Reviews, Quotes & Features
Jonathan Widran Review quotes from The JW Vibe: Music That Sticks To My Soul
June 20, 2026
“Ultimately, Elemental Essence: A Neurosonic Journey succeeds because it functions simultaneously as personal testimony, artistic exploration and invitation. Whether listeners approach it through the lens of ambient music, meditation, neuroscience, vocal experimentation or simple curiosity, Ellen offers a doorway into a world where sound becomes both expression and discovery. In an era increasingly defined by distraction and fragmentation, it’s refreshing to experience an artist willing to slow down, listen deeply and create from a place of genuine purpose.”
“Yet the deeper one immerses in this ambitious five-part exploration of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether, the more apparent it becomes that Ellen has not departed from her life’s work and musical/spiritual mission at all. Rather, she has arrived at a point where seemingly disparate passions that have guided her for decades—jazz improvisation, vocal experimentation, sound healing, neuroscience, creativity, spirituality and storytelling—have artfully converged into a singular impactful artistic statement. The result is not merely a five-track EP but a multi-dimensional sonic experience that feels like the culmination of a lifetime spent exploring the many ways music can move, inspire, comfort and transform us”.
"One of the album's most fascinating dimensions is the way Ellen employs her voice not merely as a singer but as an entire ecosystem of sounds."
"Despite the sophisticated science woven into its architecture, Elemental Essence never feels clinical or academic; the technology serves the artistic vision rather than the other way around."
“What makes the piece especially compelling is its refusal to choose between accessibility and experimentation. Even amid its unusual collection of sounds, Ellen demonstrates a keen composer’s instinct for melody, momentum and narrative direction. The result is simultaneously grounding and provocative, inviting listeners into unfamiliar territory while providing enough musical structure to keep them engaged.”
“Johnson’s work is a testament to the power of music as a vehicle for healing, transformation, and finding one’s way home.”
"What sets this release apart is its foundation in scientifically substantiated neuroacoustic research: every composition utilizes precisely calibrated brainwave synchronization frequencies. (Wat deze release onderscheidt, is de basis in wetenschappelijk onderbouwd neuro-akoestisch onderzoek: elke compositie maakt gebruik van nauwkeurig gekalibreerde hersengolfsynchronisatiefrequenties.)"
"New Age, therefore, but also Ambient and even suitable for meditation. ("New Age dus, maar ook Ambient en zelfs geschikt voor meditatie.)"
Patrick Van de Wiele, CultuurMania
Thrilled to receive a 4/5 review from Belgium's CultuurMania!
Confirmed: Music with Healing Potential
John Stuart Reid, inventor of the CymaScope, adds Elemental Essence to his official Audio Heterodyne list of healing albums
Elemental Essence: A Neurosonic Journey recently received a remarkable validation from acoustic physics researcher John Stuart Reid, inventor of the CymaScope, who tested the album and confirmed that four of the five tracks exhibit significant audio heterodyning, a phenomenon rooted in acoustic principles first documented by Helmholtz in 1856. As a result, he has added the album to his official list of healing music. The underlying science, in which layered frequencies produce new tones the ear and nervous system respond to, connects directly to the brainwave entrainment work of Dr. Jeffrey Thompson at Scientific Sounds, which forms the foundation of the album's five elemental tracks. Together these two endorsements place Elemental Essence at a rare intersection of artistic intention, acoustic science, and healing potential.
"I will now be able to add your album to my Audio Heterodyne list of healing albums."
All tracks except your very beautiful Amphitrite's Longing contain significant amounts of audio heterodyning. Therefore, your album has wonderful healing potential. Even though track 2 does not exhibit heterodyning, I have no doubt that all who experience it will receive deep healing by virtue of its heavenly beauty."
Reaching Listeners Around the World
Featured on One World Music Radio
Elemental Essence featured across multiple One World Music Radio programs, bringing the music to an international new age and ambient audience
Steve Sheppard, One World Music Radio (July 8, 2026)
"One of the most creative pieces I have heard from this genre this year." (on Roots Beneath the Horizon)
"The vocalisations are perfect, as is the floating and graceful instrumentation." (on Amphitrite's Longing)
"Sirius Spirit is one of the most fascinating and well-constructed pieces from the release."
"I would recommend this release in a heartbeat and predict a healthy voyage in the charts for Elemental Essence: A Neurosonic Journey by Ellen Johnson."
— Full review: stevesheppardmusicreviews.blogspot.com
One World Music Radio — New Age Radio Show #51
One World Music Radio — Mini Playlist #567
One World Music Radio — Impressions #37 (Fred Grenot) — Amphitrite's Longing
https://stevesheppardmusicreviews.blogspot.com/2026/07/elemental-essence-neurosonic-journey-by.html
PRESS/Feature
SoundsLike Cafe (Marshall Cullen) — https://soundslikecafe.com/ellen-johnson-releases-ep-elemental-essence/
RADIO AIRPLAY
KTEP 88.5 FM / Audiosyncracy (Jamey Osborne) — https://www.ktep.org/show/audiosyncracy
One World Music Radio / New Age Radio Show #51 — https://www.mixcloud.com/OWM/new-age-radio-show-51/
The Morning Breeze / Perspectives with the Oracle — https://www.mixcloud.com/themorningbreeze/perspectives-with-the-oracle-dance-of-the-trees-june-20-2026/
New Age Notes Radio (June 12, 2026)
Sirius Spirit — Spotify Playlist (June 24, 2026)
Roots Beneath the Horizon — New Age Radio (June 20, 2026)
Amphitrite's Longing — In The Zone, Guido's Lounge Cafe (June 2026) — https://www.mixcloud.com/Jazzmo/in-the-zone-june-2026-guidos-lounge-cafe
GotRadio Soothing & Sophisticated Channels — New Age Nuance (June 30, 2026)
One World Music Radio — New Age Radio Show #51 - https://www.mixcloud.com/OWM/new-age-radio-show-51/
One World Music Radio — Mini Playlist #567 - https://www.mixcloud.com/OWM/mini-playlist-567-sponsored-by-ellen-johnson/
One World Music Radio — Impressions #37 (Fred Grenot) — Amphitrite's Longing - https://www.mixcloud.com/OWM/impressions-37/