My Curre

Santana's Supernatural Sweep

Congratulations to Carlos Santana for his eight Grammy awards! As you most likely already know, Santana's sweep was historic. What you may not know is that it was also a testament to a brilliant conceptual and marketing strategy masterminded by the legendary Arista label president Clive Davis . . . and to an Archangel named Metatron.

On the cover of Rolling Stone, yes, indeed, and throughout the pages of newspapers around the world depending on what you read (and I highly recommend you check out the March 16 edition of Rolling Stone), the depth of Santana's spiritual connection was explored in a positive light. If you didn't know who they were talking about, you'd think it was one of the furthest-out New Agers you'd ever heard!

In some articles, they edited his key comments into this soundbite - he wanted to "connect the molecules with the light." That didn't make a whole lot of sense. It wasn't until the context was clarified that the depth of Santana's "planting of seeds" was obvious.

In 1988 he opened up the world of angels, which included the opening of a channel of communication with Metatron. In a meditation, Metatron communicated to Carlos: "You will be inside the radio frequency for the purpose of connecting the molecules with the light."

Santana understood that he would connect with a younger and wider audience with some of the spiritual information he now had. Although it's difficult to know just how much spirituality is getting through, it's clear that there is an intentionality that is something so rare to come over the airwaves.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if there were more "spiritually uplifting" broadcasts that were coming through the airwaves, and now internet. There are a number of stations already providing programs -- such as Wisdom Network (contact them to see if you can tune in from your home).

But it's clear that we're at the beginning of a great new day in harnessing the positive power of media.

P.S. on Santana: I first met him in 1969 when he was playing at the Fillmore in San Francisco, when I was sitting in with another hot rock band. We met again at Stanford Memorial Church in 1975 when he did a quiet acoustic, meditative concert. We spoke about the healing powers of music, and I handed him my first album, which had just been released. We spoke about doing something together when the time was right.

In 1994, Santana walked into the same metaphysical bookstore in San Rafael in which he had connected with Metatron - and told the owner that he really dug the music that was playing. It was Afro Desia, which I recorded with Nigerian master drummer Suru.

Suru and I had, in fact, discussed having Santana play on one of the songs, but he was always on tour. After the album came out, we knew we should have been more persistent. Sometimes there's a fine line between being persistent and being a noodge. Ah, so. Maybe next time.

Internet Radio

I've only met a few people who are frequent Internet Radio listeners. How about you? Would you please email me and let me know if you are, and what you tune into?

In the meantime, it's more important than ever to have your own arsenal of vitamins of the airwaves. There are so many times I want to reach for just the right piece of music. It may only be for five minutes, but sometimes I just need a hit of Hendrix, or Coltrane, or Aretha. And I know I can't depend on a programmer somewhere randomly choosing to play that when I need it.

So, too, for the music I'm listening to as I type this. It's not only blocking out the noise of the cement mixer outside, but it's helping me focus my thoughts.

Where do you go to find - and buy - music? I'd love to hear back on that question, too. So many stores now allow you to listen before you buy, but they only have a limited selection.

I know many people have listened to samples of my albums on Amazon.com and CDNow.com. I've just switched Internet providers, and they promise to have streaming audio of entire songs on my site -- www.stevenhalpern.com - by the time you read this.

Meanwhile, I was speaking with Lloyd Barde, the guiding force behind the largest catalog of New Age, world and related recordings. For a copy of his latest catalog, which includes some of the 6,000 titles he carries, call 415 924 4848 or email to catalog@backroadsmusic.com or visit his new website: www.backroadsmusic.com too. (And he'd love to know how you heard about him.)

Steven Halpern is an award-winning composer, recording artist and sound healer of over 60 albums. For over 25 years, he has been an impassioned advocate of the healing powers of music for health, healing and spiritual growth. He has just established the Steven Halpern Foundation to help bring SOUND HEALING to a much wider audience in hospices, hospitals and schools. For more information on his music, visit him at his website at www.stevenhalpern.com or call 800 909 0707 for a free newsletter and catalog.

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