It's hard to talk about the spiritual dimensions of music without talking about Spirit, and yet, it's amazing how often that perspective is omitted when musicians speak about their creativity and their music.

One of the qualities that made New Age music "different" in its early days was that many of the artists described their process of composing as a "co-creative" act with an unseen writing partner, or what we have come to call "channeling."

Over the years, however, there have been a few books and films that have explored the topic, and in so doing, touched on the nature of genius. For example, consider the astonishing scene in the movie (and play) Amadeus. Remember when Mozart was sick in bed but actively composing, and Salieri was taking his "dictation?"

Why do so few people ask "Who was dictating to Mozart?"

Indeed, if you read Mozart's own letters, he describes that process quite clearly. Obviously, in his era, it wasn't politically correct; in fact the term "channeling" as we use it in this context hadn't even been invented yet.

When asked how he composes, Mozart wrote, "When I am by myself, walking in the woods, or sitting quietly, music fills my head. All I do is write down what I hear ... and thank God that it sounds 'Mozart-ian?"

So, imagine my surprise as I was scanning a feature profile of country star Alan Jackson in a recent Billboard magazine. He was describing how his emotionally evocative hit song Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning) came into being.

Jackson vividly recalls the morning he wrote the song. "It was Sunday, Oct. 28. I played a show down in Georgia Saturday night, and I flew home late.

II got up at three or four in the morning, and that's when the song (came), just out of nowhere ... I got up, came down here, and put it on a digital recorder. I just sang it, didn't even play guitar. I just sang the melody and lyrics right into the recorder and went back to bed.

"I got up the next morning, and the girls (his wife and three daughters) went to Sunday school while I finished writing the verses--It just came out."

"I think it was a gift, and I'm just a messenger for it. It's a very special song."

It's become one of the most talked about country songs in years. As I write this, I haven't yet heard it, but I'm going to check it out right after deadline.

Some of you might already be thinking that "it was nowhere" that the music came from, but isn't it extraordinary how many songwriters working in the pop and rock field, as well as country, new age and jazz, are sharing the story behind the music? Not all the music, all the time, but at least sometimes ... the peak experience times.

Years ago, Michael Murphy, co-founder of Esalen, the famous human potential workshop center in Big Sur, startled many of his readers by describing extraordinary moments of perception among sports figures, including football, golf, basketball and baseball players. These observations helped give rise to the concept of playing "in the zone."

But rarely is that perspective expanded to include musicians. I think we saw a lot of musicians "in the zone" playing live at the major fundraising concerts after September 11, but have you read much commentary on that in the mainstream press, or any other press, for that matter?

The Chill Factor

Recall how you felt when you watched these concerts ... these "celestine" occasions. Weren't there a few moments when you felt chills up and down your spine? Or the hair on the back of your neck stood up?

You knew, intuitively, that these were magic moments--and they were.

Magic is alive in music. And I salute Alan Jackson for being a messenger, and for acknowledging he didn't do it alone.

Those of you who are familiar with my album, Gifts of the Angels, will recall my liner notes described my experiences of "magic moments" in the recording studio over more than 20 years. Each song on this CD represents one of those windows into eternity, and if you haven't heard them, I humbly invite you to do so on my website.

Name that Tune

This month's award to the most creative use of a legendary jazz-rock masterpiece is the soundtrack of a series of TV ads for General Motors. Some of you may have remembered the title and wondered, "What ever happened to that great group?" (They took the concept of groups like Blood, Sweat and Tears, and Chicago, and improved upon it).

Can you name the tune and name the group--and what did happen to them?

First correct answer gets a copy of my latest CD, Cruise Control (which in fact has a subtle reference to this song hidden in the album, though it was recorded more than a year prior to the commercial airing.)

Until next time, stay tuned for the "chill factor"... you never know where you'll hear it!