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Reviews

Dyan Garris music reviews: Orenda reviews

Orenda: Breath of Angels – Album Review by Kathy Parsons, Mainly Piano

Orenda: Breath of Angels
Dyan Garris
2021 / Journeymakers, Inc.
47 minutes

Orenda: Breath of Angels is the fourteenth album from pianist/keyboardist/composer Dyan Garris. The ten original tracks were created as “contemporary relaxation music” and were inspired by “the need for all of us to breathe, relax, release, and feel peace and tranquility in our individual and collective soul.” Two of the ten pieces are remixes from earlier recordings. The album features Garris performing on three different keyboards and includes guest appearances by flutist Sherry Finzer, Juliet Lyons and Rebekah Eden (vocals), Tony Garviz (guitars) and string arrangements by Louis Anthony deLise. Quoting Dyan Garris: “The music has a theme of breath or breathing, soft breezes, like angel kisses, perhaps, and ‘lightness’ of spirit in general. We CAN effect change in the world by vibrating to and staying in a place of light and love. Music helps. These tracks were designed for exactly this.” Five singles were released starting in August 2020.

Dyan Garris is a multiple award-winning New Age recording artist, an award-winning author, and a music reviewer for Zone Music Reporter, NewAgeCD, and Spirit Seeker Magazine. In early 2021, she started a radio station called New Age Notes that features new age, ambient and neo-classical artists from all over the world.

The Urban Dictionary defines “Orenda” as: “a supernatural, divine force within every human being. Always omnipresent, it empowers people to change the world in a positive, loving way. It is also the energy that effects change in one’s own life.” The world could certain use a big dose of that!

Orenda: Breath of Angels begins with “Every Time You Breathe” which features the ethereal vocals of Juliet Lyons, Sherry Finzer on flute and John Herrera’s breathing sounds in addition to Garris on piano and keyboards – a gently-flowing opener that sets the mood for the album. “Another Place” was inspired by the eternal nature of the soul. “No matter where we are, here, there, or anywhere, we are eternal love.” Ambient and very peaceful, I find this one especially calming. “Forest Whispers” was nominated as “Best New Age Single of 2020″ by One World Music Radio and was inspired by Garris’ passion for meditation and relaxation music.

Tropical sounds of the rainforest combine with Sherry Finzer’s haunting alto flute and Garris’ ambient and atmospheric keyboards – SO soothing! The title track was inspired by”the fact that we are always surrounded by love – angelic or otherwise – even if we don’t see it or realize such.” “Moonlight Breeze” was composed shortly after Garris’ husband died and is dedicated to him. Overflowing with love and tenderness as well as ambient warmth, it’s one of my favorites. “Water For the Soul” is a remix of the piece from Garris’ 2016 Mystic’s Nine album. More melodic than ambient, piano, keyboard washes and atmospheric sounds combine to make this another standout. “Timeless Traveler” returns to a very ambient style and was also nominated by OWMR as “Best New Age Single for 2020.” Sherry Finzer’s flute and Rebekah Eden’s wordless vocals send this beautiful piece heavenward. “Home” is a remix from Garris’ 2007 album, Release, with added string arrangements by Louis Anthony deLise.

So, if you find you need some calming, peaceful music in your life, Orenda: Breath of Angels is an excellent choice. It is available from Amazon, Apple Music/iTunes, Spotify and others.

Kathy Parsons
MainlyPiano.com

GET ORENDA CD OR DIGITAL HERE
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Review: Orenda: Breath of Angels By Dyan Garris Written by Steve Sheppard (OWMR)

I had only be talking to a friend the other day about the lack of albums about Angels in the New Age music scene these days, when up pops this splendid new release by composer Dyan Garris, and her latest offering, a fine collection of beautiful tracks we can now know as Orenda: Breath of Angels.

This is the artist’s 14th album and her experience and fluent artistry, dare I say, may have seen created one of the best albums of year in this genre by far, with wonderfully flowing pieces like the opener, Every Time You Breathe feat. Juliet Lyons, VOX & Sherry Finzer, to the soothing narrative of the following offering Another Place.

The title track Orenda is truly something to admire, the keyboard performance by the artist seems to literally hover all around you, it is as if the very tones and timbre of this most marvellous composition, are touching your very soul; when I hear music like this I am filled with joy and abundance.

Here is a joyous album that takes us back to the golden days of classic New Age music, and I can see that this is going to be a real permanent fixture on my player of choice, as is the track Timeless Traveler feat. Sherry Finzer, a piece that utilises the perfect flute performances of the flautist once more.

