Gareth Koch Releases Album ‘French Medieval Journey’

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"Gareth Koch Releases Album ‘French Medieval Journey’"

A new style of song, whose themes were love and myth, rose to prominence in 11th-century Europe. The songs of the French Trouveres in particular dominated medieval music in Europe. These songs were performed by roaming scholars and footloose clerics who thronged the roads of the Middle Ages.

In French Medieval Journey, Gareth’s aim has been to create a new body of music for guitar, based on music from the 12th and 13th centuries. One of the recurring themes in French Medieval music is the recounting of myths and legends.

In setting this music for guitar the French trouvere melodies are used as a point of departure. The compositions however are completely original, yet retain the flavour and ambience of French medieval music. Gareth: ‘I have sought to reanimate some of the myths and legends in musical terms, leaving the imagery and symbolism to the discretion of the listener. Through the medium of music the listener is invited into a medieval dreamscape or otherworld.’

About Gareth Koch
Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded a sizeable repertory across multiple genres spanning works for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, rock & songwriting. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Born in Milan, Gareth began his musical studies on piano and clarinet, and at age 12 was accepted into the Mozarteum in Salzburg. He received his Bachelor of Music degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music before winning  scholarships for advanced guitar study at The Royal Madrid Conservatorium & the Vienna Academy of Music. He holds a PhD in Music & has lectured in music across Australian & European universities.

In 2002 Gareth formed the first guitar supergroup with Karin Schaupp & The Grigoryan Brothers, Slava & Leonard. Saffire – The Australian Guitar Quartet soared to #1 on the Classical Music Charts and even featured on ARIA  pop charts. The quartet released a total of 3 best-selling albums & was Australia’s biggest selling classical act for several years.

Gareth is involved with many cross genre projects & has released a succession of collaborative albums with Martin Kennedy & with ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church). His recent release ‘The Guitar Player’ received a coveted 5 star review from The Sydney Morning Herald. Gareth’s current output has a strong rock bias with classical overtones & his writing is increasingly focussed on the ethereal nature of music.

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Ryan Judd Releases Album ‘Closer To Home’

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"Ryan Judd Releases Album ‘Closer To Home’"

“It is so remarkable to find that exceptional artist that can create a totally unique musical “voice” as a guitarist. Ryan Judd is that artist.”

– Michael Whalen

Two-time Emmy® award-winning composer, recording artist and producer

‘Close to Home’ is Ryan’s latest album, characterized by music that is heartfelt, spacious, and ethereal. Drawing inspiration from deeply personal experiences of love, insight, and grief, Ryan’s delicate and moving nylon-string guitar playing creates a serene and contemplative soundscape. This album is an invitation to embrace peace, stillness, and reflection. GRAMMY®-nominated sound engineer Tom Eaton mixed and mastered the project ensuring that the artistry of this album has been superbly captured.

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Ryan Judd is a Billboard chart topping recording artist, award-winning musician, and internationally renowned music therapist. He is an accomplished fingerstyle guitarist dedicated to creating music that inspires peace and well-being. Ryan’s distinctive musical style on the nylon string guitar creates a warm and gentle soundscape for the listener. His influences include guitarists Michael Hedges and Will Ackerman, and has worked extensively with the GRAMMY®-nominated musician Tom Eaton to refine his sound.

 Ryan’s recordings have been streamed more than 380 million times. His music has been featured on editorial playlists such as Spotify’s Peaceful Guitar and Calming Acoustic, Pandora’s Meditation and Spa stations, and Amazon Music’s Relaxation and Spa Stations. Additionally, his tracks are played on SiriusXM’s Spa Station and Hawaiian Airlines’ Soothing Sounds channel. Ryan has also been featured on Hearts of Space, and his last two albums rank in the top 30 on Amazon’s Best Sellers in New Age Relaxation Music list.

