On recording at Abbey Road Studios, Bazel says, “It was prolific. Walking down those stairs to Studio 2, I thought of the many greats who have walked before me: The Beatles. Pink Floyd. Adele. Ed Sheeran. Breathing in the vibrations of this big huge studio. Seeing this Steinway concert grand piano, they set up for me in the exact footprint in that back left corner of the studio where the Beatles set up for their recordings. Playing my songs and recording, I felt this is where I belong. I am beyond thankful for having this opportunity.”

The London Sessions is Bazel’s third CD and the latest example of his creative process, defined as constantly hearing melodies in his head and recording them on-the-spot using his iPhone. For The London Sessions, Bazel took 223 song ideas and boiled them down to the ten original melodies heard on the new album.

Reflections of Bazel’s past are carried throughout his melodies with titles of “Mountain Serenity,” “Old Friends,” “I Will Think of You,” "Passages," and others. In addition, Bazel plays two cover songs paying tribute to The Beatles, with fresh arrangements of “Yesterday” and “In My Life.” Listeners will hear what Bazel describes as “simple but elegant” songs that reflect the depth of his emotions experienced in Studio 2. He honors not only the music legends who came before him but also those who lifted him and supported him along the way: his parents and piano teachers.

Bazel’s piano playing started at age 5 in Huntington, West Virginia, where his parents forced him to take piano lessons. A lifelong fan of The Beatles, he recalls at age 7 being mesmerized in front of his family’s living room TV when he watched The Fab Four make their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. He has followed a musical path as a solo contemporary pianist performing at events around the world, as well as a veteran event producer, agent, and founder of The River of Calm, an online radio station of soothing music.

Along the way, Bazel placed recording at Abbey Road Studios high up on his “Vision Board,” a laminated bulletin board of bucket-list dreams, hanging prominently in his office. That vision has now been fulfilled.

The London Sessions is available everywhere. A live-streamed release party was held on Wednesday at Miller Piano Specialists, Nashville’s home to Yamaha and Pearl River Pianos.

The London Sessions Tracklist:
Morning Glory 2:18
Mountain Serenity 3:22
In My Life 3:48
Old Friends 3:02
After The Rain 2:39
Soaring 3:24
Mountain Joy 2:59
Daydream 2:41
Evening Stroll 2:42
Passages 3:21
I Will Think Of You 2:38
Yesterday 2:40

About Ed Bazel:
Ed Bazel's compositions are known as beautiful piano music with a soul-searching touch. His sense of melody, combined with passionate expression, makes him a popular choice for listeners who want to relax and unwind. Studying under such greats as Jay Flippin, Lou Levy, Joe Harnell, and Clare Fischer, he has been a noted solo pianist in Los Angeles including The Beverly Hills Country Club and The Ritz-Carlton, as well as a veteran producer of corporate events for Fortune 500 companies. He was named "The Marco Polo of Modern Music" by the Los Angeles Times for groundbreaking work in China. Now based in Nashville, Tennessee, Bazel has been the recipient of Miller Piano Specialists Hall of Fame Award in the Instrumentalist category (2017), Entertainer of the Year (2018) and a Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to being a pianist, he is the founder of The River of Calm - Music to Soothe Your Soul™ - an online radio station bringing calming music to a stressed-out world.

Links:
Website: https://www.edbazel.com/
Listen & Buy Smartlink: https://edbazel.hearnow.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edbazelpiano/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5BiOQh83WcO4oWSQlgMIJA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edbazelpianist
Bandcamp: https://edbazel.bandcamp.com/

To connect with Ed Bazel on his latest release, The London Sessions: Reflections from Studio 2, please contact publicist Beth Hilton (@) The B Company (dot) com.

Beth Hilton
The B Company
+1 310-560-8390

***

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #31

Guest: Ed Bazel

Host: Beth Hilton

Individuals in the music industry are making music that heals others, but more often than not, their own emotional and mental health needs are being neglected. And as a result, the music industry as whole faces mental health issues and crises in both their personal and professional lives. 

Dr. Danielle Archer is a multi-state licensed mental health therapist, coach, consultant, and advocate. She has over 12 years of clinical experience and specialty training in trauma, grief, self-harm, eating disorders, mindfulness, co-dependency, anxiety, depression, and conflict resolution. 

Today's topic?  Fear

Show Notes:

Website: www.theartistminds.com

Schedule your 30-Minute Free Telephone Consultation here!  

***

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #30

Guest: Dr. Danielle Archer

Host: Ed Bazel

Individuals in the music industry are making music that heals others, but more often than not, their own emotional and mental health needs are being neglected. And as a result, the music industry as whole faces mental health issues and crises in both their personal and professional lives. 

Dr. Danielle Archer is a multi-state licensed mental health therapist, coach, consultant, and advocate. She has over 12 years of clinical experience and specialty training in trauma, grief, self-harm, eating disorders, mindfulness, co-dependency, anxiety, depression, and conflict resolution. 

Today's topic?  Imposter Syndrome!

Show Notes:

Website: www.theartistminds.com

Schedule your 30-Minute Free Telephone Consultation here!  

***

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #29

Guest: Dr. Danielle Archer

Host: Ed Bazel

Individuals in the music industry are making music that heals others, but more often than not, their own emotional and mental health needs are being neglected. And as a result, the music industry as whole faces mental health issues and crises in both their personal and professional lives. 

Dr. Danielle Archer is a multi-state licensed mental health therapist, coach, consultant, and advocate. She has over 12 years of clinical experience and specialty training in trauma, grief, self-harm, eating disorders, mindfulness, co-dependency, anxiety, depression, and conflict resolution. 

​The"daily grind" from working in the industry can exacerbate (or in some cases create) issues with depression, anxiety, loneliness, frustration, self-care, balancing home and work life, eating disorders, substance use, and self-harm.

In a 2018 study from the Music Industry Research Association, 50 percent of musicians reported battling symptoms of depression, compared with less than 25 percent of the general adult population. Nearly 12 percent reported having suicidal thoughts — nearly four times the general population. According to a 2019 study published by Swedish digital-distribution platform Record Union, the numbers are even starker: It found that 73 percent of independent musicians have battled stress, anxiety, and depression. More recently (in pre-pandemic 2020), a major research study through the Tour Health Research Initiative found:

• 34% of touring professionals suffered from clinical levels of depression,

• 70% reported trouble sleeping,

• 83% reported feeling overworked, 

• 79% reported experiencing significant worry regarding their financial stability,

• 45% reported drinking alcohol regularly, 

• 74% reported that touring strained their relationships.

• 26% reported serious suicidal ideation,

• 58% reported losing a tour colleague to suicide.