This is an album that it must be said is utterly translucent, and its radiance shines with each and every track, and one that concludes with the beautifully named 5th Eye Trance feat. Rebekah Eden & VOX, this is one of the finest offerings of angelic ambience I have heard for literally decades.

Orenda: Breath of Angels has without doubt been created by an unconditional connection to the angelic realms, this is the breath of fresh air this industry needs, and Garris must be proud of this her manifestation, for it has set free the genre of New age music once more, and Orenda: Breath of Angels by Dyan Garris will be the flag bearer at the front of this new revolution of sight and sound. This album deserves the high chart placings, and the inevitable awards it will get, simply and breathtakingly outstanding.

 
 

Orenda: Breath of Angels – Album Review by Kerry Barnes

 

 

 

 

 

Orenda: Breath of Angels

REVIEW BY Janet Mawdesley July 3, 2021, 9:56 am

An elegant simplicity of which the Divine One’s are sure to approve, is the hallmark of this latest work from composer and pianist Dyan Garris, Orenda: Breath of Angels, an album that returns to the earlier style of what was then referred to as New Age Music, which in many ways is a breath of fresh air in a world that is seeking peace and tranquillity.

Where Angels are concerned there is a lightness of being, strength of purpose and a definitive spiritually which is often hard to define clearly, but through the mystique of music, the beauty of the angelic realm reaches out to comfort, sooth and reassure which has been captured in this peaceful, calming, collection.

Sherry Finzer on flute adds an ethereal ambiance to several of the tracks, along with delicate vocals from Rebekah Eden and on the first track, Every Time You Breathe, Juliet Lyons. Tony Garviz on guitar and Louis Anthony deLise’s intricate sting arrangements complete the stellar line up of musicians who have collaborated to create a magical journey to an angelic realm.

Orenda showcases the talent of Garris in a simple piece with piano and violin that highlights the words from Garris on the inner cover of the liner: ‘Somewhere between your own inhale and exhale is the space where angels breathe.’ Water for the Soul – remix is another such piece with a slightly more up-tempo beat and a fitting piece to use once again on this album.

It has been said on several occasions that Garris, when composing and recording has a direct pathway to the angelic realm:  Orenda: Breath of Angels only underpins that opinion, as each of the songs is as if a door opens into another dimension and within that dimension, is whatever you choose to select: peace, relaxation or meditation, or maybe all three.

Perfect for meditation is the final track 5th Eye Trance with the exquisite vocals of Rebekah Eden taking this piece to another level entirely: the clear, fresh and pure space where the Angels choose dwell.

In a time when music of a ‘new age’ format is becoming incredibly sophisticated and wide ranging in style and emotion, Orenda: Breath of Angels could easily be considered as a stand-alone album that has been heaven sent!

Orenda: Breath of Angels Album Review by Dick Metcalf:

Divinely inspirational sonic journey Dyan Garris – Orenda: Breath of Angels

By Dick Metcalf, editor, Contemporary Fusion Reviews

February 10, 2021

Divinely inspirational sonic journey Dyan Garris – ORENDA: BREATH OF ANGELS:   I’ve been highly impressed by Dyan’s beautiful and sensitive work, especially while reviewing her “Timeless Traveler” single (from this new album)… she released a series of singles from Orenda (starting in August, 2020), and I got to review many of them.  Now I’m privileged to review the new album in full, a divinely inspirational sonic journey… I (most strongly) recommend that you watch the trailer for the title track first…

In Dyan’s own words, this song was inspired by the fact that “we are always surrounded by love – angelic or otherwise – even if we don’t see it or realize such“… you can enjoy many more of Dyan’s performances when you SUBSCRIBE to Dyan’s YouTube channel, too.

On “Gentle Traveler”, Rebekah Eden’s stunning vocal work makes you feel like you’re on a journey to a new reality, full of hope and promise for a brilliant future together… a superb song for meditation as well!

My friend Sherry Finzer played flute on “Forest Whispers“… I (most strongly) recommend that you listen to this piece (the entire album, in fact) with your headphones on, so you can experience the sense of calm it produces as you listen… I believe this tune should be “required listening” in schools across the nation.

My choice for personal favorite of the ten performances Dyan offers up for our enjoyment is (without question) “Moonlight Breeze”… there’s a sense of “depth” that spans the universe in this song… I’m already hitting “replay” often for this wonderful tune!

