Moon Valley - Ambient Introspection

ZMR LIVE MUSIC AWARDS IN NEW ORLEANS GREAT SUCCESS

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I just came back from New Orleans. An amazing event took place there at the Joy Theater. The 9th LIVE ZMR (Zone Music Reporter previously New Age Reporter) Music Awards  took place with performances from some of the best artists in the genre. The event was a great success thanks to Daryl Portier and his staff at ZMR as well as thanks to all contributors and supporters of this event. Many artists, reviewers and broadcasters met for the first time and as Renée Blanche, (our beautiful host of the evening) pointed out "we became flesh and bones".

Bill Binkelman and RJ Lannan (music reviewers) walked around with a big smile on their face; Bill interviewed everyone at the entrance of the Joy Theatre; DJ Thornton was connecting with artists for her “Morning Breeze” Radio Show and I was able to hang out with Steven Halpern, Hennie Bekker, Trine Opsahl, Peter Kater, Michael Brant DeMaria, Jeff Oster, Marc Enfroy, Miriam Stockley (AOMUSIC), 2002, Heidi Ann Breyer, Will Ackerman, (who received the first Lifetime Achievement Award ) Joe Paulino, Peter Sterling and others.

Will Ackerman and Suzanne Doucet

Many members of the New Age Music Circle came to New Orleans and Beth Hilton and I were able to give away copies of our fifth New Age Music Circle compilation, which had just arrived prior to us leaving for New Orleans.

The performances and presentations of the evening were excellent and everyone gave more than their best! Will Ackerman was the star of the evening. I was blown away by Will’s presence and masterful guitar play, but also by Hennie Bekker, Michael Brant Demaria and Heidi Ann Breyer to name a few of the amazing performances. You can read all about the ZMR Music Awards nominees and  recipients at: http://zonemusicreporter.com/admin/nominees.asp and more about the event at Daryl's FB page:

The event reminded me of our International New Age Music Conferences (with Awards and concert) in Los Angeles in the late ‘80s, where so many in our community met for the very first time… Steven Halpern and I were reminiscing about it. He was the first recipient of our Crystal Award for new age music. It is exciting to see that it is happening again – now with a whole new generation of musicians, labels, broadcasters and reviewers and with the support of the internet.

Beth Hilton and I also had a chance to see some parts of this warm, friendly and creative city. We went to the French Quarter and to the Waterfront. We had great crawfish, “New Age Wine” at the Red Fish, beignets and liquorish coffee at the Cafe du Monde!  I really enjoyed this trip and hope there will be many annual LIVE ZMR Music Awards to come. 

Thank you Daryl and Ben for organizing this great event! Thanks to everyone who was there and contributed to make this such a memorable weekend!

I encourage all of you who are involved with New age Music to become a member of  ZMR. - you can become a sponsor of ZMR and the next ZMR Music Awards!

Divine Dimension by Bansuri master Rajendra Teredesai released in the US

Rajendra Teredesai's new album "Divine Dimension" was released today by Real Music in the USA. "Divine Dimension" is an album designed to enhance awareness in a relaxed and contemplative state of mind. Rajendra's music is specifically designed for Meditation and Introspection.

Rajendra Teredesai is among India's leading classical Bansuri (Indian bamboo flute) virtuosos, with a distinctive individuality evolved over years of dedicated study and practice. Rajendra  is one of the foremost disciples of the most celebrated and internationally acclaimed flute master of our times - Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia.

In meditation we center awareness on the innermost level of being. The compositions on "Divine Dimension" are based on traditional Indian ragas, with one Kirtan, and as such invoke a deep spiritual experience for the listener. They have been arranged with simplicity in mind and feature bansuri, chant, tanpura, percussion and drums, with atmospheric keyboard backing. The music is ideally suited for meditative practices, yoga, tai chi and pure bliss. May it enhance your life. Divine Dimension is a rare "gem" amongst Bansuri recordings. A must have for those who love to meditate to the sound of the Bansuri flute. 

Featured on Divine Dimension is also Rajendra's friend and colleague BlueMonk on keyboards. He arranged and mastered several tracks on this outstanding album.  Blue Monk has his own release on Real Music, the album entitled "Enlightened Love". Rajendra is also featured on several tracks on BlueMonk's album "Enlightened Love". He plays different flutes including native American flute on the track "Ancient Wisdom".

Both albums are highly recommended.

The new Sounds from the Circle IV - 2012 is now available on iTunes. The Best from Intl. New Age Music Artists! http://ping.fm/wz5HT

At the prestigous GATE event 2012 the compilation 'Sounds from the Circle III 2011' was included in 1500 giftbags! http://ping.fm/awaZx

Suzanne Doucet is featured tonight on Chrissie Moncks "Goddess Of Mercy" Show. NOT to be missed! An all FEMALE artists show. http://ping.fm/gLP3G

Enjoy this feature interview by John P.Olsen with Suzanne Doucet on NewAgeMusicWorld. http://ping.fm/DBILM