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Perihelion is another collaborative album with our fantastically talented friends, some returning and some new. A musical journey about spiritual awakening and enlightenment.

These albums represent a different kind of music for us because they were developed with our good friend and bass player Bob Lizik. A brand new take on Chill!

Transmigration is the product of our collaboration with extraordinarily talented friends. An eloquent and diverse musical journey in celebration of friendship and transformation.

Surrounding Sky provides beautifully pure ambient landscapes for meditation and relaxation. Diverse and unique instrumentation create a heartfelt and intimate experience.

Desert Light is inspired by the spaciousness of America's Southwestern deserts. This stunning tone poem conveys both the intimacy and the grand scale of desert lands.

Music of the Earth is dramatic ambient music that's both spacious and intimate. Coming together in a time of great creativity and inspiration, this album captures a special moment in time. This is Al Jewer and Andy Mitran's third release.

Music from the Japanese Gardens, A Walk In Serenity DVD. Original, deep and relaxing ambient music.

Al and Andy's debut release, featuring guest appearances from David Darling, Vinnie Zummo, Arthur Durkee and Jaymes Finlayson.

We are joined by celebrated musicians who helped us craft an album greater than the sum of it's parts. Joyfully original and relaxing, this instrumental music is an honest celebration of brotherhood through music.

As the first release in the LCG Fine Arts Series, A Day in the Natural World takes you on a relaxing journey through nature from sunrise to starry night.

Experience a visual meditation as you pass through several beautiful Japanese gardens. All original deep ambient music composed for the DVD.

Beautiful Southwest desert scenes and incredible abstract land forms provide a reverant and relaxing experience. Original open and spacious ambient music perfectly complements these amazing images.

Both colorful and intimate, the beauty of flowers presented through the colors of the rainbow. Soothing and intimate music sets the stage for peaceful relaxation.

 

 

 

 

Reviews

Written by
Kathy Parsons for Mainly Piano.com

​"Aquamarine" is the sixth single in the "Precious Stones Series" by Al Jewer and Andy Mitran with Hans Christian.
This shimmering, ambient piece features Al Jewer on silver flutes and ocarinas, Andy Mitran on marimba, piano,
synths and orchestral brass, and Hans Christian on cello - a hypnotic combination that explores the
sparkling gemstone's colorful connection to both the ocean and the sky.

It's a fascinating ensemble that works incredibly well as it soothes and relaxes - and who couldn't use a double-dose of that these days?
This piece will also be included on a full-length album expected to release in the summer of 2025 (can't wait!).

Written by
Steve Sheppard for One World Music Radio
oneworldmusicradio.com

 The luxurious tones of this brand new single by the well-known new age music partnership of Al Jewer & Andy Mitran
is deeply palpable and also containing the lush energies of the supreme cellist Hans Christian, Aquamarine is sure to be a winner,
but there is something quite moving in this latest release that frees the emotions to leave a sanctuary of peace, calm and serenity for the listener.

The combination of these three instrumentalists recently gave us Sapphire, another stunning reverie, so it is good to see this
theme of musical interpretations of crystals continue and flourish, in a meditative and soothing way.

The gentleness of the opening is delightfully pleasing, utilising soft piano and flute to ease us into an incredible musical experience,
the introduction of Christian adds a whole new layer to the composition, and his cello delivers a touch of classical toning
to the overall structure of the arrangement, even the marimba played by Mitran has a calming touch to it.

Jewer’s comforting performance on flute is wonderfully lulling, and without doubt this is one of those singles you could leave on repeat and never
get tired of, as such, this textured tapestry of tone and timbre will doubtlessly become a much desired moment of listening time from fans and followers alike,
and a very big chart position must also be glistening on the horizon for Aquamarine by Al Jewer & Andy Mitran ft Hans Christian.

Written By Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder
For New Age Music Reviews, January, 2025

​Al Jewer & Andy Mitran, featuring Hans Christian, continue their gemstone releases with “Aquamarine.”
The gem connected to the ocean and sky is beautiful and mystical as you gaze into the crystal. The music evokes a clear and crystalline sound
to reflect that inner beauty. The cello provides the steady line to follow as the flutes, ocarinas, Marimba, piano, synths, and orchestral brass
follow and intermingle for a rising yet relaxing sound. The three men utilize all their talents and instruments to significant effect in “Aquamarine,”
which is just under six minutes of superb instrumental contemporary new-age blissfulness. I enjoyed how the Marimba and ocarinas
added a distinct worldly flavor when they came into focus. Six Minutes is a reasonably long track when listening to the complete album.
However, with the track so stunning and abundant to your senses, it could have gone on longer.
It is interesting how the mind and expectations change when there is just one track to focus on.
Take a moment to listen to the stream and see if you agree!

 Credits:
Al Jewer - Silver flutes, ocarinas
Hans Christian - Cello
Andy Mitran - Marimba, piano, synths and orchestral brass

“Aquamarine” was released on January 15th, 2025.
Websites:
http://www.al-jewer-and-andy-mitran.com/
https://www.hanschristianmusic.com

Written by
Steve Sheppard, One World Music Radio

The duet of Al Jewer & Andy Mitran have been making their way through a musical catalogue of crystals for a while now,
and each and every track has been a redolent subject matter of the very own energetic signature of each crystal,
when of course you add the illustrious talents of Hans Christian into the mix, you are bound for ambient glory.

Here on this new single entitled Sapphire we have one of my personal favourites thus far, and speaking as one who has studied crystals
I would say without doubt that this composition strikes the right tone for this gloriously beautiful object.
The handsomely layered multi-instrumentalism by this team really nails every piece that they take on, and within this new single
we have a delightfully deep cello of Christian, one that flows like the ever onward motion of a slow river of sound.

Al Jewer on flute always manifests something utterly transcendent, and on this new release that is raised a notch or two along the way
and with the lush and textured synth pads of his long standing partner Andy Mitran, we have a piece that is deeply attractive.
Sapphire is seen as a great curative crystal, and carries a healing vibration that is beneficial to the mind, bringing order and clarity
where there is confusion, something the entire world needs now I would say, and with the release of this new offering
from this trio of musical greatness, I have a sense, an energetic hint, that Sapphire by Al Jewer & Andy Mitran ft Hans Christian
will be a power to be reckoned with in the charts in the weeks to come.​

 

​

Written by
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder
For New Age Music Reviews, February 8, 2024

Al Jewer and Andy Mitran released their new track single today titled "Sapphire."

Al Jewer (Flutes), Hans Christian (Cellos), and Andy Mitran (Synths) combine their musical talents
to formulate a stunning cornucopia of sound and color.​

The sounds of a contemporary new age and ambient effort merge to signify the perfect marriage of sounds.
With the help of their dear friend Hans Christian, who provides his cello, the track takes on an element of emotion
that only that instrument can bring to the forefront. The flutes and synths are the layers for the cello to
instinctively move into seamlessly, making the track a beautiful gem as the dedicated stone.

