Music by PJ Birosik

Ken Davis
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
(Inspired Music c/o Musica Obscura, 800-655-8563)

Australia's leading new age artist has over 20 albums available, and his newest brings a constant happiness to the heart. CELEBRATION OF LIFE is a vibrant, colorful and delightful expression of the zest to be alive, as well as a showcase of how music can intuitively touch people. Perhaps this is not so surprising, as Davis receives the melodies of his music when he enters into an alpha state of mind; in this dream-like consciousness, he sits at the piano and spontaneously improvises songs like "Holding Your Hand," which has a creamy smooth jazz groove paired with a highly romantic melody line. On "Land Far Away," didgeridoo performed by renowned maestro Ash (Tulku) Dargan completes the lyrical theme in harmony with the grace and beauty of Davis's piano. "Atlantis" is a dramatic balance between the rhythm section and an angelic choir that adds much subtle beauty to the tune. Davis' use of arpeggiated chords in rhythm and octaves provide a melodic structure that makes CELEBRATION OF LIFE stand out from other new age recordings. This technique — blended with orchestral backing and tasty guest performances on sax, acoustic guitar and percussion–makes CELEBRATION OF LIFE a joyful noise indeed.

David Burgess
SILVER NUGGETS & FOOL'S GOLD
(Tritone, 888-635-6392)

Hailed by the legendary Andrés Segovia as "an artist of music with a magnificent technique," guitar maestro David Burgess is rapidly gaining a huge international following for his flashy scale passages, crisp resgueados and exciting six-string style that melds incendiary flamenco flourishes with worldbeat rhythms and classical craftsmanship. Through his extensive travels in Latin America, Burgess has uncovered some of the finest guitar repertoire from the past, along with contemporary masterworks that combine the continent's fiesty blend of Spanish, Portuguese, African and indigenous rhythms. Reflecting this diversity, the music on SILVER NUGGETS & FOOL'S GOLD features a variety of innovative arrangements celebrated in their native lands. Whether playing Brazilian sambas, Argentine tangos or ancient Incan melodies, his solo instrument takes on the characteristics of a symphony. At times making his guitar resonate like a Venezuelan harp, then imitating ethnic percussion instruments, the sheer dexterity of his fingers and breadth of his imagination is unmatched. There is such passion here, such depth of emotion, that one could listen to this album over and over again, and still hear something new. A bonus - the colorful "smiling macaw with papaya guitar" cover art really pleases the eye and brings a bit of tropical heat to all of us in the midst of winter.

Robin Butterfield & Llewellyn
HEALING MASSAGE
(New World Music, 800-771-0987)

To perform massage, it is necessary to have a sound knowledge of anatomy and physiology. It is also desirable to possess a keen sense of hearing, since selecting the right music to play during a session can demonstrably add to the benefit the client receives. Butterfield is one of England's leading naturopaths and osteopaths; working in conjunction with noted Reiki practitioner and gem healer Llewellyn, he has created the ideal album for virtually any therapeutic treatment. Using a relaxing, even tempo from beginning to end (no unexpectedly loud or overly quiet passages), the duo present an hour of continuously soothing music with gently arpeggiated piano, soft strings and flutes that imparts a wonderful feeling of renewal and upliftment. No nature sounds are featured, since some people find them distracting. Unlike many therapeutic albums, this one is best played at low volume levels, making it perfect for home and office use. The deluxe digipak presentation with expanded, full-color booklet contains many resources perfect for the layperson or massage students and teachers.

Marilynn Seits
MEDITATIONS ALONG
THE SILK ROAD
(CMR Moongate, 561-798-8990)

It's the path of legend, the dusty highway to undreamt-of riches, the trail to true adventure: the mystical Silk Road, trade route of Eurasia. Now listeners can savor the exotic rhythms, exquisite melodies and mystic themes as Marilynn Seits brings to music her own excursion into the heart of China. Seits is one of the most fascinating female composers working today, comparing favorably to pioneers Constance Demby and Wendy Carlos; but it's her arrangements for acoustic instruments - the way she layers and sweeps her sounds — that open up endless vistas for the imagination. The use of both Asian and Western instruments really sets the stage for reverie, as the piano becomes the anchor around which more exotic instruments float. "A Garden in Kashgar" begins with sitar and flute for several minutes before the piano slowly comes in. Eventually the sitar and flute fade out and the piano is heard solo for several minutes, but this happens so gradually that you don't notice it until the piano begins to fade out and sitar and flute come back in again to repeat the original theme. This artful blend of spice and spaciousness is kept throughout all six tracks, conveying a sense of timelessness to the music, and heightening its ability to stimulate strong feelings.