I give Dyan a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) score of 4.99 for this excellent musical journey.  Get more information on Dyan’s website.                                   Rotcod Zzaj

#Divinely #inspirational #sonic #journey #Dyan #Garris

Review of Orenda: Breath of Angels by Keith Hannaleck.

April 19, 2021

New Age Instrumental Review: Dyan Garris-Orenda: Breath Of Angels

Release Date: April 23, 2021
Label: Journeymakers, Inc
Website

Dyan Garris is set to release her fourteenth proper album titled Orenda: Breath Of Angels.

Looking at the title, the first thing I needed to do was endeavor to find what Orenda was. Fortunately, that was provided by the artist.

From the Urban Dictionary:  Orenda is “a supernatural, divine force within every human being. Always omnipresent, it empowers people to change the world in a positive, loving way. It is also the energy that effects change in one’s own life.”

From Wikipedia:  Orenda /ˈɔːrɛndə/ is the Iroquois name for a supposed spiritual energy inherent in people and their environment. It’s an “extraordinary invisible power believed by the Iroquois Native Americans to pervade in varying degrees in all animate and inanimate natural objects as a transmissible spiritual energy capable of being exerted according to the will of its possessor.”

Now I am off to a good start on this audio journey. The cover image projects exactly what it needs to. It’s soft and very spiritual and angelic of course. If you look at both interpretations of Orenda there are similar meanings, however what I think Dyan is projecting through her music is peace, serenity, love, hope, and ultimately a meditative and healing experience listening to her music. If that force is present then all of those things can happen.

If you are part of the new age community and are into this genre of music, Dyan is not hard to find. Besides being a fine musician that enlightens her listeners, she writes reviews regularly for her contemporaries on Zone Music Reporter, and most recently launched her radio station called New Age Notes. So, to say the least, she is multi-talented and offers so much to others. She is one of our gifts that all of the music community can thank the heavens for.

I had previously covered two of her singles “Every Time You Breathe” and “Forest Whispers.” I completely enjoyed that experience. Now I had the opportunity to settle in and take an entire album in. Dyan allows us to get outside ourselves, and become willing to remove the thoughts and distractions of the day, and focus on the beautiful music she provides on Orenda: Breath Of Angels.

The primary instrument from which each composition is created then performed is her keyboards. For those of you that want to be informed of what equipment she used to record, there are three configurations of keyboards including the Korg Triton Extreme, Korg Krome EX, and Yamaha MOX8. In addition to all the amazing sounds, you will hear the very popular in demand Rebak Eden, who provides the ethereal wordless vocals to give it that special heavenly touch.

What is there not to like on Orenda: Breath Of Angels? The answer is nothing. All ten tracks were wonderful and gave me such solace and regeneration of my mind, body, and spirit, that it was over before I knew it. That is a good thing from my viewpoint, if the music is good then it goes by fast. The sounds while electronically generated, are amazing, to say the least. The combination of all the keyboards and additional instruments makes for a classic contemporary new age music album that will be a joy to hear. It is, as I always say, a great healing tool and will help you get into a meditative state. If you seek relaxation, meditation, either deep alpha or minimal to focus, it works.

If you are ready to take flight on the wings of an angel, then Orenda: Breath Of Angels will make a path of restoration that you will want to visit more than once.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
April 19, 2021

Tracks:
01. Every Time You Breathe (3:34) (feat. Juliet Lyons, VOX and Sherry Finzer, flute
02. Another Place (3:32)
03. Forest Whispers (5:20) (feat. Sherry Finzer, flute)
04. Orenda (2:59)
05. Moonlight Breeze (6:30)
06. Gentle Traveler (5:05) (feat. Rebekah Eden, VOX and Tony Garviz, guitars)
07. Water For The Soul (Remix) 2:56)
08. Timeless Traveler (6:21) (feat. Rebekah Eden, VOX and Sherry Finzer, flute)
09. Home (Remix) (5:19) (feat. String arrangements by Louis Anthony deLise
10. 5th Eye Trance (5:27) (feat. Rebekah Eden, VOX)

Total run time: 47:23

All music written and performed by Dyan Garris

Every Time You Breathe review from Steve Sheppard from One World Music

Forest Whispers review from Steve Sheppard from One World Music

Review of Timeless Traveler (single) from Dick Metcalf of Contemporary Fusion Reviews:

Memorable ethereal journey Dyan Garris – TIMELESS TRAVELER:  Dyan has been giving me intimate previews to the songs on her upcoming album (Orenda – Breath of Angels), and I couldn’t be happier with them… this latest song is one of the most memorable and ethereal sonic journeys I’ve taken (yet) in 2020… she’s brought in the high-talent Sherry Finzer on flute and the magical Rebekah Eden doing ethereal, wordless vocals to perform her captivating composition.   I will be reviewing the full album when it releases, but in the meantime, enjoy the the Timeless Traveler release, the latest in the series…

…you’ll find many enchanting performances, and beautiful meditative videos when you SUBSCRIBE to Dyan’s YouTube channel… I did it right away.

