CD Reviews
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“Connected” by Robyn McCorquodale
Reviewed by Rosemarie Ashley
“Connected” by Robyn McCorquodale is a collection of beautifully performed, passionately delivered and exceptionally produced songs for spiritual growth in a variety of adult contemporary styles. Robyn's voice is strong and confident as she smoothly transitions through contagious melodies, engaging harmonies and thoughtful lyrics. The lead and harmony vocals are mixed to perfection, enveloped by professional instrumentation and mastered to impeccable standards. “Connected” includes songs that uplift, encourage and inspire listeners to celebrate blessings, acknowledge trials and actively participate in self empowered right-action.
The title track “Connected” introduces the album in a smooth jazz style, reminding listeners of the connectedness with everyone and to promote peace. The album features “Mother, You Are A Miracle”, a passionate celebration of a mother's love and wisdom. “Perfect Az U R” sports a funky flavor in an introspective look into the power of intention, with a happy, light chorus of enthusiastic motivation. Several selections take a sober look at internal conflicts and external issues caused by violence and abusive relationships, compassionately and firmly encouraging self-analysis, personal growth and individual-empowerment. “Red Rain” is an urgent call to action to correct worldly problems. “Strangers of the Earth” is a soulful song of gratitude and praise to those who think outside the limitations of conventional thinking, often becoming history's highly regarded geniuses and visionaries.
Buy the music: www.robynmccorquodale.com/products.html
“Songs for Humanity” by Cahill & Delene
Reviewed by Rosemarie Ashley
“Songs for Humanity” is a well-written, performed and produced album of songs for introspection, reflection and celebration of life in a variety of musical styles including Adult Alternative, Pop Rock, Country Rock, Smooth Jazz, Gospel with a little Funk & Reggae. The album is a journey of hopes, fears, dreams, memories and right-action, focused on creating a better world, beginning within the self.
Barry Cahill and Delene St. Clair are both exceptional singers, supported by instrumental and production excellence. Their voices are smooth, clear and engaging. This team blends male and female energies seamlessly, focused on a single objective communicating peaceful love energy to the world. Their harmonies merge in perfection to create hair-raising vibrations, touching the spirit and penetrating the soul of the listener.
This collection of “Songs for Humanity” is likely to find a home in many venues, from church choirs to bar room dance floors. Some of the music is upbeat, fun and engaging while other songs possess a mystical quality, reminiscent of the 1960s and 70s, drawing the listener in to experience cosmic enlightenment. The lyrics include spiritual truths, applicable to virtually any religious worship, without preaching dogma. Themes include friendship, race relations, personal growth, empowered involvement, romantic love, social consciousness, devotional praise and affirmative thinking, appropriate for any audience.
Buy the music: www.cahillanddelene.com/products.html
“Why Can't I” by Melissa Lewis
Reviewed by Rosemarie Ashley
Listening to “Why Can't I” by Melissa Lewis is like sitting down with a close friend who is willing to open her heart and share a story of personal trials for the purpose of giving hope and encouragement. This album is a journey of pain and discovery experienced by everyone seeking to find his or her true self and create a fulfilled life. “Why Can't I” is about acknowledging and experiencing emotion, resolving to overcome the appearance of disappointment and an illusion of failure in the process of discovering the essence of who we are and becoming our greatest potential.
“Why Can't I” includes songs in the Pop and Country Rock genre, appealing to listeners that may or may not acknowledge life as a spiritual journey; with a consistent theme of trust, patience and hope. Melissa has a clear and lovely voice that soothes, calms and reassures in every song. Production is professionally excellent. The engineering blends lead and harmony vocals, music and awesome special effects in perfect balance for an exceptional listening experience. With a wide variety of live instruments backing up Melissa's talented, heart-felt performance, this album is a likely contender for Country Music chart placement and awards.
