Acoustic Ocean - Reflections on Still Water (2010)

Acoustic Ocean – Reflections on Still Water (2010)

1. Night Flight – (4:18)
2. Moon Over Mauna Kea – (4:46)
3. Rainbow Falls – (4:20)
4. Dancers Of The Deep – (4:40)
5. Motherless Child – (4:16)
6. Devas In The Garden – (3:54)
7. Place Of Refuge – (5:22)
8. Voyager – (5:27)
9. Reflections on Still Water - (5:07)
10. Safe Journey Home – (5:00)

Playlist length: 47 minutes 10 seconds

Summary: Beautiful harmonies of Celtic Harp and acoustic guitar form the basis of 10 mostly relaxing and enchanting new age style songs, with a celtic flavor.  All of the tracks are supported with Fretless bass, and other supporting sounds include cello, cedar flute, piano, Mandolin, Uillean Pipes, Pennywhistle, and Hammered Dulcimer (See instrumentation by track below), plus vocalise on track #3 “Rainbow Falls.”

The compositions are beautiful and the performances superb.

This is the second CD release by Acoustic Ocean (who are Peggy Morgan, harp, and Bette Phelan, all other stinged instruments and keyboards).  For those familiar with their first effort, titled “Light Returning” (2008), “Reflections on Still Water” is very similar in musical style, with the exception that it has less vocalise, and does not employ the enviromental sounds of ocean waves, water, birds & gulls, and forest sounds that were embeded in most tracks on the previous “Light Returning”.

Those familiar with the group Magical Strings will find the music on “Reflections On Still Water” similar to their work, particularly the album “Islands Calling” (1996), but others as well.  “Reflections On Still Water” is also reminiscent of many of Wind Machine’s albums of the 1980s – 1990s.

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Genres (& sub genres): Instrumental, New Age music, Celtic Harp Music, Celtic New Age music, World Rhythms, Acoustic Music, Acoustic Guitar, Relaxing Music, Celtic Music, World Rhythms

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Listening Impressions: Acoustic, tranquil, peaceful, tropical, magical, enchanting, relaxing, haunting;
vocalise (on #3 Rainbow Falls);

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Similar to: Magical Strings, Wind Machine, Lisa Lynne & Aryeh Frankfurter, Aine Minogue

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Instrumentation by track:
1. Night Flight – (4:18) – Celtic Harp, Guitar, Cedar Flute, Fretless Bass
2. Moon Over Mauna Kea – (4:46) – Celtic Harp, Piano, Cello, Fretless Bass
3. Rainbow Falls – (4:20) – Celtic Harp, Guitar, Mandolin, Hammered Dulcimer, Fretless Bass
4. Dancers Of The Deep – (4:40) – Celtic Harp, Guitar, Flute, Fretless Bass
5. Motherless Child – (4:16) – Celtic Harp, Cello, Fretless Bass
6. Devas In The Garden – (3:54) – Celtic Harp, Guitar, Mountain Dulcimer, Uillean Pipes, Fretless Bass
7. Place Of Refuge – (5:22) – Celtic Harp, Guitar, Mountain Dulcimer, Electric Guitar, Pennywhistle, Fretless Bass
8. Voyager – (5:27) – Celtic Harp, Guitar, Cello, Fretless Bass
9. Reflections On Still Water – (5:07) – Celtic Harp, Guitar, Fretless Bass
10. Safe Journey Home – (5:00) – Celtic Harp, Guitar, Pennywhistle, Uillean Pipes, Fretless Bass

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Great Segues (with songs from this album, Reflections On Still Water):

1. Acoustic Ocean (2010) – Rainbow Falls – Reflections On Still Water (4:20) +
Magical Strings (1996) – Warm Island – Islands Calling (4:52)

2. Acoustic Ocean (2010) – Dancers Of The Deep – Reflections On Still Water (4:40) +
Magical Strings (1996) – Ferry to Islesboro – Islands Calling (3:54)