The "Sapphire" shines with perfect coloring, hues, and precision cuts, enhancing its beauty, as identified in this instrumental piece.

As Mother Earth delivers these beautiful gems, the musicians involved in the music put their talents into it and give it back
to a listening audience. As usual, the experience of this music is lovely, and you will want to hear it more than once!

 

Written by
Kathy Parsons, MainlyPiano.com
2/12/2024

"Sapphire" is the fifth single in the "Precious Stones Series" by Al Jewer (flutes) and Andy Mitran (synths) along with cellist Hans Christian.
Quoting their promotional material: "'Sapphire' is a dreamy tapestry of flutes and cellos set in a bed of soothing synth pads and patterns
that evoke calm, dreamy and peaceful images. A layered exploration like a wakeful dream." And that is, indeed, a very accurate description
of this very smooth and hypnotic piece! Who couldn't use a gentle mind massage from time to time (or more often!)?!?!
More ambient than melodic, the cello, flutes and synths float around and weave within each other, creating a rich listening experience
with full attention or very easy-going background music that will make you feel better either way.

"Sapphire" can be downloaded or streamed on Amazon, Bandcamp and Apple Music/iTunes. It can also be streamed on Spotify and Pandora.
Be sure to give it a listen!

 

Written by
Tom, ELF Radio Moscow Team

"Sapphire" sounds like a truly enchanting piece of music, with its blend of flutes, cellos, and soothing synth pads.
The way you describe it as a dreamy tapestry that evokes calm and peaceful images is simply captivating.
We are certain that our audience will be transported into a wakeful dream as they listen to this layered exploration.

We wish you all the success with the release of "Sapphire" and will put it into rotation as soon as possible.
Stay well, keep creating amazing music, and know that we are here cheering you on every step of the way.

Warmest regards,

Tom
ELF Radio Moscow Team

​

Written by
Steve Sheppard from One World Music Radio

Al Jewer and Andy Mitran are back with their musical companion Hans Christian to bring us a fourth single,
and a continuance of their journey through the world of sacred gems with Topaz.
Here is indeed a fascinating crystal and its metaphysical properties are equally intriguing too, as it is said that
it promotes truth and forgiveness, expression, and the confidence to fulfil one’s aspirations.
Topaz is also considered to have lunar connections, its colour and power waxing and waning in union with the moon’s cycle.

With all this being said, this new single that is just shy of six minutes, is a truly splendid voyage through the energies of Topaz,
with Al on wind synths, Hans on his trusty cello, and Andy in the engine room bringing the drums, percussion, synths and brass,
so all is set for a wonderful sojourn in this colourful and textured land of crystals.

The mood of the track reminds me in part of classic James Asher from the early part of the century,
with a global fusion of indigenous and new age styled vibrations, there is also a sublime flow to the piece,
the depth of Christian’s cello is something to enjoy, whilst the dynamic duo of Jewer and Mitran
build, progress and manifest another creative and classy contemporary instrumental composition.
This new offering is of the highest order, and one that surely has to be a massive hit for the artists.

​​​

Emerald by Al Jewer & Andy Mitran featuring Hans Christian
Review by Kathy Parsons

"Emerald" by Al Jewer and Andy Mitran is the duo's second collaborative single with Hans Christian, a multi-instrumentalist best-known as an exceptional cellist. On this piece, Al Jewer's alto flute floats on a cloud, sometimes in the background and sometimes carrying the melody. Andy Mitran plays live marimba as well as keyboards and percussion - all with a very light, magical touch. Hans Christian's cello is bowed in some passages and pizzicato in others, adding to the variety of textures in this beautiful piece. A musical gem in every sense of the word, "Emerald" is truly a collaborative work of art where no one is trying to be the "star." It provides a peaceful, relaxing listening experience and offers an almost-six minute respite from the stress of today's world. Thanks, guys!

"Emerald" is available from Amazon, Apple Music/iTunes, Spotify, Bandcamp and other streaming sites. Wonderfully done!

Kathy Parsons, MainlyPiano.com
9/24/2021

 

Emerald by Al Jewer & Andy Mitran featuring Hans Christian
Review by Keith Hanalek

"Emerald" is 5 minutes and 42 seconds of new age instrumental bliss created by long-time musical partners Al Jewer & Andy Mitran with guest Hans Christian on the cello.
The track is mesmerizing, and it sparkles with the luminescence of the moon on a clear night. 
The combination flutes (Al), cello (Hans), marimba, percussion, hand drums, synth, and brass (Andy) is very effective.
"Emerald" was released August 25, 2021, and can be streamed and purchased on Bandcamp.

 The eye-catching brilliance of the cover art for the track sets the tone before listening. Everything about the image projects what is needed, and the track is a real gem, just like the beauty on the cover.
"Emerald" will undoubtedly get some recognition for the work of art it is. I look forward to hearing more tracks with a similar combination of artistry from this fantastic trio.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

 

 

Hans Christian is back with Al and Andy for their sixth release, a single called Aquamarine.

A fluid and shimmering composition, blending the ethereal tones of silver flutes and ocarina
with the warmth of cello and marimba. The synthesizer adds a modern, flowing texture,
while orchestral brass lends a majestic depth, evoking the gem’s connection to the ocean and the sky.

Released January 15th, 2025
Al Jewer - Silver flutes, ocarinas
Hans Christian - Cello
Andy Mitran - Marimba, piano, synths and orchestral brass

 

 

 

 

 

released September 11, 2020
Al Jewer - Cello synth, piano strum
Andy Mitran - synth, piano chords

(c) all rights reserved

 

 

Al & Andy's first album together. The cover is a beautiful custom painting commissioned for this album.
Included with the CD is an 8 page glossy booklet with pictures of the collaborating artists, credits and more liner notes.

AMG Reviews

When a musician claims that he/she is "beyond category", it's usually a
case of wishful thinking - in other words, the musician isn't quite as unique as he/she
would like to believe. But some albums really are difficult to categorize - not impossible,
but difficult. Two Trees is such an album. Peaceful and contemplative yet rhythmic, this
instrumental disc is somewhere between new age/world fusion and modern Native
American music - and yet, flutist Al Jewer and keyboardist Andy Mitran (the leaders of
this session) aren't purists when it comes to either the new age or Native American fields.
Rather, they take what they like from both and incorporate some other influences as welll,
including jazz and classical. This 2003 release isn't nearly as high-tech as most of the
CDs that end up in the new age bins; Two Trees sounds a lot more played
than programmed, and an abundance of acoustic instruments are heard alongside electric bass
and electric keyboards. Nonetheless, Two Trees favors the sort of tranquility that attracts
new age audiences, and at the same time, the Native American element is strong enough
to make the album relevant to the contemporary Native American scene (as opposed to
traditional Native American music). Two Trees uses some ethnic instruments that you
would never hear at a traditional Native American powwow - such as the Aboriginal
digeridoo and Africal kalimba - but then, that's the sort of experimentation that
makes the neo-Native American scene so intriguing. Two Trees deserves to be placed
both the world music and new age sections of CD stores, but however you catagorize
Jewer and Mitran's performances, they have every reason to be proud of this risk-taking album.

