Reviews, critical acclaim, and other kind words about KevOz's music

The Music of KevOz - if you like Vangelis, Enigma, Moby, Mannheim Steamroller, or electronic & new age music, you'll love this...






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Here's what people have been saying about my music. The following reviews and quotes are from both magazines and ezines.

If you like what someone has to say below, and you want to know more about the album that was reviewed, click on the album cover accompanying the review for more information (including sound clips and purchase availability).


Digital
"Inspired by Moby's instrumental tracks, Tangerine Dream, Art of Noise, and Herbie Hancock's "Rockit", KevOz pulls from a mix of old-school synth sounds to create the satisfying electronic album Digital. While individual sonic elements in tracks like "Revolver" remain simple throughout, the producer weaves them together into engaging and pleasingly uncluttered grooves; similarly, "Debonair" starts with a funky, Bernie Worrell-esque synth bass, and then evolves into tasty, multi-layered dissonance before transforming into a body-moving breakdown.

Producing the album in Cakewalk Home Studio, KevOz used a Yamaha SY77 to provide most of the album's sounds, while Cakewalk Groovemaker contributed additional drums, bass, and pads. Think you need the latest and shiniest gear to make compelling music? Check out Digital and think again."
-- Michael Gallant for Keyboard Magazine


Holiday Fun
"This is the kind of music that deserves to show up on the holiday instrumental mix tape, 6-disc changer, or playlist. Composing primarily from public domain classics, KevOz has assembled a number of ingenious arrangements. Though not as extravagant as Mannheim Steamroller, these are consistent with the Chip Davis genre.

I found myself most intrigued by O Come, O Come, Emmanuel because this mysterious song has so much to offer to the postmodern listener. Kev's original melody My Christmas Song, a spirited new age arrangement, is also worth a second listen.

The eleven-song set comprises a nifty holiday variety pack; from cheery new age to old school orchestral, there is something for everyone here."
-- Richard Banks for ChristmasReviews.com


Christmas Spirit
"Every song is an adventure. Christmas Spirit opens with someone tap-tapping on the pipes for several bars before The First Noel lifts to fit the tapping. Through the first minute of It Came Upon a Midnight Clear the melody is unidentifiable, but the lush tones and percussive beats are seductive. At the other end of the spectrum, Jingle Bells is a jingly, funky affair with Big Ben bell tones and a Caribbean feel. On Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, KevOz employs a stately, harpsichord-like effect. The title track (a KevOz creation) is a delightful blend of trumpet fanfare, bells, and breezy seasonal joy.

Here's the bottom line--KevOz is an inspired artist, and he throws a lot of color on the canvas while mixing up the media. The end product is well-crafted and memorable. For those who enjoy Mannheim Steamroller on a hallucinogenic trip, KevOz's Christmas Spirit may be the perfect ride. Cool!"
-- Carol Swanson for ChristmasReviews.com


Return To Lakefront
"Breezy tunes with infectious beats and lots of 'sunny day' attitude. My personal faves include: the bouncy 'Change of Season' with percolating drum rhythms, pleasant bell tones, some discrete piano, and a fluid lead synth solo, all creating the sensation of driving down a sun-drenched highway; 'Lighthouse' which starts off in an ambient vein but becomes a jaunty even jazzy piano and synth piece; 'Memory Drift', a track that hews closer to EM/fusion than others here, what with its abundance of synth washes (some having a Berlin-esque flavor to them) and slow tempo drums; and the wonderful closing number, 'Sunset' which may be the best thing KevOz has recorded up to this date. It's a slowly building dynamic exuberant song with an undeniable joyfulness running through it, as a piano refrain is joined by one synth after another, as well as some nicely muted tom-toms. It's an excellent closing cut. Overall, I certainly recommend Return to Lakefront for its friendly nature and easygoing charm."
-- Bill Binkelman for New Age Reporter


Into Orbit
"Truth be told, I couldn't find a dull moment on the three consecutive trips I took, so strap yourself in for a zero-gravity aural journey of the highest order."
-- Rod Lott for Cool and Strange Music! Magazine


Lakefront "This wonderful collection of original instrumental tunes is both unique and refreshing. KevOz's melodies capture life in the making - they are light and happy as well as thought provoking, and instill a deep sense of hope and contentment. The lakefront is brought to life with its sunny days, thunderstorms and the peace and calm it offers those who visit. Perfect for meditation or background music."
-- Christina Lord for Creations Magazine


Return To Lakefront

"This guy knows how to turn out lovely melodies. One of my favourites is 'Message in a Bottle' where a drumming rhythm keeps the pace, a harpsichord kind of sound delivers an uplifting melody and soaring chords with a quivering edge add further drama. Of the introspective ones 'Sands of Time' stands out. A springy and airy easygoing rhythm leads into a contemplative piano section. There's no doubting the pleasing melodies and emotional warmth running through the album."
-- Dene Bebbington for Melliflua


Canvas
"His original compositions paint lively tapestries of shadows, sunrises, happiness, dreams and much more. This CD is a definite must for your New Age music collection."
-- Christina Lord for Creations Magazine



Into Orbit "Another level of exploration, replete with undulating rhythms and synthesizer effect aimed at titillating our cosmic senses. The music pulsed with optimism and heart, cajoling the traveler to listen to the nuances of life."
-- Chuck Diliberto for Awareness Magazine


Lakefront "Excellent piano work such as the beautiful title track & the cascading notes on 'Sailing Hearts'. This sets the basis for some rather beautiful music that benefits from excellent interplay of various sounds that make for some majestic musical tapestries."
-- Carl Jenkinson for Sequences Magazine


Into Orbit "Some of the most attractive compositions I've heard this year. Whether it's the relentless beat of 'Magical Galaxy' or the haunting vocals from 'Eyes on You', KevOz has hit upon an interesting formula, combining the ideals of pure new age music with a wide palette of various percussion and electronic elements."
-- JimmyD for The Instrumental Weekly


A Sampler
"A number of different Electronic styles, from Dance to New Age to Ambient to Melodic but always with a smoothness that KevOz brings to every track."
-- Carl Jenkinson for Sequences Magazine



Return To Lakefront
"KevOz's sound design features an acoustic piano surrounded by a wide array of acoustic and electronic instruments. This is a very cool CD with a nice theme - revisiting one's past through an examination of familiar environments. Kevin's atmospheres and soundscapes are smooth. While the sound design is certainly intricate and complex, the sound is simple and clear. The loops and layers do not clash. Rather, they contrast and compliment. It comes with a very high recommendation."
-- Jim Brenholts for Awareness Magazine


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Kevin R. Osborn.
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