Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: relaxation

  • The Space Between Breaths

    The Space Between Breaths

    By combining such encompassing talents with Shery Finzer playing a range of flutes and Will Clipman demonstrating once again his mastery of pan global percussion, The Space Between Breaths, their first collaboration, was always going to be an interesting combination, as the variety of moods that can be created by both these elements can and does, take you any place you wish to travel.

    The sound of a singular beat brings in the flute on Evening at Angkor Wat, a temple complex in Cambodia, considered the largest religious complex in the world, originally established as shrine to the Hindu god Vishnu, but later in the 12th century converted to a Buddhist temple. The element of timelessness surrounding this site has been captured in the haunting melodies of the composition.

    Almost a jaunty little piece is Cliff Dwellers, where several different flutes are interspersed into the percussive overtones of the piece, bringing to mind the many peoples, whom over centuries have made their homes and villages on the cliffs and cliff sides of so many countries, with a sense of optimism that all would be well!

    Clipman brings in Enchanted Forrest with a very catchy rhythm which could be, dare I say it, created by hitting the side of a hang with an implement, as the sound produced with whatever he is doing, is extremely fascinating, tantalising to the ear, almost to the point of eclipsing the dancing notes of the flute. A captivating, enchanting little piece.

    Timbuktu and You is another very different piece with a faster, almost clapping rhythm counting in the deep notes of the flute, as the journey is to Timbuktu and you are the journeyman. A very nice rhythm stick segment changes the tempo a little, breaking the more sombre tones, adding a lovely light element to the journey.

    Perhaps the title Childs Play, means that composing and creating the nine beautiful pieces is nothing but child’s play, but maybe not, as the very light, happy final offering is cheerful, quirky, not as deep and mesmeric as the some of the previous pieces, but filled with sunshine and joy, allowing this time of celebration that an exquisite album of music, has drawn a more than very successful completion.

    As a first collaboration for Sherry Finzer and Will Clipman, The Space Between Breaths is a beautiful soundscape that will transport, relax and heal, created by masters of their craft.

  • Sage

    Sage

    Once again Michelle Qureshi has produced a more than delicious album of peaceful, enjoyable guitar solo pieces to enchant and relax, possibly naming the album after the herb Sage, noted for its sweet and yet savory flavour, which could be likened to the subtleness of this series of compositions.

    Skipping Stones is a lovely introduction, light, airy, yet  embracing one of the many  the simple joys of life, that of skipping stones; a pastime without any real purpose and yet on that holds incredibly relaxing elements, as skill is pitted against wind and water to see who wins the contest.

    An intriguing piece, and the longest track on the album is Watercolours, which has an almost harp like quality to the sound throughout the song, which encourages a deep sense of peace as the beauty of the music unfolds.

    When We Look Away is a very measured piece, structured, melodic, although almost discordant; a reflective piece and when followed by Take the Flowers demonstrates the savory and sweet of the album. Take the Flowers is a joyful, happy little tune with a catchy element to it that seems somehow to contain a very big smile.

    Short, measured and utterly enchanting, Tender Side Of The Moon is a song which will encourage a moment in a day to simply be: nothing more, nothing less, just be…… Following on is the elegant Be With You, a song that that brings together very many connotations of love and tenderness.

    Messengers has a haunting, almost abstract sound which is entirely different to the balance of the album; crisp, clear, with an interesting depth added throughout. Short, and without fanfare, the beautiful work is complete, finished!

    Somewhat different to her previous works, Sage could be considered as Michelle Qureshi at play, sitting fingering her guitar to see what songs wish to emerge, to be born into melody, to enchant and captivate with their delicacy, composition and an inbuilt sense of lightness and joy.

  • Let Go

    Let Go

    There are twenty two catchy, melodic, relaxing and joyful pieces of engaging music, some short, some long and others a bit more so, gathered together to form the first solo release from German musician Christoph Berghorn in Let Go, the perfect title for a collection of work that takes a dance across so many genres, to evolve into a kaleidoscope of music from the heart and soul of the composer.

