| Great Smoky Mountains |
I love music and when I’m working and writing I tend to listen to instrumental music with a relaxing and inspirational vibe, something like you’d listen to in a spa. When I first heard this CD by Emmy award-winning composer, Gary Remal Malkin, it touched me on so many levels and I have to say that it is one of the most beautiful works I’ve heard. It evoked feelings of sorrow to joy to gratitude to that of purpose. The music offers an inspiring mix that could change your day from that of doubt to determination and faith. That’s a bold statement, I know, however it’s how I feel and that’s the point – it touches the depths of your soul and unleashes so many feelings. Although all of the selections are amazing, some of the tracks capture your attention even when you’re deep in thought or your work.
“It evoked feelings of sorrow to joy to gratitude to that of purpose. The music offers an inspiring mix that could change your day from that of doubt to determination and faith.” – Donna Adinolfi
The music tugs at your heart and grabs your attention, especially track #5, A Time Ago. It draws you in to a simpler time and touches your soul to a point that you must stop what you’re doing, close your eyes and feel the music even more deeply. The piano is so beautiful in this piece. As you listen to this track, you may connect or reconnect to ‘A Time Ago’ in your own life.
Trail of Tears, track #7, is another favorite due to the flute and sounds of nature in the background. So many visuals come to mind such as what this could mean in the mountains or even the desert, the animals and perhaps those that blazed trails years ago in the Great Smoky Mountains. The thunder, the storm, and the ghostlike sounds of this track make it so recognizable and when the next layer of instrumentation blends in, it takes the listener to their next level allowing us to connect to our authentic self.
Each track energizes me, inspires me or allows me to go back to another time and reflect. One other track to note is #11, The Courage to Dream. I always know when this one comes on as it pulls on my heart strings and I’m flooded with the memories that have brought me to my current state of being. As the music continues, it reminds me of the story of my heart and all the dreams yet to be fulfilled. The courage to get through past challenges and the faith to continue searching; it’s like a door opening and leading you to a new beginning. Then, toward the end of the track as the music builds, there’s a vision of a cowboy returning to his ranch or perhaps a loved one returning home.
The entire body of work on this CD is moving and just beautiful. It has the power to move you from where you are to where you want to be: body, mind and soul. It can spark creativity and inspire the listener in so many ways.