Neo-classical composer Aleksandra Takala recently released her new age, ambient collection of music, In My Own Time.
Aleksandra explains, “This collection of all instrumental New Age & Neo-Classical styles contain 12 new compositions. Instruments include Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Woodwinds and Brass, Castanets, Italian Grand Piano, Acoustic & Electric Bass, String Orchestration, Percussion Instruments, Choral Voices, Church Bell, & Harp.
“The songs are shorter in length than the pieces on my first album, Visions & Emotions. This doesn’t mean incomplete in any way. I want the listener to become involved with the interpretation so that the music reflects parts of themselves.”
A native of California, Aleksandra began listening to music early on. By the time she was 12, she started playing classical pieces on an out-of-tune spinet piano, writing poetry, singing in her school’s choir and seeing the rock-musical Hair.
According to Aleksandra, “I absorbed all those nuances of a critical moment in music: Crosby Stills and Nash, Simon and Garfunkel, the Moody Blues, Jimi Hendrix, The Hollies, Chicago, Blood Sweat and Tears, The Beatles, John Lennon, Elton John, Gentle Giant and above all Pink Floyd, my fave.”
After her first marriage didn’t work out, Aleksandra spent immersed herself in spiritual groups, meditating, and reading inspirational books.
She says, “I wanted a different and better life. I was preparing myself for future relationships. Thanks to all of that prep work, when I found the right partner, I recognized him. John has been and still is one of the main reasons that I have managed to come this far. His help, love, and support are invaluable, and he’s a real left-brained genius too. He is the photographer, creator of the physical packaging, and CD designer of ‘Visions & Emotions.’ I couldn’t have done this without his help.”
Talking about her music, Aleksandra says, “While I am composing, the music comes singing out of my fingers. I tend to converse with myself a lot. This is also a form that my compositions take on. It may start as a question, followed by an answer. In other songs, a statement is made, followed by a reply.”
Encompassing a dozen tracks, entry points on In My Own Time include “Spanish Isle,” a gorgeous Latin-laced neo classical tune glimmering with soft textures and sparkling accents. “Helpless to Help,” a personal favorite, features a graceful piano backed by glowing, sweeping strings, forming an emotion-filled tune rife with undulating colors.
There’s a delicious exotic flavor to “A Tribute to the People,” which travels on a chugging rhythm topped by lush, Native American tones. Another gem, “Silva’s Ride,” opens on gentle strings as flute-like accents linger overhead. A fat, resonant bassline imbues the song with dense reverberations, complementing the gliding leitmotifs. Rippling with majestic dignity, there’s a determined commitment to the melody, mirroring Silva’s resolve.
The final track, “Masada Overture,” rolls out on light dramatic notes, taking on darker, heavier tones, reflecting pomp and circumstance. Rife with numinous coloration, melancholy, and hints of turbulence, it’s a beautiful tune.
Gloriously wrought, In My Own Time delivers exquisite sonic textures, and delightful rhythms, and displays the compositional gifts of Aleksandra Takala.
