Music by PJ Birosik

Steven Halpern
DEJA BLUES
(Inner Peace Music 800-909-0707)

Renowned as the father of New Age music, Halpern's keyboard-based relaxation and meditative recordings have been acclaimed for over 30 years as the pinnacle of the genre. But few people are aware that this renowned sound healer actually released one of the first-ever worldbeat (or "World Fusion") albums back in 1978; entitled HEAR TO ETERNITY. It was ahead of its time and, as a result, never found a wide audience. Well, popular taste has finally caught up to Steven Halpern's vision, and DEJA BLUES - a complete re-working of those decades-old tapes -- is ready to rock your world with mesmerizing ethnic hand-drum rhythms, sensual bamboo and golden flute solos by Schawkie Roth and Paul Horn, and trippy melody lines that will have you tapping your toes all day long. Helping to blend East with West are Halpern's own electric guitar and bass musings that stimulate reverie of other times and places, and lead his top-notch ensemble towards the ultimate sultry groove. A re-discovered gem freshly polished, this album doesn't only sparkle, it gleams with inner fire and zest for life.

Aral
ARAL(
(Higher Octave 800-5-OCTAVE)

French violinist Catherine Lara and Deep Forest keyboardist Eric Mouquet have produced a singularly remarkable recording: sensual, otherworldly, magical and utterly inspired in its depth, complexity and fearless emotional abandon. Aral craft tunes that reach outward, pulling in diverse cultural influences from Ireland, Turkey, Africa and the Slavic nations. The result is an elegant dance between melody and rhythm, where crystalline guitar solos wash over ripe and limber violin strains as insouciant percussion patter invites one to dance. The duo's symmetry is beautiful, taut and precarious as a high-wire ballet, especially on tracks like "Aral," with its deep, dark grooves and wild, Sufi-like accordion spin, the light and airy "Blue Dawn" and dramatic jazz fusion of "Eastern Land."

C.G. Deuter
SUN SPIRIT
(New Earth Records 505-466-2471)

Considering that his celebrated career now spans over 30 years, it is amazing that Deuter can still match his best efforts (including classics LAND OF ENCHANTMENT and CICADA). SUN SPIRIT is a luminous look at all things bright and beautiful, seen with eyes illumined with Divine inspiration. From the effervescent "Zauberwald" to the spacious tone poem, "White Bird, Blue Sky," Deuter fills each musical phrase with radiance; the sounds seem to glimmer and gleam with an inner light, spreading a blanket of warmth over the soul. While best known for focusing on the sound of silence in his previous work (most notably, in the crystalline sounds of NADA HIMALAYA), this proudly boisterous release is more a dance than a meditation, and a celebration of universal consciousness made manifest through music.

Wilkins and Allen Quartet
PETTY THEFT
(Cathexis Records 888-635-6392)

This is jazz performed with a playful insouciance by one of the hottest East Coast quartets. Heroic and sublime, intensely lyrical and swinging, the album features pianist Skip Wilkins displaying a Herbie Hancock-like virtuosity in a cool jazz setting as Jill Allen's flute sings of mentors like Stan Getz. With Grammy-nominated saxophonist David Liebman guesting, the group produce appealing sounds that are sweet and edgy, lyrical yet highly caffeinated. Crisp production paired with great tune writing makes for music that really hits the hot spot. Play it anytime you want to feel smart, sophisticated and savvy!

Michael Stearns and Ron Sunsinge
rSORCERER
(Spotted Peccary 760-942-1694)

Experience the shamanic otherworlds of Carlos Castaneda on this profound and surreal tribute to one of the most remarkable authors of the 20th century by two of its most compelling musicians. Ten beautifully textured, atmospheric soundfields establish an altered audio state perfect for dreamtime listening, deep meditation or intimate ritual work. Not for casual entertainment, this is a sonic tool for unlocking essential magick and consciousness. Each track is a musical representation of the Yaqui Way of Knowledge, a system of thought that completely shakes off the foundations of mundane life and routine. By blending electric guitar, bowed metal instruments, Native American flutes, wind harps, keyboards and voice, the duo open the doors of perception so listeners can hear non-ordinary reality for the first time ever.

