Relax With Swann

Radio Reviews

"Seasons Of Tranquility adds texture to our library and goes well with our theme for the new year!" - Frank Bosler, KGLP

"Seasons Of Tranquility is very gentle and is a good fit with my programming."
- Christopher Albright, VvTUL

"Seasons Of Tranquility is in heavy rotation. This one is really a hit here."
- Valerie Lawe, KZYX/KZYZ

"Seasons Of Tranquility is very cool; perfect for evenings here at 100,000 watt KUMD."
- John Zeigler, KUMD

"Seasons Of Tranquility is in hot and heavy rotation!"
- Dan Bayer, WKAR

"Seasons Of Tranquility is a sonic time-travel piece!"
- Mitchell Mendys, WKNH

"Seasons Of Tranquility is a beautiful, peaceful CD."
- Robert Heryford, KGPR

"I've added 2 cuts from Seasons Of Tranquility to my XM program 'AudioVisions.'"
- Russ Davis, XM Satellite Radio

"Seasons Of Tranquility has been added to our New Age playlist."
- Lisa Kirk, DMX

"The soothing melodies on Seasons Of Tranquility are perfect for my format."
- Adrienne La France, KEDM

"I have been using a couple of tracks from Seasons Of Tranquility."
- Bob Duncan

Music Reviews

"This exceptional guided visualization with music program is an excellent aid to relaxation and well-being." Wesley L. Hicks, Jr., M.D.
(Senior Head & Neck Surgical Oncologist and Author)

Ken's works are new to my ears, & it's a joy to hear them. The CD is part of Swann's ambient "Relax With Swann" series, & meets the need, to be sure. Synth/percussion lines are woven together very skillfully to draw the listener into a zone where the cares of the world can be put aside, You will hear a lot of Native American influences here, & I think that's got much to do with how relaxing/inspiring the music is for the listener. This isn't one of those albums where only one form is explored, though... there are four separate moods/seasons explored, & Ken's talent shows through brightly... "Seasons Of Tranquility" is a true keeper, & will be there through many seasons to come. This one gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Rotcod Zzaj (http://home.comcast.net/~rotcod1/Z72Reviews.htm) IMPROVIJAZZATION NATION # 72 reviews!

Relax...no, really, relax...the world of hurly- burly commerce is too much with us and it would behoove us to just kick back and groove on some peaceful music. It appears that serenity is tranquility with voice-over, so if you can't relax on your own to the first album, you can get some help in the second. If you listen to the first one and have not achieved total consciouslessness, you can listen to the second one for the coup de grace. You have not read this. Let go...they have a flute-like keyboard.
Peter Read www.nightflying.com

"You've probably already read our praising words about the Relax with Swann series...They're relaxing and perfect for the day spa massage parlor. If you do yoga or tai chi, consider this your perfect soundtrack. The ambiance surrounds you and captures up your soul and takes it for a heightened lift."
J-Sin / Smother.net http://www.smother.net/reviews/world.php3?ID=175 http://www.smother.net/reviews/techno.php3?ID=158

"If you are into New Age, Susan Ciani, or any of the water music CDs, then this is right up your ally. Kaufman does a fine job of creating an ethereal, mystic feel."
Steve Ambrosis / Sea of Tranquility

"...SEASONS OF SERENITY is an effective guide for any listener who seeks to unwind...New York composer Ken Kaufman complements the seasonal landscapes by capturing the chords of calmness within each song...The soothing music is harmoniously blended with peaceful sounds of nature, promising maximum serenity to anyone who listens."
Rose Ruth / Magical Blend

Kindred Spirit Magazine
"This CD should appeal to livers of relaxation music! This Instrumental New Age music is among the best I have heard. On 'Seasons of Tranquility' there are four long instrumentals themed around the seasons of the year. With a just-right amount of instrumentation, KAUFMAN delivers very relaxing and enjoyable sounds that are perfect for relaxation, meditation, contemplation, or just for great background music. He avoids the common trap of New Age synth and keyboard artists, too much overproduction and the temptation to add dozens of sounds and tones making the result a flood of sound.
Here Mr. KAUFMAN gives the listener good sounds and music that doesn't distract or overwhelm. I especially liked the track "Showers of Spring." An Oriental sense is obvious on this cut and it was my personal favorite. The four tracks total almost an hour of music and one certainly doesn't feel cheated. Lots of music. I listened to the CD in bed and I recalled little as I fell asleep. I listened again the next day. The sounds are so soothing that the album has a warning-DO NOT LISTEN WHILE DRIVING! It's a great project.
The second album 'Seasons of Serenity' incorporates the same music but has KATHLEEN SWANN, R.N., C.C.E., speaking and leading a guided relaxation. She gives suggestions that help the person relax. This is especially good for people that don't have vivid imaginations or that require motivation from an outside source. The speaking is clear...The CD says it has no hidden or subliminal messages. This stuff really isn't self-hypnosis per se but it may possibly border on it for some listeners. I really enjoyed the albums and think that both are well worth recommending."
Copyright 2005 A Canales - Critical Review eyeear7@Hotmail.com

Chris Spector / Mid West Record Recap
KATHLEEN SWANN/Seasons of Serenity: Swann, a nurse that tackles difficult matters in a holistic manner, enters the guided meditation arena with a well recommended work to help the patient and the stressed navigate turbulent waters. A work that should get some recognition outside her general community, this set, with music, takes the listener along a fine path that is sure to do some good.
KEN KAUFMAN/Seasons of Tranquility: For those that just want to drift away to the music without the guided mediation, the label has released a music only version of "Seasons of Serenity" to be enjoyed that way as well.