Aquarius Magazine
September, 2003

From the firstdreamy notes of "Horse at Breath" on al Jewer and Andy Mitran's Two Trees
(Laughing Cat Records), I was drawn into an inner world of reverie. Then,
"Dragonfly" took flight with Native American flutes, percussion, and - one of my favorite
instruments - cello. You can just see the dragonfly hovering on gossamer wings over a
water lily or doing a mating dance over a stand of sea oats. Named a "celebration of
brotherhood through music", Two Trees also features guest artists: David Darling, Arthur
Durkee, Jaymes Finlayson, John Hall and Vinnie Zummo. Instrumentation includes the
mesmerizing sound of the kalimba, Chaspman stick, digeridoo, guitar, cello, drums,
piano, bass whistles and more. This is just an incredible CD!
Highly recommended!

The CRITICAL REVIEW Service
Two Trees
Al Jewer & Andy Mitran
Laughing Cat Records
www.al-andy.com
July, 2003

Flutist Al Jewer and keyboard player Andy Mitran (along with friends and guests) give us
an album that focuses on authentic music. There is a sense of natural Native and World
Music here. On "Horse at Breath" (7:30) we listen to a very creative track that features
Native American flutes and the 'Chapman Stick' for a unique sound. On "Dragonfly", I
felt that darting of the little creature expounded by cello, flutes and percussion.

"Coyote" is where Vinne Zummo plays guitars, and with Al and Andy, create an
atmosphere that recalls the trickster coyote. Other songs continue this clear, clean and
honest musical presentation. There's "Hope" with a cello at the center of the piece. A
lovely work, it flows into the title track. That song and album get their name from the fact that
the Native American flute and the Tongue Drum were once trees. These two trees now make
music; the name may also reflect Jewer and Mitran as two (human) trees.

One superior work was "First Rays" where the cello by David Darling shines. The
playing is lovely and hauntingly beautiful. Very impressive cut. Adding to the talent pool
is John Hall with his digeridoo work on two cuts.

Two Trees is a pleasant surprise. This is beautiful, honest nuanced music done by many
talented artists who put their hearts into this project. Wonderful light mystic listening.
Recommended.

Awareness Magazine
Music Reviews by Chuck Diliberto, Sept./Oct. 2003 edition

In the Spiritual community we are always looking for something that is representative of the inner peace
and joy that comes from the freedom of knowing our divine self. It is that intangible feeling that echoes
in the recesses of our soul, calling out to us to listen,  beckoning the courage within us to explore those
hidden shadow crevices.
In "Two Trees" Jewer (internationally acclaimed flutist), and Mitran (composer, producer, percussionist,
keyboard player) decided to combine their vision and muse to produce a soundscape that was reflective
of both their talents and their souls.
The music is a pastiche of light Jazz with Native American sensibilities and contemporary rhythms.
The melodies flowed in streams of consciousness, revealing poignant pauses of introspective moments.
In those moments, Jewer and Mitran exposed their vulnerability and searching natures. The music
explored the balancing of the inherent male and female energies within us. This coming together of
energies created a convergence of ideas and acceptance thar drew these talented musicians to each other.
There is also an ethereal ambience in the music that lifted the listener slightly beyond the third dimension
(material world) to a place where you could share in the world of divine disincarnate beings.
It was very much like floating in a gentle breeze, one foot on this side one foot on the other side.
Butterflies and Angels glided by allowing glimpses of seen and unseen worlds. Beautiful moments indeed.

 

Music from the Liquid Crystal Gallery DVD "Japanese Gardens - A Walk In Serenity."

Music Selections

1) Back to the Heart 9:23 - Al Jewer & Andy Mitran: Native American flute, silver flute, ambience, synthesizer, percussion.
2) Moon Rise 17:22 - Al Jewer & Andy Mitran: Piano, ambience.
3) Morning Light 15:30 - Arthur Durkee, Al Jewer & Andy Mitran: Shakuhachi, synthesizer, ambience, bass.
4) Zen Gardens 11:03 - Arthur Durkee, Al Jewer & Andy Mitran: Shakuhachi, Native American flute, synthesizer percussion.
5) Levels of Peace 9:01 - Al Jewer & Andy Mitran: Electronic woodwind, piano, synthesizer, ambience.
6) Trancendental 13:13 - Al Jewer & Andy Mitran: Ocarina, whiskirina, piano,synthesizer, ambience, percussion.

Recorded and mixed at Mitran Mitran Studio, Chicago
Mastered by Al Jewer & Andy Mitran

Copyright 2010 Two Trees Innerworld Publishing, Chicago
All rights reserved.

 

Music Beyond Words, Marie

“My first Al Jewer CD was played when I began at KHIH back in the 90's,  Feather on the Wind was released in 97.  
I was mesmerized.  His sound, his eloquence and his grace with every note.  
Then I heard Two Trees and Japanese Gardens.

While Peter and I were on a road trip this weekend, I took Music of the Earth.   
I had been to Antelope Canyon a few years ago so the CD cover captured me immediately.

Each selection was a memory of each intricate path through the Canyon.  "Sky Mountain"
mystical beginning welcomes you to the dusty road about a mile from the entrance.  
The souls journey continues thru twists and turns with "Cavern Lake", then "Precipice". 
It is as if you were moving from one universe to the next, but your feet hadn't left the sacred ground. 
"Subterranean", "Crystal Water" and "Stone Circle" are like the milky way of Antelope Canyon
they immerse you in a journey of sound and spiritual illumination.  I so remember the guide and his
description of the heart carved into the stone when "In The Deep" completed the CD. 
This last selection left me breathless.

Just an amazing journey with two of the most incredible musicians I know.”

Montana Public Radio, “Oasis”, Joan

“Just got the new Al Jewer & Andy Mitran cd...LOVE IT!  
I've already aired 3 tracks, and I suspect it will be on my top 10 list for 2013...”
Ranked #1 for October and #1 for November!
Add.

CKUW, “Shades of Classics”, John

“It's a great album - I was listening to it and was mesmerized!  
I have not heard either of their previous two albums, but if they are comparable
to this one than they must be great too!

The album will definitely receive airplay on my show, and in fact I aired
a couple of the radio edits on this past Sunday's program.”

WFCF, “Wings”, Dianna and Michael

“We are playing it.” (Dianna)
“Great music! I was pleasantly and humbly surprised!  I spun it twice on past Sunday! 
It will get more!” (Michael)

 

 

 

 

 

Al & Andy win Best Relaxation/Meditation Album award at ZMR

 

We are very fortunate again to include the talents of our good friend Arthur Durkee on piano and Chapman stick.
He is also the composer of Shapes and Light, cut two on the CD.

