This authorized musical companion to the book -- which has sold over 5 million copies in two years -- has fourteen wonderful sound pictures that instrumentally interpret the rising action and spiritual wisdom outlined in the novel. Working closely with author James Redfield, celebrated composer Franke (co-founder of the award-winning Tangerine Dream) superbly conveys both the spiritual awareness and powerful, emotional elements which make the story so memorable; consciously listening to the music is like re-reading the Prophecy at a deeper level, the potent sounds underscoring specific lessons and embedding them into one's very soul. Note: Redfield has contributed exclusive new essays to the album's booklet.
Featuring two guest vocals by Yes lead singer, Jon Anderson, and a re-mix by Deep Forest creator/producer Dan Lacksman, this compelling and utterly exciting New Age ensemble from Mexico combines Mayan chants, traditional folk accents and transcendantly beautiful melodies for a stellar debut outing. Formed by Pedro Vadhar, a Latin shaman, and four female musician/vocalists, the music fairly ripples with heart-opening spiritual attunement via a deep-Earth connection that honors the pyramid building ancestors of that jungle civilization. "Ayahuasca" is one of the best New Age dance songs I've ever heard; tapping into primal memories, its simple, cyclical groove simply gives me delicious goosebumps all over. Then there's the delicate steel-string guitar ballad "El Dia (The Day)," which is as soft and lovely as a pink dawn breeze; Vadhar's purring Spanish lyrics gracefully roll like gentle percussion, melding into the music like just another instrument as Anderson's reverent vocal harmonies deepen the sacred intent of the song.
Created exclusively for The Relaxation Company's phenomenal Healing Music series, this album is an aural invitation to still one's stress and tune in to the communicative body for a completely rejuvenating listening experience. By helping us access an inner power which can generate recovery and sustain well-being, this lovely yet powerful instrumental music calms and amplifies our regenerative abilities without side effects, addiction or co-dependency through the production of alpha waves associated with feelings of contentment and peace. Halpern's deeply soothing keyboard textures are accompanied by a detailed booklet explaining how to use the recording for maximum personal benefit. Note: Halpern has sold over 3 million recordings in the last 25 years and is an internationally acclaimed author and speaker on the subject of "sound health"; his extensive clinical research makes him the leader in this field.
The spontaneously intuitive communication between these two gifted talents has never been captured better than on this, a new collection of songs performed live which are making their debut on record. Musicians and philosophers, Kater (keyboards -- "There's nothing more profound, real, and potentially transformative than expressing the ever-changing truth of the moment") and Nakai (flutes -- "Negotiating the perilous wilderness of my mystic and spiritual life-road encourages seeking out fellow adventurers") create a kaleidoscopic synergy onstage that must be witnessed to be believed. Now, if you've not had the distinct pleasure of catching them on tour, this creative chemistry can be experienced firsthand through ten sonorous selections notable for their drama, depth and delectably memorable melodies.
Performed completely on keyboards and Steiner EWI (an electronic woodwind instrument) this magical, richly woven aural soundscape is the inspired follow-up to the duo's previous Rain album. Here, the listener enters a virtual world of unlimited imagination through a palace of dreams conjured by these two brilliantly gifted sonic sorcerers in a brief, albeit majestic, introduction titled "The Magician." As one's etheric body walks through mystical surroundings, a clear high note beckons the listener to look heavenward, as it's "A Perfect Evening For Flying Carpets." Rising, we too join in the celestial parade where warm electronic winds and sparkling rhythms make the impossible, possible. Ranging from sugary confections to luxuriously introspective paeans, these excellent spacemusic compositions are marvelous for mental voyaging.
Experimenting with her fabulous voice, Chandra fully explores it as a musical instrument by pioneering new paths into the world of the drone using her supple tonal range on this progressive new recording. As the album plays, one notices that the delicate circular vocal patterns come as easy as a whisper, enticing the listener into a light meditative trance which deepens as the rhythms begin to vary and develop. While on the surface these patterns may seem undefined and even chaotic, if heard from beginning to end in uninterrupted fashion they present a distinctly non-random path from one point to another. This album actually describes the inspiration for her previously released and extremely popular Weaving My Ancestor's Voices and Zen Kiss recordings. In the bone of the drone structure are the harmonics which provide the basis for all of her melodies. Chandra feels the drone is the melting pot which the Crone -- or Creator, as she notes -- stirs to manifest the harmonic environment in which we all live. Taken as performance art, this recording is a triumph for its attempt to place the listener inside the Crone's cauldron.
Dan Lacksman, co-creator of Deep Forest (this year's Grammy winner for World Music Album), returns with a stunning and truly adventurous new solo recording overflowing with New Age voices and worldbeat rhythms. Honoring the Earth's original continent, Lacksman ventured into the cradle of civilization -- the villages and bush of central Africa -- to record on location sounds that date back to the dawn of time. The resulting 10 tracks have uniquely appealing moods and tempos, creating a symphony of polyrhythms and instrumental textures. Deepening the spiritual content of previous Deep Forest outings, the first single, "Memories Of Pangea," conjures up stirring primal memories that make the soul yearn for unity with all of Life.
Hot off the rousing success of a Furthur Festival summer tour, Hart's return-to-his-East-Coast-roots sounds like an innovative meeting of the minds between the Chiffons and the Grammy-winning Planet Drum percussion engine; as tasty a pop album as I've heard in ages. The recording features Mickey's own vocals on three tracks, words by Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, and guest appearances by Bruce Hornsby and Bob Weir. I love the Mint Julep's bright, a capella vocal harmonies and positive outlook on the deep, drum-driven "The Next Step," with appealingly confident lyrics like:
While not traditional New Age music, this record spans the generation gap, encouraging parents and teens to groove to the same uplifting rhythm. We could use more of this type of music to increase communication and mutual appreciation within the family.
Peruvian flute-and-percussion albums have been solid-sellers at museum shops, New Age and nature stores for many years. This album is one of the best examples of the type, and should sell well given in-store play exposure. More upbeat and danceable than its prettily melodic predecessor Ventana Al Sol, this recording's beating drums and native flutes provide a colorful background for the ritual dances of traditional Andean spiritual practices. With foot-tapping appeal, the whirling rhythms and enthusiastic melody lines beckon one to join in the celebration. As the instrumental music plays, one can close one's eyes and clearly envision the secluded, sacred valley where music, art and religion flourished for centuries, protected from outside disturbance so that the place was a thriving paradise. Great for reverie!
Submissions for review consideration may be sent to: PJ Birosik, MUSIK INTERNATIONAL CORP., 154 Betasso Road, Boulder, CO 80302-9606. Since 1977, Birosik has been a music industry consultant specializing in marketing, promotion, publicity and A&R/foreign licensing; she is a member of NARAS, NARM, NAIRD, CMC, IMA, and a past Board of Director of Los Angeles Women In Music who has been profiled in 11 international editions of Who's Who. Calls may be placed to her at (303) 444-9575 between 9:30am - 5pm MST regarding review criteria, consulting services for signed & unsigned musicians, and data list rentals.