Buy the music: www.melissalewis.net/
“Little By Little” by Nathen Aswell
Reviewed by Rosemarie Ashley
“Little By Little” by Nathen Aswell, in addition to being an exceptionally produced collection of songs that support a conscious life, uses the power of vibration to create a spiritually interactive listener experience. The presentation opens and closes with a ceremonial ringing of a meditation bell, subconsciously preparing the listener for an energy-balancing, mystically cleansing connection to the Cosmos. Nathen sings directly to the soul, using a combination of professional excellence, entertaining melodies and a sincere delivery; including exceptional a capella performances and engaging harmonies. Song lyrics include messages for action-oriented personal growth, universal love and divine oneness. The musical style varies from light percussion and acoustic to adult contemporary, smooth jazz and a little funk.
“Breathe” is a daring a capella duet with hair-raising harmonies that balance male and female energy in divine communion. “I Can See You” is a Divine embrace of omni-present love. “Choose Love” celebrates free will in a relevant distinction between fear and love-based decisions. “Psalm 96” is a work of artistic genius, blending the human voice with tastefully engineered effects to passionately deliver ancient poetry to soothe the body, calm the mind and regenerate the soul. “Little By Little” is an introspective journey within, appropriate for any age and nearly every belief system.
Buy the music: www.nathenaswell.com/page7/page7.html
“Not Alone” by David Serotkin
Reviewed by Rosemarie Ashley
“Not Alone“ is a refreshing breeze of soft rock and pop music that appeals to a growing audience, consciously selecting music as a tool for improvement. The songs are relevant to every day people, encouraging and motivating with thoughtful lyrics. The album makes exceptional use of song order to guide the listener on a journey of life, learning, hardship and celebration. “Not Alone“ presents a variety of styles, including a light instrumental, beautiful piano ballads, tender pop and cheery rock songs; capturing interest and heightening listening experience.
David Serotkin is a talented musician, writing most of the songs, performing lead and background vocals and playing many instruments including guitar, piano and percussion. His harmonies are compelling; his vocal range impressive. David sings with an underlying passion for his message and delivers and engaging selection of entertainment, suitable for any Adult-Contemporary format.
The spirit within this singer delightfully unfolds in various tempos, tones and moods; focused on introspective contemplation, laced with laughter and light-hearted expression. Most notably, “The Cat Came Back“ is a parable with thought-provoking, laugh-out-loud ad lib humor, immediately followed by “Glowing Moon“ an intense mood-changer that drew this reviewer to an ad lib background vocal sing-along. The album winds down with “Yesterday It Was Over“, a feel-good song addressing life-issues, closing with a motivational piano ballad.
Buy the music: www.davidserotkin.com/store.php
“Fearless” by Claudia Carawan
Reviewed by Rosemarie Ashley
Claudia is a very talented singer with a dynamic delivery of a powerful message. She is versatile, spunky and treads the secular market to open the hearts and minds of those who would not otherwise be receptive to spiritual messages. Claudia does a fantastic job expressing her own brand of divine creativity.
The album “Fearless“ is upbeat, contemporary collection of pick-you-up music, reminding the listener of universal truths sometimes forgotten or ignored in times of trouble. The album flows smoothly, song to song, encourage peaceful relaxation and reflection. Her voice is effective in many styles with a strong vocal range. The album includes rich background vocals, guest singers and a choir, perfect for almost any spiritual gathering.
“Fearless“ is a professionally produced album with a variety of instruments, mixed and mastered smoothly with the vocals. The artist is professionally skilled, in perfect key, and has the ability to communicate emotion with technical precision. Vocals are delivered with confidence and are 99 percent flawless.
Buy the music: www.claudiacarawan.com
“The Celtic Rose” by Marita Brake
Reviewed by Rosemarie Ashley
“The Celtic Rose” is a collection of original Celtic folk songs, presented with a blend of traditional and modern musical instruments, produced with state-of-the-art equipment. The listener is transported back in time by a variety of lyrical wording and melody styles, common many centuries ago; perfect for Renaissance enthusiasts and history lovers. The album cover and packaging draw the listener into a journey of deep introspection and wonder. This unique and original album is artistically courageous and thought-provoking, with phrases and metaphors not common in most commercial music.
Beginning with a welcoming instrumental on the first track, the album includes a variety of styles, most notably, a beautiful, heartfelt a cappella song. Marita Brake is a talented singer, characteristic of a classically trained artist. Her tender but strong tone is soothing to the soul, with a mystical appeal. The album is filled with seamless, emotion-packed delivery of technically advanced vocal maneuvers.