WHAT THE INDUSTRY IS SAYING ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

"The music industry as a whole needs to genuinely make a conscious effort to look after people's physical and mental health." -  Sam Fender

"What does a safe and inclusive music industry look like to you?: Labels/management looking after mental/physical health." - She Shreds Media

"I have had bouts of situational depression and my heart was broken last year because, unknowingly, I put so much validity in the reaction of the public, and the public didn't react in the way I had expected to…which broke my heart. I was with someone recently who asked: ‘Well, don't you think that if you do too much therapy it will take away your artistic process?' And I told them: ‘The biggest lie that we've ever been sold is that we as artists have to stay in pain to create.'"- Katy Perry

​"It's very important we create conversations, we take away the stigma, and that we stand up for ourselves if we're dealing with the symptoms of a mental illness." - Demi Lovato 

"There is a lot of shame attached to mental illness, but it's important that you know that there is hope and a chance for recovery." - Lady Gaga

“In the wake of the tragic, premature deaths of Avicii and Lil Peep, the music industry needs to do a better job at treating mental illness. Again, and again, there are warning signs and early cries for help that we cannot ignore....it’s not just the artists who need help, it’s the executives in the business as well. So I’m calling on every executive, manager, and artist representative with a friend, client, or employee in need of help to act. Let’s come together as an industry and provide reliable health and wellness support within all circles of our business. We owe the world our best effort to avoid another tragic loss.”- Nick Jarjour

Show Notes:

Website: www.theartistminds.com

Schedule your 30-Minute Free Telephone Consultation here!  

Fame Hackers

***

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #28

Guest: Dr. Danielle Archer

Host: Ed Bazel

Grammy® Award Winner, US Billboard #1 artist, GQ Hero 2020, Ricky Kej is an internationally renowned Indian Music Composer and Environmentalist. He has performed at prestigious venues in over 30 countries, including the UN Headquarters in New York and Geneva. Ricky has won over 100 music awards in  20 countries. He serves as the UNESCO MGIEP “Global Ambassador for Kindness”, UNCCD “Land Ambassador”,  UNICEF “Celebrity Supporter” & Ambassador for “Earth Day Network”.

His vast repertoire of work includes 16 studio albums released internationally, over 3500 commercials, and 4 feature films, including the natural history documentary ‘Wild Karnataka’ narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

Join us to learn about the fascinating journey and career of Ricky Kej.  Click the Listen podcast box above!

Website: www.rickykej.com 

The Himalayas Video

Smarter Dharma: www.smarterdharma.com

***

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #27

Artist: Ricky Kej

Host: Ed Bazel

David Lanz has enjoyed a career longevity that is rare in the music business. For over thirty years, the visionary recordings and live performances of David Lanz have served to heal, inspire, and provide spiritual nourishment to diverse audiences around the globe. "My music has been used for years by traditional and alternative healers," states Lanz. "I would never claim that it had healing effects. However, I do believe that music can set the stage and create the atmosphere and the inner feeling and attitude needed for the listener to tap into their healing abilities, which I believe we all possess." 

Many have tried to define David Lanz's style, but that would be too simple. David Lanz plays David Lanz music. As both composer and interpreter, his approach to music is often larger than life, breathtaking in its breadth, yet accessible and down-to-earth as well. Lanz connects intimately with his audience through his music by tapping into emotions, thoughts, and dreams like an old friend. 

We hope you enjoy getting to know the story behind the music of David Lanz!

Check out his music website: http://www.davidlanz.com   

Kristin Amarie website: https://kristinamarie.eu

***

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #26

Artist: David Lanz

Host: Ed Bazel

Special Thanks: Higher Level Media

Ryan Judd is a Billboard Chart Topping recording artist and is an internationally known music therapist. Ryan's recordings have been streamed more than 130 million times during the past 5 years. His unique background as a music therapist and an accomplished fingerstyle guitarist allows him to bring music and well-being into harmony with each other.

One of Ryan’s first experiences of the transformative power of music came when he was a young music therapy student going to see his grandmother for the last time. As he walked down the hall with his mom and brother by his side, everything felt cold, melancholy and sterile. The smell of disinfectant was in the air. Ryan entered his grandmother’s dark room and took out his guitar. The music he played broke through the isolation, sadness and fear. After the last notes faded, and tears welled in her eyes, she whispered, “That was good for my heart.” 

In addition to being inspired by healing experiences such as this and his work as a music therapist, Ryan is deeply influenced by guitarist Michael Hedges. When Ryan first saw Michael Hedges play, he was overwhelmed by emotion and knew that he had discovered something that would forever change the course of his life. Ryan has spent decades dedicating himself to mastering fingerstyle guitar and creating his own unique style as a performer and a composer.

We hope you enjoy getting to know the story behind the music of Ryan Judd! 

Check out his music website: www.ryanjuddmusic.com

Check out Ryan's Music Therapy website: www.therhythmtree.com

***

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #25

Artist: Ryan Judd

Host: Ed Bazel

Neil Patton is a pianist/keyboardist, singer, songwriter, performer, arranger and producer working in the Eugene/Springfield area of Oregon. His sound ranges from the piano stylings of Elton John, Keith Green and David Lanz to the melodic rock of Journey to the art rock sounds of Kansas, Steve Morse, Alan Parsons and Genesis. His latest collection of solo piano pieces, entitled Solitaire, was released in March of 2018. His previous solo piano collection, Between Shadow and Light, was released in October of 2015, and was awarded Album of the Year at MainlyPiano.com, among other awards and nominations across the Internet. His 2012 solo piano collection, Hammer & Wire, received critical success and was nominated for Whisperings Album of the Year, 2012. His first solo piano collection, Impromptu was released in 2007, and his debut rock collection, Horizon was released in 1998. His co-written duet with David Nevue (Clockwork) was released in 2015 on David's album, Winding Down, and his piano piece, Water of Life was featured on the critically acclaimed collection, Whisperings - Vol. 1.

Neil has worked as a paper boy (ok, in his young years), a producer and arranger for local artists, as well as helping young musicians find their voice as composers and songwriters. He is an in-demand piano instructor, both privately and through New Hope Christian College. He also serves part time as Pastor of Worship Arts at Emerald Bible Fellowship in Eugene. For more information regarding Neil’s other musical services (teaching, arranging, music for events, etc.) please visit www.pattonmusic.com.

We hope you enjoy getting to know the story behind the music of Neil Patton! 

Check out his website:  www.neilpatton.net 

Check out his youtube video that he is proud of:  https://youtu.be/aPF8ZjVMvEY 

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #24

Artist: Neil Patton

Host: Ed Bazel

“From the moment she walks on stage, until the last note gently caresses the room, Spielberg casts a spell on her audience that is palpable, visceral, and spiritual. Better said-after you see her perform, you’ll just feel a whole lot better about the world.”- Bruce Bressack, HippoPress New Hampshire

“I am in love with Robin’s wonderfully comforting piano artistry, and have been for many years now!… It only takes a few bars to capture your imagination and bring your dreams to life.”- Dick Metcalf, Improvijazzation

Robin Spielberg is one of America’s most beloved pianist/composers. With an impressive tour schedule and hundreds of thousands of recordings sold, this Steinway Artist has been winning the hearts of listeners around the world with her compelling melodies and sensitive piano techniques since debuting her first recording of original solos for piano, Heal of the Hand.

A prolific composer, Spielberg has seventeen recordings to her credit and appears on over 40 compilations around the world. Her discography includes albums of original piano solos, arrangements of American standards, original pieces for piano/ensemble, recordings for the holidays, a CD of American melodies, and a CD of lullabies. 