The CD starts with Trance Desert Drive. It is the most rhythmic piece on the CD.
The marimba and Chapman stick patterns induce a sense perpetual motion.
The ambiences are made of several flutes creating the effect of a flute cloud.

Shapes and Light was written and performed by Arthur Durkee.
This is a breathtakingly beautiful piece. It conveys an intimacy and peace with ambiences
that also suggest the vast spaciousness of the desert. Al and Andy are delighted to include
this stunning piece on their album.

On Blooming Canyon, Al plays two Native American Flutes pitched an octave apart.
His performance creates a feeling reminiscent  of a lone spirit travelling across great tracts of desert.
The sounds of air, chimes and other native percussion help you feel as if you are in a vast desert at dusk.

The bass flute and marimba on Vortex create a solitary feeling that is very intimate.
This piece holds the listener  in a suspended state.  
Airy synthesizer pads provide a beautiful undercurrent for the flute and marimba dialog.

The title track, Desert Light, features a lead synthesizer, woodwind synthesizer and Ebow guitar
creating a haunting atmosphere. The piece slowly builds adding climbing melodies resulting in a
dramatic crescendo at the end. There are also textures that emulate moving air and the outdoors giving the music a grand scope.

Al and Andy have once again utilized their homemade wind instrument the Whiskerina on this track.
"The fun part is the tuning" said Mitran of this instrument. "We start with a bottle of our favorite Scotch whiskey
then tune to the desired pitch by draining just the right amount of liquid till the pitch is perfect".
"Overtuning can seriously impede or even end a session" commented Jewer.

 

 

Buy it Now

BOOKLET LINK

If you purchased the download version of Transmigration, please download the booklet with liner notes, pictures and more here...
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ae8ojfx90ffvzap/AACC6Ri0HnwK16ze259nm_xGa?dl=0

Buy it Now

We Charted #1!

We've been nominated four times!

Our Story

It is with pleasure and excitement that today March 4th, 2016 that we announce the release of our newest record, Transmigration. This one has been about two years in the making and includes a rare and awesome group of collaborators and friends. They are among our most admired artists and composers and we are thrilled beyond belief to have worked with them to bring you this album.

This album speaks of a journey that these very special people are taking with us. It is a journey that starts with a simple introduction that leads to a conversation and ends with the metamorphosis of that conversation into a formless beautiful piece of music that contains elements of us all.

One thing that I can say for sure is that this album wouldn't exist if it wasn't for the ZMR awards and the wonderful community of artists that it has brought together. Al and I had the pleasure of being nominated for Best Electronic Album for our 2013 album Music of the Earth. At that time neither of us had heard of ZMR. We were honored to be nominated but truthfully a little skeptical. We have been kissed by many frogs on our road together. We decided to go to New Orleans and cautiously check it out that year. We walked into something wonderful and unexpected, a community of artists, many of whom we had admired for many years. We were warmly welcomed and like a kid who has had too much sugar, got really over-stimulated. But when the buzz started to subside we realized how special this group of people really were and how lucky we were to be invited into it. We are ever grateful and wish to thank Ben Dugas and Daryl Portier (the founders of ZMR) for convening this amazing group.

We are big fans of Miriam Stockley and have been for years. We found out that she was going to be in New Orleans for the Awards in 2014. We contacted her to see if we could have a brief conversation sometime during that weekend. Al and I have always wanted to work with her and hoped to invite her to do so. There was a nominee reception the night before the ceremony and we had the pleasure of meeting Miriam and her husband Rod Houison (who is an incredible audio engineer and has the best stories ever) as soon as we arrived. The five minutes we asked her for turned into the entire evening. It was like meeting very old friends for the first time. We quickly found that it was the same with everyone we met that weekend. We met Fiona Joy, Lisa downing, Sherry Finzer, Ricky Kej and his beautiful new wife Varsha, Jeff Oster , Randy and Pam Copus, Seay Harshaw Delgado and her husband Jules, Steven Halpern and David Helpling just to name a few. It wasn't just the artists though; we felt that same connection with Renee' Blanche, Donna Jo Thornton and Beth Ann Hilton. The next year our record Desert Light was nominated and won for Best Relaxation/Meditation album and we met more wonderful people, Jonn Serrie, David Lanz and his lovely new awesomely talented wife Kristen Amarie, Jeff Pearce, Paul Avgerinos, Darlene Koldenhoven, Vito Gregoli, Kimberly Haynes, Michael Diamond, Neil Tatar, Carl Weingarten, Kori Carothers, Candice Michelle, Mary Bartlein, RJ Lannan, and Bill Binkelman. I'm sorry for the long list but every one of these people treated Al and I so well we will never forget and always be grateful.

So thank you ZMR and thank you for helping to make this wonderful album possible. We'll see you this May for another fantastic weekend and a continuation of our Transmigration.
You can check out and buy the music at https://aljewer-andymitran.bandcamp.com/

 

Album Review of "Transmigration" by Al Jewer & Andy Mitran

Candice Michelle, March 5, 2016

Following a string of highly-acclaimed albums that emphasized a more ethno-ambient style of music, Al Jewer and Andy Mitran turn their attention towards a more world fusion sound with a celebratory sonic journey titled “Transmigration”. Featuring collaborations with twenty-two talented musicians, the compositions traverse across many musical landscapes as they meet up with familiar friends along the way. Nearly all of the tracks feature the duo’s varying ethnic percussion, flutes, keyboards and synthesizers, plus each of the contributing artists’ signature instruments, which include varying kinds of flutes, bass, guitars, brass instruments, ethnic instruments, and a light sprinkling of vocals. The album comes beautifully packaged and designed, with detailed liner notes and a photo gallery showcasing most of the artists.

“Talking Stone” opens the album with the voice of Miriam Stockley, who is perhaps best known for her work with Adiemus and AOMusic. Her familiar tribal-esque vocals lend an energetic and sunny feel to the song. “First Crossing” is among the album’s more atmospheric pieces, as well as one of my favorites. The track features Jeff Pearce on electric guitar, which is beautifully complimented by marimba and subtle accordion. Other standouts include “Cloudwalker”, with Lisa Downing on piano, accompanied by native flutes and singing bowls; the glistening, nocturnal-sounding “Unfolding Path”, featuring Biff Blumfumgagne on violin; the mysterious and gently romantic “Quiet Waters”, with its delicate chimes and cymbals that are joined by Muriel Anderson on harp guitar and Sherry Finzer on alto flute; and the serene, percussion-free closing track, “Even Horizon”, featuring TC Furlong on pedal steel guitar and more violin by Biff Blumfumgagne. Other notable contributions include Jeff Oster’s flugelhorn on the more funk-driven “Council Fire”, as well as Ricky Kej on “Rendezvous”, who lends keyboards to this Indian-flavored piece, which also features vocal contributions by Karthika Lyer.