Lila DownsT
REE OF LIFE
(Narada World)

This diva transforms great Mexican ballads, boleros and rancheras into dramatic interpretations of ancient Mixtec and Zapotec spiritual and mythic texts. If her choice of lyrical inspiration is surprising, the tonal qualities of her voice are even more so. Deep, dark and bitter like unsweetened chocolate, it is just as addictive on slow elegies like "Simuna" and "Xquenda." But after using her lower register to such remarkable effect, Downs then surprisingly switches to a higher, strident key in the samba-like "Arenita Azul." So flexible, alchemical and chameleon-like is her voice, it is hard to believe it is the same woman singing from tune to tune! She is a Latina reincarnation of Edith Piaf, blessed with an identically refined instrument and the same ability to sing from within the very essence of a tune.

Jim Nolet
ARCO VOZ
(Cathexis Records 888-635-6392)

Brazil's finest vocalists and percussionists blend enticingly with Nolet's smooth jazz violin to ignite a unique fusion that sounds completely contemporary while honoring the rich musical traditions of this sensual, sun-drenched country. Original compositions and standards vary in tempo, tone and mood from Antonio Jobim-ish love songs to carnaval celebrations. Recorded live in Sao Paolo, this great album stands apart from the average Getz/Gilberto product as it captures a more earthy, raw and truly authentic percussive sound than that typically heard in Brazilian recordings packaged for international export. A perfect blend of world music and timeless jazz styling, ARCO VOZ is super-chic ear-candy for the hip-at-heart.

David Parsons
PARIKRAMA
(Celestial Harmonies 520-326-4400)

In a fairly remote region of western Tibet stands the natural pyramidal mountain named Kailas; it is held to be a holy place according to Hindu, Buddhist and Bon tradition. Solitary, perpetually snow-crowned, the peak serves as the primal abode of Lord Shiva and other dieties; it is no wonder, therefore, that the parikrama (circumambulation or climb) to the summit is left only to the most hardy of pilgrims. Yet renowned synth composer Parsons has held a deep and abiding fascination for this site, and has beautifully, lovingly crafted a tribute to its spiritual renown and physical splendor on two CDs. The crystalline-hued tracks are intentionally quite long to give the listener a better feeling for the journey, and each sonic impression gives glimpses into reflections along the way. Listen to the turning of a large prayer wheel on "Inward Journey," experience a mile-high thunderstorm on the title track, and celebrate the fluttering of prayer flags on the summit as "Tarpoche" evokes the spirit of a festival. Running over two hours, this musical program is a brilliant aural adventure into the remote but warm heart of faith.

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 features some great titles released last year that somehow got overlooked amidst all the clutter on the review shelf. Hopefully this will encourage you, too, to get a jump start on spring cleaning, including going through that pile of magazine clippings stacked on your reading table and sweeping out the dust bunnies from under the bed! 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.

