FEATURE: Soundings of the Planet: A Journey From Video Pioneers to New Age Music and Mindful Meditation

Over 50 years ago in 1970, a young couple -- Dean and Dudley Evenson -- got their first video camera, the Sony Portapack, and they literally helped launch a revolution in portable video. This was the first time that everyday people could videotape what was going on in their lives. Prior to that, only a few television channels made video but suddenly the power of media was in the hands of the people.

However, since there were hardly any playback decks in the country and that period pre-dated VCRs, DVDs and the internet, there were virtually no distribution outlets beyond a few Public Access cable TV shows. Now of course with smart phones, YouTube and social media, video can be easily created and shared.

They traveled the country, seeking, observing, and attending  events of the time. They were mindful of the changing times, and gathered countless hours of footage with artists and gurus alike.  Here is one of the most recently released archive stories:

Chief Frank Fools Crow (c. 1890-1989) was a spiritual and civic leader of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) tribe living on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. He worked tirelessly to preserve tribal sovereignty and treaty rights and led the traditional faction during the 1973 Wounded Knee Occupation. He hosted the first ever negotiations with tribal members and White House representatives on his land. Dean Evenson and the video team had traveled to South Dakota then to videotape the standoff. When the occupation ended, Dean stayed in South Dakota for a month, learning from elders and tribal members about their traditions, their respect for the planet, as well as the challenges they faced. 

Founding the record label...

In 1979, husband and wife team and Soundings of the Planet co-founders, Dean and Dudley Evenson, decided to blend their peaceful music of flute and harp with the sounds of nature and start their own record label. They wanted to carry the message of the earth through their music into urban areas where decisions about the planet were being made. This inspiration came to them directly from their contacts with Native American elders and medicine people. They were also motivated to create a more peaceful and meditative form of music that would support yoga and massage and their evolving spiritual path. 

This anniversary video tells the tale...

Music of Peace and Healing...

In this interview, the couple speak with sitar master Deobrat Mishra from his home in Varanasi, India on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. Deobrat represents the 11th generation of the Benares Gharana vocal lineage. India’s rich heritage of music is at risk of being lost so to preserve this precious legacy, Deobrat and his family formed the Mishra Academy of Indian Classical Music which replicates the system of passing down knowledge from master to student. Deobrat composes in traditional Indian raga style and has collaborated with Dean Evenson on the album YOGA MANTRA featuring the Gayatri Mantra and six other devotional chants.

Listen to their latest release with Deobrat & Prishant Mishra, titled YOGA Mantra: https://orcd.co/yogamantrapre

The Gayatri Mantra is considered one of the most important, powerful, and ancient Vedic mantras. A mantra (otherwise known as a chant) is a word, sound, or sequence of phrases repeated, to aid in concentration or meditation. 

Traveling to Monet's Gardens...

Dean Evenson has always loved the paintings of Claude Monet and now he has experienced in person the beauty of the flower and water gardens that the Impressionist master cultivated and painted for 40 years. For Dean, spending five days videotaping Monet’s gardens in Giverny, France was a dream come true. There are many reasons Dean has been attracted to the paintings and life of Claude Monet. Dean and Dudley created a beautiful album based on their journey. 

Authoring Affirmations...

Life gets better when we think and feel better about ourselves.

This collection of 52 high-powered affirmations is based on practical wisdom helping us affirm and manifest the best parts of our being. Out with the old, negative, and self-limiting thoughts – in with the new, empowering and positive beliefs. Affirmations allow us to recondition, re-program and re-set our perceptions and beliefs with greater clarity and wisdom—so we can be happier, more at peace, and more successful in our lives. 

Each affirmation is complemented with beautiful contemplative photography and additional background information, allowing you to go deeper while personalizing each affirmation to fit your own life. Every week, explore and fine-tune another facet of yourself. Being able to focus on one guided meditation a week is an effective way to entrain yourself with more positive thought patterns—while allowing time to immerse, reflect, assimilate and integrate each one of these provocative and positive affirmations. 