Discography

• Love Story (piano solos/covers)
• On the Edge of A Dream (piano solos/songbook/dream journal available)
• Another Time, Another Place (piano solos/songbook available)
• Sea to Shining Sea: A Tapestry of American Music (Americana/ensemble)
• A New Kind of Love (piano solos/songbook available)
• Dreaming of Summer (piano solos/songbook available)
• Beautiful Dreamer (solo piano lullabies)
• Mother (with singers Cathie Ryan & Susan McKeown)
• In the Arms of the Wind (piano/ensemble)
• Songs of the Spirit (piano solos/songbook available)
• Unchained Melodies (solo piano/standards & theater songs)
• With a Song in My Heart (solo piano/standards & theater songs)
• Heal of the Hand (piano solos/songbook available)
• Spa Piano (quiet piano solos)
• Memories of Utopia (ten year retrospective/solo piano)
• Holiday Titles:
  • The Christmas Collection (piano solos/songbook available)
  • American Chanukah (piano solos/songbook available)
  • In the Heart of Winter (piano/ensemble for the winter season)
  • Spirit of the Holidays (LunaMoon trio of cello, piano, guitar/Christmas)

We hope you enjoy getting to know the story behind the beautiful music of Robin Spielberg!

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #23

Artist: Robin Spielberg

Host: Ed Bazel

Hewitt began his career as a drummer in the club scene but changed over to keyboards after realizing  he needed a bigger palette for his composing ambitions. He  graduated to the production room, where he had the honor of working as a co-producer alongside Maurice White of Earth Wind and Fire (EWF) for over half a decade with EWF’s Greatest Hits album going platinum in 2000. However, it was co-writing and piano/B-3 contributions on the triple platinum record Cherry Pie with Warrant that would solidify Hewitt as a monster musical talent capable of crossing genres.

“musical force of nature” – Wine and Jazz Magazine

Hewitt’s list of record production credits as both a producer and recording artist spans across the various major labels and genres with over 12 million records sold.

As a solo artist, the uniqueness of the Hewitt signature sound lies in his ability to draw from the diverse worlds of contemporary jazz, world, pop and rock, while simultaneously bridging the gap between instrumental and vocal music, with intoxicating stage performances that are a fusion of energy, style and grace. It was his 2004 release, Noche de Pasion, that marked his emergence on the pop instrumental scene, which was followed by his critically acclaimed 2006 release Metropolis. The Baltimore Times hailed, “Metropolis is the album to put in your CD player (then turn up the volume).”

Since 2010 Alan has been the keyboardist on tour with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, The Moody Blues whom have been on a continuous world tour performing for sold out audiences and released The Days of Future Past DVD which is airing on PBS currently topping the Billboard charts .  Some of the performing highlights include Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, Hollywood Bowl,Red Rocks in Denver, O2 Arena in London, Heineken Center in Amsterdam, Coca Cola Center in Johannesburg S. Africa, four Moody Blues Cruises and the 2018 Hall of Fame Induction performance!

Alan was invited to play keyboards on Moody Blues lead singer, Justin Hayward’s “Spirit’s of the Western Sky” solo tour in 2013 , which was also  released as a DVD on EagleRock and  is currently airing on PBS .

Alan  co- produced and co-wrote  for Moody Blues bassist John Lodge’s CD  “10,000 Light Years Ago” released on Cherry Records. Their song “In My Mind” was nominated for the 2015 UK PROG Awards “Best Anthem.” and in 2017  he also co-wrote, produced, did keys and backing vocals for the John Lodge Live in Birmingham DVD as well as his 2019 release “BYOND The Very Best Of” on BMG. Alan is John Lodge’s music director and keyboardist for his live band which just finished The “Royal Affair” 2019 summer tour in the US with Yes, Asia and Carl Palmer of ELP.

Hewitt’s list of record production credits as both a producer and recording artist spans across the various major labels and genres.  Composer for a long list of major film and television productions, Hewitt’s credits include National Lampoon’s Van Wilder, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Survivor, MTV, Dancing With The Stars, and is a  composer for the Oprah Winfrey shows (including Oprah’s Big Give & Dr Oz). He also has  scored the music for Sony/Lionsgate TV series “Tom Holland’s Twisted Tales” and many more.

The list of accolades from the industry includes The Golden Planet, New York International Film Fest Award, San Francisco Ocean Film Fest, both for best music score, 2 Global Music Awards, ESPY Award and 2 triple platinum albums, Warrant’s Cherry Pie and Earth,Wind & Fire’s Best Of Vol 1.  

His latest project Alan Hewitt & One Nation has won two Global Music Awards for 2015. “Best Instrumental Album & Best Instrumentalist” Alan’s latest project is a critically acclaimed fusion of great songs combined with great performances influenced by Return to Forever, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Todd Rungren’s Utopia and others.

Alan Hewitt, keyboardist for The Moody Blues and multi-platinum composer/writer/producer, has assembled super bassist  JV Collier from Bruce Hornsby Noisemakers, Grammy winning drummer Sonny Emory (EWF, Steely Dan, Bruce Hornsby), guitarist Jamie Glaser (Anderson/Ponty Band, Chick Corea’s Electric Band, Lenny White Band), and 6 time Detroit music award winner, guitarist Duffy King to form Alan Hewitt & One Nation. This music has no boundaries nor relies on the current norm. Inspired, energetic, artful, melodic and edgy!  Special guests on Evolution include phenom guitarist Orianthi from Michael Jackson’s “This is It” and “#1 You Tube Artist of the Year” vocalist Alex Boye.

Alan is a vegetarian and passionate advocate for animal rights . He was a member of the Whale Rescue Team in Los Angeles and is on the boards of “Animal Fund / Earthviews Productions” providing films on animal welfare issues,  Bluecology for Ocean Conservation and is now on the board of “Fetch Fido A Flight”, this group gives dogs from Oklahoma that are going to be euthanized a new life, flying them to pet partners where they will be adopted to loving homes.         

We hope you enjoy getting to know the story behind the music of Alan Hewitt!

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #22

Artist: Alan Hewitt

Host: Ed Bazel

Louis Anthony deLise is an award-winning composer, record producer, arranger and conductor. His compositions for soloists and ensembles have been recorded and are often performed worldwide. His arranging and conducting work appears on albums alongside that of many of the world’s top pop artists including, Carlos Santana, Sheila E., Wynonna Judd, Kanye West, CeCe Winans and Paul Shaffer.

Louis deLise was arranger and conductor for Robert Hazard (writer of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”) and Grammy® winners Patti LaBelle and Halestorm in concert performances and recordings. He arranged and conducted on two albums for Miss LaBelle: Timeless Journey and her number one hit, The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle. Additional songwriting, composing, arranging and producing credits include albums and singles on EMI, Vanguard, Def-Jam, Centaur and CBS record labels.

Composer Louis Anthony deLise has been nominated as “Best New Artist” in the 2019 ZMR Annual Music Awards for his album, Natural Light. The albumis nominated as the “Best Neo-Classical Album” in the 2019 One World Music Awards (OWMA).

