Creations Music Reviews
by Christina Lord

CANVAS
by Kev Oz
www.kevoz.com
This is another winner by a rising star– Kev Oz. His original compositions paint lively tapestries of shadows, sunrises, happiness, dreams and much more. His music is on par with Enya, yet its colors are much more vibrant and its themes instill hope. This CD is a definite must for your New Age music collection. I cannot stop playing Oz’s music. It stands out in a field saturated with music.

Inner Balance
by a collection of inter-nationally recognized artists
New Earth Records
www.newearthrecords.com
You won’t go wrong with this extraordinary compilation of renowned New Age artists including Deuter, Chinmaya Dunster and Kamal. The instrumental tunes are hand picked to enrich Yoga and all other healing arts. They encourage harmony and balance in your life. Great for refreshing your body, mind and spirit.

Gaia
by Agnus Dei
Indigo Music
www.indigomusic.at
Agnus Dei is from Austria and consists of Gerald Krampl and his late wife Hilde Krampl. This CD features Gerald on the piano and electric keyboards playing original compositions that accompany poetry by Hilde. A booklet of the poems accompanies the CD. The music is heartwarming, uplifting and imaginative, as are the poems.

Earth Blue
by Deuter
New Earth Records
Another rare musical genius, Deuter explores physical space and movement in this new collection. Inspired by the grand plaza of the Volkswagen Autostadt in Wolfsburg, Germany, he investigates the theme of Human Mobility. He questions how we move ourselves, both in the objective and subjective senses. He asks, "What is the meaning of speed? What is the meaning of stillness?" Designed with the ancient practice of Feng Shui, the Autostadt is a synthesis of traditional and modern architecture. Join Deuter in this extraordinary journey to discover the wonder inside the ordinary. Industrialization might just take on a different face after you experience this.

Jewel of Hari
by Jaya Lakshmi
Sequoia Records
www.sequoiarecords.com
Gifted singer Jaya Lakshmi has the strong and passionate voice of a visionary. On this CD, she sings Vedic chants from India, harmonizing with flamenco guitar, harmonium, sarod and tabla, bringing these traditional mantras alive. The modern and ancient worlds merge together as one in these relaxing compositions, perfect for massage, yoga or background music.

Mantras 5: Happiness
by Henry Marshall & the Playshop Family
Oreade Music
www.oreade.com
A choir of angels sings four soul-stirring mantras, which are written out so that you can sing along. These sacred Sanskrit power words have an element of mystery that defies explanation. They are used to help heal the body and mind. They will help you focus on your inner self and let go of stressful situations. They transported me to the desert where I grew up, when I had no worries and played all day.

Chronicles
by Medwyn Goodall
Oreade Music
www.oreade.com
Medwyn Goodall is a visionary composer and musical genius. His newest compositions are highly emotional soundscapes that capture the dramatic storyline of an epic tale– The Circle of Three, in which heroes go on a quest through Meridia, a world with an uncertain destiny. A booklet is included explaining the venture. I was drawn into this adventure, unable to escape.

Blue Serenity
by Craig Linder
AquaHorse Records
www.craiglinder.com
The warm piano sounds on this CD will massage away stress and take you soaring into the clouds. When you finally return you will feel balanced and relaxed. When I finished listening to these 60 minutes of piano compositions, I felt completely at peace, as if I had spent all day in the spa.

Best Kept Secret
by Frances Mai-ling
www.mai-ling.net
This is Frances Mai-ling’s tenth project and one of her best. Her unique and inventive musical style is a mixture of classical, eclectic, ethereal and new age with a hint of rock & pop. This CD features instrumental pieces she created for five theatre productions: Evil Little Thoughts, Tempest, A Visionary Comedy, Taming of the Shrew and The Miser. I felt as if I was at a carnival, going from one booth to the next and being thoroughly surprised with each change of setting. Expect the unexpected here! It provides a great backdrop for a dinner party or Sunday morning brunch.

Celia in the House: The Ultimate Classic Hits Remix Collection
by Celia Cruz
Universal Music Latino
www.universalmusica.com
Angel Eyes Records
www.angeleyesrecords.com
This is a remix collection of Celia Cruz’ classic hits, spanning her long career. The styles range from Latin House to jazz and soul, from funky to dark. Among the 13 songs included are Quimbara, La Vida es un Carnaval and Bemba Colora. This is a must-have to round out your Celia Cruz collection.

* To artists and labels submitting CDs for review: Please let us know where our readers can purchase your CDs.

Christina Lord is a music, entertainment and portrait photographer in NYC. Email her at songlord@earthlink.net http://clordphoto.tripod.com/christinalord/