Gareth Koch Releases Single ‘Rumba Flamenca Arabe’

February 23, 2024

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’

February 2, 2024

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.

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.

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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Neil Tatar Releases Single ‘When We Met’

January 26, 2024

“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

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

December 6, 2023

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.

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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Fiona Joy and Rebecca Daniel – To The Wind (Promo Video)

July 1, 2023

Not diAna’s Single ‘Hangin’ ‘ Added to SoundsLike Cafe Playlist

June 25, 2023

Great new tune Hangin’ added to our Spotify Playlist from Not diAna

Minimum training maximum ability. With an astute ear for pitch, Not diAna can sing as sweet as honey, belt it out like a rocker then fall in to the perfect harmony all in the one song. Good music is great music if it strikes a chord with you regardless of your training.

Born from a desire to create music, she has sung in all sorts of situations but has now taken the singer-songwriter in her to the next level.

Eclectic in taste, she digs anything she can sing to, harmonise with or anything that lyrically, vocally or musically speaks to her. With just her, a mic and her acoustic guitar, she will entertain you with not only her heartfelt originals but an amazing variety of cover tunes.

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Peter Sterling Releases Mystic Voyager Album

June 1, 2023

PETER STERLING

Mystic Voyager

Soundslikecafe are proud to add Nightwind to our playlist lifted from Peter’s new album just out today – just one of the many outstanding pieces – read all about it and listen below.

Calling his 16^thalbum “my most ambitious and creative work to date,” Peter Sterling’s Mystic Voyager is a remarkable, genre-transcendent collection that finds the veteran award-winning harpist delving deeply into his longstanding passions for ethereal new age, contemporary instrumental/smooth jazz and global fusion music, its nine compositions serving as a reflection of his multi-faceted life journey, multitude of world travels and the inspirational people he has met along the way.

Driven by the longtime Sedona, AZ resident and spiritual sojourner’s largest recording ensemble ever, the serene yet soulful, gently grooving collection’s unique title speaks to the many mystical, otherworldly experiences that have guided his impactful, ever-beautifying life and career since he first felt the presence of angels answering a prayer on how to fulfill his life’s purpose some thirty years ago. Mystic Voyagerincludes contributions from #1 Billboard charting guitarist Steve Oliver, Grammy winning pianist Darlene Koldenhoven, Grammy nominated Renaissance flute player David Young, vocalists Chianne, Seay and Nina Starsong and Richard Hardy (flute and sax).

Mystic Voyagerincludes the previously released single “The Long Cold Winter,” a haunting, lyrical, accordion laced and largely improvisational piece whose powerful and distinct Eastern European feel sparked Peter’s visual imagination, leading him to collaborate with Sara Pozin, a 20something, award winning Slovenian animator to create a video tribute to the brave people of Ukraine as they continue to struggle and survive the 2022 Russian invasion. The video featuring Pozin’s compelling minimalist, foreboding artwork has won multiple awards at prominent international film festivals.

Success came quickly for Peter, when the music label “World Disc” released his first album Harp Magic which was nominated in 1994 for NAIRD’s (now A2IM) Best String Album Award. In 2004 Sterling’s album Hap Dreams sat at the top of New Age Radio’s Top 100 for 8 weeks and garnered an Album of the Year nomination. In 2005 peter signed on with renowned new age music label Real Music to release his Shadow,Mist and Light cd. Peter’s self released 2008 effort The Sands of Time earned a nomination for a Hollywood Music Award for Best New Age Album. His 2012 release Patterns of Reflection soared to #1 on the ZMR 100 International Radio chart, also grabbing a nomination for Album of the Year. The very next year his album Twilight Serenade ascended to the #1 position on the ZMR Chart, while the track entitled “Isle of Light” earned a Bronze medal in the Global Music Awards for 2016. And his 2017 CD Sacred Visions went to #3 on the ZMR and won a Silver Global Music Award. In 2021 Peters album Sanctuary of Light won the Hollywood Music in Media Award for Best New Age Albums as well as the COVR Silver Visionary Music Award. In 2022 Peters album The Winding Way won Gold in the COVR Visionary Music Awards for Best New Age Album.

A favorite on Internet radio such as Pandora, Sirius, XM Satellite, and Soundscapes Radio as well as United and American airlines, Peter’s angelic music will continue to reach the masses, heal lives, balance brains, open hearts, and connect people to their innate spiritual essence.

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Jessie-May K – Shootin Daisies(Official Video)

October 30, 2022

Gareth Koch Releases Single ‘Flamenco Arabe’

June 17, 2022

Soundslikecafe presents the next in this wonderful series of Flamenco Spanish Guitar pieces by Gareth Koch.

Moorish influence in flamenco music goes back thousands of years, but it was the Islamic invasion in 711, that determined the musical influences from North Africa. The Moors and Arabs brought their musical forms to the Peninsula. The Emirate, and later Caliphate of Córdoba became a centre of influence in both the Muslim and Christian worlds where it attracted musicians from all Islamic countries.

Song Description

This flamenco piece starts with a Tabor drum and includes some bass guitar filling out the lower frequencies. The song evokes a Middle-Eastern as well as a flamenco mood and as always the playing is superb and is a worthy addition to the monthly single releases Gareth is undertaking.

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 & songwriting. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Born in Milan, Koch 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 a scholarship for advanced guitar study at the Vienna Academy of Music. He holds a PhD in Music.

In 2002 Koch formed what might be termed the first guitar supergroup. Saffire – The Australian Guitar Quartet soared to number 1 on the classical music charts and appeared on the pop charts. The quartet released a total of 3 best-selling albums.

Gareth is involved with many cross genre projects & in 2020 released two collaborative albums with ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church).

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