MUSIC REVIEWS 1988 - 1999 by Michael Riversong
This music review project has a specific purpose, which is to bring out music having special qualities. Music is a powerful tool for healing and environmental enhancement. However, a lot of good things get lost in today's shuffle of hype and overpromotion. Many music reviewers seem dedicated to trying to be funny by viciously slamming as much music as possible. As a practicing musician, performer, and recording artist, I know what goes into the process, and have always felt someone with this knowledge ought to be letting people know what's going on in the music world. These reviews were first published in various small magazines, all of which have gone out of business. Putting them on the web allows you to browse, and find music of timeless value for your collection. Please contact the addresses listed with the reviews to order the selections. If you find that something listed here is no longer available, please let me know right away. Also, if you have any other comments, feel free to email me at: mriversong@earthlink.net
Most of the albums reviewed here fit into the category called "Extended Classical". Some music industry people had created a label called "New Age" for this music, but it never has fit well. A big part of the problem is that people creating Extended Classical music all over the world come from a variety of religious backgrounds. The term "New Age" has been associated with a certain spiritual movement, which is somewhat incompatible with the doctrines of many specific groups. To apply a label to music which was intended for a particular spiritual movement has done a disservice to the artists involved. That's why this new label has come up, since people must have labels for their music.
You won't find negative reviews in this series. If I don't like something, it simply isn't reviewed. If an album is nice, but doesn't seem to particularly do anything for people, it will usually be skipped. You will find things here by both well-known and unknown artists. It is my hope that you will find the albums reviewed here useful additions to your environment.
These music reviews are provided for informational and entertainment purposes. Although health conditions may be mentioned, any recommendation along those lines must be confirmed by a legally constituted health professional.
Eliza Gilkyson
Pilgrims
P.O. Box 9858
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504
Occasionally,
a song comes out which is so compelling, it remains in memory for a lifetime. "Calling
All Angels" is such a song. Its message is essential for our times, and one
we can all benefit from. The other selections on this album are also excellent,
especially in the lyrics. Eliza's music can actually help people come to a
higher awareness of other beings. 10/95
Native Ground
Where the Wild Salmon Run
Raven Records
P.O. Box
2034
Red Bank, New Jersey 07701
Seriously enjoy this album. It is a
good ensemble collection built around the Australian Digeridu, hand drums, and
guitar. It supplies a firm, dynamic energy background, and has already proven
excellent to play while doing office work. Could also see it used as a great
background for conversation among friends. 10/95
David & Steve Gordon
Sacred Earth Drums
Sequoia Records
Topanga, California
800-524-5513
Peaceful drums? I love the concept.
Drums are considered by many musical scholars to be the original musical
instruments on this planet. That may be. We certainly can feel a primal energy
from good drumming. The playing on this recording is delicate and centered.
Excellent for active working, without over-exertion. Natural sounds, especially
bird calls, help create the proper atmosphere. I especially suggest this for
people who must spend too much time in urban environments. 10/95
TIME DREAMS -- Bruce BecVar Gus Swigert Management
1537 Fourth St. #197
San
Rafael, California 94901
(800)727-6568
In a world of sound-alike jazz
musicians jamming the "Adult Alternative" airwaves, Bruce BecVar
always manages to keep his own distinctive feel. His music is varied, full, and
melodic. There can be no question in anyone's mind of his status as a master
musician. I noticed the effects of this album were generally calming. It would
be especially useful as a background to any kind of computer work, and also for
doing household chores. Might as well dance through that stuff. 8/95
Dream Suite -- by Suzanne Ciani
Musica International
20 Sunnyside
Ave. # A 197
Mill Valley, California 94941
Pure Classical music is
alive and well on this album. You will find a great refinement of the form
here. People who like the music of Johannes Brahms will feel right at home with
Suzanne's new work. A group of Russian musicians ably assists her in this
venture.
A sense of patience is embodied here. This is the timeless
patience of someone who knows the spiritual nature of life, and has the ability
to continue a worthwhile project in spite of all obstacles. (This reminds me of
some of the embattled ranchers around Cheyenne.) It has been several years
since Suzanne last recorded, and the delays were due to business, not artistic
problems. This is an especially frustrating situation for a great composer, yet
Suzanne has weathered this period well, and come through it with her highly
refined artistic abilities intact.
Nikola Tesla once said, "when the
genius of women is unleashed, civilization will truly begin." Suzanne's
music is a great step forward for our civilization. 12/95
Oceans of Love -- by Celestial Winds
Universal Music
10625 Whipple
St.
N. Hollywood, California 91602
800-566-2862
When listening to
this album, I kept thinking of the Navajo prayer, which contains the phrase "In
Beauty will you walk". The creation of this beauty seems effortless here.
Electric Celtic Harp and Recorders form the foundation of this music, with
several other instruments layered over. Many of the melodies are simple, which
adds to the allure of this album. It is actually difficult to use simple
melodies when one is very good at playing an instrument. There is always the
temptation to "jazz things up" a little, show off abilities, and make
everything more complicated than it needs to be. Lisa Franco and David Young
are truly masters of music, in that they are able to keep it simple but
intelligent.
