Album Review by New Age CDs and New Age Notes Radio Staff
There is certainly much to reflect on in life. We have only to slow down and breathe in order to take the time to do that. Max Jeschek is a German guitarist and composer whose expressive acoustic guitar music invites the listener to do just that: Slow down, breathe, and simply be present.
Jeschek creates calming, melodic, and harmonious instrumental pieces that move effortlessly between reflective, cinematic, and deeply relaxing territory. His music has been featured on TV and radio programs worldwide. What I particularly like about his music is that it has an intimate, authentic quality, allowing the natural voice of the guitar to remain at the center of each soothing composition.
Drawing inspiration from the quiet spaces between everyday moments, the music on Jeschek’s new EP, “Reflections,” carries a sense of openness and gentle discovery. “Reflections” is Jeschek’s 4th New Age release, and the five songs here move effortlessly between bright and warm to introspective and all are extremely peaceful in ambiance.
The album opens with the purely lovely “As Water Reflects The Face.” There’s a great melody here that rather sticks in the mind, and we certainly have plenty of space here for reflection.
Following is the delightfully calm, “A Mirror-Like Fjord at Sunset.” Wonderfully transportive, we can gently float away and reflect upon simple beauty.
“Early Morning By The River” has a very slightly “folk” feel to it. Imagine sitting by the banks of a gently flowing river on a quiet, peaceful morning watching softly morphing cloud formations, and you’ve got it. Quite tranquil and relaxing, with again plenty of room for reflection upon whatever comes to mind.
There are reflections in everything, including puddles if we care to look at things that way. “A Puddle By The Side Of The Road,” is one of those gently contemplative pieces. What do you want to see there? Maybe nothing. Maybe everything. This is very enjoyable in every regard.
I feel like this EP ends far too soon. Closing out with “Brown Leaves On An Emerald Lake,” we find ourselves completely transported to another place where time stands still and our troubles seem to drift away like leaves on a lake. Get the whole thing as this is quintessential calm.
Get it here: https://maxjeschek.com/