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Matthew Labarge Releases Album ‘Psalms & Sutras’

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"Matthew Labarge Releases Album ‘Psalms & Sutras’"

Thousands of years ago some people wrote poems and music that became The Book of Psalms. That collection is today held sacred by followers of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Also thousands of years ago, other people wrote poems and music that became the Sutras that are held sacred by followers of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Just as one might expect, to read the Psalms and read the Sutras, we encounter some drastic and fascinatingly different experiences.

But as I did this late last year, I found myself more surprised by the similarities. While the outward details are often as disparate as could be, in both experiences we find ourselves in the company of people who are trying to live a better life and to best appreciate the life they have. They share with us hopes and fears, regrets and joys, what it is to live a day, what it is to live a year, and what they hope it is to live a life best.

Here are some of my reflections on these messages from those who came long before us.

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Matthew Labarge has released seven albums of solo piano music, eight albums of mixed instruments as Larkenlyre, and an album of pirate-themed lounge music as Cane Bay Cabaret. He works tirelessly in a tiny studio in Blacksburg, Virginia to bring you albums that unfold like a novel, are worth listening to carefully, and still yield new insights after many listens.

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Gareth Koch Releases Single ‘Song For Taylor Swift’

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"Gareth Koch Releases Single ‘Song For Taylor Swift’"

Song for Taylor Swift is the first in a series of dedications to influential artists of the modern era by Gareth. There is a rich history of one artist acknowledging another in music, ranging from Beethoven to David Bowie, the latter having written his Song for Bob Dylan.

Song for Taylor Swift explores the gentler side of her output, with a recurring fragile interlude subtly reminiscent of her ballad-like material. The resonator & lap steel guitars reference Taylor’s occasional country influences, as does the cover art of the release.

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Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded a sizeable repertory across multiple genres spanning works for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, rock & songwriting. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

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Gareth Koch Releases Album ‘Carmina Burana’

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"Gareth Koch Releases Album ‘Carmina Burana’"

Remastered and Released to streaming for the first time in 2024 here is one of Gareth Koch’s Master Works.

My first encounter with the Carmina Burana was as a young chorister in a performance given in 1983 at the Sydney Opera House. The choir and orchestra were directed by one of my teachers, the late and great Richard Gill. The excitement of that musical experience made a lasting impression on my musical consciousness.

During the European summer of 1995 in Vienna I began a draft version of the Carmina Burana for Solo Guitar. Transcribing the medieval & folk-inspired movements came first, then the challenge of the mighty opening chorus O Fortuna. In an attempt to interest record companies in the project I recorded a ‘demo’ version of O Furtuna, in a single take, in a Viennese cellar!

My publishers and several record companies showed great interest in my interpretation of Orff’s work and very quickly plans started to come together to record in a venue in Vienna. Unfortunately, these plans fell apart due to some pre-existing contract obligations. An opportunity arose to record the work in Australia, and this prompted my return.

The recording of Carmina Burana for Solo Guitar was completed in 1997 over three consecutive nights in Newcastle’s Christ Church Cathedral. The natural resonance & ambience of the cathedral compliment the recording. There are no added effects to this recording which is completely natural & live sounding.

Recording the Carmina Burana was both a physical and mental achievement that has become one of the highlights of my career. The opportunity to re-master the recording and release it digitally brings back to mind the exhilaration of that performance in that venue, over those three nights – still deeply embedded in my memory. It is the synthesis of a lifelong interest in medieval music and the desire to create an exciting and unique live performance piece for guitar.

About Gareth Koch
Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded a sizeable repertory across multiple genres spanning works for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, rock & songwriting. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Born in Milan, Gareth began his musical studies on piano and clarinet, and at age 12 was accepted into the Mozarteum in Salzburg. He received his Bachelor of Music degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music before winning  scholarships for advanced guitar study at The Royal Madrid Conservatorium & the Vienna Academy of Music. He holds a PhD in Music & has lectured in music across Australian & European universities.

