Michael Stribling: Press

Love, Light, and Water

Probably three of the most powerful forces in our lives are Love, Light and Water and probably in that order. The latter two will keep the body thriving, but the first, love, keeps the soul alive. Electronic artist Michael Stribling seems to have woven together a kaleidoscopic web of music that brings together all the forces into one powerful album. This is my third review for Stribling and I feel that not only are his compositions getting better all the time, but his ability to join themes that have innate relaxing qualities and even healing properties seem to be improving. The album is split into three sections and you guessed it, they are called Love, Light and Water.

Love: The opening of the earth’s eyes after a starry slumber and the illuminating rising of the sun is portrayed in the opening number "First Encounters", which segues nicely into "Dream Frontiers". "Dream Frontiers" has that eerie, yet familiar sound of a Theremin. The sound of an electronic wraith dances in your mind as your dreams take shape, nebulous though they may be.

"Pleasant Journeys" is a remarkable tune for its tabla percussion and synthetic score. Sort of organic versus inorganic and yet they are complimentary. It is a trip on a rocky road with lots of exciting things to see. The very music of discovery.

Light: "Bright Silence, Quiet Light" is a dazzling tune with flowing, faraway harmonics that dance about like red laser light on white clouds. It is the musical billowing of lumpy, cumulus clouds that expand moment after moment that capture your attention. Nothing makes you feel lighter.

Water: One of my favorites on Love, Light, and Water is "River Canyon". The majesty of the music is quite grand. The rolling tempo belies the power of the water that flows endlessly, carving the gorge into breathtaking depths. Who knew what beauty would be revealed after layer upon layer was worn away.

"At the Gates" is fairly reminiscent of a Kitaro tune and there is nothing wrong with that. The music is not that of someone on the outside looking in, but of one who has crested a pinnacle and there before him or her in gloriously splendor is the beginning of all things possible.

Michael Stribling's music is always calming and thought provoking. With his third [fourth] recording he proves that there is nothing repetitive in his repertoire, only fresh perspectives with every listen. Michael's music keeps the soul alive.

Rating: Very Good

MICHAEL STRIBLING
Love, Light, and Water
Leela Music (2008)

Michael Stribling keeps getting better on each successive album. This is his fourth release and, if [he] keeps this pace up, a lot of big name artists are going to be caught flatfooted as he zips past them. Love, Light and Water is Stribling's best and most cohesive recording. Most of the album is a drifting and serenely flowing blend of electronic new age, ambient and spacemusic. A gentle soothing mood is sustained throughout, with only a few rhythmic pieces offering brief detours (quite pleasant ones, though). Since I have limited space in this review, I'll just spotlight some tracks and let you discover the album's many delights in depth on your own.

The album is divided into three sections: "Love" (first), "Light" (second) and ending with "Water" as well as two closing tracks that are not associated with any of those three headings. "Love" contains five tracks. After a short ambient-ish intro ("First Encounters"), "Dream Frontiers" cruises in on layers of warm keyboards and a sampled theremin (!). The lush romantic synths of "New Love" sound like Jon Mark's from albums such as A Sunday in Autumn (a gigantic compliment from me). "Pleasant Journey" is the first of several rhythmic pieces, but as I inferred earlier, the rhythmic feeling is subdued, played on ethnic percussion (tabla or udu), and the lead retro synth instrument has a gentle playfulness to it.

The "Light" section features two shorter and two longer songs. The brief "Sunrise" is classic spacemusic with washes of soothing keyboards. "Bright Silence, Quiet Light" again reminds me of Jon Mark. Multiple synth pads, all of them serene and soothing, evolve into Liquid Mind-ish neo-classical territory with strings and woodwinds. "Behind Every Cloud," another rhythmic piece, is somber and even a bit dark with sparse synth bass beats, plucked strings, and a lead retro keyboard sound with pitch-bending emphasized.

"Water" contains four tracks, highlighted by "Prairie Rain" which invites comparison to James Asher's classic "The Great Wheel" with its repeating minimal lead refrain against a backdrop of ambient/new age keyboards. "Dancing on the Water" is the liveliest tune on the album, with synth arpeggios evoking a slight Berlin-esque atmosphere, but still keeping the mood "light," not frenetic.

Closing out the album are "Quiet Conversation" an ambient mixture of warm pads, washes, echoed piano and new age keyboard tones and "At the Gates" which has an ethereal, even angelic/celestial feel to it, before morphing into more Jon Mark-ish piano/strings and keyboards.

Love, Light and Water will likely land on many reviewers' "Best of the Year" lists. I know it'll be on mine. Highly recommended!

Rating: Very Good+

Love, Light, and Water
Michael Stribling
2008 / Leela Music
1 hour

"Love, Light, and Water" is Michael Stribling's fourth CD to date, and I think it's his best work yet. Leela ("divine play") Music's mission is "to help others in their journey toward wholeness through the gift of music, by creating works that inspire and uplift the human spirit." Stribling is not unique in this musical quest to soothe and heal, but one of the things that sets him apart from many of the other composers in this genre is that his music is not all sunshine and puffy clouds—he allows some of the darker and more pensive aspects of life into his music, which is a more realistic picture of the human experience. The music on this album is divided into three suites that "celebrate the hope and promise of new love, the energizing beauty of light, and the sustaining power of water." Although the music is often quite orchestrated, Stribling creates all of his music himself on keyboards. Some of it is quite melodic, and other pieces are more ambient and atmospheric—all of it is very beautiful.

