"Armando's Fire"
Oscar Lopez
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New Age flamenco guitarist Oscar Lopez sets aside his
baroque, technically complex style for an album that mixes
Latin percussion with melodic plucking. The result is a
collection that's spirited and fun while being light and
accessible.
"Anthem"
Ronan Hardiman
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Known for composing the Irish jigging music for Michael
Flatley's "Lord of the Dance" revue, Ronan Hardiman turns to
more atmospheric, mystical inspiration for his new release.
With Celtic instrumentation, breathy, feminine vocals, and
programmed rhythms, "Anthem" will please fans of Enya and
Enigma for its ethereal mood and memorable melodies.
"Free Fall"
Jesse Cook
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Guitarist Jesse Cook mixes sounds of flamenco, Gypsy folk
music, and the Afro- Cuban tradition in a collection of
music that showcases the artist's diverse talents. With
bright melodies and infectious rhythms, Cook folds his
impressive guitar work into an exotic, upbeat music that
doesn't sound artificial or forced.
"Deja Blues"
Steven Halpern
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The father of New Age music revisits his 1978 album, "Hear
to Eternity," while nurturing the world-music dimension of
the original recording. With an added bass and the lovely
vocal meanderings of Melissa Phillippe, Halpern uses synth
as a backdrop for sensual bamboo flute and soft tribal
drumming.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
"Prayer for Peace"
Joanne Shenandoah, Mary Youngblood, et al.
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The Silver Wave label has been setting the standard for
outstanding Native American music for years. On "Prayer for
Peace" their roster of fine artists is spotlighted with
gentle hymns and solitary flute. If you're not familiar with
such names as Robert Mirabal and Joanne Shenandoah, get
acquainted via this soothing, contemplative compilation.
CONJURING SOUND
Ambient pioneer Michael Stearns joins forces with Ron
Sunsinger on "Sorcerer" to make what is likely Stearns's
wildest recorded sounds. Like much of the music on the
Spotted Peccary Music label, "Sorcerer" tries to draw the
listener physically into the music with sounds that lie
beyond musical forms. Check out our list of the label's
titles.
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DIGITAL DOWNLOADS
"My Romance"
Jim Brickman
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Jim Brickman's "My Romance," a live recording from Salt Lake
City, Utah, boasts an all-star cast of guests, including
Dave Koz, David Benoit, Donny Osmond, and Olivia Newton-John.
It's a fitting mix, given Brickman's penchant for
meandering, impressionistic instrumental works and his
all-out heart-tugging song lyrics.
COMING SOON
"If I Could Tell You"
Yanni
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After a three-year recording hiatus, 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 gives this
intimate album his romantic touch. Unlike the theatrical
"Tribute" or the intimate "Dare to Dream," "If I Could Tell
You" marries Yanni's urge for bold, sweeping drama with
breathy, dreamy emotion for an accessible yet provocative
disc.
NEW AND NOTABLE New Age Releases for SUMMER 2000
"Dance Into Eternity"
Omar Faruk Tekbilek
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This elegant collection from Turkey's master ney player,
Omar Faruk Tekbilek, spans his entire career, from his
fledgling days as a soundtrack composer to his most recent
ambient material. The mood here is meditative, exotic,
sensual, and rooted in desert traditions. Highly
recommended.
"Solitaire--Ritual Ground"
Steve Roach and Elmar Schulte
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This ambient collaboration finds Roach and Schulte creating
expansive swaths of cottony sound amidst a delicate blend of
tribal instruments, drums, didgeridoo, and rainsticks. While
jetting into space, listeners will remember the Earth on
this cosmically inclined, groove-ambient CD.
"Sanctuary"
Riley Lee
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Flutist Riley Lee returns with another delicious CD of
calming shakuhachi flute that reduces stress while
connecting the soul to its spiritual origins. Amazing for
its virtuosity and stunning for its lean compositions,
"Sanctuary" creates the perfect meditative
experience. Outstanding.
"Now Our Minds Are One"
Lawrence Laughing
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"Now Our Minds Are One" offers a gentle series of melodious
acknowledgements for human life and the natural world from
Mohawk singer Lawrence Laughing. Laughing's low, commanding
chant flows like breath through a flute on these traditional
songs featuring hoop drums, guitar, and Native American
flute.
"Rivers"
Patrick Leonard
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Originally released in 1997, "Rivers" was the first
full-length solo album from the Celtic keyboardist-for-hire
who'd previously worked with Madonna and Elton John.
Somewhere between smooth jazz and Celtic New Age, "Rivers"
flows with music inspired by Leonard's fishing excursions in
Wyoming. The small jazz ensemble featuring piano, bass,
drums, and cello keeps the atmosphere intimate, quiet, and
contemplative.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
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"Black Sand"
Ledward Kapaana
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Following up his collaborations with country music stars
Ricky Skaggs and Alison Krauss, Hawaiian slack-key guitarist
Led Kaapana returns with "Black Sand," an enchanting solo
collection of instrumentals, rich with Kaapana's gentle
touch and emotive feel. Highly recommended.
ARTICLES & INTERVIEWS
*********************
"Stroutsos & Serrie: Contemplative by Design"
Flutist Gary Stroutsos found his perfect complement in
space-music master Jonn Serrie. Their new release, "Hidden
World," is a long-distance collaboration of lush flute
soundscapes adorned with ambient synth and Arabic
percussion. It's an introspective, mood-inducing album that
will please old fans for its rich explorations while winning
new ones for its soothing contemplative sound. Amazon.com
writer John Diliberto talked with the two about their project.
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STEVE HALPERN CDS
*****************
Steven Halpern is the father of New Age music. He's recorded
over 50 albums and his music has been featured on several
public television specials. His thick, dreamy soundscapes of
synth have helped millions of listeners fall asleep, relax,
stop smoking, improve intimacy, and engage in other healing
activities. Here are some recommended CDs.
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NEW AGE TOP SELLERS
*******************
"Elevation 3"
Various
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"Elevation 3" may be the most compelling compilation of New
Age music to come along since "Pure Moods." For listeners
who like to sample a little of everything, this lushly
groovy CD features 15 popular artists playing their best New
Age or ambient works. Highlights include Ronan Hardiman's
"Love Song," Moby's "Rushing," and Alkaemy's ethereal
"Enchantment." The world beats and mystical aura take you on
a journey to a relaxing, spiritual place.
"Niya Yesh"
Axiom of Choice
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Axiom of Choice's "Niya Yesh" is global chamber music at its
best. These Americans--inspired by Persian sounds--bring
together guitar, frame drums, kamancheh, ney, and Buddhist
chant. The result is a multilayered, Middle Eastern music
that blossoms with memorable melodies, exotic, emotive
tones, and some wonderfully inspired jamming.
"In the Garden of Souls"
Vas
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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
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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
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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
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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
****************
"Dream Catcher"
Ron Allen
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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
******************
"Heavenly Realms"
Philip Chapman
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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
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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.
COMING SOON
***********
"Hidden World"
John Serrie and Gary Stroutsos
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
********************
"Roots and Wings"
Sheila Chandra
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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.