Relax with Swann - "Seasons of Serenity" - It's time to end your hectic work day, kick back, relax and let Kathleen Swann gently massage your inner being with her spoken word meditation CD, "Seasons of Serenity". Kathleen uses the perfect blend of instruments each on key with it's own chime to bring down the listener into a peaceful state. Her calm, gentle voice keys in with the instrumentation and eases you down to relaxation...this relaxing CD quiets the mind and pulls the listener into a peaceful visualization. With its beautiful background music and Kathleen's soothing voice, it's the perfect way to end a stressful day! You will be so captured by the whole aspect of the relaxation technique, you will be craving more of Kathleen's power. Don't stress! She also offers an instrumental version called, "Seasons of Tranquility" which is also wonderful! Another addition to the Swann series is "Season's of Pregnancy" which my God daughter swears by! It's time to relax now, so pick up Swann's "Season's of Serenity" and surrender yourself to a peaceful frame of mind!

CHT Pick: "Showers of Spring" Reviewed by Heather Corcoran on www.CoffeeHouseTour.com

My name is Thomas J. Baum of Rainbow Bridge Foundation. I teach classes in meditation, indigo children, practice Reiki, and have my own radio show on Holistic Health & Wellness. I use the CD "Seasons of Tranquility" with my students and clients and they all seem to enjoy it. I use it myself during my own meditation. My favorite is Tranquility of Autumn. I would like to recommend this CD to wellness practitioners of every sort. Enjoy.

RELAX WITH SWANN: Ach ... ist das entspannend ... schhhh, nur nicht zu laut sein ... Jeder Laut würde der Stille, die beim Hören dieser CD entsteht, furchtbare Wunden reißen. "Seasons Of Serenity" entführt uns unter der sanft gesprochenen Anleitung von Kathleen Swann in die völlige Entspannung. Schwebende Melodien, die mit den unterschiedlichsten Instrumenten wie Piano, Violinen oder auch exotischeren wie Machu pichu eine wunderbar ruhige Atmosphäre schaffen, sind für jede Jahreszeit in einem etwas anderen Stil angelegt. Der Komponist und Musiker Ken Kaufmann konfrontiert uns mit typisch amerikanischen, aber auch orientalischen oder indianischen Eindrücken.
Währenddessen wird dem Zuhörer die Möglichkeit gegeben, die Worte Swanns zu verinnerlichen und zu visualisieren. Dies ermöglicht ihm seinen eigenen Weg zur Entspannung zu gehen, indem er auf sich selbst hört und sich selbst folgt. Durch Bilder lernt man Probleme und Alltag loszulassen und stellt schließlich fest, dass man wieder gelernt hat, die eine oder andere Schönheit im Leben überhaupt wahrzunehmen.
Für alle, die sich ihre eigenen Bilder erschaffen wollen oder leider kein Englisch verstehen, gibt es auch eine Instrumentalversion namens "Rhythms Of The World". Sie enthält die gleichen Stücke, aber ohne die gesprochene Anleitung. Die Einteilung erlaubt es in jedem Falle auch, immer nur ein einzelnes Bild zu hören, was für Pausen oder einfach für zwischendurch hervorragend geeignet ist.
http://www.crossover-agm.de/cdRelaxWithSwann02.htm

True Music Reviews of Australia
SEASONS OF SERENITY... Kathleen's voice is soothing and relaxing as she guides you through moments of emotions and does this with the use of spoken word. The experience Kathleen has acquired through her nursing career definitely is delivered through her tone and guidance in the music... SEASONS OF TRANQUILITY... extremely calming.
http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/tmreviews/ambient.htm

Rambles, a cultural arts magazine, published this review by Dave Howell:
"decidedly for relaxation. It is so new age, it makes George Winston sound like Jerry Lee Lewis. It would be excellent for yoga, massage, or guided meditations. There are four cuts from 11-18 minutes long...Piano/keyboard triplets maintain a soothing background while the other instruments provide the 'international' flavor..."
For the complete review, see www.rambles.net/kaufman_rworld02.html.

Michael Woodhead, an expert in the music business, critiques Relax with Swann's instrumental, "Rhythms of the World" in the March edition of the e-zine, Wind and Wire:
"For a relaxing hour some evening Rhythms (of the World) fits the bill. Four lengthy compositions offer quiet, flowing, ambient melodies to help you unwind, relieve stress and insomnia, ease pain and in certain circumstances, increase productivity, particularly on a creative level...These musical numbers form the background for Kathleen Swann's 'Seasons of Serenity', a relaxation CD also available in which she uses guided imagery and positive suggestions along with progressive muscle relaxation to calm the body and mind...The overall presentation of all four compositions, even without the guided imagery, creates a soothing and relaxing atmosphere."
www.windandwire.com

Valerie Frankel, with a master's degree in creative writing, submit this review for Rambles, a cultural arts magazine:
"'Seasons of Serenity' is a peaceful guided meditation that soothes listeners while coaxing them into a place of relaxation. This progressive relaxation relies on imagery: Kathleen Swann describes scenery that must be visualized, from sunsets to rainfall...While music assists Swann with sound, she also describes sights, smells, the feel of the rain on skin and so much more...Swann's calm voice and repeated urges to 'let go' blend perfectly with the music, soothing listeners in the self-directed meditation."
www.rambles.net/swann_seasons02.html

Check out the April 2004 edition of www.synchronicitymagazine.ca for Michael Woodhead's critique of "Seasons of Serenity".

"We still listen to the CDs (The Seasons of Pregnancy and Rhythms of Life). GB falls asleep to them every night. While in delivery, Diane stayed completely calm. We listened to the CDs at least 10 times while we were there. They kept both her and I so calm. Unfortunately, we were in the delivery room for 18.5 hours. We would have been miserable without those soothing sounds though." -- EB of Pennsylvania