Just one year ago, who would have thought that John Tesh and I would be sharing space on the same CD? But here it is, The Best of New Age: Part II, a hit-bound compilation released by Priority Records, who is best known for rap and heavy metal.
Is it really "new age"? Read my previous columns. But is it a good "contemporary instrumental" (ConIn) album? You bet. Also featured are Paul Winter, Ottmar Liebert, Tangerine Dream, Suzanne Ciani, John Serrie, Patrick O'Hearn, Raphael, Constance Demby and Lori Line. Lori, indeed, is a former department store pianist, according to the liner notes -- and listening to her selection, it sounds like she still is.
The liner notes acknowledge that New Age music "had its roots in healing and relaxation, but has come to mean much more to musicians and fans." Yes, but . . . I think we can draw a line (no pun intended) when the music is so similar to what you can hear in a department store or hotel lobby. (Doesn't the word "new" mean anything?)
Just because an album is acoustic, unplugged, or whatever, does not make it automatically a candidate for New Ageness. That sentiment was made very clear at the recent gathering of New Age independent labels at the annual National Association of Independent Record Dealers convention. The gathering was the occasion for a highly spirited discussion amongst labels, musicians, and a few stores and distributors. The central issue was the obvious: there were so many people in the room, some were standing outside in the hall. Part of the reason: New Age is hot.
Another part of the reason: a number of folks were there who didn't belong there . . . and at least at first, didn't want to leave. Some remembered when "New Age" included any music with some rhythms from other parts of the world, and when such music was included under the "New Age umbrella."
But now World music has its own section in most stores, and its own chart in Billboard magazine. (I also attended the World Music meeting, and can report that they were upset that some in the New Age meeting continued to try to misclassify themselves.
When I was in Chicago the following week for the huge ABA (American Booksellers Association) convention, I dropped in at the flagship Borders store on Michigan Avenue. In addition to having a very complete and far-ranging New Age section, they also had a Contemporary Instrumental section. Perhaps it's because that store has a very knowledgeable record manager (which I found out to be the case, when I had a chance to speak with him before my cab arrived). The point is that progressive-thinking stores like Borders are helping to clear up the confusion and misinformation that certain elements in the industry have tried to jam down the throats of the public.
There's another very important development taking place at this time that will unquestionably affect the way you buy the music you love. Tommy Boy Records and Ellipsis Arts, two heavyweights in the music industry who made their mark marketing Rap and World music, respectively, are now actively promoting the creation of Healing Music sections in major chain stores like Tower, Borders, etc.
At the meetings, there were those who said it couldn't be done. Imagine their surprise when Tom Silverman, the visionary head of Tommy Boy Records, stood up and said, "I've already done it!"
You could have cut the silence with a knife.
I believe a "new" age of New Age music was born back into the realm of manifestation. It's like the return of a cycle. Interesting, isn't it, at the same time that some writers and syndicated radio hosts and Fundamentalists are declaring meditative, healing music dead, the truth is -- it's more alive than ever!
If you shop in a store that features a Healing Music section, let them know you appreciate it. Tell your friends, too.
I'm off to the 25th anniversary conference of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, founded by astronaut Edgar Mitchell. Deepak Chopra and Larry Dossey, among others, will be there. I expect to have a hot column next time, since they seem to all include music in their presentations now.
Until next time, stay tuned, and keep some music in your life . . .
Steven Halpern has earned a reputation as one of the most influential New Age recording artists. With over three million units sold, he celebrates his 20th anniversary by revisiting his World/Jazz roots with Afro-Desia, also featuring Suru, medicine man and healer, and a special guest appearance of Jai Uttal. For free in-store play, contact your sales rep or: Steven Halpern's Inner Peace Music®, phone: 1-800-909-0707 / fax 415-485-1312 / e-mail: innerpeacemusic@metro.net. Australia: MRAEntertainment/Europe: Orende B.V. Visit his World Wide Web site at http://www. innerpeacemusic.com.
For previous columns, see The Monthly Aspectarian at our website.