Louis is also a teacher and author:  In the overcrowded world of “how to” books on songwriting, The Professional Songwriter stands out as unique. This book is designed to prepare the aspiring songwriter with the musical wherewithal and the business acumen needed to succeed in today’s bloodthirsty world of composing on-demand.

We hope you enjoy getting to know the story behind the beautiful music of Dr. Louis Anthony deLise!

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #21

Artist: Louis Anthony deLise

Host: Ed Bazel

Musician & Composer Ken Verheecke has released several albums since his debut album in 1993. To date he has had approx. 200,000 plus album downloads through various digital sites. Through the years Ken has publishing deals with the Eddie Crook Company and Maranatha Music. In 2017 Ken signed with Heart Dance Records and has released 3 instrumental electronic based albums… Consider the Moon & Stars which reached the number 5 spot in ZMR Top 100. It was also featured in 180 Radio Stations around the world. His next release was Between Earth & Sky which reached the number 9 spot on the ZMR Top 100 Chart. Both albums were on the Ballot Box for the 2019 Grammy Awards. His latest release with Heart Dance Records is Tripping the Light Fantastic… inspired by his recent move to Northern Michigan and running along Mullet Lake.

Ken has been a resident of South Dakota since 1978 and has recently relocated to Northern Michigan where he lived during his teen years. As a child Ken’s father was in the Air Force, which required the family to move every 2 years, which heavily influenced Ken by the change of surroundings and culture. Not having any other musicians in his family, Ken tried out his first instrument – a ukulele – which didn’t last long. Later on Ken started playing the guitar at the age of 19. He found that he picked up learning the instrument quickly and it soon became his passion, still to this day playing the guitar from the moment he rises until the days ends.

As a musician, Ken’s focus is acoustic guitar, and has been featured on several sampler releases – Winter Gifts, and Winter Gifts II (Many Miles Music), The Gathering (2012) which includes songs from 22 artists produced by GRAMMY winning guitarist and founder of Windham Hill Records, Will Ackerman at his Imaginary Road Studios in Vermont. The Gathering won the Zone Music Reporter Album of the Year in 2012, it features Ken’s song… Forever, which also is  heard on XM Radio’s Spa Channel. In addition, Ken’s music has been featured on Heart Dance Records Samplers, Music for Dogs, Music from the Heart : Emotional & Relaxing Acoustic, Music from the Heart : Emotional & Relaxing Ambient Samplers. Lastly, Ken was recently featured on Mindful Music Association : A Better Life Sampler.

Ken's secret passion?  Click here

Lastly, Ken’s 2019 Heart Dance Records release “Tripping the Light Fantastic” has been nominated for a 2019 ZMR Award for ‘Best Chill/Groove Album.” 

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #20

Artist: Ken Verheecke

Host: Ed Bazel

Kirsten Agresta Copely is a harpist, composer, and arranger. Known for her unusual command of genres like hip-hop in addition to classical music, her prolific career has taken her throughout the United States, Europe, South America, Israel, Japan, and the South Pacific; she has performed for heads of state, in blockbuster movie soundtracks, alongside Billboard 100 artists, on late night television, and with the most recognized symphony orchestras in the world. 

Steeped in rigorous classical training, Copely's performance career began at an early age: by fourteen, she performed a full solo tour of the British Isles, and continued to gain attention in the classical world by winning Bronze Medal in the 1st USA International Harp Competition, debuting as concerto soloist at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center soon after. This busy period in Copely's career marks the start of a long tenure of classical performances, including solo performances in Dublin, Peru, and Amsterdam, among others. Currently, she serves as Principal Harpist with the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra at Lincoln Center and performs regularly with the Nashville Symphony and The New York Pops.

While Kirsten maintains a heavy schedule in performing classical repertoire, she has also found an uncanny connection with mainstream audiences. Following a feature in PEOPLE Magazine's "Up & Coming" column, her performances grew increasingly illustrious, culminating in a performance with Beyoncé at the second official White House State Dinner for President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Mexican President Felipe Calderón. Other performance highlights include the MET Gala with musical guest Frank Ocean, a benefit concert with Jay Z at Carnegie Hall, and Tony Bennett Celebrates 90: The Best is Yet to Come at Radio City Music Hall, which aired on NBC.

Copely's charismatic, telegenic presence on stage has also allowed her to share a prominent spotlight in a variety of pop-culture settings: she has performed on a full slate of late night and morning show television programming, including Saturday Night Live, Late Night with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Stephen Colbert, and The Today Show. Performing live, she has played a gamut of the world's biggest stages, from Madison Square Garden to Lollapalooza, alongside Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Enya, Michael Bublé, k.d. Lang, Andrea Bocelli, Lady Antebellum, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, The Who, Adam Levine, John Legend, and The Roots.

In the recording studio, Kirsten has also become the pop industry's go-to harpist: most recently, she can be heard on American rock band Evanescence's newest album, Synthesis, reuniting with her former harp student, lead singer Amy Lee. Other notable collaborations include a feature on Erykah Badu's album: New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh ("Incense") and recordings with Lionel Richie, Alison Krauss, Bonobo, Mandy Barnett, Norwegian soprano Sissel, and Jamie Lidell. Furthermore, she can be heard on numerous video game, TV and movie soundtracks, including Outlander, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, The Tempest, Sex and the City 2, Disney's The Music of Pixar Live!, My Little Pony: The Movie and the JD Salinger biopic Rebel in the Rye. 

Originally raised in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Kirsten Agresta Copely has served as the Associate Professor of Harp at Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music since 2017. Her own discography includes two solo performance albums: The Covers Album (2019), which includes 12 covers of hit pop singles, and Dream World (2001), a collection of relaxation-oriented classical works transcribed for harp, with many transcriptions done by Copely herself. She expresses deep gratitude to her pedagogues, Nancy Allen and Susann McDonald, the latter of whom mentored her for over a decade. She holds degrees from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music (B.M. & M.M.), where she was awarded the Performer's Certificate for outstanding musical performance. Ms. Copely is a member of the World Harp Congress Board of Directors and a member of ASCAP. 

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #19

Artist: Kirsten Agresta Copely 

Host: Ed Bazel

As a classical contemporary solo piano composer and artist, Holly writes from a place of deep authenticity and transports her audiences into a receptive atmosphere of meditative calm. Holly's fourth album, "Art On The Piano," was released in June 2019.  "Art On The Piano" is a collection of light, quiet transcendental melodies with gentle chordal accompaniment; a neoclassical impressionistic study that is relaxing and healing for the listener. 

Born in Owensboro, Kentucky Holly began studying violin at age three, piano at eight, and creating compositions on the piano by nine.  Her training includes many years of private study, as well as private piano and composition study at Indiana University.

Holly's solo piano debut album, "Traveler" was released in 2003.  Her second album "Storyteller" was released in 2016, followed by the orchestrated version of "Storyteller" in 2017, by Ludek Drizhal, featuring Holly at the piano and the Prague Metropolitan Orchestra.