Cedar Wind
KINDRED SPIRITS
(Laughing Cat, 888-523-2287)

Cedar Wind is a unique collaboration that fuses Christine Ibach's traditional Native American flutes and Al Jewer's classical silver flutes into instrumental melodies that range from deeply contemplative to positively effervescent with joy. Together, Ibach's Cree heritage and Jewer's French lineage produce a combination of music and culture that reflects historical tradition, yet makes a new sound that is sure to please listeners of all ages. Compared to Cedar Wind's debut, FEATHER ON THE WIND, this new recording features more individual solo playing and many lively rhythms. Their signature style also expands to encompass world instruments like African kalimba, South American tongue drum, Tibetan singing bowl, crystal glass pan flute, and other ethnic sounds. Of particulate note is the use of the "Kindred Spirits" flute on the title track. This is a one-of-a-kind, double Native flute made from two identical instruments joined in the middle with a special chamber where the two tones combine to produce a very special harmonic resonance. Other stand-out tracks include "Little Wing" with its sonorous Japanese and Italian bell accents, and the completely captivating "Heartbeat Calling."

SEASONAL RECORDINGS

Brent Lewis
JUNGLE BELLS
(Brent Lewis Productions, 760-366-9540)

This colorfully packaged, fun recording is the first-ever, all-drum Christmas CD! Eight holiday favorites like "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," "Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" are cleverly arranged for a variety of hand drums supported by appealing African rhythms. Of course, you'd expect one of the stand-out tracks to be "The Little Drummer Boy;" still, Lewis manages to surprise and delight. Giving this old chestnut a fresh new voice, deeply resonate Ikauma drums replace the typically tinny snares with beautifully fluid results. This idea works equally well for "Jingle Bells," in which the customary sleigh bells are joined by a red-hot drum riff that presents the melody line with plenty of rolling, log tone rhythms. Certainly one of the most innovative holiday recordings ever, JINGLE BELLS will appeal to all ages.

Lara & Reyes
NAVIDAD
(Higher Octave, 310-589-1515)

Tons of toes will be tappin' this winter, thanks to the perky Latin rhythms given to 18 seasonal tunes by sensational Latin guitar duo Lara & Reyes. Long praised for their passionate, emotive and artistic guitar-guitar and guitar-mandolin compositions, the pair now turn their talents towards tunes like "Winter Wonderland," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Angels We Have Heard on High" with remarkable results. But what's really impressive is how they’ve balanced the uptempo fare with intimate arrangements of cherished ballads, including the bluesy "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," a Spanish folk rendition of "Away in a Manager," and a haunting version of "What Child is This." These last three feature some gorgeous mandolin work as well as sweet guitar strings. Finishing up the album is a quirky arrangement of "Auld Lang Sine" which will have the house rockin' well into the new year.

Various Artists
PRAYER FOR PEACE
(SilverWave, 303-443-5617)

Featuring a free 2001 color calendar, this spirited Native American music collection finds Joanne Shenandoah, Robert Mirabal, Mary Youngblood and others putting a unique spin on the season. The music ranges from purely peaceful instrumentals to happy harmonies, with plenty of heartfelt performances from some of today's most popular indigenous artists.

Todd Denman
A CELTIC PEACE
(Aniar, 415-759-8370)

Highly regarded in Ireland as one of America's foremost Uillean pipers, Denman's versatile sound is bolstered by guitar, organ, piano, keyboards and bodhran (Irish hand drum) on contemplative tunes like the classic "Danny Boy" as well as rarely heard repertoire that draws from timeless folk traditions. Listen for African percussion on the Denman original, "Dancing with Africa."

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 member of the Board of Directors 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.

