Aaron Rhines’ album Awakenings is an engaging and celestial creation. In his third album, Rhines weaves a 10-song offering of well-balanced instrumentals highlighting flute solos, synth-based rhythms with spirited samples of pattering rain, soothing ocean waves, and tropical life. The album opens with Awakenings, a refreshing and moderately paced production that transitions into funky, electro-jazz beats reminiscent of Gil Scott Heron instrumentals. Transcendent is moderate in tempo featuring tabla, ocean waves, and guitar-infused solos and rifts through the song’s conclusion. Among the album’s highlights is Eye of the Storm which features samples of tropical birds supported by synth beats that give a quiet nod to the 1970’s funk band, WAR. One can envision water glistening on luscious tropical fronds and adventures on a picturesque island retreat. Whirlwind, a more meditational instrumental, layers sounds of water droplets, drums, and a lively flute solo. Each instrumental builds on the next and compels the listener toward inspiration. Chrysalis Rising and Nebulous Flights showcase Rhines' imagination into whimsical fantasy that would well compliment a Cirque de Soleil trapeze artist soaring high above a captivated audience. Magnificent Solitude anchors the instrumentals with its trancelike sounds that could inspire visuals of vivid auras and energized chakras. Chasing the Shadows, an up tempo climatic production, gives way to the soft and meditative Sunlight to Heart, which sounds like a comforting embrace, brilliant sunrise, and a deep inhalation to Mother Nature’s creations. Awakenings concludes with the aptly-titled Zenith which combines the albums highlighted meditative and reflective elements yet leaves listeners ready to press repeat. Rhines proves his passion for music production, thoughtful compositions, and appreciation from multi-genre instrumentals from Depeche Mode to Future Sounds of Jazz; Awakenings, is a well-crafted and celestial journey that delivers. Majeeda Johnson - blogger, writing coach, author