Steven Halpern DEJA BLUES (Inner Peace Music 800-909-0707) Renowned as the father of New Age music, Halpern's keyboard-based relaxation and meditative recordings have been acclaimed for over 30 years as the pinnacle of the genre. But few people are aware that this renowned sound healer actually released one of the first-ever worldbeat (or "World Fusion") albums back in 1978; entitled HEAR TO ETERNITY. It was ahead of its time and, as a result, never found a wide audience. Well, popular taste has finally caught up to Steven Halpern's vision, and DEJA BLUES - a complete re-working of those decades-old tapes -- is ready to rock your world with mesmerizing ethnic hand-drum rhythms, sensual bamboo and golden flute solos by Schawkie Roth and Paul Horn, and trippy melody lines that will have you tapping your toes all day long. Helping to blend East with West are Halpern's own electric guitar and bass musings that stimulate reverie of other times and places, and lead his top-notch ensemble towards the ultimate sultry groove. A re-discovered gem freshly polished, this album doesn't only sparkle, it gleams with inner fire and zest for life. Aral ARAL( (Higher Octave 800-5-OCTAVE) French violinist Catherine Lara and Deep Forest keyboardist Eric Mouquet have produced a singularly remarkable recording: sensual, otherworldly, magical and utterly inspired in its depth, complexity and fearless emotional abandon. Aral craft tunes that reach outward, pulling in diverse cultural influences from Ireland, Turkey, Africa and the Slavic nations. The result is an elegant dance between melody and rhythm, where crystalline guitar solos wash over ripe and limber violin strains as insouciant percussion patter invites one to dance. The duo's symmetry is beautiful, taut and precarious as a high-wire ballet, especially on tracks like "Aral," with its deep, dark grooves and wild, Sufi-like accordion spin, the light and airy "Blue Dawn" and dramatic jazz fusion of "Eastern Land." C.G. Deuter SUN SPIRIT (New Earth Records 505-466-2471) Considering that his celebrated career now spans over 30 years, it is amazing that Deuter can still match his best efforts (including classics LAND OF ENCHANTMENT and CICADA). SUN SPIRIT is a luminous look at all things bright and beautiful, seen with eyes illumined with Divine inspiration. From the effervescent "Zauberwald" to the spacious tone poem, "White Bird, Blue Sky," Deuter fills each musical phrase with radiance; the sounds seem to glimmer and gleam with an inner light, spreading a blanket of warmth over the soul. While best known for focusing on the sound of silence in his previous work (most notably, in the crystalline sounds of NADA HIMALAYA), this proudly boisterous release is more a dance than a meditation, and a celebration of universal consciousness made manifest through music. Wilkins and Allen Quartet PETTY THEFT (Cathexis Records 888-635-6392) This is jazz performed with a playful insouciance by one of the hottest East Coast quartets. Heroic and sublime, intensely lyrical and swinging, the album features pianist Skip Wilkins displaying a Herbie Hancock-like virtuosity in a cool jazz setting as Jill Allen's flute sings of mentors like Stan Getz. With Grammy-nominated saxophonist David Liebman guesting, the group produce appealing sounds that are sweet and edgy, lyrical yet highly caffeinated. Crisp production paired with great tune writing makes for music that really hits the hot spot. Play it anytime you want to feel smart, sophisticated and savvy! Michael Stearns and Ron Sunsinge rSORCERER (Spotted Peccary 760-942-1694) Experience the shamanic otherworlds of Carlos Castaneda on this profound and surreal tribute to one of the most remarkable authors of the 20th century by two of its most compelling musicians. Ten beautifully textured, atmospheric soundfields establish an altered audio state perfect for dreamtime listening, deep meditation or intimate ritual work. Not for casual entertainment, this is a sonic tool for unlocking essential magick and consciousness. Each track is a musical representation of the Yaqui Way of Knowledge, a system of thought that completely shakes off the foundations of mundane life and routine. By blending electric guitar, bowed metal instruments, Native American flutes, wind harps, keyboards and voice, the duo open the doors of perception so listeners can hear non-ordinary reality for the first time ever. Lila DownsT REE OF LIFE (Narada World) This diva transforms great Mexican ballads, boleros and rancheras into dramatic interpretations of ancient Mixtec and Zapotec spiritual and mythic texts. If her choice of lyrical inspiration is surprising, the tonal qualities of her voice are even more so. Deep, dark and bitter like unsweetened chocolate, it is just as addictive on slow elegies like "Simuna" and "Xquenda." But after using her lower register to such remarkable effect, Downs then surprisingly switches to a higher, strident key in the samba-like "Arenita Azul." So flexible, alchemical and chameleon-like is her voice, it is hard to believe it is the same woman singing from tune to tune! She is a Latina reincarnation of Edith Piaf, blessed with an identically refined instrument and the same ability to sing from within the very essence of a tune. Jim Nolet ARCO VOZ (Cathexis Records 888-635-6392) Brazil's finest vocalists and percussionists blend enticingly with Nolet's smooth jazz violin to ignite a unique fusion that sounds completely contemporary while honoring the rich musical traditions of this sensual, sun-drenched country. Original compositions and standards vary in tempo, tone and mood from Antonio Jobim-ish love songs to carnaval celebrations. Recorded live in Sao Paolo, this great album stands apart from the average Getz/Gilberto product as it captures a more earthy, raw and truly authentic percussive sound than that typically heard in Brazilian recordings packaged for international export. A perfect blend of world music and timeless jazz styling, ARCO VOZ is super-chic ear-candy for the hip-at-heart. David Parsons PARIKRAMA (Celestial Harmonies 520-326-4400) In a fairly remote region of western Tibet stands the natural pyramidal mountain named Kailas; it is held to be a holy place according to Hindu, Buddhist and Bon tradition. Solitary, perpetually snow-crowned, the peak serves as the primal abode of Lord Shiva and other dieties; it is no wonder, therefore, that the parikrama (circumambulation or climb) to the summit is left only to the most hardy of pilgrims. Yet renowned synth composer Parsons has held a deep and abiding fascination for this site, and has beautifully, lovingly crafted a tribute to its spiritual renown and physical splendor on two CDs. The crystalline-hued tracks are intentionally quite long to give the listener a better feeling for the journey, and each sonic impression gives glimpses into reflections along the way. Listen to the turning of a large prayer wheel on "Inward Journey," experience a mile-high thunderstorm on the title track, and celebrate the fluttering of prayer flags on the summit as "Tarpoche" evokes the spirit of a festival. Running over two hours, this musical program is a brilliant aural adventure into the remote but warm heart of faith. 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