The first of the three suites is "Love." The five tracks are dreamy, warm, and ethereal, and convey feelings of joy and contentment. "Dream Frontiers" feels like floating in deep space, completely relaxed and absorbing the light of the twinkling stars. "Pleasant Journeys" has an Asian flavor in some of its themes and expresses joy and fun. "Light" is the second suite, and begins with the dawning of a new day. "Sunrise" is a perfect portrait of the slowly spreading light of dawn and the awe-inspiring colors of the morning sky. "Bright Silence, Quiet Light" is cinematic in the fullness of its sound and yet is so very peaceful and calm. Horns can be jarring, but here they are tranquil and restful. "Behind Every Cloud" is my favorite track. Guitar plays a gentle rhythm that gives the piece movement while the other instrumentation is more abstract, floating, and freeform. Love it! "Water" has four movements. The quiet guitar rhythm on "Prairie Rain" describes rain while keyboards create an ambient, serene atmosphere with just a touch of mystery. "River Canyon" is more majestic. "Dancing On the Water" sparkles and shimmers on the surface, but has a darker flow behind that—again very ambient and peaceful. The last two pieces on the CD are not part of the suites, but are in no way out of place. "Quiet Conversation" has piano in the lead with keyboard washes for additional color and depth. The piece itself feels like a very intimate and personal conversation with someone special. At about the halfway point in the piece, the "speaker" shifts to keyboard, and then the "speakers" alternate—a true dialog and another favorite. "At the Gates" ends the album with an ambient piece that is full of hope and warmth.

"Love, Light, and Water" is music to really listen to and savor. If you use it for background music, expect to stop what you're doing from time to time to focus on what Michael Stribling is saying with his music. Inspiring! The CD is available from www.leela-music.com, cdbaby.com, amazon.com, iTunes, and Digistation.com. Recommended!

Michael Stribling Gets in Touch with His Inner Light

Love, Light, and Water, Michael Stribling -- Five Stars

On his fourth CD, Love, Light, and Water, contemporary instrumental keyboardist Michael Stribling offers a refreshing change of pace from the dynamic and propulsive intensity of his previous, percussion-heavy albums. This time, Stribling's muse provides a mystical revelation of peace, solemnity, and mystery, resulting in a musical journey that fuses the boundaries of New Age and neoclassical music.

The album opens with the velvety, spacey synthesizer chords of "First Adventures," a brief introduction that revives the sonic majesty of "Procession of the Avatars," the opening track from Stribling's previous venture. Stribling follows that up with the quirky, quizzical reverie of "Dream Frontiers," before segueing into the symphonic sweep of "New Love."

In fact, "New Love" is indicative of the most striking aspect of Love, Light, and Water – its orchestral feel. Although Stribling created every single note and sound with keyboards and synthesizers, many of the songs sound as if they were recorded by a full orchestra. Compositions such as "New Love" and "Bright Silence, Quiet Light" simulate lush orchestral strings laden with graceful horn/flute melodies, while touches of classical guitar can be heard on various tracks as well.

"First Adventures," "Pleasant Journeys" (with its beautiful understated tablas), "Before the Dawn," "Sunrise," "Behind Every Cloud," "Prairie Rain," "Afterglow," "River Canyon," and "Dancing on the Water" feature Stribling's classic New Age keyboard and synthesizer sounds, but they never sound electronic.

Stribling's inward musical journey winds down with "Quiet Conversation," which is exactly that – an intimate exchange between Stribling's piano and synthesizer, and "At the Gates," a calm and hopeful anticipation of things to come.

While the music overall is quiet, it is far from simple. It is full of intricate harmonies and patterns found in serious, disciplined classical music and sophisticated popular music such as that by The Police and Genesis. Also, every song title accurately conveys the feel of the given track. The lasting impression is one of music that, while generated electronically, is far from the tinny and metallic timbres of many of Stribling's peers and is, in fact, simply beautiful music.

Atmospheric Artwork

With the tinkling of wind chimes and the subdued supplement of horns your soundtrack to Another Day in Paradise begins. This is the newest album by Michael Stribling who follows up to the success of his previous album Songs of Hope and Healing, which I enjoyed. However, I believe I like his newest work even more. There is something energetic about it. Also something comforting with a bit of promise in every track.

Paradise is, of course often equated with Eden. For some paradise is a tropical island with warm breezes and the lap of ocean waves in the background. For others it is the smell of pine needles and the first snow of the season. For many it is a full stomach and a place to sleep where no demons can penetrate. For most I am sure, it is peace for the spirit. Michael’s blend of atmospheric tracks is the musical panacea we have been looking for.

The opening track is called "A Further Glimpse Beyond/Procession of the Avatars". A bit wordy I suppose, but the song is quite rhythmic as well as memorable. What gives the tune its otherworldliness is the feeling of floating music that enfolds the listener like a melodious embrace. The second theme, "Procession of the Avatars" may not be what we obviously think in this modern age of computer personas. Instead, it may be the embodiment of everyday deities that touch our lives without making a physical presence. Call them what you will, but they are out there.