Immerse yourself...

Incredibly rich content is presented in a pleasing way at the Soundings of the Planet website and YouTube channels. Visit again and again to enjoy hours of watching interviews or relaxing to music and videos; stay tuned for the duo's new lifestyle channel, coming soon!

https://soundings.com/

https://www.youtube.com/user/SoundingsofthePlanet

https://www.youtube.com/c/SoundingsMindfulMedia

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Shunia means "Stillness of Power"

Introducing Shunia: The duo with a global sound!

The pundits say the music of Shunia will transport you, which would certainly fulfill a wish for many in these challenging times. Watching the latest video “Sa Re Sa Sa” shows how right they are!

The duo – Lisa Reagan and Suzanne Jackson – has created two albums of genre-defying new age/global music to date. Their first album, Ascend was produced with the renowned Thomas Barquee. On their new self-titled album, Shunia, they collaborated with Tony Award®-winning producer Jamshied Sharifi, lauded for his work on Snatam Kaur’s GRAMMY®-nominated album, Beloved.

SHUNIA did a soft launch on January 15, but the full album is just now releasing to radio programmers. It features the fusion of classical instruments from different countries, multiple styles of vocals, and the focusing energy of ancient chants, to bring feelings of joy, hope, and awareness to Western culture at a crucial moment in time.

Moroccan artist Hassan Hakmoun joins Shunia on the new album that blends Sanskrit chants, Latin prayer, ancient poertry by Rumi, exquisite vocals (both artists are operatic sensations), and orchestration into a sound that feels both new and timeless.

The duo previewed SHUNIA at last year’s ShaktiFest Reunion November 13-15, which celebrates the devotional paths of yoga, Kirtan (sacred music), and meditation and launched the album on January 15, 2021.  They've since been featured in Eden Magazine, Global Heart, Seek the Joy, LA Yoga, Tones and Drones, and on national radio shows such as Echoes.

Enjoy the uplifting single “Sa Re Sa Sa” featuring Hassan Hakmoun on your favorite platform: https://fanlink.to/d24u

Or, enjoy the high-energy Sa Re Sa Sa video:

About the duo:

Shunia is a duo that combines addictive melodies, ancient chants and polycultural rhythms into a sound that feels both new and timeless. Their music captures and conveys deep energies and spirit. The state of “shunia” means stillness, receptivity. Shunia’s members, Lisa Reagan and Suzanne Jackson both performed with the Washington National Opera for 20 years before finding continued success in their solo careers. Coming together as Shunia, they combined their influences, inspirations and experiences to create genre-defying music with the power to transform and to connect you to the energy within and around you. It can put you in touch with something as simple as your five senses or as mysterious as the infinite. 

Additional videos:

“Akal” 

"Alleluia"

"Breeze at Dawn" 

“Wah Yantee” (from their first album, Ascend)

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Music Review

Award-winning world flutist and composer Ann Licater has returned with a collection of 15 tracks that take the listener on a relaxing journey into a realm of tranquility. Quiet Spaces: Flute Meditations for Mindfulness and Relaxation, is a work of soulful simplicity. The stripped down nature of her music allows the listener to maintain their focus on the instrument at hand and truly appreciate the impact that a single sound can make. Ann’s Native American, Native American-style, folk and alto flutes make for the perfect soundtrack to any meditation, mindfulness practice or relaxation ritual.

After several years of studying classical flute at the MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis, MN, Ann Licater took up the Native American flute while studying with R. Carlos Nakai. It was then that Licater really came into her own style of playing and composing. In this 5th release, Ann returns to the solo-inspired roots of her 2007 release, Following the Call. Overall, the songs on this album are a complete work rather than serving as individual units. Ann played 11 different flutes, including Native American, Native American-style and silver Alto....impressive to say the least! The use of soft reverb allows the listener to drift away with the airiness of the instrument.  

