Infinity
Did you know I released the first two volumes in my Infinity series? You can check out Volume 1 by clicking here, and of course Volume II by clicking here as well.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on them!
krichie
Monday Musings With Maestoso – Episode 20211122
News and other items covered in this episode
This episode I was joined by Academy and Golden Globe award-winning composer Mychael Danna (Life of Pi) and his life-long music partner Tim Clément on their release their new impeccably remixed and remastered classic masterpiece album North of Niagara.
The Artists
Mychael Danna and Tim Clément began writing music together as teenagers in the mid-1970s. In 1982, these two Canadian composers from very different musical backgrounds quietly released a self-produced album entitled A Gradual Awakening. With this release, they single-handedly created a distinctly Canadian environmental music. The music that followed on the albums Summerland and Another Sun expanded this tradition. These albums are now coveted as “cult classics” by electronic and ambient music aficionados worldwide.
Tim Clément’s indigenous ancestral background from northern Québec is reflected in his numerous compositions portraying a deep connection to the land. Mychael Danna, trained as a classical musician, moved into environmental music after meeting Tim and contributed an air of formality rarely found in ambient and minimalist music. The duo has always held a strong belief that music has a profound effect on all aspects of ours lives – physical, emotional and spiritual. Initially released in 1995, Mychael and Tim agree that North of Niagara is their seminal work, a suite of twelve environmental music pieces inspired by locations along Ontario’s Bruce Trail.
The Bruce Trail is Canada’s oldest and longest footpath with its stunning cliffs, caves, wetlands, beaches, and old-growth forests. It beings at Niagara Falls and follows the Niagara Escarpment, the edge of an ancient shallow sea, for 880 kilometres northward to Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula. “We have spent much of our youth hiking along the Bruce Trail. It has always been a source of peace and inspiration just outside our suburban homes”. For this 25th anniversary, 2021 re-release, North of Niagara has been impeccably remixed and remastered from the original analog reel to reel tapes. The original digital piano parts have now been replayed on a 1983 Steinway B, even further enhancing the pastoral and ethereal nature of the music.
The Show
We discussed the origins of their long friendship and collaborations leading up to the original release of North of Niagara in 1995.
We played the video for Crawford Lake from the album, and discussed the backstory on the location along The Bruce Trail and how it inspired them.
We also played the video for Mount Nemo, one of my personal favorites from the album with it’s ominous and mysterious sound. We also discussed the packaging for the 2021 North of Niagara CD, and the uniqueness of the face of the disc itself, along with all of the wonderful art included with the package.
Mychael and Tim explained the history of the initial recording and the process of remastering and replaying elements of the original music to bring it up to 21st century standards.
But without spoiling to much, I would encourage you to watch the show and learn more.
Please visit their official site here: https://mychaeldanna-timclement.com/ for more information on North of Niagara and their backstory.
For more information on Tim Clement you can visit https://www.timclementmusic.com/, and for information on Mychael Danna you can visit https://www.mychaeldanna.com/
We had a good time overall, so go watch yourself and be sure to order a copy of this new version of North of Niagara.
And of course don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Subscribobellagongthingy!
Monday Musings With Maestoso – Episode 20211115
News and other items covered in this episode
This episode I was joined by my trusty co host Eric Shupps
We discussed me re-releasing For the Willow Wept, March of the Inanimate: Repossessed, Mister Stichs and Dawn.
We discussed how my single for Epica made the #1 spot for the second month in a row on the New Age Music Charts!
I announced the instrumental cover I did for That’s The Way it Is.
We also played a song from my album Dawn and discussed the synopsis of the book that it’s derived from, Lilith’s Brood. Additionally the slight change I made to the album cover.
Of course, there was lots more discussed, therefore be sure to watch and hear!
Those that joined live and ordered a physical copy of Ambient Highways on CD or Vinyl also got a free autographed Ambient Highways poster with their order!
And of course the Vinyl for Ambient Highways is NOW AVAILABLE !!!
We had a good time overall, so go watch yourself and be sure to go listen to Ambient Highways or Epica and order your copy today!
And of course don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Subscribobellagongthingy!