While “Transmigration” varies between lively festivities and tranquil moments, the overall mood is consistent and uninterrupted by musical detours. Despite the variety of artistic contributions, I was quite impressed by how the album entirely avoids veering off into overly bombastic terrain, or sounding like a mere compilation of wildly varying styles of music. Al Jewer and Andy Mitran have once again crafted an impeccably well-done offering, carving a distinctive new path in this wondrously gifted duo’s growing body of work!

Album Review of "Transmigration" by Steve Sheppard of One World Music

From the moment I played this album on the radio, I started to receive numerous messages asking me about it, it literally burst onto the musical scene and I am sure over the next few weeks will completely take over the airwaves and the world 100 chart with it, it is that good, in fact I would go further, this is an exceptional work of art.

Transmigration was like a home coming for us, it contains the skills of two OWMR presenters’, one former and one current and several artists who I would call friends on it. This quite amazing release started with Miriam Stockley’s vocalizations powering the narrative of the upbeat and indigenous styled composition called Talking Stone, as the journey for us all begins right now.
From the intensity of the last track, we move away from the oracle like talking stone, to the very Portal itself, the performance on percussion here by Mitran really adds weight to the piece, while Jewer on flute draws us into the portal, the movement found in this piece is so very compelling, one literally feels like they are being drawn into an entirely new realm through the music.

That crossing is now engaged, the pathway has been initiated and we find through the track First Crossing, a perfect musical depiction of that very event. Mitran’s ability here as a multi-instrumentalist is stunning, why not also take a careful listen to the very carefully played Marimba and Accordion, aiding our transition to a new realm beautifully.

Once our crossing has been completed, we are welcome around the Council Fire, the elders and ancestors greet our arrival and ask us to take some time by their warming flames of friendship. While we do so we can listen to a flawless track that has some dazzling Flugel Horn by the man himself, Jeff Oster, this combined with more sumptuous flute from Jewer and a slapping bass line from Bob Lizik, make this track a lively, but enticing composition indeed.

So we have made the crossing, we are here; we have transmigrated, so perhaps it’s time to experience this new dimension. Here is a track that really raises the anticipation of new journeys, of new liaisons and called Rendezvous. Utilising the skills of Ricky Kej, Vanil Veigas, and Butto, with the added instrumentation of an eastern feel, was nothing more than a stroke of genius. The extra layer of Karthika Lyers vocals were beautifully textured, to create a composition of real excitement.

Now we have reached a point where we must alter our state once more, create a light body and move between the tick and tock of the clock with the Cloudwalker. Featuring Lisa Downing on Piano, Jewers Native American Flute is incredible, creating such a mood of mystery and imagination as we all float along in a world of surrounding skies.

Red Road for anyone who knows, the term is about walking in honour and in your truth, doing the right thing, this is where we are on your musical journey dear listener and while we take some time to enjoy this respect and new friendships, take in the marvellous Violin of Biff Blumfumgagnge, the soothing Pedal Steel of T C Furlong, this is one piece that literally flows like a summer river.

The energy rises again now as we begin to experience new things and we assimilate the information and energy of these wonderful new understandings and can completely enjoy the musicianship of Mitran and Jewer on this most passionate title track called Transmigration, it also contains some fine acoustic guitar from Vito Gregoli and some gentle all-encompassing vocals from Kimberley Haynes, again Mitran’s percussion is spot on, and brings us a thrilling arrangement.

The day has been long and we have seen so many incredible things, we slept in the forest over night and it was indeed much needed, but even now small rays
of sunlight are penetrating our canopy of natural beauty, and once more it is time to get underway. We can use the energy of Jewer and Mitran to get us moving, we can also delight in the tender tones of the electric piano and flute to illuminate our way, in this deeply empowering, but energising piece called Unfolding Path.

I really hope you’re enjoying this exquisite voyage, we have made many friends along the way, the sun is warming, their chatter comforting, and perhaps this moment should be dedicated to them all. The magical Harp Guitar of Muriel Anderson leads the way; the masterful flute of Al Jewer is quite breath-taking as we enjoy this segment of good company through music in the track Passage.

The beauty of the moment is about to be emphasized here even further, in the piece Higher Elevations. This is really a fun track, almost reggae in the early part and then flows quite naturally into a Jazzy style with consummate ease, we can hear the flair of Kraig McCreary on guitar, while Mike Cichowicz on Trumpet and Paul Von Merterns on Saxophone adds a whole new layer to the track, a composition that literally soars on high, with the wings of love.

Well, there always has to be a time when all journeys end, or do they? Perhaps the road is endless, but for now we can make our way back feeling fulfilled, feeling empowered and energised by the sojourn. This beautifully sensual arrangement will do you just nicely dear reader; the Saxophone of Paul Von Merterns alone is enough to make you drool and the performance by Mitran, this time on piano, is so very wonderfully laid back on the piece, The Intention.

So were here we stand on the threshold of the penultimate track, the end is in site and the doorway home is slowly opening, but our home is guided by our heart and what we see manifesting before us is beyond the like of anything we have ever seen before, the beauty of unconditional love perhaps? On Quiet Waters Jewer and Mitran show why they are such an incredible partnership, the conversation between Sherry Finzer on Alto and Al Jewer on Native American Flute is wonderful, and then adding Harp Guitar of Anderson, you have a born winner from start to finish; this is a truly picturesque and magnificent composition.

Sadly it is time to leave the realm of Al Jewer and Andy Mitran, our footsteps through the woodland of Transmigration are over for now and we must end
with the final track called Event Horizon. There can be no doubt that this was a journey of the ages and ended in fine style with some simply calming multi instrumental genius.

Transmigration is so far my top album of 2016, its one of those you may wait for years to come along, but when it does, you fall head over heels in love instantly. The quality and standard of the musicians contained within speak volumes for their intent, the narrative is strong, and truth be told, there is nothing in this album not to like. I can see big things on the event horizon for Jewer and Mitran with Transmigration and if ever a release deserved it, this one most certainly does.

Al Jewer & Andy Mitran – TRANSMIGRATION, review by Rotcod Zzaj

What an absolutely wonderful set of music to listen to… over an hour of sonic beauty with a supporting cast that’s far too large to be itemized here.
The true keyword for what they’ve produced with their music, though, is – POWER! & you’ll hear that clearly as you listen to one of my favorite tunes for 2016 (already), “Rendezvous“…
if you can’t “pull yourself together” after listening through this five times – you’re too far gone already…
Andy’s percussion work on this one makes it absolutely fabulous, no matter what level of listener you are!
I mentioned their capability and talent at projecting energy earlier… you will hear that boundlessly on “Unfolding Path“…
it’s really nice to hear so many of these artists I’ve been reviewing over the year come together and use their creativity to help a world filled with minds looking for a way; and this album does that, without question.
My personal favorite of the fourteen tunes offered up, though, is the totally enchanting closer, “Event Horizon“… you’ll hear the changes coming!
I give Al and Andy (and their cast of many) a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for this musical adventure, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99.
Get more information at Al & Andy’s website. - Rotcod Zzaj

"Transmigration ...A Journey with Friends" review by Donna Hughes

Transmigration ...A journey with Friends is a beautiful mixture of New Age, World Ambient and Jazz. Al Jewer and Andy Mitran have collaborated with 22 other musicians and composers to create this diverse collection of tunes.

