"Isle of Dreaming"
Kate Price
CD on Sale
Singer Kate Price stretches the boundaries of Celtic music
far and wide on this follow up to "Deep Heart's Core." With
the help of a hammered dulcimer, electric sitar, tabla, and
harmonium, Price creates an ethereal portrait with highly
poetic lyrics grown from her own spiritual sanctity. The
result is an exotic, Arabic-flavored Celtic music
reminiscent of Loreena McKennitt.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
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"Mirage of the East"
Sorma
CD on Sale
Japanese visual and electronics artists, self-named Sorma,
convened for this musical project, which mixes the sounds of
Bali, India, and Mongolia into a techno landscape where
trip-hop grooves and sensuous beats reign supreme. Japanese
shakuhachi (bamboo flute) flies into sitar, harp, and
enticing vocals for a mystical journey into Eastern
Asia. Not to be missed.
RECOMMENDED REISSUES
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"Roots and Wings"
Sheila Chandra
CD on Sale
This reissue of 1990's "Roots and Wings" features Chandra
after a four-year hiatus and fully in touch with her muse.
Traditional Indian instruments such as drone and tabla
sparsely underscore the relaxing soundscapes made from her
soaring, crystal voice. Ancient chant and raga calls create
an ambient music that's both soothing and highly spiritual.
"In the Garden of Souls"
Vas
CD on Sale
Those familiar with Vas's earlier albums, "Sunyata" and
"Offerings," will be excited to know that Vas's album
released on May 9. This exceptional third release
again sets Azam Ali's Persian-Indian vocals against an
exquisite backdrop of frame drums and rich percussion. With
haunting melodies and such unique instruments as hammered
dulcimer and electric cello, Vas creates a sensual, exotic
world that evokes ancient, faraway places. Outstanding.