Production of “The Celtic Rose“ is well above professional grade. The various instruments are mixed in perfect balance to highlight the vocal arrangements, in a dance of musical perfection. The musicians are obviously skillful in their respective crafts. Beyond that, they deliver a sound quality generally achieved through a harmonious synergy of talent and friendship between members.
Buy the music: www.maritabrake.net/music.html
“Light The Way” by Karie Hillery
Reviewed by Rosemarie Ashley
“Light The Way” by Karie Hillery is a delightful combination of upbeat songs and tender ballads with a consistent message of encouragement, perfect for any age and most belief systems. This is the kind of album that can be used as background music for individual, family and community activities or as a focal point for introspection, connection with the Divine and personal growth.
All of the musicians demonstrate professional technique and personal commitment to a spiritual way of life, as evidenced through the passionate delivery. Karie is a strong singer, with a luscious tone and conviction in every song. She weaves engaging harmonies throughout the album, like angels from Heaven. The musical accompaniment is top rate, with a variety of instrumentation including a two-piece horn section, guitars, piano & percussion. Universal truths including oneness of all, internal connection, gratitude, free will, surrender and the power of thought are reinforced in a variety of cheery and reflective music.
All of the songs on “Light the Way” communicate spiritual love energy, connecting humanity to the greater whole. Among them is “Releasing Letting Go”, a reminder to all the travelers on a spiritual journey that we must balance the visions of human potential with every day needs and “I am We Are God Is”, an affirmation of the divine essence within us all.
Buy the music: www.karie.com
“Feel The Presence” by Dan Del Negro
Reviewed by Rosemarie Ashley
“Feel The Presence” by Dan Del Negro is a collection of songs for spiritual growth, affirmative programming and meditation, performed by exceptional musicians, produced to the highest engineering standards and delivered with purpose-driven passion. The music is supportively peaceful, as if sampled from the gates of Heaven. Dan is a highly talented vocalist, demonstrating a combination of technical expertise and personal sincerity.
The album begins with songs that welcome listeners into a mindset of “Infinite Love”, emotional release, spiritual surrender, “Inner Harmony” and abundance. “Om Shanti” is a chant, backed up with various percussion instruments and synthesized serenity. The long tones vibrate to a universal frequency, transporting the imagination to an ancient tribal way of life; connecting humanity with the pulse of the planet and all her inhabitants. The multi-layered vocal tones merge to create hypnotic harmonies. “Loving Spirit” invokes a divine presence in an expression of gratitude for life. “Infinite One” is appropriate for a sitting or walking meditation, engaging the conscious mind as the subconscious ponders the indescribable vastness of Infinity. The album closes with a guided meditation, inviting communion with the source of all, encouraging loving cooperation and leaves the listener feeling revitalized and at peace.
Buy the music: www.dandelnegro.com/store.html
“The DayMaker” by Richard Mekdeci
Reviewed by Rosemarie Ashley
“The DayMaker”is an excellent title to this collection of musical affirmations, motivation, inspiration and reflection. Richard Mekdeci has a keen ability to encapsulate universal truths into succinct, entertaining messages that everyone can grasp. The musical style is contemporary, with flavors of pop, adult alternative, jazz, reggae and country.
This album reflects spiritual values, including comfort and encouragement for those in pain, gospel music and prayers, encouraging reflection and hope. They are ideal for inclusion in church services and youth activities as well as family entertainment. Listeners can sit back and absorb the positive mental attitude lyrics, engage in solemn introspection, enjoy toe-tapping beats and sing along while being enveloped in a divine embrace of unconditional love.
“The DayMaker” includes songs that speak personally to this reviewer and are likely to appeal to a broad audience. “Delivery Driver” is a feel-good parable with thought-provoking lyrics, reminding us about the importance of serving humanity in our every-day lives. “The Part of Me That Is You” touches the heart as it affirms the divinity within us all. “The Way of God” is an inspirational story of persevering hardship by facing the illusion of fear and moving forward. “Peace in Our Lifetime” is a mystical hymn, supporting living in the now. “The DayMaker” is a perfect demonstration of the power of Positive Music.
