Review / Comments ::

Benjy Wertheimer and Michael Mandrell seem to be a well–matched and imaginative pair. How they manage to blend such diverse cultures is beyond me, but their magical blend of Celtic and Indian music is a fine example of what World Music is all about. I never would have imagined that Celtic, Indian, and Jazz elements could be fused into such a cohesive whole, or to enjoy the album as much as I did. Both Benjy and Michael seem to be very talented at playing a wide variety of instruments! One can't imagine how only two artists can create such a big sound!

While I did enjoy this CD a great deal, there are two tracks that seem to be recorded live, (5) "Bhagavan Dude" and (13) "What was the Question," and their use of voice I found distracting rather than relaxing. Many tracks from this album were perfectly appropriate for therapeutic massage, yoga, and activities. I found the music both relaxing and energizing and have to admit after listening to it for the first time, I was a bit speechless.

Sit with it and share the wonder of the journey to Celtistan, a place that was born in the hearts of Benjy and Michael and now exists in the hearts and minds of their many fans as well.

This dynamic duo is one to watch... I look forward to sampling more of their flavorful musical collaborations.

Favorite Tracks Include:

• (3) "Sneakin' Out," is a fun little tune which brings to mind mischievous teenagers sneaking out to meet their friends. And you know how that goes, the harder you try to be quiet... the more noise you make!
• (7) "Waltz from the White Mountains," the notes wrap around your heart, echo across the valley and shift and soar upon the air.
• (12) "Touch of the Beloved," the slow and sensuous notes of this track seem to caress the ears like a lover's fingers trailing upon your skin...

Rating ::

Related Web Links ::

Benjy Wertheimer:  http://www.benjymusic.com/

Michael Mandrell:  http://www.michaelmandrell.com/

Available At ::

CD Baby US (CD)
Amazon.com US (CD)
iTunes Music Store US (AAC Download w/ DRM)

Album Copyright Information ::

© 2007 Benjy Wertheimer and Michael Mandrell

Review Date ::

Reviewed: October 2007
Last Updated: 10/28/2007
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Review / Comments ::

Some of her tracks have a faster groove, while others take on a world beat. Dramatic, enchanting, and full of imagination Catherine Duc's music will take you by the hand and lead you upon a merry journey through several genres and her tracks are liberally seasoned with the musical influences of many countries.

Favorite Tracks Include:

• (2) Dancing in the Mist, full of traditional Celtic instruments and lots of energy, a sensational tune bound to bring a spring to your step and a twinkle to your eyes.
• (5) Secret Sanctuary, a World Music track, is a personal favorite of mine. The acoustic guitar, Bolivian flute and pan flute combine to give this track a lonely and mysterious quality like an ancient city revealed in the depths of the jungle.
• (7) Midsummer Twilight, invites you to kick back with entrancing keyboard, flute, violin and acoustic guitar. Gather your worries and cares of your long day and cast them to the outgoing tide.
• (9) Rivulet, another World Music track, takes us to the orient. Flute, violin and strings accompany more traditional oriental instruments, like the koto, to give this composition a timeless and contemporary feel.
• (10) In the Light of Day, is a powerful homecoming. Violin, harp, flute, and orchestral instruments give this gorgeous track the ability to capture the heart-stopping moment in an epic film when our hero is reunited with those who love him. We rejoice with Catherine as her music captures us, and includes us, in their loving embrace.

I've throughly enjoyed this delightful album, which is so different than the usual ambient/new age music I spend my days listening to. It's certainly captured my attention and set my mind to thinking of various ways I can include it in my life. From background music while making dinner or entertaining, to great art gallery music, and the perfect accompaniment to even therapeutic massage... the uses for this versatile and original album are endless!

I add my voice to those of other fans, anxiously awaiting Catherine's next album release!

For originality and her skill in packing this tasty treat with lots of flavor, I give Catherine Duc's Vision and Dreams
5 out of 5 stars!

Rating ::

Special Mention

Related Web Links ::

Official Site:  http://www.catherineduc.com/

Available At ::

eMusic US (MP3 Download, DRM-Free)
Amazon.com US (MP3 Download, DRM-Free)
iTunes Music Store US (AAC Download w/ DRM)
CD Baby US (CD)
Amazon.com US (CD)

Album Copyright Information ::

© 2005 Catherine Duc

Review Date ::

Reviewed: October 2007
Last Updated: 10/05/2007
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© Copyright 2002 - 2007, Joshua Anderson. All Rights Reserved.

Review / Comments ::

I discovered Zola Van's music back in February 2003, through some tracks she had made available at Amazon.com. After reading about how she drew her inspiration from the forests and rivers of Southern Illinois, and playing the first track, I was totally enthralled. You too will be held captive to the beauty of the deep forest wearing a pristine coat of snow, as Zola's journeys are captured in music. So, grab a cup of coffee, and put your feet up for an armchair journey through the forests of Southern Illinois.

