Music

Would you hear a wonder? Paraphrasing that enchanting fairy folk invitation to merge into mystery seems appropriate as this deliciously detailed score delves into two of the British Isles' most honored figures: Taliesin, the bard, and the warrior cúChulainn. The Celts of old believed that the world was upheld and sustained by a single all-embracing melody: Oram Môr, or the Great Music. Like their historical counterparts, Johnson & Dunning use powerful instrumentals and vocals to touch a place deep in our hearts where legends still live. "The Dream of Taliesin" finds the sleeping bard swept to a pixie island where he undergoes trial and healing transformation. "cúChulainn's Last Battle" details how the hero of the Red Branch host met the Queen Maeve's armies of Erin and fulfilled Druidic prophecy. Ethnic instruments like pennywhistles, Uilleann pipes and accordion combine with guitars, keyboards and percussion for a gorgeous foray into the distant past.

Inspired by tales of Robin Hood and Maid Marian, Celtic harpist Marchand presents fourteen soft and gentle instrumentals which describe "The Blessing of Sherwood Forest" and other scenes from Nottingham in days of old. Featuring 25-, 36- and 38-string harps accompanied by violin, acoustic guitar, flute and keyboards, the music flows effortlessly and gives rise to reveries of sun dappled, verdant clearings where clandestine lovers meet and dance in homage to the Green Man. Due to his emotive technique -- particularly on the wire strung harp -- Marchand's original compositions rate as highly as the two traditional numbers included, "Cutting of the Fern" and "Child Grove." Taken altogether, this is a supremely pleasant, consistently relaxing listening experience well suited for massage or other introspective pursuits.

Incredibly lovely and overflowing with sweet emotion, these Native flute instrumentals are consistently tranquil so as to support meditation and visualization, but also so beautiful that one wants to turn the volume higher so as to meld with the music. Experiences with Lakota and Cree culture profoundly influenced Jewer. Participating in sacred sweat lodges taught him that "we are all part of the hoop of life" and inspired him to honor these ancient traditions through the gift of music. By combining alto and bass flutes with the relaxing sounds of nature, he not only pays tribute to the Great Spirit, Father Sky and Mother Earth, but also helps establish an ambiance so full of peace and harmony that one feels refreshed and purified for having listened.

This transcendent blending of ethereal keyboards, heavenly harps, soaring flutes and sonorous strings immediately establishes a safe and sacred space where one is free to dream in delightful abandon. By giving oneself time to withdraw from daily stress, a truly peaceful state of contemplation may be reached so the soul may impart new possibilities and recharge creative energies. Supportive layers of gently wafting sound cocoon the listener in this delicate process, enhancing the inner healing process and encouraging the heart to lift. These ten pretty melodies were designed to flow softly, one to the next, so that the private journey is uninterrupted and one's hidden self can emerge. As the last note finally fades, a long slow deep breath releases any vestigial tension and one is reborn.

The robust and unmatchably warm sound of a 7-foot, 4-inch concert grand piano is delightful to hear, especially when given voice by a delicately nuanced performer like Marion. This 20-year retrospective catalogs a life's passion through alternately contemplative and outgoing piano songs. From the utterly romantic "Moonlight On The Window" to the motivational anthem "Don't Let Them Steal Your Dreams," Marion's fingers manage to hit the right note every time. While some tunes were written with lyrics in mind (copies of same available upon request), all easily convey a unique and interesting story without aid of vocals. It's not difficult to unwind and relax during commuter rush hour when a track like "Touring Car" is playing.

Third in a series of innovative collaborative compilations, this album blurs the line between ambient and organic, electronic and ethnic, space and world musical genres with delightful glee! Adventurous outings by synthesist Kenneth Newby (recent collaborator with Steve Roach), harpist Barbara Imhoff and Trance Mission clarinetist Beth Custer, among others, demonstrate the amazing fluidity of music when it is perfectly balanced between lush layers of atmospheric sound and pan-cultural rhythms. For example, the deep groove generated by resounding didgeridoo counterpoints sinuous woodwinds on the scintillating sand dance "The Sun Cries, pt. one," an instrumental with lots of passion and not a little bit of unexpected humor. Intriguing and attractive, this totally new music is so cool, its hot!

Creatively combining meditations and music, McIntyre helps one become "a radiating center of love and light," capable of enhancing the world by "simply being you." Who wouldn't want to more frequently use positive thoughtforms, words and actions in everyday life? If like attracts like, then those who learn to shine will attract others whose beneficial energies make life sweet and good. As the listener ascends an imaginary crystal staircase of light, McIntyre's warm and encouraging voice guides them into a receptive state where a clear connection between self and Higher Self may be made manifest. Buoyed by the ethereal, oft times jubilant, music, McIntyre's guided journey concludes with one returned to earth filled with the starlit ecstasy of inner beauty and transformation.

These two exceptionally pretty recordings present music specifically composed using traditional Chinese health concepts so that the listener may effortlessly manifest more youthful vitality and shine with a beauty that starts from within. Each gentle, soothing album has two extended, peacefully melodic selections arranged for strings, chimes and woodwinds. The harmonious sound of these ethnic instruments helps balance yin and yang energies, resulting in lower blood pressure, better breathing patterns, increased production of positive hormones and other therapeutic benefits. The producer -- a leading physician in scientific research on Eastern medical techniques and member of the World Federation of Music Therapy -- recommends playing the music during one's skin care routine, but it is also pleasant for massage, lightwork and casual listening. The liner notes are very informative.

Communion with the unknown is significantly enhanced by playing Thornton's positively mesmerizing music (he, master of exotically radiant rhythms as demonstrated on the ever-popular recordings "Eternal Egypt" and "Alchemy"). Vocoder, e-bow guitar, didgeridoo, rainsticks and keyboards are accented by "alien whisper" and "droid effects" on six reverie-inducing selections that transport the listener to the star-kissed realms of deep space. In majestic resplendence, the "Arrival of the Mothership" signifies that one is about to meet E.T. in an enticing "Encounter" before being blessed with "Visions from the Homeworld." When played without interruption through headphones -- or through speakers set to high volume -- this inspired music makes for an impressive, unearthly journey into the very heart of the archetypal Other. It's beautifully eerie, subtly hypnotic and sure to stimulate some intense dream cycles.

The beauty that surrounds us often goes unnoticed or ignored; this exquisite acoustic music helps the listener slow down and resonate in harmony with the pulse of nature. Eleven marvelous melodies led by flute, pennywhistle, guitar and keyboards are enhanced with Irish cittern, mandolin, violin and more in an enticing sonic perfume that conjures images of flower-carpeted meadows, still azure pools and the drowsy days of an "Indian Summer." Soothing lullabies, lissome ballads and graceful slow dances mark Meadowlark's style. The uncommonly gifted duo's ability to create restorative instrumentals that also capture the imagination is rare, indeed, making this music a true treasure. For information on how to purchase Meadowlark's music, call toll free 888-275-LARK (5275).

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.

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