Creations Music Reviews
by Christina Lord

To all my faithful readers I wish you the happiest of Holy Days and the best New Year ever. May the New Year bring peace to all of the people in our precious world. This issue we have a variety of offerings from inspiration to protest and beyond. Enjoy!

View from a Southern Porch
by John Barlow Jarvis
www.johnbarlowjarvis.com
Jarvis’ 6th solo recording is appropriately described as "traveling without a map" by Time Magazine. His original piano compositions blur the line between country, classical, bluegrass and even a bit of ragtime. He is famous among Nashville musicians and should be at the top of the charts everywhere. This musical talent is a fresh voice who stands out in a crowd. After hearing this one, I looked forward to "discovering" his previous five recordings!

Ocean: Songs for the Night Sea Journey
by Jennifer Cutting
SunSign Records
www.jennifercutting.com
This ethereal masterpiece combines music, mythology, psychology and spirituality. Four female vocalists are featured along with soundscapes, Irish jigs and Celtic-style lullabies. The songs are uplifting and bring hope to your travels upon life’s changing seas.

From Beginning to End
by Glen Roethel
Inspireline Records
www.inspireline.com
Singer/songwriter Glen Roethel writes from his heart. His uplifting songs offer encouragement and inspiration. Pop arrangements are combined with African and Indian rhythms. If you are needing a helping hand, these songs will offer it.

Soulmates - Beautiful Music of Timeless Romance
by Rene
Polyphony Music
www.renemusiconline.com
Rene is one of the most popular creators of romance music– this is his latest endeavor. It is a treasury of Rene’s original compositions along with popular classical and Broadway melodies. Rene’s magical instrumental sounds give a feeling of warmth and relaxation. Great for a romantic dinner or anytime romance is in the air.

Light & Spirit
by Hans Christian
New Earth Records
www.newearthrecords.com
These renaissance compositions originally come from France, England, Ireland, Netherlands and Germany. Hans Christian adds his touch to create a spellbinding compilation of tunes designed for massage and deep relaxation. These joyful and emotional tunes work outside of culture and time. Great for relaxation and massage.

Journey of the Heart
by Anna E. Kravis
Baby Rose Music
available at: www.annaekravis.com
Inspirational melodies and lyrics that bring messages of peace, love and healing. Anna brings her life’s work into these songs.

Harbor Nights
by Mbandi
Mbandi Music
www.mbandimusic.com
Mbandi was born on the West Coast of Cameroon in West Africa, and he brings this influence to these original piano compositions, which evoke an island seashore retreat. I felt transported to the Caribbean in a refreshing tropical breeze. He adds many surprises to his melodies, making them energizing and reflective. Great for getting into a party mood!

Way of Life
by Lakota Thunder
Makoche Music
www.makoche.com
Lakota Thunder says it best: "Without music, our history and way of life will cease to exist. Our forefathers endured many hardships to ensure these songs were preserved. It is truly our honor and privilege to be able to sing these songs." This is a wonderful collection of Native American drummers and singers from the Standing Rock Reservation bordering North and South Dakota. These songs are the most authentic Native American music I have heard in a long time.

Soles on Earth
by Zingaia
Sequoia Records
www.sequoiarecords.com
You will sway to the rhythms of these sensual African, Middle Eastern and Indian tunes. They magically uplift and get you dancing. Play this after a long day at work and you will be rejuvenated.

New Voices, New World
by Scott Johnson
Googol Press
www.googolpress.com
Scott Johnson has written 10 more transformational "positive pop/rock" tunes whose words and music seek to uplift and empower his listeners. It offers a jolt of positive consciousness. His lyrics are direct and diverse, and he uses a myriad of vocalists to get his messages across. Great for your New Year resolutions!

Protest: Songs of Struggle and Resistance from Around the World
by various artists
World Spirit/Ellipsis Arts
www.ellipsisarts.com
From Pete Seger's Vietnam-era pacifist warning to an anti-slavery rumba from Congolese composer Papa Wemba, this compilation is particularly pungent in today’s world. These are passionate anti-war ballads by singers and political activists from Algeria, Jamaica, Brittany, Argentina, Lebanon and beyond. They will inspire you to get up and do something about the world’s injustices.

After the Storm
by Jeffrey Michael
Fireheart Music
www.fireheartmusic.com
Jeffrey Michael has created the most beautiful and dramatic compositions I have ever heard. From the first note to the last, I was deeply engaged in his inspiring and uplifting musical genius. He has the ability to capture your soul and transform it into love and calm and harmony. A definite must for everyone’s music 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/