Favorite Tracks Include:

• (2) Chamnesstown School Trail at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. How many of us have heard the stories in our childhood about our parents or grandparents walking 5 miles or more one way to attend a one room school house? Zola takes us back through time to attend a small country school.
• (3) Winter's Kiss at Rim Rock Trail, as light and beautiful as the designs Jack Frost paints upon the windows or snow reflecting the sunrise like diamonds on newly fallen snow.
• (6) The Snow Day, a day off from school will delight any child between the ages of 5 and 18. This track is full of joy and it's easy to picture a group of children sledding, playing hide and seek and other outdoor games in the fresh deep snow.
• (8) Trail of Tears: Kyrie at Brownfield, Zola's empathetic response to a sad historic tale of Cherokee mothers sending their children away into the forest in hopes they might survive the Trail of Tears. Heart-wrenching, yet inspiring, Zola's loving tribute assures the listener that those who died along the way, will not be forgotten.

Rating ::

Related Web Links ::

Official Site:  http://www.zolavan.com/

Available At ::

eMusic US (MP3 Download, DRM-Free)
CD Baby US (CD)
Amazon.com US (CD)

Album Copyright Information ::

© 2001 / 2004 Zola Van

Review Date ::

Reviewed: October 2007
Last Updated: 10/05/2007
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© Copyright 2002 - 2007, Joshua Anderson. All Rights Reserved.

Review / Comments ::

Had a bad day? Why not warm yourself with a bit of "Irish Coffee" the latest CD by Cady Finlayson. Celtic, American folk and world music influences combine to give "Irish Coffee" a bold smooth taste sure to appeal to many musical palates.

"Irish Coffee" is a collection of both traditional airs, jigs, marches, reels, waltzes, and new compositions. Filled with the romance of centuries past, and hope for the future, it's sure to have you at the very least tapping your toes along with this magical music. Cady's playing will have you longing for Ireland, even if you've never set foot on the Emerald Isle before.

Favorite Tracks Include:

• (1) Tuttle/Caislean an Oir, a spritely pairing of the fiddle and the drum bound to make your feet itch to dance.
• (7) A Midwinter's Waltz, as soft as twilight, gently sweeps you away to the days of yore.
• (15) Edgefauld House, a beautiful tune, as stately as a march into a grand ballroom. I'm particularly fond of the use of the harp in this arrangement.
• And last but not least, (16) Jury Duty Waltz, a fun and contemporary number written by Cady herself.

Rating ::

Related Web Links ::

Official Site:  http://www.cadyfinlayson.com/

Available At ::

CD Baby (CD)
iTunes Music Store (AAC Download w/ DRM)
Amazon.com (CD)

Album Copyright Information ::

© 2007 Cady Finlayson

Review Date ::

Reviewed: July 2007
Last Updated: 07/18/2007
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© Copyright 2002 - 2007, Joshua Anderson. All Rights Reserved.

» July 17th, 2007 ::

Supporting Cancer Awareness

The Lavender ribbon symbolizes "Cancer Awareness".
Detailed description to follow at a later time...

Links:
National Cancer Institute
American Cancer Society
Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation

Originally Posted: July 17th, 2007 by Joshua
Last Updated: July 17th, 2007 by Joshua
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© Copyright 2002 - 2007, Joshua Anderson. All Rights Reserved.

» May 20th, 2007 ::

Online Store Launched

Visit our online store (via CafePress) and buy official Streams-of-Time coffee mugs and/or mousepads, available in multiple colors, with prices starting at $10.99 US!

All product names and logos are registered trademarks,
and are property of their respective owners.
© Copyright 2002 - 2007, Joshua Anderson. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome to a Holiday 2006 Special:

It's hard to find someone who can't pick out a favoirte holiday song from their childhood... you know, those old time classics that wash your troubles away... Why not cleanse your spirit, and find relieve from the stress that comes with this hectic season, with some new holiday classics.

I would like to take a moment, and share with you some albums that will make perfect additions to your holidays this year and for years to come. I've selected my currently top five favorites, four of which are independent artists, as well as three honorable mentions.  I encourage you to take a moment and visit each artist's site, and listen to any available samples.  You can purchase digital downloads of all but two albums, so you can get most of them without having to deal with crowds and jam-packed stores.

I hope you and your's have safe and happy holidays!

Joshua - Reviewer / Webmaster

Continue on to the list!

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and are property of their respective owners.
© Copyright 2002 - 2006, Joshua Anderson. All Rights Reserved.