    Each of the pieces showcase a differing aspect of Berghorn’s immense talent. Well known as musical arranger on children’s albums, as well as for his own passion with pop-rock and jazz-fusion he has added a little of everything to the mix, combining ‘real’ music with his piano and synthesizer, to deliver an album which will certainly become one that is a firm favourite.

    Let Go introduces the work with a catchy upbeat tempo that simply lifts the dullness from the day, adding sunshine and happiness to what may otherwise have been something very ordinary.

    Delicate and captivating is Cellody for Annika, born from the sadness of a life lost too young and a request to cellist Doortje Maillard and Berghorn to create a special piece to be played at her funeral.

    Rich and sensual the sounds of Mathias Keidel on saxophone bring a complimentary element to Piano Reflections 2. Keidel also joins Berghorn on piano in the lovely, almost whimsical Once Upon A Time originally titled Once, a piece which was also performed as a vocal version by Uwe Gronau.

    Egyptina is funky, captivating, up-tempo, fun, enjoyable and a complete change of pace, something which has come to be expected as each of the tracks unfold. And you are only up to track 7, having already, in such a short time, been taken on a journey of pure enjoyment.

    Total Slow Down encourages a little time out for reflection and encompasses the ethos of Berghorn who firmly believes that in every life, time needs to be taken to review, address, let go and reform, to allow anticipation to enter. A lovely jazzy blues feel overlays this gorgeous piece. The absolutely delicious Softly Swaying Away, a little further down the list, is perfect for that brief moment of mindfulness that is often needed into today world.

    Sunflowers always come with a massive dose of cheerfulness. Field of Sunflowers does just this, encapsulating a sense of vibrant colour, their bright plumage open to the warmth and blessings of the day, nodding away to the gentle breezes ruffling their perfection.

    Eventually but all too soon, the final track Ocean Dream arrives, drawing an album of perfectly beautiful enjoyment to a gentle close, with the intricately composed tribute to the awe-inspiring beauty to be discovered when gently floating on life oceans.

    In the words of Christoph Berghorn

    “Close your eyes, dream, meditate, fly……….. Let Go”

  • Voyager

    Voyager

    Accomplished pianist and composer Lisa Swerdlow has been inspired by the Voyager 1 & 2 story and the amazing longevity of the space project launched by NASA in 1977, to create the beautiful album Voyager.

    The two Voyager probes were sent into space to study the outer Solar System at a time when the planets of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune were in a favourable alignment. Now in their third extension, they are still sending back to Earth data and photographs of the planets and their magnificence.

    In this her second solo piano album Swedlow has captured that lovely mystery that is space, time and continuance with her gently composed pieces reflective of so much in life and space. Voyager introduces the series of ten songs with a little hesitancy as if to say, I am off on a voyage and the final destination is yet to be discovered.!

    Edge of Tranquillity is a perfect piece for relaxation as it teases around the edges of the mind offering, suggesting and ensuring that a moment is taken to simply be.

    A definite piece, couched in a more formal setting is presented with Mindful Moments, as if to remind one that there are times on any voyage where you need to be more clearly defined with your direction.

    Classic overtones form the beginning of Sunday’s In Paris, a reflective, melodic piece that brings to mind many memories of Paris, the gentle peace which can be found in hidden corners of this romantic and yet frenetic city, there to be discovered on yet another voyage of the heart and soul.

    Winter Solstice ushers in the still perfection of the chill of winter, snow lying deep on the ground, the peace that surrounds the mystique of the shortest day, the 22 December in northern climes and the 21 June in southern climes, a time when the day marks the turning of the seasons, the official beginning of winter.

    I saw you dancing with the stars is a quirky piece full of the enjoyment of a moment in time, when twirling under the fullness of the night sky filled with stars creates a bonding with the unknown, of the night sky, there to be enjoyed for that one special moment.

    Sparkling and dancing across the keys is the final enjoyable piece Yuba River Journey completing a wonderful journey through time, place and space, returning gently to the world around feeling happier, freer and definitely far more relaxed.

