Composer and Pianist Lisa Swerdlow: Inspired by Her Jewish Ancestry

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Beth Ann Hilton interviews composer Lisa Swerdlow on her new concerto, Coming to America, inspired by her Jewish grandparents immigration story. Enjoy this in-depth chat about creativity, inspiration and new music.  

Visit Lisa's official website for more music:  https://www.lisaswerdlow.com/  

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Artistic Works in Progress...

Protection and Giving in 2017: Rigzin Tromge

The one who conquers oneself is greater than one who conquers an army of 10,000.   

    ~ the Buddha

One of the most extraordinary artists and projects that crossed our desk in 2016 is Rigzin Tromge and her gift of sharing ancient prayers in music.  Rigzin, a deeply-dedicated Buddhist whose path included extended studies in Tibet, has only recently allowed her voice and prayers to be recorded to share with the world. An indie artist, she launched a Kickstarter effort for the radically-loving project, PROTECTION, and with over 100 sponsors and less than $6k to go in the coming days, it has a fair chance of making its goals. For us, it falls into the realm of "what the world needs now."

The artist, who embraces stunningly dramatic visual presentations of her work, released two albums to date -- UNION and TRANSITION -- and is in the process of crowdfunding to master & manufacture what may be her final album in a trilogy. Her lastest (perhaps most important album) is PROTECTION: Ancient Prayers for Radical Compassion, and it is a ceremony of protector prayers from the Tibetan Buddhist Lineages. 

Despite her fierce appearance in the PROTECTION promo materials, Rigzin's voice is gentle, ethereal, unforgettable. There is great comfort in knowing that she is constantly praying for all of us from her remote home in Northern California, surrounded by nature, her organic gardens, and her beloved dogs. Previews of the recorded vocals promise it to be as uniquely beautiful as her previous works, complemented with graphic design by celebrated artist Android Jones.

In the artist's own words, "PROTECTION is the wrathful aspect of enlightenment. These are more advanced, swifter and powerful than the peaceful practices. In these 'degenerating times,' the great highly-realized ones practice these wrathful practices.  What makes these practitioners great, more advanced, is that the practitioner must be unequivocally steeped to the deepest core of their being in selflessness and loving kindness."

If one is looking for authentic, artistic projects to support, look no further than this heart-based artist's KickStarter page. Among Rigzin's creative donor gifts are brilliant red prayer flags, Tibetan counseling, 3-album trilogy sets, and even a retreat to a remote cabin on her land in NoCal. See more, and hear a sample of the new music here.

As we enter a new era, we can all become patrons of the arts for just the price of a coffee or lunch; a good habit to adopt for the future of the authentic, positive, hi-quality art & music that we want in our world.

Visit the artist's official website: http://rigzinmusic.com/ 

Music Review

THE NATIVE AMERICAN FLUTE AS THERAPY by Micki Free

Micki Free's new album on Mysterium Music

Micki Free is no stranger to the music world.  At the ripe age of 17, the one and only Gene Simmons discovered him while playing a show. Simmons instantly recognized his budding talents. Although his heart was instantly drawn to rock and roll, Free has always had a deep-rooted sense of pride for his Native American roots. In 2003, he decided to follow the path of his heritage and incorporate the flute into his music.

Photo By Kim Maney

In his latest release, The Native American Flute as Therapy, Free takes the soul-soothing power of his Native American flute and turns it into his own brand of guided meditation.  The opening track, “White Candle Light” sets the stage for the spiritually enlightening experience to follow.  “The Healing Bath” makes the listener become aware of their existence by bringing attention to the corporeal aspects of being human.  The swooning vocals and low-key instrumentals (Brother Paul Brown on Hammond B3 and Fender) emit a sense of languid dreaminess. My personal favorite, “Lavender Kiss” explains the significance of lavender and the effects it can have on the human psyche. The wind chime-infused track is capable of walking anyone out of a heightened state of anxiety or worry. 

Performing in the Grand Canyon
Photo By Kim Maney

Further down the line, the title track “The Native American Flute as Therapy” hits some heavy topics.  He retells an encounter in which a woman asking if the Native American flute could cure cancer confronted him. He explains the ways in which the soothing sounds are beneficial to healing. The sonic bath which ensues is far more intense than the other tracks on this record. In this track, the sound of rain, chanting, and flute combine to create the perfect meditative state. “Heart Release” is when the listener gets to let it all go. Guided breathing is the theme of this particular track along with a bit more of a down-tempo vibe.  After the journey is complete, Micki's plaintive version of Neil Young's classic “Down By the River” feels like a warm hug that congratulates the listener on their healing process. 

A radical change is apparent in Micki Free’s musical stylings here, and it is clear that he means to channel his energy into something beneficial to the greater good. In a world full of anger and animosity, Free’s meditative flute album provides a guiding light through the darkness. 

More info at Mysterium Music.

  - Samantha Garcia, BEING

Micki Free in Cottonwood, AZ 2016.
 Photo by Debra Donovan

Fiona's Brush-Stroke Reviews

A Stagey Bank Affair

This concept album offers impressive artwork and two 24-page booklets!

The first single: Sugar Free

A Stagey Bank Affair by Arun Shenoy & The Groove Project:  This album says 'funk!' From the first beat I was engaged and grooving in my seat. The arrangements are excellent and the performances are tight. The instrumentation takes you from funk to jazz, but with rock rhythms. Some great instrumental gymnastics from the flutist (Ravichandra Kulur) amongst other instrumentalists. All A grade players. In 'Art-speak' I'm likening it to a cross between Takashi Murakami (The Warhol of Japan), Leon Zernitsky (Great Jazz painter) but with traditional origins from Paul Gauguin. 

Great work and stunning presentation, the packaging is truly exceptional.

- Fiona Joy

Fiona Joy is an internationally-acclaimed pianist, composer, producer, singer and painter who enjoys reviewing the musical works of her contemporaries by drawing connections between their music and works of art. Visit her website for music, art, jewelry & more.    

Danny Wright Announces Benefit Concert on Sun. Sept. 18th

Beloved pianist Danny Wright has announced the creation of The Danny Wright Foundation for Music, which is to be launched with an exciting star-studded concert at The Orleans in Las Vegas, NV on 9/18/11 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are available to the public for just $25, an incredible price to see such a huge array of talent in an all ages show! This is a good one for the whole family, and for a great cause. The Danny Wright Foundation was formed to provide a source to help people through the power of music. Its Mission Statement: “Healing the planet one heart at at time. Dedicated to the enrichment of the lives of All People with the understanding and appreciation in the healing power of music. Helping people the “Wright Way.”

Danny is also releasing a new album in October titled Soul 2 Soul, full of original compositions that absolutely shimmer under his fingertips. Stay tuned!

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

Michele de Wilton - Shimoda

The incredible solo pianist Michele de Wilton composes, performs, and portrays the heroine in her latest visual music production. A mother of two young children, Michele inspires us to rise above the everyday to find great beauty in our lives.

Michele shares her insights, humor and experiences in her heart-warming blog, everyday serenity.

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"

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