"Asian Dawn" has the eerie sound of a shakuhachi flute that conjures up the mysterious East. It also has the droning of the contemporary world throughout. Even though the music represents the rise of the red sun from the blue Pacific, the tune carries the distinctive quality of witnessing the event in black & white. Talk about dichotomy.

"Celebration" at first did not seem to belong on the album, but then it did. Yes it was confusing to me too. However, the search for a paradise on any level when ending in triumph is a cause célèbre. Sometimes, just waking up is a reason. Getting the job you always wanted, or climbing to the heretofore unassailable pinnacle. This is that festivity. It is perky and upbeat. Everything the occasion deserves.

"Ocean in the Sky" has whale song mixed with electronica and while not exactly Space music, it is very enjoyable. It is a tune that almost, but not quite languishes as it meanders through your mind. Droning background is the canvas for whirling washes of sound and high pitched colorful echoes all the way through.

Honorable mention goes to two other tracks — "On a Quiet Afternoon" and "Union". Some of the titles make you ruminate for a spell. I did that when the title "Union" came into play. At just over fifteen minutes long, the music is everything you might think. Pensive, drifting sound could be a theme for meditation, lovemaking or creatively coming to a conclusion. We are always looking for answers and to many paradise might be in the discovery. On the track "On a Quiet Afternoon" a strong piano lead takes us by the hand and welcomes us to the mid day where peace and serenity are the watchwords. Michael’s music lets you actually feel the warmth of sun and wind, the slow moving shadows of leafy trees and the sweet smells of oranges as the day progresses. This is my favorite track on the album.

As we hear in Stribling’s music, paradise is many things to many people. It is exciting to have a musical accompaniment for your ongoing search. This is the third album of Michael’s music I have reviewed and as I said, it is my favorite. My idea of paradise? You can always find it if you read between the lines.

Rating: Good +

MICHAEL STRIBLING
Another Day in Paradise
Leela Music (2007)

Michael Stribling explores a variety of musical landscapes using his considerable assortment of keyboards on Another Day in Paradise. His composing and performing skills continue to impress me, as they did on his debut Songs of Hope and Healing. I think this is his best release to date. Varying from powerful anthem-like tunes such as the opening "A Further Glimpse Beyond/Procession of the Avatars," with its trumpet fanfare, march-like drums, and triumphant air to the world-fusion inspired haunting shakuhachi flute and birdsong of "Asian Dawn" to the flowing synth washes, sequenced notes and bell tones of "The Sacred Land," Stribling takes the listener on a musical voyage that alternately invigorates and soothes but always entertains.

While playing Another Day in Paradise, I was alternately reminded of Chris Spheeris' Culture, James Asher's The Great Wheel, and David Antony Clark's Beyond Africa. All of these recordings (Stribling's included) feature a trans-global mindset, evidenced through use of an impressive assortment of keyboards as well as all kinds of percussion. All of them also intersperse quieter pieces or passages with dynamic musical songs or movements.

Besides those mentioned above, there are eight more tracks on the CD. "Celebration" evokes its title through a blend of cheery synthesizers, burbling effects, dramatic tribalesque percussion and a flowing lead flute-like keyboard. "Ocean in the Sky," intermixes waves, shore birds and whale song with synth washes and pads that gently undulate and flow, becoming gradually spacier and more ambient before the emergence of subtle Berlin-like sequenced notes. "Forever Young" opens with "ponging" synths amidst the sounds of children playing and set against light-hearted music which builds in intensity with the addition of many rhythmic elements as well as other keyboards. "Evolution" once again brings world fusion elements into play with gamelan-ish tones, gentle but spirited tuned wooden percussion (perhaps meant to be kalimba?) and shaker rhythms. As the cut gathers steam, ethnic singing (I assume African in origin both by the dialect and musical "clues") and more propulsive drums/percussion are introduced until the cut takes on a more joyous feel.

The centerpiece of the album is "Union," a sprawling fifteen-minute opus that eschews the power and drama of some of the other tracks here in favor of a soothing and slowly morphing soundscape comprised of a multitude of keyboards, later evoking the forlorn mood of the desert via some great sampled wind instruments and a slow subtle rhythm imparted through synth bass beats. There is also a faint air of majesty and regality as well, but you have to listen for it.

In stark contrast, the next track, "When Angels Dance" flies in the face of titular expectations as Stribling dials up an electronica infusion with lots of overtly "synthy" synths and gently pulsing techno beats. I'm not saying this is dance floor material, since the melodic component is still "pretty" and the beats are deep down in the mix, but it does stand in dramatic contrast to the previous piece. Finally, the (too short) "At the End of the Day" closes things out featuring soft piano, synth strings and some soothing retro-style keyboards.

Michael Stribling (along with other artists such as Marshall Styler and Harrison Edwards) is swinging our focus back to electronic keyboard-based new age music as it used to be back in the "good old days," but using contemporary instruments propelled by his own unique vision. In his talented hands, we are assured of a new supply of music to help us take imaginary trips to distant lands from the comfort of our living rooms. Another Day in Paradise may not be as good as visiting a real paradise, but that's what our imaginations are for, right? The album rates a solid recommendation from me and I look forward to much more from this artist.