    Once again, a delightfully enjoyable series of compositions from Lisa Swerdlow.

  • Ascend

    Ascend

    Christine Brown describes her music as ‘developing through many stages until each song is ready to be released, just like the lifecycle of a butterfly, until it finally emerges from the chrysalis’ which is the perfect description of her beautiful album, Ascend.

    Each of the songs has been lovingly created to allow the listener to travel, or ascend, to wherever they choose of be in the world of thought, freedom and emotion.

    Full rich notes introduce the signature piece, Ascend, whereas dainty, almost thoughtful chords ushers in the delightful piece Love’s Legacy, one of the longer pieces on the album offering time to reflect, to enjoy and revisit those times when love and all it brings with it, has come into your life.

    A reflective classical resonance forms the basis for the deliciously touching Closer, that nudges gently the memory to tease the emotions, which is followed by a piece which will resonate as does the title Forest for the Trees,  a piece which could easily be considered as a somewhat wry perspective on everyday matters.

    The work simply gets better as it moves along, with the titles to the various songs a reminder, that in the humdrum world in which we all live, there is a time and place to escape, to leave it all behind just for a moment or two, through the enveloping balm of music, by allowing the rich depths to transport the emotions to a place of peace and refreshment

    Floating Colours is a reflective piece once again, immediately bringing with it the beauty of a sunrise or sunset; the colours vibrant, soft, shifting, changing, as if someone in the ether has taken a giant paint brush, enjoying a wonderful time transforming the sky into a thing of fleeting beauty.

    Further on there is Amethyst Sky a slightly lighter tribute to once again the wonderful colours of nature as she goes about encouraging a moment to be taken to simply enjoy.

    Safe and Sound brings a truly enjoyable series of songs to a conclusion, with once again a lovely composition offered in the hope that the dreams you have been enjoying and the pictures painted, have refreshed and renewed the soul, returning you once again, safe and sound.

    This is Christine Browns 12th solo album for piano of original pieces.

  • Silent Whispers

    Silent Whispers

     

    Solo piano introduces an album of wonderful pieces in a kaleidoscope of styles, ethnic influences and pure pleasure. Karandish enjoyed composition as a young musician, considering the grandiose style of orchestral music the place to be, the metre in which to compose and in the signature piece, Silent Whispers these elements are seamlessly combined with piano to present a melodic piece with a wide range of tonal influences: a delicious introduction to 14 tracks of listening pleasure.

    Born in the Persian City of Shiraz, the home of poetry and music, these traditional arts have found their way into his creations which when combined with his love of the Persian proverb: ‘what stems for the heart will affect the heart of the audience’, is reflected in the passion and freedom evident in each of the tracks.

    Southern Sunrise is a complex arrangement of many facets, with the piano style reminiscent of the ‘honky tonk’ style but in a far more mellow setting. Catchy and vibrant, yet mellow and relaxing this is a delicate fusion that totally works.

    Moving right along with styles, Passion Dance is fast, almost frenetic, basic, underpinned with a very Middle Eastern style percussive element and this is just beginning. Kaveah & Sherif is reflective, mellow, dulcet and moody, a dark bar, a late hour, the soft dreamy and sexy tones of the soprano sax threading it all together.

    Shiraz Nights, has it all with the sitar introducing the piece, immediately creating the mystique of Persian nights, smoke filled air, the wafting of spices and foods in the evening air; rich, textured and evocative.

    In a change of pace Jaan E Jaanaan introduces Persian vocals, adding yet another texture to this composition which blends old with new, ancient with modern and yet maintains the integrity of the music. A delicate little piece, Golden Dreams, rounds out a collection of songs designed to appeal to the head, the heart and the soul, presented with flair and certain panache.

    On this album Kaveh Karandish is joined by top musicians Maz Karandish, Oud, Sitar and Saz, Eric Jang, Kaval and percussion and Farzin Farhadi, Soprano Sax and multi instrumentation. Between them they have created a work of total enjoyment and pleasure designed to have a wide audience appeal.

