by PJ Birosik
Known as the Russian Lennon (as in John, the former Beatle, not the communist dictator Lenin) throughout Eastern Europe, Greben-shikov has over 300 websites worldwide devoted to his music; he is simply the most famous performer of which you've never heard! Here, with the able support of Gabrielle Roth & The Mirrors, Boris makes inventive, adventurous and direct-to-the-heart music in the manner that made him a household name from Moscow to the Mediterranean. Traveling through India, Nepal and the Himalayas, Grebenshikov was moved by the plight of the Tibetan people and determined to help popularize their cause. Studying their culture, language and musical heritage, he returned to St. Petersburg and began crafting the hypnotic rhythms and mesmerizing melody lines that epitomize Refuge. Throughout this enticing album rolling percussion, spicy ethnic instrumental accents and dramatic pauses meld with Boris' deeply resonant chanting. At times there is a humming tone deep in his voice, as if the very air were trilling in tune. Songs like "Vajra Guru" and "Tara Mantra" are given unexpectedly soft, sensuous arrangements with fragile flute work threaded through the delicate layers of male/female vocals, shimmering strings and reverberating drums. Perfect for spiritual meditation, massage, sacred dance and contemplation, this unusual and very tasty record helps to further bridge the gap between East and West with such grace that the Buddha must surely be smiling. 
Possibly the best anthology ever made, a literal who's who of New Age music contributed to this "soundtrack" to one of the most extraordinary book events in recent memory, Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch. How can you go wrong with Will Ackerman, Jim Brickman, Ray Lynch, George Winston, Yanni, Gabrielle Roth & The Mirrors, David Arkenstone, Patrick O'Hearn and others? "Her Knees Deep In Your Mind" by Lynch is nothing short of amazing; it's an almost painfully intimate, perfectly passionate love poem that leaves one breathless with pure yearning need. Following this powerful tour de force with the haunting fragility of Roth's "Ghost Dancer" is sheer brilliance as each song follows its heart beyond the limits of human capacity. The sweet melancholy of cascading strings characterizes Oystein SevŠg's "Reflection," an all-too-brief introspective look into the barrenness of a soul without Divine fulfillment. It rests upon Liz Story to conclude this compilation succinctly and so she does, with a starkly beautiful solo piano piece that finds cool comfort in connection with the Creator. As the philosophers — and liner notes! — say, to hear is human, to listen divine.
A Celtic must-have recording is this solo debut by former Dexys Midnight Runners ("Come On Eileen") violinist, O'Hara, whose unparalleled sound flows effortlessly from sheer vitality to heart-touching tenderness with remarkable elegance on eight original instrumentals. While inspired by rural county melodies, Helen takes a fresh approach to Irish ballads by arranging the title track to showcase the haunting pedal steel guitar work of virtuoso B.J. Cole. More traditional in scope and timeless in presentation, "Elegy II" showcases legendary Robin Williamson of the Incredible String Band (harp and penny whistle) on an unforgettably ethereal 15-minute extended instrumental that plucks as many heart-strings as it does violin strings. Displaying a flair for the deliciously frivolous, O'Hara includes a delightful surprise: "Fiesta," a decidedly dreamy dance number buoyed by Andalusian flamenco accents as well as Celtic joie de vivre.
Specifically composed for Reiki, massage, and other healing therapies, these two half-hour pieces of lush synthesizer strains prove again why Aeoliah is a master of angelic ambiance. From the first tranquil tone to the final celestial fade, his gentle sounds create an instant atmosphere of soothing calm, a safe haven away from stress where one can be nurtured and rejuvenated in body, mind and soul. At a time when many New Age artists are expanding their audio palettes with worldbeat rhythms in search of a bigger marketshare, it's gratifying to know that Aeoliah is spending time refining his uniquely harmonizing sound skills so that this truly memorable music can grace our ears with remarkable resonance and bliss. Soft flowing flute and pretty piano dalliances help characterize the luxurious, undulating ambient waves that make up most of these two extended tracks.