This month's column is dedicated to the spirit of giving, whether it is bringing someone a specially-selected gift of music or simply spreading an aura of good cheer by playing holiday recordings designed to uplift and relax. As always, if you have trouble finding these or any music recording reviewed in The Monthly Aspectarian at your local retailer, please call the phone number listed next to the record company's name for more information. And happy holidays!

	Ken Davis CELEBRATION OF LIFE (Inspired Music c/o Musica Obscura, 800-655-8563) Australia's leading new age artist has over 20 albums available, and his newest brings a constant happiness to the heart. CELEBRATION OF LIFE is a vibrant, colorful and delightful expression of the zest to be alive, as well as a showcase of how music can intuitively touch people. Perhaps this is not so surprising, as Davis receives the melodies of his music when he enters into an alpha state of mind; in this dream-like consciousness, he sits at the piano and spontaneously improvises songs like "Holding Your Hand," which has a creamy smooth jazz groove paired with a highly romantic melody line. On "Land Far Away," didgeridoo performed by renowned maestro Ash (Tulku) Dargan completes the lyrical theme in harmony with the grace and beauty of Davis's piano. "Atlantis" is a dramatic balance between the rhythm section and an angelic choir that adds much subtle beauty to the tune. Davis' use of arpeggiated chords in rhythm and octaves provide a melodic structure that makes CELEBRATION OF LIFE stand out from other new age recordings. This technique — blended with orchestral backing and tasty guest performances on sax, acoustic guitar and percussion–makes CELEBRATION OF LIFE a joyful noise indeed. David Burgess SILVER NUGGETS & FOOL'S GOLD (Tritone, 888-635-6392) Hailed by the legendary Andrés Segovia as "an artist of music with a magnificent technique," guitar maestro David Burgess is rapidly gaining a huge international following for his flashy scale passages, crisp resgueados and exciting six-string style that melds incendiary flamenco flourishes with worldbeat rhythms and classical craftsmanship. Through his extensive travels in Latin America, Burgess has uncovered some of the finest guitar repertoire from the past, along with contemporary masterworks that combine the continent's fiesty blend of Spanish, Portuguese, African and indigenous rhythms. Reflecting this diversity, the music on SILVER NUGGETS & FOOL'S GOLD features a variety of innovative arrangements celebrated in their native lands. Whether playing Brazilian sambas, Argentine tangos or ancient Incan melodies, his solo instrument takes on the characteristics of a symphony. At times making his guitar resonate like a Venezuelan harp, then imitating ethnic percussion instruments, the sheer dexterity of his fingers and breadth of his imagination is unmatched. There is such passion here, such depth of emotion, that one could listen to this album over and over again, and still hear something new. A bonus - the colorful "smiling macaw with papaya guitar" cover art really pleases the eye and brings a bit of tropical heat to all of us in the midst of winter. Robin Butterfield & Llewellyn HEALING MASSAGE (New World Music, 800-771-0987) To perform massage, it is necessary to have a sound knowledge of anatomy and physiology. It is also desirable to possess a keen sense of hearing, since selecting the right music to play during a session can demonstrably add to the benefit the client receives. Butterfield is one of England's leading naturopaths and osteopaths; working in conjunction with noted Reiki practitioner and gem healer Llewellyn, he has created the ideal album for virtually any therapeutic treatment. Using a relaxing, even tempo from beginning to end (no unexpectedly loud or overly quiet passages), the duo present an hour of continuously soothing music with gently arpeggiated piano, soft strings and flutes that imparts a wonderful feeling of renewal and upliftment. No nature sounds are featured, since some people find them distracting. Unlike many therapeutic albums, this one is best played at low volume levels, making it perfect for home and office use. The deluxe digipak presentation with expanded, full-color booklet contains many resources perfect for the layperson or massage students and teachers. Marilynn Seits MEDITATIONS ALONG THE SILK ROAD (CMR Moongate, 561-798-8990) It's the path of legend, the dusty highway to undreamt-of riches, the trail to true adventure: the mystical Silk Road, trade route of Eurasia. Now listeners can savor the exotic rhythms, exquisite melodies and mystic themes as Marilynn Seits brings to music her own excursion into the heart of China. Seits is one of the most fascinating female composers working today, comparing favorably to pioneers Constance Demby and Wendy Carlos; but it's her arrangements for acoustic instruments - the way she layers and sweeps