In 2002 Gareth formed the first guitar supergroup with Karin Schaupp & The Grigoryan Brothers, Slava & Leonard. Saffire – The Australian Guitar Quartet soared to #1 on the Classical Music Charts and even featured on ARIA  pop charts. The quartet released a total of 3 best-selling albums & was Australia’s biggest selling classical act for several years.

Gareth is involved with many cross genre projects & has released a succession of collaborative albums with Martin Kennedy & with ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church). His recent release ‘The Guitar Player’ received a coveted 5 star review from The Sydney Morning Herald. Gareth’s current output has a strong rock bias with classical overtones & his writing is increasingly focussed on the ethereal nature of music.

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Victor Towle Releases 2 Singles ‘A Tear And A Smile’ & ‘As It Is’

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"Victor Towle Releases 2 Singles ‘A Tear And A Smile’ & ‘As It Is’"

The new singles “A Tear And A Smile” & “As It Is” appear on the upcoming album “Sleight of Hand” from guitarist and composer Victor Towle. The album “Sleight Of Hand” is an amalgam of guitar music, specifically, Victor’s musical journey, stretching to incorporate mindfulness and meditation practices as they come to life. Thus, merging other featured artists contributions into a magical mixture of musings that discreetly lead the listener down a path of mindful exploration and relaxation. Each song has it’s place along the path to being present to the here and now with acceptance!

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As a guitarist and soloist, Victor has grown his instrumental repertoire, owing to his extensive experience as a leader and collaborator. He attributes his musical development to his professional career, which includes working as a Clinical Care Manager for rehabilitation, as well as his involvement with yoga and meditation. Victor’s passion for using his guitar music as an aide in meditative and rehabilitative practices inspired his latest albums, “Acoustic Reflections”, “Colorado Zen,” “The Space In Between”, and Still Young For Another Day”, which showcases his eclectic musical background and the immersive soundscapes of New Age music.

 The song “A Tear And A Smile” features the fabulous theremin player Carolina Eyck, known as one of the best theremin soloists worldwide. Adding a flowing variation of melody, tittering and finding balance with the division of emotions, it creates a space to hold both “A Tear And A Smile”!

Victor’s dedication to his craft has earned him recognition in the New Age music scene. His album “Colorado Zen” was nominated for New Age Music Acoustic Instrumental Album of the Year and reached #8 on the New Age Music charts (Zone Music Reporter). The song “Spring Crocus” was also featured on Sirius XM Spa channel.  His album “The Space In Between” reached #11 and the song “Storm On The Horizon was also added to Sirius XM Spa channel.

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Gareth Koch Releases Single ‘Rumba Flamenca Arabe’

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"Gareth Koch Releases Single ‘Rumba Flamenca Arabe’"

The rumba is an upbeat & rhythmically syncopated flamenco style, ideal for dancing & festivities. It is an incredibly flexible genre, able to assimilate a multitude of influences such as Latin, Arabic or pop-contemporary. The rumba is arguably the most recognisable & widely listened to of all flamenco music. It’s lively tempo & irresistible groove, make it hugely popular around the world.

Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded a sizeable repertory across multiple genres spanning works for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, rock & songwriting. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Born in Milan, Gareth began his musical studies on piano and clarinet, and at age 12 was accepted into the Mozarteum in Salzburg. He received his Bachelor of Music degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music before winning scholarships for advanced guitar study at The Royal Madrid Conservatorium & the Vienna Academy of Music. He holds a PhD in Music & has lectured in music across Australian & European universities.

In 2002 Gareth formed the first guitar supergroup with Karin Schaupp & The Grigoryan Brothers, Slava & Leonard. Saffire – The Australian Guitar Quartet soared to #1 on the Classical Music Charts and even featured on ARIA pop charts. The quartet released a total of 3 best-selling albums & was Australia’s biggest selling classical act for several years.

Gareth is involved with many cross genre projects & has released a succession of collaborative albums with Martin Kennedy & with ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church). His recent release ‘The Guitar Player’ received a coveted 5 star review from The Sydney Morning Herald. Gareth’s current output has a strong rock bias with classical overtones & his writing is increasingly focussed on the ethereal nature of music.

