The Passenger is New Age artist Cheryl B. Engelhardt’s latest album. Featuring nine songs that drive home the idea of total chill, with just a bit of caffeinated rhythms, The Passenger flows like a wonderous escape. Surrendering to these joyous, serene tracks is not only welcomed, but also second nature. Engelhardt, who spent time on a train ride after a close friend passed away, champions a whirlwind of emotions and deeply complex arrangements. Joining Engelhardt on the ride are GRAMMY-winning artists Lili Haydn, Sangeeta Kaur and Danaë Xanthe Vlasse, world-renowned flutist Sherry Finzer and Dallas String Quartet. Sit back, relax and unwind. And let your ears explore this enjoyable odyssey.
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Starting out the journey is “The Beautiful Bridge”. Simmering with light and awakening strings, this instrumental (truth be told, all these songs are instrumental). I found the track to be soothing and tingling-like. It’s like all the senses are getting together and you are positioning your mind to be centered. Engelhardt transitions to “The Light That’s Left” seamlessly. I think the storyline in this particular song does feel like the listener is reaching towards something, yearning. Engelhardt really engages the listener in a way that feels like you are moving forward, always gaining momentum.
The third track, “The Chariot” features the Dallas String Quartet. Again, the listener is compiling emotions. It’s all positive and one doesn’t feel bogged down. I felt stripped of anxieties and stress. The wavelengths are light and almost effervescent. Then, in “The Misty Cosmos” the piano keys move slowly, with a lurking like chug-chug-chug. I loved the way this track makes you feel small – in a way that the entire universe is opening you with open arms. You are but a speck. There are little glimmers of light, courtesy of the piano and faint arrangements.
“The Two Feathers” featuring Finzer is a chance to spread your wings even more. I felt as though I could be flying over the Grand Canyon. Then, light a quick power nap that fuels the heart and soul, “The Angels’ Lullaby” replenishes. It’s nearing the end of the album, yet Engelhardt continues to inject vitamins left and right. “The Angels’ Lullaby” has a soft synth, with a cotton-like tone. The piano comes in a short time later and tip-toes like light expanding. You can almost touch the prism of colors bouncing off the keys.
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“The Zephyr Remembers” featuring Saur feels like a beckoning. The rhythms of the synth open and expand, as if the whole world were answering the Earth’s call. Finally, the last two tracks, “The Message” (featuring Xanthe Vlasse) and “The Ambient Love” settle down the tones. As a listener, I took stock of what had transpired, how it made me feel and how to fully digest all these thoughts. Engelhardt clears the path, she creates these wonderful sonic walkways that are a safe haven for the good, the bad and the ugly (times when you just want to give up or cry). Mostly, though, she makes you feel grateful and inspired. She makes you feel alive with these songs.
Chadwick Easton