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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.
Cani
SACRED RAINFOREST
(New Earth 505-466-2471)
Chile's Cani Sanctuary comprises ancient rain forests and crystal lagoons, but it is also one of those sacred power places that have the ability to re-energize the spirit of those fortunate enough to visit. Taking their inspiration as well as their name from this special destination, Cani presents soothing piano music lavishly accompanied by both classical (most notably flute and oboe) and ethnic instruments. Their melodies are like exotic ear candy, with restrained Latin percussion and south-of-the-border sensibilities melding into traditional New Age styling for a rejuvenating listening experience. Song titles like "Trails," "Mirror Lake" and "Shadows" invite the audience to roam freely within the music as it portrays the overwhelming sense of universal harmony to which the sanctuary is home. It's a trip well worth taking!
Esteban Ramirez
WELCOME HOME
(Descanso Music 323-938-0305)
Fans of George Winston, Jim Brickman and Danny Wright will savor the gentle, romantic and soothing sounds of this exceptionally talented composer. From the very first note, it is obvious that Ramirez is a master of the solo acoustic grand piano, one of those rare performers able to make a single instrument sound like an entire orchestra through the sheer emotive power of his lovely melodies. These sonorous selections tell complex stories that touch the heart in rare ways; that's because the composer has style, sensitivity and a soaring imagination that result in beautiful, spirit-lifting sounds of which one never tires. WELCOME HOME fills the soul and quiets the mind with memorable, flawlessly played piano instrumentals enhanced with just a touch of cello. Like sonic perfume, these tunes envelop you in a cocoon of calm, filling the room with a refreshingly peaceful atmosphere. This is music you can enjoy time and time and time again!
Zingaia
DANCERS OF TWILIGHT
(Sequoia 800-524-5513)
For some global grooves to move body and soul, look no further than the place where passion and mystery meet, as DANCERS OF TWILIGHT melds hypnotic female vocals, enlivening lyrics and percolating rhythms into a velvety-smooth soundscape. Following the success of BENEATH THE VEIL, composer Michael Breene, singer/lyricist Abbi Spinner and company follow their bliss on ten terrific tracks that embrace multitudinous mythologies. From the ecstatic love poetry of "Divine Flame" to the exotic rhythms of a "Shape Shifter" to the magickal appeal of "The Magus," there's plenty of sensuous groove to go around. Tempering the worldbeat rhythms are ambient-electronic synth washes; subtle processing on the rather childlike female vocal parts also gives a more contemporary feel to these otherwise timeless tunes. Dreamy, visionary and audio-erotic, the music will make you want to join these dancers long into the night.
Jeff Ball
CEDAR MOON
(Red Feather 800-456-5444)
The Native Americans of the plains called the full moon that rises on warm, clear spring nights a CEDAR MOON. It was thought to be a benevolent beacon that illuminated the way of secret lovers to midnight meetings, a silvery invitation to savor the sound of a little night music. Rustling through the trees, the voice of the cedar flute would serenade listeners with songs of romance. Jeff Ball, an exceptional cedar flutist comparable to R. Carlos Nakai or John Kevin Locke, takes a contemporary approach to his instrument, blending it here with smooth jazz ensemble, Native spoken word and rich, textural tonalities that sound both comfortably familiar and completely innovative. Sax, piano, guitar and bass give a nicely rounded, cool groove on "Concrete Canyon," heightened by some hot chant accents and bluesy flute solos. Also perfect for late night listening is the profoundly melodic, nostalgic "Pictures of Home" and the beautiful ballad, "Just Another Day." By blending the best of both Anglo and Native musical styles, Ball has come up with a uniquely sophisticated sound without losing the highly prized organic voice of the cedar flute in the mix. He plays with amazing depth of feeling, allowing his soul to rise within each note. Hearing such solo virtuosity within a tight ensemble setting is a rare treat, indeed.
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.
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