Another Day In Paradise
Michael Stribling
2007 / Leela Music
1.1 hours

"Another Day In Paradise" is the [third] release from multi-instrumentalist Michael Stribling. This new CD is a soundtrack of sorts for a typical day in paradise, and literally picks up where "Out of the Darkness, Into the Light" left off. More electronic and ambient than acoustic or melodic, the music brings the listener an uplifting mood and a positive state of mind. Johnny Mathis' percussionist and a radio disc jockey for a number of years, Stribling combines those pop sensibilities with his advanced training in psychology and spiritual studies to present a unique musical point of view. Calling his label "Leela," which means "divine play," Stribling's mission is "to help others in their journey toward wholeness through the gift of music, by creating works that inspire and uplift the human spirit." Stribling uses a variety of ethnic musical stylings to give his music a universal theme that can bridge a multitude of cultures. Unlike some of the other spirituality-themed recordings out there, Stribling does not present a world of all sweetness and light. His music has a strong positive feel to it, but does not ignore some of the darker moments or influences that come into everyone's lives.

"Out of the Darkness, Into the Light" ended with "A Glimpse Beyond," and "Another Day in Paradise" begins with "A Further Glimpse Beyond" coupled with "Procession of the Avatars," which is based on the 13th century Benedictine plainsong, "Adoro Devote." Starting with a feeling of floating in vast open space, the march then brings quite a contrast in mood and a cinematic feeling of triumph. "Asian Dawn" makes another mood shift with bamboo flute, keyboard ambience, and the sounds of birds in the background. Both calm and dramatic, this piece has a very haunting quality. "The Sacred Land" has an upbeat and catchy rhythm over a very atmospheric foreground; in the middle, the two styles merge, perhaps symbolizing the natural and the man-made working together. "Ocean in the Sky" is once more ambient and ethereal, with vast open space and the sounds of sea creatures and wind. "Forever Young" is light and whimsical, with the sounds of children's voices contributing to the carefree spirit. "On A Quiet Afternoon" is a languid piano piece—effortless and easy. Other instruments come in with countermelodies and color, but this is mostly a lovely piano piece. "Union" is an epic 15-minute piece that is serenity set to music—don't try to wake up to this one in the morning! Sigh... "When Angels Dance" is another beauty. Free and energizing, yet perfectly calm, it makes me think of fluffy white clouds gliding across a brilliant blue sky. "At the End of the Day' is content and sleepy, relaxed and ready for the journey to dreamland. What a great day!

"Another Day In Paradise" is an excellent listening experience with full attention or in the background—it works nicely either way. Michael Stribling is well on his way as a major force in new age music, continuing a tradition but also blazing his own trails. His music can be found at leela-music.com, amazon.com, cdbaby.com, and iTunes. Recommended!

Former Johnny Mathis drummer turned New Age keyboard/synthesizer player Michael Stribling keeps you wide awake -- and happy -- with bouncy, driving, and multilayered melodies and rhythms that approach the sonics of stadium rock acts like Journey, Yes, and Genesis. The CD features both beautiful soundscapes and propulsive numbers like the energetic "Forever Young," which sounds the most like a Genesis track. The only thing missing are vocals by Phil Collins. Other highlights include "Procession of the Avatars," "The Sacred Land," "Celebration," "Evolution," "When Angels Dance" and "At the End of the Day." This is a truly masterful work.

Michael Stribling's Paradise Filled with Joy
Another Day in Paradise, Michael Stribling -- Five Stars

Michael Stribling's third CD, Another Day in Paradise, cements the New Age keyboardist's status as one of the most dynamic composers of our time. The collection of 11 instrumental compositions is an exhilarating musical journey that celebrates the vitality of life and pulsates with a positive, energetic vibe that just makes you feel glad to be alive.

The former Johnny Mathis drummer's pop sensibilities and knack for rhythm manifest themselves in the form of propulsive percussion, hook-laden grooves, and infectious bass lines. The proceedings start with the mystical tones of the previous album's final track ("A Further Glimpse Beyond") before segueing into an epic theme ("Procession of the Avatars") that, with its solemn melody and march-like percussion, could be a perfect opening theme for the Olympics.

On a couple of songs, Stribling introduces an ethnic flavor into the mix (the Far East flute sounds of "Asian Dawn," the Middle East-like melody of the intimate "Union," which features a pop cultural musical reference or two for discerning listeners). The CD also features introspective interludes such as "On a Quiet Afternoon" and "Ocean in the Sky," a symphony of marine animal sounds against the backdrop of lush synthesizer tones that would make an ideal soundtrack for an IMAX nature/science documentary.

A human element is added through the presence of wordless vocals, for example, ancient tribal chants ("Evolution") and the laughter of children at play ("Forever Young"). Other inspiring tracks include the reverent "Sacred Land," the high-spirited "Celebration," and the buoyant synth-pop of the electronica-tinged "When Angels Dance."