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Released: October 1, 2010
1. Together 4:51
2. Edge Of Eternal 4:49
3. Eyes Of A Child 3:47
4. Natural Moment 4:32
5. Revelation 4:10
6. Imagine 3:25
7. Maui Breeze 4:41
8. Nirab Amare 4:48
9. Hide And Seek 3:34
10. Shiva Grove 5:25
11. Call To Spirit 6:17
12. Humility 7:16

Summary: William Ackerman is helping create and release nearly as much great new music at his Vermont based Imaginary Road Sudios as he did previously with his Windham Hill Records label.  Now add Shambhu’s “Sacred Love, Feel The Journey” to an already impressive list of albums from Imaginary Road Sudios.  Suprebly crafted by both Ackerman and Sahmbhu, the tracks range from Meditative (though not boring) to New Age to uptempo World Rhythms, and are played by an equally impressive lineup of artists backing Shambhu’s guitars: Tony Levin – bass, Will Ackerman – guitar & piano, George Brooks – sax, Ravichandra Kular – flute, Premik Russell Tubbs – flute, Charlie Bishart – violin, Jeff Oster – flugelhorn, Michael Manring – bass, Eugene Friesen – cello, Jeff Haynes – percussion, Celso Alberti – drums, and Jill Haley – English Horn.   Shambhu’s compositions are beautiful and intriguing, engaging over repeated listens.  An impressive debut, highly recommended.

Genres (& sub genres): Ambient, New Age, Meditation Relaxation & Inspiration, Smooth Jazz, World Rhythms

Listening Impressions: Acoustic, tranquil, peaceful, tropical, sensual, relaxing, haunting;
The melody of “Together” is evocative of “Darkness Darkness” (Iain Matthews / Youngbloods);

Similar to: Sundad, Will Ackerman, Tingstead & Rumbel, Brian Rolland,  Jill Haley, Eugene Friesen, Ravi Shankar (11 & 12)

Notes from the artist / label:
“Stellar In Every Respect” – William Ackerman

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Released: July 6, 2010

1. Liverpool (feat. Walter Gray & Gary Lanz) 3:01
2. Things We Said Today (feat. Gary Stroutsos, Keith Lowe, Eric Eagle, David Revelli & Alonzo Davideo) 5:40
3. Rain Eight Days A Week (feat. Gary Stroutsos, Keith Lowe, Larry Knechtel, Eric Eagle & David Revelli) 7:09
4. Teatime for Rita (feat. Richard Olivier) 0:13
5. Lovely Rita 3:50
6. Because I’m Only Sleeping (feat. Gary Stroutsos, Walter Gray,Keith Lowe, Eric Eagle & David Revelli) 9:31
7. Norwegian Wood (feat. Gary Stroutsos, Eric Eagle & Keith Lowe) 5:15
8. Yes It Is (feat. Gary Stroutsos & Walter Gray) 5:48
9. London Skies A John Lennon Suite (feat. Gary Stroutsos, Walter Gray & James Reynolds) 11:01

Summary: David Lanz needs no introduction to any but the newest of new Age / New Acoustic music fans.  As one of the most recognized names on the Narada Label from the early 1980′s, Lanz is, perhaps, more often thought of as a solo Instrumentalist based more on his early Narada albums “Heartsongs” and “Nightfall” and later “Return To the Heart.”  But, at roughly the same period (1985-1986), lanz also collaborated on two albums with electric guitarist Paul Speer, “Nightfall” and “Deseert Vision.” which were considerably more aggressive and, well, electric!  That is not any indication as to where “Liverpool, Re-imagining The Beatles” is going, but just adds a little background as to the more varied interests and performances from Lanz over the years beyond a solo instrumentalist label generally applied.