The album consists of mostly solo flutes, but does incorporate some use of flute duets and the occasional atmospheric sound. Additionally, GRAMMY-Nominee Peter Phippen co-produces and performs electric bass on “Aspen Awakening,” “Celestial Traveler,” and “Tranquil Dreams.” “Woven Hearts” incorporates a beautiful flute duet that lingers in the air in a placid and peaceful manner. “Dreaming at Daybreak” playfully uses the callback technique to give additional depth to the space in which this track lives.

Ann Licater; photo by Steve Voldseth.

A woman who can do it all, Ann Licater pours her heart and dedication into this work of art. Her ability to produce, record, and compose her vision from beginning to end speaks volumes about her undying love, not only for the flute, but also for the craft of making music. 

Quiet Spaces: Flute Meditations for Mindfulness and Relaxation is now available to stream, download and purchase. For previews, workshops and performance information, visit Ann’s website at www.AnnLicater.com.       

                                                                                      - Samantha Garcia

MUSIC REVIEW: They Were Here

           

Producer-percussionist Byron Metcalf and singer-songwriter-author Jennifer Grais have managed to blend their two passions for music and shamanic healing into one hauntingly beautiful collaborative concept album. The artists' shamanic influences are quite apparent in the vibe of this latest work, They Were Here, exploring the plight of America’s wild horses. The energy of the music is both reverent and mournful as they explore the ongoing mistreatment and loss of these magnificent creatures, one of our most unique national treasures.

            

Jennifer Grais: singer-songwriter and author of "Christa's Luck."

This album is less song-oriented than others, rather, it functions more like one complete, flowing work of art. Native American influences run thick in the veins of They Were Here to create the perfect setting for such a tale. Metcalf provides the majority of the instrumentation including frame drums, rattles, udu, ceremonial drums and synthesizer.  His characteristic style of tribal-trance drumming is the energy that fuels this piece, providing the driving force that echoes the sounds of horse hooves galloping with intense gusto. Ron Oates lends a helping hand on keyboard, synthesizers and orchestral arrangements as well. Jennifer Grais’ heart-wrenchingly beautiful vocals soar like an eagle to perfectly accompany the earthiness of the instrumentals.

Byron Metcalf, award-winning musician & shamanic practitioner.

The title track sets the mood for the album as it opens with the sounds of horses galloping as the earth stirs underneath their hooves. Slowly, the ambient music sets in like a looming mist that rises incrementally. The sound of Dashmesh Khalsa on didgeridoo wavers ominously in the background as Grais’ mournful vocalizations take the forefront. Henceforth, the songs get incrementally more intense as the story lingers on until reaching a crescendo in the fourteen-minute “Run.” Fiercely carried by driving beats and Grais’ intense, almost desperate chants, the track sets the scene of wild horses fleeing their native homes. Wrapping up the album, “Song for Solo” feels like an ending to a melancholic story, one that is very personal to Grais. It emanates a sense of mourning for what has been lost, yet incorporates sounds of nature, providing a reminder that life carries on ever still.

With They Were Here, Byron Metcalf manages to create a concept piece using ambient music. Utilizing his creative ways with music, he manages to create a soundscape that brings awareness to mother earth.  This album is available on Amazon and iTunes. For more information, and to experience the music, visit www.byronmetcalf.com.

-Samantha Garcia, BEING

Fantastic Covers of Themes from "Downton" and "Thrones" on INAMORATA

Three-time GRAMMY®-nominee David Arkenstone and enchanting vocalist Charlee Brooks crossover to Pop with INAMORATA

One of the most anticipated music releases of 2015 is a gorgeous collection featuring multi-Grammy nominated musician/composer David Arkenstone and enchanting vocalist Charlee Brooks. Arkenstone’s incomparable music joins spectacular lyrics and vocals by Brooks, who last teamed up on their Mermaid-themed album Loveren.  