her sounds — that open up endless vistas for the imagination. The use of both Asian and Western instruments really sets the stage for reverie, as the piano becomes the anchor around which more exotic instruments float. "A Garden in Kashgar" begins with sitar and flute for several minutes before the piano slowly comes in. Eventually the sitar and flute fade out and the piano is heard solo for several minutes, but this happens so gradually that you don't notice it until the piano begins to fade out and sitar and flute come back in again to repeat the original theme. This artful blend of spice and spaciousness is kept throughout all six tracks, conveying a sense of timelessness to the music, and heightening its ability to stimulate strong feelings. Cedar Wind KINDRED SPIRITS (Laughing Cat, 888-523-2287) Cedar Wind is a unique collaboration that fuses Christine Ibach's traditional Native American flutes and Al Jewer's classical silver flutes into instrumental melodies that range from deeply contemplative to positively effervescent with joy. Together, Ibach's Cree heritage and Jewer's French lineage produce a combination of music and culture that reflects historical tradition, yet makes a new sound that is sure to please listeners of all ages. Compared to Cedar Wind's debut, FEATHER ON THE WIND, this new recording features more individual solo playing and many lively rhythms. Their signature style also expands to encompass world instruments like African kalimba, South American tongue drum, Tibetan singing bowl, crystal glass pan flute, and other ethnic sounds. Of particulate note is the use of the "Kindred Spirits" flute on the title track. This is a one-of-a-kind, double Native flute made from two identical instruments joined in the middle with a special chamber where the two tones combine to produce a very special harmonic resonance. Other stand-out tracks include "Little Wing" with its sonorous Japanese and Italian bell accents, and the completely captivating "Heartbeat Calling." SEASONAL RECORDINGS Brent Lewis JUNGLE BELLS (Brent Lewis Productions, 760-366-9540) This colorfully packaged, fun recording is the first-ever, all-drum Christmas CD! Eight holiday favorites like "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," "Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" are cleverly arranged for a variety of hand drums supported by appealing African rhythms. Of course, you'd expect one of the stand-out tracks to be "The Little Drummer Boy;" still, Lewis manages to surprise and delight. Giving this old chestnut a fresh new voice, deeply resonate Ikauma drums replace the typically tinny snares with beautifully fluid results. This idea works equally well for "Jingle Bells," in which the customary sleigh bells are joined by a red-hot drum riff that presents the melody line with plenty of rolling, log tone rhythms. Certainly one of the most innovative holiday recordings ever, JINGLE BELLS will appeal to all ages. Lara & Reyes NAVIDAD (Higher Octave, 310-589-1515) Tons of toes will be tappin' this winter, thanks to the perky Latin rhythms given to 18 seasonal tunes by sensational Latin guitar duo Lara & Reyes. Long praised for their passionate, emotive and artistic guitar-guitar and guitar-mandolin compositions, the pair now turn their talents towards tunes like "Winter Wonderland," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Angels We Have Heard on High" with remarkable results. But what's really impressive is how they’ve balanced the uptempo fare with intimate arrangements of cherished ballads, including the bluesy "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," a Spanish folk rendition of "Away in a Manager," and a haunting version of "What Child is This." These last three feature some gorgeous mandolin work as well as sweet guitar strings. Finishing up the album is a quirky arrangement of "Auld Lang Sine" which will have the house rockin' well into the new year. Various Artists PRAYER FOR PEACE (SilverWave, 303-443-5617) Featuring a free 2001 color calendar, this spirited Native American music collection finds Joanne Shenandoah, Robert Mirabal, Mary Youngblood and others putting a unique spin on the season. The music ranges from purely peaceful instrumentals to happy harmonies, with plenty of heartfelt performances from some of today's most popular indigenous artists. Todd Denman A CELTIC PEACE (Aniar, 415-759-8370) Highly regarded in Ireland as one of America's foremost Uillean pipers, Denman's versatile sound is bolstered by guitar, organ, piano, keyboards and bodhran (Irish hand drum) on contemplative tunes like the classic "Danny Boy" as well as rarely heard repertoire that draws from timeless folk traditions. Listen for African percussion on the Denman original, "Dancing with Africa." 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 member of the Board of Directors 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.



			by PJ Birosik