“Liverpool, Re-imagining The Beatles” does not invoke any electric guitars or shades of rock and roll, but rather are done in David’s more traditional style of piano with orchestration, perhaps, for some (myself included, as I still have the vinyl copies of…), a modern revisitation of George Martin’s Orchestrated albums of Beatle’s songs from back in the 60′s.  Each track is built around David’s piano stylings as well as Gary Stroutsos’ flute and Walter Gray’s Cello.  All are pleasant and engaging, well crafted and arranged, and expertly played.  You will need to pay attention, if you just relax and drift off with the music, you may even lose track of the underlying melody as the arrangements are not (nor meant to be) bluntly obvious (e.g.: Rain * Eight Days A Week) but often more subtly crafted around the theme.  Someone not familiar with Lanz’s musical style and just looking for instrumental versions of the listed songs might be lost on some of these tracks, but fans of David Lanz will be as pleased with “Liverpool” as with any of his prior efforts.  “Things We Said Today” takes off on a pleasant New Age Jazz style, and “Lovely Rita” is the only solo track by Lanz.   My personal favorite from the album is “Norwegian Wood” as it seems like the perfect style of song suited for this effort and is beautifully interpreted by a perfectly harmonius Lanz piano and Stroutsos flute atop Eric Eagle & Keith Lowe’s percussion and bass foundation, and the following track ”Yes It Is * PS, I Love You” is equally inspired between Lanz and Gray on Cello, as well as Stroutsos on flute.  The final track, “London Skies A John Lennon Suite,” takes several turns, but featues a particularly moving interpretation of “Tomorrow Never Knows” by Stroutsos.   Overall, the album is a pleasant listen completly through with many other highlights, and is highly recommended!

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Genres (& sub genres):  New Age, Instrumental, Piano, Meditation Relaxation & Inspiration,

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Listening Impressions: Acoustic, tranquil, peaceful, reminiscent;

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Similar to: Wayne Gratz, David Nevue, Spencer Brewer

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Released: January, 2009

1. I Am the Sea 3:40
2. My Secret Muse 4:26
3. Dance For Little Feet 6:47
4. Are You Listening 4:15
5. Skipping Stones 3:35
6. Fly 4:56
7. Surrounded by Sunflowers 3:04
8. Cloudless 3:36
9. A Girl Named Alice 2:35
10. Next Time Can I Dance With You 4:57

Piano with Cello, and occasional multi-layered voices.  From soothing to soaring, ten beautiful compositions evoking feelings of calm, introspection, accomplishment, wonder, and relaxation.  Most songs are suited for New Age to Classical crossover, and the majority fit perfectly with our “Meditation, Relaxation and Inspiration” stream theme.

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Brenda McMorrow - Ameya

Brenda McMorrow – Ameya

Released: March, 2010:

1. Govinda Gopala 3:51
2. Narayana 5:21
3. He Ma 8:43
4. Ganeshaya 6:07
5. Sharanam Ananda 8:20
6. Ayodhya Vasi / Rama Rama 3:44
7. Loka Samastha 4:46
8. Maha Lakshmi 3:50

Label’s Synopsis: Discover the realm of soul-expanding Kirtan through these captivatingdevotional songs, rich in modern melodies, luxuriant harmonies, worldbeats, acoustic guitar and ancient Sanskrit mantras. East meets Weston this lush, groove-filled voyage into the joyful ocean of Bhakti Yoga.Produced by Ben Leinbach (Deva Premal, Jai Uttal, Shiva Rea)

Coolstreams Adds: (Pending Further Listening):

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Suzanne Sterling - Blue Fire Soul

Suzanne Sterling – Blue Fire Soul

Released: March, 2010

1. Saraswati (Slow River Deep) 8:33
2. Nataraj (Dancing In The Flames) 10:04 Album Only
3. Om Mane Padme Hum (Secret Blessing) 6:53
4. Devakyam (Divine Mystery) 7:04
5. Govinda (Praising Union) 5:11
6. Kali Durge (Wheel Turning) 9:36
7. Bliss Ma (Lullaby) 9:00
8. Sivasana (Surrender) 8:48
9. World Without Churches (Blue Flame) (Remix) 3:44
10. Jai Ma (Freedom Song) 5:49

MP3 Track Clip Previews Available Below;

Label’s Synopsis: Created for the yoga journey, Blue Fire Soul explores the universe ofthe body. Urban priestess Suzanne Sterling’s ecstatic chants conjure asoundscape of guitars, tablas, loops and beats stretching from intimateto epic, inviting us to open the doors of perception and step into ourtrue nature: fully alive, totally awake.

