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Album Review: Rejuvenescence By Bryan Quinn – Reviewed by Steve Sheppard

“There is something about a flute release that creates and manifests many a time worn image, a memory so deep that it still lies hidden somewhere in the heart, thus is the power of the flute, here on Rejuvenescence, composer and performer Bryan Quinn on his debut album travels to musical locations, and explores the tonal narrative of many emotions feelings and moods that spawn from the vibrations created within this fascinating journey.

The opening of this riveting new creation is called Relationshipwrecked, a slow mournful repose gets our voyage underway, on a track that cries into the night for a love now lost and gone forever, only a flute can bring such poignancy.

This is a debut album and the artist has gone full out to explore the various highways and byways of his musical prowess, like the blues composition simply called Blue, where the flute mixes up with crying guitars and a slow seductive drum beat.

Here the listener can find something that will entice them, draw them in, perhaps the mystical energies of pieces like Rumination, a track created by thought for thinkers, or perhaps Introspection, where the thinker takes the thoughts and looks inwards, this track was of course released as a single earlier on this year and still to this day I think it is one of Quinn’s most masterful creations.

Deeper into the weave of the album we find a more upbeat reverie entitled Redemption, a freeing of ones shackles can be felt throughout this sparkling performance, one can literally feel the acceptance of happiness kick in in this fun manifestation.

The penultimate offering from the album would be one of my personal favourites and called Reflection, perhaps because I have personally done a heck of a lot of it over the passing years. Moreover it was the sensitive performance by Quinn that made this piece the highlight of the album for me, the perceptive and caring presentation is one of the finest I have heard from a flute performer for years.

Rejuvenescence is our last port of call and completes our long and deeply moving flute voyage of many mixed emotions with the artist; we have bounced off the bottom of our lake of feelings, drifted in the mid waters of life and sprung forth like a salmon from the cascades of rejuvenation. This new and debut album by Bryan Quinn concludes with the title track that many of us who have been wounded by life and love will resonate with, perhaps heal with and may one day  be able to move on with, a spectacular anthem like presentation on flute can be found here by the artist, one that rounds off the entire album with such style, intelligence and character.

Rejuvenescence by Bryan Quinn has to be one of the most inspiring debut releases of 2024; this is a fine place with which to start a musical expedition, and above all Quinn has used music as a cathartic tour of emotional healing, and as music is probably the only medicine that ever works without side effects, and is the ultimate language of pure truth, his creation of this his debut album is a master stoke that needs to be both respected and applauded, and with that in mind I predict a huge hit for Rejuvenescence by Bryan Quinn.”

Steve Sheppard is an internationally acclaimed music writer and critic, with years of experience reviewing all music genres. He is also the founder of One World Music Radio, an internet radio station dedicated to supporting independent artists, and bringing the world together through music and positivity.

Album Review: Rejuvenescence By Bryan Quinn – Reviewed by Jonny Lipford

Bryan Quinn’s Rejuvenescence is a well-crafted, thoughtful collection of music that takes listeners on a reflective and emotional journey. Each track feels like a page in a storybook, exploring diverse themes such as longing, renewal, solitude, and transformation.

The album’s heart and soul lie in Bryan’s outstanding flute performances. His growth as a musician and storyteller shines through on this record. He brings a sincere artistry that acts as a thread weaving these pieces together.

While the album isn’t flashy, it achieves something more important—it connects with the listener on a personal level. Bryan lets the music speak honestly, steering away from unnecessary embellishments to focus on delivering authentic emotion and atmosphere. His musical voice is clear, grounded, and meaningful, which makes Rejuvenescence a rewarding listen.

Track-by-Track Review:

1. Relationshipwrecked
   With the interplay of two flutes, this opening piece sets the tone for storytelling through music. It beautifully portrays the evolution of a relationship, with the flutes in harmony at the start, only to drift apart as the piece progresses. The solo flute at the end captures the pain of separation with quiet but powerful simplicity.

2. Longing
   A piano ballad gently ushers the listener into a soundscape of longing. The bass flute enriches the track with its soft, mournful tone, carrying a weighty sense of loneliness. Yet the higher flute introduces a distant glimmer of hope, creating a layered emotional experience that feels personal and welcoming.