Speaking from his Laguna Beach home, Arkenstone talked excitedly about this new album of love songs. “There are eight original songs in addition to the themes from Downton Abbey and Game of Thrones, Zedd’s ‘Clarity’ and Sarah Brightman’s ‘Harem.' This time out, we wanted to craft some songs that were more pop/crossover tunes, and we chose a few cover songs that we felt we could bring something fresh to; the lullaby is for my niece, who was born during the recording.”

David Arkenstone & Charlee Brooks

Often compared to Sarah Brightman and Enya, Charlee Brooks made her debut on their first collaboration, Lovéren, followed by Celtic Garden, and she performs many of their songs with Arkenstone in the epic live concert event David Arkenstone’s Symphonic Adventure currently a popular public television special.

  

“We usually start with the music…a melody or theme, then Charlee comes up with some evocative lyrics that complete the musical thought I have,” says Arkenstone.

Adds Brooks, “Overall, this record is very sweet, of course, with its deeper moments. The lush strings and arranging that David did on both the originals and covers really move it to another level. When he writes, the lyrics are almost unnecessary as the music itself evokes so much on its own. The additional strings added by David Davidson complemented the tracks so well, he is an amazing violinist. Many of these songs are written from the female's perspective, especially the main title, ‘Inamorata.' This piece in particular is written from a place of longing to be somebody's everything. A reassurance to them that they will be there forever.”

“ ‘Inamorata’ was the first track we wrote and it set the tone for the rest of the album,” says Arkenstone. Brooks continues, “Inamorata is an Italian term for a person's female lover. Lyrically and melodically, this album takes you through many emotional journeys. I feel that everyone has experienced some interpretation of love, whether it was great or just a passing moment.”

Celebrating the 25th year of his impressive recording career that includes more than 40 albums, 20 Billboard hits, film & TV soundtracks and game scores, three-time GRAMMY®-nominee David Arkenstone has established himself as one of the best contemporary instrumental musicians of our time. This visionary continues to create distinctive tracks that inspire the imagination. A musical storyteller, Arkenstone is passionate about taking his listeners on a journey, creating sonic tapestries that evoke every emotion. “I envision a place where I would like to go, or an adventure I would like to take, and let my imagination run free,” says Arkenstone.

Drawn to music and the arts at a very young age, Brooks began singing and dancing at age 3, accompanied by her father on his guitar and other instruments that her grandfather carved by hand. Raised in a small Pennsylvania town, Brooks’ parents encouraged her to participate in all live theater productions, which led to a guest appearance on Carnival Cruise lines at age 11.  At 17, Brooks moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams. A gifted audio engineer, she met Arkenstone while recording his tracks for Blizzard Entertainment’s World of Warcraft Cataclysm expansion. This chance meeting led to their collaboration on numerous songs and ultimately their epic orchestral album, Lovéren. 

Enjoy behind the scenes videos, and discussion about Inamorata, whici is available on Amazon and iTunes. 

David Lanz & Kristin Amarie: A Love Story for the New Age

Emerging indie artist Kristin Amarie is a global citizen: born in Norway, she grew up in various countries including India, incorporating the music of various cultures into her own vocal style along the way.  Upon hearing the piano music of David Lanz, she was compelled to cross the globe for one of his Seattle workshops.  Over time, a love story emerged, and both artists began channeling this new energy into their recent solo works as well as a few collaborations, including lyric writing by Lanz, a rarity.  This casual chat on THE BUZZ explores their love, life and new music on Notes from a Journey (Amarie) and Movements of the Heart (Lanz)...

REVIEW: NOTES FROM A JOURNEY

Vocalist Kristin Amarie's stunning new album, Notes from a Journey (Amarie Music, 2013), is catching the ear of audiences world-wide, from her native Norway to the U.S. and beyond.  Amarie takes inspiration from her life as a global citizen, composing rich and cinematic pieces incorporating world influences, soaring vocals, and even lyrics by pianist and fiance' David Lanz. Below, an excerpt from a review by One World Radio founder and host, Steve Sheppard....

