Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: relaxation

  • The Small Hours

    The Small Hours

    There are times in life filled with a myriad of attention grabbing moments which leave behind a desire to sink into another time and space. Music, in the form of solo piano played by Neil Patton, in his latest release The Small Hours is the perfect antidote to counteract the malaise of modern living.

    Made up of fifteen gentle, soothing songs the music simply flows, bringing with it the gift of relaxation and comfort. The small hours are the times when we all reflect on our day, or life or events that are past or present and it is in these small hours, the need to accept and relax is so very important.

    Commencing with The Days End the enticing notes of the piano welcome you into just over an hour of gentle repose. The reflective Room with a View encourages a seeking of what is hidden in the vista of all surveyed.

    Changing the tempo, is the jaunty The Moon and Sun Dance a delightfully light piece as it paints a quaint picture of the Sun and Moon as they do indeed dance across the skies.

    The title song The Small Hours captures with a soft melancholy the darkness of the small hours that enclose us all at some point in time, with a steady and yet robust rhythm concluding with a delicate reverberation.

    Each composition has been inspired by a life event; the magic of the night skies, the passing of a beloved family member, the magic discovered in dreams of flying, a prayer in times of need, the acceptance of life and so many times, blind trust.

    The Small Hours is a delightfully enjoyable solo piano album which will be calm and relax time after time. Thoroughly enjoyable and delightful.

  • The Journeying Sun

    The Journeying Sun

    Soft gentle and soothing, this delightfully delicious compilation of five beautiful and melodious songs from City of Dawn, Sherry Finzer and Karasvana, The Journeying Sun is perfect for relaxing at the end of a long day, when peace and comfort are essential.

    The gentle sounds formed by City Of Dawn are complimented by the rich notes of the flute. Soft percussive effects are added with singing bowls, chimes and on occasion gentle vocals. Each piece is singular, simple and eloquent and when combined into a one continuous chain of melodies, they are exquisite and contemplative.

    City of Dawn aka Damien Duque, specialises in creating thought provoking ambient sound that both encourages and transports, using his music to convey a message of self-exploration through music to quite and clear cluttered minds.

    When combined with the divine music of Sherry Finzer on a variety of flutes and Ella Hunt aka Karasvana on percussive instrumentation the pathway to contemplation and reflection is achieved.

    The Journeying Sun is also symbolic of the transition of life, from sun rise to sun set, the passing of time as marked by the sun’s transition, the mystique and magical elements given to this earth by the rays of an ever present life giving force which goes back far beyond humanity.

  • Winter Frost – relaxing holiday instrumentals

    Winter Frost – relaxing holiday instrumentals

    Christmas is a time of giving and when you are a musician one of the most beautiful gifts to give is the joy and happiness of music.

    Winter Frost, a compilation of traditional and modern Seasonal music created by many of the artists whom have over the years recorded with Heartdance Records. The songs range from the heartbreaking In The Bleak Midwinter written as a poem by Christina Rossetti in 1872, titled ‘A Christmas Carol’ and put to music in 1907 by Gustav Holst, to the somewhat jaunty Sleigh Bells Sonata.

    A delicate and charming solo guitar rendition of the well-loved ‘Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas’ charms, while Mendelssohn’s beloved Hark The Herald Angels Sing has been artfully presented with a little wash of synth, the clear precise notes of the guitar sounding out the melody.

    O Little Town of Bethlehem is given a traditional polish with a rich piano interpretation, before flowing into the much loved Auld Lang Syne, once again a poem from Scottish bard Robbie Byrnes written in 1788 and put to a traditional and much older Scottish folk melody in 1789.

    Slow and sensuous I’ll Be Home For Christmas is a delightful interpretation of this well-known and often sung song, first recorded by Bing Crosby in 1943, originally written to honour soldiers serving overseas during World War II.

    There are seventeen tracks on Winter Frost, each one a very personal gift from the musicians who have selected each piece with care, interpreting the time old classics and the more modern up-tempo pieces as they choose, creating a heart-warming collection of traditional and modern Christmas music filled with the magic.

