Jeannine Wagar - 2025 - Into the Night

(47:38; Neuma Records)

Track list:
1. Into the Night 4:00
2. Over Here 6:50
3. Clarity 4:17
4. Easy Does It 3:57
5. Lament 7:14
6. I Cry Too 4:37
7. So, Fly Sky High 4:03
8. Over There 6:23
9. Motion 6:17

Line-up:
Jeannine Wagar - all instruments


Prolusion.
US artist and composer has a long and substantial career as a professional musician and conductor behind her, and is still very much an active presence in the US music scene. Following decades of professional work in the music field, she released her first solo album "Into the Night" in the spring of 2025 through US label Neuma Records.

Analysis.
This is one of the numerous albums I encounter during the course of a year that I find to have qualities that will make it an interesting one for a progressive rock oriented audience, while not being a production that explore this style and tradition as such.

In this case we get an album that exist somewhere inside the triangle of neo-classical music, ambient music and cosmic, electronic music. With occasional subtle similarities to a band like Tangerine Dream, although in this case those aren't really defining of the landscapes explored in any substantial manner.

Cosmic, otherworldly and often futuristic sounding moods and atmospheres is a staple here though, created by way of either a more constant synthesizer presence of some variety or other or by a combination of the sounds and effects used. The more defining feature of these compositions are the use of string instrument textures and orchestra textures though, with fluctuating and surging patterns of these being a mainstay and dominant element throughout. In most cases with the movements of these, at least to my ears, drawing in impulses from classical symphonic music more often than not.

As a composer Wagar appear to enjoy exploring the natural tension that comes when applying light toned and darker toned textures, with the string textures in particular providing much of the former here, and to further add ear candy to these creations with get a wide array of electronic effects of different varieties, and then mainly used in a more subtle manner. Slight chaotic intrusions being one of the forms explored on a few occasions. 

We also get some instances of more clear cut and dominant expansions of the core traits here that adds another dimension to the compositions. This specific detail being the use of a digital choir, and the result of this being present is to add a more ethereal and sacral feel to the compositions in question. And adding a bit of an emphasis to the perception of these landscapes perhaps being created with more of an otherworldly mood and atmosphere in mind rather than a cosmic one. That being said, I suspect the majority of people who give this album a listen will hone in more on the cosmic association than the otherworldly even if both are very much applicable.

Conclusion.
While not an album that can be categorized within the progressive music tradition as such, the manner in which the artist combines aspects of ambient music, electronic music and classical music on this production results in a tasteful and elegant foray into the realm of cosmic music, and those with an affection for landscapes of this variety that adds a few additional elements and dimensions to what might be described as an ambient electronic music foundation might find this album to be quite the immersive experience.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, June 2025

Links:
https://jeanninewagar.com/
https://neumarecords.org/