3. Blue
   This track explores a sense of adventure and discovery. The flute and guitar blend beautifully, moving through moments of doubt and perseverance. The piece simulates the winding path through adversity with poignant, reflective undertones. It’s introspective yet optimistic—a balancing act that Bryan handles skillfully.

4. Solitude
   Arguably one of the strongest tracks on the album, “Solitude” is a showcase for Bryan’s ability to create profound mood and atmosphere. The low flute delivers a commanding yet tender performance, underscored by haunting minor chords. This piece invites you into stillness and self-reflection, while the higher flutes add a poetic touch. It feels deeply personal, and I’m particularly proud of the technical and expressive maturity Bryan demonstrates here.

5. Rumination
   “Rumination” dives into darker themes, with moments of tension and unrest. The track alternates between a pulsing undercurrent of hope and bursts of intensity, capturing the turbulence of overthinking. The flute takes on a quieter, more reserved role here, allowing other elements to amplify the emotional energy.

6. Optimism
   This track brightens the mood with its lighter, breezy vibe. The inclusion of mallets and layered instrumentation creates a refreshing sonic break from the intensity of earlier pieces. The song’s upbeat nature offers a sense of relief and renewal, fitting perfectly in the arc of the album.

7. Introspection
   “Introspection” stands out as a nuanced and contemplative track. The vibrato and phrasing of the flute are executed with great care, and the swells add a dynamic depth that draws the listener in. This piece encapsulates the act of reflecting on the past while gathering insight for the future, making it a truly poignant moment on the album.

8. Exploration
   There’s a playful yet cautious energy to this track, enhanced by the unique textures of the Suling and Bansuri flutes. It feels light and adventurous, like stepping out into the unknown with curiosity guiding the way. Bryan keeps the arrangement simple, allowing the charm of the instrumentation to take center stage.

9. Brea(d)th
   This meditative track is a study in contrast. Singing bowls create an ethereal mood that gradually gives way to more complex and mysterious musical ideas. The bass Native flute acts as a steady guide, balancing the tension between stillness and motion. The eventual return to the singing bowls suggests harmony between inner restlessness and peace.

10. Redemption
    A fun, nostalgic departure from the more introspective tracks, “Redemption” has an energetic, almost pop-like sensibility. With a touch of whimsy, it evokes carefree moments of joy, like a drive along a sunny coast. The uptempo groove makes this an easy favorite for a more casual listen.

11. Reflection
    Pairing gentle piano with the bass flute, this track beautifully captures the meaning of its title. The interplay between the two creates a calm, rippling effect, much like gazing into a still pond. Bryan’s control and sensitivity on the flute elevate the piece, making it a peaceful and contemplative listen.

12. Rejuvenescence
    The album’s title track closes the collection on a hopeful note. Its reflective nature shines through the piano’s guiding melody and the bass flute’s moving narration. This piece summarizes the album’s overarching themes beautifully, encouraging listeners to move forward with renewed spirit and purpose.

Final Thoughts:

Rejuvenescence is an album that speaks with quiet dignity. Bryan Quinn’s flute performance consistently delivers heartfelt emotion and technical precision, making the instrument a true highlight throughout. While some tracks may resonate more than others, the overall experience is cohesive and meaningful.

From the haunting depths of “Solitude” to the lighthearted whimsy of “Redemption,” the album offers a variety of moods and stories that invite listeners to reflect and connect. I’m proud to see how far he’s come, and I look forward to witnessing his continued growth as an artist. Rejuvenescence is a respectful nod to Bryan’s creative voice—a voice worth hearing.

Jonny Lipford is a world-renowned musician of extraordinary talent with more than 20 years of experience with the Native American flute and various world flutes. He has amassed dozens of accolades for his work; having written more than 200 original songs, released 18 commercial albums, and toured nationally, appearing for audiences of up to 14,000 people.

Not only is Jonny a gifted musician, but he is also an accomplished and highly-sought after instructor, leading thousands of students each year through courses, workshops, lessons, and an exceptional online learning membership through his Horizons Flute School. He also offers a huge selection of flutes, cases, sheet music, backing tracks and accessories at Horizons Flute Store.

Album Review: Rejuvenescence By Bryan Quinn – Reviewed by Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Like many, Bryan Quinn’s personal growth was shaped by the trials and tribulations of life. His journey, marked by the rapid end of multiple relationships, is a testament to his resilience and strength.