Tap into the deep space of your soul with this ethereal, yet delightfully earthy, music by a homespun sonic shaman. Dedicated to creating music that inspires and activates the spiritual journey, Azrael — a psychologist, massage therapist, yoga instructor — uses full orchestral keyboard arrangements, piano, percussion and natural sounds to stimulate the seeker on a quest of inner self. On "Invitation to the Dream," she draws upon the magical frequencies of the Hathors, masters of the music of the spheres named after the Egyptian goddess, to help activate the adventure. Powerful, majestic chords and lavish sound layers establish a suitably impressive introduction. Diving deep into the soul on "Call of the Inner World," the listener is not alone as there is heard the occasional vocalization of a totem guide (in reality, Azrael's wolf-dog singing). This comforting companion leads one to "The Mountain Who Dreams," after which other musical musings follow as sound waves reminiscent of the building blocks of creation lead one to an eventual "Outpouring of a Full Heart." An enjoyable aural excursion for those to dare to dream!
Bell is one of the world's most acclaimed and legendary harpists, as well as a member of and orchestral arranger for the five-time Grammy award-winning group, The Chieftains, with whom he has released over 30 recordings. Recorded live before an enthusiastic standing-room-only audience, this utterly enchanting listening experience captures not only a solo concert of traditional Celtic music and rarely heard classical masterpieces played as only Bell can, but also entertaining interludes consisting of informative introductions to each tune. Bell makes a completely charming and captivating bard, his revered elder status clearly showing in his elfin voice as he imparts sweetly humorous anecdotes with unabashed glee. Also featured is celebrated Irish-born vocalist Maireid Sullivan. Note: the "snow leopard" to whom Bell refers occasionally is a loving reference not to a treasured pet, but to his wife!
A professional astrologer, Joramo discovered a connection between the chakras and the planetary symbols as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda; working with kinesionics, he tested his findings by incorporating sounds that would lift or ground the listener, depending on the order in which they were heard. The result is this unusual and appealing electronic music album that recognizes the 40 octaves between the spectrums of light and sound by keying each of the seven chakras to a specific color, tone and celestial body. "One/Red/Root Chakra" is appropriately bouncy, with finger-poppin' rhythms that urge the body to sway and dance in a joyous celebration of flesh incarnate. "Two/Orange/ Spleen Chakra" tapes into the majestic strains of spiritual yearning and social interaction, its deeply somber tones balanced by plaintive flute wails.
Bindu — the blue pearl — is the center dot within the shri yantra, a point of focus for meditation that is the origin of supreme consciousness, the realized Self. Reaching that place of unbound joy and ultimate union is made easier by listening to this extraordinarily still, deep and profound music created by the duo, Bindu (Chuck Jonkey and Craig Kohland). On "Gift of the Blue Pearl," Isa Mafu's breathy voice giving a sacred meditation is subtly and softly mixed with xylophone, crystal bowl and celestial synthesizer tones into a mesmerizing tapestry where words seem to seep into the soul rather than enter through the ears. The following three compositions mix the natural sounds of whales, waves, birds and crickets with crystalline instrumental music of rare purity and sonority. The 21-minute "Into the Deep Blue Bindu" is marvelous for massage as well as meditation.
What a blissfully beautiful way to end the perfect — or indeed, any — day! Gentle keyboards, flute, strings and twilight sounds of nature dissolve into a spacious ambiance of soothing tenderness and ease on two 25-minute compositions. So while themed for evening, these flowing melodies are eminently suitable for massage, relaxing, romantic dining, healing modalities and even a long, luxurious soak in the tub! A veteran performer awarded six gold records as a member of '70s pop-rockers, the Rubettes, Miles has long since dedicated himself to performing only "positive music" that opens the heart, quiets the mind and nurtures the soul. On this, his eighth New Age album, he hits a new career pinnacle by creating music of consistently comforting warmth and calm contemplation.
This intriguing concept album delves into the musical properties of the 12 birthstones from garnet as "The Guardian," to turquoise's as "Above and Below" lyrical signature. Composer/keyboardist Galfano and producer Sharon Laura Williams have included a liner note chart, designating the mental, physical and spiritual qualities of each gem, a useful aid when meditating to one's own stone. Being born in September, I was immediately drawn to sapphire and "The Spirit of Love," a spacious, textural instrumental that — per the chart — gives peace of mind while linking body, mind and soul. Contrasting this with opal's "Dance of Fire" proves that each composition was realized after much con- templation on the individual gem's innate nature. If you are not already aware of the identity of your stone, just refer to the back of the CD, as it lists numeric months (1 is January, 2 is February, etc.). 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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