As a physical therapist, Holly has an inherent understanding of the healing power of music, and enjoys the art of creating pieces that are "good for the neurology."  She lives with her husband Fred, and beloved dog, Darbie,  in Edmond, OK and loves playing in StudioJones, the self-proclaimed "best practice room in the world."

​A common theme Holly hears about her music is how healing it is to others.  One fan shared a personal account of her losing battle with C. Diff., a very serious bacterial infection of the gut that can become fatal.  She was taken to the hospital with a blood pressure of 80/40 and described herself as dying, afraid to go to sleep because she might not awaken.  Her attuning father brought her a Walkman with Holly's CD "Traveler" and told her "just go where the music takes you".  In her dream, the Lord's hand came down to cradle her.  When she awakened, her fever was gone, and she was discharged as fully recovered the next day. 

 "I wish for my music to reach the truth in each person listening...to help them take pause in the busyness of life and to bring them peace and clarity. I envision that it is most likely played as background music...it provides a setting of peace...but when one listens closer, it can 'take them away'...and always to the best place..."

​~ holly jones

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #18

Artist: Holly Jones
Host: Ed Bazel
Producer: Eric Bikales 

2019 "Songwriter of the Year" - Miller Piano Specialists

2017 Nominated "Best New Artist" - Enlightened Piano Radio

In Marlowe's own words:

"I was blessed with musical genes from my mother, Cherry Folger, a professional trumpet player and orchestrator for Terrytunes Cartoons. She was the first female trumpeter to play with the NC Symphony. You can hear a story about the all-women’s band she started called "The Darlinettes" on NPR’s Weekend Edition.

Unfortunately, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was a baby and died soon after I turned four years old. This denied me the privilege of learning music from her directly, so I put myself to work learning from the vast library of LP’s, piano music, and compositions she left behind. In a valiant effort to carry on my mother’s musical influence in our lives, my father took all four of us children, usually under much protest, to classical concerts and performances. Although I did not appreciate it at the time, those experiences impacted my life greatly. My mother's musical legacy resided in me.

I was very fortunate to have great piano teachers growing up in my hometown of Rocky Mount, NC, and then at Meredith College in Raleigh where I graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in both Piano Performance and Music Education. I give credit to my father for making sure I had the college preparation I needed in order to major in music. Tragically, he passed away of a heart attack just before I graduated from high school, so he did not get to see the fruit of his investment. He did know, however, that I was planning to major in music. I know he and my mother would have been proud to see me chosen by the Meredith music faculty as the Presser Scholar, an honor bestowed on the most outstanding senior music major. This remains a very humbling highlight of my life.

Music has always been one of the most powerful threads woven throughout the fabric of my life, as well as the lives of my husband and two children. When I am teaching, singing, leading worship, or playing piano, I am aware that one of the greatest gifts in my life has been the ability to experience and share the love of God through music."

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #17

Artist: Marlowe Carruth
Host: Ed Bazel
Producer: Eric Bikales 

Cheryl is a composer and songwriter. She is the composer and author of “Luminary” - music and affirmations for mindfulness, focus, and growth. The New Yorker received degrees in Biology and in Music from Cornell University, studied orchestration at Juilliard, then began her tenure as a composer for films, ads, theater, and choirs, as well as a touring pop recording artist. She is co-writing the Broadway music “Boiler Room Girls”, a Kennedy story from the ‘60s, as well as collaborating with social justice choirs across America to create pieces of impact.

Her successes as an independent musician make her a sought-after speaker on music business panels and podcasts. She began an online series of programs called In The Key Of Success to help other musicians find fulfillment in their creative careers through powerful communication and self-awareness. 

Order Luminary here

Cheryl turned to creating music specifically for mindfulness after her decade-long struggle with panic attacks and attempts to find music that supported her in managing anxiety.  "Luminary", her fifth record, became her solution.  Listen and learn more at www.cbemusic.com and www.iamaluminary.com 

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #16

Artist: Cheryl B. Engelhardt
Host: Ed Bazel
Producer: Eric Bikales

Michele McLaughlin is a Contemporary Solo Pianist & Composer. She has released nineteen albums, many of which have received multiple nominations and awards, including "Album of the Year", "Song of the Year" and "Top Picks". Her albums, Life, Undercurrent and Memoirs, charted on the New Age Billboard Charts at #7, #5 and #4. She has been featured in Rolling Stone Magazine and has over 1 Billion Spins on Pandora Radio. Her original solo piano compositions are often described as "musical storytelling" and are haunting and contagious, relaxing and beautiful, peaceful and touching, energetic and inspiring. Her music is a regular favorite on Pandora Radio and is a bestseller on iTunes and Amazon, often landing her in the Top Ten New Age Charts. You can listen to Michele online via Whisperings Solo Piano Radio, Pandora Radio, iTunes Radio, Spotify, XM/Sirius and Music Choice Soundscapes. Michele performs and tours regularly and runs her own in-home concert series in Salt Lake City, Utah.

"McLaughlin is what I refer to as a "heart on her sleeve" composer, i.e. there is no subterfuge, no subtlety at work in her music - she presents her emotional intent of a song forthwith and front and center. It's a testament to her considerable talent that this baring of her soul always works so well, because in the hands of a lesser talent, the music would be melodramatic, overly self-conscious, and would grow tiresome. However, it's not just her technique and artistry, which is impossible to ignore, but also her artist's soul, which seems woven into every piece of music she writes. No matter how pyrotechnic she can be (and this woman can really play piano with the best of 'em), there is always the presence of heart, sometimes "in your face" and sometimes between the lines, but never hidden behind artifice." Bill Binkelman- Wind & Wire and Zone Music Reporter

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #15

Artist: Michele McLaughlin
Host: Ed Bazel
Producer: Eric Bikales

Jim Kimo West is recognized as one of the world’s top “slack key” guitarists and brings his own unique musical perspective to this great acoustic guitar tradition. He is a recent nominee in the 61st Grammy Awards, a winner of the 2008 Hawaii Music Awards, a three-time Na Hoku Hanohano (the Hawaiian “Grammy”) nominee and a two-time winner of the LA Treasures Award for his contributions toward the perpetuation of ki ho’alu.

In 1985, after a long summer on the road with musical satirist “Weird Al” Yankovic, Jim West made his first trip to Hana, Maui and fell in love with cultural and physical landscape of Hawai’i, sometimes spending a couple months a year there. It was there that he also discovered “ki ho ‘alu” or as it is more commonly called, “slack key” guitar, an old Hawaiian style of playing where the strings are loosened or “slacked” to different tunings, allowing the bass, chords and melody to be played simultaneously.

Already a devotee of playing in altered, non- standard tunings, he quickly fell in love with the gentle spirit of slack key and the great sense of discovery that comes with exploring new tunings. Records by Gabby Pahinui, The Sons of Hawai’i, The Sunday Manoa and Peter Moon played continuously on the turntable or cassette deck and Jim absorbed ki ho ‘alu more or less, by osmosis. Jim didn’t concentrate on learning the standard riffs and songs but instead, developed his own slack key vocabulary, which now defines his very unique approach to this great tradition.

