
Hummingbird
2002 (Randy Copus, Pamela Copus, Sarah Copus), Myndstream
2002MUSIC.COM
“Hummingbird” was inspired by a handwritten note the Copus family received from a fan who said that their music brought him hope and inspiration every day, just like the mystical hummingbirds in legends. Ten tracks of melodic splendor, with guitar, flute, cello, harp, synth, percussion, and ethereal layered vocals combine together in harmonious wonder. I didn’t think their music could even get any better, but here we are. This album – every track – is stunningly beautiful in every single note. Masterfully crafted, every nuance sparkles and vibrates, undulating with a certain, indefinable magic and majesty, just like the extraordinary hummingbird.

Mystical Awakening: Musical Explorations of Bhagavad Gita
Kirtan Lounge with Gopi Kallayil and Ananta Govinda, Independent
kirtanlounge.com
Here we have a 12-1/2-minute chant EP that explores and celebrates the Bhagavad Gita. On the “A” side is the 7-1/2 minute, “Mystical Awakening – Musical Exploration of Bhagavad Gita.” On the “B” side is the 5-minute “Gayatri Mantra for Peace.” The chants are immediately relaxing. The vocals, male and female, are balanced, ethereal, reverent, and peaceful. Available digitally, as a limited-edition vinyl record, and also as an NFT (non-fungible token) release. With its excellent harmony stacks, this is perfect for meditation, yoga, prayer, or relaxation. This is one of the best chant albums I’ve heard and it’s definitely worth exploring.

Measures of Light
Wayne Bethanis, Independent
WAYNEBETHANIS.COM
Lush, wide, and extraordinarily beautiful, these nine tracks of piano-based “New Age Contemporary Instrumental” are presented in a style that is both dynamic and memorable. Bethanis’ piano performance and arrangements are exquisite – awesome, even – as is the orchestration by film composers Jared Kraft and Marcus Sjöwall. Full of passion and emotion, it’s all like a long-awaited embrace that could move you to tears. Richly hued throughout, here we have grand soundscapes that titillate the imagination. Mystical and utterly magical, “Measures of Light” is epic, expansive, heart-warming, and will leave you breathless with wonder. “Wow!” is what I have to say.