Jeff Gold's Newest CD ~ Escapes And You Could Win A Copy

When I received Jeff Gold's album Escapes, I knew what to expect without the rest of the title. Jeff's passion is to produce music for relaxing. He wants his work to be suitable for “massage, yoga, scenic drives or just winding down.” I was also familiar another of his albums, Simple Treasures. While Jeff is proficient in composing, arranging, performing and producing, I am not part of his primary intended audience. I'm not into massage, yoga or scenic drives, and my “winding down” music is usually classic rock. Nevertheless, having been impressed by Simple Treasures, I decided to give this collection a chance.

I chose a day when I would be involved in two book reviews, sorting papers, and preparing a lesson from the book of Nehemiah. Jeff's music would be my way of “escaping” traffic sounds and background noise. I usually don't play music during such projects, since I can be drawn away from concentration by favorite lyrics or a familiar guitar riff. These instrumentals, if anything like what I had heard before, would have nothing jarring or distracting.

I immediately noticed that the emphasis was on piano, unlike the piano and violin basis of Simple Treasures. Then I got busy and the music went into the background of my thoughts. But about 25 minutes into this hour long CD, I suddenly realized that the guitar was the lead instrument. I thought, “When did that happen?” At around the 40 minute mark, I was aware of a shift toward woodwinds. Yet the transitions were achieved without abrupt changes. The tempo and style were consistent enough to maintain the meditative tone throughout the entire CD.

Escapes escapes the usual fate of such albums, which so often become repetitious and vapid. Jeff makes “music for relaxing” that isn't boring – even to me, and that's unusual. If this is the kind of thing you like, you should hear this one [and you can, at www.jeffgoldmusic.com]. I can honestly say that, while it won't replace any of my Bob Seger or Tom Petty albums, it will stay in my collection and will be heard again.

We can highly recommend the album to you and you can purchase it HERE!

Jeff, who by the way is a very nice man, has generously offered to give on of my readers their own copy of his Escaped CD! Use the Rafflecopter below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open to Continental US Residents only. Must be 18 or older to enter. Limit one entry per household/address. All entries will be verified. Winner will have 24 hours to respond to winning notification if if no response then another winner will be chosen. Contest ends at 12:01 AM 2/18/15. The Minister's Wife Stamps and Saves is not responsible for the delivery of the prize. The company sponsoring this giveaway is solely responsible for the delivery of the prize to the winner(s). The Minister's Wife Stamps and Saves is not responsible for lost or misdirected emails or physical mail. This giveaway is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google, Instagram, or any other social media. Void where prohibited by law.

We received samples of the products for the purpose of review. No other compensation was given. All opinions expressed here are those of the author.

A Calm and Quiet CD, Simple Treasures and A Giveaway

My husband and I have very distinct differences when it comes to what kind of music we listen to. But when I got this CD from Jeff Gold to review, Rick was willing to listen to it and give me his thoughts. Honestly, I thought he wouldn't like it, but he did.

Here was my husband's take on the CD:

Jeff Gold's third album, "Simple Treasures", continues his style of light and calming compositions that have gained the attention of wellness centers and yoga instructors. His website describes his offerings as "soothing melodies for relaxing". All twelve tracks [total running time 58:51] feature piano and strings, with various other instruments. Gold produces all the sounds, either on the actual instrument or through the use of keyboard and computer. 

This is not "my kind of music" and I cannot compare it with works in the same genre. However, as a fan of music that's substantially more boiserous, I found the album surprisingly Not Boring. I thought all the tracks were very similar with nothing particularly innovative or jarring -- but what else would you expect from music designed to calm and soothe? 

The quality of the sound is excellent. Gold's technical proficiency in mixing the various instruments provides no miscues that might disturb the relaxing effect. There is a tendency to overuse the violin while ignoring its potential; otherwise, the music shows a rare talent for both composition and production. 

Gold has the ability to produce music in other fields, I'm sure. But he seems to have "found his calling" and has made a substantial contribution to the genre with this album. Listeners who appreciate calming instrumentals will find in "Simple Treasures", tunes that are both simple and treasures.

Now here is my take on the CD:

I found Jeff's CD to be very relaxing and calming. It was a wonderful CD to be playing in the background as I puttered around the house, cleaning, working on the computer, and generally doing my day-to-day activities.  It just seemed to keep the whole atmosphere of the house quieter and calmer. Most of the time I was not even really aware of the specific tune playing, but was aware of a pleasant peacefulness.I enjoy that.
I can see this being a great CD to play for your kids to keep them calmer and more relaxed, especially at bedtime. I know several friends who would well be able to use this CD for their autistic children to help set the mood for their day. Artists and writers could easily use this to keep them from becoming frustrated  and tense as they try to create their works.

You can see, we have differing ideas on music, but we both thought it was a wonderful CD. I really think this would be great for quiet time in a classroom or an artists studio. You would find yourself staying calm and relaxed all day. When I was homeschooling my children, I used to use similar CD's (or cassette tapes, it was that long ago) as my boys were studying. Both worked through their assignments with less grumbling and trouble. Jeff's CD would have been perfect then!

Jeff has generously offered to give one of my readers their own copy of his CD, "Simple Treasures". Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. And thanks Jeff!!

You can purchase "Simple Treasures" or any of Jeff's other CD's HERE!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We received samples of the products for the purpose of review. No other compensation was given. All opinions expressed here are those of the author.

Open to Continental US Residents only. Must be 18 or older to enter. Limit one entry per household/address. All entries will be verified. Winner will have 24 hours to respond to winning notification if if no response then another winner will be chosen. Contest ends at 12:01 AM 1/14/15. The Minister's Wife Stamps and Saves is not responsible for the delivery of the prize. The company sponsoring this giveaway is solely responsible for the delivery of the prize to the winner(s). The Minister's Wife Stamps and Saves is not responsible for lost or misdirected emails or physical mail. This giveaway is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google, Instagram, or any other social media. Void where prohibited by law.