The album closes on a peaceful note with the aptly titled "At the End of the Day," which revisits the ethereal siren tones of "New Day Dawning" from Stribling's first CD but creates a beautiful new melody accented with graceful piano chords. It's a fitting coda to the bliss and joy that have come before and gives us a chance to take it all in.

Stribling makes music that stirs the soul, and it's clear from this album that Stribling is in the right place spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically. Listening to this CD will put you in the same place as well. Stribling's music surges with the energy and life force of the universe, and the result is another day in paradise.

Out of the Darkness, Into the Light
This follow-up to his award-winning debut album sparkles with driving electronic beats, astral high strings, evolving filtered synths, lush atmospheres, and melodic pianos and bells—a CD that soothes without overdoing the electronica.

MICHAEL STRIBLING
Out of the Darkness, Into the Light
Leela Music (2006)

Michael Stribling’s follow up to Songs of Hope and Healing is a more cohesive and fully realized recording. Out of the Darkness, Into the Light is still slightly of two minds, as was his previous album, but this time the split personality is only apparent when going from track two to three.

The CD opens with the propulsive energizing “Driven,” a bouncy slice of electronica propelled by pulsing bass beats and a flurry of melodic synthesizers. After this four-minute song, the CD starts to settle into its primary groove, attuning most of the remaining nine tracks to an ambient/spacemusic/new age vein. While I wouldn’t mind hearing Stribling record an entire album of music like “Driven,” I also think his forte is the quieter more introspective pieces which dominate this fine CD. The title track features wavery synths, buzz-sawing keyboards, and subdued pulsing bass beat, segueing into a harpsichord bridge with melancholic gothic undertones, before yielding to a more triumphant celebratory explosion of bell trees and crescendoing cymbals and finally subsiding into a repeat of the song’s opening.

Things really start to gel with the third track, “Northern Lights”, with its gently soaring spacemusic washes and mournful synth flute (later in the cut) that lazily circles the assorted keyboards. “Letting Go/Afterthought” has a funereal opening with layers of synths cascading and washing over the listener, and the warm lead flute line tints the song with a sad kind of beauty. The keyboards disappear leaving a lone piano to play a lovely refrain that has a nostalgic flavor to it. Once again, Stribling reintroduces the previous keyboards towards the song’s conclusion (this appears to be his signature touch, i.e., the reappearance of a song’s opening melody and instrumentation).

“Seven Faces of Home” features a circular piano refrain surrounded by synth washes and subtle choral effects, almost as if the piano was adrift on a slowly undulating sea of musical textures. “Ripples of Awareness” harkens back to any number of golden age electronic new age music recordings, aglow with twinkling synths, shimmering keyboards, and an ethereal cosmic sense of wonder, concluding with spot-on sampled flute and what I think is a soprano sax. “Longing” is an album highlight with flitting retro keyboards and sequenced notes over warm washes, perhaps a little reminiscent of Ray Lynch, however with less of a classical music influence. Closing out the album is “Glory and Honor/A Glimpse Beyond” which starts off with an assortment of retro synths, twinkling like dancing starfields and an undercurrent of muted hand drum percussion. The percussion eventually becomes more prominent and evolves into a more pronounced East Indian-influenced tabla soundalike, but the synths ground the track more in the electronica/new age genres than in anything remotely like world fusion.

I thought Songs of Hope and Healing was a very solid recording (albeit one that bounced around a bit) and showed great promise for the artist. It was obvious to me that Michael Stribling had talent when it came to wielding his electronic keyboards. With Out of the Darkness, Into the Light, Stribling ratchets up both his technical prowess and also narrows his artistic focus to a much tighter beam, the result being a highly recommendable collection of ambient and electronic new age music that is, for the most part, centered around the quieter, sedate side of things. Color me impressed with the strides Michael Stribling has made in just one album and consider me solidly in his camp of followers, as you will be too if you latch onto this fine CD.

Feel-Good New Age Synth-Pop

This debut CD from New Age artist Michael Stribling (Out of the Darkness, Into the Light) sounds not like the work of a newbie, but rather that of an experienced, old musical hand. Perhaps this is due to Stribling’s pop past as drummer for Johnny Mathis, which informs many of the propulsive tracks on this buoyant collection. In fact, it was the second tune, "New Day Dawning", which hooked me on Music Choice: Soundscapes with its initial tranquil reverie that eventually burgeons into a joyously upbeat tune full of hope. The CD has a nice mix of synth-pop (especially the Genesis-like "Let the Pony Ride"), grand keyboard washes of sound ("Big Planets", "Reminiscence", "Peace at Sea"), and hauntingly beautiful solo piano interludes ("Trust", "Before the End"). This is a bright, vibrant, and very accessible New Age CD that even aurally discriminating fans of pop music might enjoy.

Michael Stribling Takes It to the Next Level

The second CD from the thoughtful New Age artist presents a kinder, gentler Michael Stribling. Aside from a couple of enjoyable tunes that have the power-pop overtones of Genesis and Journey, Out of the Darkness, Into the Light is much more serene and tranquil than Songs of Hope and Healing. The songs have a piercing inner quality that penetrates to the very heart of the soul. Also, they are all positive, inspirational, and uplifting, which sets Stribling far above many of his peers. Standout tracks include "Letting Go/Afterthought", "Reflection", and especially "Seven Faces of Home", with its jazzy piano and synth-bass hooks and ambient keyboard washes. However, pay special attention to "Northern Lights", which exudes the ethereal quality of the Aurora Borealis. The last five notes of this song reference a famous sci-fi film, and whether or not it is intentional, it sums up the feel of this album beautifully.