  • Infinite Universes

    Infinite Universes

    Each year around mid-year, Australian composer Jim Ottaway releases an album of carefully composed works that simply transport to another realm of delight not of this earthly toil, but of a place that is beautifully peaceful and tranquil. This gloriously wonderful place can be reached by allowing Infinite Universes to take you on a voyage of intimate mystery and beauty.

    This exquisite album commences with Beyond Heaven and Earth introduced with a slow mesmeric drone which gathers elements of intrigue as it deepens, going further into the dream state of endless space, laced with a light, ethereal singular series of notes before slowly drifting into the beautiful Ancient Starlight.

    Allow the mind to simply see what is hidden within the intricate, measured sounds as if each note represents faded starlight once so shiny bright and new, now slowly going forever before the Hidden Universes are reached.

    Sombre and reflective Hidden Universes brings to mind vast halls of massive arches and flagged pathways; hallowed halls where good souls float through the semi dark shadows, mysterious, fascinating leading further into the endless forever segueing into Until Eternity Passes Away. This absolutely exquisite piece is slightly faster, more up-tempo, encouraging a sense of playfulness, as if the darker aspects of the journey have lightened gracefully.

    Divided Skies ushers in a very attractive element with a lighter, slightly more intricate composition that simply delights with the drifting movement of sound, underpinned with a rapid, subtle pulsating rhythm.

    An Infinity Of Universes offers choices, pathways; piano notes lead to electronic bleeps, gentle, rich sonic sounds entice while maintaining a deliciously soft, relaxing and peaceful tone that guides the time of relaxation.

    A sonic sound of digeridoo leads into a new vibration created with layers of contrasting elements, deeper tones and yet lighter shades wound within, as Many Different Suns unfolds into the rich, full bodied and yet ethereal Voices of Universal Infinity.

    Slowly returning to reality from a captivating one hour of perfect bliss is accomplished with the Light From Perfect Darkness, a complete contrast of sonic sounds that reiterate there is more than one universe, which is able to be accessed via the incredible medium of relaxing, mediative and divine space music.

    An award winning composer, Jim Ottaway manages to push the limits of ‘space’ music to new heights with every new album he releases. Each year his work is lauded as his best series. Infinite Universes certainly is an outstanding work with each of the pieces recorded between 2008 and 2023, then selected from his vault of music with care, before being woven into another magical, mysterious and most refreshing journey into the outer limits of our Universe.

  • Open Window

    Open Window

    After a break of some time renown guitarist Michele Qureshi is back with the first track of her forthcoming EP, Open Window which was released in March this year, with the second track set for an April release.

    Distinctive in the clear notes of the acoustic guitar, Qureshi begins a journey into reflection and relaxation which is both soft, gentle and yet strong; full of the gentle flow of life, the single track is delightful. Subtle overtones of different styles are encapsulated within the single piece which when listened to with care, makes an interesting interlude within a day.

    Michelle Qureshi is an Award winning classically trained guitarist, who has used her immense talent to create reflective, intriguing pieces that always have a distinctly ‘improv’ element which adds a certain intrigue or fresh perspective to each song.

    Qureshi also specializes in Harmonic Sound Immersion to relax, heal and restore the body, mind and soul. With Open Window this gentle healing is very apparent with the unobtrusive addition of synthetic padding, as it offers a new window to step or peer through, into a fresh new world.

  • WALK-INS

    WALK-INS

    Intriguing, fascinating and most enjoyable Walk-Ins from multi-instrumentalist and composer Sikha Pros, aka Joel Frias, captures the space in between sleeping and waking; that nebulous time when the mind and emotions have already travelled to places still vaguely formed in dreams; a place in between, a special ethereal space that heals, guides and cleanses the senses.

    Earthbound is the body as the time of sleep passes, restful, fitful and full of dreams. Drifting in, the single note of a gong rings out, the breathy sounds of the shakuhachi flute played by Jing Yi, winds through the delicate percussion and piano to create a state of bliss, delicate and light.