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Silphie Releases Single ‘Sulpicia’s Birthday’

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"Silphie Releases Single ‘Sulpicia’s Birthday’"

Featuring Silphie’s sublime highly trained vocals, a Harmonium, cello, viola and nylon string classical guitar, the debut release for this neo classical/world music act from the NSW Central Coast is sure to have ears lighting up. The quality of the recording, the players, the juxtaposition of the vocals switching from Latin to English and the overall sound of this track will put you in a medieval soundscape that could be part of a beautiful old film shot on 70mm.

Sulpicia was a female poet who lived in Rome in 40BC. Sulpicia’s Birthday is the second in a series of six poems. The story describes her ecstasy, as Sulpicia writes to her lover to tell him she has arranged for the two of them to spend her birthday together, frolicking in Rome.

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Lisa Haymes photography.

Michaele Archer graduated (with distinction) from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Opera School and has performed nationally and internationally. She also attained a Masters in Applied Science, researching breathing techniques for opera singers from the University of Sydney.

Her research in breathing techniques was presented in Paris at the International Congress of Voice Teachers. Recently Michaele has been performing and studying in Los Angeles and Switzerland with vocal expert Robin de Haas and has been certified as an Advanced Breathing Coordination practitioner.

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Lisa Haymes photography.

Michaele’s love of ancient instruments and language led her to the work of Sulpicia, a female poet who lived in Rome in the time of Augustus. ‘Garland, the love poems of Sulpicia’ is her latest recording project.

Sulpicia’s poems were included in a publication of the famous roman writer Tibullus and originally attributed to him. The mystery around Sulpicia as a young woman breaking taboos, writing of a secret love affair and the rich sound of the Latin text drew Michaele deep into the project. The poems form the text for the album. Written for harmonium, guitar, cello, viola and vocals, Michaele’s recordings embrace a tone palate that is analogue, raw and dark.

Silphie is a collaboration with Michaele Archer (vocal and harmonium), Rachel Whealy (cello), Giuseppe Zangari (guitar), and Gab Stelle (viola). The name Silphie is inspired by the ancient world’s herb Silphium which was used for everything from perfume and cooking to medicine.

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Video premiere

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Neil Tatar Releases Single ‘When We Met’

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"Neil Tatar Releases Single ‘When We Met’"

 “When We Met” offers an intriguing conversation between piano and violin. It tells a story that is reminiscent of meeting that special someone for the first time. Celebratory in nature, “When We Met” presents a musical expression of some of life’s most meaningful memories.     

“Neil Tatar carries the heart of a romantic around with him. His emotions are rarely hidden and seldom contained. His music is as direct and honest as music can be. He’s not hiding anything and the result is music which is breathtakingly honest and deeply affecting. That Neil writes and performs on both the guitar and piano with equal grace creates a broader palette from which to draw. The result is a listening experience that never for a moment fails to beguile the mind and touch the heart.”

-Will Ackerman, Grammy Award Winner & Windham Hill Records Founder

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About

Neil Tatar is an award winning composer, guitarist and pianist. An improviser and expressive musician by nature, his composing and performing reflect his meditative approach to music. Influenced by his many years of working with legendary cellist David Darling and guitarist Will Ackerman, his passionate expression is clearly heard in his approach to everything he plays. Neil’s music has been described as “peaceful, reflective instrumental music”, offering his listeners a meditative & healing experience. It can be heard on SiriusXM Spa, Music Choice Soundscapes, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon, Bandcamp, InsightTimer and more. Neil is also a C.A.R.E Channel artist, with his music played in over 1,000 hospitals and Hospices.   