This marvelous composition and performance is dedicated to her husband, who has departed these shores and moved on to higher travels… Sherry’s flute is a perfect backdrop for the stellar visuals rendered in the video… wonderful strings guide us comfortably through the video, and though Rebekah’s captivating vocals appear throughout the performance, they come into ultra-sharp focus at about the 3:35 mark of the 6:28 song.  I was truly impressed by the combination/interchange between cosmic scenes and clouds under the moon!  Visual DJ’s are going to be playing this one over and over again!

I give Dyan and her musical com-padres a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) score of 4.99 for this superbly focused audio-visual experience.  Get more information on Dyan’s website.                                       Rotcod Zzaj

Review of Forest Whispers (single) from Dick Metcalf of Contemporary Fusion Reviews:

Sweetly scintillating sonics Dyan Garris – FOREST WHISPERS: I recently reviewed a tasty new single/video from Dyan called “Every Time You Breathe“; she also sent along a second video from her soon-to-be-released album, “Orenda – Breath of Angels”… on this new one, the theme is the beauty of nature, and the video is among the best I’ve seen (yet) in 2020…
I most strongly recommend that you SUBSCRIBE to Dyan’s YouTube channel… you’ll find many more beautiful performances there.

“Forest Whispers” also features our friend Sherry Finzer doing flute; the shots of rich, dense forests combined with sparkling synth washes will carry you on a journey that allows you to escape the dangerous currents that abound across our globe today. I found my eyes totally captivated by the shimmering waterfalls and rivers that abound in the video. I believe this performance will be nominated for (and WIN) awards!

If it’s the solace of nature you are looking for, I give Dyan’s superb video a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, as well as a (perfect) “EQ” (energy quotient) score of 5.00… that means, of course, that it also gets my “PICK” for “best nature video performance”.

#Sweetly #scintillating #sonics #Dyan #Garris


FULL REVIEW FROM DICK METCALF HERE:
https://contemporaryfusionreviews.com/sweetly-scintillating-sonics/

Review of “Every Time You Breathe” (single) from Dick Metcalf of Contemporary Fusion Reviews:

Enchanting sultry single Dyan Garris – EVERY TIME YOU BREATHE: Dyan’s wonderful piano, together with enchanting sultry vocals by Juliet Lyons and sweet flute work from Sherry Finzer, will help you to experience the joy of the world around you… it’s a song from her soon-to-be-released album “Orenda – Breath of Angels”… before I say too many words about this sonic and visual gem, watch it a few times (put it on “loop”)…

…you’ll find many other performances, and beautiful meditative videos when you SUBSCRIBE to Dyan’s YouTube channel… I did it right away.

The video captures natural beauty in many forms, and the mix of piano, flute and captivating vocals will have you spinning it over and over again. I especially enjoyed the scenes crafted on shorelines, like you’ll see at about the 1:52 mark.

My personal favorite segment in the video starts at about the :30 second marker… a beautiful dance sequence in a field that starts with one beautiful dancer and morphs into three… a reminder to all of us that we need to live life in the fullness of freedom.

I give Dyan and her fellow players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) score of 4.99 for this most inspirational video. Get more information on Dyan’s website.

#Enchanting #sultry #single #Dyan #Garris
FULL REVIEW FROM DICK METCALF HERE: https://contemporaryfusionreviews.com/enchanting-sultry/

Review of Forest Whispers and Every Time You Breathe from Keith Hannaleck, MuzikManReviews

Dyan Garris is an award winning new age artist and author. She is multi-talented and touches upon all of the arts within the new age genre and is a classical trained on the piano and violin.

“Forest Whispers” is a recent single track that is the feature I speak of.  It is a new age journey as beautiful, natural, and inviting as the cover indicates.

The birds are chirping with delight as the sounds of new age combined with world music fill in the space around you.