Out of the Darkness, Into the Light
Michael Stribling
2007 / Leela Music
62’41"

"Out of the Darkness, Into the Light" is multi-instrumentalist Michael Stribling’s follow-up to 2006’s chart-topping "Songs of Hope and Healing." I haven’t heard Stribling’s earlier work, but I sure like this CD! Most of the ten tracks are ambient and spacious, but there are a couple of very rhythmic, uptempo pieces that make you sit up and take notice. The piano appears in several of the pieces, but this is much more of an electronic CD. Stribling’s mission is "to help others in their journey toward wholeness through the gift of music, by creating works that inspire and uplift the human spirit" (from his website). Stribling calls his label "Leela Music," and "leela" means "divine play," so this music obviously comes from a rich variety of sources. Stribling has been playing the piano since he was seven, and was a percussionist for Johnny Mathis early in his career. After several years working as a studio musician, playing in musical theater, and radio announcing, Stribling went back to graduate school in 1981 and became a marriage and family therapist. After working in that field for many years, life changes brought him back to music in 2005. Lucky us!

The CD opens with "Driven," a piece whose pounding beat and intoxicating rhythm I find completely addicting. In the car, I had the volume up to the point of being almost painful and kept hitting the "repeat" button on the CD player. My piano students could probably hear me coming from several blocks away! Sure to bring a smile and more than a few head bobs! From there, we get down to more serious business. The title track takes us on a journey that begins with the feeling of dark mystery that is non-threatening, but not entirely comfortable. As the piece unfolds, it explores several themes, gradually brightening until it breaks into the light as the darker theme fades out. "Northern Lights" gives the feeling of floating in darkness that is deep, but also very peaceful and beautiful. Various sounds suggest the changing colors of the Northern Lights as they melt from one breathtaking hue to another. Gorgeous! "Letting Go/Afterthought" is much more introspective and melancholy. The middle section of the piece is solo piano, personalizing it even more. One of my favorite tracks is "Longing," which begins with a very simple but compelling rhythmic theme that suggests a plucked stringed instrument. That theme continues throughout the piece as string washes add fullness and color. Becoming more orchestrated as it evolves, the simple theme comes to the forefront from time to time. As feelings of longing are, the piece is tinged with sadness and loss, but is not without hope. Very effective! "Glory and Honor / A Glimpse Beyond" begins on a jaunty, upbeat note. More melodic than most of the works, it also has an infectious rhythm and a playful spirit that segues later to the ambient feeling of crystalline open space and of floating peacefully on air.

"Out of the Darkness, Into the Light" is a fascinating musical journey and one that I really enjoyed. It is available from www.leela-music.com, cdbaby.com, and amazon.com. Recommended!

Out of the Darkness, Into the Light
By Michael Stribling
Label: Leela Music
Released 1/1/2007

This is more like it

Michael Stribling has a little more pep in his step on new album, Out of the Darkness, Into the Light, his follow up to Songs of Hope and Healing. This one has a stronger ambient texture with contemporary overtones. A few of the tracks have that minimalist quality a la Steve Roach, but for the most part the music is Stribling's friendly, therapeutic offerings as a study in serene.

Driven has a Progressive Rock tempo that really grabs your attention. It has a pounding bass line that gives strong forward movement and, not to sound redundant... progress. It made for a great tune in the car, but it would be equally at home on a club dance floor. Ever onward!

Out of the Darkness, Into the Light, the title cut, is a sensuous journey of sound. The tempo is pendulous as the melody unfolds and the drifting sequences begin. As the title suggests the music is a bit busy and then more organized and focused. At last everything flows in the right direction.

My favorite cut on the album is Northern Lights. The sense here is that there is a closet minimalist at work. At over nine minutes long it has a dreamlike quality that allows you to drift around sampling different states of mind. Shades of grandfathers Brian Eno and Steve Roach. For me the tune was musically transparent. It plays well in the background no matter what you are doing, but it still makes its presence known.

Mild clarinet, flute and brooding background make for a pleasing contemporary tune called Ripples of Awareness. It has just a tinkle of industrial sound, but the music turns out to be pastoral in an electronic sense. With this kind of tune you might actually sense what happens when the ripples stop and the surface returns to a calm state.

One of the most interesting tracks and the last cut on the CD is called Glory and Honor / A Glimpse Beyond. A powerful bass track and crescendos of sound everywhere gives this tune a strong, influential tone that sets the background for a vision of the future. There will be pure light, voices will be sparkling clear and your cares will be lessened. To me it sounded as if Michael made this into a trilogy of music, with a beginning, middle and an end that becomes lighter as it progresses. To me he has held true to his theme.

My title to this article, "This is more like it" is a reference to Michael's previous album Songs of Hope and Healing that I felt didn't really reflect his title. However, on Out of the Darkness, Into the Light I believe that he has hit his mark. The start of the album is jittery and unsure, a mild confusion. But by the time we finish and come full circle we are more calm and balanced. More reassured and focused. I like that. It has "divine play".