Bryan Quinn’s debut album, Rejuvenescence, is a healing musical journey. The 12 tracks, predominantly featuring the flute, are a comforting embrace of new-age world instrumental music, each note resonating with his heightened sense of healing and emotion.

“Relationshipwrecked” is quite the title, and its purpose is its significance and poignancy for the artist. Feeling like he was shipwrecked on a deserted island, Bryan immediately brings his emotions to the forefront, with the flute resonating with loneliness and sadness yet as beautiful as a bird singing alone in a treetop. The tones are steady, and for a brief time, I heard a Celtic influence, with its characteristic melodic and rhythmic patterns, come through, and then he goes back to a more traditional earthy organic sound.

“Longing” could easily fit the opening track’s title with its sense of grief and need to express sadness to move on to the next healing phase. The flute is absolute, as the keys add a layer of elegance and beauty only it can provide. The flute has an echoing quality that gives it a strength that makes an impression that stays with you. As the piano answers with softness and clarity, so does the flute, making perfect partners to remedy their loneliness.

“Blue” starts distinctly differently than the previous tracks. It fits the title perfectly, showcasing an electric guitar playing the blues. As the flute arrives, it holds on to that feeling with a change in sound to mirror the guitar as the bass and drums tread along with purpose.

“Solitude” is a total turnaround of feelings into a state of grace because time alone allows one to focus on the processes within the heart, soul, and mind, with the goal of healing. This music is all about the healing process and the different stages one must go through to get to the other side. The flute is consistent with timbre, while the acoustic guitar accentuates all those notes to encourage the process.

Solitude can bring “Rumination.” This track, one of the lengthier ones, represents the thinking part of the healing process. It begins with an echoing sound, like something bouncing off a mountainside or a cliff, as it falls over the side, finally reaching a resting place. The flute is very purposeful and measured, like taking small steps first then gradually moving at a more pronounced state of emotional resolution. The shifting spacy sounds are indicative of more movement and change to the following steps, mirroring the process of rumination, which involves deep and careful consideration of one’s thoughts and feelings.

“Optimism” is a wonderful state of mind and being. Look back on what the artist went through before this point. It all happened in its own time and space to feel everything and understand it. The flute is gentle and uplifting, as the title would suggest. With the synth sounds, this is more of an ambient track than anything you have heard yet. The tone and atmosphere are subtle yet effective.

“Introspection” is the time to go back within to search for more answers and reflect on all the stages and how you got to this point and reinforce its effectiveness. The flute’s ability to mesmerize you and gather your consciousness is paramount to allowing yourself to follow its path. My feeling here was that its rhythm and the soft accompaniment from the keys were a perfect mix that extended the invitation to what the title suggested. And the power of the music makes that happen, as it does in all the other tracks so beautifully.

“Exploration” is a significant advancement in the development of the individual and the music being presented. It’s taking that chance to see what else can be achieved through all of the sounds and the creation of this music. Percussion plays a more significant role this time, setting the pace and foundation where the flute explores its powers of persuasion for the listener and creator. There is a lightness and resolve to each instrument, allowing you to stretch out emotionally and spiritually with no boundaries.

“Brea(d)th” is spelled in a way that indicates your newfound freedom of expression and is the “bread” of life, the sustenance to maintaining your energy and strength to keep going and growing. The bell-like sound is a trigger point for another beginning, like a bird leaving the nest, spreading its wings, and flying off to live and survive by its means. The breadth of your growth is now substantially increased to allow for this advancement. The flute is gorgeous, with the other sounds mixing in with grace and beauty like an angelic figure skating on ice, taking strides to a new day. The trance-like effect of this music would be perfect for a meditative or deep relaxing state. As the bell rings and the water flows towards the end, you are indeed flowing into another wonderful growth stage!

Ahh, “Redemption” is terrific! The track starts joyously, celebrating your feelings of accomplishment and all the internal work you did to get here. The flute sounds so happy and satisfied as the acoustic guitar strums along. The track takes a different road and is more pop accessible to lighten the atmosphere and give a change of direction in sound and literal frame of mind and reference. This is a fantastic change in sound at this point, giving the listener an idea of how the artist can offer something entirely different in sound, far away from all the previous tracks. The mood is perfect to feel redemption.