Another first for me, a review for a vocal based musician, but on an album with some very fine artists upon as well, such as David Lanz among others. Notes From A Journey will have many comparisons made on its style, but there is a certain worldly uniqueness about this release.

Starting with the powerful opening track First Light; recently there have been many artists who have used this title and have not totally grasped the concept or the opportunity on the subject matter, but here we see Amarie doing just that, a composition that builds in Arkenstone style and powerfully opens the petals of a new day. Trust me, try going up into the mountains just before sun up, and as the rays of Sol burst free from the shrouds of the night, crank this up full volume and see what reaction you have, dramatic I can guarantee.

Amore Eterno, is as smooth as silk, it’s as smooth as 1960’s film score from a Monte Carlo Michael Caine movie, its slides delicately across the palette of the musical mouth and grins from cheek to cheek with a certain ambience that only this song can do, a wistful and charming vocal from Amarie delivers a stunningly sensual performance on Amore Eterno.....

....Notes From A Journey is an album that everyone should spend time pursuing, it is a release of perfection and a slice of production genius and I personally have revelled in its majesty for the past forty minutes and loved every second of it, get this one in your music collection and your ears will love you forever.  

Find Steve's full review here, or listen to Kristin's Album Show interview with Chrissie! 

Top Christmas Albums of 2012: Something for Everyone

Here at BEING, we enjoy sharing the best of everything with you. Beginning this weekend, the spirit of Christmas will add beautiful sights, scents and sounds to our world.  As music lovers, the latter is especially important, so here are our top picks for new Christmas music in various genres from Pop to Rock, and from Classical to Country, with a little something thrown in for the kids. Remember, everyone loves the gift of music! 

Christmas in the Sand by Colbie Caillat

Colbie Caillat's first Christmas album was bound to happen sooner or later. This multi-Grammy Award winner from Malibu, California has spent many a Christmas in sand and surf. The idea for this album, conceived on a beach in Hawaii, led to funny songs about Santa surfing, the elves frolicking in the water and Colbie dancing on the beach. It's Christmas in a funny, wacky way that's sure to be a hit with teens, young adults and everyone who's young at heart.

Home for Christmas by Danny Wright

This album with  Danny Wright on the piano is the perfect Christmas gift for a sophisticated lady who's turned on by the music of David Lanz, Beethoven, Gershwin or Sondheim. Named by Billboard as one of the Top 10 New Age Artists, Danny Wright plays Christmas favorites from “Silent Night” to “Winter Wonderland” in his own elegant, inimitable way.

This Is Christmas by Katherin Jenkins

Only Christmas songs from a classical-crossover artist like Katherine Jenkins can overwhelm you with sound and spirit. The two-time Classical BRIT Awardee puts together an album that is a captivating mix of traditional holiday favorites and contemporary carols from around the world, including one featuring Placido Domingo.

On This Winter's Night by Lady Antebellum

Christmas always brings back thoughts of home. These songs by GRAMMY® Award winner Lady Antebellum will make every grownup wish he or she were home for Christmas. This chart-busting country pop trio puts together 12 traditional Christmas songs with the unique vocal blend that has won them almost every country music award there is.

Merry Christmas, Baby by Rod Stewart

Only one of the top 100 Greatest Singers of All Time can make your Christmas rock the way Rod Stewart does. The Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame inductee has released the first Christmas album of his career including duets with Michael Buble and Ella Fitzgerald.

Christmas Joy SA-CD by Fiona Joy Hawkins

Piano sensation, singer and composer Fiona Joy Hawkins brings the Celtic and New Age rhythms to Christmas songs. She puts together the sounds of the Australian didgeridoo, Paraguayan harp, and other instruments to give Christmas music an entirely new slant.  Also available in Super Audio (SA-CD), it will delight audiophiles everywhere!