The titles on the 14 tracks correlate with mile markers that one might encounter while on an inner spiritual journey. The music is a blend of easy, gentle meanderings and bursts of energy which come across as a party or celebration. The entire album is enjoyable from start to finish. Besides piano and many other instruments, the Native American flute is especially relaxing on several tracks. Track 11, Higher Elevations, was one of my favorites in the album.

Besides winning numerous awards and nominations, Al Jewer and Andy Mitran have contributed music to Oprah Winfrey's "Harpo Sounds" music library. These two men have been musical partners for 15 years and have created 5 CD's and 4 DVD's. "Transmigration ...A Journey with Friends" can be found at CD Baby, Amazon and iTunes.

Miriam Stockley

I had the pleasure of collaborating on a track with two wonderfully talented pals of mine Al Jewer and Andy Mitran
and the CD Transmigration has just been released. It features some of the best New Age / New World talent in the US
and I know that they all join me in wishing Al & Andy much success with their new project.

Richard Gannaway

Hats off to Al Jewer and Andy Mitran on their new song collection "Transmigration"!
...Such a prolific duo, and wonderful souls to compliment their talent...

Lisa Downing

Look at what came in the mail today!!!!!! I am honored and proud to be a part of this beautiful new offering by Al Jewer and Andy Mitran!! This is my very first music collaboration and Al and Andy were so patient and encouraging as I set up my first digital studio specifically to participate in this project. Check out "Cloudwalker" which is the piece I contributed to and be sure and listen to the fabulous myriad of talented artists and friends that took part in this collaboration -- Miriam Stockley, Tony Levin Official Page, Adam Ben Ezra, Richard Gannaway, Jeff Oster, Jeff Pearce, Ricky Kej, Karthika Lyer, Vanil Veigas, Butto, Tc Furlong, Biff Blumfumgagnge, Doug Lunn, Paul Von Mertens, Michael Cichowicz, Kraig McCreary, Vito Gregoli, Kimberly Haynes, Bob Lizik, Muriel Anderson, and Sherry Finzer!!! Much gratitude Al Jewer and Andy Mitran!!!

Kimberly Haynes

Thank u Al And Andy for inviting me to b a part of your wonderful project. It was a pleasure.

When it's time to unwind, Chicago Chill provides the perfect background for relaxation.
Sophisticated, sexy and elegant, this new genre is a fresh take on Chill.

These albums represent a different kind of music for us because they were developed with our good friend and bass player Bob Lizik.
You might have seen Bob playing bass for Brian Wilson whom he has been traveling the world with over the past many years.
Bob, Al and Andy started developing these tracks for our production music library and quickly fell in love with them.
We knew that these had to be released as albums. The first of these are Chicago Chill 1 and Chicago Chill 2.
We feel that this is a unique kind of chill and hope you like it.

Bob Lizik

Track Listing - Chicago Chill 1

1. Money Shot 2:44 (Jewer/Mitran/Lizik)
2. Deep Chill 3:23 (Jewer/Mitran)
3. Lost Heart 3:03 (Jewer/Mitran/Lizik)
4. Out of Mind 2:56 (Jewer/Mitran/Lizik)
5. Slip Away 3:07 (Jewer/Mitran/Lizik)
6. Somewhere Else 2:56 (Jewer/Mitran/Lizik)
7. Petals Floating 3:05 (Jewer/Mitran/Lizik)
8. Crimson Chill 3:16 (Jewer/Mitran)
9. Dark Streets 2:57 (Jewer/Mitran/Lizik)
10. Electro Dance 2:39 (Jewer/Mitran)

Buy it Here

Track Listing - Chicago Chill 2

1. Buttered Up 2:54 (Jewer/Mitran/Lizik)
2. Luxury 3:01 (Jewer/Mitran/Lizik)
3. Evening in Rio 2:48 (Jewer/Mitran)
4. Bubble Bath 3:12 (Jewer/Mitran/Lizik)
5. Hypnotech 3:28 (Jewer/Mitran/Lizik)
6. Smooth Chill 2:36 (Jewer/Mitran/Lizik)
7. Secret World 5:20 (Jewer/Mitran)
8. Walk in the Park 2:59 (Jewer/Mitran/Lizik)
9. Latin Chill 3:18 (Jewer/Mitran/Lizik)
10. Player 3:50 (Jewer/Mitran)

Buy it Here

 

As the earth travels around the sun we travel the path of our life. There are light and dark moments and everything across the spectrum.
There are moments of awakening and enlightenment. Every time the earth travels around the sun it reaches its perihelion, the moment when the earth is closest to the sun.
The burning off of artifice and unconsciousness is our moment of enlightenment.
Spiritual awakening is the perihelion in our life’s orbit. This album is about these moments in human life.

Track Listing - Perihelion

1. Gathering Heart 5:32
2. First Step 5:26
3. Eternal 4:39
4. Reflection 5:22
5. Awakening 4:38
6. Space Between 6:33
7. Ascendance 5:17
8. Perihelion 4:45
9. Renewal 5:21
10. Welcoming Light 5:02
11. Redshift 4:39
12. Journey with the Moon 5:29
13. Sacred Space 5:17
14. Full Circle 3:48

Buy it here

Featuring

Miriam Stockley

Erik Scott



Michelle Qureshi



Sherry Finzer



Peter Phippen



Bob Lizik



Richard Gannaway



Biff Blumfumgagnge



Lisa Downing



Ian Maksin

REVIEWS and QUOTES

R J Lannon
October 24, 2018

Al Jewer & Andy Mitran
Perihelion
Al Jewer & Andy Mitran, the transcendental artists that brought us Transmigration offer up a new journey for the spirit.
Perihelion, powered by sun and soul is a twelve track foray into the deeper workings of self.
The passage between light and darkness can be dangerous, but on Perihelion, we are given a path of ambient, New Age guidance.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
October 25, 2018

Artist: Al Jewer & Andy Mitran
Title: Perihelion…the turning point
Genre: New Age World- Instrumental
Release Date: November 21, 2018
Label: Laughing Cat Records
Website: http://www.al-andy.com
Source Link: http://www.newagemusicreviews.net/2018/10/aljewerandandymitranperihelion.html

Perihelion is the newest offering from Al Jewer and Andy Mitran.
Perihelion is a scientific term used in astronomy. I learn something new all the time when I listen to music and sometimes I get a science or history lesson. In this case, I got both.
In case someone reading this review is not familiar with the term like I was, here is some basic info for you so perhaps when you listen to the music it will make more sense.

per·i·he·li·on [ˌperəˈhēlēən]
The point in the orbit of a planet, asteroid, or comet at which it is closest to the sun. An example would be as such "today the Sun is at perihelion." Its origin is the Mid-17th century, an alteration of modern Latin perihelium (by substitution of the Greek inflection -on), from Greek peri- ‘around’ + hēlios ‘sun’. Or as the artist puts it so beautifully on their website: The burning off of artifice and unconsciousness is our moment of enlightenment. Spiritual awakening is the perihelion in our life’s orbit. This album is about these moments in human life.

