FUNDAMENTALLY SOUND
"THE MOST INFLUENTIAL NEW AGE ALBUM OF ALL TIME!"
by Steven Halpern

This month's column features an epochal survey conducted by one of the leading magazines that promotes and supports all flavors of New Age Music. Not surprisingly, their name is New Age Voice, and Barbara Taylor, the editor and publisher, also is the president of Rising Star Records in Atlanta. This particular survey was piloted by Peter Manzi, editorial assistant and contributing writer -- who is also a musician. (Do we see a trend here? It is so refreshing to have commentary by critics who are knowledgeable about the music, rather than about their own subjective responses!)

"Thirty years ago, a small group of musical pioneers invented a new style of music ideally suited for meditation and relaxation. Initially, this music - by classic artists such as Steven Halpern and Kitaro - was narrowly defined, and was generally associated with electronic music composition. Shortly after, such music was categorized under the
generic label of New Age.

"Over the decades, New Age music has grown into one of the most eclectic and wildly diverse music genres in the history of music. Today, the once vagrant categories of ambient, electronic, space, Celtic, World, acoustic instrumental, Native American, and meditation and healing have all found a home under the New Age moniker.¼ Many of these albums have set high standards and are the cornerstones of one of the most important musical developments in late 20th century popular music.

"As we approach the end of this century, various authors and associations publish articles which attempt to rank the highest achievements in nearly every field.¼ People are fascinated by such polls and relish the opportunity to compare their own favorites with those of the 'experts' Mass media reports these best-of lists, critics scrutinize them, and those who are overlooked complain about the injustices of their exclusion. However, while such studies may be unfairly opinionated and limited, they obviously are not without value and appeal.

"Indeed, beyond their entertainment value, such lists also serve the dual purpose of introducing novices to the important accomplishments within a given genre, as well as re-acquainting seasoned fans with beloved, if somewhat dusty classics.

"In hopes of guiding the fast growing group of music enthusiasts to discover the classic albums which have greatly influenced and sculpted the new age genre, NAV has compiled the 25 most influential new Age albums of all time."

To determine the albums and their respective positions, an approach was employed to make this highly opinionated subject as objective as possible. A panel of distinguished judges, comprised of our industry's top founding and guiding forces, selected and ranked albums which he/she believed had shaped the genre over the years. (The artists include George Winston, Kitaro, Enya, Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, Paul Winter, and myself) I am delighted to report that the #1 Most Influential was my Spectrum Suite. Here is the text:

"To no other person in the genre can the designation of new age music be so aptly applied as to Steven Halpern. Beginning his career as a trumpeter and guitarist in the New York City jazz scene, Halpern became disenchanted with the fast paced way of life. In 1969, while meditating in a wooded area in California, he experienced the sound of natural silence. Later that afternoon, he translated that sound on a piano. It was pleasantly soothing and evoked a sensation of being at one with everything. Six years later, Halpern composed his first album, Spectrum Suite. Texturally, the album is light and consists mainly of broken arpeggios performed on keyboard with some flute. Musically, the recording is harmonically soothing, exquisitely angelic, and was continually referred to as a "first-of-its-kind" by our judges.

"Having little luck signing a distribution deal with any labels, Halpern created his own label and distributed the first thousand copies to specialty book, food, and record stores. Twenty-four years later, Spectrum Suite is voted the most influential new age album of all time by his peers. Upon learning of this distinction, Halpern told NAV: 'I am honored to have the album that came to me in a flash of inspiration receive the recognition that it has. I am blessed to be the co-creator of this recording, which has contributed to the lives of millions around the world since it its first release in 1975. Thank you to my listeners and peers, and to the muse of music.'"

I'm sure many of you would really enjoy reading the entire article, as well as the entire issue. If you love this music, especially if you are a musician yourself, this magazine is invaluable. To get your own copy, call (404) 636-9040. For details, subscriptions, etc. fax (404) 636-5051 or e-mail editor@newagevoice.com .

Until next time, stay tuned!

Steven Halpern has earned a reputation as one of the most influential New Age recording artists. He is an outspoken advocate for sound healing, and often feels compelled to expose the hype and dis-information that has begun to infiltrate the integrity of the field. He invites you to check out his latest releases, tour schedule and catalog, free of charge, at (800) 909-0707 or at his website,

www.steven halpern.com.