It takes you there immediately. That my friends is exactly what any recording artist wants!

http://www.ratethetracks.com/2020/08/dyangarrisforestwhispers.html?fbclid=IwAR3UAwFfVJDbtjwF0xFmwP_-dHR8jAMLZchEhvgmuZpaBPB_sga8PHQXILc

The word breathe has taken on a significantly different meaning this year for anyone that has a pulse and knows what is going on in the U.S. I cannot help but think of one thing.  

Keeping those thoughts in mind, Dyan Garris has released a beautiful track titled “Every Time You Breathe.” The lovely rhythm filled ivory keys that she commands take center stage along with some decidedly heavenly vocalizations.

“Every Time You Breathe” is a reminder of our humanity and how important it is to have good breathing and how you should be able to control it and modulate it as needed. The track is in fact a great encapsulation of the essence of life however the artwork of the cover lets you know we only have so much time before our breathing stops so cherish every second you have on the earth and enjoy the music!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck 

Mystic’s Nine – Review by Kathy Parsons of Mainly PianoAward Winning Mystic's Nine by Dyan Garris

Mystic’s Nine is composer/pianist/keyboardist Dyan Garris’ thirteenth album and was composed and recorded over a period of four years. With a very impressive group of contributing artists, Garris has created a collection of eleven tracks that pertain to the mystical number nine. It is also a concept album “with the theme of the resilience of the indomitable human spirit and triumph over adversity.” Nine of the pieces are instrumentals and two are vocals. Some of this music is ambient and ethereal while other pieces are much more upbeat, melodic and vibrant. It’s a colorful mix that works well in the background as well as with focused listening; I especially enjoyed listening the album while driving down the coast in the rain! Garris is a classically-trained pianist and violinist, but she is also a visionary mystic, voice recognition psychic, and trance channel medium who reads from the Akashic Records.

Mystic’s Nine opens with the rhythmic and very lively title track. Keyboards, wordless vocals, and driving percussion (Joe Bauer) send the spirit of the album joyfully soaring from the very first note! “Mystic Sea” begins with the sound of flowing water (which is audible throughout) and then becomes a blissfully ambient, gently floating dream that features Scott Schaefer on flute. “Muse’s Gift” is one of the two vocals and features Amber Norgaard (the lyrics are in the liner notes of the CD) and Peter Sterling on harp. “Mystical” cranks up the rhythm behind Jeff Oster’s peaceful flugelhorn and trumpet (Oster co-wrote this piece with Garris) – a favorite.

Joe Bauer returns on “Cloud 9” with a pulsating rhythm that propels the piece – another favorite. “The Mist” is the second vocal piece, this time with Amber Norgaard and Margo Joy, and cello by Michael G. Ronstadt. Heartfelt and bittersweet, it’s a beauty! My favorite piece on the album is “East on 9th.” Resonating with a strong beat, a cinematic sweep, and a slightly exotic flavor, this one had me hitting the “replay” button several times! “Water For the Soul” quiets down a bit in a more classic new age mode that is warm, open and free- form, bringing the album to a peaceful close.

Dyan Garris is a fascinating artist who brings a wide range of influences to her music. Overall, Mystic’s Nine is much livelier than most albums in the “new age” genre, and it’s a sound that I really like. The album is available from Amazon, iTunes and CD Baby. Recommended!

March 27, 2017

Mystic’s Nine
Dyan Garris
2016 / Dyan Garris
43 minutes

Review of Mystic’s Nine by Midwest Book Review
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW says:
Mystic’s Nine is a captivating CD New Age album that beautifully demonstrates composer Dyan Garris’ keyboarding talent. Two songs have vocal tracks (with lyrics printed on the album’s case); the rest are instrumental. A soundscape that soothes the quiescent soul, Mystic’s Nine is highly recommended for both personal and public library ambient music collections.

Review of Mystic’s Nine by Candice Michelle of Journeyscapes Radio
Mystic’s Nine is the thirteenth album from Dyan Garris, an Arizona-based composer whom is also described as a “visionary mystic, voice recognition psychic, and trance channel medium who reads from the Akashic Records”. A classically-trained pianist and violinist who began playing at the age of four, her impressive repertoire of both artistic and healing tools consists of meditative music, as well as spiritual books and oracle decks. Named for the esoterically significant number nine, Mystic’s Nine is comprised of eleven compositions spanning forty-three minutes that features both relaxing and rhythmic passages. The album mainly consists of piano and synthesizers throughout, as Dyan is joined by several guest artists on varying tracks, including Joe Bauer on drums, Scott Schaefer on flute, Amber Norgaard and Margo Joy on vocals, Jeff Oster on flugelhorn and trumpet, Will Clipman on percussion, Michael C. Ronstadt on cello, and Peter Sterling on harp.

