Music & Media Reviews
By Michael Diamond
David Arkenstone & Charlee Brooks
Lovéren
www.davidarkenstone.com
Lovéren brings together well-known recording artist David Arkenstone and operatically- gifted vocalist Charlee Brooks on one of the most elaborate CD productions I’ve seen in a long time. The original story of Lovéren is
an imaginative odyssey of love, romance and passion set in the magical
world of mermaids. Accompanying the CD is a lavish 16-page booklet that
contains the story along with stunning visionary artwork. In addition toCharlee’s contributions
as a vocalist, instrumentalist and collaborator on many aspects of the
production, she also created an original mermaid language which she
sings. David creates on keyboards, guitars, drums and percussion, bass,
mandolin, vocals, and a number of world music instruments. The album
also features a host of additional accompanists including string
section and choir.
I’ve always appreciated David Arkenstone’s flair
for imaginative writing and arranging, and this piece shows the level
of accomplishment he has attained in his accolade-laden 25-year career. Lovéren is a transcendent example of musical mastery that will inspire the imaginations of listeners for years to come.
Trine Opsahl
Somewhere In A Hidden Memory
http://www.heartrecords.dk/
Born in Norway and living in Denmark, Trine Opsahl has
always had a fascination with the Celtic harp, and has recorded three
albums of original compositions. However it is the healing power of
music that inspires her most. Although Trine performs at various
concerts and events, as well as teaching, playing at the bedside of
hospice patients is most near and dear to her heart.
Trine’s latest CD, Somewhere In A Hidden
Memory, is steeped in her Nordic roots, while combining the
transcendental qualities of new age music as well. The album contains
15 tracks, with a number of them being in the one to two minute-range
in the first half of the CD. They created a feel almost like an
interlude or motif within a composition. The title track, in
particular, had a wistful dream-like ambience that evoked rich visual
imagery listening with eyes closed. Trine has produced an enchanting
album reflecting diverse facets of the human experience — from light
and playful, to tranquil and ruminative.
Lis Addison
Crown In The Sky
www.lisaddison.com
According to Lis: The phrase “Crown In The Sky”
describes our human experience in which we are open and receptive to
the spiritual realm yet anchored on the earth in the physical realm.”
The music truly expresses this with its rootsy rhythms
and ethereal ambiences, as well as its messages of appreciation (and
concern) for our home planet. In addition to her beautiful vocals, on
every track, Lis’
extensive experience in music and recording is evident in the fact that
she wrote all the songs and lyrics, did all the arrangements, produced
the album, and played just about all the instruments.
This
music marks a return to her roots as a songwriter, with contemporary
influences of jazz, chill, and world music. The unique blend of
elements that Lis has
brought together on this album should appeal to a wide cross-section of
listeners. I was moved both physically and spiritually by its
propulsive energy, evocative melodies, and inspired lyrics. Crown In The Sky is an uplifting and thoroughly delightful listening experience.
Lia Scallon
The Luminous Pearl
www.soundsofsirius.com
As a spiritually-attuned vocalist, Lia Scallon sings
in what she calls the Language of Light. These angelic invocations are
created to facilitate healing and higher energies within listeners, who
often report that they resonate with the music on a deep soul level
rather than on a level of cognitive understanding. Lia’s sacred sounds have a mystical air about them, reminiscent of songs heard in movies like Avatar or Lord Of The Rings.
In a review of a previous release, I referred to her singing as “Enya-like.“ While
this is a recognizable point of reference and is still relevant to a
degree, her vocalizing has a transcendental quality all its own. On The
Luminous Pearl, Lia has
surrounded herself with top-notch studio musicians. In addition to her
traditional ethereal ambience, a few songs reflect her Australian roots
adding didgeridoo and tribal rhythms. With the focus of the album being
on transformation, hope, beauty, and love, I’m sure that The Luminous
Pearl will shine brightly among the musical offerings of this gifted
artist.
Timothy Wenzel
A Coalescence of Dreams
www.timothywenzel.com
An
aspect of the term “coalescence” can be perceived as: “bringing diverse
elements together with the right catalysts to create something bigger,
stronger, more meaningful.”
This is particularly appropriate for Timothy Wenzel, who addition to
being a talented recording artist is also a research chemist. However,
the elements he merges on his new release create pure audio alchemy.
While the piano has been a primary instrument throughout his life,
synthesizers play a major role in his recordings, with the sounds of
violin, cello, flute, harp, guitars, drums, and percussion.
Timothy’s new-age instrumental music ranges from lushly layered compositions that have been compared with Yanni,
to more light and airy soundscapes with occasional hints of Celtic and
world music influence. There is a strong visual aspect to his sound in
the mental imagery it evokes. And, it is also present in the stunning
music videos that can be seen at his website. Although this was my
first exposure to Timothy Wenzel’s recordings, it will not be my last,
and I will look forward to subsequent releases.
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