His numerous CD’s fuse traditional slack key with his own musical language, while still retaining the essence of its “nahenahe” or “gentle” style. Jim, or “Kimo” as he is called in Hawai’i, has performed at most of the Slack Key guitar festivals in Hawaii and on the mainland. His playing has been featured in a number of films, TV spots, the Disney Channel and National Public radio and he has shared the stage with most of the living legends of ki hoa’lu.

Between composing commissions and slack key guitar playing, Kimo also finds time to hone his production chops and has produced CD’s for a number of independent artists. Some recent projects include “Eia Mai Ka La-Here Comes The Sun” (The Mountain Apple Company) for Los Angeles-based Hawaiian performer Kapo Ku and Hawaiian tributes to Sublime and the Eagles for LA’s CMH Records (cmhrecords.com). His film and TV credits include work for 20th Century Fox, Nickolodeon, The Disney Channel and Marvel. Kimo's music has been heard on all major networks, in many documentaries as well as in web series. His new CD, “Moku Maluhia-Peaceful Island" features pristine recordings of all original-slack key compositions in the “nahenahe” style.

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #14

Artist: Jim "Kimo" West
Host: Ed Bazel
Producer: Eric Bikales

Dane Bryant is an accomplished musician, keyboard player, yoga instructor and more.  Dane's musical journey is amazing and includes the following:

* Business and Music Degree from James Madison University

* Formed The superfusion group Secrets (feat. members of the Dave Matthews Band)

* Toured with Clint Black 20 years

* Music Director for Take 6 Japan tour 1996

* Currently the Music Director for Olivia Newton-John

* Played on various recordings ranging from The Mavericks, Cliff Richard, Olivia Newton-John, Clint Black along with many compilations recorded in Nashville, Tennessee

* Co-produced Phil Vassar's Christmas record 'Noel'

* Co-produced Olivia Newton-John 'Live at the Flamingo'

* Co-produced 8-time Grammy-nominated Steve Real

Born and raised in the Birthplace of Country Music- Bristol, TN

Dane is proud to be from Bristol. His father’s great uncles were part of the Jimmy Rodgers Entertainers who played on the historic 1927 Bristol recording sessions.

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #13

Artist: Dane Bryant
Host: Ed Bazel
Producer: Eric Bikales

Shoshana Michel is an award-winning contemporary solo pianist. Classically trained, Shoshana started music lessons at the age of seven when a door-to-door salesman for a local music studio knocked on her front door. Can you guess which instrument they bought her?  Throughout the years, she has played different genres of music at different venues from ragtime at Knott’s Berry Farm to contemporary solo piano at The Galleria at South Bay in Redondo Beach, California.

Shoshana recorded her first solo piano album, Soul Whispers in 2015. In 2016, she released Dancing on the Wind, her debut album as a composer followed by Prelude to a Dream in 2017 and Reflection in 2019.

Shoshana’s music has been used in documentaries and has received accolades, nominations and awards. Her music can be heard on Sirus XM radio, Pandora, Calm Radio, Whisperings Solo Piano Radio, Sleep Radio, The River of Calm and many other stations worldwide.

Shoshana’s playing has been described as “graceful and flowing” and “refined and elegant”. Her music will inspire, stir the heart and touch the soul. The music she writes is inspired by life experiences, people and emotions. Shoshana is passionate about sharing her music with others and strives to compose and perform as often as she can. She resides with her human and avian family in Brooklyn, New York.

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #12

Artist: Shoshana Michel
Host: Ed Bazel
Producer: Eric Bikales

Pianist and Composer Joseph Nimoh, create music that is delicately crafted to inspire hope and bring healing to his audience. Joseph’s music incorporates elements of several genres, including classical, jazz, and gospel music. His music has been described as emotionally-rich, soothing, and peaceful. One reviewer had this to say after listening to his music, “A gentle, embracing warmth runs through all of this music and simply makes you feel good – or at least better! 

His music has been described as emotionally-rich, soothing, and peaceful. One reviewer had this to say after listening to his music, “A gentle, embracing warmth runs through all of this music and simply makes you feel good – or at least better!

Born and raised in Ghana, Joseph began playing piano at age 11 at his mom’s church. He later studied piano performance at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. During his days at Berklee, Joseph served as pianist/music director for a number of churches in the New England area as well as arranger/composer for several local artists.

Primary among Joseph’s influences are Oscar Peterson, George Duke, Hank Jones, Keith Jarrett, Yellow Jackets, Dino Kartsonakis and Richard Smallwood.

          Oscar Peterson

Joseph has released five albums; Quite Time in His Presence, Living Waters,  Reflections, Piano Hymns, and Conversations on Piano. For his new album, Joseph has created a masterful set of unique pieces befitting a musician of such diverse background. Blending elements of classical, jazz, and contemporary music, Conversations on Piano is a beautiful collection of solo piano melodies soaked in genuine emotion. This beautiful music relaxes the mind as it gently soothes and uplifts the spirit. All 20 songs are played elegantly, and with a great deal of grace, creating a perfect atmosphere for reflection, meditation, and prayer.

Joseph’s music can be heard on The River of Calm, Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, Amazon, New Age Stars Radio, Aural Awakenings Radio, Enlightened Piano Radio, and Sleep Radio. 

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #11

Artist: Jospeh Nimoh
Host: Ed Bazel
Producer: Eric Bikales

Adam Werner is a solo acoustic guitarist with interest in unconventional techniques, styles, and applications to fingerstyle guitar playing. He has an impressive musical background of experience and education. Adam continues to move forward and grow as an accomplished musician and artist.

Indigenous to California, Adam grew up with rock guitar legends, including Randy Rhoads, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani, among many others. Adam started his first rock band, IMAGINE, in the early 1990s and gained much respect as an innovative and progressive musician who incorporated odd meters, unorthodox key changes and intricate instrumentation with compositions that pushed the boundaries of rock music. 

He soon found the desire to explore the acoustic guitar when introduced to Windham Hill and its artists, such as William Ackerman and Michael Hedges. Soon after, Adam decided this was the direction he was destined to go.

Adam Werner's debut label release, "Signatures," a 2008 Grammy Awards contender for Best New Age album, has become a new addition to solo acoustic guitar. This album is a culmination of emotionally intense compositions with technically exceptional playing and profound musical energy. Merging the traditions of fingerstyle techniques with provocative percussive elements adds extra flavor to this music. A touch of electric bass, masterfully created by Kentaro Otsuka, is featured on this album.

Adam has also produced "Woodsongs: An Acoustic Guitar Collection", which is a 17 track guitar album of previously unreleased music from artists, such as: Will Ackerman, Alex de Grassi, Preston Reed, William Coulter, John Keawe as well as, Chris Yeaton, Michael Hewett, Scott Burwell, Dylan Schorer, Rudy Perrone, Robert Walling, and many others! This is an album NOT to be missed.

Adam Werner’s latest release, “deep”, is a collection of musical compositions that, with the help of some very special friends, such as Samite, Michael Manring, Jim “Kimo” West & others, captures the essences of love, hope and encouragement to overcome life’s challenges and carry on.  

