HAPPY APRIL, EVERYBODY!

This month I am reviewing Jack Schell, Nicola Williams and Karen Marie Garrett.

Artist:   J A C K   S C H E L L
Album:  S n o t t s d a l e   S e r e n a d e

Jack Schell is a musician and composer with strong melodies and a strong sense of 'soundscaping'. Jack Schell creates what may be termed 'musical art pieces'. Mostly instrumental, Jack's work is similar in style to that of Moby, Zero 7, Thievery Corporation or Lemongrass. Jack Schell is a composer, musician, audio engineer and owner of Merkaba Publishing, Inc.

Jack's compositions, as well as his collaborations with famed guitarist Earl Slick (currently lead guitarist for David Bowie), are used in television on sports shows and radio and television advertising. Jack has writing, keyboard and pre-production credits on Earl's Latest CD Zig Zag which features a who's who list of Vocalists including David Bowie, The Cure's Robert Smith, Joe Elliot from Def Leppard, as well as Martha Davis of the Motels.

• The CD starts out with a Cosmic little number called "Funky House". This song goes from space age to dancey - I dig it!
• Track two "Bearman Hoedown" is playful fun instrumental little number.
• Track three "Mobymelt" is upbeat, creative and fun. It makes me want to dance!
• Track four "The Waves Of Life" is my favorite track on this release - mystical meets New Wave. I keep playing this track over and over!
• Track five is called "Downbeat Jacko" very ravey and high spirited little number!
• Track six, "Yes We Can", is a free flowing carefree instrumental that flows like a river stream.
• Track seven "Electrocok" is a smooth, easygoing trance inspired track.
• The eighth and last track "Cool Breeze" has beautiful keyboards. I would say this is the most tranquil and soothing song on this disc. What can I say? Jack Schell is a great talent. His creativity shines on this release.

I truly enjoyed listening to this CD and I think you will too!

Give it a spin!

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

Artist:   N I C O L A   W I L L I A M S
Album:  B e a u t i f u l   A r r a n g e m e n t

A year-long stay in China brought Welsh born singer-songwriter Nicola Williams into her own as an artist, inspiring her passion for singing and creativity in songwriting, which further flourished on her return to the Western world and her move to Galway, where she is now based.

Nicola Williams debuts her CD release Beautiful Arrangement. The cute quivery vibrato voiced woman has created a 10 track disc on Shimmer Records of original soft rock songs - not quite new age, though.

The more I listen I keep thinking Nicola's voice reminds me a lot of Tori Amos but with more vibrato. All songs are written and sung by Nicola Williams herself. The CD is packaged with great charm. Nicola stares at us from the cover with those fierce green eyes and a green leaf falls out when you open the CD. Nice touch!

Give it a spin!

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

Artist:   K A R E N   M A R I E   G A R R E T T
Album:  I t ' s   A b o u t   T h e   R o s e

It looks like everything is coming up roses for Karen Marie Garrett. The new CD release It's About The Rose is available now. This is Karen Marie Garrett's fourth release and is the follow up to her last CD The Allure of Sanctuary.

I read that with this project Karen wanted to connect with the listeners at various emotional levels and explore that experience musically without consideration of genre. For her, it's about the music we love and not about fitting into any one drawer.

It's About The Rose is produced by Will Ackerman, who has a successful solo career and is the creator of Windham Hill Records. Will has become known as a top producer of contemporary instrumental music (George Winston, Liz Story, Philip Aaberg, Alex de Grassi, Michael Hedges, Scott Cossu). Will is a gold and platinum record producer and a Grammy Award-winning recording artist.

What can I say about our hostess Karen Marie Garrett and this disc of romantic piano selections? Beautiful, soothing and elegant piano arrangements let you melt into your easy-chair and relax after a long day at work. Break out your best bottle of bubbly and be awed by this piano extravaganza.

Take some time out of your day to stop and smell the roses. If you love creative piano soundscapes then you will love It's About The Rose.

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, 2007

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.