    Haunting sounds continue the journey into the Land of No Where with a ghostly overlay, created with a series of oriental instruments used sparingly with a synth basis, which seems to be indicative of the mind drifting, seeking, looking for that state of in-between; that special world where dreams are made. A rather enchantingly beautiful song in its slow, structured melody.

    Who Am I, is something we all ask ourselves at some time in our lives.  Spoken vocals make this an intriguing piece. Once again the various notes of oriental instruments come together, underpinned with a definitive, pulsating beat guiding the song as the soul seeks to discover who! The eternal question is asked: Why am I alive!

    There is much to Mundis Imaginalis to explore. ‘Mundis Imaginalis’ is a concept that dates back to Sufism which captures completely the elements woven throughout this sensitive EP. As the song unfolds, it brings to a completion the minds journey to the place in-between, to reawaken feeling refreshed, relaxed, and at peace once again.

    Walk-Ins: a place in-between in which to get lost in a relaxing, most peaceful and gentle manner.

  • STAIRWAY TO NIRVANA

    STAIRWAY TO NIRVANA

    Deliciously delightful sums up Stairway To Nirvana from Samir Bodhi, a beautifully delicate work of pure pleasure that simply flows, creating a sense of Nirvana, which Bodhi and his ensemble believe is something that is needed, required in the world of today; a world where times are still very troubled, life is uncertain and the day to day lifestyle ever-changing.

    Tranquillity establishes the elements of the work with an almost film score piece which seduces as it charms.  As the work unfolds there is a little of something for everyone encapsulated in Nirvana. Om, the melodic chant well known as a sacred and spiritual component of Eastern religion, is captured with a deep drone before the vocal accompaniment joins in to form a delicate, meditative  recitation.

    Absolutely the most gorgeous piece on the album is the enchanting Harmony, a mix of Eastern and Western music folding seamlessly into one, with a dainty clapping threading the various influences of jazz and solo piano together. To sink the emotions into this piece is to find true bliss!

    Moving on to Peace, a vastly different, up-tempo sound is introduced with the sharper, folk flavour of vocals from Madhumita Chatterjee complimented with guitar and synth, creating a contemporary piece which holds hope and enjoyment within the melody.

    Eventually the final piece Nirvana is presented to return the mere mortal to everyday life, courtesy of a wonderful blend of guitar, percussion and sarangi, to create a glorious rich tapestry of life’s journey of emotions.

    Not a long album Stairway to Nirvana captivates, relaxes, requests a little reflection on a personal level, while offering a gentle peace and understanding through the healing of music. Arriving at the end of the final track, it is an absolute pleasure to push play over and over again!

  • Reflexology (In Focus) Your Personal Guide

    Reflexology (In Focus) Your Personal Guide

    Once again the healing modalities of so many natural therapies go back to Egypt and China as early as 2330BCE which is the case with  a form of Reflexology used then and what now forms the basis of modern day Reflexology used for holistic, non-invasive healing of the bloody, mind and spirit.

    Tina Chantrey has created Reflexology – your personal guide a simple, easy to understand guide which can be used by the simply curious, who would like to know more and understand better this healing modality, but equally is suitable for those who would like to study further.

    Set out clearly, all aspects of Reflexology are presented with graphs, charts and specific diagrams with which to better understand the flow of energy used to sooth and heal. A wall chart is to be found at the rear of the book. For the casual practitioner of Reflexology, it is perhaps best to begin with the hands, yours or someone else’s, as the various zones are relatively easy to find and use.

    So many of life’s stress, such as dis-stress, anxiety and bullying in older children and teens can be aided with the skilful use of Reflexology; Chantrey has devoted a chapter to working with such issues and the particular zones to use to help aid healing. Children’s ailments, as well as sleeplessness in babies are also addressed to aid the babe as well as help the parent relax and spend precious time with their little ones.