Bossa Nova Christmas

Taking their famous jazz sound, the Lounge Lizards have given Christmas a Bossa Nova style, adding a warm tropical rhythm to old favorites like “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”, “Jingle Bells” and “Frosty the Snowman”.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Kids of all ages will love this reissue with different mixes and takes that will make their favorite characters live again in music and song. Don't be surprised if it brings back memories of watching A Charlie Brown Christmas with your family many Christmases ago.

And speaking of shopping, the ironic and iconic image above is of a 40-ft. high Christmas tree made of shopping carts, taken in Venice Beach last year.  Merry Christmas everyone!

Vangelis, Oldfield, Anderson Going for Gold!

 

Explore every aspect of music in the 2012 Olympics via the excellent coverage by New Age Music World blogger John P. Olsen at http://www.newagemusicworld.com/

Review: SNOW ANGEL

REVIEW: SNOW ANGEL by Michele de Wilton

SNOW ANGEL, the third album by Michele de Wilton, sets the soundtrack for the season. The composer/producer/pianist’s third album ushers in the forthcoming Holidays with special songs for celebrating from Thanksgiving well into the New Year.

Upon receiving this album, one is struck by its stunning packaging and design elements, and the appropriateness of the title as it applies to the lovely image of the artist herself. One’s next thought is that this album will be THE ideal hostess gift and stocking stuffer, and that you must immediately order five more in time for the holidays! It is only upon popping it in the stereo that one realizes it will also set the perfect backdrop for all of your holiday activities at home, from entertaining to decking the halls.

Recorded in July and September of 2011, Snow Angel is a one-of-a-kind album that was created and compiled in order to follow the chronological period of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. For instance, the opening track, “Thanks,” is cleverly-titled for the Thanksgiving holiday. “Thanks” is a previously-unrecorded song with a sweeping and joyous melody that sets the stage for the rest of the album—and season. “Snowfall” is another previously-unrecorded original song with which de Wilton evokes imagery of a freshly-shaken snow globe with high notes signifying falling flakes of snow. The cascading piano melodies and twinkling sound effects of the keys connote snowflakes falling at various speeds—all in a cinematic framework of imaginative ingenuity with the likes of Danny Wright and Thomas Newman. In fact, the artist made a special effort to capture the “crystalline” sound by re-recording it on a superbly restored 1909 Steinway Model B piano perfect for reaching the clearest high notes. “Winterbluegreen” is the third original song, with a slow and pensive melody that is as gentle as snowflakes tumbling across a frozen plain. The instrumental song, previously released on de Wilton’s Daydream album, was inspired by “Blue Winter,” a poem by Robert Francis.

The traditional Christmas carol favorites are decked out in all their glory and performed with an amazing array of genuineness, harmoniousness, and joyous piano playing. “Angels We Have Heard on High” is a classic that Michele keeps relatively traditional, but not without infusing a melodious mix of ear-friendly notes. The following piece, “O Holy Night,” is another traditional song that awakens the child-like spirit in all of us, along with “Good King Wenceslas.” Notably, the harp-like embellishments produced on the piano in this piece are stellar. The next set of songs—“O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentleman,” and “What Child Is This,”—is a running arpeggio of holiday enchantment.

Michele pays homage to the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, The Snow Queen, on “Waltz for Gerda & Kay.” The story involves issues of good and evil, relationships, and love; Kay and Gerda display love for each other, despite Kay’s abduction by The Snow Queen in her ice palace. The ambulating and seemingly somber piano tones resemble the tinkling sounds of icicles forming, expanding, and breaking. In a similar manner, Michele’s inspiration for including “In the Bleak Midwinter,” stems from a childhood experience at the age of 8, while learning the carol based on a poem by Christina Rossetti in a school in Greece. According to de Wilton, “The heat quit… and it was cold.” Perhaps the warm, sweeping piano melodies in this piece can give an uplifting feeling to make it through life’s rough spots… especially in the season’s midwinter blast of arctic air.