Adam's extensive performance schedule, as a solo artist, as well as with Chris Yeaton and the Woodsong Acoustics Group, has exposed many people to his beautiful guitar styles throughout the Mid-Western United States and the Hawaiian Islands. He has performed with such people as Alex de Grassi, Michael Manring, William Coulter, Ben Verdery, Hawaiian Slack-Key Masters John Keawe & Chris Yeaton, Antonio Calogero, among others.

However, on December 3, 2018, Adam's life dramatically changed, as he was hit by a drunk driver going 50+ mph.

This accident has been a game changer/life changer and could happen to anyone of us. Adam Werner is a proud man, and too proud to ask for help. So please, make sure you support this gifted artist by donating to his recovery at the following link:

https://www.gofundme.com/adam-recovery

When he recovers, one of Adam's big dreams is to record a song with New Age guitarist Will Ackerman. Hey Will - hint hint…. BTW, here's how to reach out to Will and let him know!

At The River of Calm, we truly believe Adam Werner's best work is still yet to come. So join us as we celebrate his music, his creativity, and his unwavering spirit.

Here are links to his music:

https://www.adamwerner.com

https://adamwerner.bandcamp.com/album/deep

https://www.gofundme.com/adam-recovery <- and don't forget to donate!

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #10

Artist: Adam Werner
Host: Ed Bazel
Producer: Eric Bikales

Ted Yoder’s hammered dulcimer cover of Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” became one of the most-watched Facebook Live posts in 2016 when the song received more than 101 million views from music fans around the world. It’s no wonder the video went viral; when a barefooted Yoder performed the hit on his hammered dulcimer in his Indiana family’s backyard with his wife, kids, and a pet raccoon named Gidget in the audience, he immediately became an internet sensation known as the lovable “Dulcimer Dad.” 

 In many ways, Ted Yoder is the perfect musician for the 21st century; his passionate playing style and easy-going personality make him a natural online star. But the roots of his talent and showmanship weren’t simply earned overnight; they’re steeped in an Appalachian musical tradition with origins which can be traced back to 300 BCE in Greece. Yoder’s played the dulcimer for decades (check out the raves here) and even won America’s National Hammered Dulcimer Championship in 2010. His performance style in popular songs including Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing,” The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby,” and classics such as “Amazing Grace” and “The Little Drummer Boy” has become known as “Yoderizing.” Why? Because until you hear Ted Yoder, it’s impossible to imagine that one wooden stringed instrument can sound like an entire rock band or a whole symphony orchestra all in one. 

 What’s most remarkable about Yoder (besides the magic he brings to the mallets) is how his career has flourished at a time when the traditional corporate music industry is in decline. With his wife Donna, Yoder has created a family culture of creativity and teamwork that puts his music making at the center of its activities. From website and social media to music distribution and touring, Yoder’s family has helped him build an authentic life as a working musician and a blueprint for the lives of young musicians who want to learn what it means to play an instrument for a living in the second millennium.

.     

***

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #9

Artist: Ted Yoder
Host: Ed Bazel
Producer: Eric Bikales

David Nevue is an award-winning, internationally recognized pianist, composer and recording artist. His sixteen album releases include in the soft light of grace,  and Overcome, named "Best Instrumental Piano Album of 2005" at the prestigious Lifestyle Music Awards. His most recent album, Winding Down entered the top 10 on Billboard's "New Age/Instrumental" album charts and went to #1 on Amazon.com's "Hot New Releases" music sales charts. Winding Down was described by Zone Music Reporter's Bill Binkelman as "Nevue's Pieta, his Mona Lisa, his Aida, his Gone With The Wind, his Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and was nominated for "Piano Album of the Year" by ZMR and named "Best Solo Piano Album of 2015" by One World Radio. Aside from writing and recording music, David is also the founder and program director of Whisperings: Solo Piano Radio (founded in 2003), the very first Internet radio broadcast to feature solo piano music exclusively. In July 2006, The Wall Street Journal named Nevue a "media mogul" including him on a list of producers "being catapulted into a position of enormous influence." He is one of the few independent artists to surpass a billion spins on Pandora radio and was recently (2018) interviewed for an article in Rolling Stone Magazine. As a seasoned performer and touring artist, David has shared the stage with some of the genre's most recognized names, including David Lanz, Wayne Gratz, Peter Kater, Suzanne Ciani, Brian Crain, Robin Spielberg and others. David’s music can be heard pretty much anywhere you listen to music, including Spotify, Apple Music, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, The River of Calm, Music Choice and Pandora Radio.

***

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #8

Artist: David Nevue
Host: Ed Bazel
Producer: Eric Bikales

Dr. Joseph Akins is a professor, pianist and composer, and has been deeply involved with music all his life. As a youth, he performed in his family’s country-rock band and toured with the pop-rock band Blaze. After the band split apart, Joseph enrolled in college to study composition, electronic music and jazz piano eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and a Master’s degree from Radford University. Since that time, Joseph has sustained a career in music and higher education with the release of eight solo albums and the acquisition of a doctorate in education. Today, Joseph divides his time between being a music artist and teaching music technology as a tenured professor for the Department of Recording Industry at Middle Tennessee State University.

Awards and Acknowledgments:

2017-2018: Into the Flow

• Number 9 on the Billboard Chart for New Age Albums
• Nomination for “Best Solo Piano Album of the Year” by Enlightened Piano Radio
• “Top 20 Favorites of 2017” at MainlyPiano.com
• Number 11 on the Zone Music Reporter Top 100 Radio Airplay

2015-2016: Castle Moon

• Winner for “Best Album of the Year” by Enlightened Piano Radio
• Nomination for “Best Album of the Year” by Whisperings Solo Piano Radio
• Nomination for “Best Solo Piano Album” by Zone Music Reporter

2013-2014: A Southern Sun

• Nomination for “Best Solo Piano Album” by Zone Music Reporter
• “Top 30 Favorites of 2013” at MainlyPiano.com
• Nomination for “Album of the Year” by Enlightened Piano Radio

2011: A Piano Christmas

• Winner of “Album of the Year” at SoloPianoChristmas.com
• Nominated for “Best Holiday Album of Year 2011” at SoloPiano.com

2009 – Spirit Touch

• “Top 40 Albums of the Decade 2000-2009” at MainlyPiano.com
• “Top 30 Favorites of 2009” at MainlyPiano.com

2007 – Masterpeace

• The title track, “Masterpeace”, was selected for one of the “50 Best Piano Songs of All Time” at Reviews New Age

Unkown Factoid:  Joseph still rocks his model collection from childhood!

***

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #7

Artist: Joseph Akins
Host: Ed Bazel
Producer: Eric Bikales

Native of western Kentucky, Lance has been known to traditionally use a thumb-pick when playing and writing music on guitar. Some of his earliest influences on guitar are Phil Keaggy, Tommy Emmanuel, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, and Eric Johnson. Dan Allen, Lance's father, was influential in getting Lance started on guitar. It was a Saturday morning ritual for Lance to show up to Randall Meade's house for a guitar lesson. Sometimes $5 and a 6 pack of Bud (provided by his dad) would get Lance an hour lesson, learning riffs from rock bands such as Metallica, Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, and Eric Clapton. Not long after his earliest motivation on guitar, he discovered Stevie Ray Vaughn's style of playing. This influence had him playing nonstop. After a big move in Lance's teenage years, he began to study guitar with Jimmy Felts of Piqua, Ohio. Jimmy introduced Lance to playing guitar with fingers. At that point, Lance's admiration for finger style guitar began.