    Specialist sections for both Women and Men have been documented as well as help for the person who needs to lose weight comfortably and the athlete to help them reach optimal physical and emotional well-being.

    Reflexology is an ancient healing art that is a easily and readily available to everyone who in is search of relaxation, healing, coping with modern day stress or simply wanting to feel at their peak, but should always be considered as a complimentary form of medicine which can work in conjunction with traditional medicine and medical practitioners.

    Whatever the reason for wanting to learn more about Reflexology and the healing aspects of this ancient art form, only positive gains will be made by undertaking some of the techniques discussed in Reflexology – your personal guide. The absolutely worst thing that can happen is a great sense of peace and relaxation will occur, which in itself is a healing.

     

  • Purposeful Breathing

    Purposeful Breathing

    In a recent interview, psychologist Dr Greg Smith explained that he had always had an interest in breathing. During his study of yoga, he saw there was a strong emphasis on the breath. While working with patients, he realised that often people who were anxious tended not to breathe out and people, when depressed, tended not to breathe in. After many years of counselling a wide variety of people, he has refined skills which are easily learned and used by patients. Purposeful Breathing explains his theories on the mind-body link that is developed with breathing.

    Dr Smith has published this book as a manual which outlines simple practices which can be helpful in a range of circumstances. Part 1 gives background information for breathing awareness and problem breathing, before moving on to the key principles of purposeful breathing, and styles. Breathing for specific purposes covers many areas of interest; stress, anxiety, energy, health, happiness and creativity are some of those. “Once you step out of the thought loops and have moments of mental quietness and calm, you can refocus,” says Smith

    There is an excellent chapter on values. Many of us strive to have a life with our sense of values being practised, but the author quotes Psychologists Seligman and Peterson who have presented a list of basic values which is fascinating to look at and reflect upon. It is felt that, if we have a clear set of values in our lives, everyday situations and decision making becomes easier. Reflecting on and identifying our own values, gives us a solid foundation for this.

    Part 4 of the book deals with Meditation, Mindfulness and Eastern Traditions, with exercises offered for breathing in Mindfulness for meditation and relaxation. There is a superb exercise for a spinal flexing breath, for those seated at a desk for a long period. This book is a treasure for everyone seeking a little calm in their lives. Just reading through the thoughts and exercises brings a moment of peace.

  • Peace in This Land

    Peace in This Land

    Dainty and delicate, this gentle work from Bob Yonker, Peace In This Land is certainly a very timely release, all-be-it that it was released in December 2019, at a time when the world was gearing up for another Christmas, completely innocent of what was going to be contained in the few opening months of the New Year of 2020; a year that held fresh hope for many and in many ways still will.

    Yonker is well known for composing music that bathes the very soul in calm, peaceful music, music he considers is sent to him through Spirit, to settle and calm the distress created by life in the everyday world; never has this style of music been more needed.

    Solo piano played in his own compositions offers a time to be taken to simply be, to go within, to relax and enjoy the contemplation we are all called to undertake from time to time. The track titles are an excellent way of selecting random pieces should this be the way of choice beginning with Morning Meditation, a measured piece full of freshness, a prayer of thanks with which to begin a fresh new day.

    Slow and melodic the beautiful Whisper of the Wind offers a journey to a special place, a place of light, relaxation and renewal, whereas Golden returns the journeyman into the realms of everyday in a gentle and soothing style, until the slightly upbeat tempo arrives to energise the spirit back to reality once again.

    Skipping across the keyboard Circle of Light is filled with joy, offering a sense that fresh beginnings will be achievable, that anything is possible. Sun and Moon is a really divine track that simply is; the title says it all.

    Peace in this Land is the title of the nine track album, as well as the final offering which, after the dancing Sun and Moon is a sombre, reflective piece once again, that offers comfort for challenging times, but also contains a delightful thread of lightness, making this the perfect piece to draw to conclusion a little over thirty minutes of meditation or reflection, or as previously noted, simply used as a stand-alone piece for a quiet moment of relaxation.