Each of his albums have received international airplay and recognition, and have reached a #1 ranking worldwide on Zone Music Reporter’s radio airplay chart. In addition, Neil was voted Best New Artist by ZMR for his album ”Where Did The Time Go”, a collaboration with Grammy® Award-winning cellist David Darling released in 2013. Since then he has released “Learning To Fly” in 2015, and “After The Rain” in 2018, recording both at Imaginary Road Studios under the guidance of legendary producer and guitarist Will Ackerman.  

Presently, Neil continues his improvisational approach to composing and recording his uniquely beautiful music, providing his listeners with some interesting new releases.

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Foghorn Christmas Releases

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"Foghorn Christmas Releases"

Get Into The Christmas Spirit With Gareth Koch’s Instrumental Album & Daxton’s Homegrown Blues/Jazz Album

‘Exquisite & ancient music reimagined with a shimmer of jangle. An audiophile recording.’

Imagine timeless European Christmas music played instrumentally, as if upon a choir of lutes. Ancient & exquisite songs, deep within the human psyche, are now newly arranged by ARIA Award winning guitarist Gareth Koch. The interpretations reveal his signature blend of contemporary flair laced with medieval sensibilities.

The arrangements are both elegant & appealing, sidestepping any notion of commercialised Christmas clichés. Re-imagined as troubadour-like ballads or tender Austrian folk songs, each carol receives a unique treatment. The listener is invited into an array of soundworlds, ranging from the early medieval to English folk-revival.

The music of this album leads us away from the bustle of many modern realities. Instead, we are drawn into a gentler universe, filled with subtlety & nuance. In any year, at any time, this album presents a Christmas message we all need to hear.

Song Descriptions
Little Drummer Boy
This timeless mid-tempo classic Christmas carol is dealt with not just using multiple classical guitar parts but with hand percussion and rice shakers.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
A very old piece, dated to the 16th century and referred to in Charles Dickens ‘A Christmas Carol’. Gareth recreates the vocal melody perfectly and becomes a terrific hum along piece. Bass guitar rounds out the arrangement featuring multiple guitars: acoustic, nylon string and electric creating a lush sonic tapestry.

About Gareth Koch
Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded a diverse repertory across multiple albums spanning works for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects & song writing.
Gareth is involved with many cross genre projects. Over recent years he has released two collaborative albums with ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church).

All DSP’s and CD’s from official store below

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Daxton ‘On The Eve Of Christmas’

There is a good chance in any Christmas album you will hear the well known traditional songs about mistletoe, stockings and large jolly gentlemen in red suits. Many artists have been there but not all write their own songs. Daxton Monaghan has just released his own unique jazz style Xmas album for 2023.

After deciding last Christmas that there wasn’t an album of Christmas songs that suited him, Daxton has spent the past year slowly crafting a tasty array of melodic songs for his own special Christmas album.  Entitled ‘On The Eve Of Christmas’, the nine tracks include some well-known and Daxton family favourites: White Christmas, Little Drummer Boy and of course, Jingle Bells. The rest of the album is made up of Daxton’s own songs. These compositions have been inspired by Daxton’s family Christmas gatherings. Bouncy rhythms, heart warming lyrics, sing along harmonies, strings, brass and Daxton’s familiar vocals all feature.

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Song Descriptions
Let The Carols Sing
A classic sing along Xmas tune from bluesman Daxton. Some fine holiday vibes from the sax, beach boys style ‘ooh aah’ backing vocals and keys.

Little Drummer Boy
This timeless tune gets fine reworking by Daxton. Programmed drums and keys give the song a modern edge with Luke Gallen’s sax the icing on the cake.

About Daxton
Daxton has appeared at major festivals including the Sydney Blues & Roots and Tamworth Country Music Festival where he supported artists such as Kasey Chambers and Beccy Cole. He also has had one of his tracks ‘Moody Liz’ featured in the popular American TV series Doll House.

Based on the Central Coast, Daxton is best described as a blues/rock artist with a twist of pop and rock.  He plays slide guitar rock/blues songs with a fresh and innovative sound. His last album, ‘Electric Satellite’ was released in 2022 and featured his signature heavy and rustic blues rock sound.

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