The entire album has a romantic feel. It works well for
intimacy. If you know someone about to get married, get this album as a wedding
present. You will be greatly appreciated for doing so. 12/95
Bruce BecVar -- The Magic of Healing (3-tape set), also available as a CD
Gus
Swigert Management
1537 Fourth St. #197
San Rafael, California 94901
800-727-6568
Saying
something is one of the most important musical events of this century sounds
like a lot of hype. In this case, however, it is true. Awareness of Ayurvedic
medicine, which dates back thousands of years in India, has been growing in this
country. This awareness has largely been the result of work by Dr. Deepak
Chopra, M.D., who combined solid medical credentials with ancient knowledge, and
had the ability to communicate the basics of this healing system to people.
More importantly, the system works much better than conventional medicine,
especially on conditions like overweight, asthma, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,
which normal doctors generally cannot treat successfully.
Until now, the
only music which related to this system came from India. Most Americans could
not connect with it, because it sounds too weird until you get used to it.
Bruce BecVar has changed all that. He has found a way to solidly integrate
Western music with the ancient healing principles of India. From a technical
standpoint, this is a monumental achievement, because translating between
India's musical system and ours is a difficult task. The fact that this music
is great for listening makes his achievement even greater. If you heard these
pieces out of context, you would simply think they were among the best
contemporary instrumental music you had ever experienced. When used as part of
the Ayurvedic system, you may experience results.
Details of the healing
system are already written up in many sources, including excellent books by Dr.
Deepak Chopra and Dr. Vasant Lad. Reading these books will help you get more
out of the tapes. This three-tape set is designed to be played according to a
schedule, just as ancient music of India was structured. However, due to a
particular health condition, one may want to play a tape at a different time, to
generate a certain effect. Here are some effects noted from using the tapes:
VATA:
helps when one needs to slow down, or regulate life better. Also used Side 2 a
couple of times to help go to sleep after hectic evenings. It can have a
positive effect on breathing problems, and it did once help me get over a cold
quickly.
PITTA: a definite calming effect. This was especially useful in
Denver's rush-hour traffic. Playing this tape on longer drives has also worked
out very well. Alertness is increased, and the driver can remain calmly in
control.
KAPHA: energizing. Will blow out laziness. Use it first thing in
the morning when you really need to get something done. Highly recommended for
combatting Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and for exercising. 1/96
Gabrielle Roth & the Mirrors -- Tongues
Raven Records
P.O. Box
2034
Red Bank, New Jersey 07701
Here's a cooking little album of "world
music". It has been getting played a lot around the office and for
friends. Several songs are unusually memorable. My own favorite is "Silver
Desert Cafe", which has a distinctive moving bass line. I always dance
when it comes up. Towards the end of the album, the pace slows down
considerably, which makes it a good choice for late evening. The unusual
combination of instruments from all over the world, plus some occasional light
vocals woven into the music, should give you interesting dreams. 1/96
Nine Daughters by Vince Madison
P.O. Box 662
Golden, Colorado 80402
Simplicity
is a value too often left out of music. A simple solo piano album is a great
contrast to the usual lush synthesizer layered extravaganzas we see so much of
these days. Vince is an able musician, and can evoke a great amount of contrast
from just one instrument. In an interview, Vince said, "Everyone asks me
if i really have that many daughters. Of course not, but you could say that
each musical composition is kind of a child of its composer."
Each one
of these pieces has a distinctive character. And each, just like one's own
daughter, possesses a unique beauty. On casual listening, you will find this
album very relaxing. With deeper listening, intellectually stimulating and
contrasting patterns emerge which make this album a worthwhile investment. 4/96
The Waterways Album by Lightstream -- David Wheatley
Freshwater Records
P.O.
Box 27713
Los Angeles, California 90027
1-800-776-8932
David
Wheatley composes in the Extended Classical genre. In this album, he brings
together seven other top-notch musicians to play a suite of 14 compositions.
Each part is an impression of a pleasant piece of life. From the start of the
album, you can feel the buoyancy and expansiveness of the music, lifting you up
into a better world.
David believes that life can work, and that progress is
possible. Part of making life work is to focus on those beautiful moments which
come along unexpectedly, and use them to carry you through rough times. He
reflects this in the music, which is quite an achievement for a fully
instrumental work. 7/96
Sons of Somerled -- Steve McDonald
Etherean Music
Littleton,
Colorado
800-453-8437
Somerled was the legendary ancestor of Clan
Donald, who saved the Western Isles from Viking depredations in the 12th
Century. In this album, a mixture of traditional and original songs traces the
rise of the clan from the first Lord of the Isles to the present day. Woven
within the work is a vivid depiction of ancient Scottish religious beliefs --
possibly the best such illustration ever put to music.
What drives this
album is the beauty of the singing and poetry. McDonald has a rich, mature
voice, which soars over his excellent synthesizer arrangements. Even though
synthesizer is the primary instrument, the music has a pleasing sound, and forms
a good foundation for the great achievement of this Bard. 7/96
Into the Wind by Serah
Great Northern Arts
Box 675 Union School Road
Middletown, New York 10940
Magic still happens in this Universe. Serah's
album is living proof. Waves of beauty are released from above, cascading onto
the listener in colors too bright to be named. That's the power of her music.
