Kevin B. Selby

Okay folks…I’m gonna be real blunt (cuz heck, it’s who I am). These days, with keyboards being so prevalent and affordable, nearly anyone can “produce an album” and so it was with a jaundiced eye that I took in this post. I’m also new at this forum, so I don’t know anybody yet. So being cynical I thought “uh huh…another album produced by some kid on a keyboard”.

Egads I’m an idiot. THIS STUFF IS BRILLIANT! I cannot shut up about Mr. J. Park’s music.

He is very very mature musically and knows EXACTLY what he is doing with the Motif XS.

The other thing I get really cynical about is when musicians describe themselves and their music. Well, again, here I am being put in my place because everything Mr. J. Park says about his music is absolutely true. I hear all of the nuances and influences he speaks to on his website. Kudos to him for accurately describing his particular brand of music (it’s actually kind of hard to do because you don’t want to drown your readers in hyperbole, yet you want to ACCURATELY get across what your music sounds like and how great it is!).

I am about halfway through A Million Tears and will probably get through One and Only by the end of the day.

Very VERY peaceful and meditative stuff. The mix is excellent with all instruments nestled nicely into their “area” of the stereo spectrum. The choice of instruments is also done very well in that they blend together and add to each other perfectly. This stuff is going in my .mp3 player (and also in my Music folder at work) and my twin girls (11 years old) are going to have these two albums on their iPod Touch’s.

The “pacing” of the album is also spot on. No tracks “jar” you or startle. Everything just flows peacefully on.

Ooh…just heard some nylon acoustic guitar played beautifully. Yeah! Love me some nylon!

These two albums represent two fantastic successes in my opinion:
1. J. Park’s excellent songwriting, recording, mixing, producing skills.
2. A testament to the high quality of Yamaha instruments (of which we all love!).

Whether you love or hate “new age” style/genre, you must admit that the Motif series of keyboards, when used expertly and by someone with an intense sense of purpose and creativity, simply soar.

My hats off to you sir. Keep up the GREAT work. You have truly inspired me today! I gotta get off my duff and get some things done with my XF’s.

NLAlston

I am a bit late getting in on this, but I am glad I ran across it. I love what you had done, and have to whole-heartedly agree with Tony’s assessment of the XS as a force of its own from the A’s to Z’s of music production. Of course it takes one who knows how to get to the real meat & potatoes of this very capable, and all encompassing music making machine, and the little bit that I have heard here is testament to the fact that ajm786 most definitely knows how.

A very fine example indeed, and one that I hope to step into the realms of – one day.

Igglethorpe

Listening to it right now and love it. This is very inspiring work. Looking forward to your write up and commentary if you have the time. Enjoy your success and the efforts produced by your hard work.

Lethal

I listened to a few random tracks. “New age” (or whatever they call it these days) is not exactly my bag, but I’m really impressed with what you’ve done. You obviously have a lot of talent and have put tremendous effort into this. It’s amazing how wide a sound palate you are able to get out of a single synth.

On your site, you mention Yanni as an early influence. Well, I think you’re every bit as good (if not better) than him. I wish you all the best with your music.

Michael.Angelo

Man, your website is a hit Bro! All the blessings to you and your success in music. I just totally love your style! Some people say it’s reminiscent of Yanni, but you definitely have your own originality!!!! AWESOME!!!