Lance studied the art of recording music at Middle Tennessee State University. During his tenure there he began writing instrumental guitar ideas and began recording them. After collecting enough material, in 2006, he released his first solo guitar CD, "Sometime in Life'. From then he continued to write new music and release more albums, all while running a successful guitar lesson business, which he continues to operate. 

PS - Lance is an Eagle Scout!

***

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #6

Artist: Lance Allen
Host: Ed Bazel
Producer: Eric Bikales

“Just like most musicians, I compose from my heart and soul. Every song tells a story. I have spent a lifetime playing and loving other peoples stories. Now it is time for me to share my life through my music.”

Lynn Tredeau is an American musician who lives and performs in the Pacific Northwest. She got an early start in music and by the time she was six, her parents arranged for a surprise delivery of her first piano. The surprise part was ruined when Lynn took the call from the delivery company confirming the arrival of her piano, but that didn’t dampen her enthusiasm for playing. She was a natural musician and by the time she was sixteen, Lynn had mastered classical music on her piano, played guitar for her school’s jazz band, flute and clarinet in the orchestra, saxophone in the marching band, and played hymns on the pipe organ at church. Other early musical influences included the bands Boston, KISS, and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

She was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. When she and her husband started their family, they relocated to Alaska, where they lived until their children left home to attend college. Lynn taught in the Seattle, WA area until she and her husband retired and settled into Star, Idaho. Though she had always wanted to attend college and earn a BA in music, life took Lynn on a different path. She relished her life with her family and devoted most of her time to her husband, children, and home. One year, her husband gifted her with an upright piano to replace the beloved instrument of her childhood. Grateful to have a piano of her own again, she played occasionally—when she could squeeze in a bit of practice between her brood’s many activities. As her children moved into adulthood, music once again became a consuming passion for Lynn. Her dream of owning a grand piano came true, and slowly but surely, she began to transition from playing music others had created, to composing her own original pieces.

The rest of the story?  We will let The River of Calm’s Beyond the Music Podcast tell you - enjoy!

***

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #5

Artist: Lynn Tredeau
Host: Ed Bazel
Producer: Eric Bikales

Philip Wesley is an award winning best selling solo piano artist. His music has featured in radio, TV, film and print and can be found on many of today’s most popular platforms including Pandora, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, etc. His music is popular in the ‘New Age’ genre and has reached #1 on the iTunes charts, The Top 100 on Amazon, #1 on Amazon New Age Music, Best Seller at CD Baby, and on multiple Billboard Charts, including #2 (New Age Albums Chart) #12 (New Age Catalog Chart) and #14 (Billboard Heat Seekers Album Chart)

Get to know more about this gifted composer and pianist - Philip Wesley - on The River of Calm's "Beyond the Music" Podcast!

***

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #4

Artist: Phillip Wesley
Host: Ed Bazel
Producer: Eric Bikales

Growing up in a small town outside of Eau Claire, WI, the pianist/composer/vocalist, the son of a father who was a junior high band instructor and a mother who taught piano, remembers only ever wanting to do one thing – sing! While developing these skills via a local boys’ choir, school bands and choirs, musicals and special church groups, he also took private piano lessons. Often, when he made a mistake while practicing, he would start experimenting with writing his own tunes. He enjoyed this improvised composing so much that he soon spent more time creating original compositions than practicing his actual lessons. Over time, he also began setting Scripture to music and wrote songs with lyrics by others as well as his own. 

Fast forward to today - and true to its intriguing, reflective title, KeithTim Anderson’s debut solo piano album, Waiting’s End, is the culmination of a fascinating lifelong musical journey – and a fresh new beginning for the multi-talented artist. 

Get to know more about composer and pianist - KeithTim Anderson - on The River of Calm's "Beyond the Music" Podcast!

***

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #3

Artist: KeithTim Anderson
Host: Ed Bazel
Producer: Eric Bikales

Sherry Finzer believes that music can heal. Her musical journey has taken her from classical to jazz, pop, world, and flamenco, to today, where she feels her music does the best work by helping to calm, soothe and heal through her New Age music. Fueled by stories shared by listeners and fans, as well as her personal experiences, she records, performs, composes, and runs Heart Dance Records – a label consisting of artists with a focus on healing music. Sherry specializes in the low flutes - alto, bass, and contrabass.

Sherry's music can is on SXM Spa Channel (68), Pandora, Spotify, Music Choice Soundscapes, Galaxie Spa Channel, Calm Radio, The River of Calm, Journeyscapes, international radio programming, multiple airlines, and overhead music channels.

In 5th grade, Sherry began playing the flute in the elementary school band in upstate NY and immediately fell in love with music, and began studying privately. Sherry experienced some dark times during these years and found her sanctuary in music. By the end of the second year of band, she was playing college level Bach and Handel Sonatas. She continued her classical studies throughout her school years. After a hiatus raising her two sons, Sherry returned to the competitive classical world and received many performance awards, including being selected to play at several National Flute Association conventions. In 2015, she and her family moved to Phoenix, AZ, where she found new opportunities to perform with a variety of musicians and genres, including jazz, flamenco, and New Age. Upon hearing that her music was helping people in a healing manner, Sherry recorded her first New Age album, Sanctuary, and started her label Heart Dance Records in 2009. Since then she has recorded 10 New Age CDs, and 6 in other genres. Three of her collaborations have won major awards - Transformation with guitarist Darin Mahoney (2013) One World Music Album of the Year, Flute Flight with Native American Flutist Mark Holland (2015) Zone Music Reporter Best Meditation/Relaxation Album, and Trialogue with Darin Mahoney and pan-global percussionist Will Clipman (2016) Zone Music Reporter Best Acoustic Album, and most recently Let There Be Light with Tom Moore (2017) Zone Music Reporter Best Relaxation/Meditation Album.

Enjoy your time with flutist and music business executive Sherry Finzer on The River of Calm’s Beyond the Music Podcast!

***

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #2

Artist: Sherry Finzer
Host: Ed Bazel
Producer: Eric Bikales

Eric Bikales is an American piano player. To attempt do describe everything else he is musically would be impossible. Drawing on his vast experience in every form and genre of music as a composer and performer, his experiences both “on the road” as a journeyman keyboardist and as a versatile composer for TV and film, he has crafted his first-ever collection of songs in his best style; just sitting at the piano and playing. Wherever these songs take you (and they will set your imagination in motion), there is always that “home-base” of Eric’s likeable mid-western personality; his easy humor or questioning irony, along with the determination to push his own boundaries.  His touch and approach to the instrument is eloquence itself. There is self-discovery herein, both his AND yours.

***

The River of Calm Beyond The Music Podcast Episode #1

Artist: Eric Bikales
Host: Ed Bazel