Rating: Good +

- reviewed by RJ Lannan on 1/2/2007

Songs of Hope and Healing
Michael Stribling
Leela Music
(559) 436-4994, www.leela-music.com

As a whole, the eclectic and widely varying styles in Michael Stribling's new recording, Songs of Hope and Healing may leave you in wonderment trying to categorize it. In addition to the tranquil tracks inferred to by the CD's title, there also are intentional diversions of ethnic percussion and electronica.

The serene New Age tracks are the album's strengths: "Peace at Sea," the nine-plus minute ode to the ocean with its waves of strings and opening water sounds, and the two ambient tracks, "New Day Dawning" and "Big Planets," with their broad and pastoral orchestrations all top the list.

Other points of musical interest include the electronica-based tracks "Percocious," an ode to Stribling's percussion past and influence of Jan Hammer; the Main Street Electrical Paradestyle of "Striding Through Eternity"; the peaceful "Love Will Find a Way"; and the piano solo "Trust."

If your customers have open minds, broad tastes, and eclectic styles, turn them onto Michael Stribling with Songs of Hope and Healing.

Hits from the Heart
Merced native Michael Stribling's debut album, "Songs of Hope and Healing," captures an array of sounds and is meant to help people through tough times.

By Krista Bjorn
SUN-STAR CORRESPONDENT
Last Updated: October 26, 2006, 01:45:34 AM PDT

It's not often that a musician's debut album reaches number one on the ratings chart. Yet that's what happened for new age musician Michael Stribling when his album, "Songs of Hope and Healing" reached number one in July on the Top 100 List of the New Age Reporter (www.newagereporter.com).

"That was pretty gratifying," Stribling said with a smile.

Born and raised in Merced, Stribling comes from a family of musicians including his mother, Lorraine Murphy, and his sister, Patrice Stribling Donald.

Stribling started playing piano at age 7, studied violin, clarinet, and guitar and composed his first piece of music at age 10.

"When the Beatles arrived in America in 1964 I switched to drums and never looked back," he said.

He received his bachelor's in music from California State University, Fresno with an emphasis on percussion performance.

"I was able to play drums everywhere from jazz band and marching band to philharmonic orchestra," he said.

Stribling became a radio announcer for a classic rock station in the early '70s, playing music such as the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and of course his beloved Beatles. His boss was none other than Ray Appleton.

He toured with Johnny Mathis, did a lot of studio work as a performer, composer/arranger, producer, and engineer, and performed in many musical theater productions with the Good Company Players.

In 1981, Stribling abruptly changed careers and went to graduate school, eventually becoming a psychotherapist, specializing in marriage and family therapy.

"When I changed careers, music pretty much went in mothballs," he said.

About a year and a half ago, Stribling lost both an important relationship and his job and was faced with starting over.

"I asked myself what I'd do if I won the lottery," he said. "I went back to my bliss and this album is the result of that."

Writing his own music and being his own boss was a liberating experience for Stribling.

"I was always working for someone else," he said. "This was the opportunity to do one album by me, for me, without dealing with other egos. It was a project of love."

The album, "Songs of Hope and Healing" presents a kaleidoscope of musical forms. "Someone has referred to it as a box of chocolates," Stribling said. "It represents a wide variety of styles all within the New Age genre. Some refer to it as heart music."

Although the album has received glowing accolades from New Age music afficianados, it is actually a very personal project.

"I think initially it was just for me," Stribling said. "A part of it was a process of going back. I think I knew when I started this project that come hell or high water I was going to finish. I did this for my own healing and hopefully for the benefit of those listening to it, to bring some peace into their lives."

He believes that the album would not have been possible without the support and refining influence of his loved ones.

"I really think that with any performing art we are just vessels," he said. "The idea is to keep the vessel clean. I'm grateful to those who helped get the gunk out of the garden hose and keep it flowing clean."

For Stribling the composing process begins with quietness and contemplation.

"I pretty much sit still and listen and pay attention to whatever flows and try to capture it," he said. "Sometimes it will wake me up in the middle of the night. Something will rattle around in my head and ooh! Ooh! I've got to get it down. I'll get up and start noodling around. Sometimes it just feels good to play."

The entire instrumental album was created without the use of microphones because Stribling was able to capture a fine quality of sound with various computer programs.

"Computer synthesizers have an amazing array of sounds," he said. "I liken it to a palette."

He finds that inspiration comes simply through tinkering around with sounds and instruments. "Very often that's where the germ of an idea will be born," Stribling said. "A sound that captures my fancy or a chord progression. Once that basic skeleton gets formed, then I'll go back and start adding things. Sometimes it will develop itself fully in the span of a day, and sometimes it takes months and months."

Once an initial idea is found, Stribling works with it like a sculptor does with clay. "It's building and building and building," he said. "Which is fun for my obsessive, compulsive personality. Then I go back and add the icing on the cake, a bit of percussion, a harp here, a cymbal there."

Then he begins to mix. "All the things that further enrich the sound," he said. "I just love it!"

