playlist
Bill Binkelman
Fire Opal
Blue Moon Rising
Massergy Spotted Peccary www.spottedpeccary.com
Acoustic Ocean Self-released www.acousticoceanmusic.com
Even by the lofty standards of the Spotted Peccary label, Massergy’s Fire Opal is a truly special album. Massergy (Eric Jensen) creates a multi-hued assortment of ambient soundscapes, each track showcasing Jensen’s talent in varying style, mood, tempo, and overall aesthetic. Some songs feature guitar prominently with layers of melodic keyboards underneath, while others flow gently, more closely resembling classic spacemusic. The album was recorded solely outdoors (!) on a balcony overlooking a nature preserve in the middle of the night, and without the use of sequencers, loops, software, or plug-ins. Massergy’s Fire Opal breaks new ground in Spotted Peccary’s library of adventurous instrumental music recordings.
In 2016, Peggy Morgan, one half of the duo Acoustic Ocean, passed away from cancer. Bette Phelan, the remaining member, took some time off to heal from the loss of her friend and partner. Now, she returns with Blue Moon Rising, an album of 11 lovely tracks (including one on which Peggy can be heard, recorded before her death). Phelan plays guitars, bass, bowed dulcimer, and more. Influences on this soulful album include New Age, folk and Celtic, but Phelan’s compositions are unique unto themselves and her considerable talents on all her instruments is well-showcased. Guest cellist Kay Aldrich adds just the right touch when she sits in.
Beyond Summer
Nocturne – The Piano Album
Scott August Cedar Mesa Music www.cedarmesa.com
Vangelis Decca www.decca.com
Scott August belongs with the best of Native f lute fusion artists and he has been there for years. What distinguishes him from others in the genre is his abundant virtuosity on an assortment of instruments besides the Native flute, including guitar, keyboards, piano, drums, exotic percussion and other world beat instruments. All of these come into play on Beyond Summer, his latest release and a worthy addition to his discography. Whether gently rhythmic with a laid back mood (“High Desert Dreams”) or pulsing with primal energy (“Spirit of the Canyon”), August taps into the world’s natural beauty and channels it into his music, resulting in a dazzling display of sonic imagery and inventive melodies.
One of the true innovators and giants in instrumental music, Vangelis is beloved by countless fans and he has gifted them something different on Nocturne. Comprised of 17 tracks culled from his career, these are new versions with the main melody carried by grand piano only accompanied by subtle orchestrations and occasionally another instrument or two. By reducing the usually powerful Vangelis elements present on other albums, the core beauty of each song’s melody is revealed with new depth and intricacy. The piano is heavily reverbed which underscores the emotion and evocation of these selections. No doubt longtime devotees will bliss out to this one.
Bill Binkelman has been reviewing New Age, ambient, and world music since 1997. Email him at billbink01@gmail.com.
58 May/June 2019 | retailinginsight.com