Buy the music: www.empowerma.com/catalog
“Dreamsong” by Cathy DeWitt
Reviewed by Rosemarie Ashley
“Dreamsong” by Cathy DeWitt is a collection of spiritual reminders in a variety of styles including a capella, percussion, light jazz, folk, ballad and pop. The compositions are good, piano is excellent and the messages are of universal truth, appropriate for many church venues and personal collections of daily affirmation. Many melodies are simple, inviting congregational participation.
“Thanksgiving” is a daily prayer, reminding us to have gratitude for every day blessings, small and large. “Spirit of Spring (Joy Chant)” is reminiscent of tribal worship with pleasant harmonies reminding listeners to note and rejoice in affirmation of life. “Dreamsong,” with lovely background vocals, invites listener introspection and acknowledgement of life passions, with our potential to manifest based on sharing. “Everybody's Somebody's Child” encourages humanity to diffuse potential conflict by remembering we all started this life in vulnerable innocence. “For the Pure in Heart” includes words of reassurance and encouragement about trust. “Wisdom Round: A Walking Meditation” is a friendly a capella melody, focused on opening to our inner wisdom. “Arms (Are For Hugging)” is an upbeat tune to remind the listener “You are not alone.” “The Prayer of Protection” is a familiar Unity meditation put to a soft piano melody with nice harmonies.
Buy the music: www.cathydewitt.com/recordings.htm
“Dreams In The Making” by Scott Johnson
Reviewed by Rosemarie Ashley
“Dreams In The Making” by Scott Johnson is filled with empowered encouragement, appropriate for all audiences in any venue. The music is delivered in a variety of popular styles including upbeat and reflective music in adult alternative, big band, jazz and reggae. The album is produced to exceptional technical standards with seamless mixing and sharp mastering. Musical compositions flow smoothly, incorporating a wide variety of instruments for maximum entertainment appeal. The vocals are amazing, blending captivating harmonies with engaging melodies, highlighting the obviously well-trained talent of each singer. Lyrics are motivating and inspirational, with messages of universal truth weaved throughout; worded inclusively to welcome and connect with any listener. Scott makes remarkable use of song order, gently guiding the listener through a journey of self-discovery.
“Right This Moment”, an upbeat rock song about finding beauty in every moment and making conscious choices, is an ideal theme song for any empowerment event. “What Do You Want”, with a soulful delivery, encourages the listener to identify desires and consciously co-create them into reality. Some songs directly address doubt and frustration of human life, encouraging acknowledgement and processing of uncomfortable feelings while giving the listener prescriptions for emotional well-being. Other songs celebrate the beauty of life and infinite opportunities. The album as a whole leaves the listener feeling warmly hugged in the arms of love.
Buy the music: www.googolpress.com/html/music_ditm.php
“From Primal to Divine” by Rosemarie Ashley
Reviewed by Karie Hillery
A little something for everyone best describes the “From Primal To Divine” CD (Gen-Ray Records 2008). An eclectic mix of styles that run the gamut from the ethereal grooving “Heaven on Earth” and the edgy rock/grunge rap of “Until the Bliss” to the techno pop of “Make it Through.” Rosemarie Ashley's vocals range from soothing to soaring rock, reminiscent of Evanescence with the depth of Anne Wilson of the band “Heart.”
Sweet vocal harmonies are supported alternately by lush and powerful guitar, thick layered tracks and a cool range of beats. This project is full of surprises, moving the listener through every emotion. Spiritually based, empowering social/political lyrics compel listeners to take responsibility for their own participation in creating a better world for all. Sassy spirituality with attitude!
Buy the music: www.sassyalternativemusic.com/
“Higher Self” by Rod Kinny
Reviewed by Rosemarie Ashley
“Higher Self” by Rod Kinny is an album about transformation of lives and the world, in Adult Contemporary and Pop styles. The CD is of professional quality with excellent mixing of a variety of instruments, lead and background vocals. Instrumentation includes a large selection of live performances, bringing a fullness of variety and a satisfyingly entertaining effect. Compositions are excellent. Lead vocals are good, with a chorus of harmony tastefully intermingling for maximum appeal. The album includes a combination of upbeat and reflective songs, capturing and maintaining listener attention.
