“Symphony Infinitum” by Phillip Kanakis (with The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra)
Album Review by New Age CDs and New Age Notes Radio Staff
Phillip Kanakis is an award-winning composer, musician, producer, and arranger whose work spans across thirty years of musical creativity. Kanakis’ original works have been featured on major entertainment platforms and networks, including Netflix, TLC, Discovery Channel, History Channel, and National Geographic Channel.
Phillip’s new 10-track album, “Symphony Infinitum” features performances by the renowned City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as including a host of other extraordinary musical talent. The theme of the album is based on the idea that everything is vibration. Kanakis says, “Our actions, everything we say, do, or think all has its own vibration that radiates from us, and has an impact on not only ourselves but those around us. Each of us has a conscious choice what we add into that vibration in each moment.”
Now, there is music, and there is exceptional music. Every track on this album, which is produced by Kanakis, Justine Blazer, and Holly Fischer, falls into the latter category. The album opens with “Symphony Infinitum Intro,” featuring Kanakis with a nicely melodic piano line, along with The City of Prague Philharmonic Choir giving this a very dreamy, ethereal sound. The acoustic guitar/bass guitar of Lou Molitch, together with the emotionally evocative violin performance of Lucie Švehlová and deep, rich solo cello of Marek Elznic add beautiful textures, making this all very memorable and a perfect intro to this album.
Following is “Epic Journey,” which as one might gather, is delightfully cinematic and engaging. Kanakis on piano is again accompanied by acoustic guitar/bass guitar (Lou Molitch), solo violin (Lucie Švehlová), solo cello (Alena Šístková), strings by The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and lovely otherworldly lead vocals by Claire Dahlem, Holly Fischer, Frank Fasano, Dana Page as well as choir by The City of Prague Philharmonic Choir.
Now we have a little time for “Reflection,” which includes much of the same instrumentation with the addition of drums by Isaac Velasquez. This is really beautiful in all regards.
One of the things I like best about this album is the melodic and flowing piano lines in each track along with its cinematic nature. “Sweet Moments,” which has a memorable melody and the addition of Tess Remy-Schumacher on cello, reminds us that life is a gift and we should find our joy in all.
“Seven Rings” has the “big cinema” feel to it. We can easily hear it as a movie soundtrack. Choir is outstanding. Lead guitar (Lou Molitch) adds to the intrigue, as does the vocal performance of Frank Fasano.
The very nicely done “Essence of Moonlight (Moonlight Sonata)” is wonderful. “108 Overture” is equally as beautiful and I’m truly loving the gorgeous lead vocals by Holly Fischer, Kathryn Shipley, Claire Dahlem, Meridith Cullen Abalos, Janelle Mihan, Dana Page, Shannon McElroy Banda, Evan Banda, along with the choir. Epic.
Gorgeous violin and cello are superbly harmonic along with Kanakis’ piano in “Infinity.” This is a favorite on the album, but I suggest you get the whole thing because there is everything to love here.
Many times, music says what mere words can’t. If you’ve ever found yourself in this position, “For What Words Cannot Say” is for you. Kanakis makes good use of the lower registers of the piano and cello (Marek Elznic) make this deep and rich.
This truly remarkable album closes out with the wide, sweeping “Hymn To The World,” reminding us that we are all in this together and what we say, do, and express, makes a difference now and into infinity.
Get it here: https://www.phillipkanakis.com/
