by New Age CD and New Age Notes Radio Staff
“Reflections” is the eighth collection of songs from acclaimed New Age jazz fusion guitarist, Shambhu (Neil Vineberg). Here, across ten tracks and thirty minutes we have a deeply introspective journey consisting mainly of acoustic and electric guitar.
The extremely relaxing songs masterfully weave together themes of love, life, and nature. The album also features horn player extraordinaire, Jeff Oster, accomplished jazz, rock, and classical pianist and composer, Geoffrey Menin, and guitarist, arranger, and composer, Leo Steinriede, on a few of the tracks. An interesting and effective combination, to be sure.
I am a huge fan of Shambhu’s music as I find it strikes a chord deep within and no matter what space you’re in at the moment it softly beckons to you just relax and get back in your flow. Now, I may have this totally wrong, but Shambhu seems to me like that cute guy we all knew in high school who just knew where he was going in life and probably was voted “most likely to succeed.” Whatever the case may be, I find a refreshing degree of effortless confidence, kindness, and awesome humility shining through his musical creations like a soft beacon of light and hope, inviting us to just feel the love, be the love.
This beautiful album opens with the lovely and melodic, “Reflections,” which was released as a single early this year. This is a great start to the album as we are gently invited into the warmth. Following is “Openings,” which was composed by and features Leo Steinriede. This is softly and sensitively played and takes us deeper into the tranquility.
“Heart Bridge” was also released as a single in the fall of this year. The song is dedicated to Shambhu’s dear friend, Bernard Francis Kyle. Beautifully written and performed, one can literally feel their heart opening.
If we are fortunate, we all get a brand-new day in which there is potential to reflect and celebrate the joys of being alive. “Sunshine Serenade,” embodies the feelings of the warmth present in bright new mornings, fresh beginnings, and cheerful feelings of optimism for life. This is just gorgeous.
Now, make no mistake, no one could possibly pick a favorite here and so I won’t even try. For the full relaxation experience, without question, you’ll want to get the whole album.
“Destiny” features Geoffrey Menin on piano along with Shambhu’s calming, melodic guitar. I really love this, and one feels instant serenity and a sense of lasting peace. We are invited to reflect upon the trials and tribulations of life as well as the good stuff.
A rather meditative piece, “Wishes” speaks softly to the interconnectedness of all. We are reminded that it isn’t all about us and everything we do reflects out onto others as well as affecting us individually.
The delightful “Montauk to Mexico” was also released as a single in May of this year in celebration of Shambhu and Jeff Oster’s shared birthday. Jeff’s dreamy flugelhorn blends effortlessly with Shambhu’s acoustic guitar. And again, we are reminded of the connection between us all no matter where we are geographically located.
If you’ve ever gazed up into the night sky in wonder, you know there are so many mysteries to reflect upon. This is gentle, flowing, and supremely tranquil and another invitation for reflection upon life.
Along this same cohesive theme that runs throughout the album, “Hope Eternal” gives us space to contemplate loss, life, and the love we all carry inside us. The piece is a beautiful tribute to Shambhu’s late friend, Apeksha Ron Bacci. I love the breathing space here and it’s a reminder that hope does spring eternal. Always.
“Woodsy Green” was originally created in 2017 but remained unfinished until now. Seems perfect. Here, we come full circle back to our roots, our connection to this world, and to ourselves.
If you want the ultimate in peace and tranquility, treat yourself to “Reflections.” It’s the quintessential relaxation album.
Shambhu’s official website: https://www.shambhumusic.com
Comentários