HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Wherever you may be, I hope each of you had a splendid Christmas. 2007 promises to be another exciting year! This month, I have two remarkable CD's to share with you: Loreena Mckennitt and William Wilde Zeitler.

I hope you enjoy them!

Artist:   L O R E E N A   M C K E N N I T
Album:  A n   A n c i e n t   M u s e

It's been a long wait for Loreena Mckennitt fans since the last CD release Book of Secrets. Loreena Mckennitt's follow-up release, An Ancient Muse, took Loreena about a decade to manifest into our reality.

An Ancient Muse is a continuation of the story where The Book of Secrets left off.

• The CD starts out with a dark and mysterious track called "Incantation" - both haunting and magical - it is one of my favorites on this disc.
• The second track, "The Gates of Istanbul", sounds a lot like previous songs I have heard from Loreena - but with a Turkish twist. I like it - and her voice is still as enchanting as ever.
• The third track, "Caravanserai", (the single from the CD) starts out slow then gradually picks up pace. I find the more I listen to this song the more I like it. It grows on you.
• "The English Ladye and The Knight", the fourth track, starts out sounding like something from the Lord of the Rings. I feel this is the strongest track on the disc - genuine Loreena Mckennitt magic. Beautiful choirs serenade and Loreena's sparkling angelic voice is absolutely stunning!
• The fifth track, "Kecharitomene", sounds a lot like variations of Loreena's hit single from her last CD release The Mummers Dance.
• The sixth song, "Penelope's Song", is a slower more heartfelt creation that carries the listener into a peaceful meditative place.
• The seventh song, "Sacred Shabbat", is an upbeat little instrumental number - no vocals on this track though.
• "Beneath A Phrygian Sky", the eighth track, creates a moody and haunting ambiance that sends chills up my spine at each listen.
• On the final track, "Never-Ending Road (Amhrán Duit)", Loreena beautifully demonstrates how she can make a song both melancholy & enchanting at the same time.

Overall you need to give this release more than one chance. The more you listen to it the more you like it!

Give a spin!

If you wish to listen to music samples, or purchase this music,
please click on the CD cover above.

Artist:   W I L L I A M   W I L D E   Z E I T L E R
Album:  M u s i c   o f   t h e   S p h e r e s

I absolutely loved reading William Zeitler's history of how he started playing the Glass Armonica and I wanted to share that with you... William Zeitler has an extensive musical background. He started piano lessons when he was five years old, and went on to become a classically trained pianist and composer with a degree from the California Institute of the Arts.

William had never heard of the Glass Armonica until 1995 when he came across an out-of-print recording of Music for Glass Harmonica performed by the late Bruno Hoffman. This recording included the Mozart pieces composed for the instrument. William's reaction to the recording by Hoffman was, "This is too beautiful. I have to do this!"

The challenge was... building an instrument, as they were not available at the local music store! The quartz glasses were hand-blown by Gerhard Finkenbeiner of Waltham, Massachusetts. The cabinet is gold-plated metal work and other components that were crafted by various artisans in Seattle, Washington. It took about a year to build. Then he had to teach himself to play, since he couldn't find any teachers.

Learning for over a decade, now, William states: "The expense and long effort have been more than worth it - although it's been the hardest instrument I've ever learned to play, it's also by far been the most rewarding."

When asked about his commitment to the Glass Armonica, William comments: "This instrument is simply too beautiful, both visually and musically, to let it languish on the 'endangered musical instrument' list. What a loss it would be for Benjamin Franklin's hidden treasure to vanish altogether! It needs new music... and a new generation of players!"

Now to the music review...

Music of the Spheres is a tapestry of celestial musical soundscapes. The Glass Armonica is accompanied by Harp, Wine Glass Chorus and gentle percussion. I found myself drifting away in these enchanting almost haunting sounds.

I love the ethereal, dreamy quality of the Glass Armonica.

The twelve blissful tracks will transport you to a higher frequency. This is one those CD's you will end up treasuring because of its uniqueness and originality - not to mention the pure beauty that emanates from each song.

Embrace the Music of The Spheres and the pure talent that has gone into the creation of this release.

Definitely give it a spin!

If you wish to listen to music samples, or purchase this music,
please click on the CD cover above.

© Tony Tolin, 2006

Attention New Age Artists,  I would like to mention an excellent marketing tool that you can take advantage of at MySpace.com - www.myspace.com. It is a great way to get your name out there and it's free. Groups and musicians such as Twinflame , Blackmore's Night, Paul Avgerinos, Chris Conway, and even Kitaro have taken full advantage of this opportunity. So consider trying out this free exposure and make some great friends and fans along the way. Namaste' - Tony

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tony Tolin was born and raised in Denver, Colorado where he currently resides. He considers himself a spiritualist, lightworker and all around metaphysical type of guy. He loves music and gravitates toward progressive styles from New Wave to New Age. In general, he tends to be attracted to music that has a positive message or that plays to your soul in an uplifting, healing manner. Tony believes music has a unique power to transform one's self.

Tony has an artistic background and expresses himself through the use of many mediums. He enjoys exploring the manifestation of his inner visions through external forms while gaining inspiration from the mystical realm, animal kingdom, and cosmic energies. Tony believes in animal and human rights and feels we should all do what we can to help create a better Earth.

If you have a CD that you would like to submit for possible review in his column please contact him by email here: cosmict2000@yahoo.com . He welcomes you and your correspondence.