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MUSIC &
MEDIA REVIEWS
By Michael Diamond
DEAN AND DUDLEY EVENSON
4 Earth – DVD
www.soundings.com
4 Earth is the latest release from new age music pioneers Dean and Dudley Evenson and their Soundings of the Planet label.
Subtitled: “Natural Sounds of Ocean, Stream, River, Pond,” it features nature
sounds drawn from four interconnected eco-systems and the flow of water between
them, along with Dean’s beautiful flute and subtle keyboard accompaniment. In
addition to the DVD, which is shot in true high definition, it is also
available as an audio CD. The imagery on the DVD is absolutely stunning and
shows scenes of a secluded northern bay, a full moon rising over a southern ocean,
breathtaking views of mountain peaks and glaciers, rocky hillsides gushing with
snow melt streams, salmon-spawning
rivers where eagles gather to feed in quiet pools, and more. Besides being a totally relaxing
viewing and listening experience, the artist’s goal is to inspire an appreciation for nature and instill a
respect for preserving it. Wonderful!
MASAKO
Call of the
Mountains
www.masako-music.com Masako is a gifted pianist and composer who seems to draw endless inspiration
from nature and her surroundings. Call of the Mountains is a musical homage to the northeastern mountains
of the United States, which she calls home. This release, like her previous debut album, was produced by Grammy-winning Windham Hill
Records founder Will Ackerman. The album features evocative solo piano compositions, as well as ensemble pieces where Masako
is accompanied by some of Will’s A-list studio musicians. Masako’s music is painted from a diverse palate of emotions, from the lightest pastels to
more deeply saturated hues. Although
she is quite capable of dazzling the listener with her formidable skills on the
piano, she often chooses to
let the melody and the accompanying emotion it is imbued
with be the focus. Call of the Mountains is a fine follow up to Masako’s highly-regarded
debut release.
VARIOUS ARTISTS
I Am The Center
www.lightintheattic.net This two-disc set entitled: I Am The Center: Private Issue New Age Music in
America, 1950–1990
is a most intriguing, comprehensive anthology that explores the roots
of this genre. Producer Douglas Mcgowan describes it as: “analog, handmade music communicating soul and spirit, often done on limited means and without commercial potential, self-published and
self-distributed.” These seminal artists include Steven Halpern, Constance Demby, Iasos,
Michael Stearns, Laaraaji, and Aeoliah,
as well as some I was not familiar with, but it was interesting to hear their
music and learn about the seeds they planted in this blossoming musical
landscape. This outstanding collection is lavishly presented with a 44-page
booklet and artwork by world-renown visionary artist Gilbert Williams. In
addition to
being a heavenly listening experience, the wealth of information provided make this an educational
opportunity as well — a virtual history of new age music, and a “must have” for
fans of the genre.
YANG YING
Elixir
www.yangying-music.com While the healing properties of music are well
known in China, the idea of music as medicine
is relatively new in Western culture.
This time-honored
awareness is the force behind a new
album by Ms.
Yang Ying, a master traditional (and
contemporary) Chinese musician, as well as a longtime practitioner of qi-gong
meditation. She is a world-renown
virtuoso of the erhu (sometimes called the “Chinese violin), a remarkably
expressive instrument that is capable of hauntingly beautiful tones. Many other
traditional Chinese wind, string,
and percussion instruments are also
heard on the album, which is based on the Five Elements
Theory to create balance and
serenity. While some of the songs on Elixir are designed for moving exercises and others
meant to accompany
the stillness of sitting or standing meditation, it is all quite peaceful. I thoroughly enjoyed
the exotic world “Elixir” draws you into that’s both ethereal and earthy -— yin and yang.
VARIOUS ARTISTS
The Best of
Reviews
New Age – Guitar
www.reviewsnewage.com In 2012, the Spanish music review site, Reviews New Age, released an incredible album of music by various
pianists. Now, their new compilation shifts from 88 keys to 6 strings, although
the album also features 12-string and even a unique 27-string guitar. With 17 different acoustic guitarists represented, there isn’t room
to detail all of them here, however some of the ones
I was most familiar with were Alex de
Grassi, Todd Boston, Will Ackerman, Shambhu, and teen guitar prodigy Matteo Palmer — a rising star. Both solo and ensemble
pieces in a variety of styles are included. The album was produced by Alejandro
Clavijo, a fine musician in
his own
right, as well as a respected music
journalist, and well-known member of
the international new age music community. This is a stellar compilation that would be a welcome addition to the music collection of any acoustic guitar lover.
Michael Diamond is a music producer,
recording artist, and music journalist in the San Francisco Bay area with over
30 years of experience writing for nationally-published magazines and more
recently worldwide on the internet. He currently has five CD’s including two
with new-age music pioneer Steven Halpern. For additional reviews of CD’s, DVD’s, and more, please visit:
www.michaeldiamondmusic.com
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