De Wilton includes one live bonus track on the album, “The Ice Maiden,” inspired by a Norse myth about a frost goddess. (See the Ice Maiden music video at http://youtu.be/Q98BhxaK_GQ). First recorded for her debut album, Myths and Legends, during a snowstorm at the Chicago Recording Company in 2008, de Wilton admits that she prefers this live track over the other, and was excited to find a reason to share it with her fans. On “Winter Bloom (Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming),” de Wilton’s creative licensing soars high, with the song mixing original and traditional melodies that are finely-tuned and interwoven.

At the end of the Holiday season, Michele creates a celebratory homage for the New Year with the addition of “Auld Lang Syne.” The traditional New Year’s Eve ode is full of rippling piano melodies that wax and wane with delicate emotion in an almost reflective manner, promising renewal for the year ahead.

Snow Angel is releasing on Michele de Wilton Records, November 22, 2011; it was recorded on a 1909 Steinway Model B and at the Chicago Recording Company on a Steinway Concert Grand. The album was engineered and mixed by Dennis Tousana, mastered by Steve Sundholm, and manufactured by TSI. The stunning package design by Merge Design & Interactive and photography by Brian Kuhlmann deserve special mention, as both lend to the highly gift-worthy look and feel of the CD. Tenderly, it is dedicated by de Wilton “In loving memory of my grandmother Doreen Grace Robertson, who gave me my first book of Christmas carols.”

The album contains 16 tracks, with a total running time of 50 minutes.

Rating: Highly Recommended *****

Links:
http://www.micheledewilton.com - Official Artist Website
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Michele-de-Wilton/26000011732 - Official Facebook Page
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/michele-de-wilton/id289424939 - iTunes
http://youtu.be/Q98BhxaK_GQ - “The Ice Maiden” Music Video

Track List:
Thanks
Angels We Have Heard on High
O Holy Night
Snowfall
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
What Child is This?
Waltz for Gerda & Kay
In the Bleak Midwinter
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Good King Wenceslas
Winter Bloom (Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming)
Winterbluegreen
Silent Night
Old Lang Syne
The Ice Maiden (Live)
Total running time: 50 minutes

Sounds from the Circle - A Review by John Olsen

"The New Age Music Circle is an online community forum founded by international composer, producer, and music circle host Suzanne Doucet. Having a membership roster well over a thousand members from around the world, the Circle forum is the leading discussion platform where top New Age artists, industry professionals, and music fans alike can share music, videos, post information about events and participate in forum discussions.

Sounds from the Circle 111 is the 2011 CD release from Circle members who submitted their New Age, and related sub genres music for consideration. Host and founder of the music circle, Suzanne Doucet then produced this rather special album which contains 40 songs and holds over 3 hours of music...."

(please click over to New Age Music World for the full review of this compilation, associate produced by yours truly...)

Afternoon Journeys with Al Conti

We all have our unique body timing. For me, it seems that at 2:20 each day, my eyes wander to the clock and I know its time to have tea and refresh my mind. Music is a wonderful way to reawaken one's mind, especially if it's upbeat yet not disturbing to your coworkers.

That said, I'm glad to have discovered the music of award-winning composer Al Conti, after he won a Best of 2010 Award from Amazon.com. His music is an upbeat hybrid of new age, world and contemporary instrumental with backstory that takes one to the land of the vikings (Northern Seas) or the Middle East (Scheherazade).

One can easily stream previews of Al's four albums on his website, or purchase CD or downloads from Amazon.com, where it is noted that people who bought his music also bought Enya, Yanni, Gandalf and Bill Leslie...good company to be in. Signing up for the Quarterly newsletter earns you a free download, too.

Appropriately, Northern Seas has been submitted to the 54th Annual GRAMMY(R)Awards for 2011 (Best Album: New Age); I wish this talented composer the very best of luck!