Monday Musings With Maestoso – Episode 20211025
- News and other items covered in this episode
This episode I was joined by my special guests Vito Gregoli and Lissa Coffey to discus their release Song Divine!
Yoga. Meditation. Ayurveda. Ancient Wisdom from India with roots in the Bhagavad Gita.
We discussed the structure and process for how Song Divine came together, and played a couple of selections from the album. (Note: Small error in the titles under each song played)
Song Divine is written in verse and rhyme, the way the Bhagavad Gita (translated to “The Song of God” from Sanskrit) was originally intended. It is poetic, taking away the heaviness of trying to decipher the original text and leaving the pure, simple, spiritual truths.
You can find out more about Song Divine and where you can get your copy by visiting the official website by clicking here. The official lyric book can be purchased from Amazon by clicking here.
I actually had a few personal picks of which only two were played on the show, but for listeners I would also encourage a listen to the following from the album (If not the whole thing of course)
- Arise Arjuna
- The Secret
- Field and Knower
- Divine and Demonic
We also played a couple of selections from my latest album Epica.
Of course, there was lots more discussed, therefore be sure to watch and hear!
Those that joined live and ordered a physical copy of Ambient Highways on CD or Vinyl also got a free autographed Ambient Highways poster with their order!
And of course the Vinyl for Ambient Highways is NOW AVAILABLE !!!
We had a good time overall, so go watch yourself and be sure to go listen to Ambient Highways or Epica and order your copy today!
And of course don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Subscribobellagongthingy!
Monday Musings With Maestoso – Episode 20211018
News and other items covered in this episode
This episode I was joined by my trusty Co-Host Eric Shupps as we did a play through of my latest album Epica!
We did a play through of all the songs on Epica and discussed the meanings behind each song. We also had a special guest which was a new member here at House Majestic.
Of course, there was lots more discussed, therefore be sure to watch and hear!
Those that joined live and ordered a physical copy of Ambient Highways on CD or Vinyl also got a free autographed Ambient Highways poster with their order!
And of course the Vinyl for Ambient Highways is NOW AVAILABLE !!!
We had a good time overall, so go watch yourself and be sure to go listen to Ambient Highways or Epica and order your copy today!
And of course don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Subscribobellagongthingy!
New Album – Epica to release October 15th!
Music is a potent mood regulator. Simply by listening, our frame of mind changes. It can open a portal to another dimension where all sense of normality vanishes.
Though we may be remote in isolation here on Earth, join me through the soundscape of Epica. If we listen with an open mind, we will discover there are other worlds than these within us all.
New album Epica releases soon! Available from all digital services, with physical release soon after.
Digital Release: 10/15/2021
Physical Release: TBA
Music is a living, breathing entity
Music is a living, breathing entity. It inspires and motivates us every day; it’s the orchestral voice from within that allows us to interact with the world around us. When you listen to Epica by Keith Richie featuring the vocal prowess of Mimi Page, it’ll feel like you’re soaring through space while simultaneously looking down on your own life as if in an intricate storybook.
Epica is a musical work that begins with an ethereal voice that draws you into other worlds until suddenly as if you were thrown into a battle, beckons you to fight.
On Friday August 27th, 2021 I released Epica back to the digital world! So be sure to go check it out right now by clicking right here!
Monday Musings With Maestoso – Episode 20210823
News and other items covered in this episode
This episode I was joined by my special guest and friend Tom Caufield!
Tom Caufield is an instrumental acoustic guitarist with a contemplative, pastoral, near-ambient style. His music has been heard on SiriusXM, popular syndicated programs Hearts of Space, Echoes, All Things Considered and numerous NPR affiliate stations.
His 2016 album I Heard it Was Christmas Day was named ‘the holiday album of the year’ by Echoes’ John Diliberto and was carried in Whole Foods stores nationwide.
His latest album, ‘Pastures of Wonder’ was released on July 20, 2021.’Tom Caufield never disappoints. He is a thinking man’s guitarist who creates mindful compositions in which every note is diligently thought out, carefully placed and lovingly performed.’ – RJ Lannan, Artisan Review
We discussed Tom’s musical career and played a couple of his songs, and I discussed what a fanboy I was of his music :). It was an absolute pleasure to have Tom on the show after being a fan for so many years.