One of the most extraordinary things about this album is that the words could
stand alone as poetry, and be regarded as equal to many great works of
literature from years past. These words are intensely spiritual, and uplifting
in themselves. When coupled with the lush, magnificent synthesizer and
orchestral arrangements, this becomes an album which can allow you to transcend
the boundaries of time and space. 10/96
Twelve Twelve -- The Miracle of Tepeyac by Kenny Passarelli
Elation
Artists
9200 W. Cross Drive #510
Littleton, Colorado 80123
(800)453-8437
Miracles
can happen just about anywhere, any time. One of the most significant miracles
in history was the appearance of the Virgin Mary to a peasant named Juan Diego
in Tepeyac, Mexico on December 12, 1531. This vision had tremendous historical
significance, as it made the acceptance of Christianity by several Indian tribes
possible. This miracle, accompanied by an unseasonable falling of roses, struck
into the hearts of almost every Catholic on this side of the planet, and still
inspires many today.
Kenny Passarelli has created a magnificent achievement
here, translating this miracle into modern musical terms. Throughout the lush
and full arrangements is a pleasant Spanish-Mexican flavor. The way he does it,
this instrumental music is accessible to all. This album has the potential to
bridge gaps in religious understanding, just as the original miracle of Tepeyac
did. Therefore, it makes a perfect gift among those seeking reconciliation in a
family. 10/96
Reflections of Hope by Joyce Handler
Healing Art
600 North Mountain
Avenue # B-205
Upland, California 91786
(909)980-5247
From the
first note of this work, I was captivated by the simplicity and beauty of an
extraordinary musician. I had to know more about this person, and arranged an
interview with her. Joyce has worked many years as a music teacher and
evangelical Christian performer. After observing how music was a catalyst for
the personal growth of many students, she took several years off from music to
obtain a Doctorate degree in psychology from a Christian school in California.
Then, she returned to music and released this album. She knows more about music
than most people would imagine existed, and employs that knowledge in a generous
and powerful manner. Her intention is to create music which produces hopeful
images in the listener, and in that she succeeds. 10/96
Edges of the Soul by Harold Moses
Crucible Sound
P.O. Box 19191
Boulder,
Colorado 80308
(303)784-5941
Relaxation is essential at times,
especially when you need to assess your situation and think up some new ways to
use the gifts you have. Harold Moses has put together one of the most relaxing
albums of all time. He plays the Viola, which looks exactly like a Violin, only
bigger. It has a smooth, deep, resonant sound, free of all the irritating
overtones commonly associated with the smaller instrument. Over a background of
beautiful synthesized orchestral arrangements, these melodies are a perfect
complement for any activity which can benefit from a relaxed physical and mental
state.
Obviously, a lot of thought went into this masterwork. It follows a
deliberately structured cycle of melodies which invoke the entire process of
creation, continuing, and ending. In the ending is an echo of the beginning,
ready for a new creation. 11/96
Winds of Honor by Gary Stroutsos
Makoche Music
P.O. Box 2756
Bismarck,
North Dakota 58502
E-Mail: makoche@aol.com
Each tribe
on this planet has a special gift of some kind. Stroutsos has travelled
extensively among several North American tribes, and put together a dynamic
collection of flute songs from several traditions. Each song stands on its own
as a work of art, and taken together, the album has a good flow among the widely
varying styles exhibited. Some of the songs are traditional, learned from
tribal elders, and others are original compositions. The arrangements include
traditional Native American group singing, drums, and a few other instruments to
add color.
This album worked well as gentle background music, never being
obtrusive but always interesting. Closer listening revealed an album of great
sensitivity and complexity, with a lot of beautiful ideas packed into a small
space. It certainly stands out among the large number of Native American flute
albums now flooding the market. 11/96
Islands Calling by Magical Strings
EarthBeat! Traveler
P.O. Box 1460
Redway,
California 95560
800-346-4445
One of the greatest gifts of this planet
is its thousands of islands, scattered through lakes, rivers, and oceans. This
group of great musicians picked out a few of the most fascinating islands and
wove their musical traditions together into a solidly upbeat celebration of
life.
Instrumentation includes guitar, cello, violin, synthesizer, flute,
drums, and harp, along with a variety of other folk instruments from several
islands. It is rare to find a group which successfully can integrate the sound
of the harp into its work, and Magical Strings has done extremely well. Musical
influences from Ireland, Madagascar, Maui, and several other places are woven
into this album. Overall, there is a great joy, lots of good rhythm, and an
upbeat mood ideal for parties and salon evenings. This music stimulates a sense
of optimism. 11/96
For a special article on using music as an anesthetic, click here.
If you have music commercially available that you would like reviewed, feel
free to send it to:
Michael Riversong
4750 Wheaton Dr. #30-A
Ft. Collins, Colorado 80525
mriversong@earthlink.net"