Follow Al's progress on composing and recording his forthcoming album at: http://alconti.blogspot.com/

Website: http://alconti.net/northern.html#
Amazone: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VI0F4O/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Twitter: @al_conti

MUSIC NEWS FROM NEW AGE UNIVERSE (NAU) - Ocean of Consciousness (Jeffrey...

About 2 years ago, I had the pleasure of talking with Jeffrey Fisher about his new album. Soon, he'll have another album coming out, which he refers to in this interview...listen and see if you can guess what the new album will be called.

Whirling Toward Bliss : to the music of el-Hadra by Klaus Wiese (*1942 - †2009)

Extensive Music Compilation Now Available!

I'm delighted to announce a new music compilation CD called Sounds of the Circle II, which offers over 3 hours of soothing and emotive music by both well-known and emerging musicians. It is available in both CD and iMix form, and well worth exploring today!

iTunes iMix - Sounds from the Circle II - 2010: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Sacred Harmonics: A Vision for Tomorrow

In pursuing my personal spirituality, I've studied the mystery of harmonics on and off for over ten years. From healers to artists to metaphysicists, people have drawn parallels between the world's beings, matter, symbolism and higher energies. One of the most interesting people I've ever come across is Rowena Pattee Kryder, an artist, writer and intellectual expert in this area. Below is a video introduction to her work and vision:

Crystal Skulls: Ancient Made Modern

For whatever the reason, skulls abound in pop culture today. In film, fashion and jewelery, we see the iconic skull in the fourth Indiana Jones movie “INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL”, in the tattoo artist/fashion designer collaboration of Ed Hardy and Christian Audigier, and in the elaborate platinum skull rings of Stephen Einhorn.

Perhaps the most surprising commercial “skull” product is Crystal Head vodka, which comes in a clear glass skull bottle, costing about $50 retail. It is indeed a “spirit” of a sort, yet vodka and its effects do not really seem to jibe with the new age level of promoting consciousness and clarity of mind. The product’s website explains the history of the skulls to a mainstream audience via an entertaining and informative video featuring actor Dan Ackroyd.

Despite the trend, there are few opportunities to interact live with crystal skulls imbued with ancient wisdom. While Lia Scallon is known in Australia for her ceremonies and her channeling, she rarely visits the U.S. with Jomcata Mayab and She-Shona. Her everyday life is immersed in crystal skull consciousness, and she offers many crystal products on her Sounds of Sirius website, from crystal skulls to bowls and inspired channeled music like Diamond Light Meditation for Women (and another for Men). Her crystal jewelry -- “cleansed and charged” by her well-traveled crystal skulls in readiness for their new owners – is created through a design collaboration with celebrated Queensland designer Lindy Sullivan.

The Rose Temple will be the site for a rare spiritual happening with Lia Scallon on Thursday April 8th. Directly following three weeks of traveling the Mayan ruins and pyramids of Mexico, light worker Lia Scallon will conduct a ceremony sharing the wisdom and energy of Jomcata Mayab and She-Shona. Scallon will explain the significance of crystal skulls, and will lead the attendees in prayer and chant. Event participants are welcome and encouraged to bring their own crystals to the event to get charged with the ancient wisdom contained within Scallon’s crystal skulls.

Crystal Skull Activation ceremony begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday April 8th at the Rose Temple in Venice, 305 Rose Avenue, Venice, CA. Tickets are $25 at the door. Attendees are encouraged to bring their crystals and a flower offering for the alter.

For a comprehensive look at the history and current fascination with crystal skulls, visit a dedicated website at http://www.crystalskulls.com

Additional Links:

Crystal Skulls Event flyer: http://www.newagemusic.com/events/lia.htm

Lia Scallon on Amazon: http://bit.ly/aGcGGR

Seay is a Name We Will All be Saying Soon Enough

I had the immense pleasure of meeting an emerging artist named Seay (pron. "say") and working with her to create a press release that would encompass all of her wonderful projects and inspirations. Read it here:

Seay Makes the Decade With the Icons of New Age Music