“Reflection” is critical to understanding where you came from and where you are now. In this course, through feelings, emotions, and spirit renewal, remembering all these factors keeps you grounded and humble. The flute and piano are equal partners to get you to that place of being. With their softness and beauty, they relax and destress you as the world falls off your shoulders. You breathe with relief and gratefulness for this story and the incredible sounds that have accompanied you so far.

The title track and final piece to the puzzle, “Rejuvenescence,” is the essence of who you are now. This “process” brings you through many phases of thoughts and emotions. Once again, the piano and flute combine their sounds for a spiritual connection to gather all that has come before this to one place where your body, mind, and soul merge for the feeling of new life, an emergence of a healed person ready to live and love again. The music is slow as you take in all its auditory guidance, so be careful not to step backward. The loveliness and approach of the music provide more space for you to continue on the right path. I appreciated the rhythm and atmosphere created to close out this recording.

Rejuvenescence was the perfect recording for me. Music is everything—feelings, thoughts, emotions. It is the human condition translated through sound and the visions it perpetuates. Bryan Quinn decided to share this journey with the world. His story is told through sounds, and the stages of emotional growth are a significant factor in understanding all the steps to the final place of rejuvenation.

Album Review: Rejuvenescence By Bryan Quinn – Reviewed by Kathy Parsons

Art is often the bi-product of life’s many ups and downs, joys and challenges, and the creation of that art can often heal the artist as well those who come in contact with the art itself. Such is the case with Bryan Quinn’s debut album, Rejuvenescence. I first listened to this album on a long drive a few days ago and was very impressed with the variety in the music as well as the ever-changing instrumentation, and I was blown away to discover that Bryan Quinn played all of the instruments himself! (He also mixed, mastered and produced the album!) The album begins at an emotional rock-bottom and progresses through the gradual process of healing, acceptance and happily moving forward.

The dictionary definition of “rejuvenescence” is: “As in revival. The act or an instance of bringing something back to life, public attention, or vigorous activity. The renewal of youth or vitality.” The subtitle of the album is: “A Tale of Loss, Healing, and Growth… Told Through Contemporary Music Featuring World Flutes.” Both are accurate summaries, but you really need to experience the album several times to fully understand the impact of the story and emotions behind the music. I think you’ll find that it’s well-worth the time!

Rejuvenescence begins with “Relationshipwrecked,” a mournful duet for two flutes – one walnut and one bamboo. Feelings of solitude and loss run throughout this piece, explaining without words how the story started. “Longing” is a trio for two flutes (cedar and bamboo) and piano and expresses the wish that things could go back to the way they were. The first time I listened to the album, “Blue” was a real surprise! I don’t think I’d ever heard the blues played on a wooden flute before, but there it was, backed by drums, bass, piano, rhythm guitar and lead guitar – all played by Bryan! It’s definitely one of my favorites on the album! “Solitude” expresses the heaviness the can come with a painful loss. Played with three different flutes and acoustic guitar, deep sadness and isolation flow through every note. “Rumination” describes hitting bottom and almost giving up. Walnut flute and a variety of synthesizer pads tell this story. At some point, “Optimism” and hope return, but they are often fleeting – at least for awhile. Walnut flute, string ensemble and a mallet percussion ensemble gently lighten the mood. “Introspection” continues the healing process along with growth and acceptance. Aspen flute, acoustic guitar and synth pads express this changing outlook and the evolution into a more positive state of mind. “Exploration” goes in a much different musical direction with a variety of bamboo flutes and world drums, describing the process of discovery and experimentation. In “Brea(d)th,” Bryan explores meditation and deep breathing. Much more ambient and peaceful, this beautiful piece includes flute, electric guitar, synth pads, singing bowls and rain sticks. “Redemption” is another favorite with its light-hearted and buoyant rhythms and joyful walnut flute. Drums, bass and acoustic guitar round out the band on this one. “Reflection” is a soulful and very peaceful duet for an ancient contrabass kauri flute and piano that looks back to see what lessons might be learned from past mistakes – also a favorite! The title track is the last track on the album and includes piano, a coastal redwood bass flute and string ensemble. Calm, gently optimistic and moving ahead with life, it’s a beautiful close to an excellent debut album!

Rejuvenescence is available on CD and downloads from Bryan’s website, to stream or download from Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes, and from many streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. Check it out!

Kathy Parson has been a music writer and critic since 1998. She publishes a monthly newsletter, PianoNotes, and hosts the website MainlyPiano, in which she has written and posted over 3,500 album/song reviews.