“Mystic’s 9” opens with an uplifting arrangement of piano and synthesizers accompanied by a steady drumbeat courtesy of Joe Bauer, who also plays percussion on two other tracks. Eliciting a warmly positive mood that feels a bit whimsical, the piece affectively brings to mind that of flying a kite in the winds of a sunny day. “Mystic Sea” follows next, a particularly beautiful piece that features Scott Schaefer on flute. Beginning with bubbling currents, gentle flute is woven among a swirling sea of celestial chords, which are accompanied by distant ethereal voices evocative of mythical mermaids and sirens. Easily my favorite piece on the album, I’m reminded somewhat of both Chris Conway and Aeoliah, as it conveys the healing spirit of the ocean and paints stunning images of a peaceful underwater world. Up next is “Muse’s Gift”, one of two lyrical vocal tracks on the album, featuring singer Amber Norgaard and harpist Peter Sterling. Here, Amber delivers an inspirational message about leaving one’s worries behind, as Dyan’s piano accompanies the song’s lead melody throughout. Another favorite, “Mystical”, ensues with the immediately recognizable flugelhorn and trumpet contributions of Jeff Oster, which mesmerizingly soar above a steadily rhythmic current that’s underlined by a pronounced bassline. Conveying a euphoric feeling of travel and flight, it’s easy to imagine a hang-glider soaring above a pristine landscape in the sunset.

I’m also particularly fond on the next track, “Mystic Kiss”, which features Will Clipman on percussion. A sparkling, aquatic-like piece in which crystalline bells and synthesized vocals form a gentle melody, it imparts the essence of both romantic as well as universal love. The ninth track, “East on 9th”, is also a notable highlight, once again featuring Joe Bauer on drums. Led by my favorite piano melody on the album, the piece bears a hint of exoticism that conveys an almost gypsy-like feel infused with subtle elements of chill. Closing out the album is “Water for the Soul”, a gently bright yet calming piece led by piano, synthesizer and delicate vocal washes.

Definitive of melodic new age music with influences of both 80’s and 90’s-era works in the genre, there is just enough musical variety on here to keep things interesting. An angelic essence infused with a genuine spirit of love and joy radiates throughout this album, one that is sure to leave the listener with a feeling of both deep peace and solace! ~Candice Michelle

Review of Mystic’s Nine by Janet Mawdesely of Blue Wolf Reviews

Dyan Garris is many things to many people, but when she is totally involved with her music, she is only one thing: that of the medium to bring forth love and joy through the wonderful gift of music. In this album she has opened the book of Akashic Records. By doing so has been allowed to interpret only one chapter into what is an inspired choice of music styles, representing the ebb and flow of life, the good, the bad, the happiness and the grief.

To be able to listen to life in the various modalities transcribed is something very special as each of the pieces, aptly titled, gives the listener an insight in what is to come.

The introduction, Mystic’s 9 is a little spacey, up tempo and very modern in interpretation but when followed by Mystic Sea, a peaceful and mellow piece, you are immediately into the vibe of the entire album.

A lovely vocal rendition of Muse’s Gift from Amber Norgaard, adds an unexpected element as you are invited to ‘Come, leave your troubles by the Spring, and Listen, listen, listen, to the gift the muses bring’. Jeff Oster joins in on flugelhorn and trumpet in the evocative Mystical adding an elemental change of pace and richness. Will Clipman adds his almost ethereal percussion to the mix on Mystic Kiss.

Heaven’s Gate once again brings Dyan Garris back to the keyboard for this joyful composition as she trips delicately over the keys, with some amazingly interesting synth mixed in, to give yet again that sense of traveling through time, endless space, and timeless peace.

Cloud 9 and East on 9th sees Joe Bauer adding a little dash or panache on drums to these nicely up tempo pieces which create a change of place and time.

With the final composition Water for the Soul you are encouraged to gently return to this world, refreshed, renewed and relaxed.

As a child commencing her journey in the world of music Garris’s teacher said to her, ‘Music is not about seeing. It is about feeling”. With this collection of evocative pieces ‘music to feel, not to see’ has been perfectly presented.

Review of Mystic’s Nine by Steve Sheppard of One World Music

Copyright 2021 Dyan Garris