Music

These passionately luminescent musical meditations for solo instruments -- mostly improvised in a state of ecstatic communication with the Divine -- are beautifully melodic, radiating with earnest sincerity and devotion. Rather than adopting the classic introverted pose of prayer, composer Moses depicts prayer as a continuing conversation, "sometimes fervent, sometimes relaxed," and uses his viola to signify the heartfelt emotions that words so often fail to express. Haunting in the extreme, these intense communications reach their zenith on "Nocturne," an unforgettable piano piece written by Moses but performed by his mother, a music teacher, on an awesomely resonant 1895 Steinway grand. Equally impressive is his duet with wife Laura playing the tamboura (this instrument's delicate drone is a musical metaphor for the breath of God in Indian classical style). In fact, so potent is each selection that it is almost impossible to listen to the recording straight through! One wants to play and replay each piece, pondering its innate ability to wake the soul before moving to the next tune.

This heart-warming, spirit-lifting collection of tropical tunes features indigenous language lyrics and a wealth of ethnic instrumentation that blend into pure ear candy. The lively, sun-splashed Cape Verde rhythms of "Danca Ma Mi Criola" combine Portuguese and West African influences while Tito Paris' smoky voice reminds one of the chart-topping Gipsy Kings. Equally appealing is "Bomba Te Traigo Yo," a catchy celebration of Puerto Rico's bomba dance music by José Gonzalez's band, which features cowbells, whistles, rich choral chants and tasty Latin guitar. Other performers from Cuba, Madagascar, Hawaii, Tahiti, and Tortola turn in a delightful mixed bag of music that is guaranteed to banish the blues!

Featuring stellar guest appearances by guitarists Craig Chaquico and Peter White, this follow-up to the ensemble's chart-topping Force of Nature album presents an exciting synergy of smooth grooves and tasty ethnic influences that generate a cheery, upbeat atmosphere to keep your body bopping! From the cool sophistication of a soulful flugelhorn on "In The Full Moon Light" to the serenely gorgeous, acoustic six-string melody "She Whispered To Me," this recording is packed with eloquent aural explorations you'll want to share with that special someone. Delicately crafted arrangements titillate the senses and make sure that you'll hear something new with repeated play for long-term listening pleasure.

Lusciously layered flutes, percussion and mantric chanting are enhanced by the exotic sounds of shimmering sitar as Oldfield's newest music manifests an entrancing aural oasis. Refreshing a parched soul like spring water in the desert, these five profound pieces distill the essence of ancient ayurvedic wisdom so that healing melodies and mesmerizing rhythm patterns entice the imagination and stimulate the spirit. Luminously lovely and timeless, the music moves from the delicate tinkling of temple chimes on "Sandalwood & Jasmine" to the deeply sonorous romance "Of a Love That Sweetly Dwells." This is mystic music, sumptuous sounds that give rise to flights of delicious fantasy. Listen and be lulled to a wondrous place of pure perfection.

This new series of recordings combines tranquil treatments of beloved music from many cultures with authentic sounds of nature and vocal textures to create an unmatched ambiance of peace and contentment in home, office or vehicle. One of the best known Irish folk tunes, "The Bard of Armagh" (you may not recognize the title, but you've probably heard this exquisite melody many times), introduces Celtic Myst, a warmly nostalgic collection featuring Uilleann pipes, accordion and fiddle in addition to orchestral instrumentation. Like a tender kiss, the blissful music melts stress and gladdens the heart. Enchanted Forest unites pan-cultural ceremonial chants and gentle tribal rhythms for an intriguing homage to the universal spirit that connects us all. Japanese bamboo flute, African thumb piano and Indian hoop drums lead the listener deeper into a misty rainforest where an eternal dance celebration of life is taking place. Whether heard at low volume as enhancing background ambiance, or at normal levels, both releases make for harmonious play.

These marvelously etheric recordings reawaken our true nature as beings of light through celestial synthesizer instrumentals performed by Hammer and inspired by Archangel Yahoel, the heavenly host's own Choir Master. Magical music suitable for daydreaming, healing modalities and deepening meditative states is manifested as the sparkling textures interweave and slowly evolve, creating a sacred and supportive space that suspends time and alleviates stress. Merging With Bliss initiates an ecstatic experience of union with the Divine through subtly expanding tones that stimulate the crown chakra in soft swirls of violet crystal resonance. Gifts of the Archangels accesses ascension energies while activating higher states of consciousness. The spacious, cyclical music was recorded live during activational transmissions and energy weaving classes so that a higher vibration of body-mind-spirit could be achieved.

When you're ready to move beyond Celtic harp solos, this adventurously appealing album is for you! Recorded at the famed Eigse na Laoi traditional music festival in Cork, Ireland, this exceptional collection of live performances by musicians hailing from the British Isles, New Zealand, Canada and America highlights the joyous diversity of Celtic traditions. Enjoy a lively jig by Breton piper Patrick Molard, fanciful reels by fiddlers Alisdair Fraser and Kathryn Tickell, a clog dance by button accordion player Raynald Ouellet, as well as flutist Jean Michel Veillon's plaintive air, among many other unique musical forms that possess all the beauty and emotional power for which Celtic instrumentals have been justly praised worldwide for hundreds of years.

Singer Adams demonstrates his virtuosity on guitars, electric sitar, didgeridoo, Andean panpipes, keyboards and percussion on this warmly intimate collection of songs that touch the heart and soul. Mandolin and trumpet accents on the scintillating flamenco-inspired instrumental, "Forever Young," deepen the sense of enticing mystery that the melody evokes. Adams' laid-back vocal style compliments the softly percolating rhythms that effortlessly flow forth. The romantic tone poem, "Breathe," features hypnotic spoken word patter and ambient stylings that glide together in crystalline cool perfection as a funky flute soars above.

These seven serene and tranquil nylon string and acoustic steel guitar duets present hauntingly beautiful melodies brimming with deep feelings that are immediately accessible. Slowly paced and elegantly arranged, the music was played straight through (no over-dubbing or effects) to preserve the integrity of each piece. This means that these simple, honest and utterly soothing instrumentals are extremely well suited for massage, deep relaxation or any quiet, introspective pursuit. These soft sounds seem perfect for any transformative healing session, in fact, since they calm the soul and are consistently lovely from beginning to end.

This 60-minute cassette plus booklet makes it easy to take a peek at previous lives through colorful guided imagery led by the soothing voice of Archambeault, a meditation teacher/therapist. After establishing a suitably relaxed environment, she unlocks the door to the past so you can understand more about yourself in this life, and allow the lessons of prior sojourns to help break bad habits and encourage more positive ways of living. The subconscious mind speaks in pictures and symbols collected over many lifetimes; unlocking their mysteries is the first step in finding answers to the questions that matter in the here and now. Also available are "Trance Channeling" and "Crystal Castle Journey" guided imagery titles.

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.

Next Article