“Beyond The Impossible” is a smooth-flowing song, encouraging people to move past imagined limitations. “Higher Self” is a pop song of inspiration and introspection suggesting we look within to find connection to the source, leading to a magical life. The album fearlessly addresses a breakdown of long-established modes of operation, questioning blind obedience to mindless consumerism, environmental destruction and robotic adherence to unreasonable employment demands. “Infinite Love” distinguishes between the world seen with human eyes and the one of the mind's eye, proclaiming our perception of current power structures is an illusion and resolving to seek hidden opportunity. “Water to Wine” is about becoming aware of programmed behavior and discovering our true nature.
Buy the music: www.rodkinny.com/music.html
“Life Goes On” by Linq
Reviewed by Rosemarie Ashley
Immediately after “Life Goes On” by Linq begins playing, the listener is struck with the exceptional production. The instrumentation, engineering, lead and harmony vocals are stunning in clarity and quality of technical and artistic talent; sounding as if performed live. Mixing, with deliberate panning and solid mastering produce a perfect balance, demonstrating professional excellence. The songs are in a variety of Adult Contemporary styles including flavors of folk, blues and rock. Linq's strong, clear vocals demonstrate superior talent and perfect pitch, delivered with heart-felt passion.
The nature of the messages challenge listeners to question outdated beliefs with thought-provoking lyrics that call for urgent action by everyday people and courageous conviction about controversial topics. She covers the devastating effect of rampant construction to nature, the origin of judgmental thoughts, comfort within a loving community, living in the now, corporate and governmental deception, complacency of the masses, a changing paradigm as well as individual right-action. Particularly noteworthy are “Change the Picture” for a powerful a capella introduction, “Diversity Dance” for a light-hearted call to oneness, “George Orwell Where Are You?” and “SOS” for their outspoken candor and “Will You Care” for its confrontational message to the complacent masses. Any open-minded, socially conscious music lover will applaud Linq's work with a standing ovation.
Buy the music: www.linqmusic.com/discography/lifegoeson.html
“Life Is Good” by Randi Perkins
Reviewed by Cathy DeWitt
On his CD “Life Is Good”, Randi Perkins uses his songs to tell stories. In a folksy, conversational voice that invites you to join him, he sings about family, friendship, fatherhood and farming.
Ranging from country-flavored to mellow pop and even a short spoken-word piece, his songs also include a spiritual focus or theme. “The Prince” sounds almost like a song from a fantasy-musical. My favorite is “The Last Harvest,” a sweet song about his father that is done in two renditions on this 8-song CD.
Buy the music: www.randiperkins.com/music.html
“Start From Where You Are” by Lance Hoppen
Reviewed by Rosemarie Ashley
“Start From Where You Are” by Lance Hoppen is about every day trials of life on Earth, with the encouragement, reassurance and motivation necessary to overcome feelings of despair and loneliness to thrive emotionally, spiritually and financially. This collection is delivered in a variety of popular styles including rock, with country, electric and Jamaican flavors and adult contemporary for an engaging listening experience. Some songs encourage solemn reflection while others blend affirmative thought with contagious melodies, drawing sing-along participation. Production is exceptional, with sharp mixing and rich mastering, seamlessly weaving together a variety of instruments and layered vocals. Lance Hoppen's voice is clear and strong, with perfect pitch and smooth harmonies peppering the mix.
Messages include living in the moment, free will, appropriate right-action, trust, surrender, oneness, gratitude, love and human potential. As an added bonus, this album specifically relates to survival needs including songs that directly address the required mindset for financial wealth and freedom. Musical compositions are solid and structured, gently supporting the mood of each song. Lyrics are extraordinary, touching the listener with a delicate balance of real life fears and frustration, tempered with universal wisdom and action orientation, leaving the audience feeling acknowledged, comforted and revitalized as well as entertained.
Buy the music: www.orleansonline.com/catalog/item/4824442/7909844.htm