MUSIC VIDEO Mini-Review: "Autumn in a Forest Glade" by Rudy Adrian

This peaceful video was called "resplendent" and "anointed" when it debuted on a Facebook Watch Party. If you love Autumn, forests and crisp walks as much as I do, this video may become your favorite for instant relaxation, meditation, or mindfulness sessions. 

Shot as if one is walking - and sometimes flying - through the forest of changing light and color, one marvels at the massiveness of redwoods and the delicacy of dewy ferns. One senses the stillness and wonder of walking in the wood, enhanced by Adrian's unobtrusive soundscapes.

 Composer-musician Rudy Adrian's career in Botany and Forestry is evident in the music of Woodlands, a reverent new ambient electronic album presenting 13 tracks including "Autumn in a Forest Glade." Video created by Daniel Pipitone of Spotted Peccary Music, the Portland-based label whose apt slogan is: Music is Art.

Enjoy it in full screen on YouTube anytime life gets too busy.   

AWARDS

BEST MUSIC DEBUT of 2017! 

The highly-regarded experts and music curators at New Age Music Guide released their Top Music Picks of 2017!  Among the Best New Age Music are our friends at FLOW, winning for Best New Age Music Debut!  Congratulations to Fiona Joy (Hawkins), Lawrence Blatt, Jeff Oster and Will Ackerman on the launch of their new ensemble!

Enjoy their official video here: FLOW - Official Album Trailer (2017)

Sounds of the Season: Universal Sacred Music for Chorus by Roger Davidson

Missa Universalis VI: The Names of God

Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Zoroastrianism are all represented in this music.

For me, Sacred Music has always been an integral part of the Holiday season. Going to church, sitting cozily amidst my family, a sense of wellbeing washing over me thanks to the deep and resonant sounds of the choir.

Once I began considering myself more "spiritual" than religious, I've not attended church and have little or no access to live choral music. So, I was pleasantly reunited with that rich, warm feeling upon first listen to Missa Universalis (I-VI), offered by Soundbrush Records as "Universal Sacred Music for Chorus" performed by the New York Virtuoso Singers, conducted by Harold Rosenbaum. 

A quote inside the beautifully-designed album reveals a glimpse at the unifying spirituality of the composer/producer of this work, Roger Davidson, who writes:

 "This music is meant to carry a spirit of universality, brotherhood/sisterhood and unconditional love to people of all backgrounds and faiths." 

A recent Google Chat with Roger Davidson reveals the story behind the album; listen, explore and purchase options available at the Soundbrush website, or buy it on Amazon. 

Recommended!

BOOK REVIEW

New Release

Since I am an initiate of the Sacred Sound current, and a Kirtan fan, I found this new book release very intriguing, and perhaps well overdue for a mainstream audience.  New World Library has published Sacred Sound by author Alanna Kaivalya, offering practical guidance for starting, developing, and/or improving a mantra practice. The author describes her intention for the book, writing:

  

    “By weaving together chants, tales, and spiritual philosophy, I hope to give you a feeling-sense of how the vibrations are brought to life by the mantra, how the mantra is vivified by the story, and how we are enlivened through the embodiment of the myth and mantra..."

Explore the book and watch the video here!

VIDEO

Fiona Joy and The Blue Dream Ensemble perform at the 10th Annual ZMR Music Awards, where Fiona takes home the #1 Piano Album award for 600 Years in a Moment. Catch her on tour this Fall 2014 in the U.S.   Click here for concert dates & tix online!

VIDEO

My Favorite Things

This is my new favorite video to watch for a daily lift.  I hope you'll let it open your heart, too!

"Live the life of Grace that you were meant to..." 

                                                      -- Guru Ganesha Band

Goodbye Piano Pet Tribute: Booboo's Theme

VIDEO

We all love our pets, but how many of us could write and record a 5 minute theme song dedicated to our #1 pooch and companion of 24 years? 

In an emotional goodbye, international Steinway pianist/composer Danny Wright does just that, and I don't know how he made it through the whole piece with Booboo on his lap.  You can feel the love, joy and memories flowing through him in this bittersweet tribute video, which has racked up over 2000 views in just a few days...