  • The French Art of Not Giving a F*ck The simple secret to true happiness, the French way

    The French Art of Not Giving a F*ck The simple secret to true happiness, the French way

    The author believes that we have become so bogged down in our search for happiness that we are creating and obeying more and more rules. At first, it would seem (by the title), that we should not bother about any regulations, but should be free and content. However, when we examine the chapters in the book, one realizes that Fabrice has cleverly interwoven strategies for peace and harmony, but discards the rules. There are fifteen chapters in the book, each one starting with F**K. So we have F**k Meditating, F**k Obeying, F**K Being Wise, until the last chapter which is a bit of an eye opener, F**k disciplining your kids.

     The author is concerned that our obsession with performance is poisoning the world. He believes that the current mantra of society is Profitability and Usefulness. And so, even for the simple art of meditation, which he practices regularly, there are no hard and fast rules. His advice is, “You meditate only when you stop trying to meditate.” So, recognising that you are uptight and giving yourself a break, seems to be his way. Meditation is to be seen as a form of Freedom rather than rules and protocols. The author goes on to describe what his thoughts are as he meditates.

     As we pass through the chapters, other pieces of advice are suggested. Why blindly follow rules? Are we just followers, who anticipate orders? Is our main aim not to make any ripples? Interestingly, Fabrice says that we think, “Wisdom is a destination, not a path.” Buddha, Christ and Nelson Mandela were all very human in the way that they responded to life. That is with passion, anger and a desire to promote social change. The getting of wisdom seems cold and disconnected and far from the warmth of reality. Taking a risk is very dangerous for those who seek to be perfect, and coming to terms with the idea of the “best possible “idea, is one we could all think about.

     The final chapter is about disciplining your children. Fabrice acknowledges that children need to grow up learning and obeying rules. As parents, we need to be respectful and benevolent, and engage with our children when a situation arises. “Help them to confront their own life, rather than torturing them to fit yours.”

     Taking time to appreciate nature, and reflect on things that please you, such as music and art, is a way to happiness, as is the ability to have a childlike appreciation of the world around you, without constraints. The author is a Doctor of Philosophy, and the founder of the Western School of Meditation. There are a great many interesting thoughts and ideas in this book, and once the shock value has worn off, many of the ideas are worth exploring. The further readings to support his proposals are interesting, and worth following up.

  • Prelude to a Dream

    Prelude to a Dream

    A sense of gentle naivety has been created with the simple and yet skilful use of the piano by talented pianist Shoshana Michel in her third album, Prelude to a Dream. Following on from her previous releases, with her debut album Soul Whispers very well received and her second album, Dancing on the Wind consisting of original music, nominated for Whisperings Solo Piano Radio’s “Album of the Year,” One World Music Radio’s “Solo Piano Album of the Year” and SoloPiano.com’s “Album of the Year” this latest release is certainly one for consideration come award time.

    Coming back from a hiatus of more than 24 years, a period in which she withdrew from composition, her time away from this alchemical art has allowed her to create music that is unique, inspirational, with a delightful freshness that comes straight from the heart.

    Beginning with Wonders, she delicately encourages relaxation, and a sense of almost innocence, as she trips across the keys. Enjoyable and light, it is a piece which welcomes you in, gently leading into the title track Prelude to a Dream, which encourages a continuing sense of the relaxation already commenced. It says let the world go by for just a minute or two, be peaceful, relax and enjoy.

    A Walk in the Rain is something which can be joyful, even though the end result is somewhat damp: the soft, light touch of gentle rain lends a special a magic to the moment when you are at one with the world around you, enclosed in a soft and yet gentle blanket of nature’s making; subtle, different and unique to that time and place: an ephemeral moment Michel has managed to capture perfectly.

    A more upbeat piece is created with Kaleidoscope, where the notes are changed and shifted into an ever-changing pattern, such is life, and such is the power of subtle change; through looking at shifting perspectives, change slowly becomes normal and is absorbed into life.