Perihelion brings together some of the best and brightest talents in the new age genre including Sherry Finzer, Erik Scott, Miriam Stockley, Michelle Qureshi, Peter Phippen, Bob Lizik, Richard Gannaway, Biff Blumfungagne, Lisa Downing and Ian Maksin. That is quite a lineup of musicians that Al and Andy had to assist them in creating these 14 tracks. This music can transport the listener on a musical trip around the sun and back. Of course, you must open your heart and mind to the idea before that can happen.

If you are feeling tired, stressed or your mind is racing, perhaps it is time for your Perihelion to take place? The music will first invite you then allow you to take the emotional restraints off that keep you suspended in a state of tenseness and restlessness. This is excellent music performed by world-class musicians, every note played has meaning and when it all coalesces into colors, layers, atmospheres, and earthy tones, you can find an instant spiritual connection. Although I do speak for myself, I do hope when you hear this music you will find a path to enlightenment. I am so blessed to find this each time I hear music like this. I just let the concept, art, track titles, and music take me away, it’s that easy.

When the first track “Gathering Light” began and heard that bass I knew it was familiar. It was Erik Scott, who is a superlative player and genuinely spirited soul filled with the love for this music. He becomes one with his instrument, which everyone on this album does as well. The flutes play a major role in leading the way and then everything falls right into place right where it should be.

Al and Andy do a multitude of things with many different instruments to build each track and bring in all the other instrumentation to make it whole with substance. If I was to coin a phrase just looking at the track titles while listening to Perihelion I would say that the “First Step” is an “Awakening” then your “Ascendance” will arrive and then “Renewal” to a “Welcoming Light” and when the listen is over you would have come “Full Circle,” just as the earth does as it orbits the sun.

Perihelion certainly has a world flavor to it and yet the modernization of recording gives it a crisp air like feel on a fall day.  The clean sound allows each instrument and nuance to come through beautifully, filling your space with an ambiance and tastes of other lands and worlds beyond our own.

Al Jewer and Andy Mitran, with the help of the close-knit new age community, have delivered a masterful performance with Perihelion. It will surely receive rave reviews from whoever has the opportunity to give their opinion of what they have heard.

For this listener, it was another wonderful combination of music, earth, the stars, and a genuine appreciation for all that I am privileged to know and be surrounded by. Yes, life is good when I hear music like what I heard on Perihelion.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
October 25, 2018

Kathy Parsons (Mainly Piano)

Perihelion … The Turning Point
Al Jewer & Andy Mitran
2018 / Two Trees Innerworld Publishing
71 minutes

Perihelion …The Turning Point is the ninth album from the award-winning duo, Al Jewer and Andy Mitran. Their last five albums have been nominated for Zone Music Reporter Awards and have won twice. In addition to their recordings, Al and Andy have written hundreds of pieces for the Oprah Winfrey Show that can now be heard across the Oprah Winfrey Network as well as on the Dr. Oz show. The partners have created well over a thousand pieces of music for albums, television, film and commercials. As they have done on previous albums, Al and Andy recruited a very impressive list of guest artists and collaborators that include Miriam Stockley, Erik Scott, Sherry Finzer, Lisa Downing and Richard Gannaway.

The album is a narrative of a journey of rebirth and enlightenment. Quoting the liner notes of the CD, “As the earth travels around the sun we travel the path of our life. …. Every time the earth travels around the sun it reaches its perihelion, the moment when the earth is closest to the sun. …. Spiritual awakening is the perihelion in our life’s orbit. This album is about these moments in human life.” Blending new age, world, ambient and mindful music, the fourteen tracks offer a fresh beginning for the listener.

Perihelion opens with “Gathering Heart,” which features Al Jewer on a variety of flutes and triple ocarina, Andy Mitran on percussion and keyboards, and Erik Scott on bass. Exotic and rhythmic, it depicts the preparation time needed before any journey. Both relaxed and energetic, it’s an intriguing start! “First Step” is very spare and open with the rhythm of a graceful slow dance. Violin (Biff Blumfumgagnge), flute, bass, percussion and keyboards create a dreamy atmosphere with feelings of serenity. “Eternal” features the buoyant lead vocals of Miriam Stockley along with a small choir of other voices in addition to bouzouki (Gannaway), flutes, percussion, keyboards and bass (Bob Lizik). “Reflection” has a slow, easy grace that suggests having all the time in the world to look within and without. Michelle Qureshi appears on guitar. “Awakening” is one of my favorites and features Peter Phippen on shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute). Gently rhythmic with a peaceful exotic feeling, it blends several cultural traditions for a unique and very pleasant sonic experience. Sherry Finzer appears on bass flute on “The Space Between” along with violin, Native flute, piano and percussion. More ambient than many of the tracks, the slow, graceful flow and the low pitch of most of the instruments is sooo soothing! The title track marks the “moment of enlightenment, catharsis and transition” and is expressed in a very uplifting style with a variety of instruments. Sherry Finzer returns in “Welcoming Light,” the celebration of starting off in a new direction. Warm and jazzy, Finzer and Jewer play alto flutes - one on the right channel and one on the left. I really like this one, too! “Journey with the Moon” features one of my favorite pianist/composers, Lisa Downing. Slow, open, and very haunting, this lovely piece includes cello, flutes, synth and percussion in addition to the piano - also a favorite track! “Full Circle” savors “sweet satisfaction as we finish one chapter and think forward to the next,” and brings this beautiful album to a peaceful close.

Perihelion….The Turning Point is available from www.al-andy.com, Amazon, iTunes and CD Baby.

Kathy Parsons
MainlyPiano.com

12/4/18

Perihelion … the turning point
By
Al Jewer and Andy Mitran
Written by
Steve Sheppard (One World Music Radio)

There are some artists in this world that guide us through musical halls and alleyways, some that are supreme in the art of melody and some that resound in the avenues of tone and ambience. In my view Al Jewer and Andy Mitran are the great narrators of time and tide, as well as the aforementioned traits above; each step into a new project with them is like embarking on the storyline of a brand new movie, and it is this path we must tread again as we embark on a new voyage of plenty entitled Perihelion … the turning point.