You can find out more about Tom Caufield via his official website and listen to his music on your favorite streaming service or buy a CD by clicking right here.
Of course, there was lots more discussed, therefore be sure to watch and hear!
Those that joined live and ordered a physical copy of Ambient Highways on CD or Vinyl also got a free autographed Ambient Highways poster with their order!
And of course the Vinyl for Ambient Highways is NOW AVAILABLE !!!
We had a good time overall, so go watch yourself and be sure to go listen to Ambient Highways and order your copy today!
And of course don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Subscribobellagongthingy!
Monday Musings With Maestoso – Episode 20210816
News and other items covered in this episode
This episode I was joined by my special guest and friend Jim Ottaway!
Jim is an Australian composer, producer and studio performer of original instrumental music covering many genres including space ambient, electronic, dance, new age, relaxation and music for film and television.
Since 2004 Jim has released over 25 independent albums in Australia… commencing with his first release ‘First Light’.
Three of his albums have been awarded Zone Music Reporter Awards in New Orleans, USA. At the 17th annual awards (2020) ‘When Eternity Touches Time’ was awarded Best Electronic Album and at the 14th annual awards (2017) ‘Timeless e-Motion’ was awarded Best Electronic Album and ‘Deep Space Blue’ was awarded Best Ambient Album. Both ‘When Eternity Touches Time’ and ‘Deep Space Blue’ were also nominated for Album of the Year in the respective years.
You can find out more about Jim Ottaway via his official website by clicking right here.
We discussed Jim’s musical career and played a couple of his songs, and had the opportunity to showcase a new song from his upcoming album Threshold of the Universe which releases August 20th, 2021.
Of course, there was lots more discussed, therefore be sure to watch and hear!
Those that joined live and ordered a physical copy of Ambient Highways on CD or Vinyl also got a free autographed Ambient Highways poster with their order!
And of course the Vinyl for Ambient Highways is NOW AVAILABLE !!!
We had a good time overall, so go watch yourself and be sure to go listen to Ambient Highways and order your copy today!
And of course don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Subscribobellagongthingy!
Monday Musings With Maestoso – Episode 20210802
News and other items covered in this episode
This episode I was joined by my special guest and friend Vito Gregoli!
Vito’s musical journey has been nothing if not diverse. His earliest musical explorations were rooted in Pop, Rock, Jazz and Blues, and shades of The Beatles, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck can be spotted in his work to this day.
Vito’s spiritual quest that led him to the New Age and World Music scenes. His interests in the healing power of music and his Classical background seamlessly blended in with his expansive experiments in New Age music.
Over the years, he’s had the privilege of working with such New Age and World Music artists as Constance Demby, Jai Uttal (featured on the Grammy Nominated “Mondo Rama” as guitarist and co-Producer), Deepak Chopra, Steven Halpern and produced and co wrote with for the acclaimed albums “Songs of Kuan Yin” with Donna De Lory for Sounds True Records.
Whether laying down killer guitar tracks, composing original music or adding depth and polish to artists he produces, Vito brings integrity and unique artistry to music that defies pigeon-holes. “I have the ability to hear something in everything — I can see ‘round the bend when someone plays me an idea. That inspires me in the job of Producer.”
You can find out more about Vito Gregoli via his official website by clicking right here.
We discussed Vito’s musical history and influences, starting with the drums at an early age; moving on to guitar; and how his path took him to the role of producer as well, along with his progression into New Age music.
We played a couple of musical selections from Vito’s albums, Voodoo Vito from Primordial Sonics and Nirguna from Om Land – The Shortcuts.
We discussed Om Land – The Shortcuts vs the full Om Land release.
We also discussed the upcoming release of Song Divine: The Bhagavad Gita Rock Opera.
Of course, there was lots more discussed, therefore be sure to watch and hear!
Those that joined live and ordered a physical copy of Ambient Highways on CD or Vinyl also got a free autographed Ambient Highways poster with their order!
And of course the Vinyl for Ambient Highways is NOW AVAILABLE !!!
We had a good time overall, so go watch yourself and be sure to go listen to Ambient Highways and order your copy today!
And of course don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Subscribobellagongthingy!