Along with the creative process, Stribling credits the album's success to those who have influenced him significantly through their writings and friendship. "A lot of people contributed to whatever flowed," he said.

While "Songs of Hope and Healing" is Stribling's debut album, it is not his first CD. He wrote a meditation to help with hypnosis and is currently at work on a third CD that is set for release in January.

"Songs of Hope and Healing" is available at www.cdbaby.com, www.amazon.com, www.itunes.com or from the trunk of Stribling's car. "You get signatures if you order from the trunk of my car," he said.

MICHAEL STRIBLING
SONGS OF HOPE AND HEALING
Leela Music (2006)

While not the most misleading title I’ve ever seen, Michael Stribling’s Songs of Hope and Healing may elicit some head-scratching from New Age music fans during the first track, “Percocious” which opens this diverse CD with propulsive sampled ethnic percussion and drums amid influences from gamelan, Africa kalimba, and the Far East, setting a fast pace as if one was running on the Serengeti plains or up a mountain path in Tibet. If you come to this recording expecting nothing but serene gentle soundscapes, you’re either going to be pleasantly surprised or alarmed. In fairness to the artist, according to a letter which accompanied the CD, this variety of moods, tempos, and styles is wholly intentional.

Stribling is quite adept at navigating through the various sonic waters he travels, whether it be the flowing ambient-ish washes and tones of “New Day Dawning” (which morphs into a bouncy cheery slice of electronica, a la Davol or Soundician), the dramatic spacy washes of “Big Planets,” a plaintive and sparse solo piano piece (“Trust”), the burbly electronics and syncopated synths on “Where do we go from here?,” or the somber ambient soundscape of “Reminiscence” which may invite comparisons to Patrick O’Hearn at his least percussive.

The album contains twelve tracks, two of which clock in at over nine minutes in length. “Peace at Sea,” one of the lengthy tunes, is a contemplative flowing new age piece with lots of synthesizers and occasional ebbing and flowing string washes which could also be categorized as semi-classical (all of this is buoyed by the sounds of waves underneath it all).

The artist makes a dubious choice for a final track, the rhythmic electro-tribal-world fusion tune “Striding Through Eternity,” but I think he was aiming at ending the CD on an optimistic and energizing note, not going out on a more typical peaceful fade into nothingness. Kudos to him in making that unusual decision.

Michael Stribling took a 25 year break from music and Songs of Hope and Healing is his return to the fold, as it were. Apparently, the absence hasn’t hurt his talent or his skill. This CD is well performed and produced and the originality of some compositions can’t be overlooked either. Everything here is accessible and enjoyable from the get go, provided you have a broad taste in new age music. The more uptempo electronic pieces dominate, so be prepared to tap your toes or snap your fingers (there are some catchy hooks to be heard). If I was pressed for a comparison, I’d be tempted to cite Peter Buffett, or Aetopus, although the former’s music tends to be more cinematic in feel and moodier. Stribling wears his heart on his musical sleeve, which in this case is just fine with me. I hope he doesn’t leave the scene for another 25 years before making more music like this.

Rating: Good+

SONGS OF HOPE AND HEALING

I’ve have been listening to Michael Stribling's new album for a few weeks now. Yeah, sometimes I listen to the same album for a month before I actually put down words. Songs of Hope and Healing offers a mix of electronic and contemplative tunes that are very palatable, but the title of the works seems a bit off center. Don’t get me wrong. I think that all music has some cathartic properties, especially with our genres of music. Stribling's mix of energetic tunes and emotional themes has that effect. Michael's CD has some long cuts on it; some of them better than eight minutes, but once you get into it, and you will get into it, the time passes without notice.

The opening tune Percocious has an almost industrial electronic sound. It has a driving beat and a snappy score that gets the heart pumping and the feet tapping. There’s a bit of drama to the subject and a taste of the Oriental with the banging of the gongs. Notice the spelling of the title. I like his sense of humor.

The mood changes quickly and positively with the next song, and one of my favorites, New Day Dawning. I thought I could feel the rotation of the planet with this music playing in the background. The song is a metamorphosis of force as the sun warms the earth and, as the song progress, it gains in inertia as well as energy. There is momentum gained and spirit renewed.

With a whisper of angelic voices and a touch of ocean waves Peace at Sea is the absolute best cut on Songs of Hope and Healing. This song is true to the overall theme of the album and I played this one a hundred times; it is that beautiful. It has a pastoral score that more than once crescendos with emotion and excitement. Musically, it is the sun guiding your course to home. It is the climax of seeing the rocky shore after being lost on the dull, green ocean for a lifetime. It is the crimson and gold delight to the eye of the sunset once safely on terra firma. And for this miraculous journey - you never leave your doorstep. Outstanding.

With a nod to composer Jan Hammer and to every Italian TV commercial there ever was comes the spunky tune Striding Through Eternity. This is a funny bouncy song that gets you going. If you have trouble rising each day, just play this one. It generates its own energy and you are powerless not to be affected. A fun tune.

It seems like Michael's music is a good balance of liveliness and feeling after all. I enjoyed listening to the music especially driving down the road after a long, hot afternoon with the day’s work done and with the knowledge that home was not far away.

Rating: Good +