The vast array of new age stars that reside within the album are many and we will come across each and every one of them on this trip of sight and sound. Let’s start with the opening piece Gathering Heart. One can feel through the energy of this song that a brave new journey is about to begin and one heavily influenced by the unique bass sounds of the incredible Erik Scott. Al Jewers style on flutes here is amazing, as the intensity of our voyage takes hold, while Andy Mitran is in what we call the engine room, and at his percussive best.

As we take our First Step, we find a composition that I simply loved, I floated above clouds of delightful tone with a sublime performance by Mitran not only on percussion, but dreamy keyboards too, then Jewers flutes caressed my open musical heart, my mind would revel in the delight of hearing the violin of Biff Blumfumgagnge, then with Bob Lizik’s attentive bass; this has to be one of the most smooth and serene tracks of this genre I have heard for years.
The vast oasis and ambience of Eternal is now upon us, there is a real excitement built into this one from the very off, it is as if we have seen our path ahead and it looks like something we have never experienced before. For us, this trip can be made even more pleasurable, by the addition of the award winning vocalist Miriam Stockley, whose stylish brilliance, pitch and tone, never ceases to amaze me. Mitran shows his multi-instrumental nature by adding bass to his percussive armoury, as does Jewer who brings the English horn into this house of musical plenitude. Infinity in tone is created here and the vocals for me manifested something truly special, we even had an appearance of the other AO music artist in Richard Gannaway on Bouzouki, an instrument we know all too well here in Cyprus.

As we drift into the piece Reflection, we truly have a moment of peace to survey all that we now see before us, as we become part of it all. This piece really highlights the new age styled genius of Jewer and Mitran, while we see a debut for ambient guitarist Michelle Qureshi to create for us a simply angelic offering, one that we can truly appreciate as a moment of reflective brilliance.
That extra edge of the percussive beat by Mitran gives us a sense of onward movement again, in an almost ethnic and rustic style. Here we will find on our journey through this forest of tone, one of the masters of the flute in Peter Phippen, but this time employing his talents on the Shakuhachi. Awakening is a wonderfully colourful offering, it’s almost like going on a journey, within a journey, but the momentum is also endless and incredibly rhythmic.
We now move towards the mist filled realms of this next piece called Space Between. Here we will also meet with another musical friend of ours in flautist Sherry Finzer, whose bass flute resonates us into a whole new musical dimension; it also combines so beautifully with the violin of Blumfumgagnge and Jewer on Native Flute, with a careful and crafted performance on various percussive instrumentation by Mitran we are gifted something truly remarkable and extremely listenable.

We have reached the tip of the album, that beautiful point where we can see our former pathway and gaze upon the walk ways of what’s next, but for now we can relax in the ambience of this absolutely stunning reverie entitled Ascendance. Phippen and his Shakuhachi flute join the duo for a truly memorable offering, and in my view easily the most ambient and peace filled opus on the album, here is one to really get lost within.
As we make our descent on our homeward trail, we first must pay homage to the inspiration to this entire concept, and of course I am referring to the title track Perihelion. Every time the Earth travels around the sun it reaches its Perihelion. This is a fascinating track, the combination of instrumentation is stunning, especially the violin’s symbiotic nature with the bass of Lizik and Jewers clarinet, and the addition of the horn which creates a never ending opportunity to enjoy crescendo after crescendo; what a spectacular title offering indeed.

There is much to be felt and enjoyed within this next composition, it’s called Renewal and contains such a delightfully mournful Native flute performance by Jewer. Qureshi joins the dance and pulls off a masterstroke of ambient proportions as she lays down one smooth passage after another on guitar. The energy of this track is one that seems to coalesce all around us, as musical colours of this new dimension seem to do with ease, as they merge past and present together; what a breath taking piece this truly is.

The energy picks up a little more now as we embrace the tones of this next offering called Welcoming Light. There is a really joyful essence about this one that is really addictive, Finzer is back, but this time on Alto flute, joining Jewer on the same instrument, but channelling left and right as they do so in a remarkable performance. The ever abundant talents of Mitran gift us some wonderfully light hearted percussion, especially on Marimba and piano, in a track of supreme quality and style.

Ever reached the top of a hill walk, and as you do so, your eyes are greeted by the most vast of vistas, a view that is simply magnificent, but extremely immense and wide, this is the music for your soundtrack of that moment and it is called Redshift. For the only time on the album the duo of Jewer and Mitran paint a musical picture that is sublime in its depth and gravity, for built into this piece is a little apprehension, that kind of slight doubt that sometimes occurs when you have travelled far and then realise you still have many, many miles to go before you reach your goal, can you make it, do you have the intensity and focus? Jewer on flutes is amazing here, while Mitran contains that percussive intelligence and laces it with a crafted performance on piano.

Sometimes we have to look at things from a different perspective to enable us to carry onward, perhaps that’s what is just about to happen here in the song called Journey with the Moon. That silver feminine light of the moon goddess shines down upon our humanity, and allows us to visualise beauty in a way we have never done before. The exquisiteness of this moment gives us a glimpse perhaps into an entirely different realm and here, through what is one of the most breath taking performances on the album, the artists manifest something beyond beauty itself; this features the emotive talents of pianist Lisa Downing, whose delicate performance draws such a compelling narrative for us to enjoy. A tip of the hat must go to one of the most emotional moments of synth magic too from Andy Mitran, his wizardry created a sublime backdrop of sound for this theatre of magic to play out.

We are now nearing the end of our journey, but before we knock on that door we can enjoy this moment of happiness on the piece called Sacred Space. Yes this is the penultimate offering off the release, when we are in our sacred space, as I am now; we can not only feel safe, but feel a certain oneness of spirit as well, and can then say to oneself perhaps that, all is as it should be. This is a wonderfully connected composition, utilising the skills of Ian Maksin on Cello, oh how I adore that instrument, we can combine that with the guitar of Qureshi, and this manifests a moment of tranquillity that allows Jewers sublime brilliance on Native flute to come to the fore, and what is a smooth yet sparkling performance on keyboards by Mitran to lift your soul into bliss itself, all you need to do is breathe and smile.   

So we are here, the end of our musical voyage with Al Jewer and Andy Mitran, this last offering is called Full Circle and shows with great quality and style just what an amazing journey we have been on. One can without doubt feel that sense of completion, we are whole again, joined with all that there is and will be, this halcyon moment is provided by the duo plus the ever moving and totally special talents of Biff Blumfumgagnge on violin; as end of album pieces go, they don’t get much better than this.

Perihelion … the turning point, is one of those albums you will literally find difficult to stop playing, I have poured over it many times myself now and still want more. Al Jewer and Andy Mitran are master story tellers in the genre of contemporary instrumental music, with each and every album released they have created moments of unforgettable musical narration, this album is no exception, simply put, there are 14 pieces of music here and each one of them has been crafted with a precision of an uncut diamond, bathed in love and produced at a level few would find hard to reach. Perihelion … the turning point is an album that contains some of the finest artists in their genres today and one that I completely recommend, it simply doesn’t get much better than this.