    On every album there is one piece which resonates a little more and on this one it is Meditation; a piece which is not at all what you imagine it to be by the title; it simply entrances, encouraging a short time of stillness, to refresh in the midst of a busy day.

    Both A Most Precious Gift and a Silent Farewell complement each other; one for the precious gift of life, love and hope and the other reflecting on a life and time spent, a soul passing and the reflection and acceptance that is there in both of these times in life: the beginning of a journey yet to be undertaken, the completion of a journey lived, enjoyed and celebrated, yet again captured through the medium of music.

    Ethereal completes this heartfelt gift and is a delightful, light and reflective piece with what could be considered a celestial touch, so delicate is the melody.  Absolutely beautiful and completely relaxing.

    Definitely music for the soul!

  • Equus Rising

    Equus Rising

    In her own words Lisa Swerdlow describes her music and compositions as pieces that ‘help people to find an emotional and perhaps spiritual connection’ and hopes ‘her music can act or help as a vehicle for healing the heart’.

    As people in an ever increasingly fast paced world we simply do not have the time to relax, to grieve, to contemplate and allow the body, mind and spirit to heal; to take another deep breath before leaping back into the madness that passes for everyday life.

    When a delightfully joyful, up tempo album such as Equus Rising comes along, it does bring a feeling of peace, relaxation and enjoyment along with it. It says take the time to listen, to enjoy, you are allowed.

    For an album that appears to have little variation and surprise in the construction of the pieces, which is, in this instance is excellent, as it allows the mind to simply drift, float free, to enjoy  whatever visions desired to be created before moving on.

    Her love of horses, the outdoors, the freshness of morning and evenings permeates the music, with each track gently taking a change of direction, both expected and unexpected, which considering this is purely a piano album, is intriguing and well considered.

    Swerdlow has found inspiration from many artists on the Windham Hill label, their gentle and slightly mellow styles being woven into the fabric of this album. Her own musical background, which spans both the classical and jazz genres, has eventually seen her move towards the New Age genre. As this style of music constantly appears to shift and change, it offers inspiration to incorporate a wide and influential range of styles, allowing the composer and musician free range, which Swerdlow has used to good effect.

    As a collection of pieces to sooth the soul and heal the heart, Equus Rising does all of that in a simple, generous and heart felt manner.

  • Urban Metta, Vol. 1

    Urban Metta, Vol. 1

    Anaamaly, otherwise known as Phil Strickland, has created a delicious soundscape that wraps about you like a warm blanket, bringing with it the relaxation that sitting in front of fire on a cold winter’s day brings; a uniqueness that nothing else can quite achieve.

    Each of the eleven pieces on the album segue effortlessly into each other creating a continuous thread of healing vibration set at an level that reaches deep into the consciousness, to allow the restless mind, the troubled soul to settle, to relax and to simply be.

    His work comes from a varied background of music styles and genre’s, life lessons and a continuing a love of experimentation within the electronic influenced scene which is becoming ever more popular, especially in the areas of meditation and yoga.

    The inspiration for Urbanmetta came about as many things tend to do, while he was working on a guided meditation/affirmation project, where he began to experiment with the many differing facets of ambient music. At the end of the project he realised that this was the pathways he would like to explore and began to create pieces for his wife to utilise in the yoga and meditation classes she the taught.

    As a sound technician he allows his senses to guide him while he is composing in the ambient genre, which when you consider his background of hip-hop, which then led to what is termed trip-hop and chill-out, music discovered while he was on placement with the US Army in  Kuwait, is not all that surprising.

    Strickland’s overriding desire interwoven within each of the pieces is to reach out, to offer relaxing pathways toward the healing that is there for all to access, with a little help.

    Beautiful, sensual and absolutely delightful, Urbanmetta will soon become a firm favourite whenever the need to sink into a deep refreshing sleep, ‘chill-out’, take a minute of personal solitude, or be present in the background of a busy working day to remind you to slow down, and relax.