Coolstreams Adds: (Pending Further Listening):

Mercedes Bahleda - Mercy Songs

Mercedes Bahleda – Mercy Songs:

(Released: March, 2010):

1. Domine Fil Unigenite (3:56)
2. The Je Tsong Kapa Mantra (12:34)
3. Om Tare Tu Tare Ture Soha (11:06)
4. Ave Maria (11:00)
5. Om Mani Padme Hum (11:12)
6. Kali Durga (11:06)
7. Domine Fil Unigenite (Duo) (3:46)

MP3 Track Clip Previews Available Below;

Label’s Synopsis: Infused with haunting vocals and lush grooves, this heavenly collection ofprayers with healing power merges Tibetan Buddhist mantras, Latin Christian church hymns and ancient Vedic chants into a single songbook of devotion.A favorite in yoga studios, churches and healing centers worldwide, this spiritually unique album is sure to open and inspire your heart.

Coolstreams Adds: (Pending Further Listening):

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Isaac Shepard – The Renewing

Isaac Shepard – The Renewing:

Released: October, 2009:

1. Tears Can Fall 3:38
2. Let Me Sleep 2:50
3. Good Company 3:21
4. Doors of Life 4:48
5. Countdown 4:09
6. Simple Moments 2:59
7. Pretty Fingers 2:32
8. All Smiles 3:57
9. Dimming the Lights 5:02
10. Slow Down 4:43

Coolstreams Adds: (Scott’s Pick’s in BOLD):

Cool Age Ivory Stream:

1. Tears Can Fall 3:38
2. Let Me Sleep 2:50
3. Good Company 3:21
4. Doors of Life 4:48
5. Countdown 4:09
6. Simple Moments 2:59
7. Pretty Fingers 2:32
8. All Smiles 3:57
9. Dimming the Lights 5:02
10. Slow Down 4:43

MRI – Meditation, Relaxation & Inspiration Steam:

1. Tears Can Fall 3:38
4. Doors of Life 4:48
7. Pretty Fingers 2:32
10. Slow Down 4:43

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Ann Sweeten - Just This Side Of Spring

Ann Sweeten – Just This Side Of Spring:

(February, 201o):

1. December Snow
2. Just This Side Of Spring
3. Light From A Narrow Window
4. A Light Rain
5. A Moment In Time
6. Crossing Over
7. Nikki’s Song
8. In Gardens Fast Asleep
9. Hearts Left Behind
10. The Melt Waters
11. True North

11 Piano compositions composed and performed by Ann Sweeten, produced by William Ackerman & Ann Sweeten,  with  accompaniments by Willaim Ackerman, Acoustic Guirat (2. Just This Side Of Spring), Andrew Eng, Viola and Violin (3. Light From A Narrow Window) and Viola (7. Nikki’s Song), and Michael Miksis, Upright Bass (5. A Moment In Time, 8. In Gardens Fast Asleep), and Trishia Craig, Flute (10. The Melt Waters).

Scott’s Notes: Beautiful & melodic, mood evoking of both joy and and sadness, Ann details in her liner notes both her ongoing courageous battle with breast cancer, and the untimely loss of her beloved companion Siberian Husky Nikki, also to a cancer.  She writes:  “Life, with it’s wonderful fountain of joy also infuses us with overwhelming heartache and pain…,”  she also crafts and conveys these conflicting sentiments in her music, subtly and compellingly, even without a knowledge of the underlying stories.

MP3 Track Clip Previews Available Below;

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Coolstreams Adds:  (Scott’s Picks In BOLD):

Cool Age Ivory Stream:

1. December Snow
2. Just This Side Of Spring
3. Light From A Narrow Window
4. A Light Rain
5. A Moment In Time
6. Crossing Over
7. Nikki’s Song
8. In Gardens Fast Asleep
9. Hearts Left Behind
10. The Melt Waters
11. True North

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MRI – Meidtation, Relaxation & Inspiration:

3. Light From A Narrow Window
5. A Moment In Time

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