|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
This month's column features colorful music inspired by the turning of the celestial calendar to Spring. The icy grip of winter is easing up and it's almost time to play in the garden. What better way to celebrate the sun's reincarnation than with music that warms the soul and energizes the spirit? 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.
Various Artists
BEFORE THEIR TIME
(603-643-3441)
Before initiating any new beginning or activity, there must be time made for a reflection on what has gone before. In this case, celebrated singers like Tom Paxton and Sweet Honey in the Rock plus instrumentalists Jay Ungar and Russ Barenberg pay tribute to friends and family who have departed their mortal coil in favor of an ethereal existence. BEFORE THEIR TIME is a collection of memorial songs and music dedicated to those who died young, with the hope that it may bring comfort to people in mourning. Music has always played an important role in marking important transitions; here, the lyrics and strong melodies help release blocked feelings within the listener, enabling them to embrace their loss and pain in a positive manner. All emotions are valid in music: anger, grief, despair as well as nostalgia, yearning and remembrance. The tunes presented here explore how to come through the dark side of death into a place where celebrating the lives of those who have passed before can be made manifest. It is music that moves beyond sadness into Light, giving hope to the hearer as well as an outlet for expression (you can sing along with several pieces). Beautifully produced and including a wealth of supportive information in the accompanying booklet, BEFORE THEIR TIME is highly recommended to survivors and bereavement support groups. Note: All proceeds from sales go to Hospice VNH and the NH Youth Suicide Prevention Association.
Bill Douglas
ETERNITY'S SUNRISE
(Hearts of Space 415-331-3200)
This anthology celebrates the melodic gifts of Douglas, a celebrated composer/pianist who presents 14 favorite selections from his six best-selling albums. The first tune, "Heaven in a Wild Flower," sets the poetry of William Blake to an ethereal arrangement for the Ars Nova Singers mixed choir. The result is a bit like watching the dawn unfold, each voice resonating like newborn golden sunbeams before warm-sounding woodwinds heighten the dreamy effect. Such elevated combinations of voice and instrument can also be heard on "My Love is like a Red, Red Rose" and other poetic expressions inspired by Robert Burns and Emily Dickinson. Violins, bassoon, oboe and other instruments enhance most compositions, but one cannot overlook the delicate, pure beauty of the solo piano piece "Into the Twilight," during which Douglas concentrates the melody on the upper end of the ivories for a delicious, tinkly sound that radiates innocence. While alternating choral works drawn from British classical poets with solo and ensemble instrumentals may seem adventurous, it somehow all works and hangs together well, imparting a rarefied atmosphere that's pleasing to the ear.
Midori
BONSAI GARDEN
(New World Music 800-771-0987)
Is there any place more conducive to contemplation and meditation than the delicate beauty of a Japanese bonsai garden? The elegant lines, compelling textures and graceful sweeps of the miniature trees and flowering plants harmoniously transfixed against a backdrop of deep pools of still water present the viewer with the perfect setting for the ultimate communion with nature. Midori himself is an avid bonsai gardener who tends his golden koi fish and lily pads while playing this music, claiming that all life responds to beautiful, spiritually uplifting sounds. Indeed, the traditional instruments used here (bamboo flute, dragon drum, stringed lute) seem to be in blissful balance with the guitar, keyboards and wind chimes, and reflect the essential sense of peace found in the art of bonsai. Two extended 25-minute selections provide listeners with an opportunity to establish their own oasis of tranquility through meditation, contemplation or even massage.
Greg Ribot & Cumbia del Norte
THE INTERNATIONAL CONSPIRACY
(Cathexis Records 888-635-6392)
Want some fun music for your next patio party? Try cumbia! Originating on the Atlantic Coast of Colombia, this musical style has roots that dig deep into the fertile, creative soil of West African, Spanish and indigenous traditions. Over time, it has grown and flowered into a happy, dance-y sound that flaunts its mambo heritage proudly like a flounced skirt. On THE INTERNATIONAL CONSPIRACY, Ribot and company "conspire" to make music that tickles the ear with its supremely funky sound and a wide variety of multi-cultural colors expressed through a tasty hybrid of folkloric (siku, quena, charango) and contemporary (clarinet, trumpet, vibes) instruments. By mixing catchy, quirky melodies drawn from Andean, Argentine, Caribbean and Brazilian styles with popular cumbia rhythms, the boys in the band issue an irresistible invitation to celebrate whatever, whenever! These irresistible tunes are guaranteed to set feet to tapping for a long time to come
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.
Homepage