Steven Halpern — Music for Microdosing (432Hz)
Steven Halpern is a Grammy-nominated American New Age musician. He released his first solo album in 1976 and has built an impressive catalogue of titles since then. He started his music career in New York, playing trumpet and guitar before moving to California during the late 60s, where he developed the idea that he would like to create music purely for the purpose of relaxation. He possesses the long-held belief that music can heal and classifies himself as a suburban sonic shaman. On the back cover of Music for Microdosing, his music is compared to “a tuning fork for the mind, body and soul” that will heighten the listener’s “receptivity to insights, inner guidance and creativity.”
The album features 14 tracks of beautiful, uplifting ambient electronica spread over 75 minutes. Opening with the title track, you are immediately immersed in a relaxing journey that would work well as an accompaniment to an acid trip; however, as the blurb on the back of the album states, it is not just recommended for those who are microdosing. Music is the Bridge is up next and follows along perfectly. To be honest, it’s really difficult to review an album like this track by track, as I think it has to be listened to as a whole 75-minute piece. Listening to the album on headphones is definitely the way to go, and I know I mentioned the New Age phrase, but this really goes way beyond a lot of the cheesy music that fits under that category. Yes, it’s ambient, and yes, it is all about feeling better; however, it sits firmly alongside the music of legends like Tangerine Dream when it comes to immersive ambient soundscapes. The album is recorded at 432 Hz, which is thought by many people to be the natural resonance of the universe, and as such is believed to cause inner peace and harmony. I’m not sure about that, but I must admit to feeling quite relaxed after listening to it.
On Music for Microdosing, Halpern plays the Rhodes electric piano, celestial choir and ambient keyboards. He is joined on the album by Jorge Alfanso on Shakuhachi bamboo flute, Michael Diamond on synth guitar and keyboards, Michael Manring on Zon bass and Richard Horowitz on space effects.
Overall, Music for Microdosing is a beautiful sonic experience that is both relaxing and potentially a wonderful album to help unleash the listener's creativity. I shall be using the album as an accompanying soundtrack to my writing in the future to decide whether I think it has the relevant qualities to make the process smoother. Halpern has been doing this stuff since the late 60s and releasing recordings since 1976, so after a 50-year recording career, I am pretty sure he must be at the very top of his game. I’ve enjoyed Music for Microdosing; it’s a very relaxed-sounding experience that chilled me out and took me on a little musical trip through the universe, albeit without any psychedelic interference. Fans of ambient music should find plenty here to enjoy, and anyone looking for something to help them relax may also find this a great choice.