Release Date: November 15, 2024 Label: Spotted Peccary Website Ed Bazel has been one of the busier recording artists this year. It seems like I get one review done, and a few months later, there is another album in front of me to enjoy. Of course, time is transient differently for everyone. In my case, as I get older, it seems to move so much faster. Now that another Holiday is upon us, it's time for my first seasonal review. I anticipate an illuminating experience with Ed at the helm, doing things his own way. The tracks are given a diverse range of interpretations, each with its unique sou ..read more

Ryan Michael Richards has been releasing impactful guitar-based instrumental singles this past year. His next release is “That Trip to Bethlehem,” just in time for the upcoming holiday season. His acoustic guitar playing is extraordinary, in my opinion. Many people would agree with that assessment once they hear this track. The cover art to the single, with what looks to be the aurora borealis in the sky, evokes the wonder of the cosmos and what took place on the day our savior, Jesus Christ, was born. We need him now, so please send him back! I say that in a severe manner. I don’t think I ne ..read more

Release Date: June 7, 2024 Label: Independent Website When one thinks of spontaneity, several things may come to mind. I start by saying this because David Franklin recorded this album spontaneously in one sitting. That is an incredible achievement. So, One Day in Spring, David sat at his piano and created ten tracks related to one season of nature that gives life back after a cold winter.   "Just Before Dawn" starts softly, as one would expect in the quiet of the morning when the first rays of the sun start shining through. It's a serene and peaceful moment, beautifully captured in this ..read more

Release Date: July 12, 2024 Label: ‎Ageless Records Website With A Sense of Distance two years in the making, Holland Phillips has a reason to be filled with anticipation and energy. His listening audience may feel the same, as the artist believes it is some of his best work. If that is what the creator believes, I will also agree.   "Perseus Rising" begins the recording. Looking at the cover art, I imagine the distance from what we see above us. The track starts with the piano and synth for an added layer of texture. It has a nice feel and a rhythm that anyone can find a commonality w ..read more

Release Date: November 29, 2024 Label: Harp Magic Website Peter Sterling has consistently released music for years, and I have been the fortunate recipient of many of his works. I have enjoyed his heavenly sounds five times over the years, and Heaven Sent will be his 17th proper studio release.   The message of this recording is evident from the first look at the cover art. This music is spiritual, healing, and filled with positive energy and light. As I have often said, the harp is the perfect instrument for this message if you seek something to fill your spirit and soul with ..read more

Release Date: November 15, 2024 Label: Independent Website:  www.pauladams.org  / www.elizabethgeyer.com Paul Adams and Elizabeth Geyer have been teaming up for many years and producing some fine and very eclectic offerings for a listening base that can span worldwide. The most recent release is A Journey of Dreams, ready for everyone to experience. I stress the word experience, which is the key to this music. From new age to Americana, blues, and ambient, this talented duo utilizes all their talents to create individual pieces of art. "A Journey of Dreams" is their title track to s ..read more

Release Date: November 1, 2024 Label: Independent Website Main Link Official Trailer When I saw November, the first person I was reminded of was the late great George Winston. I couldn't help but remember all those excellent piano solo albums on Windham Hill named after the seasons.   Doug Hammer is one of my favorite piano players, and I always look forward to his recordings, so that is my tribute to him.   The album starts with the title track, "November." Coincidentally, we just finished our Indian Summer here in New England, so getting in the mindset for the oncoming W ..read more

Release Date: October 18, 2024 Label: Curve Blue Website  Music Links David Darling is joined by virtuosos Jiebing Chen (erhu, zhonghu) and Lili Haydn (violin) as guest performers on Other Worlds. The new album includes the late cellist's signature pizzicato, vocalizations, and solo and choir cellos. "Amelia" opens the door to this recording and is the second-longest composition at 6:07. The cello is David's doorway to bringing in the other atmospheric instrumentation, including a lovely piano that seems to be stepping carefully down a path led by David. The other subtleties a ..read more

 Release Date: October 25, 2024 Label: Independent Website David Wahler's Singular, released on October 25th, perfectly accompanies the reflective and contemplative mood that the Fall season often brings. His picture on the cover hints at the connection between humankind and the close people in our lives, a theme that resonates deeply during this time of year. I will list what the tracks meant to David and then give my overview. 1. SINGULAR - We enter this life as one and leave ultimately as one. The soft piano begins, and the cello, in a trance-like state of sorrow, quickly e ..read more

Neil Tatar: Guitar Premik Russell Tubbs: Soprano Sax Tom Eaton: Bass Jeff Haynes: Percussion   I think it's essential to add what this track is about through the artist's words, Neil Tatar. I highly recommend you read this before listening to the music. It will give it much more meaning as it carries the weight of those persecuted during World War Two.   Words of the artist: The storyline for my composition "Bella" is interesting and began in September 1939 in Radom, Poland. This was when the Nazis invaded Poland. "We Were The Lucky Ones" is a book written by Georgia Hunter and tell ..read more