“Flying Not Falling is musical magic! The arrangements are fresh and original, the production is superb, and the performances brim with wonderful surprises. This music lends us wings!” — Rob Whitesides Woo, Composer & Serenity Recording Artist

“We received your CD today. I just listened to it, and — Wow! It is simply outstanding! It will most definitely gets lots of airplay on GAIA Prime Radio. In fact, we will likely add numerous tracks from the album to our playlist next week. It is exactly the kind if music we had in mind when we started GAIA.” Robert Martin, Owner/Producer, GAIA Prime Radio

“Flying Not Falling” by Max Highstein is a magnificent New Age music album! The acoustic sound gives it wide appeal. Initially it is easy to label “Flying Not Falling” as pretty and uncomplicated. But listen closely and you will appreciate the life wisdom it represents. It is impossible to feel sad while listening to it. In a world of conflicts and negativity, that is a rare quality. BT Fasmer on Amazon.com

This album is just delightful! I was immediately charmed by the positive energy and warmth this music exudes; it’s actually a CD which has found permanent residence in my car because listening to it does wonders to combat the stress of traffic! I think the music composition itself is wonderfully varied, layered, complex and offers new elements to discover with each successive listening! Moreover the musicians performing here are superlative and enhance the quality of the musical material through their pristine attention to detail! I say an enthusiastic “Bravo” to all who contributed their collective talents to this album! Jesse B. on Amazon.com

More kudos and fanmail (names withheld for privacy):

“I really enjoyed listening to Flying Not Falling this morning. Your music is fresh and uplifting. I love the combination of instruments and sounds.”

“I have finally gotten a chance to sit down and really listen to “Flying Not Falling”. First of all, the packaging is lovely. The mix is awesome. Your compositions are all unique. You and your musicians are wonderful. I really love how uplifting all the music is, not cloying like so many New Age submissions. My favorites are “Earthtones”…should be part of a soundtack! Lake Shrine…which makes me want to go out into the woods and listen to it again. Also Helium…floats…as it should, I suppose. I’m listening to “Let’s Talk” right now, which I think would lend itself nicely to lyrics. Anyway, this is on the top of my New Age list.”

“I absolutely Adore “Flying Not Falling”!!!! The title cut is of course my favorite but I love them all!!!”

“I like your light touch and instrumentation. Dreamwalk is particularly compelling and always going somewhere new and inviting. I like the interesting use of synth on Frank and Mandy. That was a pleasant unexpected timbre. Other standouts for me are Lake Shrine and New Girlfriend . I love your subtle use of syncopation on Lake Shrine and I love the authentic melody and vibe of New Girlfriend. Earthtones is my favorite. I love the countermelodies and subtle rhythmic arrangement. I love how overall your music dances and the instruments interplay.”

“This is absolutely delightful music! It is inventive. It is fun. It is interesting. It is beautifully played and produced. Max Highstein is a wonderful composer and musician and here he has brought all his talent forth.”

“Flying Not Falling is still in the CD deck in my car, as it’s one of the really good ones. I know the album very well. You’ve produced a beautiful work… the production with such clarity that brings the featured musicians’ instruments is so near, you might as well be there. This album is truly lovely. Your choice in ebb & flow is satisfying, and before you realize, it’s over, & it’s playing again! A lot of talent going on there. I took the opportunity to listen to some of your previous work. You certainly get ‘New Age’ and see the development of the genre. It’s a pleasure to listen too.”

“I put it on and I danced. It made me feel the true innocence and joy of being alive. So excited to move to this music every morning now. What a way to start my day. Your gift is… stunningly beautiful. An opening of the heart.”